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 comprises one or more connection slots (511), a stator (52), the stator surface (520) of which comprises a plurality of fluidic channels (521) and is in sealed contact with the rotor surface (510), the stator (52) being attached to a collector (60), and 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 the angular positions thereof. The present invention further relates to a device comprising such a rotary valve and predictive means, and to a method for distributing fluids.

Description

Precision rotary valve device Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a precision rotary valve, suitable for dispensing and mixing fluids. The valve according to the present invention comprises a stator provided with fluid 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 for 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 produce due to the multitude of channels they can contain and the hardness of ceramic, which makes it difficult to machine. The costs associated with the production of such valves are therefore high. In addition, the difficulties in machining such valves limit their applications.

[0004] Documents US2014 / 043018, US2016 / 082439, US2014102568, US2013284959 and US2021356053 describe examples of rotary valves.

[0005] There is therefore scope for developing less expensive and equally reliable solutions. It also appears necessary to develop such rotary valves for a wider variety of applications, particularly with regard to the number or type of different fluids distributed. Brief summary of the invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a rotary valve, free from known limitations. In particular, it is a question of producing a rotary valve of simpler and less expensive manufacture, while maintaining reliability and precision.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a rotary valve easily adaptable to several types of collectors.

[0008] Another aim of the present invention is to provide a dispensing device such as a pump and / or metering device which is reliable and precise, and adaptable to several applications.

[0009] Another aim of the invention is to propose a reliable and precise method of dispensing and / or dosing one or more fluids which can be easily adapted to several applications.

[0010] According to the invention, these aims are achieved in particular by means of the invention which is the subject of the independent claims and described in more detail in the claims which depend thereon. In particular,

[0011] The rotary valve according to the present 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 connecting slots capable of adopting several stable angular positions along the axis of rotation.

[0012] The rotary valve comprises a stator comprising a stator surface facing and in sealing contact with the rotor surface and several fluid channels passing through the stator and opening onto the stator surface.

[0013] The present rotary valve comprises a manifold comprising a stator housing on a front surface, adapted to receive said stator and one or more fluid lines.

[0014] The rotary valve according to the present description comprises a frame on which the collector is directly or indirectly fixed. The stator is fixed to the collector so that its fluid channels coincide with the fluid lines of the collector. The connection slot(s) are arranged on the rotor surface so as to connect at least two of the fluid channels of the stator in one of its angular positions along the axis of rotation.

[0015] 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.

[0016] The collector of the present valve may be made of a material different from said stator and associated with said stator in a sealed manner.

[0017] The collector of the present valve may comprise one or more means for centering said stator and one or more fixing means adapted to fix the collector to the frame of the valve, directly or via a casing.

[0018] The manifold of the present valve may include a housing in its front surface adapted to the contours of said stator.

[0019] The valve according to the present description may further comprise at least one control device adapted to position the rotor at one or more predefined angular positions.

[0020] The device according to the present description comprises at least one valve as described herein. It may further comprise complementary elements such as: one or more valve operation sensors. Such sensors may be an angular sensor, motor current consumption sensor, voltage sensor, fluid pressure sensor, infrared sensor, sound or ultrasound sensor, vibration sensor. The complementary elements may comprise one or more calculation units for calculating the parameters measured by the operation sensor(s). The complementary elements may comprise a communication module for transmitting the values ​​measured by the operation sensor(s).

[0021] The device described here may further comprise 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.

[0022] The computing unit or units of the device may comprise or be connected to an artificial intelligence module suitable for diagnosing or predicting the wear of one or more parts, a maintenance deadline, a breakdown and / or the end of life of the valve, and for issuing an alert or an appropriate instruction.

[0023] The method of distributing a quantity of fluid according to the present description is carried out by means of the valve or device described herein. The method comprises a step of arranging the connection slot(s) of the rotor opposite two fluid channels of the stator, by means of a rotation of a first predetermined angular value of the shaft, so as to circulate fluid from a supply channel to a distribution channel.

[0024] The method according to the present description further comprises the step of shifting the connection slot(s) of the fluid channels so as to interrupt the passage of said fluid, by rotating the shaft by a second angular value.

[0025] The present method may further comprise determining one or more operating and / or environmental parameters of the valve using suitable sensors, and adapting the distribution controls accordingly.

[0026] The method described here may further comprise 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.

[0027] This solution has the particular advantage over the prior art of accessing more adaptable rotary valves, allowing, if necessary, distributions and dosages of more fluids, at lower costs. Brief description of the figures

[0028] Examples of implementation of the invention are indicated in the description illustrated by the following figures: • Figure 1: Cross-sectional view of a valve according to the present invention, • Figure 2: Exploded schematic view of a rotor and a stator according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3a: Perspective view % face of a collector according to an embodiment of the present invention, • Figure 3b: Perspective view % face of a collector associated with a stator according to an embodiment of the present invention, • Figure 3c: Exploded view of a collector associated with a stator according to an embodiment of the present invention, • Figure 3d: Perspective view % rear of a collector according to an embodiment of the present invention, • Figure 4: longitudinal sectional view of a collector according to an embodiment of the present invention, • Figures 5a, 5b: Examples of different configurations of the collector according to the present invention, • Figure 6: schematic view of a control system for this valve. Example(s) of embodiment of the invention

[0029] Referring to Figure 1, the rotary valve 1 comprises a motor 10 driving a transmission shaft 11 in rotation about an axis of rotation X. The transmission shaft 11 makes it possible to drive a rotor 51 in rotation about the axis X. The rotor 51 can be driven directly or by means of a suitable transmission system. According to one embodiment, the transmission system can comprise a transmission disc 41, being in contact with the rotor 51, a ball thrust bearing 42 and one or more balls 43 making it possible to transmit the rotational movement of the transmission shaft 11 to the transmission disc 41 and consequently to the rotor 51. A flat can be provided at the end of the transmission shaft of so as to be able to drive the transmission disc 41. Other transmission systems can nevertheless be used as required.

[0030] 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 can be of the stepper type, direct current, or of any other design adapted to implement rotations of a determined angular value. Several angular values ​​can be provided, each of which can correspond to the same step, that is to say to a multiple of the same rotation value. For this purpose, the 360° corresponding to a complete revolution can 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 from each other. Other configurations can nevertheless be provided within the scope of the present description.The angular position of the rotor 51 can alternatively or additionally be defined and controlled by means of sensors such as one or more angular encoders 12, arranged so as to determine the actual angular position of the transmission shaft 11 and / or the rotor 51, and / or other rotating elements of the device. Intermediate or non-multiple angular positions of the same rotation value can thus be used within the framework of the present rotary valve.

[0031] The motor 10 can be designed to rotate the drive shaft 11 through only one revolution. However, depending on requirements, the drive shaft 11 can be rotated through more than 360° or even without a limit of revolutions. It is understood that the drive shaft 11 is not intended to rotate indefinitely but to take defined and stable angular positions.

[0032] The rotor 51 is shown diagrammatically in Figure 2. It has a flat surface opposite the transmission system and the transmission disc 41. In other words, its flat surface, designated here as rotor surface 510, cooperates with an opposing surface of the stator 52 described later and participates in 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 stator surface 520 opposite.

[0033] The rotor surface 510 is further 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.

[0034] The rotor 51 is preferably made entirely or in part of a hard material such as ceramic or suitable plastic or metallic materials. For example, hard fluorinated polymers, steels or other materials may be used. According to 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 the present valve.

[0035] The rotor surface 510 comprises at least one connection slot 511, which is of sufficient size to establish a fluid connection between two fluid channels 521 of the stator 52. In this case, its width and its depth may be of identical or close value, and its length is adjusted to the distance which separates the fluid channels 521 of the stator 52. The orientation of the connection slot(s) 511 is also adapted to the position of the fluid channels 521 which it aims to connect.

[0036] According to one embodiment, a single connection slot 511 is provided in the rotor surface 510, which is adapted to connect two fluid channels 521.

[0037] According to one embodiment, several connection slots 511 are arranged so that several fluid connections can be made simultaneously between two sets of fluid channels 521. Slots of different size and orientation can alternatively make it possible to connect different fluid channels 521 in turn. For example, a first fluid channel 521 can be connected to a second fluid channel by means of a first connection slot and to a third fluid channel by means of a second connection slot.

[0038] A connection slot 511 is described here as being rectilinear. This does not exclude other shapes, such as curved or branched slots, allowing for example to connect three or more fluid channels 521. However, the simplest shapes remain preferred for reasons of simplicity and machining costs.

[0039] According to one embodiment, several connection slots 511 may have distinct depths and / or widths. In this way, the flow rate of fluids between two fluid channels 521 can be modulated according to needs and / or external parameters.

[0040] The person skilled in the art understands that the number, shape, and dimensions of the 511 connection slots can be as varied as possible.

[0041] The rotary valve 1 according to the present description comprises a stator 52, arranged opposite the rotor 51. The stator 52 is fixed. It comprises a stator surface 520 placed in contact with the rotor surface 510 so as to maintain the seal. For this purpose, 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 the seal with the rotor surface 510 opposite.

[0042] The material of the stator 52 may be the same or different from that of the rotor 51 or the rotor surface 510. It nevertheless obeys the same constraints as those of the rotor. The stator is then preferably made entirely of ceramic or of a material having similar mechanical properties, in particular in terms of hardness and thermal and chemical resistance. The stator 52 is illustrated in FIG. 2. Its stator surface 52 faces the rotor surface 510 and is in close contact with it. The coefficient of friction between the two surfaces of rotor 510 and stator 520 is reduced to a minimum due to the absence or low roughness and the materials chosen.

[0043] The stator comprises several fluid channels 521 passing right through it. The fluid 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 fluid channels 521 opens onto another surface of the stator 52 so as to coincide with one or more fluid conduits 64 of a collector 60.

[0044] The fluid channels 521 may pass through the stator in a straight or non-straight manner depending on the needs and configuration of the entire device. The fluid channels 521 may be of the same diameter or of different diameters.

[0045] The stator is intended to remain fixed relative to the entire device so that the rotor 51 can adjust to it by rotation around the X axis. The stator 52 is furthermore precisely located to make the fluid channels coincide with the connection slot(s) 511. For this purpose, it is held on a collector 60 by means of suitable fixing devices.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the stator 52 comprises, opposite its stator surface 520, one or more holes 522 into which one or more centering means 620 such as pins or centering axes can be inserted. The holes can be blind and of defined depth. Alternatively, the holes can be through to simplify their realization. This configuration has the advantage of limiting the machining operations of the stator 52 whose material is difficult to work. However, other configurations can be envisaged. For example, centering lugs can be provided instead of or in addition to the holes 522. Alternatively or in addition, holes 522 can be arranged on the edge of the stator 52 rather than on its bottom.

[0047] For reasons of machining economy and efficiency, the shape of the stator 52 is kept as simple as possible. For example, the stator 52 may be in the form of a wafer with one face representing the stator surface 520. It may be circular or oval in shape, or alternatively have straight edges, which may be simpler to produce. The stator 52 may thus take a square or rectangular shape. The dimensions of the stator 52 are also limited to its need to establish a sealed connection with the rotor surface 510. In other words, the area of ​​the stator surface 520 may correspond to that of the rotor surface 510 or be slightly smaller.

[0048] The stator 52 and the rotor 51 both form an assembly constituting the valve body 50 for activating or deactivating the distribution of a fluid conveyed by other elements of the present device. In this case, a manifold 60 makes it possible to convey several fluids to the stator 52. The valve body 50 makes it possible, alternatively or additionally, to dose the distributed fluids. The valve body 50 makes it possible, alternatively or additionally, to mix or blend different fluids and to distribute them. The valve body 50 makes it possible, alternatively or additionally, to modulate or select the flow rate of the distributed fluid(s).

[0049] In Figure 2, the connection slot 511 is arranged to connect a fluid channel 521 with a first fluid channel 521a. A rotation of 1 / 3 of a turn along the X axis connects the first fluid channel 521a with a second fluid channel 521b. A further rotation of 1 / 3 of a turn connects the third fluid channel 521b. with the initial fluidic channel 521. The motor then allows rotations of 120° around the X axis.

[0050] The stator 52 is a separate part from the collector 60. Figures 3a, 3b and 3c illustrate an example of assembly of the stator 52 on a collector 60. The collector 60 has a front surface 600 intended to be arranged opposite the rotor 51. The front surface 600 is nevertheless significantly wider than the rotor surface 510 and the stator surface 520. The collector 60 comprises 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 wedged in the housing 61. The housing is in the central position of the collector 60 on its front face 600. The depth of the housing 61 is further adapted to the thickness of the stator 52. According to one embodiment, the depth of the housing 61 of the collector 60 equals that of the stator 52 so that the stator surface 520 is flush with the front surface 600 of the collector 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.

[0051] The collector 60 comprises one or more centering positions 62 allowing the stator 52 to be correctly positioned in the housing 61. In particular, the fluid channels 521 of the stator 52 must be precisely arranged opposite the fluid conduits 64 of the collector 60, described below. For this purpose, the collector 60 may comprise one or more centering means 620 arranged opposite the holes 522 of the stator 52. The centering means may be holes allowing a pin or a centering shaft to be inserted, one or more lugs cooperating with the holes 522 of the stator 52 or any other equivalent means.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the centering means 620 and the holes 522 are not arranged symmetrically and thus serve as a foolproof 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 take several positions in the collector 60. This makes it possible, for example, to adapt the configuration of the valve according to the different fluid lines 64 to be used without having to machine new parts. The collector 60 comprises fluid channels which open into the housing 61. The stator 52 is arranged in the housing 61 so that the fluid channels 521 of the stator 52 coincide with the fluid channels of the collector or at least with a part of them.

[0053] 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 collector 60. The fluid channels 521 being positioned opposite fluid channels of the same diameter opening into the housing 61, sealing at the bottom of the housing 61 is ensured using such seals. These channels opening into the housing 61 are connected to the fluid lines 64 of the collector. The shape, dimensions and material of the seals are of course appropriate. The seals used may for example be of the O-ring type.

[0054] The manifold 60 is fixed directly or indirectly to the frame 20 of the valve by means of suitable fasteners. It may for example be fixed to the casing 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 any other equivalent may be inserted. Other fixing systems comprising for example a threaded crown that can be screwed onto the frame, clips, screws or any equivalent, may be envisaged. The fixing means may furthermore be arranged so as to act as a foolproof device and correctly orient the manifold 60 relative to the other elements of the device.

[0055] Once the collector 60 is fixed to the frame 20 of the valve, directly or via the casing 30, the stator surface 520 is in contact with the rotor surface 510. The tightening of the collector 60 makes it possible to maintain the seal between the stator surfaces 510 and rotor 520.

[0056] According to an advantageous embodiment, the commutator 60 is composed 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 material suitable for the needs. It may be molded, machined or made by additive manufacturing or a combination of these different processes. Machining here includes any micromachining operation.

[0057] The collector 60 is provided with several fluid conduits 64 for conveying distinct fluids to the fluid channels 521 of the stator 52. Figure 3d illustrates an example in which several fluid conduits 64 are arranged on the rear surface 601 and on the lateral surface 602 of the collector 60. The diameter of the fluid conduits 64 may be identical or different. The geometry of the collector 60 may be adapted as required. It may be circular, cylindrical or angular in shape such as cubic or parallelepipedal. Corners may be truncated 602 so as to form an additional surface capable of accommodating one or more fluid conduits 64.

[0058] Figure 4 illustrates a manifold 60 in section, comprising several fluid conduits 64. The diameter of the fluid conduits 64 can vary from the periphery of the manifold 60 towards the stator housing 61. In this case, it is decreasing. The fluid conduits 64 can thus terminate in an injector 640 at the stator housing 61 of narrower diameter than at the periphery of the manifold 60. Continuity with the fluid channels 521 is thus ensured reliably and precisely. The small diameter channel portions, dedicated to the circulation of fluids, make it possible to minimize the volumes of fluids in circulation, which can be expensive, as well as the internal volume of the valve, which contributes to guaranteeing high precision. The larger diameter pipe section allows for fluid connections.

[0059] Depending on the requirements, the fluid lines 64 and / or the manifold 60 may receive a suitable treatment after their manufacture, such as a chemical, electrochemical or immersion coating, so as to improve the resistance and / or the performance of the valve.

[0060] The number and arrangement of the fluid conduits 64 are not limited. Due to the greater ease of manufacturing the collector than the stator 52, a wide variety of configurations is accessible. Figure 5a illustrates a configuration according to which the collector 60 comprises 4, or 6, or 8 or 10 or 12 fluid conduits 64 arranged in a plane and each coinciding with a fluid channel of the stator 52. The collector may comprise, for example, from 3 to 24 channels. The same rotor may be used with several types of collectors 60. A connection slot 511 may be arranged in the rotor 51 so as to individually select one or other of these fluid channels 521. Alternatively, the connection slot 511 may be arranged diametrically so as to connect opposite fluid channels in pairs. A rotation of the rotor 51 by a suitable angle makes it possible to select the fluid channels to be connected.The connection slot 511 may be arranged eccentrically so as to connect fluid channels that are not diametrically opposed.

[0061] Figure 5b illustrates a switch configuration for switching from a two 64a channel connection to two 64b channels, or two 64c channels.

[0062] The fluid lines 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.

[0063] This disclosure also covers a device comprising a rotary valve as described herein. A device means any device for distributing, dosing and / or mixing fluids. It may designate, for example, a distribution pump. The device notably comprises a valve as described here, where the collector 60 is connected to several external pipes allowing the distribution of fluids from the appropriate reservoirs (not shown) to a distribution location.

[0064] The present device comprises a means for controlling the rotary valve. Controlling the rotary valve comprises in this case one or more rotations of the shaft 11 and consequently of the rotor 52, according to angles determined so as to connect the appropriate fluid channels. One or more electronic control devices 70 (figure 1) are used for this purpose. According to one embodiment, the control device comprises an electronic card arranged on the valve 1.

[0065] Sensors C1, C2, Cn may be installed on the rotary valve to determine its operating parameters. One or more angular sensors may 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.

[0066] One or more current sensors may be provided to determine one or more operating parameters such as motor heating, motor torque, and motor power consumption. A sensor may be involved in measuring the overall current consumption. Alternatively or additionally, one or more voltage sensors may be installed to determine the operating parameters described above or to confirm them or increase the measurement reliability.

[0067] One or more sensors for determining the level of vibration of the valve due to the various mechanical movements, in particular those linked to the rotation of the transmission shaft 11, may be included. In this way, parameters such as vibration frequencies, amplitudes, distribution over time or according to the operating phases of the device can be determined. Accelerometer-type sensors or any equivalent can be used for this purpose.

[0068] Alternatively or in addition, one or more infrared sensors can be directed towards the motor to determine its temperature without contact. Direct measurement of the motor temperature can replace or corroborate current and / or voltage measurements where appropriate.

[0069] One or more pressure sensors for the distributed fluids can be installed, so as to identify, for example, possible leaks, particularly at the collector or the rotor and stator surfaces.

[0070] Alternatively or in addition, one or more ultrasonic or other sound frequency sensors may be provided so as to measure the sounds and / or ultrasounds generated during mechanical movements of the valve.

[0071] The sensors C1, C2, Cn described above are not limited in number or type. In particular, they make it possible to determine the operating parameters of the valve. They are connected or integrated into the electronic control devices 70 so that suitable commands can be delivered to the valve according to its operating parameters.

[0072] Other sensors suitable for determining ambient parameters P1, P2, Pn may also be connected or associated with the electronic control devices 70. For example, sensors of ambient parameters such as temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, vibrations in the case of on-board devices, may be used. The ambient parameters are then transmitted to the electronic control devices 70 and make it possible to modulate the valve controls according to such parameters. For dosing functions, for example, the ambient temperature and / or the atmospheric pressure may impair the accuracy of the distribution and must therefore be integrated into the control instructions delivered to the valve. Alternatively or in addition, environmental parameters can be used to verify that the operation of the valve remains within specifications.

[0073] The device according to this description can also be geolocated for identification and maintenance purposes, particularly in the case of a fleet of devices installed in different locations and monitored remotely. Geolocation by GPS or any other alternative is possible.

[0074] The device according to the present description comprises a communication module MC adapted to receive and transmit data such as the values ​​of the measured parameters, whether operating or environmental, the 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, wifi, internet networks, radio network such as 4G or 5G or equivalent.

[0075] The device contains in its electronic control devices 70 the memory necessary for storing the measured and / or transmitted data, either transiently, for a long period of time, 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 required, for example on a minute, hourly, or daily basis. Alternatively or additionally, 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 additionally, the data or some of them can be permanently stored locally in such a memory. The person skilled in the art understands the purpose and its possible adaptations.

[0076] The device according to the present description further comprises one or more computing units UC for compiling and analyzing the measured and / or transmitted data. For this purpose, the computing unit comprises the necessary electronic resources including suitable software and appropriate algorithms. According to an advantageous embodiment, the computing unit UC comprises or is connected to an artificial intelligence and / or so-called deep learning program. The analysis of the data makes it possible in particular to verify the conformity of the measured values ​​or the use of the valve, real-time or delayed operating diagnostics, quality controls of the measurements, reliability controls, predictive analyses of maintenance or failure or adjustments.

[0077] The present description further covers a method of dispensing fluids by means of the valve and the device described herein. The dispensing method comprises conveying one or more fluids from a storage location to a manifold 60 combined with a stator 52, each of the fluids being directed to a fluid conduit 64 of the manifold in permanent fluid communication with a fluid channel 521 of the stator 52. The channel or channels thus supplied are defined as being the supply channels. The method further comprises the step of rotating the rotor 51 by an appropriate angle so as to connect the fluid channel or channels 521 supplied by the fluid or fluids with one or more other fluid channels of the stator in fluid communication with one or more fluid conduits 64 of the manifold 60 so as to allow the fluid to pass through the valve for its dispensing.The fluid channel(s) concerned are then defined as the distribution channels.

[0078] The method further comprises rotating the rotor 51 to another angular position making it possible to interrupt the connection between the fluid 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 other fluid.

[0079] The rotor rotation operations can be controlled manually or automatically according to a pre-established program or according to parameters determined in real time. The automated control can involve a control device 70 possibly associated with one or more computing units UC described here.

[0080] The method according to the present description may further comprise a step of considering one or more environmental parameters among the ambient temperature, the hygrometry, the atmospheric pressure and of determining a rotor rotation value adapted accordingly.

[0081] The method according to the present description may alternatively or additionally comprise 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 rotor rotation value adapted 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.

[0082] The method according to the present description may alternatively or additionally comprise 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, the hygrometry, the atmospheric pressure, and of processing them by means of appropriate algorithms so as to produce an operating status and / or an operating prognosis comprising 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.

[0083] Maintenance operations are facilitated by the design of the valve described here. In particular, the valve can easily be replaced by separating the casing 30 from the frame 20, for example by unscrewing two diametrically opposed screws which fix the casing 30 to the frame 20. Thus, the assembly composed of the rotor 51, the stator 52 of the collector 60, the casing 30, the transmission disc 41 and the ball thrust bearing 42 can be separated from the frame 20 and replaced and / or repaired.

[0084] The valve and device described herein allow the distribution and / or metering of fluids, in particular for medical, diagnostic or therapeutic purposes, for research purposes, for analytical purposes. The fluids mentioned herein include all types of fluids, in particular liquids of varying viscosities at varying pressures. The liquids include solutions of active ingredients, test or diagnostic solutions, injection solutions, and perfusion solutions. Reference numbers used in the figures 1 Rotary valve 10 Engine 11 Tree 12 Angular Encoder 20 Chassis 30 Carter 41 Transmission disc 42 Thrust ball bearing 43 Marbles 50 Valve body 51 Rotor 510 Rotor Surface 511 Connection slot 52 Stator 520 Stator surface 521 Fluidic channel 522 holes 60 Collector 600 Frontal area 601 Rear surface 602 Lateral surface 61 Stator housing 62 Centering positions 620 Centering means 621 Seals 63 Fixing points 630 Fixing means 64 Fluid line 640 Injector 70 Electronic control device MC Communication module UC Control unit C1, C2, Cn Sensors P1, P2, Pn Parameters X Axis of rotation

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 collector (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 collector (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), said stator having a pancake shape, and comprising opposite its stator surface (520) one or more holes (522) and / or centering lugs (522) where said one or more connection slots (511) is arranged on 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. Rotary valve according to one of claims 1 and 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 one of claims 1 and 3, said manifold (60) comprising one or more fixing means (630) adapted to fix the manifold on the frame of the valve, directly or via a casing (30).

5. Valve according to one of claims 1 to 4, said one or more centering means (620) being one or more lugs and / or holes allowing a centering axis to be inserted, arranged opposite the holes (522) of the stator (52).

6. Valve according to one of claims 1 to 5, said one or more centering means (620) and said holes (522) being arranged in a non-symmetrical manner so as to serve as a foolproofing device.

7. Valve according to one of claims 1 to 5, said centering means (620) and said holes (522) being arranged symmetrically so that the stator can take several positions in the collector (60) [0051].

8. Valve according to one of claims 1 to 7, angles of the collector (60) being truncated so as to form an additional surface (602) suitable for accommodating one or more fluid conduits (64).

9. Valve according to one of claims 1 to 8, in which the diameter of said fluid conduits (64) varies from the periphery of the collector (60) towards the stator housing (61).

10. Valve according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which the fluid conduits (64) and / or the collector (60) comprise a coating capable of improving resistance.

11. Rotary valve according to one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising at least one control device (70) adapted to position said rotor at one or more predefined angular positions.

12. Device comprising at least one valve according to one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising: - one or more valve operation sensors such as angle sensor, motor current consumption sensor, voltage sensor, fluid pressure sensor, infrared sensor, sound or ultrasonic sensor, vibration sensor, - one or more calculation units (CU) for calculating the parameters measured by the operating sensor(s), and - A communication module for transmitting the values ​​measured by the operating sensor(s).

13. Device according to claim 12, 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.

14. Device according to one of claims 12 and 13, 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. Tl 15. Method for distributing a quantity of fluid by means of the valve according to one of claims 1 to 11, or of the device 12 to 14, 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.

16. Method according to claim 15, further comprising the step of offsetting 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).

17. Method according to one of claims 15 and 16, 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.

18. Method according to one of claims 15 to 17, 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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