Dispenser with integrated seal and method for producing same

Abstract

The invention relates to a hydraulic rotary distributor comprising a housing (2) and a core (4), the housing (2) comprising a side wall (8), two end walls (6, 10) defining a hydraulic chamber, wherein the core (4) is accommodated within the hydraulic chamber and is rotatable within the hydraulic chamber about an axis of rotation (XX '), at least one supply orifice (11), and at least one outlet orifice (12, 20), the core (4) comprising a side surface, an inlet opening, at least one lateral outlet (34), and a duct or chamber connecting the inlet opening and the lateral outlet, and supplying each outlet orifice (12, 20) according to the angular position of the core in the housing, the core further comprising at least one seal that is not removable from the side surface of the core, each seal (322) further comprising one or more fastening and / or injection molding lugs on the side surface (32) of the core (4), the lugs being integrally formed with the seal.

Description

[0001] Technical field and Background art

[0002] The present invention relates to a rotary valve or a hydraulic distributor, for example for cooling in the automotive industry, which valve or distributor is preferably electrically driven. The present invention is also applicable to the distribution of coolant for fuel cells. In the automotive field, the use of valves or hydraulic distributors is conventional for cooling certain components 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 generally controlled by an electric motor.

[0003] There are several types of hydraulic valves or distributors (the following description uses the term "distributor", but it should be understood that it also applies to valves), in particular spool valves and rotary distributors.

[0004] A rotary distributor, also known as a plug valve, includes a housing that defines a chamber in the shape of a cylinder, the chamber being provided with at least one fluid inlet intended to be connected to a liquid source, and at least one fluid outlet intended to be connected to a pipe to carry the liquid towards the area to be cooled. The inlet and the outlet open in the cylindrical wall of the chamber. The distributor also includes a rotary central member or core mounted in the chamber. The core includes a rotary outer surface facing the cylindrical wall of the chamber. The core includes at least two orifices in its outer surface, which two orifices are connected by a passage. These two orifices are oriented relative to each other such that when one of the orifices faces the inlet, the other faces the outlet. Thus, by rotating the core in the chamber, the circulation between the inlet and the outlet, and thus the circulation between the liquid source and the area to be cooled, can be allowed or interrupted.

[0005] In such a distributor, the sealing between the core and the housing is generally achieved by using seals: thus, the device must provide grooves in which these seals are placed. This results in a complex device and production method. However, there has been a constant search for creating distributors with a simple design, reliable and including a reduced number of components.

[0006] There has also arisen the problem of producing such a distributor in a simpler manner than known methods, implementing fewer manufacturing steps. In particular, a method is sought that does not require the step of assembling each seal with the core. Summary of the invention

[0007] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a rotary hydraulic distributor that is simpler and more reliable to manufacture compared to prior art hydraulic distributors

[0008] Accordingly, the present invention also relates to a hydraulic rotary distributor, comprising a housing and a core. The housing includes side walls and two end walls defining a hydraulic chamber. Wherein, the core is received in the hydraulic chamber and is capable of rotating in the hydraulic chamber about a rotation axis (XX'), at least one supply hole, and at least one outlet hole opening into the hydraulic chamber. The core includes a side surface opposite to the side walls of the housing, an inlet opening, at least one lateral outlet, and a pipe connecting the inlet opening and the lateral outlet, and the pipe supplies each of the outlet holes according to the angular position of the core in the housing.

[0009] Furthermore, the core includes at least one seal for sealing or ensuring a seal between the side surface of the core and the outlet hole (or corresponding outlet holes) of the side walls of the housing. Each seal can be molded on the core or molded together with the core, and / or integrated in the core, and / or non-removable relative to the core. For example, each seal is connected to or directly bonded to the side surface of the core by chemical and / or mechanical bonding. Each seal is arranged to seal one of the outlet holes at a given position of the core.

[0010] According to one embodiment, each seal can include one or more fastening and / or injection molding lugs on the side surface of the core. The lugs are very advantageously integrally formed with the seal.

[0011] In such a device (or its manufacturing method), each lug is preferably formed by the same method or the same manufacturing step as the seal.

[0012] According to a particular embodiment, the side surface of the core includes at least one hollow receiving portion, and each hollow receiving portion contains or receives the seal or one of the seals. Such a hollow receiving portion can be provided for each seal, and each hollow receiving portion contains or receives a different seal.

[0013] For example, at least one or each receiving portion includes a recessed area, which is preferably arranged centrally with respect to the receiving portion, recessed with respect to the outer surface of the core, and contributes to sealing the outlet hole.

[0014] At least one or each receiving portion can include an element, called a retaining element, which extends from the bottom surface of the receiving portion, preferably arranged centrally with respect to the latter, and contributes to retaining the seal in the receiving portion.

[0015] At least one or each seal can include a lip, which forms a closed profile and has a minimum dimension greater than the dimension of the outlet hole corresponding to the seal.

[0016] In the hydraulic rotary distributor according to the present invention:

[0017] - The housing can be made of plastic material;

[0018] - And / or at least one or each of the seals is made of a material suitable for an injection molding method, such as an elastomeric material;

[0019] - And / or the core is made of a thermoplastic material, PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), or PA (polyamide), or POM (polyoxymethylene or paraformaldehyde or polyacetal), or of the PA66 (nylon-containing polyamide) type.

[0020] Specific embodiments of the hydraulic rotary distributor according to the invention:

[0021] - At least one supply hole is located in one end wall of the housing and extends substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis;

[0022] - Or the at least one supply hole is located in the side wall of the housing.

[0023] According to a specific exemplary embodiment of the hydraulic rotary distributor according to the invention, the side wall of the housing includes a plurality of outlet holes, and the core includes a plurality of seals for sealing or ensuring a seal between the side surface of the core and one of the outlet holes in the side wall of the housing. Each seal is non-removable relative to the core and is arranged to seal one of the outlet holes at a given position of the core.

[0024] For example, in such a hydraulic rotary distributor, the side wall of the housing includes 2 outlet holes, and the core includes 2 seals for sealing or ensuring a seal between the side surface of the core and one of the 2 outlet holes in the side wall of the housing. Each seal is non-removable relative to the core and is arranged to seal one of the 2 outlet holes at a given position of the core.

[0025] Preferably, each of the 2 seals is arranged on one side of the lateral outlet of the core; thus, the latter can be located between the 2 seals.

[0026] The invention also relates to a hydraulic rotary electromagnetic distributor, comprising a distributor according to the invention and an actuator for driving the rotation of the core.

[0027] The actuator includes, for example, an output shaft aligned along the rotation axis.

[0028] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a hydraulic rotary electromagnetic distributor according to the invention, the method comprising:

[0029] - A step of two-component injection molding assembly, the assembly comprising a core and seals;

[0030] - A step of introducing the core and the seals into the housing.

[0031] In such a method:

[0032] - at least one or each seal may be made of an elastomeric material;

[0033] - and / or the core is made of a thermoplastic material, PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), or PA (polyamide), or POM (polyoxymethylene or paraformaldehyde or polyacetal), or of the PA66 (nylon-containing polyamide) type.

[0034] The invention also relates to a method of distributing a fluid using a hydraulic rotary electromagnetic distributor according to the invention, the fluid being introduced through a supply hole and guided through an internal duct of the core towards a lateral orifice of the core and then, depending on the orientation of the core in the housing, towards one and / or the other of the outlet holes.

[0035] According to one example, the fluid is a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, such as a mixture of 60% water and 40% ethylene glycol.

[0036] The fluid may be, for example, a coolant for a fuel cell. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The invention will be better understood from the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] Figure 1 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a hydraulic rotary distributor to which the invention can be applied, the distributor comprising an inlet and two outlets.

[0039] Figure 2A is Figure 1 a perspective view of the rotary central member of the distributor of

[0040] Figure 2B is Figure 1 a front view of the rotary central member of the distributor of

[0041] Figure 2C is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of the rotary central member of the distributor of

[0042] Figure 3 is Figure 1 a side view of the ducts of the rotary central member of the distributor of

[0043] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional top view of the housing and the core of the distributor, allowing part of the flow to each of the 2 outlet channels.

[0044] Figure 5A is a cross-sectional top view of the housing and the core of the distributor in a first switching state, allowing flow to only one of the 2 distributor outlet channels.

[0045] Figure 5B Is a cross-sectional top view of the housing and the core of the dispenser in the second switching state, allowing flow only to the other of the 2 dispenser outlet channels.

[0046] Figure 6 Is a view of a part of the lower part of the core for receiving means for coupling to the shaft of the actuator.

[0047] Figure 7A Is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a coupling means for coupling the core to the shaft of the actuator.

[0048] Figure 7B Is a view of another exemplary embodiment of a coupling means for coupling the core to the shaft of the actuator.

[0049] Figure 8 Is a view showing an embodiment of a return means for bringing the core back to its initial position.

[0050] Figure 9A Is a view of a dispenser with axial supply according to the invention.

[0051] Figure 9B Is a cross-sectional view of a rotary valve with axial supply according to the invention.

[0052] Figure 10A

[0053] Figure 10B

[0054] Figure 10C Represents the production steps of the core of a rotary hydraulic dispenser according to the invention.

[0055] Figure 11A Is a cross-sectional top view of a radially supplied dispenser in the first core position;

[0056] Figure 11B Is a cross-sectional top view of a radially supplied dispenser in the second core position. Detailed Description

[0057] Figure 1 Exemplary embodiments of a rotary hydraulic dispenser to which the present invention can be applied are shown. The dispenser includes one inlet and two outlets. It should be understood that the dispenser can include one or more inlets and / or one or more outlets.

[0058] The dispenser D includes a housing 2 or valve body, which has the shape of a cylinder that rotates substantially about the axis XX', and a central member 4, called the core, which is mounted in the housing 2 and is capable of rotating in the housing 2.

[0059] In the example shown, the housing 2 includes a bottom 6 and a substantially cylindrical one-piece side wall 8, as well as an inlet cover 10 which includes an opening 11 through which fluid enters the device; in this example, the fluid thus flows in a direction aligned with the axis XX', and then is distributed through the core 4 to one or more lateral outlets of the housing. The inlet cover 10 is assembled or rigidly connected to the housing 2 in a removable manner (e.g., by screws) or in a fixed manner (e.g., by welding, also e.g., by ultrasonic welding, especially in the case where the components are made of plastic material).

[0060] It should be noted that the coaxial arrival of the fluid enables the reduction of the torque generated thereby on the entire dispenser. This is advantageous at any fluid flow rate, but is particularly advantageous for high flow rates (e.g., between 200 and 700 liters per minute). The housing 2 includes a first outlet hole 20 formed in the side wall 8, and the first outlet hole 20 can be extended by a first pipe (not shown in the figure), for example, this first pipe is intended to convey the liquid to a given area, such as an area to be cooled, and a second outlet hole 12, and the second outlet hole 12 can be extended by a second pipe (not shown in the figure), and this second pipe is also intended to convey the liquid to another given area, such as an area to be cooled as well. These pipes are assembled on the bases of the outlet holes 12 and 20, for example, by welding or using clamping collars. The housing 2 defines a hydraulic chamber 26. The outlet holes 12 and 20 are angularly distributed around the axis XX' on the side wall.

[0061] The housing 2 also includes a motor cover 18 which can be assembled or rigidly connected to the housing 2 in a removable manner, e.g., by screws, or in a fixed manner, e.g., by welding, also e.g., by ultrasonic welding (especially in the case where the components are made of plastic material). These two components (the cover and the housing) can be integral, e.g., if injection molding or molding techniques are used to produce them. The entire device is driven by an actuator 33 (e.g., a motor or a geared motor). A coupling device or component 36 connects the shaft of the actuator to the core 4 in order to drive the core 4 to rotate about the axis XX'.

[0062] Adapter means 39 can be provided, including, for example, a crown 391 and fastening means 392 (e.g., screws), to assemble the actuator 33 with the cover 18. The axis of the actuator passes through the central hole of the crown.

[0063] Figure 1 The device in Figure 9A is shown in an assembled state.

[0064] Figures 2A - 2C The core 4, which also has a cylindrical shape rotating about the axis XX', is shown. Figure 2Ais a cross-section of the core along a plane perpendicular to the axis XX'. The core 4 is mounted in a hydraulic chamber in which it can rotate about the axis XX'. It includes two end faces 28, 30 and a side surface 32, the side surface 32 being provided with members 321, 322 (described hereinafter) that form seals, each member being arranged to seal one of the outlet holes 12 and 20 depending on the position of the core about the axis XX'.

[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 includes an opening 31 ( Figure 2B and 2C ), the opening 31 being intended to be aligned with the opening 11 of the cover 10 in order to receive a fluid flow flowing along the axis XX'. The side surface 32 of the core 4 includes a lateral opening 34 which, depending on the position of the core about the axis XX', will enable the fluid to be directed to one or more of the outlet holes 12, 20. A ball bearing 37 can be provided to ensure the guidance of the rotation of the core 4 in the housing 2; furthermore, a static seal can advantageously be provided between the housing 2 and the cover 10 to avoid liquid leakage. Similarly, one or more seals 40 are advantageously provided between the end face 6 and the shroud 18 to avoid liquid leakage. The reference numeral 37' also denotes a ball bearing.

[0066] A pipe 38 is inside the core 4, connecting the inlet opening 31 for the fluid to enter the core 4 and the outlet opening 34 for the fluid to flow out of the core. Figure 3 An example of the shape of this pipe is shown in more detail and is explained hereinafter.

[0067] The core 4 also includes (see Figures 2A to 2C and Figure 9B ):

[0068] - A first seal 321, around or within a so-called sealing area on the side of the core 4, the first seal 321 being intended to seal the outlet hole 12 when this area and the outlet hole 12 are opposite each other,

[0069] - And a second seal 322 (visible in Figure 2B but not visible in Figure 2C ), around or within a so-called sealing area on the side surface of the core 4, the second seal 322 being intended to seal the outlet hole 20 when this area and the outlet hole 20 are opposite each other.

[0070] The first seal 321 and the second seal 322 can have the same or similar shapes, and their mounting methods on the core are also the same or similar.

[0071] The first seal 321 is located in a hollow receiving portion 323 formed in the side surface of the core body 4. The shape of the receiving portion 323 matches the shape of the first seal 321: the outer surface of the seal extends or is flush with the side surface 32 of the core body 4.

[0072] The receiving portion 323 may include:

[0073] - A region 335, preferably planar and / or arranged relative to the center of the receiving portion, preferably located at a position recessed relative to the outer surface of the core body or the surface against which the seal abuts, and contributing to sealing the outlet hole 12; this recessed region 335 has, for example, a circular or disc-shaped form;

[0074] - And / or, at its center, an element 325, called a retaining element, extending from the bottom surface of the receiving portion 323, preferably arranged relative to the center of the receiving portion, for example extending from the recessed region 335, and contributing to holding the seal 321 in the receiving portion. This retaining element has, for example, a circular shape.

[0075] The second seal 322 is also located in a hollow receiving portion 327 formed in the side surface of the core body 4. The shape of the receiving portion 327 matches the shape of the second seal 322: the outer surface of the seal extends or is flush with the side surface 32 of the core body 4.

[0076] Like the receiving portion 323, the receiving portion 327 may include:

[0077] - A region, the same as or similar to the region 335, preferably planar and / or arranged relative to the center of the receiving portion 327, preferably located at a position recessed relative to the outer surface of the core body, and contributing to sealing the outlet hole 20; this recessed region has, for example, a circular or disc-shaped form;

[0078] - And / or an element at its center, called a retaining element, extending from the bottom of the receiving portion 327, preferably arranged relative to the center of the receiving portion, for example extending from the recessed region, and contributing to holding the seal 322 in the receiving portion at its center. This retaining element has, for example, a circular shape.

[0079] The arrangement of the first and second receiving portions 323, 327 for receiving the seals and the conduit 38 is such that it is possible to allow selective flow between the outlet 34 of the conduit 38 and one of the outlet holes 12 and / or outlet hole 20 by changing the angular position of the core body 4 about the axis X.

[0080] The first seal 321 and the second seal 322 are mounted relative to each other in the core body such that:

[0081] - In a first position (as Figure 2CIn the case shown, the receiving portion 323 including the first seal 321 faces the outlet hole 20 and completely interrupts the liquid flow from the supply hole to the outlet hole 20, and then the liquid flows to the other outlet hole 12;

[0082] - And, in the second position (not shown), the receiving portion 327 including the first seal 322 faces the outlet hole 12 and completely interrupts the liquid flow from the supply hole to the outlet hole 12, and then the liquid flows to the other outlet hole 20.

[0083] As can be Figure 2C understood, around the outlet hole, the seal contacts the inner surface of the chamber 26.

[0084] In this example, each of the seals 321, 322 has a substantially square (visible for seal 321 in Figure 2A ) or rectangular shape, the corners of which may be rounded; alternatively, the seal may be circular (or have any other shape).

[0085] Each of the seals 321, 322 may include a through hole 341 (not shown for seal 322), through which the retaining element 325 passes. The shape of the cross-section of the hole 341 matches the profile of the cross-section of the retaining element 325, and their dimensions are such that the outer surface of the retaining element 325 contacts the inner surface of the hole 341 to ensure a sealing contact (the same description applies to seal 322).

[0086] Preferably, each of the seals 321, 322 includes:

[0087] - A protruding element 366 (not shown for seal 322), which forms a closed profile around the outlet hole intended to be sealed or around the hole 341, so as to form a continuous lip or bead around the outlet hole or the hole 341. In the example shown, the lip 366 is annular;

[0088] - And / or one or more lateral lugs or pads 321-1, 321-2, 322-1, 322-2, located in the wall of the core, which may be produced by an injection molding or molding process, and which contribute to holding the seal in its receiving portions 323, 327, and / or which are produced by an injection molding method.

[0089] The inner diameter or minimum internal dimension of the lip 366 is greater than the diameter or maximum dimension of the outlet hole 20 that the corresponding seal is intended to seal. Preferably, the lip 366 has a shape corresponding to the outer contour of the outlet holes 20 and 12. If the outlet hole has an elliptical shape, the lip 366 preferably also has an elliptical shape.

[0090] Preferably:

[0091] - Each of the seals 321, 322 is made of a material suitable for an injection molding method. For example, it is an elastomeric material; an example is V TV6VAN (LTP / PA series) from Kraiburg TPE, which may have a hardness of 60 Shore A (DIN ISO 48-4) and a density of 0.930 g / cm 3 (DIN EN ISO 1183-1), and other properties are available at www.kraiburg-tpe.com;

[0092] - The core 4 is made of a thermoplastic material, such as PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) or PA (polyamide) or POM (polyoxymethylene or paraformaldehyde or polyacetal) or PA66 (PA containing nylon);

[0093] Therefore, the assembly including the core 4 and the seals 321, 322 can be produced by a two-material injection molding method (similar to overmolding). This enables the production of the assembly by a single method without having to perform the installation of removable seals in holes provided in the core for this purpose.

[0094] The assembly including the core 4 and the seals 321, 322 forms an integral part, and the seals are non-removable or non-detachable from the core. The seals are connected to the core by chemical bonding or adhesion and / or by one or more lateral lugs 321-1, 321-2, 322-1, 322-2, which helps to firmly hold the seals in place in their receiving portions, including during the rotational movement of the core in the housing. Then the assembly can be introduced into the housing, and the housing can in turn be produced by injection molding and / or molding techniques, such as by plastic injection.

[0095] Figure 3 The preferred shape of the duct 38 is shown in more detail in, where it can be seen that the duct can widen from the inlet opening 31 (e.g., circular) towards the outlet opening 34 (preferably having an elongated shape as described below).

[0096] Figure 3 A plane P substantially perpendicular to the fluid flow direction is shown in: This plane P makes an angle α with a plane P0 parallel to the plane in which the inlet opening 31 lies. The intersection of the plane P with the duct 38 has a surface area S, which can increase as the angle α increases, for example, in a linear manner. This gradual increase allows for a reduction in head loss.

[0097] The following table indicates different values of the surface area S for different values of the angle α, as already indicated above, the surface area S increases as the angle α increases.

[0098] Table

[0099]

[0100]

[0101] In the last part, when the angle α is equal to 90°, as understood from the above table (see the difference between the S value at 90° and the "final" value), the surface area S can be further increased.

[0102] For example, for each 10° increase in the angle α, or more generally between 7° and 12°, the surface area S can increase by a relative value between 1% and 3%, for example 2%.

[0103] 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 along an axis YY' that is substantially perpendicular to the axis XX'. For example, this projection of the outlet hole has an ellipsoidal shape, and the major axis of the ellipsoid coincides with the axis YY'.

[0104] The distance d between the farthest points of this opening along the axis YY' ( Figure 2B ) is preferably greater than the distance d1 separating two adjacent outlet openings 12, 20 of the rotating housing 2, as Figure 4 shown, Figure 4 The housing 2 is schematically shown, which has two outlets 12, 20 and the core 4 and its outlet hole 34. In Figure 4 , the latter opens partially onto the outlet 12 and partially onto the outlet 20, thereby allowing a first flow rate F12 to flow through the outlet 12 and a second flow rate F20 to flow through the outlet 20. The ratio of these flow rates can be modified by using the actuator 33 to change the orientation of the core 4 in the housing 2: for several positions of the core, the orifice 34 opens partially onto the outlet 12 and partially onto the outlet 20, and for each of these positions, the ratio of these flow rates is different from the ratio of other positions. In Figure 4 , the seals 321, 322 are shown, neither of which completely seals any of the outlet channels 12, 20.

[0105] In some positions, the outlet hole 34 can open only into one or the other of the outlets 12, 20. This is shown in Figure 5A (where the fluid outlet is completely directed towards the outlet 20 and the part of the core 4 including the seal 322 completely seals the outlet channel 12) and Figure 5B (where the fluid outlet is completely directed towards the outlet 12 and the part of the core 4 including the seal 322 completely seals the outlet channel 20).

[0106] The coupling device 36 of the device as described above can have Figure 1 ,Figure 6 , Figure 7A , Figure 7B the shapes shown: these devices have, for example, the shape of a cylinder ( Figure 7A ), in the lower part of which a groove 361 is produced, which makes it possible to receive the end of the shaft 330 of the actuator 33 (see Figure 1 ). The coupling part 36 itself is received in the lower chamber 41 of the core 4 (see Figure 6 and Figure 7A ), and in its upper part includes lugs 360, for example having the shape of a parallelepiped, which make it possible to actuate the rotation of the core 4 when the shaft 330 also drives the part 36 in rotation. Preferably, the groove 361 extends in a direction perpendicular to the lugs, which makes it possible to compensate for or restore the coaxiality or alignment defects along two axes perpendicular to the rotation axis XX’.

[0107] The lower chamber 41 of the core 4 has a shape complementary to that of the part 36: in particular, it includes a slot 282 ( Figure 7A ), into which the lugs 360 are inserted.

[0108] Alternatively (see Figure 7B ), the coupling device 36’ has a parallelepiped shape in the lower part, including a slot 361’, which makes it possible to receive the end of the shaft 330 of the actuator 33. This part 36’ itself is received in the lower chamber 41 of the core 4 (see Figure 6 and Figure 7B ), the lower chamber 41 having a parallelepiped shape such that when the actuator 33 drives the part 36’ in rotation, the latter in turn drives the core 4 in rotation.

[0109] Advantageously, the lower surface 28 of the core 4 has a circular groove 280 (see Figure 1 and Figure 6 ), which makes it possible to receive the pin 181 connected to the motor cover 18: when the core 4 is rotated by the actuator 33, this pin forms a stop for the movement of the core 4. The stop stops or limits the travel of the slot, in the initial position of the core, and then in the maximum position of the core; the initial position can correspond to a flow rate of 0 in the outlet 20, and the final position can correspond to a flow rate of 0 in the outlet 12.

[0110] According to another aspect of the present invention, a return spring, such as a torsion spring, can be used, one end of which is connected to the core 4 and the other end is connected to a part that remains fixed when the core rotates, such as the housing or the end cap 10. Thus, the actuator 33 can drive the core to rotate from the first position to the second position, and stopping the actuation of the actuator automatically causes the core to return to its first position or the initial position. For example, the device can be in a stationary position where the fluid flows towards the outlet 12, the actuator drives the core 4 towards the position where the fluid flows towards the outlet 20, and stopping the actuation of the actuator automatically causes the core to return to its initial position, i.e., towards the position where the fluid flows towards the outlet 12. This aspect of the present invention is shown in Figure 8 and in Figure 8 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 is connected to the inside of the inlet cover 10.

[0111] The coupling device 36 and its accommodation in the lower chamber of the core 4, and / or the return device described above in connection with Figures 6 to 8 can be applied not only to the dispenser described above in connection with Figures 1 to 3 but also to any other dispenser that implements a rotating element in the dispensing body, in particular, to any dispenser:

[0112] - including the injection of fluid, not axial injection (along the axis XX') as described above, but lateral injection into the housing 2;

[0113] - and / or for which the core includes a dispensing channel with a uniform cross-section, and the end facing the outlet holes can have the elongated shape as described above, or a circular shape corresponding to the cross-section of the openings 12, 20.

[0114] Preferably, the housing 2 is made of a plastic material, thereby reducing the mass of the dispenser, which is particularly advantageous in the automotive field. In addition, the plastic material is advantageously filled with a material that reduces friction. For example, the housing is made of polyphthalamide, such as type PA6T / 6I-GF30, and is very advantageously filled with PTFE.

[0115] In addition, the housing is preferably produced by injection molding, which simplifies its manufacture. Regarding the core, the shape of the internal pipe 38 can be created, for example, in 2 parts 38-1 and 38-2 as shown in Figure 10A and Figure 10B , and then the core is injection molded around this shape; in these figures, the shapes in the two parts 38-1 and 38-2 also have a gradually increasing cross-section, but not as progressive as in the case of Figure 3 .

[0116] Figure 9A shows the assembled Figure 1An embodiment of a component of the dispenser. The reference numerals are the reference numerals described above in connection with Figure 1 The reference numerals already described. The coolant enters the device through the opening 11, along the direction of the axis, and the actuator 33 rotates the core around this axis. The actuator is, for example, a gear motor MR, the output shaft of which is coupled to the core 4, as described above, for example. The gear motor is, for example, the gear motor described in application WO2019 / 129984.

[0117] Figure 9B A exploded view of the same components is shown, where the seal 321 ensures the seal relative to the outlet channel 20, and the liquid flows towards the outlet channel 12.

[0118] The core with the sealing device as described above can be applied not only to the dispenser described above in connection with the figures of the previous comments, but also to any dispenser in which a rotating element is implemented in the dispensing body, in particular, to any dispenser:

[0119] - including the injection of fluid, not in the axial manner as described above (along the axis XX'), but in a manner transverse to the housing 2; in this case, the housing and the core each have a fluid inlet in the side wall 8 and the side surface 32, as explained in connection with the description below Figures 11A to 11B explained;

[0120] - and / or for which the core includes a dispensing channel 38 with a uniform cross-section, and its end (located facing the outlet hole) can have the elongated shape as described above, or a circular shape corresponding to or the same as the cross-section of the openings 12, 20.

[0121] Figures 11A to 11B The application of the present invention in the radial or transverse fluid injection relative to the housing 2 is shown. In these figures, the same reference numerals from one figure to another refer to the same or corresponding elements.

[0122] Figure 11A 、 Figure 11B is a cross-sectional top view of a radial injection dispenser. The inlet hole 31 of the core is formed in the wall 38, and depending on the rotational position of the core 4 in the housing, the fluid is guided from this inlet hole to one of the two outlet holes 12, 20.

[0123] These figures show the seals 321, 322, Figure 11A where the seal 321 in it closes the outlet hole 20 in its receiving portion 323, while the seal 322 is oriented towards a part of the wall and thus does not perform its function. These seals 321, 322 have the same structure and are produced in the same manner as above; in particular, each seal is formed in the corresponding receiving portions 323, 327, and the description made above applies.

[0124] The device for driving the lateral injection dispenser may be the device described above, in particular, in combination with Figure 1 、 Figures 6 to 9A the device described.

[0125] Here, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 5 to Figure 5B , the pipe 38 is wider, allowing the simultaneous supply of each outlet pipe 12, 20 ( Figure 11B ). Alternatively, the pipe may be narrower, allowing the supply of only one outlet pipe at a time. Similarly alternatively, the dispenser according to the invention may include one or more supply holes and / or one or more outlet holes.

[0126] The operation of the dispenser will now be described.

[0127] The supply inlet 11 is connected to a pressurized liquid source, such as a pump connected to a liquid storage tank, and the two outlet holes 12, 20 are connected to a thermal or electric machine to be cooled, for example.

[0128] When it is desired to supply liquid to the outlet hole 20 at the maximum flow rate, the core body 4 rotates about the axis X so as to position the outlet 34 of the core body facing the outlet hole 20. The pressurized liquid, as Figure 5A shown, flows from the supply hole 18 through the pipe 38 to the outlet hole 20.

[0129] When it is desired to supply liquid to the outlet hole 12 at the maximum flow rate, the core body 4 rotates about the axis XX', so as to align the outlet 34 with the outlet hole 20, and then the pipe 38 connects the supply hole 11 and the outlet hole 20, as Figure 5A shown.

[0130] As already explained above, the core body 4 can take any intermediate angular position to ensure a proportional supply to the outlet holes 12 and 20.

[0131] Other relative angular orientations of the outlets 12 and 20 are possible.

[0132] The present invention enables a dispenser with reliable operation to be provided while significantly reducing the limitations on size, surface state, required materials and manufacturing methods.

[0133] The examples described include one supply hole and two outlet holes, but as described above, the present invention is also applicable to dispensers including one inlet hole and one outlet hole, or one supply hole and more than two outlet holes, as well as dispensers including two supply holes; the dispenser according to the invention may include two axial fluid inlets, and the actuator can be offset so that fluid can enter the second end or more ends and one or more outlet holes. A configuration with several supply holes and several outlet holes may implement a core body with several cavities or grooves 43 to allow several flows to occur simultaneously or non-simultaneously in the dispenser.

[0134] A dispenser, especially a dispenser associated with a geared motor, is particularly suitable for the automotive field (thermal engine or electric motor) due to its reduced mass.

[0135] The dispenser according to the invention is suitable for equipping any vehicle with a thermal engine, a hybrid engine or an electric motor, for example for implementing one or more temperature regulation systems and / or one or more air flow guidance systems.

Claims

1. A hydraulic rotary distributor, comprising a housing (2) and a core body (4), wherein the housing (2) includes a side wall (8) and two end walls (6, 10) defining a hydraulic chamber, and wherein, The core body (4) is received in the hydraulic chamber and is rotatable about a rotation axis (XX') in the hydraulic chamber. There is at least one supply hole (11) and at least one outlet hole (12, 20) that opens into the hydraulic chamber. The core body (4) includes a side surface (32) opposite to the side wall (8) of the housing (2), an inlet opening (18), at least one lateral outlet (34), and a duct (38) or chamber that connects the inlet opening (18) and the lateral outlet (34). The duct (38) or chamber supplies each of the outlet holes (12, 20) according to the angular position of the core body in the housing. The core body further includes at least one seal (321, 322) for sealing between the side surface of the core body and the outlet holes (12, 20) of the side wall (8) of the housing (2). Each seal (321, 322) is non-removable relative to the core body. Each seal also includes one or more fastening and / or injection-molding lugs (321-1, 321-2, 322-1, 322-2) on the side surface (32) of the core body (4), and the lugs are integrally formed with the seal.

2. The hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 1, wherein, Each seal is connected to or directly bonded to the side surface (32) of the core body (4) by chemical and / or mechanical bonding and / or being integrally formed with the core body.

3. The hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each fastening and / or injection-molding lug (321-1, 321-2, 322-1, 322-2) is formed by the same manufacturing method as the seal.

4. The hydraulic rotary distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The side surface (32) of the core body (4) includes at least one hollow receiving portion (232, 327), and each hollow receiving portion contains or receives the seal or one of the seals (321, 322).

5. The hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 4, wherein, At least one receiving portion (323, 327) includes a recessed area (335) that is preferably arranged centrally with respect to the receiving portion, is recessed with respect to the outer surface of the core body, and contributes to sealing the outlet holes (12, 20).

6. The hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 4 or 5, wherein At least one receiving portion (323, 327) includes an element (325), called a retaining element, that extends from the bottom surface of the receiving portion (323, 327), is preferably arranged centrally with respect to the receiving portion, and contributes to retaining the seal (321, 323) in the receiving portion.

7. The hydraulic rotary distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The seal or each seal (321, 322) includes a lip (366) that forms a closed contour and has a minimum dimension greater than the dimension of the outlet hole (20) sealed by the seal.

8. The hydraulic rotary distributor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, The housing is made of plastic material.

9. The hydraulic rotary distributor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: - Each seal (321, 322) is made of a material suitable for an injection molding method, such as an elastomeric material; - and / or the core body (4) is made of a thermoplastic material, PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), or PA (polyamide), or POM (polyoxymethylene or paraformaldehyde or polyacetal), or PA66 (polyamide containing nylon).

10. The hydraulic rotary distributor according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one supply hole (11) is located in one of the end walls (6) of the housing and extends substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation (XX').

11. The hydraulic rotary distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The at least one supply hole (11) is located in the side wall of the housing.

12. The hydraulic rotary distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The side wall of the housing (2) includes a plurality of outlet holes (12, 20), and the core body includes a plurality of seals (321, 322) for sealing between the side surface of the core body and one of the outlet holes in the side wall of the housing (2). Each seal (321, 322) is non-removable relative to the core body and is arranged to seal one of the outlet holes (12, 20) at a given position of the core body.

13. The hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 12, wherein, The side wall of the housing (2) includes two outlet holes (12, 20), and the core body includes two seals (321, 322) for sealing between the side surface of the core body and one of the two outlet holes in the side wall of the housing (2). Each seal (321, 322) is non-removable relative to the core body and is arranged to seal one of the two outlet holes (12, 20) at a given position of the core body.

14. The hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 13, wherein, Each of the two seals is arranged on one side (321, 322) of the lateral outlet (34) of the core body.

15. A hydraulic rotary solenoid valve distributor, comprising a distributor according to one of the preceding claims and an actuator (33) for driving the rotation of the core body.

16. The hydraulic rotary solenoid distributor according to claim 15, wherein, The actuator includes an output shaft (330) aligned along the axis of rotation (XX').

17. A method for manufacturing a hydraulic rotary solenoid valve distributor according to one of claims 1 to 14, the method comprising: - a step of double-material injection molding of an assembly including the core body (4) and the seals (321, 322); - a step of introducing the core body and the seals into the housing.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: - each seal (321, 322) is made of an elastomeric material; - and / or the core body (4) is made of a thermoplastic material, PPS (polyphenylene sulfide), or PA (polyamide), or POM (polyoxymethylene or paraformaldehyde or polyacetal), or PA66 (polyamide containing nylon).

19. A method for distributing a fluid using a hydraulic rotary solenoid valve distributor according to claim 15 or 16, the fluid being introduced through the supply hole (11) and guided through the internal duct (38) of the core body towards the lateral outlet (34) of the core body, and then, depending on the orientation of the core body in the housing (2), towards one and / or the other of the outlet holes (12, 20).

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the fluid is a mixture of water and ethylene glycol.

21. The method according to claim 19, wherein the fluid is a coolant of a fuel cell.

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