Drive device of a rotary valve

Abstract

Hydraulic rotary distributor comprising a housing (2) and a core (4), said housing (2) comprising a lateral wall (8), two end walls (6, 10) delimiting a hydraulic chamber, in which the core (4) is housed and able to rotate in said chamber about an axis (XX') of rotation, an axial orifice, for example supply orifice (11), the lateral wall of the housing comprising at least 2 lateral orifices, for example outlet orifices (12, 20), which open into the hydraulic chamber, the core (4) comprising a lateral surface (32) facing the lateral wall (8), an axial opening (18), at least one lateral orifice (34), the core (4) comprising coupling means (282) for coupling the end of a shaft (330) of an actuator to the core (4), having a part (36) provided with a slot (361) for receiving the end of the shaft, the core comprising a receptacle (41) suitable for receiving said part, such that the latter transmits a rotation of the shaft to the core.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title: ROTARY VALVE DRIVE DEVICE

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD AND STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

[0004] The present invention relates to a device for driving a rotary valve or a hydraulic distributor, for example used for cooling in the automotive industry, the valve or distributor preferably being electrically actuated. The invention also applies to the distribution of a cooling fluid for a fuel cell.

[0005] In the automotive field, the use of hydraulic valves or distributors is common to cool certain parts of the engine, for example these are motorized 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 means of an electric motor.

[0006] There are several types of hydraulic valves or distributors (the following description uses the term "distributor", but it should be understood as also applying to a valve), including slide valves and rotary distributors. Rotary distributors, also known as ball valves, comprise a housing delimiting a cylindrical chamber of revolution provided with at least one fluid inlet intended to be connected to a source of liquid, and at least one fluid outlet intended to be connected to a pipe to carry the liquid to the area to be cooled. The inlet and 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 an outer surface of revolution opposite the cylindrical wall of the chamber. The core comprises at least two orifices in its outer surface connected by a channel.The two orifices are oriented relative to each other so that when one of the orifices is opposite the inlet, the other is opposite the outlet. Thus, by rotating the core in the chamber, the circulation between the inlet and the outlet and therefore the circulation between the liquid source and the area to be cooled can be allowed or interrupted. One problem is that of driving a rotary distributor device, for example of the type mentioned above: a simple drive system is sought, which makes it possible to easily transmit movement to the core from an actuator.

[0007] There is also the problem of automatically returning the core to an equilibrium or starting position when it has been taken to another position, for example to feed a conduit.

[0008] Furthermore, such a distributor is generally supplied laterally, the lateral arrival of fluid generating a torque which acts on the entire device. One problem is to produce a distributor device which can solve this problem.

[0009] Another problem is to create a rotary distributor device that can distribute a fluid simultaneously and proportionally between two distributor outlets. Indeed, there is no known device that can distribute a fluid between two outlets, according to a predetermined distribution.

[0010] Another problem is that of the seal between the core and the housing; this is usually achieved by using seals, which poses the problem of monitoring the condition of these seals and, also, of the production of the device which must provide grooves in which these seals are positioned. This results in a device and a production process which are complex. However, we are seeking to produce distributors of simple, reliable design and comprising a reduced number of components.

[0011] STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide a reliable rotary hydraulic distributor of simplified manufacture compared to the hydraulic distributors of the state of the art.

[0013] It is another object of the present invention to provide a rotary hydraulic distributor making it possible to solve at least one of the problems set out above.

[0014] The invention relates in particular to a hydraulic rotary distributor comprising a housing and a rotating central part, or core, said housing comprising a cylindrical chamber of revolution receiving the core. The housing also comprises a side wall, two end walls delimiting a hydraulic chamber, in which is housed the core capable of rotating in said chamber around an axis (XX') of rotation, at least one axial orifice, for example a supply orifice, and at least one lateral orifice, for example 2 lateral orifices, which form(s), for example, one or 2 outlet orifice(s), which open(s) into the hydraulic chamber, the core comprising a lateral surface facing the side wall of the housing, an axial face, for example an inlet or supply face, at least one lateral orifice, for example a lateral outlet, and a conduit, or a chamber, which connects said axial face and said lateral orifice, allowing circulation,for example a power supply, from or to each of said side ports of the housing depending on the angular position of the core in the housing, the core comprising coupling means for coupling the end of a shaft of an actuator to the core.,

[0015] For example, the coupling means comprise a part provided with a groove for, or capable of, receiving the end of a shaft of an actuator, the core comprising a housing capable of receiving said part, so that the latter transmits a rotation of the shaft to the core.

[0016] Said part, as well as the housing, may each have a cylindrical shape, and be provided with a parallelepiped-shaped lug, the housing comprising a space for receiving said lug.

[0017] Said groove and said lug may extend in directions perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other. This makes it possible to compensate for coaxiality or alignment defects along the axes perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0018] Alternatively, said room and the housing may each have a parallelepiped shape.

[0019] A hydraulic rotary distributor according to the invention may further comprise return means for returning the core to an equilibrium or initial position after having been brought into a position away from this equilibrium or initial position.

[0020] For example, these return means comprise a torsion spring, one end of which is fixed to the core and another end of which is fixed to a part of the distributor which remains fixed when the core is rotated. 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 delimiting a hydraulic chamber, in which is housed the core capable of rotating in said chamber around an axis (XX') of rotation, at least one axial orifice, for example a supply orifice, and at least one lateral orifice, for example an outlet orifice, which open(s) into the hydraulic chamber, the core comprising a lateral surface facing the lateral wall of the housing, an axial face, for example forming an inlet opening, at least one lateral orifice and a conduit or a chamber which connects said axial face and said lateral orifice and which allows circulation,for example a supply, from or to each of said lateral orifices of the housing depending on the angular position of the core in the housing, the distributor further comprising return means for returning the core to an equilibrium or initial position after having been rotated into a position away from this equilibrium or initial position. For example, said return means comprise a torsion spring, one end of which is fixed to the core and another end of which is fixed to a part of the distributor which remains fixed when the core is rotated.,

[0021] In a hydraulic rotary distributor according to the invention, the sealing between the lateral surface of the core and the lateral wall of the housing can be ensured by the narrow passage or the small clearance, for example between 50 pm and 200 pm or even 300 pm (for example: 250 pm, in particular for a leak of 1% of 700 l / min), between this lateral surface and this lateral wall.

[0022] In addition, a hydraulic rotary distributor according to the invention may comprise means for limiting its movement or angular rotational travel when it is driven by an actuator. For example, the core comprises a circular slot, which is stopped by a stop, in an initial position of the core, then in a maximum position thereof.

[0023] According to one embodiment of a hydraulic rotary distributor according to the invention, one of the end walls comprises a supply orifice which extends substantially perpendicular to said axis (XX') of rotation, or coaxially thereto, the side wall of the housing comprising at least 2 lateral orifices, for example 2 outlet orifices, which open into the hydraulic chamber, the core comprising a lateral surface facing the side wall of the housing, an axial face, which is for example an inlet face, facing the axial orifice, which is for example a supply orifice. Preferably, in a hydraulic rotary distributor according to the invention, the lateral orifice of the core has a shape allowing, in at least one other or in several, intermediate angular position(s) between said l ère angular position and said 2 èmeangular position, a partial supply of the 2 lateral orifices of the housing simultaneously. For example, said lateral orifice of the core has an oblong or oval or ellipsoidal shape, elongated along an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis (XX') of rotation. According to particular embodiments:

[0024] - said lateral orifice of the core has an angular opening, measured in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the core, greater than the angle which separates, in the same plane, the 2 lateral orifices in the side wall of the housing;

[0025] - and / or the distance which separates the 2 most distant points of said lateral orifice of the core is greater than the distance which separates the 2 lateral orifices of the housing;

[0026] - and / or said inner conduit of the core connects the axial face of the core and said lateral orifice of the core, this conduit having a section, perpendicular to a direction of fluid flow, which increases from said axial face towards said lateral orifice; for example the section of the inner conduit increases, preferably progressively, by a value between 1% and 3% for any increase, between on the one hand 5° or even 7° and on the other hand 12° or even 15°, of an angle measured between the axial face of the core and a plane perpendicular to the direction of flow or circulation of the fluid. Advantageously, the housing and / or the core is or are made of molded plastic, which makes it possible to reduce the mass of the distributor and the manufacturing time.

[0027] For example, the housing and / or core are made of plastic.

[0028] According to an advantageous embodiment of a hydraulic rotary distributor according to the invention, the lateral orifices of the housing are extended by conduits, which extend along axes (Xi2, X20) which have a point of intersection (A) located behind the center (C) of the core relative to the lateral orifices of the housing. Whatever the embodiment envisaged of a hydraulic rotary distributor according to the invention:

[0029] - the axial face of the core may have an opening which faces the axial orifice of the housing;

[0030] - and / or the housing may have 1, 2 or more side holes.

[0031] The present application also relates to a hydraulic rotary electrodistributor comprising a distributor according to one or other of the embodiments of the invention and an actuator, for example a motor or a geared motor, driving the core in rotation.

[0032] For example, the actuator comprises an output shaft aligned along the axis (XX') of rotation. The invention also relates to a method for distributing a fluid using a hydraulic rotary solenoid valve according to the invention, the fluid being introduced through the axial orifice, which is then a supply orifice, for example in the direction of the axis (XX') of rotation or perpendicular to it, and being guided by the inner conduit of the core towards the lateral orifice thereof and then, depending on the orientation of the core in the housing, towards one and / or the other of the 2 lateral orifices of the housing, which are then outlet orifices.

[0033] In one example, the fluid is a mixture of water and glycol, for example 60% water and 40% glycol. This fluid is suitable for cooling a fuel cell, for example.

[0034] The invention also relates to a method for distributing a fluid using a hydraulic rotary solenoid valve according to the invention, fluids being introduced through the 2 lateral orifices of the housing, which are then inlet or supply orifices, these fluids being guided by the inner conduit of the core towards the axial orifice and being at least partly mixed in this inner conduit. The 2 fluids may be of the same nature or be the same, but at different temperatures, one being able for example to come from a heating member or element, for example a fuel cell, and the other from a cooling member or element, for example a radiator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The present invention will be better understood on the basis of the following description and the attached drawings in which:

[0036] [Fig. 1] is an exploded view of an example of a hydraulic rotary distributor to which the invention can be applied, this distributor having one inlet and two outlets. [Fig. 2A] is a perspective view of the central rotating part of the distributor of Fig. 1.

[0037] [Fig. 2B] is a front view of the rotating center portion of the dispenser of Figure 1.

[0038] [Fig. 3] is a side view of the conduit of the rotating central part of the distributor of Figure 1.

[0039] [Fig. 4] is a top view of the housing and core of the distributor of Figure 1, allowing partial flow to each of the 2 outlet ports.

[0040] [Fig. 5A] is a top view of the housing and core of an exemplary dispenser in a 1 er switching state, allowing flow only to one of the 2 distributor outlet channels.

[0041] [Fig. 5B] is a top view of the housing and core of the same example dispenser in a 2 e switching state, allowing flow only to the other of the 2 distributor outlet channels.

[0042] [Fig. 6] is a view of one aspect of the invention, comprising a compartment of a lower part of the core for receiving means for coupling with a shaft of an actuator.

[0043] [Fig. 7A] is a view of an exemplary embodiment of the coupling means for coupling the core with a shaft of an actuator.

[0044] [Fig. 7B] is a view of another exemplary embodiment of the coupling means for coupling the core with a shaft of an actuator.

[0045] [Fig. 8] is a view illustrating an embodiment of return means making it possible to return the core to an initial position.

[0046] [Fig. 9A] is a view of a distributor to which the invention can be applied, with axial supply. [Fig. 9B] is a view of a distributor to which the invention can be applied, with axial outlet of the fluid.

[0047] [Fig. 10A]

[0048] [Fig. 10B]

[0049] [Fig. 10C] represent steps in producing a core of a rotary hydraulic distributor to which the invention can be applied.

[0050] [Fig. 11A] - [Fig. 11C] show another aspect of a core of a rotary hydraulic distributor according to the invention.

[0051] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0052] In Figure 1, an exemplary embodiment of a rotary hydraulic distributor to which the invention can be applied can be seen, of the type having one inlet and two outlets. It will be understood that the distributor may have one or more outlets. Furthermore, the inlet(s) may be reversed with the outlet(s), as explained further below (in connection with Figure 9B).

[0053] The distributor D comprises a housing 2 or valve body, of essentially cylindrical shape of revolution around the axis XX', and a central part 4, designated core, mounted in the housing 2 and capable of rotating therein.

[0054] In the example shown, the housing 2 comprises a bottom 6 and a substantially cylindrical side wall 8 in one piece, and an inlet cover 10 which comprises an opening 11 through which the fluid enters the device; the fluid therefore flows in a direction aligned with the axis XX', then is distributed, by the core 4, towards one or more lateral outlets of the housing, preferably oriented in a plane YZ perpendicular to the axis XX' (see for example figure 9A). The inlet cover 10 is for example assembled or secured to the housing 2 in a removable manner, for example by screws, or in a fixed manner, for example by welding, for example again by ultrasonic welding (in particular if the parts are made of plastic material).

[0055] It should be noted that the coaxial arrival of the fluid makes it possible to reduce the torque produced by it on the entire distributor. This is advantageous whatever the flow rate of the fluid, but particularly for high flow rates, for example between 200 and 700 liters per minute. The housing 2 comprises a first outlet orifice 20 formed in the side wall 8, which can be extended by a 1 er 20' conduit intended for example to bring the liquid to a given zone, for example a zone to be cooled, and a second 12 outlet orifice, which can be extended by a 2 ème conduit 12' also intended for example to bring the liquid to a given zone, for example again a zone to be cooled. These conduits 12', 20' are for example welded on the base of the orifices 12 and 20 respectively. The housing 2 defines a hydraulic chamber 26. The outlet orifices 12 and 20 are distributed angularly on the side wall around the axis XX'.

[0056] The housing 2 also comprises a motor cover 18, which can be, for example, assembled or secured to the housing 2 in a removable manner, for example by screws, or in a fixed manner, for example by welding, for example again by ultrasonic welding (in particular if the parts are made of plastic material). The entire device is actuated by an actuator 33 (for example a motor or a geared motor). Coupling means, or a member, 36 connect a shaft of the actuator to the core 4 in order to drive the latter in rotation around the axis XX'.

[0057] Adaptation means 39, comprising for example a crown 391 and fixing means 392, for example screws, may be provided to assemble the actuator 33 with the cover 18. The axis of the actuator passes through the central orifice of the crown.

[0058] The device of Figure 1 is shown assembled in Figure 9A.

[0059] In Figures 2A and 2B, the core 4 can be seen, also of cylindrical shape of revolution of axis XX'. This core 4 is mounted in the hydraulic chamber, in which it is able to rotate around the axis XX'. It comprises two end faces 28, 30 and a lateral surface 32.

[0060] When this core 4 is mounted in the hydraulic chamber, its end face 28 faces the bottom of the housing 2 (located 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 in order to accommodate the flow of fluid which flows, along the axis XX' in this example. The lateral surface 32 of the core 4 comprises a lateral opening 34, which will allow the fluid to be guided towards one or more of the outlet orifices 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 advantageously be provided between the housing 2 and the cover 10 to prevent liquid leaks. Likewise, one or more seal(s) 40 is / are advantageously provided between the end face 6 and the cover 18 to prevent liquid leaks.The reference 37' also designates a ball bearing.

[0061] A conduit 38 connects the fluid inlet opening 31 in the core 4 and the fluid outlet opening 34 from the core. The shape of this conduit is shown in more detail in Figure 3. Preferably, this conduit widens from the inlet opening 31, which is for example circular, towards the outlet opening 34, which is preferably elongated as explained below.

[0062] A plane P, substantially orthogonal to the direction of flow of the fluid, is shown in Figure 3: according to an exemplary embodiment, this plane P makes an angle a with a plane Po, parallel to the plane in which the inlet opening 31 is located. The intersection of this plane P with the conduit 38 has a surface S, which increases, for example linearly, as the angle a increases. This progressive increase allows a reduction in pressure losses.

[0063] Table I below indicates, for different values ​​of the angle a, different values ​​of the surface S which, as already indicated above, can increase as the angle a increases.

[0064] [Table 1]

[0065] In its final part, while the angle a is equal to 90°, the surface S can still increase as understood from the table above (see the difference between the value of S for 90° and the “final” value).

[0066] For example, for each increase in angle a of 10°, or more generally between 7° (or even 5°) and 12° (or even 15°), the surface area S can be increased by a relative value of between 1 and 3%, for example 2%.

[0067] Preferably, the outlet orifice 34 has, in projection in a plane parallel to the axis XX' and perpendicular to the outlet direction of the fluid, an elongated or oblong shape along an axis YY' substantially perpendicular to the axis XX'. For example, this projection of the outlet orifice has an ellipsoidal shape, the major axis of the ellipsoid extending coincident with the axis YY'.

[0068] The distance d (figure 2B) between the most distant points of this opening along the axis YY' is preferably greater than the distance di which separates 2 neighboring outlet openings 12, 20, from the rotation housing 2, as illustrated in figure 4, which represents, schematically, the housing 2, with its 2 outlets 12, 20 and the core 4 with its outlet orifice 34. In figure 4, the latter partially opens onto the outlet 12 and partially onto the outlet 20, thus allowing a 1 er flow F12 to flow through outlet 12 and to a 2 eflow F20 to flow through outlet 20. The ratio of these flows can be modified by modifying, using actuator 33, the orientation of core 4 in housing 2.

[0069] The ratio of these flows can be modified by modifying, using the actuator 33, 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 the flows is different from what it is in the other positions. In certain positions, the outlet orifice 34 can open only into one or other of the outlets 12, 20. This is what is shown in figures 5A (outlet of the flow entirely towards the outlet 20) and 5B (outlet of the flow entirely towards the outlet 12).

[0070] Preferably, the clearance between the core 4 and the inner surface of the housing 2 makes it possible to ensure sealing between two neighboring outlet channels 12, 20, without using a seal. This makes it possible to avoid:

[0071] - 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);

[0072] - monitoring of the condition of the seal and a replacement step when it is worn.

[0073] To this end, we can calculate the maximum clearance h that can be implemented between the outer surface of the core and the inner surface of the housing 2. We can model the slot by a system consisting of 2 plates, arranged between the 2 outlets and separated by a width b over a length I, the slot having a thickness h; one of the outlets is at a pressure pl (upstream pressure) while the other outlet is at a pressure p2 (downstream pressure, pl>p2). The fluid having a dynamic viscosity q, we apply the following formula, which gives the flow rate dV / dt of the leak: [Math 1] dV / dt = (h 3 b / 12r]l).(pl-p2)

[0074] For :

[0075] - a fluid consisting of a mixture of water (60%) and glycol (40%);

[0076] - having a viscosity, at 100°C, of ​​2xl0 -3 Pa.s, - a pressure difference (pl-p2) of 1 bar,

[0077] - values ​​of b = 4.5 xlO -2 m and L = 1.77 xlO -2 m,

[0078] This results in a maximum clearance of 1.85 x 0. -4 m to the radius in order to have a maximum leakage rate of 4 I per minute.

[0079] Depending on the desired maximum leakage rate, the viscosity of the fluid (which itself can depend on the temperature), the geometric parameters, the pressure difference, the above formula can be adapted. The dimensions of parts 2, 4 actually obtained during manufacturing can then be compared to the maximum clearance obtained according to the modeling above, in order to check whether these parts will meet the desired sealing requirement.

[0080] Generally speaking, we can consider the operating temperature that leads to the lowest viscosity, since the leak rate is inversely proportional to the viscosity. This temperature is most often the maximum operating temperature. For example, for an application to a coolant used between -40°C and +100°C, we will consider the latter value of 100°C.

[0081] More generally, the clearance will be for example between 50 pm and 200 pm or even 300 pm (for example: 250 pm, in particular for a 1% leak of 700 l / min).

[0082] This sealless sealing can be applied not only to the distributors described above in connection with figures 1 - 3 but also to any other distributor implementing a rotating element in a distributor body, in particular to any distributor:

[0083] - comprising an injection of the fluid, not axially (along the axis XX') as described above, but laterally to the body 2;

[0084] - and / or for which the core comprises a distribution channel of uniform section and the end of which, located opposite the outlet orifice(s), may have an elongated shape as described above or have a circular shape which corresponds to, or is identical to, the sections of the openings 12, 20.

[0085] Therefore, the seal can be ensured by the narrow passage or the small clearance between this lateral surface and this lateral wall. Another aspect of the invention will be explained in connection with Figures 11A - 11C. The lateral conduits 12, 20 extend along axes X12, X20 respectively, which are coplanar (in a plane perpendicular to the axis XX') and intersect at a point A. This point can be identical to the center C of the core 4 (which is also the center of the bore of the body 2 into which the core is introduced). But, according to an interesting embodiment of the present invention, the point A is displaced and located behind the point C, at a distance I from the latter. The point C is then closer to the orifices 12, 20 than the point A; the 2 points A and C are located on an axis EE' which is a central axis of the core (and of the bore of body 2) in a plane perpendicular to the axis XX' (or median plane of body 2).A is therefore further from the orifices 12, 20 than is the point C. This makes it possible, for constant conduit diameters 12', 20', to increase the distance, called the overlap length, which separates these conduits (this is the length di which is also represented in figure 4). As this distance increases, the leak flow rate, as calculated according to the formula given above, decreases. The example in figure 11B is that of a device in which the point of intersection A and the center C are the same. The internal diameter of the conduit 38 is, in the plane of the axes X12, X20, equal to 80 mm. The length di is 1.36 mm. In figure 11C, the point A has been shifted by a distance I of 20.8 mm behind the point C: the length di becomes equal to di = 11.33 mm, i.e. more than 8 times greater than the initial length; thus, the leakage itself is reduced by a factor > 8. The gain obtained by the relative shift of points A and C can therefore be very substantial.

[0086] According to the present invention, the coupling or drive means or part 36 of a device as described above may have the shape shown in Figures 1 and 6, 7: these means have for example the shape of a cylinder (Figure 7A), in the lower part of which a groove 361 may be made, preferably of parallelepiped shape, which makes it possible to receive the end of the shaft 330 of the actuator 33 (see Figure 1). The coupling part 36 is itself housed in a lower compartment 41 of the core 4 (see Figures 6 and 7) and comprises, in its upper part, a lug 360, for example of parallelepiped shape, which makes it possible to actuate the core 4 in rotation when the shaft 330 actuates the part 36 also in rotation.Preferably, the groove 361 and the lug 360 each extend in a direction perpendicular to the axis XX' (each has a width less than its length, which is 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 that of the lug), which makes it possible to recover the coaxiality defects along the 2 axes perpendicular to the axis of rotation XX'.

[0087] The lower compartment 41 of the core 4 has a shape complementary to that of the part 36: in particular, it comprises 1 slot 282 into which the lug 360 is inserted.

[0088] Alternatively (see Figure 7B), the coupling means 36' may have a parallelepiped shape in the lower part comprising a groove 361' which makes it possible to receive the end of the shaft 330 of the actuator 33. This part 36' is itself housed in the lower compartment 41 of the core 4 (see Figures 6 and 7) which is of parallelepiped shape, so that, when the actuator 33 drives the part 36' in rotation, the latter in turn drives the core 4 in rotation.

[0089] Advantageously, the lower face 28 of the core 4 has a circular groove 280 (see figures 1, 5 and 6) which makes it possible to house a pin 181 connected to the engine cover 18: this pin forms a stop for the movement of the core 4 when the latter is rotated by the actuator 33. The stop stops or limits the travel of the slot, in an initial position of the core, then in a maximum position thereof; the initial position may for example correspond to a flow of 0 in the outlet 20, the final position may correspond to a flow of 0 in the outlet 12 (see figures 5A and 5B).

[0090] According to another aspect of the invention, a torsion spring may be connected, by one of its ends, to the core 4 (for example a slot is made at the top thereof, to introduce said end of the spring therein) and, by its other end, to a part which remains fixed when the core is rotated, for example the cover or end piece 10 (for example a slot is made in this cover or this end piece, to introduce this other end of the spring therein). Thus, the actuator 33 can drive the core in rotation from a re position towards a 2 e position, stopping the actuation of the actuator automatically causing the core to return to its èreposition, or initial position. For example, the device may be in a rest position in which the fluid flows towards the outlet 12, the actuator driving the core 4 to a position in which the fluid flows towards the outlet 20, stopping the actuation of the actuator automatically causing the core to return to its initial position, i.e. to the position in which the fluid flows towards the outlet 12. This aspect of the invention is illustrated in Figure 8, which shows a torsion spring 60, 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 an inner part of the inlet cover 10.

[0091] The coupling means 36, and their housing in a lower compartment of the core 4, and / or the return means which have been described above in connection with figures 6-8 can be applied not only to the distributor described above in connection with figures 1 - 3 but also to any other distributor implementing a rotary element in a distribution body, in particular to any distributor:

[0092] - comprising an injection of the fluid, not axially (along the axis XX') as described above, but laterally to the body 2; in this case, the housing and the core each have a fluid inlet in the side wall 8 and in the side surface 32;

[0093] - and / or for which the core comprises a distribution channel of uniform section and the end 34 of which located opposite the outlet orifice(s) may have an elongated shape as described above or have a circular shape which corresponds to the sections of the openings 12, 20.

[0094] Preferably, the housing 2 and the core 4 are made of plastic material reducing the mass of the distributor, which is particularly favorable in the automotive field. In addition, the plastic material is advantageously filled with a material reducing friction. For example, the housing and / or the core are made of polyphthalamide, for example of the PA6T / 6I-GF30 type, very advantageously filled with PTFE.

[0095] Furthermore, they are preferably made by injection molding which simplifies their manufacture. As regards the core, it is possible to make a shape of the inner conduit 38, for example in 2 parts 38-1 and 38-2 as illustrated in Figures 10A and 10B, then to mold the core by injection around this shape; in these figures, the shape in 2 parts 38-1 and 38-2 also has a section which increases, but less gradually than in the case of Figure 3. Nevertheless, the housing and the core can be made of metallic material, for example stainless steel or aluminum. The constraints on the surface conditions of the inner surface of the housing and the surface of the core are significantly reduced because they do not ensure sealing.

[0096] Figure 9 represents an embodiment of the entire distributor of Figure 1, after assembly. The references are those already described above in connection with Figure 1. The cooling fluid enters this device through the opening 11, in the direction of the axis around which the rotation of the core is carried out by the actuator 33. The actuator is for example a geared motor MR whose output shaft is coupled to the core 4, for example as already described above. The geared motor is for example that described in application WO2019 / 129984.

[0097] The operation of a dispenser incorporating an actuating mechanism according to the invention will now be described.

[0098] 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 ports 12, 20 are connected for example to a thermal or electric motor to be cooled.

[0099] When it is desired to supply the outlet orifice 20 with a maximum flow rate, the core 4 is rotated by the actuator 33 around the axis X so as to position the outlet 34 of the core opposite the outlet orifice 20. The pressurized liquid flows from the supply orifice 18 to the outlet orifice 20 through the conduit 38 as shown in FIG. 5A.

[0100] When it is desired to supply the outlet orifice 12 with a maximum flow rate, the core 4 is rotated by the actuator 33 around the axis XX', so as to align the outlet 34 with the outlet orifice 20, the conduit 38 then connecting the supply orifice 11 and the outlet orifice 20, as shown in FIG. 5A.

[0101] As already explained above, the core 4 can take any intermediate angular position to ensure a proportional supply of the outlet orifices 12 and 20.

[0102] Other relative angular orientations of the outlets 12 and 20 are conceivable. The invention makes it possible to provide a reliably operating dispenser while substantially relaxing constraints on dimensions, surface finishes, required materials and manufacturing processes.

[0103] The example described comprises one supply port and two outlet ports, but as mentioned above the present invention also applies to distributors comprising one inlet port and one outlet port, or one supply port and more than two outlet ports, and to distributors comprising two supply ports; a distributor according to the invention may comprise two axial fluid inlets, the actuator being able to be offset to allow the passage of fluid in the second end or more and one or more outlet ports. The configurations with several supply ports and several outlet ports may implement cores with several cavities or recesses 43 to allow several flows simultaneously or not in the distributor.

[0104] In the examples described above, the fluid enters through the orifice 11, flows through the conduit 38 and leaves the device through one or two of the lateral conduits 12, 20 (see for example the arrows in FIG. 9A which indicate the direction of fluid flow).

[0105] It is possible to use the same device in reverse operation: the lateral conduits 12, 20 are used as supply conduits and are supplied with fluids, these fluids mix in the internal conduit 38 and the mixture flows through the orifice 11, which becomes the outlet orifice. Depending on the angular position (around the axis XX') of the core in the housing, the proportion of fluids supplying the device is modified. It is thus possible to introduce, depending on the number of lateral conduits 12, 20, 2 or more fluids to be mixed. This use is illustrated in Figure 9B, in which the arrows indicate the direction of flow of the fluids.

[0106] For example, the two inlet fluids may be different. Alternatively, they are of the same nature or are the same, but at different temperatures, one of which may, for example, come from a heating member or element, for example a fuel cell, and the other from a cooling member or element, for example a radiator. The distributor according to the invention, in particular associated with the geared motor, is particularly suitable for applications in the automotive field (thermal engine or electric motor) due to its reduced mass.

[0107] An actuating mechanism according to the present invention can be applied to a distributor equipping a vehicle with a thermal, hybrid or electric engine, implementing for example one or more temperature regulation systems and / or one or more air flow orientation systems.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Hydraulic rotary distributor comprising a housing (2) and a core (4), said housing (2) comprising a side wall (8), two end walls (6, 10) delimiting a hydraulic chamber, in which is housed the core (4) adapted to rotate in said chamber about an axis (XX') of rotation, at least one axial orifice (11), and at least one lateral orifice (12, 20), which open into the hydraulic chamber, the core (4) comprising a lateral surface (32) opposite the side wall (8) of the housing (2), an axial opening (18), at least one lateral orifice (34) and a conduit (38) or a chamber which connects said axial opening (18) and said lateral orifice (34) and which allows fluid circulation, from or to each of said lateral orifices (12, 20) depending on the angular position of the core in the housing, the core (4) comprising coupling means (28, 36, 36', 282) to couple the end of a shaft (330) of an actuator (33) to the core (4),these coupling means (28, 36, 36', 282) comprising a part (36, 36') having a groove (361) for receiving the end of a shaft (330) of an actuator (33), the core (4) having a housing (41) adapted to receive said part (36, 36'), so that the latter transmits a rotation from the shaft to the core.

2. Hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 1, said part (36, 36'), together with the housing (41), having a cylindrical shape, and being provided with a lug (360) of parallelepiped shape, the housing (41) having a reception space (282) for said lug.

3. Hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 2, said groove and said lug (360) extending in perpendicular or substantially perpendicular directions.

4. Hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 1, said part (36, 36') and the housing (41) having a parallelepiped shape.

5. 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 in which the core (4) is housed, adapted to rotate in said chamber about an axis (XX') of rotation, at least one axial orifice (11), and at least one lateral orifice (12, 20) opening into the hydraulic chamber, the core (4) comprising a lateral surface (32) facing the side wall (8) of the housing (2), an axial opening (18), at least one lateral orifice (34), and a conduit (38) or chamber which connects said axial opening (18) and said lateral orifice (34) and which allows fluid to circulate from or to each of said lateral orifices (12, 20) depending on the angular position of the core in the housing, the distributor further comprising return means (60, 61, 63) for returning the core (4) to an equilibrium or initial position after having been rotated into a position away from this equilibrium or initial position, said return means (60, 61, 63) comprising a torsion spring, one end of which is fixed to the core (4) and the other end is fixed to a part of the distributor which remains fixed when the core (4) is rotated.

6. Hydraulic rotary distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the sealing between the lateral surface of the core and the lateral wall of the housing (2) being ensured by the clearance between this lateral surface and this lateral wall.

7. Hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 6, wherein the clearance between the side surface and the side wall is between 50 pm and 300 pm.

8. Hydraulic rotary distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the core (4) comprising means (280) for limiting its rotation when driven in rotation by an actuator (33).

9. Hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 8, the core (4) having a slot in the shape of an arc of a circle into which a stop (181) fits.

10. Hydraulic rotary distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 9, one of the end walls (6) having an axial orifice (11) which extends substantially perpendicularly to said axis (XX') of rotation, the side wall of the housing having at least 2 lateral orifices (12, 20), which open into the hydraulic chamber, the core (4) having a lateral surface (32) opposite the side wall (8) of the housing (2), an axial face (18) opposite the axial orifice (11).

11. Hydraulic rotary distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the housing having at least 2 lateral ports (12, 20), said lateral outlet (34) of the core having a shape allowing, in at least one other intermediate angular position between said angular position and said angular position, a partial flow from, or towards, the 2 lateral ports simultaneously.

12. Hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 11, wherein said lateral orifice (34) of the core has an oblong or oval or ellipsoidal shape, elongated along an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis (XX') of rotation.

13. Hydraulic rotary distributor according to any one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the distance between the 2 furthest points of said lateral orifice (34) of the core is greater than the distance between the 2 lateral orifices (12,20) of the housing (2).

14. Hydraulic rotary distributor according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein said internal conduit (38) of the core connects the axial face (18) of the core and said lateral orifice (34) of the core, this conduit having a cross-section, perpendicular to a direction of fluid flow, which increases from the axial face (18) towards said lateral orifice (34).

15. Hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 14, wherein the cross-section of the inner conduit (38) increases by a value between 1% and 3% for any increase, between 5° and 15°, of an angle measured between the axial face (18) of the core and a plane perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow.

16. Hydraulic rotary distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, in the housing and / or the core are made of plastic material.

17. Hydraulic rotary distributor according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the housing has at least 2 lateral ports (12, 20), which are extended by conduits (12', 20') which extend along the axes (X12, X20), which have an intersection point (A) located behind the center (C) of the core (4) with respect to the lateral ports (12, 20) of the housing.

18. Hydraulic rotary solenoid valve comprising a distributor according to one of the preceding claims and an actuator (33) driving the core in rotation.

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

20. Method of distributing a fluid using a hydraulic rotary solenoid valve according to claim 18 or 19, the fluid being introduced through the axial orifice (11), for example along the direction of the axis (XX') of rotation or perpendicular to it, and being guided by the internal conduit (38) of the core towards the lateral orifice (34) thereof. then, depending on the orientation of the core in the housing (2), towards one and / or the other of the 2 lateral orifices (12, 20) of the housing.

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

22. A method according to claim 20 or 21, the fluid being a fuel cell coolant.

23. Method of distributing a fluid using a hydraulic rotary electro-distributor according to claim 18 or 19, fluids being introduced through the 2 lateral orifices (12, 20) of the housing, these fluids being guided by the internal conduit (38) of the core towards the axial orifice (11) and being at least partly mixed in this internal conduit (38).

24. Method according to claim 23, the 2 fluids being of the same nature or being the same, at different temperatures.

25. Method according to claim 24, one of the fluids coming from a heating component or element, for example a fuel cell, and the other coming from a cooling component or element, for example a radiator.

Images