Proportional valve

Abstract

Title: Proportional Valve The invention relates to a valve device comprising a sealing system including at least one seal (141a, 141b) having a closed circumference and disposed in contact with a main body and an intermediate piece, such that the main body and the intermediate piece, together with the at least one seal (141a, 141b), form a chamber (15), a rotation axis passing through the chamber (15), and at least one opening located inside the chamber (15), regardless of the angular position of the intermediate piece. The toothing and the toothed gear are located outside the chamber (15), such that the fluid entering the chamber (15) from at least one first inlet (111a, 111b) exits the chamber (15) only through at least one first outlet (112). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 5

Description

Title of the invention: Proportional valve technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of distribution valves. Its application is particularly advantageous in the field of fuel cells. It may also be a distribution valve intended for integration into a thermal control loop. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Several types of valve devices exist for varying the flow volume of a fluid between one or more inlets and one or more outlets. For example, some of these devices allow the flow rate of two inlet fluids to be varied in order to obtain, through mixing, an outlet fluid whose temperature is proportional to the flow rates and therefore to the respective temperatures of the inlet fluids.

[0003] However, known solutions generally do not offer a satisfactory adjustment because they are imprecise or unreliable over time.

[0004] An object of the present invention is therefore to propose a solution allowing precise and reliable adjustment over time.

[0005] The other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from an examination of the following description and accompanying drawings. It is understood that other advantages may be incorporated. SUMMARY

[0006] To achieve this objective, according to one embodiment, a valve device is provided, which includes:

[0007] a main body having a conduit suitable for allowing the circulation of a fluid, the conduit extending from at least one first inlet to at least one first outlet,

[0008] a drive component comprising a toothed pinion mounted to rotate around an axis called the motor shaft,

[0009] an intermediate part having a toothed surface on at least a portion of its periphery, the toothed surface and the toothed pinion being configured to cooperate so that the rotation of the drive part around the motor shaft causes a rotation of the intermediate part, relative to the main body, around an axis called the axis of rotation parallel to the motor shaft,

[0010] the intermediate piece being located inside the main body and having at least one opening through which the fluid is intended to pass in order to flow from at least one first inlet to at least one first outlet,

[0011] the device being configured so that the opening defines a free section for the passage of the fluid which varies according to the angular position of the intermediate part around the axis of rotation,

[0012] the valve device comprising a sealing system including at least one sealing gasket having a closed perimeter projecting in a transverse plane, perpendicular to the axis of rotation, at least one sealing gasket being disposed in contact with the main body and the intermediate part,

[0013] The device is configured so that in projection in the transverse plane, regardless of the angular position of the intermediate part around the axis of rotation, the axis of rotation and at least one opening are located inside the closed perimeter, the axis of the motor being located outside the closed perimeter.

[0014] Thus, only one area needs to be managed to ensure the sealing of the entire device. This area encompasses at least one opening in the intermediate part. Therefore, the sealing gasket is not in contact with an edge defining the perimeter of the opening. Wear on the gasket is thus reduced and better controlled. Furthermore, the fluid cannot escape from the chamber through the opening. Moreover, the drive shaft and the toothing are located outside the chamber and are therefore not in contact with the fluid. Consequently, it is not necessary to provide sealing for the rotational drive of the intermediate part. Without the present invention, it would be necessary to manage several sealing areas simultaneously, which would necessarily complicate the device and consequently reduce its reliability.

[0015] Thanks to this solution, it is possible, with a simple implementation, to vary the free section(s) of passage of the fluid according to a setting in proportion to the incoming fluids.

[0016] The present invention advantageously allows interchangeability of the intermediate piece according to needs, for example, the use of an intermediate piece having a different shape of opening so as to optimize partial openings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0017] The aims, objects, features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the detailed description of an embodiment thereof, which is illustrated by the following accompanying drawings in which:

[0018] [Fig. 1] Fig. 1 represents a perspective view of a first example of valve device.

[0019] [Fig.2] Fig.2 represents a perspective view of the first example device of the valve in which the inlet portion has been removed.

[0020] [Fig.3] Fig.3 represents a view along a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the first example of a valve device shown in Fig.2.

[0021] [Fig.4] Fig.4 represents a cross-sectional view along a plane including the axis of rotation of the first example of a valve device.

[0022] [Fig.5] [Fig.5] represents a perspective view of a section along a plane including the axis of rotation of the first example of a valve device shown in [Fig.4],

[0023] [Fig.6] Fig.6 represents a perspective view of a second example of a valve device.

[0024] [Fig.7] Fig.7 represents a perspective view of the second example of a valve device in which the inlet portion has been removed.

[0025] [Fig.8] Fig.8 represents a view along a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the second example of valve device shown in Fig.7.

[0026] [Fig.9] Figures 9 and 10 represent a view along a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the second example of valve device in two respective configurations.

[0027] [Fig. 10]

[0028] The drawings are given by way of example and are not limiting of the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and are not necessarily to scale with practical applications. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Before proceeding with a detailed review of embodiments of the invention, optional features that may be used in combination or alternatively are listed below:

[0030] According to one example, the intermediate piece has at least one opening and is located between the at least first inlet and the at least first outlet according to the direction of fluid flow.

[0031] According to one example, the intermediate part is located between the at least first input and the at least first output in projection along the axis of rotation.

[0032] According to one example, the main body comprises an inlet portion and an outlet portion distinct from the inlet portion, the inlet portion and the outlet portion being configured to be joined together, for example by bolting elements, the intermediate piece being located between the inlet portion and the outlet portion.

[0033] This makes it possible, in particular, to facilitate the manufacturing steps and avoid undercuts. In addition, the detachable system allows for interchangeability of the intermediate piece for an additional intermediate piece having at least one opening with a different shape.

[0034] According to one example, the intermediate piece has a first face turned towards the inlet portion and a second face turned towards the outlet portion, the sealing system comprising at least a first sealing gasket disposed in contact with the inlet portion of the main body and the first face of the intermediate piece and a second sealing gasket disposed in contact with the outlet portion of the main body and the second face of the intermediate piece.

[0035] According to one example, each of the joints has a closed perimeter in projection in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0036] According to one example, the sealing system comprises at least two sealing gaskets, each having an inner face in contact with the intermediate part and an outer face in contact with the body, each of the faces extending mainly along planes parallel to the transverse plane, preferably, in projection in the transverse plane, the perimeters of the two gaskets are superimposed.

[0037] According to one example, the at least two sealing gaskets each have a circular perimeter whose center is aligned with the axis of rotation.

[0038] According to one example, the device is configured so that at least one sealing gasket is clamped between the intermediate part and the main body.

[0039] According to one example, the main body and the intermediate piece together with at least one sealing joint form a chamber, so that the fluid entering the chamber from at least one first inlet escapes from the chamber through at least one first outlet only.

[0040] According to one example, the axis of rotation passes through the chamber, with at least one opening located inside the chamber, regardless of the angular position of the intermediate piece, preferably with the toothing and the toothed pinion located outside the chamber.

[0041] According to one example, the chamber presents: - at least one inlet orifice providing fluidic communication between the chamber and at least one first inlet, - at least one outlet orifice putting the chamber into fluidic communication with at least one first outlet.

[0042] According to one example, at least one inlet port and / or at least one outlet port is located inside the chamber.

[0043] According to an example, in projection in the transverse plane, at least one of the following elements, preferably all of the following elements, are inside said closed perimeter: - at least one inlet orifice, - at least one outlet.

[0044] This makes it possible in particular to maintain the sealing of the chamber and to prevent fluids from circulating at the level of the notched elements or from escaping from the device other than through the first outlet.

[0045] According to an example, in projection onto the transverse plane, at least one of the following elements, preferably all of the following elements, are located outside the closed perimeter: - the notching of the intermediate piece, - the toothed pinion.

[0046] According to an example, the main direction of extension of the inlet and / or outlet channel or the main direction of flow at the level of the inlet / outlet orifice are along axes parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0047] According to one example, the intermediate piece includes a centering portion on its periphery, the centering portion being configured so as to cooperate with a housing of the main body.

[0048] Preferably, the housing for the main body is a recess which has at least one cylindrical surface.

[0049] Advantageously, the centering of the intermediate piece is not done at its center.

[0050] According to one example, the centering portion is shaped to guide the intermediate part in rotation around the axis of rotation.

[0051] According to one example, at least one sealing gasket is fixed securely to the main body so as to slide in contact with the intermediate part when the latter is driven in rotation around the axis of rotation.

[0052] According to one example, the device comprises exactly two inputs and one output, preferably the output being centered between the two inputs according to a projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0053] According to one example, the sealing system comprises exactly two sealing gaskets.

[0054] According to one example, the motor axis is parallel to the axis of rotation but not coaxial with the axis of rotation.

[0055] Thus, the motor axis is off-center with respect to the axis of rotation.

[0056] The drive axis and the rotation axis are preferably separated by a non-zero distance DXi. This distance is measured in a plane perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0057] According to an example, the distance DXi at least equal to 2 / 3 of the radius R of the intermediate piece measured between the axis of rotation and the notching and preferably DX[>R.

[0058] The toothed pinion is advantageously driven in rotation by a drive shaft.

[0059] According to one example, the drive part is configured to rotate about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0060] According to one example, the intermediate piece includes two openings.

[0061] According to one example, the opening is teardrop-shaped. The teardrop shape advantageously maintains a free passage area so that the outlet flow rate remains constant when the intermediate part is rotated about the axis of rotation.

[0062] According to one example, the openings are symmetrical with respect to a plane containing the axis of rotation.

[0063] According to one example, the intermediate piece includes an opening in its center.

[0064] Advantageously, the conduit passes through the chamber.

[0065] According to one example, the openings are configured so as to maintain a constant free passage area during rotation of the intermediate part. Thus, regardless of the angular position of the intermediate part around the axis of rotation, the free passage area remains constant.

[0066] In other words, the openings are configured so that the free passage area remains constant regardless of the angular position of the intermediate piece around the axis of rotation.

[0067] It is specified that, within the framework of the present invention, the term "periphery" with regard to the serrations of the intermediate part does not necessarily refer to serrations on the edge, the field, or the radial end of said intermediate part. It shall refer to the enlarged area near the edge of the intermediate part, as opposed to the central area in which the openings are located. The serrations may, for example, be situated between the openings and the edge of said intermediate part. More generally, serrations located at the periphery mean that they are contained within an area extending from the outer edge to an area located at 1 / 3 of the radius of the intermediate part.

[0068] The invention relates to a valve device 1 configured to allow the flow volume of at least one fluid, preferably two incoming fluids, to be varied, and to allow their mixing and release. The device 1 according to the present invention comprises an intermediate piece 13 configured to be driven in rotation about an axis of rotation Xn. The intermediate piece 13 allows the flow volume of at least one incoming fluid to be selectively varied. Preferably, in the embodiment with two incoming fluids, the intermediate piece 13 allows, depending on its angular position, the flow volume of the respective fluids to be varied. Thus, it is possible to adjust the distribution of the incoming fluids according to a chosen proportion.

[0069] The present invention therefore preferentially allows for the control of the mixing of a first fluid and a second fluid mixed into a single fluid in a hy- circuit draulic in a continuous manner.

[0070] Due to its structural architecture, the valve device is configured so that the shape of the disc and the sealing system allow for proportional adaptation to the gear reduction requirements of the motor. Thus, the larger the passage area and the larger the disc, the greater the gear reduction.

[0071] As illustrated in the non-limiting embodiments of the figures, the device includes an intermediate piece configured to be driven in rotation about an axis of rotation Xn.

[0072] The valve device 1 comprises at least a first inlet 11a, a second inlet 111b and a first outlet 112. According to one example, the device 1 is thus configured to regulate a fluidic flow between the inlets and outlets through the openings 132a, 132b of the intermediate part 13. The drive of the intermediate part 13 is effected by an external offset motor.

[0073] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 5, and according to a particular embodiment, the valve device 1 comprises a main body 11. The main body 11 comprises an inlet portion 1a and an outlet portion 11b. The inlet portion 1a and the outlet portion 11b are configured to be rigidly joined together. The inlet portion 1a comprises a first inlet 11a and a second inlet 11b. The outlet portion 11b comprises a first outlet 112 such that the liquid entering through the respective inlets 11a and 11b is returned as a mixture through the first outlet 112. According to an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the device comprises at least two outlets 112 and / or at least two inlets 11a, 11b.

[0074] The assembly of the first 1 la and second 11b portions is carried out for example by means of bolting elements 16. Preferably the bolting elements 16 are distributed around the periphery of at least one of the two portions between the inlet portion 1 la and the outlet portion 11b.

[0075] According to this embodiment, the inlet portion lia comprises two inlets 111a, 111b directed in adjacent directions and configured to allow connection to two separate sources, for example via fluidic connectors, possibly separate. Preferably, the inlets 111a, 111b are directed in a direction parallel to a principal fluid flow axis Xn, substantially parallel to the direction in which the first outlet 112 is directed.

[0076] The present invention thus makes it possible at the same time to vary the flow volume of a fluid between at least one inlet and at least one outlet while offering low pressure losses.

[0077] As illustrated in [Fig. 4] and according to the same example, the intermediate piece 13 is positioned by means of a sealing gasket 141b, in contact with the portion of outlet 11b. Preferably, the intermediate part 13 is positioned in a recess in the outlet portion 11b. Thus, the intermediate part 13 is advantageously centered in the bottom of said recess. The recess in the main body 11 is advantageously configured to allow rotational guidance of the intermediate part 13.

[0078] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate piece 13 is simultaneously positioned in a recess in the outlet portion 11b and in a recess in the inlet portion 1a. Thus, the intermediate piece is positioned as a filter between the inlet portion 1a and the outlet portion 11b.

[0079] Advantageously, the device 1 comprises a drive part 12. The drive part 12 is offset relative to the axis of rotation Xn. Thus, the toothed pinion 121 is positioned on the periphery of the intermediate part 13. The toothed pinion 121 is configured to mesh with a toothed section 131 of the intermediate part 13 such that the rotation of the drive part 12 about the drive axis Xi2 causes the rotation of the intermediate part 13 about the axis of rotation Xn. Preferably, at least two axes among the drive axis Xn, the axis of rotation Xn, and the main fluid flow axis Xn are substantially parallel to each other.

[0080] Thus, reducing the motor torque associated with peripheral drive rather than drive at the axis of rotation Xn allows, in particular, the use of a smaller motor with lower energy consumption. Furthermore, this further reduces the load loss.

[0081] According to one example, the drive part 12 is driven in rotation about the motor axis X[2, by means of a motor shaft 2 connected to a motor, preferably a stepper motor.

[0082] According to one example, a power supply enables the motor to be driven in order to change the angular position of the intermediate part. However, no power consumption is required when the intermediate part is in a fixed angular position. In the event of a change in the setpoint, the motor then drives the drive shaft so as to allow the intermediate part to rotate to a desired angular position.

[0083] The intermediate piece 13 has at least one opening 132a, 132b. As illustrated in [Fig. 3], it may have two openings 132a, 132b configured to allow the fluid from the first inlet 11a and from the second inlet 111b to pass to the outlet 112. The outlet portion 11b has two outlet ports 112'. Projected onto a transverse plane Pn, perpendicular to the axis of rotation Xu, the openings 132a, 132b communicate with the outlet ports 112' through a free passage section 132' formed by the openings 132a, 132b and suitable for allowing the fluid to pass to the first outlet 112. The transverse plane Pn is illustrated in figures 3, 4 and 8.

[0084] According to a particular embodiment, the intermediate part 13 is a disc whose diameter is substantially equal between 40 mm and 60 mm and preferably equal to 50 mm.

[0085] The openings 132a, 132b are advantageously located in a central portion of the intermediate part 13. At least one opening 132a, 132b is located between the axis of rotation Xn and the notch 131.

[0086] According to an embodiment preferred by the present invention, the intermediate piece 13 comprises two openings 132, preferably the two openings 132a, 132b are symmetrical about a plane including the axis of rotation Xn.

[0087] As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5 and according to a preferred embodiment, the device 1 comprises a sealing system 14. The sealing system 14 comprises at least one sealing gasket 141a, 141b. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sealing system 14 comprises two sealing gaskets 141a, 141b.

[0088] Each sealing joint 141a, 141b has a closed perimeter and is disposed in contact with the main body 11 and the intermediate part 13.

[0089] According to one example, the sealing gasket 141a, 141b has an inner face 1411 in contact with the intermediate part 13 and an outer face 1412 in contact with the main body 11. Each of the faces can extend mainly along planes parallel to the transverse plane. These faces are illustrated in [Fig. 4].

[0090] These are preferably lip seals or O-rings.

[0091] Thus, the sealing system 14 coupled with the intermediate part 13 ensures a perfect seal with the external motorization.

[0092] As illustrated in [Fig.5], the main body 11 and the intermediate piece 13 together with at least one sealing joint 141a, 141b form a chamber 15 so that the axis of rotation Xn passes through the chamber 15.

[0093] The device 1 is configured so that at least one opening 132a, 132b is located inside the chamber 15, regardless of the angular position of the intermediate piece 13.

[0094] The notching 131 and the toothed pinion 121 are located outside the chamber 15, so that the fluid entering the chamber 15 from at least one first inlet 111a escapes from the chamber 15 through at least one first outlet 112 only.

[0095] According to a particular embodiment, the sealing system 14 comprises a first sealing gasket 141a having a closed perimeter and disposed in contact with the inlet portion 1la and the intermediate part 13. Advantageously the sealing gasket 141a is fixed rigidly to the inlet portion 1la.

[0096] The sealing system 14 preferably includes a second sealing gasket 141b having a closed perimeter and disposed in contact with the outlet portion 11b and the intermediate part 13.

[0097] Advantageously the device comprises two sealing gaskets 141a and 141b and is configured so that they are fixed respectively to the inlet portion 1la and to the outlet portion 11b.

[0098] As illustrated in [Fig. 4], the two branches of the conduit, originating from the first two inlets 111, join downstream of the intermediate piece 13, along the main direction of fluid flow. In effect, the device allows the first fluid from the first inlet 111a to mix with the second fluid from the second inlet 111b.

[0099] The device 1 is thus configured to selectively allow the fluid from at least one first inlet 11a to flow to the first outlet 112. The volume and / or flow rate of the outlet fluid can be directly dependent on the angular position of the intermediate part 13. The at least one first inlet 111a opens at the intermediate part 13 through at least one inlet port 111'.

[0100] Depending on the angular positioning of the intermediate piece 13, the openings 132a, 132b will for example be positioned or offset relative to the inlet ports 111a according to the transverse plane Pn.

[0101] According to a particular embodiment, the set of openings 132a, 132b are shaped so that the free passage section 132' remains with a constant area in the transverse plane Pn regardless of the angular position of the intermediate piece 13.

[0102] Thus, it is possible to vary the proportions of the volume of a first fluid from the first inlet 111a relative to the volume of a second fluid from the second inlet 111b, both passing through the free passage section 132' while maintaining a constant flow rate.

[0103] As illustrated in [Fig.5] and by way of example, the main body 11, the intermediate piece 13 and the sealing system 14, define a chamber 15 configured to allow the passage of incoming fluids.

[0104] Thus, chamber 15 is a central area free from any sealing constraints.

[0105] Preferably, the incoming fluids necessarily pass through this chamber 15. Preferably, the openings 132a, 132b are included in this chamber 15. The toothed pinion 121 and the toothing 131 of the intermediate part 13 are outside the chamber 15.

[0106] As illustrated in [Fig. 6] and by way of example, the device may have a structure that further reduces the motor torque requirement, and therefore the motor sizing, without significantly altering the volumes of the chamber 15 and fluid passages. This is achieved by increasing the distance between the motor axis Xn and the rotation axis Xn, through an increase in the peripheral area outside chamber 15. In this example, without significantly changing the size of the chamber and fluid passages compared to the previous example, the diameter of the intermediate part 13 can thus be increased, for example, from 40 mm to 100 mm or from 50 mm to 75 mm. This also allows for better angular accuracy in the movement of the intermediate part 13 relative to the motor. In this example, the inlet portion 1a and the outlet portion 11b are joined together by bolts 16. Preferably, the bolts 16 are screwed into the tapped holes 113.

[0107] As illustrated in [Fig. 7] and by way of example, the intermediate piece 13 is positioned in a recess in the main body 11. The recess advantageously comprises at least one cylindrical rim, and the intermediate piece 13 advantageously comprises unserrated flanks 13a or a circular overall envelope such that the flanks 13a cooperate by sliding with the at least one cylindrical rim to allow centering of the intermediate piece 13 and its rotational guidance about the axis of rotation Xi3 and relative to the main body 11. This rotational guidance from the flanks 13a eliminates the need for center guidance, which would have required managing the sealing of the device 1 in an additional area. Furthermore, this type of configuration significantly reduces the overall size.

[0108] The flanks 13a are advantageously located on the periphery of the intermediate piece 13.

[0109] As illustrated in [Fig.8], the device 1 is in a median configuration and the intermediate piece 13 at least partially closes an inlet orifice 111' so as to define a free passage section 132' corresponding to the intersection between the opening 132a, 132b and the inlet orifice 111' in projection in the transverse plane Pn.

[0110] According to an example illustrated in [Fig. 9], the device is in a configuration in which the intermediate piece 13 closes the first outlet orifice 112' (illustrated in [Fig. 5]), while the second outlet orifice 112' (illustrated in [Fig. 5]) is left completely exposed. In this case, this angular position allows only the fluid from the second inlet 111b (illustrated in [Fig. 5]) to pass through. Thus, if the valve is intended to control the fluid outlet temperature, in this configuration, the fluid outlet temperature corresponds to the temperature of the fluid entering through the second inlet 111b.

[0111] According to an example illustrated in [Fig. 10] and comparable to the previous example in [Fig. 9], the second outlet orifice 112' (illustrated in [Fig. 5]) is completely closed by the intermediate piece 13, while the first outlet orifice 112' (illustrated in the [Fig. 5]), is left entirely exposed. In this specific case, this angular position allows only the fluid from the first inlet 111a (illustrated in [Fig. 5]) to pass through. Thus, if the valve aims to control the fluid outlet temperature, in this configuration, the fluid outlet temperature corresponds to the temperature of the fluid entering through the first inlet 111a.

[0112] Advantageously the device 1 includes a sensor 3 configured to measure the angular position of the intermediate part 13 relative to the main body 11.

[0113] This could be an auto-reset type sensor.

[0114] According to one example, the intermediate part 13 includes a radial sensing portion comprising coding elements so that the sensor 3 can read the angular position of the intermediate part 13 along the axis of rotation Xn. This portion is advantageously equiradial and resembles a portion of a disk with sensing radius RCa.

[0115] The intermediate part 13 may include a radial portion of serration comprising the serration 131. This portion is advantageously equiradial and resembles a portion of a disk with serration radius RCr.

[0116] According to one example, the intermediate piece 13 includes a radial portion of flank comprising at least one flank 13a and preferably two flanks distributed symmetrically with respect to a plane comprising the axis of rotation Xn.

[0117] This portion is advantageously equiradial and resembles a portion of a disk with a flank radius RCF.

[0118] According to one example, the different radii are dimensioned so that the capture radius RCa < notching radius RCR <rayon de flanc RCF.

[0119] The device may find an application for regulating the temperature of fuel cells, for example in mobility systems such as means of transport such as airplanes, drones or cars.

[0120] This type of valve device, by virtue of its structural architecture, is configured to allow for easy interchangeability of parts. Furthermore, this type of solution limits the number of components to be integrated into hydraulic systems. The object of the present invention is to replace a system with two solenoid valves or even a three-way servo-controlled solenoid valve.

[0121] Moreover, compared with commercially available three-way valves, the valve device has a much lower mass and size, while having reduced pressure losses.

[0122] According to one example, the device can be manufactured by three-dimensional printing.

[0123] According to one example, the diameter of at least one inlet orifice 111' may be sen possibly equal to 10 mm to allow a footprint of the valve device 1 of approximately 60 mm.

[0124] The invention is not limited to the embodiments previously described and extends to all embodiments covered by the claims.

[0125] Numerical References 1. valve device 11. Main body 11b. Inlet portion 111a. Outlet portion 111b. First inlet 111b. Second inlet 111'. Inlet port 112. First outlet 112'. Outlet port 113. Tapped hole 12. drive part 121. Toothed pinion 13. Intermediate piece 13a. Centering portion 131. Notching 132a, 132b. Openings 132'. Free passage section 133a. First face 133b. Second face 14. Sealing system 141a. First sealing joint 141b. Second sealing gasket 1411. Inner face 1412. exterior face 15. Room 16. Bolting elements 2. Drive shaft 3. sensor Xn. Main fluid flow axis X12. Drive axis Xu. Rotation axis Pb. Transverse plane RCA. Sensing radius Rcf. Flank radius RCR. Notching radius

Claims

Demands

1. Valve device (1), comprising: - a main body (11) having a conduit suitable for allowing the circulation of a fluid, the conduit extending from at least one first inlet (111a, 111b) to at least one first outlet (112), - a drive piece (12) comprising a toothed pinion (121) mounted for rotation about an axis called the motor axis (X[2], - an intermediate piece (13) having a toothing (131) on at least a portion of its periphery, the toothing (131) and the toothed pinion (121) being configured to cooperate so that the rotation of the drive piece (12) about the motor axis (Xi2) causes a rotation of the intermediate piece (13), relative to the main body (11), about an axis called the rotation axis (Xn) parallel to the motor axis (Xn ), the intermediate piece (13) being located inside the main body (11) and having at least one opening (132a, 132b) through which the fluid is intended to pass to flow from at least one first inlet (111a, 111b) to at least one first outlet (112), the device (1) being configured such that at least one opening (132a, 132b) defines a free section for the passage of the fluid (132') which varies according to the angular position of the intermediate part (13) around the axis of rotation (Xn), the valve device (1) comprising a sealing system (14) having at least one sealing gasket (141a, 141b) having a closed circumference in projection in a transverse plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation (Xn), the at least one sealing gasket (141a, 141b) being disposed in contact with the main body (11) and the intermediate part (13), in which, in projection in the transverse plane, regardless of the angular position of the intermediate part (13) around the axis of rotation (Xn), the axis of rotation (Xn) and the at least one opening (132a, 132b) are located inside the closed circumference, the motor shaft (Xi2) being located outside the closed perimeter characterized in that the intermediate piece (13) is located between the at least first inlet (111a, 111b) and the at least first outlet (112) according to the direction of fluid flow and in that the main body (11) comprises an inlet portion (1la) and an outlet portion (11b) distinct from the inlet portion (1la), the inlet portion (1la) and the outlet portion (11b) being configured to be joined together, for example by bolting elements, the intermediate piece (13) being located between the inlet portion (1la) and the outlet portion (Hb).

2. Device (1) according to the preceding claim wherein the intermediate piece (13) has a first face (133a) facing the inlet portion (1la) and a second face (133b) facing the outlet portion (11b), the sealing system (14) comprising at least a first sealing gasket (141a) disposed in contact with the inlet portion (1la) of the main body (11) and the first face (133a) of the intermediate piece (13) and a second sealing gasket (141b) disposed in contact with the outlet portion (11b) of the main body (11) and the second face (133b) of the intermediate piece (13).

3. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the sealing system (14) comprises at least two sealing gaskets (141a, 141b) each having an inner face in contact with the intermediate piece (13) and an outer face in contact with the body (11), each of the faces extending mainly along planes parallel to the transverse plane (Pn), preferably, in projection in the transverse plane (Pn), the perimeters of the two gaskets are superimposed.

4. Device (1) according to one of the two preceding claims wherein the at least two sealing gaskets (141a, 141b) each have a circular circumference whose center is aligned with the axis of rotation (Xn).

5. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims configured so that at least one sealing gasket (141a, 141b) is clamped between the intermediate part (13) and the main body (11).

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the main body (11) and the intermediate piece (13) together with at least one sealing joint (141a, 141b) form a chamber (15), such that the fluid entering the chamber (15) from at least a first entrance (111a, 111b) escapes from chamber (15) through at least one first exit (112) only.

7. Device (1) according to the preceding claim in which the axis of rotation (Xn) passes through the chamber (15), at least one opening (132a, 132b) being located inside the chamber (15), regardless of the angular position of the intermediate piece (13), preferably the toothing (131) and the toothed pinion (121) being located outside the chamber (15).

8. Device (1) according to any one of the two preceding claims in which the chamber (15) has: - at least one inlet orifice (111') putting the chamber (15) into fluidic communication with at least one first inlet (111a, 111b), - at least one outlet orifice (112') putting the chamber (15) into fluidic communication with at least one first outlet (112).

9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein in projection in the transverse plane (Pi3), at least one of the following elements are located inside said closed perimeter: - at least one inlet orifice (111'), - at least one outlet orifice (112').

10. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein, in projection into the transverse plane (13), at least one of the following elements are located outside the closed perimeter: - the notching (131) of the intermediate part (13), - the toothed pinion (121).

11. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the intermediate piece (13) includes a centering portion (13a) in its periphery, the centering portion (13a) being configured so as to cooperate with a housing of the main body (11).

12. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which at least one sealing gasket (141a, 141b) is fixed soli- dairement to the main body (11) so as to slide in contact with the intermediate part (13) during the rotation of the latter around the axis of rotation (Xn).

13. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising exactly two inputs (111) and one output (112), preferably the output (112) being centered between the two inputs (111) according to a projection onto a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation (Xn).

14. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the sealing system (14) comprises exactly two sealing gaskets (141a, 141b).

15. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the intermediate piece (13) comprises two openings (132a, 132b).

16. Device (1) according to any one of the two preceding claims wherein the openings (132a, 132b) are symmetrical with respect to a plane containing the axis of rotation (Xn).

17. Device (1) according to any one of the two preceding claims wherein the openings (132a, 132b) are configured so that the free passage section (132') remains constant regardless of the angular position of the intermediate piece (13) around the axis of rotation (Xn).

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