Proportional Rotary Valve

Abstract

A hydraulic rotary distributor comprising a housing (2) and a core (4), said housing (2) having a side wall (8) and two end walls (6, 10) defining a hydraulic chamber in which is housed a core (4) capable of rotating in said chamber about an axis of rotation (XX'), one of the end walls (6) including an axial orifice (11), the side walls of the housing including at least two lateral orifices (12, 20) opening into the hydraulic chamber, the core (4) being arranged to extend from the side walls (8) into the hydraulic chamber and to extend from the side walls (6 ... A hydraulic rotary distributor is provided, comprising a lateral surface (32) facing (8), an axial surface (18) facing an axial orifice (11), and lateral orifices (34) allowing flow from or to each of said lateral orifices (12, 20) individually according to the angular position of the core within the housing, said lateral orifices (34) of the core having a shape allowing partial flow from or to two lateral orifices simultaneously in at least one other angular position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The invention relates to rotary valves or hydraulic distributors used for cooling, for example in the automotive industry, the valves or distributors being preferably electrically actuated. The invention also applies to the distribution of coolant in fuel cells. [Background technology]

[0002] In the automotive field, it is common to use hydraulic valves or distributors to cool several parts of the engine, for example motorized valves with one or two inlets and two outlets, and solenoid valves with one inlet and two outlets. These valves or distributors are generally controlled by means of an electric motor.

[0003] There are several types of hydraulic valves or distributors (the following description uses the term "distributor" but should be understood to apply to valves as well), including slide valves and rotary distributors.

[0004] A rotary distributor, also called a ball valve, comprises a housing that defines a rotating cylindrical chamber provided with at least one fluid inlet intended to be connected to a liquid source and at least one fluid outlet intended to be connected to a pipe carrying the liquid to the area to be cooled. The inlet and outlet open into the cylindrical wall of the chamber. The distributor also comprises a rotating central part or core mounted in the chamber. The core comprises a rotating outer surface facing the cylindrical wall of the chamber. The core comprises at least two orifices on its outer surface that are connected by a flow path. The two orifices are oriented with respect to each other such that when one of the orifices faces the inlet, the other faces the outlet. By rotating the core in the chamber, it is therefore possible to allow or block the circulation between the inlet and the outlet, and thus between the liquid source and the area to be cooled.

[0005] Such distributors are generally fed laterally, and the lateral arrival of the fluid creates a torque acting on the whole device. One problem is to manufacture a distributor device which makes it possible to solve this problem.

[0006] Another problem is to produce a rotary distributor device that allows for simultaneous proportional dispensing of fluid between the two outlets of the distributor. In fact, there are no known devices that are capable of dispensing fluid between two outlets according to a predetermined distribution method.

[0007] Furthermore, the sealing between the core and the housing is usually achieved by using seals, which creates the problem of monitoring the condition of these seals and of manufacturing devices that must provide grooves in which these seals are located. This results in complex devices and manufacturing methods. However, there is a clear need to manufacture distributors with a simple and reliable design and with a reduced number of parts.

[0008] There is another problem of driving the rotary distributor device, namely, a simple drive system is required that allows easy transmission of motion from the actuator to the core.

[0009] There is also the problem of automatically returning the core to the equilibrium position when it is moved to another position, for example to supply a conduit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] International Application No. WO2019 / 129984 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a reliable rotary hydraulic distributor which is simplified in manufacture with respect to state of the art hydraulic distributors.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a hydraulic rotary distributor making it possible to solve at least one of the above mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] To this end, the invention relates to a hydraulic rotary distributor comprising a housing and a rotating central part or core, the housing containing a rotating cylindrical chamber which receives the core, the wall of the housing or chamber containing at least two lateral orifices, e.g., outlet orifices, opening into the hydraulic chamber.

[0014] The core comprises a lateral surface facing the inner wall of the housing. This preferably comprises an axial face, e.g. an inlet face, which preferably comprises an opening facing an axial orifice, e.g. a supply orifice, a lateral orifice, e.g. an outlet orifice, and a conduit connecting said axial face and said lateral orifice. Thus, circulation, e.g. supply, of a fluid is effected from or to each of said lateral orifices of the housing separately in each of the first and second angular positions of the core in the housing. Preferably, the lateral orifices of the core are shaped such that circulation or partial supply to or from the two lateral orifices is effected simultaneously in at least one other intermediate angular position.

[0015] In one particular embodiment, the axial orifice, e.g., the supply orifice, is coaxial with the axis of rotation or extends such that the axis of rotation is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular thereto, such that the fluid supply or fluid discharge is in line with the axis of rotation, which significantly reduces the torque induced by the fluid as it enters or exits the distributor.

[0016] The invention then relates to a hydraulic rotary distributor comprising a housing and a core, said housing having a side wall and two end walls defining a hydraulic chamber, in which a core is housed that can rotate in said chamber about a rotation axis (XX'), one of the end walls comprising an axial orifice, e.g. a feed orifice, extending substantially perpendicular to said rotation axis (XX'), the side wall of the housing comprising at least two lateral orifices, e.g. an outlet orifice, opening into the hydraulic chamber, the core comprising a lateral surface facing the side wall of the housing and an axial orifice facing the axial orifice, The present invention relates to a rotary hydraulic distributor including an axial surface, e.g., an inlet surface, lateral orifices, and conduits connecting said axial surface and said lateral orifices and enabling flow, e.g., supply, from or to each of said lateral orifices of a housing individually at each of a first and a second angular position of a core in a housing, said lateral orifices of a core having a shape that simultaneously enables partial flow, e.g., supply, of two lateral orifices at at least one other or some intermediate angular position between said first and second angular positions.

[0017] In one embodiment of the device according to the invention according to one or the other of the definitions as described above or in the remainder of the application, the lateral orifice of the core is - has an angled opening, measured in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the core, that is greater than the angle separating, in the same plane, two lateral orifices in the side wall of the housing; - or else the distance separating the two points furthest from the lateral orifices is greater than the distance separating the two lateral orifices of the housing.

[0018] There are thus positions of the core in which the fluid is directed partially towards or away from a first orifice in the side wall of the housing and at the same time partially towards or away from a second orifice in the side wall of the housing. Rotation of the core makes it possible to vary or adjust the flow sent to or coming from each of these two lateral orifices of the housing, with an increase in the flow from or towards one of the lateral orifices being coupled with a decrease in the flow from or towards the other of the lateral orifices. The device according to the invention thus makes it possible to achieve a proportional distribution of the fluid between two of its outlets (lateral orifices of the housing) or from two of its lateral inlets (lateral orifices of the housing).

[0019] According to one exemplary embodiment, the lateral orifice of the core has a rectangular or oval or ellipsoid shape.

[0020] According to a particular embodiment, the hydraulic rotary distributor according to the invention may include an internal conduit to the core, connecting its axial face, for example the inlet, with its lateral orifice, this conduit having a cross section, perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow, that increases from the axial face towards the lateral orifice of the core, which allows pressure losses to be reduced.

[0021] For example, the cross section of this internal conduit preferably increases progressively by a value comprised between 1% and 3% for an increase of, for example, 10°, of the angle measured between the axial plane containing the opening of the core and a plane perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow, comprised between 5° or 7° on the one hand and 12° or 15° on the other hand.

[0022] For example, in a hydraulic rotary distributor according to the invention as described above and in the present application, the sealing between the two flow paths or two lateral orifices of the housing can be ensured by a narrow passage or a small gap comprised for example between 50 μm and 200 μm or even 300 μm (for example 250 μm, especially for a 1% leakage at 700 l / min) between the lateral surface of this core and the side wall of the housing. The distributor therefore does not implement additional measures such as seals.

[0023] The invention also relates to a hydraulic rotary distributor comprising a housing and a core, the housing comprising a side wall and two end walls defining a hydraulic chamber in which a core is housed that can rotate in said chamber around a rotation axis (XX'), at least one axial orifice, e.g. a supply orifice, and at least one lateral orifice, e.g. an outlet orifice, opening into the hydraulic chamber, the core comprising a lateral surface facing the side wall of the housing, an axial surface including an opening, e.g. a fluid inlet opening, and a lateral surface including the at least one lateral orifice, e.g. an outlet orifice, the lateral surface facing the side wall of the housing, an axial surface including an opening, e.g. a fluid inlet opening, the at least one lateral orifice ... The present invention also relates to a hydraulic rotary distributor comprising, for example, a lateral outlet and a conduit, i.e. a chamber, connecting said axial face and said lateral orifices and allowing a flow, for example a supply, from or to each of said lateral orifices, for example an outlet orifice, depending on the angular position of the core in the housing, wherein the sealing between the lateral surface of the core and the side wall of the housing is ensured by a narrow passage or small gap, for example comprised between 50 μm and 200 μm or even 300 μm (for example 250 μm), between said lateral surface and said side wall of the housing.

[0024] The hydraulic rotary distributor according to the invention may further include return means for returning the core to an equilibrium or initial position after it has been moved away from said equilibrium or initial position.

[0025] For example, these return means include a torsion spring having one end fixed to the core and another end fixed to a part of the distributor that remains fixed when the core is driven in rotation.

[0026] According to yet another embodiment, the core may comprise coupling means for coupling an end of a shaft of the actuator to the core.

[0027] For example, the coupling means may comprise a part provided with a groove for receiving the end of the shaft of the actuator, the core comprising a housing capable of receiving said part, whereby said part transmits the rotation of the shaft to the core.

[0028] The part and the housing may, for example, have a cylindrical shape, the part being provided with a parallelepiped-shaped lug made on the end face of the cylinder, the housing comprising a space for receiving the lug, which receiving space also has a parallelepiped shape, whereby the lug ensures the transmission of rotation to the core.

[0029] Preferably, the grooves and lugs extend in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to one another, which allows for compensation for misalignment or misalignment along an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0030] According to another example, said parts and the housing each have a parallelepiped shape, whereby the parts ensure the transmission of rotations to the core.

[0031] In addition, the device according to the invention can comprise means for limiting its translation or angular rotational movement when driven by the actuator: for example, the core is provided with a circular slot that is stopped by a stopper in an initial position of the core and then in the latter maximum position.

[0032] Advantageously, the housing and / or the core are made from molded plastic, which makes it possible to reduce the mass of the distributor and shorten manufacturing times.

[0033] For example, the housing and / or the core are made of plastic.

[0034] According to an advantageous embodiment of the hydraulic rotary distributor according to the invention, the lateral orifice of the housing has an intersection point (A) located behind the center (C) of the core with respect to the lateral orifice of the housing, and is extended by a conduit along an axis (X 12 , X 20 ).

[0035] Regardless of the considered embodiment of the hydraulic rotary distributor according to the invention, - The axial face of the core may include an opening facing the axial orifice of the housing, and / or the housing may include one, two, or more lateral orifices.

[0036] This application also relates to a hydraulic rotary solenoid valve including an actuator, such as a motor or a geared motor, for rotationally driving a distributor and a core according to one or the other of the embodiments of the invention.

[0037] For example, the actuator comprises an output shaft aligned along a rotation axis (XX').

[0038] The invention also relates to a method of dispensing a fluid using a hydraulic rotary solenoid valve according to the invention, wherein the fluid is introduced through an axial orifice, for example in the direction of the rotation axis (XX') or perpendicular thereto, and is guided by an inner conduit of the core towards its lateral orifice and then, depending on the orientation of the core within the housing, towards one and / or the other of two lateral orifices of the housing which then become outlet orifices.

[0039] According to one example, the fluid is a mixture of water and glycol, for example 60% water and 40% glycol. This fluid is suitable for cooling, for example, a fuel cell.

[0040] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a method of dispensing fluids using a hydraulic rotary solenoid valve according to the invention, in which the fluids are introduced through two lateral orifices, which then become inlet orifices, and which are guided towards the axial orifice by an inner conduit of the core, in which they are at least partially mixed. These two fluids may be of the same nature or may be the same, but in different temperature states, one coming for example from a heating member or element, for example a fuel cell, and the other from a cooling member or element, for example a radiator.

[0041] The present invention will be better understood on the basis of the following description and the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an example of a hydraulic rotary distributor according to the present invention with one inlet and two outlets. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a central rotating portion of the distributor in FIG. 1. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a central rotating portion of the distributor in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a side view showing the conduit of the central rotating portion of the distributor of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a top view showing the housing and distributor core allowing partial flow to each of the two outlet flow paths. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a top view showing the housing and distributor core in a first switching state, allowing flow to only one of the distributor's two outlet flow paths. [Figure 5B]FIG. 13 is a top view showing the housing and distributor core in a second switching state, allowing flow only to the other of the distributor's two outlet flow paths. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 shows the sectioning of the lower part of the core relative to a receiving means for coupling with the shaft of an actuator. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a coupling means making it possible to couple the core with the shaft of the actuator. [Figure 7B] 5A-5C show another exemplary embodiment of coupling means making it possible to couple the core with the shaft of the actuator. [Figure 8] 14 illustrates an embodiment of a return means making it possible to return the core to its initial position. FIG. [Figure 9A] FIG. 2 shows a distributor according to the invention with axial supply. [Figure 9B] FIG. 2 shows a distributor according to the present invention having an axial fluid outlet. [Figure 10A] 1A-1D represent the steps for manufacturing a core of a hydraulic rotary distributor according to the invention. [Figure 10B] 1A-1D represent the steps for manufacturing a core of a hydraulic rotary distributor according to the invention. [Figure 10C] 1A-1D represent the steps for manufacturing a core of a hydraulic rotary distributor according to the invention. [Figure 11A] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another embodiment of a core of a hydraulic rotary distributor according to the present invention. [Figure 11B] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another embodiment of a core of a hydraulic rotary distributor according to the present invention. [Figure 11C] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another embodiment of a core of a hydraulic rotary distributor according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] In Figure 1, an example of an embodiment of a hydraulic rotary distributor according to the present invention is shown with one inlet and two outlets. It will be understood that the distributor may have one or more outlets. In addition, one or more inlets may be reversed with one or more outlets, as will be explained later (in relation to Figure 9B).

[0044] The distributor D comprises a housing 2 or valve body, essentially cylindrical in shape of revolution about an axis XX', and a central part 4, designated as the core, mounted in the housing 2 and capable of rotating therein.

[0045] 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 with an opening 11 through which the fluid enters the device, so that the fluid flows in a direction coincident with the axis XX' and is then dispensed by the core 4 to one or more lateral outlets of the housing, preferably oriented in a YZ plane perpendicular to the axis XX' (see for example FIG. 9A). The inlet cover 10 is assembled or fixed to the housing 2, for example in a removable manner, for example by screws, or in a fixed manner, for example by welding, for example again by ultrasonic welding (particularly if the parts are made from a plastic material).

[0046] It should be noted that the coaxial arrival of the fluid makes it possible to reduce the torque caused by it throughout the distributor. This is advantageous regardless of the fluid flow rate, but especially at high flow rates, for example comprised between 200 and 700 liters per minute. The housing 2 comprises a first outlet orifice 20 formed in the side wall 8, which may be extended by a first conduit 20' intended for example to carry the liquid to a given area, for example the area to be cooled, and a second outlet orifice 12, which may be extended by a second conduit 12', also intended for carrying the liquid to a given zone, for example the zone to be cooled. These conduits are for example welded to the bases of the orifices 12 and 20, respectively. The housing 2 defines a hydraulic chamber 26. The outlet orifices 12 and 20 are arranged angularly distributed on the side wall around the axis XX'.

[0047] The housing 2 also comprises a motor hood 18, which can be assembled or fixed 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 (particularly if the parts are made from a plastic material). The whole device is actuated by an actuator 33 (for example a motor or a geared motor). A coupling means, i.e. member, 36 connects the shaft of the actuator to the core 4 and drives the latter in rotation about the axis XX'.

[0048] Fitting means 39, including for example a crown 391 and fastening means 392, for example screws, may be provided for assembling the actuator 33 with the hood 18. The axis of the actuator passes through a central orifice in the ring.

[0049] The device of Figure 1 is shown assembled in Figure 9A.

[0050] 2A and 2B, it can be seen that the core 4 is in the form of a cylinder of revolution of axis XX'. This core 4 is mounted in a hydraulic chamber and is able to rotate about axis XX'. It comprises two end faces 28, 30 and a lateral surface 32.

[0051] 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. This end face 30 is provided with an opening 31 intended to be aligned with the opening 11 of the cover 10 to receive the flow of fluid along the axis XX'. A lateral surface 32 of the core 4 includes a lateral opening 34, which allows the fluid to be guided towards one or more outlet orifices 12, 20. A rolling bearing 37 may be provided, which ensures the guidance of the rotation of the core 4 in the housing 2, and furthermore, a static seal may advantageously be provided between the housing 2 and the cover 10, thus preventing liquid leakage. Similarly, one or more seals 40 are advantageously provided between the end face 6 and the hood 18, thus preventing liquid leakage. The reference number 37' also refers to a rolling bearing.

[0052] A conduit 38 connects the fluid flow inlet opening 31 in the core 4 with the fluid flow outlet opening 34 of the core. The shape of this conduit is shown in more detail in Figure 3. Preferably, this conduit diverges from the inlet opening 31, which may be circular for example, towards the outlet opening 34, which is preferably elongated as described below.

[0053] A plane P is shown in FIG. 3 that is substantially perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow and is parallel to the plane in which the inlet opening 31 is located. 0 3. The intersection of this plane P with the conduit 38 has a surface area S, which increases, for example linearly, as the angle α increases. This gradual increase allows for a reduction in pressure loss.

[0054] The table below shows, for different values ​​of the angle α, different values ​​of the surface area S, which, as already shown above, increases as the angle α increases.

[0055] [Table 1]

[0056] In this last part, the angle α is equal to 90° but the surface area S can still be increased, which can be seen from the table above (see the difference between the value of S for 90° and the "final" value).

[0057] For example, for every 10° increase in angle α, or more generally between 7° (or 5°) and 12° (or 15°), the surface S may increase by a relative value comprised between 1 and 3%, for example 2%.

[0058] Preferably, the exit orifice 34 has, in its projection in a plane parallel to the axis XX' and perpendicular to the fluid exit direction, an elongated or oval shape along an axis YY' substantially perpendicular to the axis XX'. For example, the projection of this exit orifice has the shape of an ellipsoid, the major axis of which extends coincident with the axis YY'.

[0059] The distance d between the farthest points of this opening along the axis YY′ (FIG. 2B) is the distance d separating two adjacent outlets 12, 20 of the rotating housing 2 as illustrated in FIG. 14, the latter is partially open onto the outlet 12 and partially open onto the outlet 20, thereby allowing a first flow F12 to flow through the outlet 12 and a second flow F20 to flow through the outlet 20. The ratio of these flows can be modified by modifying the orientation of the core 4 in the housing 2, using the actuator 33, so that for some positions of the core the orifice 34 is partially open onto the outlet 12 and partially open onto the outlet 20, and for each of these positions the ratio of the flows is different from the ratio in the other positions.

[0060] In some positions, the outlet orifice 34 may open only to one or the other of the outlets 12, 20. This is shown in Figure 5A (where the flow outlet faces entirely towards outlet 20) and Figure 5B (where the flow outlet faces entirely towards outlet 12).

[0061] Preferably, a gap between the core 4 and the inner surface of the housing 2 makes it possible to ensure sealing between two adjacent outlet channels 12, 20 without the use of seals. This - additional friction (between the seal and the inner surface of the housing 2 or between the seal and the outer surface of the core 4), - Monitoring of seal condition and replacement steps when worn This makes it possible to avoid

[0062] For this purpose, it is possible to calculate the maximum gap h to be implemented between the outer surface of the core and the inner surface of the housing 2. The slot can be modeled by a system of two plates arranged between two outlets, separated by a width b over a length l, the slot having a thickness h, one of the outlets being subjected to a pressure p1 (upstream pressure) while the other outlet is subjected to a pressure p2 (downstream pressure, p1>p2). As the fluid has a dynamic viscosity coefficient η, the following equation applies, which gives the leakage flow rate dV / dt: [Formula 1] dV / dt=(h 3 b / 12ηl).(p1-p2) Where: - The fluid consists of a mixture of water (60%) and glycol (40%). - 100°C, 2 x 10 -3 It has a viscosity of Pa.s. - The pressure difference (p1-p2) is 1 bar. - The value is b=4.5×10 -2 m and L = 1.77 × 10 -2 m.

[0063] As a result, the maximum clearance at the radius is 1.85×10 -4 m, with a maximum leak rate of 4 liters per minute.

[0064] The above formula can be adapted according to the desired maximum leak rate, the viscosity of the fluid (which itself may depend on temperature), the geometric parameters, the pressure difference. The dimensions of the parts 2, 4 actually obtained during manufacturing can then be compared with the maximum clearance obtained according to the above modeling, thereby making it possible to check whether these parts meet the desired sealing requirements.

[0065] In general, we will use the operating temperature that results in the lowest viscosity since leakage flow rate is inversely proportional to viscosity. This temperature is most often the maximum operating temperature. For example, in an application for a cooling fluid that will be used at temperatures from -40°C to +100°C, we will use the latter value of 100°C.

[0066] More typically, the gap is comprised, for example, between 50 μm and 200 μm or even 300 μm (for example 250 μm, especially for a 1% leakage at 700 l / min).

[0067] This sealless sealing can be applied not only to the distributor described above in relation to Figures 1 to 3, but also to any other distributor that implements a rotating element in the distribution body, in particular any distributor that - including the injection of fluid laterally of the body 2, rather than axially (along the axis XX') as explained above, in which case the housing and the core have fluid inlets in the side walls 8 and lateral surfaces 32, respectively; - and / or to this, the core comprises a distribution channel of uniform cross-section, the end of which is arranged facing the outlet orifice, and which may have an elongated shape as described above or a circular shape corresponding or identical to the cross-section of the openings 12, 20.

[0068] As a result, sealing can be ensured by a narrow passage or small gap between the lateral surface and the side wall.

[0069] Another embodiment of the invention is described with reference to Figures 11A to 11C. The lateral conduits 12, 20 are aligned along a coplanar axis X (in a plane perpendicular to the axis XX'). 12 , X 20 XX′, respectively, and intersect at point A. This point can be identical with the center C of the core 4 (which is also the center of the bore of the body 2 into which it is introduced). However, according to an interesting embodiment of the invention, point A is displaced and placed behind point C, at a distance l from the latter. Point C is closer to the orifices 12, 20 than point A, and the two points A and C are placed on an axis EE′, which is the central axis of the core (and of the bore of the body 2) in a plane perpendicular to the axis XX′ (or in the median plane of the body 2). A is therefore further away from the orifices 12, 20 than point C. This makes it possible to increase the distance, called the overlap length, that separates these conduits for a constant conduit diameter 12′, 20′ (this is also shown in FIG. 4 as the length d 1As this distance increases, the leakage flow rate, as calculated according to the formula given above, decreases. The example of FIG. 11B is an example of a device where the intersection point A and the center C are coincident. The inner diameter of the conduit 38 is the distance between the axis X and 12 , X 20 In the plane of , it is equal to 80 mm. 1 In FIG. 11C, point A is offset a distance l of 20.8 mm behind point C, and has a length d 1 d' 1 = 11.33 mm, i.e. more than 8 times larger than the initial length, and the leakage therefore decreases by a factor of 8 or more. The gain obtained by the relative offset of points A and C can therefore be very substantial.

[0070] The coupling means 36 of the device as described above can have the shape shown in figures 1 and 6, 7, these means having for example the shape of a cylinder (figure 7A) in the lower part in which a groove 361 is formed making it possible to receive the end of the shaft 330 of the actuator 33 (see figure 1). The coupling part 36 is itself housed in the lower compartment 41 of the core 4 (see figures 6 and 7) and in its upper part comprises a lug 360, for example of parallelepiped shape, which makes it possible to actuate the core 4 in rotation when the shaft 330 actuates the part 36 in rotation. Preferably, the groove 361 extends in a direction perpendicular to the lug, making it possible to compensate or recover from coaxial or misalignment along two axes perpendicular to the axis of rotation XX'.

[0071] The lower section 41 of the core 4 has a shape complementary to that of the part 36, and in particular it includes one slot 282 into which the lug 360 is inserted.

[0072] Alternatively (see FIG. 7B), the coupling means 36' has a parallelepiped shape in its lower part including a slot 361' making 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 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) of the core 4, which is of parallelepiped shape, so that when the actuator 33 drives in rotation the part 36', the latter in turn drives in rotation the core 4.

[0073] Advantageously, the underside 28 of the core 4 has a circular groove 280 (see Figures 1, 5 and 6) making it possible to receive a pin 181 connected to the engine hood 18, which forms a stop against the movement of the core 4 when it is rotated by the actuator 33. This stop stops or limits the movement of the slot in an initial position of the core and then in its maximum position, the initial position corresponding to zero flow at the outlet 20 and the final position corresponding to zero flow at the outlet 12.

[0074] According to another embodiment of the invention, a return spring, e.g. a torsion spring, may be connected via one of its ends to the core 4 and via its other end to a part that remains fixed when the core is driven in rotation, e.g. the hood or end piece 10. Thus, the actuator 33 may drive the core in rotation from a first position to a second position, and deactivation of the actuator may automatically return the core to the first, i.e. initial, position. For example, the device may be in a rest position where the fluid flows towards the outlet 12, the actuator may drive the core 4 to a position where the fluid flows towards the outlet 20, and deactivation of the actuator may automatically return the core to the initial, i.e. position where the fluid flows towards the outlet 12. An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 8, where a torsion spring 60 is shown, 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 the inner part of the inlet cover 10.

[0075] The coupling means 36 and their housing in the lower section of the core 4 and / or the return means described above in relation to Figures 6 to 8 may be applied not only to the distributor described above in relation to Figures 1 to 3 but also to any other distributor implementing a rotating element in a distributor body, in particular - includes the injection of fluid transversely to the body 2, rather than axially (along the axis XX') as described above, - and / or to this end, the core comprises a distribution channel of uniform cross section, the end of which facing the outlet orifice may have an elongated shape, as explained above, or a circular shape corresponding to the cross section of the openings 12, 20; It may also be attached to any distributor.

[0076] Preferably, the housing 2 and the core 4 are made from a plastic material that reduces the mass of the distributor, which is particularly preferred in the automotive sector. Furthermore, the plastic material is advantageously filled with a material that reduces friction. For example, the housing and / or the core are made from polyphthalamide, for example of the PA6T / 6I-GF30 type, very advantageously filled with PTFE.

[0077] Moreover, they are preferably made by injection molding, simplifying their manufacture. As for the core, it is possible to make the shape of the internal conduit 38, for example, in two parts 38-1 and 38-2, as illustrated in Figures 10A and 10B, and then to mold the core by injection molding around this shape, where the shapes of the two parts 38-1 and 38-2 also have a cross section that increases, although not as gradually as in Figure 3.

[0078] Nevertheless, the housing and the core may be made from a metallic material, for example stainless steel or aluminum. The constraints on the surface condition of the inner surface of the housing and the surface of the core are significantly relaxed since no sealing is guaranteed.

[0079] Figure 9 represents an embodiment of the entire distributor of figure 1 after assembly. The reference numbers are as already explained above in connection with figure 1. The cooling fluid enters the device through the opening 11 in the direction of the axis of rotation of the core as it is rotated 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 explained above. The geared motor is for example one described in the patent application WO 2005 / 023366.

[0080] Next, the operation of the distributor will be described.

[0081] The supply inlet 11 is connected to a source of pressurized liquid, for example a pump connected to a liquid tank, and the two outlet orifices 12, 20 are connected to, for example, heat or an electric motor to be cooled.

[0082] When it is desired to deliver maximum flow to the outlet orifice 20, the core 4 is rotated about axis X to position the outlet 34 of the core facing the outlet orifice 20. Pressurized liquid flows from the delivery orifice 18 to the outlet orifice 20 through a conduit 38, as shown in Figure 5A.

[0083] When it is desired to supply maximum flow rate to the outlet orifice 12, the core 4 is rotated about the axis XX' to align the outlet 34 with the outlet orifice 20, as shown in FIG. 5A, and then a conduit 38 connects the supply orifice 11 and the outlet orifice 20.

[0084] As already explained above, the core 4 can assume any intermediate angular position to ensure proportional feeding of the exit orifices 12 and 20 .

[0085] Other relative angular orientations of the outlets 12 and 20 may be contemplated.

[0086] The present invention makes it possible to provide a reliably operating dispenser whilst substantially reducing the constraints as to dimensions, surface condition, materials required and manufacturing methods.

[0087] The described example includes one supply orifice and two outlet orifices, but as noted above the invention also applies to distributors with an inlet orifice and an outlet port, or a supply orifice and more than two outlet orifices, and to distributors with two supply orifices, a distributor according to the invention may have two axial fluid inlets and the actuator may be offset to allow fluid to pass to a second or more ends and one or more outlet orifices. Configurations with several supply orifices and multiple outlet orifices may implement a core with several cavities or recesses 43 to allow several flows, simultaneous or not, within the distributor.

[0088] In the example described above, fluid flows through orifice 11, through conduit 38, and exits the device from one or two of the lateral conduits 12, 20 (see, e.g., the arrows in FIG. 9A indicating the direction of fluid flow).

[0089] It is also possible to use the same device with the reverse operation: it is the lateral conduits 12, 20 that are used as inlet or supply conduits and are supplied with fluids, which are mixed in the internal conduit 38, and the mixed fluid flows through the orifice 11, which becomes the outlet orifice. The proportion of fluids that feed the device is modified depending on the angular position (around the axis XX') of the core in the housing. Thus, depending on the number of lateral conduits 12, 20, it is possible to introduce two or more fluids to be mixed. This use is illustrated in FIG. 9B, where the arrows indicate the direction of the fluid flow. For example, the two inlet fluids can be different. Alternatively, they can be of the same nature or the same, but in different temperature states, one of which for example originates from a heating member or element, for example a fuel cell, and the other from a cooling member or element, for example a radiator.

[0090] The distributor according to the invention, in particular associated with geared motors, is particularly suitable for application in the automotive sector (heat engines or electric motors) due to the reduced mass.

[0091] The distributor according to the invention is suitable for equipping any vehicle with a thermal, hybrid or electric engine, for example implementing a temperature regulation system and / or an air flow directing system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] Point A Point C D Distributor 2. Housing 4 Center part 6 Bottom 8 Cylindrical side wall 10 Entrance cover 10 Hood or end piece 11 Aperture 12 Second exit orifice 12' Second Conduit 18. Motor Food 18 Supply Orifice 20 First Exit Orifice 20' First Conduit 26 Hydraulic Chamber 28, 30 end face 30 Upper part 31 Inlet opening 32 Lateral surface 33 Actuator 34 Horizontal opening 36 Connecting means, i.e. members 36' Coupling means 38 Conduit Parts 38-1 and 38-2 41 Lower Section 43 Cavities or depressions 60 Torsion spring 61 One end 63 The other end 181 Pin 280 Circular Groove 282 Slots 330 Shaft 360 Rug 361 Groove 361' Slot

Claims

1. A hydraulic rotary distributor comprising a housing (2) and a core (4), said housing (2) comprising a side wall (8) and two end walls (6, 10) defining a hydraulic chamber in which is housed said core (4) capable of rotating in said chamber about an axis of rotation (XX'), one of said end walls (6) comprising an axial orifice (11) extending substantially perpendicular to said axis of rotation (XX'), said side wall of said housing comprising at least two lateral orifices (12, 20) opening into said hydraulic chamber, said core (4) comprising a lateral surface (32) facing said side wall (8) of said housing (2), an axial face (18) comprising an opening (31) facing said axial orifice (11), a lateral orifice (34), and an inner conduit (38) connecting said axial face (18) and said lateral orifice (34).

1. A hydraulic rotary distributor comprising: a core housing having a housing for allowing a flow or circulation of fluid to occur from or towards each of said lateral orifices (12, 20) individually in each of a first and a second angular position of said core within said housing; said lateral orifices (34) of said core having a shape which allows a partial flow from or towards said two lateral orifices simultaneously in at least one other intermediate angular position between said first and second angular positions; and said internal conduit (38) of said core having a cross section perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow which increases from said axial face (18) towards said lateral orifices (34) by a value comprised between 1% and 3% for any increase comprised between 5° and 15° of the angle measured between said axial face (18) of said core and a plane perpendicular to said direction of fluid circulation.

2. 2. The hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 1, wherein the lateral orifice (34) of the core has a rectangular, oval or ellipsoid shape elongated along an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation (XX').

3. 3. A hydraulic rotary distributor as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the distance separating the two furthest points of the lateral orifices (34) of the core is greater than the distance separating the two lateral orifices (12, 20) of the housing (2).

4. 4. A hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 1, wherein the cross section of the inner conduit (38) increases by a value comprised between 1% and 3% for any increase comprised between 7° and 12° of the angle measured between the axial face (18) of the core and a plane perpendicular to the direction of fluid circulation.

5. 5. A hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 1, wherein the sealing between the two lateral outlet orifices is ensured by a gap or small gap between said lateral surface and said side wall.

6. 6. A hydraulic rotary distributor as claimed in claim 5, wherein the sealing between the two lateral outlet orifices is ensured by the passage or gap between the lateral surface and the side wall, the passage or gap being comprised between 50 μm and 300 μm.

7. A hydraulic rotary distributor comprising a housing (2) and a core (4), said housing (2) having a side wall (8) and two end walls (6, 10) defining a hydraulic chamber in which is housed said core (4) capable of rotating in said chamber about an axis of rotation (XX'), at least one axial orifice (11) and at least one lateral orifice (12, 20) opening into said hydraulic chamber, said core (4) having a lateral surface (32) facing said side wall (8) of said housing (2), an axial face or opening (18) and at least one lateral orifice (12, 20) opening into said hydraulic chamber.

1. A hydraulic rotary distributor comprising a directional orifice (34) and a conduit (38) or a chamber connecting said axial face or opening (18) with said lateral orifices (34) and allowing a flow or circulation of a fluid from or to each of said lateral orifices (12, 20) of said housing depending on said angular position of said core in said housing, said sealing between said lateral surface of said core and said side wall of said housing (2) being ensured by a narrow passage or small gap between said lateral surface and said side wall, said passage or said gap being comprised between 50 μm and 300 μm.

8. 8. A hydraulic rotary distributor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising return means (60, 61, 63) for returning the core (4) to an equilibrium or initial position after it has been rotated to a position spaced from said equilibrium or initial position.

9. 9. A hydraulic rotary distributor as claimed in claim 8, wherein the return means (60, 61, 63) comprises a torsion spring fixed at one end to the core (4) and at another end to a part of the distributor which remains fixed when the core (4) is driven in rotation.

10. 10. The hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 1, wherein the core (4) comprises coupling means (28, 36, 36', 282) for coupling the end of the shaft (330) of the actuator (33) to the core (4).

11. 11. The hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 10, wherein the coupling means (28, 36, 36', 282) comprise a part (36, 36') provided with a slot (361, 361') for receiving the end of the shaft (330) of the actuator (33), and the core (4) comprises a housing (41) capable of receiving the part (36, 36'), whereby the part transmits the rotation of the shaft to the core.

12. 12. The hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 11, wherein the parts (36, 36') and the housing (41) have a cylindrical shape and are provided with lugs (360) of parallelepiped shape, the housing (41) being provided with spaces (282) for receiving the lugs.

13. 12. A hydraulic rotary distributor as claimed in claim 11, wherein said parts (36, 36') and said housing (41) have the shape of a parallelepiped.

14. 14. A hydraulic rotary distributor according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the core (4) comprises means (280) for inducing rotation when driven in rotation by an actuator (33).

15. 15. A hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 14, wherein the core (4) is provided with slots in the shape of arcs of a circle into which stoppers (181) are inserted.

16. 16. A hydraulic rotary distributor as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing and / or the core are made from plastic.

17. The lateral orifices (12, 20) are aligned with the axis (X 12 , 20 ) having an intersection point (A) located behind the center (C) of the core (4 ) with respect to the lateral orifices of the housing. １２ , X ２０ 17. A hydraulic rotary distributor according to claim 1, further comprising a conduit (12', 20') extending along the axis of the rotary shaft (12).

18. A hydraulic rotary solenoid valve comprising a distributor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 and an actuator (33) for rotating the core.

19. 20. The hydraulic rotary solenoid valve of claim 18, wherein the actuator comprises an output shaft (330) aligned along the axis of rotation (XX').

20. 20. A method for dispensing a fluid using a hydraulic rotary solenoid valve as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein the fluid is introduced through the axial orifice (11), e.g. in the direction of or perpendicular to the axis of rotation (XX'), and is guided by the inner conduit (38) of the core towards its lateral orifice (34) and then towards one and / or the other of the two lateral orifices (12, 20) of the housing (2), depending on the orientation of the core within the housing.

21. 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the fluid is a mixture of water and glycol.

22. The method of claim 20 , wherein the fluid is a fuel cell coolant.

23. 19. A method for dispensing fluids using a hydraulic rotary solenoid valve as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein fluids are introduced through the two lateral orifices (12, 20) of the housing, and these fluids are guided towards the axial orifice (11) by the inner conduit (38) of the core and are at least partially mixed within said inner conduit (38).

24. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the two fluids have the same properties or are the same but at different temperature states.

25. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein one of the fluids comes from a heating element, such as a fuel cell, and the other comes from a cooling element, such as a radiator.

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