Precision rotary valve device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rotary valve (1) comprising a rotor (51) rotated by means of a motor (10), the rotor surface of which includes one or more connection slots (511), a stator (52) the stator surface of which (520) includes several fluidic channels (521) and is in tight contact with the rotor surface (510), the stator (52) being fixed to a manifold (60), the connection slot(s) (511) being arranged so as to connect at least two of the fluidic channels (521) of the stator in one of its angular positions. The present invention further relates to a device comprising such a rotary valve and predictive means as well as a method for distributing fluids. Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Precision rotary valve device Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a precision rotary valve adapted for dispensing and mixing fluids. The valve according to the present invention comprises, in this instance, a stator provided with fluidic channels and a rotor provided with a system for connecting these channels according to its angular orientation. The present invention relates to a dispensing or mixing device comprising such a rotary valve, such as a dispensing pump, as well as a method for dispensing and / or mixing different fluids by means of such a rotary valve. State of the art

[0002] Rotary valves are often used for fluid distribution requiring high precision. They are generally made of ceramic, a high-strength material that allows both high precision and a variety of applications, particularly in the presence of corrosive or abrasive products.

[0003] Ceramic parts can generally be molded, pressed, sintered, and machined. However, the valves described here are complex to manufacture due to the multitude of channels they may contain and the hardness of the ceramic, which makes it difficult to machine. The costs associated with the production of such valves are therefore high. Furthermore, the machining difficulties of such valves limit their applications.

[0004] There is therefore potential to develop less expensive and equally reliable solutions. Furthermore, it appears necessary to develop such rotary valves for a wider variety of applications, particularly with regard to the number or type of different fluids dispensed. Brief summary of the invention

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a rotary valve free from known limitations. In particular, it aims to produce a rotary valve that is simpler and less expensive to manufacture, while maintaining reliability and precision.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a rotary valve that is easily adaptable to several types of manifolds.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a reliable and accurate distribution device such as a pump and / or dosing device, adaptable to several applications.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to propose a reliable and precise method of distribution and / or dosing of one or more fluids easily adaptable to several applications.

[0009] According to the invention, these goals are achieved in particular by means of the invention, and by particulars of the different aspects and methods of implementation described below.

[0010] In particular, the rotary valve according to this description comprises a rotor connected to a shaft rotated about an axis of rotation by means of a motor. The rotor comprises a rotor surface and one or more connection slots that can adopt several stable angular positions about the axis of rotation.

[0011] The rotary valve includes a stator comprising a stator surface opposite and in sealed contact with the rotor surface and several fluidic channels passing through the stator and opening onto the stator surface.

[0012] The present rotary valve includes a manifold comprising a stator housing on a front surface, adapted to receive said stator and one or more fluidic conduits.

[0013] The rotary valve according to this description comprises a frame to which the manifold is fixed directly or indirectly. The stator is fixed to the manifold so that its fluidic channels coincide with the fluidic conduits of the manifold. The connection slot(s) are arranged on the rotor surface so as to connect at least two of the stator's fluidic channels in one of its angular positions along the axis of rotation.

[0014] The rotor and stator of the present valve are preferably made of a non-porous material with high mechanical, thermal and chemical resistance, and a low coefficient of friction such as a ceramic.

[0015] The manifold of the present valve may be made of a different material from said stator and associated with said stator in a sealed manner.

[0016] The manifold of the present valve may include one or more means for centering said stator and one or more means for fixing the manifold to the frame of the valve, either directly or via a housing.

[0017] The manifold of the present valve may include a housing in its front surface adapted to the contours of said stator.

[0018] The valve according to the present description may further include at least one piloting device adapted to position the rotor at one or more predefined angular positions.

[0019] The device according to this description comprises at least one valve as described herein. It may further comprise additional elements such as: one or more valve operation sensors. Such sensors may be an angle sensor, a motor current consumption sensor, a voltage sensor, a fluid pressure sensor, an infrared sensor, a sound or ultrasonic sensor, or a vibration sensor. The additional elements may comprise one or more processing units for compiling the parameters measured by the operation sensor(s). The additional elements may comprise a communication module enabling the transmission of values ​​measured by the operating sensor(s).

[0020] The device described herein may further include one or more environmental sensors enabling the determination of one or more of the environmental parameters of the valve such as ambient temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure.

[0021] The computing unit or computing units of the device may include or be connected to an artificial intelligence module adapted to diagnose or predict the wear of one or more parts, a maintenance deadline, a failure and / or the end of life of the valve, and to issue an appropriate alert or instruction.

[0022] The method for distributing a quantity of fluid according to this description is carried out using the valve or device described herein. The method includes a step of arranging the rotor connection slot(s) opposite two fluidic channels of the stator, by means of a rotation of the shaft by a first predetermined angular value, so as to circulate the fluid from a supply channel to a distribution channel.

[0023] The method according to the present description further includes the step of shifting the connection slot(s) of the fluidic channels so as to interrupt the passage of said fluid, by a rotation of a second angular value of the shaft.

[0024] The present method may further include determining one or more operating and / or environmental parameters of the valve by means of suitable sensors, and adapting the distribution controls accordingly.

[0025] The method described herein may further include a step of predicting in advance one or more events among the wear of one or more parts, a maintenance deadline, a failure and the end of life of the valve.

[0026] This solution has the particular advantage over the prior art of providing access to more adaptable rotary valves, allowing, if necessary, the distribution and dosing of more numerous fluids, at lower costs. Brief description of the figures

[0027] Examples of implementation of the invention are shown in the description illustrated by the following figures:

[0028] [Fig-1]: Cross-sectional view of a valve according to the present invention,

[0029] [Fig.2]: Schematic exploded view of a rotor and stator according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0030] [Fig.3a]: Three-quarter perspective view of a collector according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0031] [Fig. 3b]: Three-quarter perspective view of a collector associated with a stator according to a embodiment of the present invention,

[0032] [Fig.3c]: Exploded view of a collector associated with a stator according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0033] [Fig.3d]: Three-quarter rear perspective view of a collector according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0034] [Fig.4]: Longitudinal cross-sectional view of a collector according to an embodiment of the present invention,

[0035] [Fig.5a] & [Fig.5b]: Examples of different manifold configurations according to the present invention,

[0036] [Fig. 6]: Schematic view of a control system for the present valve. Example(s) of an embodiment of the invention

[0037] With reference to [Fig. 1], the rotary valve 1 comprises a motor 10 driving a drive shaft 11 in rotation about an axis of rotation X. The drive shaft 11 drives a rotor 51 in rotation about the axis X. The rotor 51 can be driven directly or by means of a suitable transmission system. In one embodiment, the transmission system may include a transmission disc 41, in contact with the rotor 51, a ball thrust bearing 42, and one or more balls 43 for transmitting the rotational movement of the drive shaft 11 to the transmission disc 41 and consequently to the rotor 51. A flat may be provided at the end of the drive shaft so as to drive the transmission disc 41. Other transmission systems may nevertheless be used as required.

[0038] The motor 10 is an electric motor adapted to rotate the transmission shaft 11, and consequently the rotor 51, by a predetermined angular value. It may be a stepper motor, a DC motor, or any other design adapted to implement rotations of a determined angular value. Several angular values ​​may be provided, each corresponding to the same step, i.e., a multiple of the same rotation value. To this end, the 360° corresponding to a complete revolution may be divided into several positions at equal angular distances, such as 12 positions spaced 30° apart, or 10 positions spaced 36° apart, or 8 positions spaced 45° apart, or 6 positions spaced 60° apart, or 4 positions spaced 90° apart, or two positions 180° apart. Other configurations may nevertheless be provided for within the scope of this description.The angular position of the rotor 51 can be alternatively or additionally defined and controlled by means of sensors such as one or more angular encoders 12, arranged so as to determine the effective angular position of the transmission shaft 11 and / or the rotor 51, and / or other rotating moving parts of the device. Intermediate or non-multiple angular positions of the same rotation value can thus be determined. used in the context of this rotary valve.

[0039] The motor 10 can be designed to rotate the drive shaft 11 by only one revolution. However, depending on the requirements, the drive shaft 11 can be rotated by more than 360° or even without a limit on the number of revolutions. It is understood that the drive shaft 11 is not intended to rotate indefinitely but to assume defined and stable angular positions.

[0040] The rotor 51 is shown schematically in [Fig. 2]. It has a flat surface opposite the transmission system and the transmission disc 41. In other words, its flat surface, designated here as the rotor surface 510, cooperates with an opposing surface of the stator 52 described later and participates in the fluid distribution operations. The rotor surface 510 has the lowest possible roughness, or even zero, in this case less than 1, or 0.8, or 0.5, or 0.3 micrometers or close to 0 micrometers, and zero porosity, so as to be able to establish a seal with the opposite stator surface 520.

[0041] The rotor surface 510 is also resistant to multiple conditions such as high temperatures such as for example more than 100°C or 500°C, low temperatures such as those of the order of -10° or -20°C or lower, acidic, basic and / or corrosive fluids, organic solvents, or even micro or nanoparticles likely to produce abrasion or physical wear.

[0042] The rotor 51 is preferably made entirely or partially of a hard material such as a ceramic or suitable plastic or metallic materials. For example, fluoropolymers, steels, or other materials may be used. In one embodiment, only the rotor surface 510 is made of such a material and combined with a rotor body made of a less expensive material. The rotor surface may be subjected to suitable surface treatments such as mechanical treatment, chemical treatment, coating, or any other treatment necessary for the operation and / or application of this valve.

[0043] The rotor surface 510 has at least one connection slot 511, which is of sufficient size to establish a fluidic connection between two fluidic channels 521 of the stator 52. In this case, its width and depth may be of the same or close value, and its length is adjusted to the distance separating the fluidic channels 521 from the stator 52. The orientation of the connection slot(s) 511 is also adapted to the position of the fluidic channels 521 that it is intended to connect.

[0044] According to one embodiment, a single connection slot 511 is provided in the rotor surface 510, which is adapted to connect two fluidic channels 521.

[0045] According to one embodiment, several connection slots 511 are arranged so that several fluidic connections can be made simultaneously between two sets of fluidic channels 521. Slots of different sizes and orientations alternatively allow different fluidic channels 521 to be connected in turn. For example, a first fluidic channel 521 can be connected to a second fluidic channel by means of a first connection slot and to a third fluidic channel by means of a second connection slot.

[0046] A connecting slot 511 is described herein as being straight. This does not exclude other shapes, such as curved or branched slots, allowing, for example, the connection of three or more of three fluidic channels 521. However, the simplest shapes remain preferred for reasons of simplicity and machining costs.

[0047] According to one embodiment, several connection slots 511 may have distinct depths and / or widths. In this way, the flow of fluids between two fluidic channels 521 can be modulated according to requirements and / or external parameters.

[0048] The person skilled in the art understands that the number, shape, and dimensions of the connection slots 511 can be as varied as possible.

[0049] The rotary valve 1 according to this description comprises a stator 52, arranged opposite the rotor 51. The stator 52 is fixed. It has a stator surface 520 in contact with the rotor surface 510 so as to maintain sealing. To this end, the stator surface 520 has the lowest possible roughness, or even zero, in this case less than 1, or 0.8, or 0.5, or 0.3 micrometers or close to 0 micrometers, and zero porosity, so as to maintain sealing with the opposite rotor surface 510.

[0050] The material of the stator 52 may be the same as or different from that of the rotor 51 or the rotor surface 510. It is nevertheless subject to the same constraints as the rotor. The stator is then preferably made entirely of ceramic or of a material having similar mechanical properties, particularly in terms of hardness and thermal and chemical resistance. The stator 52 is illustrated in [Fig. 2]. Its stator surface 520 faces the rotor surface 510 and is in close contact with it. The coefficient of friction between the two surfaces of the rotor 510 and the stator 520 is minimized due to the absence or low roughness of the materials chosen.

[0051] The stator has several fluidic channels 521 passing through it. The fluidic channels 521 are distinct from each other and open onto the stator surface 520 so as to be able to be connected via one or more of the connection slots 511. The other end of the fluidic channels 521 opens onto another surface of the stator 52 so as to coincide with one or more fluidic conduits 64 of a collector 60.

[0052] The fluidic channels 521 can pass through the stator in a straight or non-straight manner, depending on the requirements and configuration of the entire device. The fluidic channels 521 can be of the same diameter or of different diameters.

[0053] The stator is intended to remain fixed relative to the rest of the device so that the rotor 51 can be adjusted to it by rotation around the X axis. The stator 52 is further precisely located to make the fluidic channels coincide with the connection slot(s) 511. For this purpose, it is held on a collector 60 by means of suitable fixing devices.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the stator 52 has, opposite its stator surface 520, one or more holes 522 into which one or more centering means 620, such as pins or centering shafts, can be inserted. The holes may be blind and of a defined depth. Alternatively, the holes may be through holes to simplify their manufacture. This configuration has the advantage of limiting machining operations on the stator 52, the material of which is difficult to work. However, other configurations can be considered. For example, centering lugs may be provided instead of, or in addition to, the holes 522. Alternatively or in addition, holes 522 may be arranged on the edge of the stator 52 rather than on its bottom.

[0055] For reasons of machining economy and efficiency, the shape of the stator 52 is kept as simple as possible. For example, the stator 52 can be in the form of a disc, one face of which represents the stator surface 520. It can be circular or oval, or alternatively have straight edges, which may be simpler to produce. The stator 52 can thus be square or rectangular. The dimensions of the stator 52 are also limited by the need to establish a tight connection with the rotor surface 510. In other words, the area of ​​the stator surface 520 can be the same as that of the rotor surface 510 or even slightly smaller.

[0056] The stator 52 and the rotor 51 together form the valve body 50, which enables the distribution of a fluid conveyed by other elements of this device to be activated or deactivated. In this case, a manifold 60 allows several fluids to be conveyed to the stator 52. The valve body 50 allows, alternatively or in addition, the metering of the distributed fluids. The valve body 50 allows, alternatively or in addition, the mixing or blending of different fluids and their distribution. The valve body 50 allows, alternatively or in addition, the modulation or selection of the flow rate of the distributed fluid(s).

[0057] In [Fig. 2], the connecting slot 511 is arranged to connect a fluidic channel 521 with a first fluidic channel 521a. A rotation of 1 / 3 turn about the X-axis connects the first fluidic channel 521a with a second fluidic channel 521b. A further rotation of 1 / 3 turn connects the third fluidic channel 521b with the initial fluidic channel 521. The motor then allows rotations of 120° around the X-axis.

[0058] The stator 52 is a separate part from the commutator 60. Figures 3a, 3b and 3c illustrate An example of assembling the stator 52 onto a commutator 60. The commutator 60 has a front surface 600 intended to be positioned opposite the rotor 51. The front surface 600 is, however, significantly larger than the rotor surface 510 and the stator surface 520. The commutator 60 includes a housing 61 adapted to receive the stator 52. The housing 61 has a shape adapted to the geometry of the stator 52 so that the stator can be precisely fitted within the housing 61. The housing is centrally located on the front face 600 of the commutator 60. The depth of the housing 61 is also adapted to the thickness of the stator 52. In one embodiment, the depth of the housing 61 of the commutator 60 is equal to that of the stator 52 so that the stator surface 520 is flush with the front surface 600 of the commutator 60.Alternatively, the depth of the housing 61 is less than the thickness of the stator 52 so that the stator surface 520 is prominent relative to the front surface 600 of the collector 60. It is understood that the junction between the stator and the collector 60 remains sealed.

[0059] The manifold 60 includes one or more centering positions 62 for correctly positioning the stator 52 in the housing 61. In particular, the fluidic channels 521 of the stator 52 must be precisely aligned with the fluidic channels 64 of the manifold 60, described below. To this end, the manifold 60 may include one or more centering means 620 arranged opposite the holes 522 of the stator 52. The centering means may be holes for inserting a pin or centering shaft, one or more lugs cooperating with the holes 522 of the stator 52, or any other equivalent means.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the centering means 620 and the holes 522 are not arranged symmetrically and thus serve as a keying device when positioning the stator 52 in its housing 61. Alternatively, the centering means 620 and the holes 522 are arranged symmetrically so that the stator 52 can assume several positions in the manifold 60. This makes it possible, for example, to adapt the valve configuration according to the different fluidic channels 64 to be used without having to machine new parts. The manifold 60 has fluidic channels that open into the housing 61. The stator 52 is arranged in the housing 61 such that the fluidic channels 521 of the stator 52 coincide with the fluidic channels of the manifold or at least with a portion thereof.

[0061] Seals 621 may be provided at the centering means. Alternatively or in addition, seals may be provided to ensure sealing between the stator 52 and the commutator 60. Since the fluidic channels 521 are positioned opposite fluidic channels of the same diameter opening into the housing 61, sealing at the bottom of the housing 61 is ensured by means of such seals. These channels opening into the housing 61 are connected to the fluidic conduits 64 of the commutator. The shape, the di The dimensions and the material of the seals are of course appropriate. The seals used may be, for example, of the O-ring type.

[0062] The manifold 60 is fixed directly or indirectly to the valve frame 20 by means of suitable fasteners. For example, it can be fixed to the housing 30, which is itself integral with the frame 20. The manifold 60 may, for example, have fixing positions 63 around the housing 61. Such fixing positions may take the form of through holes into which suitable fixing means 630, such as bolts, studs, pins, or the like, can be inserted. Other fixing systems, including, for example, a threaded ring that can be screwed onto the frame, clips, screws, or the like, may be considered. The fixing means may also be arranged to act as a keying device and correctly orient the manifold 60 relative to the other elements of the device.

[0063] Once the manifold 60 is fixed to the frame 20 of the valve, either directly or via the housing 30, the stator surface 520 is in contact with the rotor surface 510. Tightening the manifold 60 maintains the seal between the rotor 510 and stator 520 surfaces.

[0064] According to an advantageous embodiment, the commutator 60 is made of a material that is easier to work with and / or less expensive than the stator 52. The commutator 60 may comprise or be made of a metal such as steel, copper, aluminum, a metal alloy, a composite material, a polymer, or any other material suitable for the requirements. It may be cast, machined, or made by additive manufacturing, or a combination of these processes. Machining here includes any micromachining operation.

[0065] The manifold 60 is provided with several fluidic conduits 64 for conveying separate fluids to the fluidic channels 521 of the stator 52. Figure 3d illustrates an example in which several fluidic conduits 64 are arranged on the rear surface 601 and on the lateral surface 602 of the manifold 60. The diameter of the fluidic conduits 64 may be identical or different. The geometry of the manifold 60 can be adapted as required. It can be circular, cylindrical, or angular in shape, such as cubic or parallelepiped. Corners can be truncated to form an additional surface that can accommodate one or more fluidic conduits 64.

[0066] Figure 4 illustrates a cross-section of a manifold 60, comprising several fluidic channels 64. The diameter of the fluidic channels 64 can vary from the periphery of the manifold 60 towards the stator housing 61. In this case, it decreases. The fluidic channels 64 can thus terminate with an injector 640 at the stator housing 61, which has a smaller diameter than at the periphery of the manifold 60. Continuity with the fluidic channels 521 is thus reliably and precisely ensured. The small-diameter channel sections, dedicated to fluid circulation, minimize the potentially costly volume of circulating fluids and the internal volume of the valve, thus ensuring high accuracy. The larger-diameter pipe section accommodates fluid fittings.

[0067] Depending on the requirements, the fluidic conduits 64 and / or the manifold 60 can receive suitable treatment after their manufacture, such as chemical, electrochemical or immersion coating, in order to improve the resistance and / or performance of the valve.

[0068] The number and arrangement of the fluidic channels 64 are not limited. Because the commutator is easier to manufacture than the stator 52, a wide variety of configurations are possible. Figure 5a illustrates a configuration in which the commutator 60 has 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 fluidic channels 64 arranged in a plane, each coinciding with a fluidic channel of the stator 52. The commutator can, for example, have from 3 to 24 channels. The same rotor can be used with several types of commutators 60. A connecting slot 511 can be provided in the rotor 51 so as to individually select one or the other of these fluidic channels 521. Alternatively, the connecting slot 511 can be arranged diametrically so as to connect two opposing fluidic channels. Rotating the rotor 51 through a suitable angle allows the fluidic channels to be selected for connection.The connection slot 511 can be arranged eccentrically so as to connect fluidic channels that are not diametrically opposed.

[0069] Fig. 5b illustrates a switch configuration allowing switching from a two-channel 64a connection to two-channel 64b, or two-channel 64c.

[0070] The fluidic conduits 64 of the manifold 60 comprise one or more inlets, through which the fluids to be distributed are collected, and one or more outlets, through which the fluids are distributed.

[0071] This description also covers a device comprising a rotary valve as described herein. A device means any device for distributing, metering, and / or mixing fluids. It may, for example, refer to a distribution pump. The device includes, in particular, a valve as described herein, where the manifold 60 is connected to several external lines for conveying the distributed fluids from the appropriate reservoirs (not shown) to a distribution point.

[0072] The present device includes a means for controlling the rotary valve. The control of the rotary valve in this case comprises one or more rotations of the shaft 11 and consequently of the rotor 51, at predetermined angles so as to connect the appropriate fluidic channels. One or more electronic control devices 70 ([Fig. 1]) are used for this purpose. According to one embodiment, the control device includes an electronic board located on valve 1.

[0073] Sensors Cl, C2, Cn can be installed on the rotary valve to determine its operating parameters. One or more angular sensors can be installed on or near the shaft 11, the rotor 51, or both, so as to determine an angular position of the rotor 51, which determines the orientation of the connection slot(s) 511.

[0074] One or more current sensors may be provided to determine one or more operating parameters such as motor temperature, motor torque, and motor power consumption. One sensor may be involved in measuring the overall current consumption. Alternatively or in addition, one or more voltage sensors may be installed to determine the operating parameters described above or to confirm them or increase their measurement reliability.

[0075] One or more sensors for determining the vibration level of the valve due to various mechanical movements, particularly those related to the rotation of axis 11, may be included. In this way, parameters such as vibration frequencies, amplitudes, and distribution over time or according to the operating phases of the device can be determined. Accelerometer-type sensors or any equivalent may be used for this purpose.

[0076] Alternatively or in addition, one or more infrared sensors can be directed towards the motor so as to determine its temperature without contact. Direct measurement of the motor temperature can replace or corroborate current and / or voltage measurements where applicable.

[0077] One or more pressure sensors for the distributed fluids can be installed, so as to identify, for example, possible leaks, particularly at the level of the manifold or the rotor and stator surfaces.

[0078] Alternatively or in addition, one or more ultrasonic or other sound frequency sensors may be provided so as to measure the sounds and / or ultrasound generated during the mechanical movements of the valve.

[0079] The Cl, C2, Cn sensors described above are not limited in number or type. In particular, they allow the operating parameters of the valve to be determined. They are connected to or integrated into the electronic control devices 70 so that appropriate commands can be issued to the valve according to its operating parameters.

[0080] Other sensors adapted for determining ambient parameters PI, P2, Pn can also be connected or associated with the electronic control devices 70. For example, sensors for ambient parameters such as temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, vibrations in the case of embedded devices, can be The ambient parameters are then transmitted to the electronic control devices 70, allowing the valve commands to be modulated according to these parameters. For dosing functions, for example, ambient temperature and / or atmospheric pressure can affect dispensing accuracy and must therefore be incorporated into the control instructions sent to the valve. Alternatively, or in addition, environmental parameters allow verification that the valve operation remains within specifications.

[0081] The device as described herein can also be geolocated for identification and maintenance purposes, particularly in the case of a network of devices installed in different locations and monitored remotely. Geolocation by GPS or any other alternative is possible.

[0082] The device as described herein comprises a communication module MC adapted to receive and transmit data such as the values ​​of measured parameters, whether operational or environmental, and control instructions delivered to the valve either automatically or manually. The communication module MC can be compatible with any type of protocol such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, internet networks, radio networks such as 4G or 5G, or equivalent.

[0083] The device contains, within its electronic control devices 70, the memory necessary for storing measured and / or transmitted data, either transiently, for extended periods, or permanently. For example, a buffer memory can be used to temporarily store sets of data that are transmitted at regular intervals before being erased. A transmission frequency can be determined as needed, for example, on a minute, hourly, or daily basis. Alternatively, or in addition, the locally stored data can be read locally during technical checks by a suitable reader, for example, at weekly, monthly, or annual intervals. Alternatively, or in addition, the data, or some of it, can be permanently stored locally in such memory. A person skilled in the art understands the purpose and its possible adaptations.

[0084] The device according to this description further comprises one or more computing units (CUs) for compiling and analyzing the measured and / or transmitted data. The computing unit includes, for this purpose, the necessary electronic resources, including suitable software and appropriate algorithms. In an advantageous embodiment, the computing unit (CU) includes or is connected to an artificial intelligence and / or deep learning program. Data analysis allows, in particular, verification of the conformity of measured values ​​or valve operation, real-time or delayed operational diagnostics, quality control of measurements, reliability checks, and predictive analyses of maintenance or failure or adjustments.

[0085] This description further covers a method for distributing fluids using the valve and device described herein. The distribution method comprises conveying one or more fluids from a storage location to a manifold 60 combined with a stator 52, each fluid being directed to a fluidic conduit 64 of the manifold in permanent fluidic communication with a fluidic channel 521 of the stator 52. The channel(s) thus supplied are defined as the supply channels. The method further comprises the step of rotating the rotor 51 through an appropriate angle so as to connect the fluidic channel(s) 521 supplied by the fluid(s) with one or more other fluidic channels of the stator in fluidic communication with one or more fluidic conduits 64 of the manifold 60, so as to allow the fluid to pass through the valve for distribution.The fluidic channel(s) in question are then defined as the distribution channels.

[0086] The method further includes rotating the rotor 51 to another angular position, thereby interrupting the connection between the fluidic channel(s) supplied by the fluid and the corresponding distribution channel(s). This operation thus makes it possible to stop the distribution of the fluid(s) at the end of the operation and / or to select the distribution of one or another fluid.

[0087] The rotor rotation operations can be controlled manually or automatically according to a pre-established program or according to parameters determined in real time. Automated control may involve a control device 70 optionally associated with one or more computing units CU described herein.

[0088] The method according to the present description may further include a step of considering one or more environmental parameters among ambient temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure and determining a suitable rotor rotation value accordingly.

[0089] The method according to this description may alternatively or in addition include a step of considering one or more operating parameters of the valve such as the electrical consumption of the motor, the vibrations of the motor, the emission of one or more sound ranges of the valve, the temperature of the motor, and of determining a suitable rotor rotation value accordingly and / or of emitting an alarm signal if necessary, and / or of transmitting an instruction for revision or maintenance of the valve if necessary.

[0090] The method according to this description may alternatively or in addition include a step of considering one or more operating parameters of the valve such as the electrical consumption of the motor, the vibrations of the motor, the emission of one or more sound ranges of the valve, the temperature of the motor, and / or one or more environmental parameters such as the ambient temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, and to process them using appropriate algorithms so as to produce an operating status and / or an operating prognosis including one or more elements from among a prediction of wear of one or more parts, an anticipation of replacement of one or more parts, an upcoming maintenance deadline, a prediction of failure, a prediction of end of life of the valve.

[0091] Maintenance operations are facilitated by the design of the valve described herein. In particular, the valve can easily be replaced by separating the housing 30 from the frame 20, for example by unscrewing two diametrically opposed screws that fix the housing 30 to the frame 20. Thus, the assembly consisting of the rotor 51, the stator 52, the commutator 60, the housing 30, the transmission disc 41 and the ball thrust bearing 42 can be separated from the frame 20 and replaced and / or repaired.

[0092] The valve and device described herein allow the distribution and / or metering of fluids, particularly for medical, diagnostic, or therapeutic purposes, for research purposes, and for analytical purposes. The fluids mentioned herein include all types of fluids, including liquids of varying viscosities at varying pressures. These liquids include solutions of active ingredients, test or diagnostic solutions, injection solutions, and infusion solutions.

[0093] [Table 1] Reference numbers used in the figures 1 Rotary valve 10 Motor 11 Shaft 12 Angular encoder 20 Chassis 30 Housing 41 Transmission disc 42 Ball thrust bearing 43 Balls 50 Valve body 51 Rotor 510 Rotor surface 511 Connection slot 52 Stator 520 Stator surface 521 Fluidic channel 522 holes 60 Manifold 600 Front surface 601 Rear surface 602 Side surface 61 Stator housing 62 Centering positions 620 Centering means 621 Seals 63 Mounting points 630 Mounting means 64 Fluidic line 640 Injector 70 Electronic control device MC Communication module UC Control unit Cl, C2, Cn Sensors PI, P2, Pn Parameters X Rotation axis

Claims

Claims

1. Rotary valve (1) comprising: - a rotor (51) connected to a shaft (11) rotated about an axis of rotation (X) by means of a motor (10), comprising a rotor surface (510) and one or more connection slots (511) capable of adopting several stable angular positions along the axis of rotation (X), - a stator (52) comprising a stator surface (520) facing and in sealed contact with the rotor surface (510) and several fluid channels (521) passing through the stator and opening onto the stator surface (520), - a manifold (60) comprising a stator housing (61) on a front surface (600), adapted to receive said stator and one or more fluid conduits (64), - a frame (20) on which the manifold (60) is fixed directly or indirectly,- said stator (52) being fixed to said collector (60) so that its fluid channels (521) coincide with the fluid lines (64) of the collector (60), wherein said one or more connection slots (511) are arranged at the rotor surface (510) so as to connect at least two of the fluid channels (521) of the stator in one of its angular positions along the axis of rotation (X).,

2. Rotary valve according to claim 1, said rotor (51) and said stator (52) being made of a non-porous material, of high mechanical, thermal and chemical resistance, and of low coefficient of friction such as a ceramic.

3. A rotary valve according to any one of claims 1 or 2, said collector (60) being made of a material different from said stator and associated with said stator in a sealed manner.

4. Rotary valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3, said collector (60) comprising one or more centering means (620) of said stator and one or more fixing means (630) adapted to fix the collector on the frame (20) of the valve, directly or via a casing (30).

5. Rotary valve according to one of claims 1 to 4, said manifold (60) comprising the stator housing (61) in its front surface (600) adapted to the contours of said stator (52).

6. Rotary valve according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising at least one control device (70) adapted to position said rotor at one or more predefined angular positions.

7. Device comprising at least one rotary valve (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: - one or more valve operation sensors such as an angle sensor, motor current consumption sensor, voltage sensor, fluid pressure sensor, infrared sensor, sound or ultrasound sensor, vibration sensor, - one or more calculation units (UC) for calculating the parameters measured by the operation sensor(s), and - A communication module for transmitting the values ​​measured by the operation sensor(s).

8. Device according to claim 7, further comprising one or more environmental sensors making it possible to determine one or more of the environmental parameters of the valve such as ambient temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure.

9. Device according to one of claims 7 or 8, in which said one or more calculation units (UC) comprises, or is connected to, an artificial intelligence module adapted to diagnose or predict the wear of one or more parts, a maintenance deadline, a breakdown and / or the end of life of the valve, and to issue an alert or an appropriate instruction.

10. Method for distributing a quantity of fluid by means of the rotary valve (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, or of the device according to one of claims 7 to 9, the method comprising a step of arranging the connection slot(s) (511) of the rotor (51) opposite two fluid channels (521) of the stator (52), by means of a rotation of a first predetermined angular value of the shaft (11), so as to circulate said fluid from a supply channel to a distribution channel.

11. Method according to claim 10, further comprising a step of shifting the connection slot(s) (511) of the fluid channels (521) so as to interrupt the passage of said fluid, by a rotation of a second angular value of the shaft (11).

12. Method according to one of claims 10 or 11, further comprising determining one or more operating and / or environmental parameters of the valve by means of suitable sensors, and adapting the distribution controls accordingly.

13. Method according to one of claims 10 to 12, further comprising a step of predicting in advance one or more events among the wear of one or more parts, a maintenance deadline, a breakdown and the end of life of the valve.

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