Integrated seal distributor, and method of manufacture
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2022007735
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2022-07-27
- Publication Date
- 2025-02-21
- Estimated Expiration
- 2042-07-27
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: DISTRIBUTOR WITH INCORPORATED SEAL, AND METHOD OF PRODUCING SAME
[0001] TECHNICAL FIELD AND STATE OF THE PRIOR ART
[0002] The present invention relates to 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.
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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.
[0005] Rotary distributors, also known as ball valve distributors, 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 lead the liquid to the zone 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 an outer surface of revolution facing 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 facing the inlet, the other is facing the outlet.Thus by rotating the core in the chamber, one can allow or interrupt the circulation between the inlet and the outlet and therefore the circulation between the source of liquid and the area to be cooled.
[0006] In such a distributor, a seal between the core and the housing is usually obtained by using seals: the device must therefore provide grooves in which these seals are positioned. This results in a device and a production method which are complex. However, the aim is to produce distributors of simple, reliable design and comprising a reduced number of components.
[0007] There is also the problem of producing such a distributor in a simpler manner than by known methods, involving fewer manufacturing steps. In particular, a method is sought which does not require a step of assembling each seal with the core. Statement of the invention
[0008] 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.
[0009] The invention firstly 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 supply orifice, and at least one outlet orifice, which open(s) into the hydraulic chamber, the core comprising a lateral surface facing the side wall of the housing, an inlet opening, at least one lateral outlet and a conduit which connects said inlet opening and said lateral outlet and which allows a supply of each of said outlet orifices as a function of the angular position of the core in the housing.
[0010] The core further comprises at least one seal, or gasket, between the lateral surface of the core and an outlet orifice (or corresponding outlet orifice) of the side wall of the housing. Each seal may be molded onto or with the core and / or integrated with the core and / or non-removable from the core. For example, each seal is bonded to, or is directly adhered to, the lateral surface of the core by chemical and / or mechanical bonding. Each seal is arranged to close one of the outlet orifices in a given position of the core.
[0011] According to one embodiment, each joint may comprise one or more fixing and / or injection tab(s) in the lateral surface of the core.
[0012] According to a particular embodiment, the lateral surface of the core comprises at least one hollow housing, each containing or receiving said seal or one of said seal(s). Such a hollow housing may be provided for each seal, each containing or receiving a different seal.
[0013] For example, at least one, or each, housing includes a recessed area, preferably disposed centrally with respect to the housing, set back from the outer surface of the core, and which participates in closing the outlet orifice.
[0014] At least one housing, or each housing, may comprise an element, called a holding element, extending from a bottom surface of the housing, preferably arranged centrally in relation to it, and contributing to maintaining a seal in the housing.
[0015] At least one, or each, seal may comprise a lip forming a closed contour and of minimum dimension greater than that of the outlet orifice which corresponds to this seal.
[0016] In a hydraulic rotary distributor according to the invention:
[0017] - the housing can be made of plastic;
[0018] - and / or at least one, or each, seal, is made of a material suitable for use for a injection process, for example an elastomeric material;
[0019] - and / or the core is made of thermoplastic material, of the PPS type (polymer sulfide) polyphenylene), or PA (polyamide) or POM (polyoxymethylene or polyformaldehyde or polyacetal), or PA66 (polyamide incorporating nylon).
[0020] According to a particular embodiment of a hydraulic rotary distributor according to the invention:
[0021] - at least one feed port is in one of the end walls of the housing and extends substantially perpendicular to said axis of rotation;
[0022] - or said at least one feed orifice is in the side wall of the housing.
[0023] According to a particular embodiment of a hydraulic rotary distributor according to the invention, the side wall of the housing comprises a plurality of outlet orifices, the core comprising a plurality of seals, or to ensure sealing, between the side surface of the core and one of the outlet orifices of the side wall of the housing, each seal being irremovable relative to the core and being arranged to close one of the outlet orifices in a given position of the core.
[0024] For example, in such a hydraulic rotary distributor, the side wall of the housing has 2 outlet orifices, the core having 2 seals, or to ensure sealing, between the side surface of the core and one of the 2 outlet orifices of the side wall of the housing, each seal being irremovable relative to the core and being arranged to close one of the 2 outlet orifices in 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; the latter can therefore be located between 2 seals.
[0026] The invention also relates to a hydraulic rotary electrodistributor comprising a distributor according to the invention and an actuator driving the core in rotation.
[0027] The actuator comprises, for example, an output shaft aligned along the axis of rotation.
[0028] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a hydraulic rotary electrodistributor according to the invention, this method comprising:
[0029] - a step of bi-material injection of an assembly comprising the core and the joint(s);
[0030] - a step of introducing the core and the seal(s) 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 thermoplastic material, of the PPS type (polymer sulfide) polyphenylene), or PA (polyamide) or POM (polyoxymethylene or polyformaldehyde or polyacetal), or PA66 (polyamide incorporating nylon).
[0034] 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 supply orifice, and being guided by the inner conduit of the core towards the lateral outlet thereof and then, depending on the orientation of the core in the housing, towards one and / or the other of the outlet orifices.
[0035] According to one example, the fluid is a mixture of water and glycol, for example 60% water and 40% glycol.
[0036] This fluid may be, for example, a cooling fluid for a fuel cell. Brief description of the drawings
[0037] The present invention will be better understood on the basis of the description which follows and the appended drawings in which:
[0038] [Fig-1] is a sectional view of an example of a hydraulic rotary distributor to which the invention can be applied, this distributor comprising one inlet and two outlets.
[0039] [Fig.2A] is a front view of the rotating central portion of the distributor of [Fig. 1].
[0040] [Fig.2B] is a sectional view of the rotating central portion of the distributor of the [Fig.l].
[0041] [Fig.3] is a side view of the conduit of the rotating central part of the distributor of [Fig.l],
[0042] [Fig.4] is a sectional view, from above, of the housing and the core of the distributor, allowing partial flow towards each of the 2 outlet channels.
[0043] [Fig.5A] is a sectional view, from above, of the housing and the core of the distributor in a 1st switching state, allowing flow only towards one of the 2 distributor outlet channels.
[0044] [Fig.5B] is a sectional view, from above, of the housing and the core of the distributor in a 2nd switching state, allowing flow only towards the other of the 2 distributor outlet channels.
[0045] [Fig.6] is a view of a compartment of a lower part of the core for accommodating means for coupling with a shaft of an actuator.
[0046] [Fig.7A] is a sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the coupling means for coupling the core with a shaft of an actuator.
[0047] [Fig.7B] is a view of another exemplary embodiment of the coupling means for coupling the core with a shaft of an actuator.
[0048] [Fig.8] is a view illustrating an embodiment of return means making it possible to return the core to an initial position.
[0049] [Fig.9A] is a view of a distributor according to the invention, with axial supply.
[0050] [Fig.9B] is a sectional view of a rotary valve according to the invention, with axial feed.
[0051] [Fig.lOA]
[0052] [Fig.lOB]
[0053] [Fig. 10C] represent steps in producing a core of a rotary hydraulic distributor according to the invention.
[0054] [Fig. 11 A] is a top view, in section, of a radial feed distributor, in a 1st position of the nucleus;
[0055] [Fig. 1 IB] is a top view, in section, of a radial feed distributor, in a 2nd position of the core.
[0056] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS
[0057] In [Fig. 1], an exemplary embodiment of a rotary hydraulic distributor to which the invention can be applied can be seen. This distributor has one inlet and two outlets. It will be understood that the distributor may have one or more inlets and / or one or more outlets.
[0058] 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.
[0059] 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; in this example, the fluid therefore flows in a direction aligned with the axis XX', then is distributed, by the core 4, towards one or more lateral outlet(s) of the housing. 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).
[0060] 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 first conduit (not shown in the figure) intended for example to bring the liquid to a given zone, for example a zone to be cooled, and a second outlet orifice 12, which can be extended by a 2nd conduit (not shown in the figure) intended for example also to bring the liquid to another given zone, for example again a zone to be cooled. These conduits are assembled, for example by welding or using a clamp, on the basis of the orifices 12 and 20. 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'.
[0061] The housing 2 also comprises an engine cover 18, which can for example be 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). These two parts (cover and housing) can be one and the same part, for example if an injection or molding technique is used to make them.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'.
[0062] 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.
[0063] The device of [Fig.l] is shown assembled in [Fig.9A].
[0064] In Figures 2A - 2B, we can see the core 4 of also cylindrical shape of revolution of axis XX'. [Fig.2A] is a section of the core along a plane perpendicular to the axis XX'. This core 4 is mounted in the hydraulic chamber, in which it is able to rotate around the axis XX'. It has two end faces 28, 30 and a lateral surface 32, which is provided with parts 321, 322 forming a seal (these parts are described below), each being provided to close one of the outlet orifices 12 and 20, depending on the position of the core around the axis XX'.
[0065] 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 (FIGS. 2A and 2B) 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'. 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, depending on the position of the core around the axis XX'. 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. Similarly, one or more seal(s) 40 is / are advantageously provided between the end face 6 and the cover 18 to prevent liquid leakage. Reference 37' also designates a ball bearing.
[0066] A conduit 38, internal to the core 4, connects the fluid inlet opening 31 in the core 4 and the fluid outlet opening 34 from the core. An example of the shape of this conduit is shown in more detail in [Fig.3] and explained below.
[0067] The core 4 also comprises (see Figures 2A - 2B and 9B):
[0068] - a first seal 321, around a, or in a, so-called closure zone, of the lateral surface of the core 4, intended to close the outlet orifice 12, when this zone and this outlet orifice 12 are opposite,
[0069] - and a second seal 322 (visible in [Fig.2A] but not in [Fig.2B]), around one, or in a zone, also called a closure zone, of the lateral surface of the core 4, intended to close the outlet orifice 20, when this zone and this outlet orifice 20 are opposite.
[0070] The first seal 321 and the second seal 322 may be of identical or similar shape, as may their mounting on the core.
[0071] The first seal 321 is in a recessed housing 323 formed in the lateral surface of the core 4. The shape of the housing 323 corresponds to the shape of this first seal 321: the outer surface of the seal extends, or is flush with, the lateral surface 32 of the core 4.
[0072] The housing 323 may comprise:
[0073] - a zone 335, preferably flat and / or arranged centrally with respect to to the housing, preferably located set back from the outer surface of the core, or from the surface against which the seal is arranged, and which participates in closing the outlet orifice 12; this set back zone 335 has for example a circular or disc shape;
[0074] - and / or, in its center, an element 325, called a holding element, extending from the bottom of the housing 323, preferably arranged centrally relative to the latter, for example from the recessed area 335, and contributing to maintaining the seal 321 in the housing. This holding element has, for example, a circular shape.
[0075] The second seal 322 is also in a recessed housing 327 formed in the lateral surface of the core 4. The shape of the housing 327 corresponds to the external shape of the second seal 322: the external surface of the seal extends, or is flush with, the lateral surface 32 of the core 4.
[0076] As for housing 323, housing 327 may comprise:
[0077] - an area, identical or similar to area 335, preferably flat and / or arranged centrally relative to the housing 327, preferably located set back relative to the outer surface of the core, and which participates in closing the outlet orifice 20; this set back zone has, for example, a circular or disc shape;
[0078] - and / or in its center an element, called a holding element, extending from the bottom of the housing 327, preferably arranged centrally relative thereto, for example from the recessed area, and contributing to maintaining the seal 322 in the housing at its center. This holding element has, for example, a circular shape.
[0079] The first and second housings 323, 327 receiving the seals and the conduit 38 are arranged so as to allow selective flow between the outlet 34 of the conduit 38 and one and / or the other of the outlet orifices 12, 20 by modifying the angular position of the core 4 around the axis X.
[0080] The first seal 321 and the second seal 322 are mounted in the core relative to each other so that:
[0081] - in a 1st position (shown in [Fig.2B]), the housing 323, comprising the first seal 321, is opposite the outlet orifice 20 and completely interrupts the passage of liquid from the supply orifice to this outlet orifice 20, the liquid then flowing towards the other outlet orifice 12;
[0082] - and, in a 2nd position (not shown), the housing 327, comprising the second seal 322, is opposite the outlet orifice 12 and completely interrupts the passage of liquid from the supply orifice to this outlet orifice 12, the liquid then flowing towards the other outlet orifice 20.
[0083] As can be understood from [Fig.2B], around the outlet orifices, the seals come into contact with the inner face of the chamber 26.
[0084] In this example, the seals 321, 322 each have a substantially square or rectangular external shape, the corners of which may be rounded; alternatively the seals may be circular in shape (or have any other shape).
[0085] Each of the seals 321, 322 may comprise a through hole 341 (not shown for the seal 322) crossed by the holding element 325. The cross-sectional shape of the hole 341 corresponds to the external shape of the cross-section of the holding element 325, and their dimensions are such that the external surface of the holding element 325 comes into contact with the internal surface of the hole 341 so as to ensure a sealed contact (the same description applies to the seal 322).
[0086] Preferably, each of the seals 321, 322 comprises:
[0087] - a projecting element forming a closed contour around the outlet orifice which it is intended to close, or around the hole 341, so as to form a continuous lip or bead around this orifice or this hole 341. In this example the lip is annular;
[0088] - and / or one or more lateral legs or stud(s), located in the core wall, which may result from an injection or molding process, and which contribute(s) to maintaining the seal in its housing 323, 327 and / or which result(s) from the injection process.
[0089] The inner diameter, or smallest inner dimension, of the lip is greater than the diameter, or largest dimension, of the outlet orifice 20 that the corresponding seal is intended to seal. Preferably, the lip has a shape corresponding to the outer contour of the outlet orifices 20 and 12. If the outlet orifices were elliptical in shape, the lip would preferably also have an elliptical shape.
[0090] Preferably:
[0091] - each of the seals 321, 322 is made of a material suitable for use in a process injection, it is for example an elastomeric material; an example is TV6VAN (LTP / PA Series) THERMOLAST® V from Kraiburg TPE, which can have a hardness of 60 Shore A (DIN ISO 48-4), and a density of 0.930 g / cm3 (DIN EN ISO 1183-1);
[0092] - the core 4 is made of thermoplastic material, for example of the PPS type (polyphenylene sulfide), or PA (polyamide) or POM (polyoxymethylene or polyformaldehyde or polyacetal), or PA66 (PA with nylon);
[0093] Thus the assembly comprising the core 4 and the seals 321, 322 can be produced by a two-material injection process (close to overmolding). This makes it possible to produce this assembly in a single process and not to have to mount a removable seal in an orifice provided for this purpose in the core.
[0094] The assembly comprising the core 4 and the seals 321, 322, forms a single piece, the seals not being removable relative to the core or detachable from it. The seals are connected to the core by a chemical bond or adhesive and / or by one or more of the lateral tabs, contributing to a firm hold of the seal in position in its housing, including during rotational movements of the core in the housing. This assembly can then be introduced into the housing, which can itself be produced by an injection and / or molding technique, for example by plastic injection.
[0095] A preferred form of the conduit 38 is shown in more detail in [Fig. 3], in which it can be seen that this conduit can widen, from the inlet opening 31, which is for example circular, towards the outlet opening 34, which is preferably of elongated shape as explained below.
[0096] A plane P, substantially orthogonal to the direction of flow of the fluid, is shown in [Fig.3]: this plane P makes an angle α 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 can increase, for example linearly, as the angle α increases. This progressive increase allows a reduction in pressure losses.
[0097] The table below indicates, for different values of the angle a, different values of the surface S which, as already indicated above, increases as the angle a increases. [Table] Section Gap to Gap to Position (mm2) preceding the initial 0° 2017.91 10° 2045.51 20 2081.97 30° 2125.2 5% 40° 2173 11(1111111111 50° 2223.02 iilliiiiiiiiiii 10% 60' 2272.66 llllllllll 70" 2319.19 15% 80° 2359.7 90' 2391.16 18% Final 2412.57 20%
[0098] 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).
[0099] For example, for each increase in angle a of 10°, or more generally between 7° and 12°, the surface area S can be increased by a relative value of between 1 and 3%, for example 2%.
[0100] 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'.
[0101] The distance d ([Fig.2A]) between the most distant points of this opening along the axis YY' is preferably greater than the distance dl which separates 2 neighboring outlet openings 12, 20, of the rotation housing 2, as illustrated in [Fig.4], which represents, schematically, the housing 2, with its 2 outlets 12, 20 and the core 4 with its outlet orifice 34. In [Fig.4], the latter partially opens onto outlet 12 and partially onto outlet 20, thus allowing a 1st flow F12 to flow through outlet 12 and a 2nd flow F20 to flow through outlet 20. 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 partially opens onto outlet 12 and partially onto outlet 20 and, for each of these positions, the ratio of the flows is different from what it is in the other positions. In [Fig.4], the seals 321, 322 are also shown, none of them completely closing one of the outlet channels 12, 20.
[0102] 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, the part of the core 4 which includes the seal 322 completely closing the outlet path 12) and 5B (outlet of the flow entirely towards the outlet 12, the part of the core 4 which includes the seal 322 completely closing the outlet path 20).
[0103] The coupling means 36 of a device as described above may have the shape(s) shown in Figures 1, 6, 7A, 7B: these means have for example the shape of a cylinder ([Fig.7A]) in the lower part of which is made a groove 361 which makes it possible to receive the end of the shaft 330 of the actuator 33 (see [Fig.1]). The coupling part 36 is itself housed in a lower compartment 41 of the core 4 (see Figures 6 and 7A) and comprises, in its upper part, a lug 360, for example of parallelepipedal 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 extends in a direction perpendicular to the lug, which makes it possible to compensate for or recover from coaxiality or alignment defects along the 2 axes perpendicular to the axis of rotation XX'.
[0104] 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 ([Fig.7A]) into which the lug 360 is inserted.
[0105] As a variant (see [Fig.7B]), the coupling means 36' have a parallelepiped shape in the lower part comprising a slot 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 7B) 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.
[0106] Advantageously, the lower face 28 of the core 4 has a circular groove 280 (see figures 1 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 of the latter; the initial position can correspond to a flow of 0 in the outlet 20, the final position can correspond to a flow of 0 in the outlet 12.
[0107] According to another aspect of the invention, a return spring, for example a torsion spring, may be connected, by one of its ends, to the core 4 and, by its other end, to a part which remains fixed when the core is rotated, for example the cover or end piece 10. Thus, the actuator 33 may rotate the core from a 1st position to a 2nd position, stopping the actuation of the actuator automatically causing the core to return to its 1st position, 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 [Fig.8], in which a torsion spring 60 is 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 an inner part of the inlet cover 10.
[0108] 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: - comprising an injection of the fluid, not axially (along the axis XX') as described above, but laterally to the body 2; - 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 the sections of the openings 12, 20.
[0109] Preferably, the housing 2 is 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 is made of polyphthalamide, for example of the PA6T / 6LGF30 type, very advantageously filled with PTFE.
[0110] Furthermore, the housing is preferably made by injection molding which simplifies its 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 injection molding the core around this shape; in these figures, the 2-part shape 38-1 and 38-2 also has a section which increases, but less gradually than in the case of [Fig.3].
[0111] [Fig.9A] represents an embodiment of the entire distributor of [Fig. 1], after assembly. The references are those already described above in connection with [Fig. 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.
[0112] [Fig.9B] represents an exploded view of this same assembly, with the seal 321 which ensures sealing with respect to the outlet channel 20, the liquid flowing towards the outlet channel 12.
[0113] A core with its sealing means as described above can be applied not only to the distributors described above in connection with the previously commented figures, but also to any other distributor implementing a rotary element in a distribution body, in particular to any distributor: - 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, as explained in connection with figures 11A-11B, described below;
[0114] - and / or for which the core comprises a section distribution channel 38 uniform 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.
[0115] Figures 1 IA - 1 1B represent an application of the invention to an injection of the fluid, radially or laterally relative to the body 2. In these figures, numerical references identical to those of the preceding figures designate identical or corresponding elements.
[0116] Figures 1 1A, 1 1B are sectional views, from above, of a radial injection distributor. The inlet orifice 31 of the core is made in the wall 38 and directs the fluid from this inlet orifice to one of the 2 outlet orifices 12, 20, depending on the rotational position of the core 4 in the housing.
[0117] In these figures, the seals 321, 322 can be seen, the seal 321 in its housing 323 closing, in [Fig. 1 IA], the outlet orifice 20, while the seal 322 is turned towards a portion of the wall and then does not perform its function. These seals 321, 322 have the same structure and are made in the same way as above; in particular, each seal is formed in a corresponding housing 323, 327, the description already given above applying.
[0118] The drive means of this lateral injection distributor may be those described above, in particular in connection with figures 1, 6-9A.
[0119] Here, as in the embodiment of Figures 5-5B, the conduit 38 is wide, allowing simultaneous supply of each of the outlet conduits 12, 20 ([Fig. 11 B]). Alternatively, this conduit may be narrower, allowing supply of only one outlet conduit at a time. As a further variant, a distributor according to the invention may comprise one or more supply orifices, and / or one or more outlet orifice(s).
[0120] The operation of the distributor will now be described.
[0121] The supply inlet 11 is connected to a source of pressurized liquid, for example a pump connected to a liquid reservoir, and the two outlet ports 12, 20 are connected for example to a thermal or electric motor to be cooled.
[0122] When it is desired to supply the outlet orifice 20 with a maximum flow rate, the core 4 is rotated 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].
[0123] When it is desired to supply the outlet orifice 12 with a maximum flow rate, the core 4 is rotated 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].
[0124] As already explained above, the core 4 can take any intermediate angular position to ensure proportional supply of the outlet orifices 12 and 20.
[0125] Other relative angular orientations of the outputs 12 and 20 are conceivable.
[0126] The invention makes it possible to provide a dispenser with reliable operation while substantially relaxing the constraints on dimensions, surface finishes, required materials and manufacturing processes.
[0127] 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 into the second end or more and one or more outlet ports. 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.
[0128] The distributor, 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.
[0129] The distributor according to the present invention is suitable for equipping all vehicles with thermal, hybrid or electric engines, implementing for example one or more temperature regulation systems and / or one or more air flow orientation systems.
Claims
Claims
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) capable of rotating in said chamber around an axis (XX') of rotation, at least one supply orifice (11), and at least one outlet orifice (12, 20), which open(s) into the hydraulic chamber, the core (4) comprising a lateral surface (32) facing the side wall (8) of the housing (2), an inlet opening (18), at least one lateral outlet (34) and a conduit (38) or a chamber which connects said inlet opening (18) and said lateral outlet (34) and which allows a supply of each of said outlet orifices (12, 20) as a function of the angular position of the core in the housing, the core further comprising at least one seal (321, 322) sealing between the lateral surface of the core and an outlet orifice (12,20) of the side wall of the housing (2), the seal(s) and the core forming a single piece, each seal (321, 322) being irremovable relative to the core, each seal also comprising one or more fixing and / or injection tab(s) in the lateral surface (32) of the core (4).,
2. Hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 1, in which each seal is bonded to, or is directly adhered to, the lateral surface (32) of the core (4) by chemical and / or mechanical bonding and / or made in a single block with the core.
3. Hydraulic rotary distributor according to one of claims 1 to 2, in which the lateral surface (32) of the core (4) comprises at least one hollow housing (232, 327), each containing or receiving said seal or one of said seal(s) (321, 322).
4. A hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 3, wherein at least one housing (323, 327) comprises a recessed area (335), preferably arranged centrally with respect to the housing, located set back from the outer surface of the core, and which participates in closing the outlet orifice (12, 20).
5. Hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 3 or 4, wherein at least one housing (323, 327) comprises an element (325), called a holding element, extending from a bottom surface of the housing (323, 327), preferably arranged centrally relative thereto, and contributing to holding the seal (321, 323) in the housing.
6. Hydraulic rotary distributor according to one of claims 1 to 5, the, or each, seal (321, 322) comprising a lip forming a closed contour and of minimum dimension greater than that of the outlet orifice (20) which the seal must close.
7. Hydraulic rotary distributor according to one of the preceding claims, in which housing is made of plastic.
8. Hydraulic rotary distributor according to one of the preceding claims, in which: - each seal (321, 322) is made of a material suitable for use in an injection process, for example an elastomeric material; - and / or the core (4) is made of a thermoplastic material, of the PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) type, or PA (polyamide) or POM (polyoxymethylene or polyformaldehyde or polyacetal), or PA66 (polyamide incorporating nylon).
9. Hydraulic rotary distributor according to one of the preceding claims, in which said at least one supply orifice (11) is in one of the end walls (6) of the housing and extends substantially perpendicular to said axis (XX') of rotation.
10. Hydraulic rotary distributor according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said at least one supply orifice (11) is in the side wall of the housing.
11. Hydraulic rotary distributor according to one of claims 1 to 10, the side wall of the housing (2) comprising a plurality of outlet orifices (12, 20), the core comprising a plurality of sealing gaskets (321, 322) between the lateral surface of the core and one of the outlet orifices of the side wall of the housing (2), each gasket (321, 322) being irremovable relative to the core and being arranged to close one of the outlet orifices (12, 20) in a given position of the core.
12. Hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 11, the side wall of the housing (2) comprising 2 outlet orifices (12, 20), the core comprising 2 seals (321, 322) for sealing between the side surface of the core and one of the 2 outlet orifices of the side wall of the housing (2), each seal (321, 322) being irremovable relative to the core and being arranged to close one of the 2 outlet orifices (12, 20) in a given position of the core.
13. Hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 12, each of the 2 seals being arranged on one side (321, 322) of the lateral outlet (34) of the core.
14. Hydraulic rotary solenoid valve comprising a valve according to one of the preceding claims and an actuator (33) driving the core in rotation.
15. Hydraulic rotary solenoid valve according to the preceding claim, the actuator comprising an output shaft (330) aligned along the axis (XX') of rotation.
16. Method for manufacturing a hydraulic rotary solenoid valve according to one of claims 1 to 13, this method comprising: - a step of two-material injection of an assembly comprising the core (4) and the seal(s) (321, 322); - a step of introducing the core and the seal(s) into the housing.
17. Method according to the preceding claim, in which: - each seal (321, 322) is made of an elastomeric material; - and / or the core (4) is made of a thermoplastic material, of the PPS (polyphenylene sulfide) type, or PA (polyamide) or POM (polyoxymethylene or polyformaldehyde or polyacetal), or PA66 (polyamide incorporating nylon).
18. Method of dispensing a fluid using an electro-distributor
19.
20. hydraulic rotary according to claim 14 or 15, the fluid being introduced through the supply orifice (11), and being guided by the internal conduit (38) of the core towards the lateral outlet (34) thereof then, depending on the orientation of the core in the housing (2), towards one and / or the other of the outlet orifices (12, 20). Method according to the preceding claim, the fluid being a mixture of water and glycol. The method of claim 18, the fluid being a cooling fluid for a fuel cell.