Proportional three-way hydraulic valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor-driven hydraulic rotary valve comprising a housing (2) and a core (4), wherein the housing (2) comprises a side wall (8) and two end walls (6, 10) defining a hydraulic chamber in which the core (4) capable of rotating in the chamber about an axis (XX') of rotation is housed, at least one supply path (11), and at least two outlet channels (12, 20, 14, 24), which open into the hydraulic chamber with an inner diameter (A), wherein the core (4) comprises a side surface (32) facing the side wall (8) of the housing (2), an inlet opening (31), and at least one side outlet (34), and wherein the core (4) allows each of the outlet channels (12, 20) to be supplied depending on the angular position thereof in the housing, and wherein the length of inter-channel overlap is 30% or less of the inner diameter D of each of the channels.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Title: 3-WAY PROPORTIONAL HYDRAULIC VALVE

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD AND PRIOR TECHNOLOGY

[0004] The field of the invention is that of motorized hydraulic valves, in particular of the "3-2 proportional" type whose ports are arranged in a "Y" configuration, each port being oriented on the same plane and whose angular operating range of the valve is, for example, greater than 80° C.

[0005] This type of valve is used for example in hydrogen fuel cell cooling circuits, where it is necessary to reduce pressure losses in the cooling circuit.

[0006] The valve can be used in the following 2 configurations: either in "split" with the two "V"-shaped outlets and the third outlet, or in "mix" with the two "V"-shaped outlets and the third outlet.

[0007] In the hydrogen mobility sector, the fuel cell system represents a very significant volume to be installed on the vehicle. This bulk is a major obstacle to the development of this technology. The hydraulic valves of a fuel cell's cooling circuit are large components that impact the overall size of the system.

[0008] Furthermore, hydraulic valves are distribution elements that dissipate energy by generating pressure losses in the circuit in which they are installed.

[0009] These pressure losses result in a heating of the fluid and a drop in pressure in the cooling circuit, thus reducing the efficiency of the cooling system and impairing the overall performance of the system.

[0010] The two main causes identified by the inventors for these pressure losses are as follows.

[0011] First, on 3-2 proportional valves, when used in a "split" configuration—that is, when the valve is oriented to supply both outlet ports—the internal cylindrical surface separating the two outlet ports (called the overlap surface) creates a frontal obstacle to fluid flow, thus generating significant pressure losses. Furthermore, the volumes of the areas outside the flow path, known as "dead volumes," create areas of negative pressure, causing turbulence and fluid recirculation, which in turn leads to further pressure losses.

[0012] The same problems arise for a 3-2 proportional valve used in "mix", that is, when the valve is oriented to supply an outlet with 2 fluids to be mixed from two inlet ports: depressions and turbulences (at the outlet of the 2 supply ports) appear, notably due to the internal cylindrical surface separating the two inlet ports.

[0013] The problem then arises of finding a new type of hydraulic valve that can solve all or part of these problems.

[0014] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The invention aims to remedy at least in part the drawbacks of the prior art, and more particularly to provide an improved hydraulic valve, especially for application to hydrogen fuel cell cooling circuits.

[0016] The invention relates first to a hydraulic rotary valve comprising a housing and a core, said housing comprising a side wall, two end walls delimiting a hydraulic chamber, in which is housed the core adapted to rotate in said chamber about an axis (XX') of rotation, the housing comprising:

[0017] - at least one inlet or supply channel, or orifice or conduit, and two outlet channels, or orifices or conduits,

[0018] - and / or, respectively, 2 inlet or supply ports and at least one outlet port or orifice or conduit, which open(s) (or lead into) the hydraulic chamber with an internal diameter, the core having a lateral surface facing the side wall of the housing, an inlet opening of a channel, at least one lateral outlet of this channel, and allowing, depending on its angular position in the housing:

[0019] - a power supply to each of said outlets or ports or conduits from the inlet or supply port (or port or conduit),

[0020] - and / or, or respectively, a supply to the outlet channel or orifice or conduit, from each of the inlet or supply channels or orifices or conduits, the overlap length (L):

[0021] - inter-exit lanes,

[0022] - and / or respectively inter-input or supply channels, being less than or equal to 30%, for example less than or equal to 25%, or between 24% and 27%, of the internal diameter (A) of each:

[0023] - outlet channels or ports,

[0024] - and / or respectively inlet or supply routes or ports.

[0025] In this application, and regardless of the aspect of the invention concerned, the "core" may also be called the "distributor," and the "housing" may also be called the "valve body." The valve comprises the valve body (or housing) and the distributor (or core).

[0026] The invention also relates to a hydraulic rotary valve comprising a housing and a core, said housing comprising a side wall, two end walls delimiting a hydraulic chamber, in which is housed the core adapted to rotate in said chamber about an axis (XX') of rotation, the housing comprising:

[0027] - at least one inlet or supply port or opening, and two outlet ports or openings, each of which can be extended by an inlet or outlet conduit,

[0028] - or, respectively, 2 supply ports or orifices, each of which can be supplied or extended by a supply conduit, and at least one outlet port or orifice, which can be extended by an outlet conduit, which open(s) (or open out) into the hydraulic chamber, the core having a lateral surface facing the side wall of the casing, an inlet opening of a channel, at least one lateral outlet of this channel, and allowing, depending on its angular position in the casing, a supply:

[0029] - of each of the said orifices or of each of the said exit routes,

[0030] - and / or, respectively, from each of said orifices or from each of the inlet or supply routes, the cross-sectional area of ​​each:

[0031] - of the openings or each of the said exit routes,

[0032] - and / or each of the orifices or each of the said inlet or supply routes, being in the shape of a square with rounded corners.

[0033] The passage section:

[0034] - at least of each of the outlet conduits, and / or or respectively at least of each of the inlet conduits, can change from a square shape with rounded corners, at the outlet, and / or or respectively at the inlet, of the hydraulic chamber, to a circular shape, at a distance from the hydraulic chamber;

[0035] - and / or each of the ports and / or each of the outlets, and / or respectively each of the ports and / or each of the inlet ports, may have a shape comprising 2 first sides parallel to each other, 2 second sides parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first 2 sides, the first 2 sides and the 2 second sides being connected by portions of a circle and evolving, as they move away from the valve, towards a circular shape.

[0036] The overlap length between exit lanes, and / or well or respectively between input or supply lanes, may be less than or equal to 30% or 25%, or between 24% and 27%, of the distance between the first 2 sides or between the second 2 sides.

[0037] In all the above cases:

[0038] - the passage section of each of the exit, and / or respectively inlet or supply, channels, or conduits, can be circular, at a distance from the wall of the hydraulic chamber, then evolve, as it approaches the hydraulic chamber, towards a shape comprising 2 first sides parallel to each other, 2 second sides parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first 2 sides, the first 2 sides and the 2 second sides being connected by portions of a circle;

[0039] - and / or the cross-section of each of the exit, and / or inlet or supply, channels, or conduits, can be modified along the channel or conduit, with a reduction, towards, or at the level of, the hydraulic chamber, of the cross-section of the flow, for example in the square-shaped section with rounded corners, less than or equal to 14%, for example between 4% and 14%, compared to a circular shape in which the square-shaped section with rounded corners is inscribed.

[0040] A hydraulic rotary valve according to the invention may include an orifice or an inlet or supply channel extended by an inlet or supply conduit, and / or respectively an orifice or an outlet channel extended by an outlet conduit, the passage section of said orifice or inlet or supply channel, and / or respectively said orifice or outlet channel, being in the form of a square with rounded corners; a square shape with rounded corners includes 2 first sides parallel to each other, 2 second sides parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first 2 sides, the first 2 sides and the 2 second sides being connected by portions of a circle.

[0041] In particular, the cross-section of said inlet or supply conduit, and / or respectively said outlet conduit, may change from said square shape with rounded corners, at the inlet of the hydraulic chamber, to a circular shape, at a distance from the hydraulic chamber. The cross-section of said inlet conduit, and / or respectively said outlet conduit, may be modified along the inlet or supply conduit, and / or respectively outlet, with a reduction in the cross-section of the flow in the square with rounded corners, for example less than or equal to 14%, compared to a circular shape in which the square with rounded corners is inscribed.

[0042] A hydraulic rotary valve according to the invention may include:

[0043] - one inlet or supply port or orifice and 2 outlet ports or orifices, the valve being of type "3-2", or "Y", whose 3 ports are arranged in a "Y"; in this case, the fluid can be introduced through the inlet or supply port or orifice, and be guided by the internal conduit of the core and then, depending on the orientation of the core in the housing, towards one and / or the other of the outlet ports or ports;

[0044] - or include one outlet and two inlet or supply ports, the valve again being of the "3-2" or "Y" type, with the three ports arranged in a "Y" shape; in this case, a fluid can be introduced through the two inlet or supply ports, guided by an internal conduit in the core and then towards the outlet port. Thus, fluids of different temperatures can be introduced through the two inlet or supply ports.

[0045] -in one of the inlet or supply paths, the fluid will have a higher temperature, for example because it will have been used to cool, for example, a fuel cell;

[0046] - and in the other inlet or supply path, the fluid has nothing to cool so its temperature does not change.

[0047] Thus, a hot fluid can be mixed with a cold fluid, and the distribution of flow rates allows the temperature to be regulated, for example, in a fuel cell.

[0048] Preferably, a valve according to the invention is a proportional hydraulic valve. In a hydraulic rotary valve according to the invention, the housing and / or the core can be made of plastic.

[0049] The invention also relates to a motorized hydraulic rotary valve comprising a hydraulic rotary valve according to the invention and an actuator, for example a geared motor (MR), driving the core in rotation.

[0050] For example, in such a motorized hydraulic rotary valve, the actuator has an output shaft aligned along the axis (XX') of rotation.

[0051] The invention also relates to a hydrogen fuel cell cooling circuit, comprising a hydraulic rotary valve according to the invention.

[0052] The invention also relates to a method of distributing a fluid using a motorized hydraulic rotary valve or a hydraulic rotary solenoid valve according to the invention, as described above and in the remainder of this application:

[0053] - the fluid being introduced through the orifice or the inlet or supply channel, and being guided by an internal conduit of the core then, depending on the orientation of the core in the housing, towards one or both of the orifices or outlet channels;

[0054] - and / or, alternatively, or respectively, at least one fluid being introduced through one and / or the other of the 2 inlet or supply ports or orifices, guided through the inner conduit of the core and then towards the outlet port or port; for example, a fluid may be introduced at 2 different temperatures between the 2 inlet or supply ports or orifices.

[0055] For example, the fluid is air or water or a mixture of water and glycol; it may be a coolant (e.g. a mixture of water and glycol), especially for a fuel cell.

[0056] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] Other aspects, objectives, advantages, and features of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0058] [Fig. 1] is an exploded view of an example of a hydraulic rotary valve according to the invention comprising one inlet and two outlets. [Fig. 2] is a perspective view of the central rotating part of the valve of Figure 1, the seals being shown in a position offset from the central part.

[0059] [Fig. 3A] and [Fig. 3B] are views that illustrate a first aspect of the invention.

[0060] [Fig. 4] is a view of a valve according to the invention.

[0061] [Fig. 5A] and [Fig. 5B] are views that illustrate a second aspect of the invention.

[0062] [Fig. 6A] and [Fig. 6B] are views that illustrate effects obtained by the invention;

[0063] [Fig. 7A] and [Fig. 7B] illustrate a comparison between a known valve and a valve according to the invention;

[0064] [Fig. 8] is a view that allows comparison of a circular section and a squircle-shaped section;

[0065] [Fig. 9] represents a channel having a squircle-shaped cross-section;

[0066] [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of a valve and a geared motor.

[0067] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC METHODS OF IMPLEMENTATION

[0068] In the figures and throughout the description, the same reference numerals represent identical or similar elements. Furthermore, the various elements are not drawn to scale to ensure clarity. Moreover, the different embodiments and variants are not mutually exclusive and may be combined. Unless otherwise stated, the terms "approximately," "around," and "in the order of" mean within 10%. Furthermore, the terms "between ... and ..." and equivalents mean that the limits are inclusive, unless otherwise specified.

[0069] Generally speaking, "input" should be understood as "food supply".

[0070] Figure 1 shows an example of a hydraulic rotary valve with one inlet or supply port and two outlets (type 3-2 valve). It should be understood that the valve may have one or more inlets or supply ports and one or more outlet ports. In another specific embodiment of a type 3-2 valve, this valve has two inlet or supply ports and one outlet port.

[0071] The valve comprises a housing 2 or valve body, essentially cylindrical in shape around the X axis, and a central part 4, designated core or distributor, mounted in the housing 2 and capable of rotating within it.

[0072] In the example shown, the housing 2 comprises a base (or base wall) 6 and a substantially cylindrical side wall 8 of revolution about the X-axis, forming a single piece, and a lid 10 (or lid-forming wall) for closing the housing. The lid 10 can be attached to the housing, for example, by screws or by welding, for example, by ultrasonic welding. The side wall extends substantially perpendicularly to the base 6 and the lid 10.

[0073] The housing 2 includes an opening or channel, called the supply opening or channel, formed in the side wall 8 (but not visible in Figure 1), and a supply conduit 22, for example welded to the base of the supply opening and intended for connection to a liquid source. The housing 2 also includes a first outlet opening (or channel) 20 formed in the side wall 8, extending into a conduit or channel 24 intended to bring the liquid to a given area, for example, an area to be cooled, and a second outlet opening or channel 12 (not visible in Figure 1, but visible for example in Figures 3A, 3B), also formed in the side wall 8 and extended into a conduit or channel 14. The conduits 14 and 24 are, for example, welded to the base of the respective outlet openings 12 and 20.

[0074] Alternatively (or respectively), not shown, the housing 2 has two inlet or supply ports or channels formed in the side wall 8 and extending into two supply conduits, each of these conduits being, for example, welded to the base of the corresponding inlet or supply port or channel and intended for connection to a liquid source. The housing 2 also has an outlet port or channel formed in the side wall 8, extending into a conduit or outlet channel intended to carry the liquid to a given area, for example, an area to be cooled. This conduit or outlet channel is, for example, welded to the base of the outlet port.

[0075] Housing 2 defines a hydraulic chamber 26.

[0076] Figures 1 and 2 show the core 4, which is also cylindrical in shape with axis X. The core 4 is mounted in the hydraulic chamber which is able to rotate around the X axis.

[0077] The core 4 has two end faces 28, 30 and a lateral surface 32 which faces the lateral wall 8 of the housing 2.

[0078] The end face 28 faces the bottom of the housing, and the end face 30 faces the cover 10. The end face 30 has means, for example, a recess 31, for receiving the end of a shaft of an actuator, for example, a geared motor MR (Figure 10). The cover 10 has an opening 33 opposite the recess 31 to allow coupling with the shaft of the geared motor. Alternatively, the end face 30 has a protruding coupling member for engaging in a recess formed in the shaft of the actuator. A seal 35 is advantageously provided between the end face 30 and the cover bordering the recess 31 to prevent fluid leakage. The lateral surface 32 of the core 4 has an inlet orifice 37 and an outlet orifice 34 and a channel or chamber 38 between these 2 orifices.This channel or chamber allows the fluid to circulate within the core 4, from the inlet orifice 37 of the core to the outlet orifice 34 of the core. Depending on the angular position of the core 4 in the housing 2:

[0079] - the inlet port 37 of the core is, or is not, positioned opposite the port or the inlet or supply channel (or opposite one and / or the other of the ports or inlet or supply channels) of the housing;

[0080] - and / or the outlet port 34 is, or is not, positioned opposite one or both of the outlet ports or ports 12, 20 (or the outlet port or port) of the housing.

[0081] In other words, nucleus 4, and more specifically its channel 38, allows:

[0082] - a supply of one and / or the other of the output ports or conduits 12, 20 of the housing, depending on the angular position of the core (and of the channel 38) in the housing; it allows in particular a simultaneous supply of these 2 output ports or conduits 12, 20, as seen in figures 3A, 3B and 4;

[0083] - and / or (or alternatively or respectively) a supply from the ports or conduits or input or supply channels of the package, depending on the angular position of the core (and channel 38) in the package; it allows in particular a simultaneous supply from these 2 ports or conduits or input or supply channels.

[0084] The core 4 may also include a first seal 44 for closing the outlet orifice 12, when they are opposite each other, and a second seal 46 for closing the outlet orifice 20, when they are opposite each other. Alternatively, or respectively, the core 4 may also include a first seal 44 for closing a 1 er an inlet opening, when they are opposite each other, and a second seal intended to close a 2 ème inlet orifice, when they are opposite each other. In both cases or variants, the first seal 44 and the second seal 46 are, for example, of identical or similar shape, as is their mounting on the core. They can be mounted in recessed housings 48, 49.

[0085] Examples of joint shapes will not be described in detail but can be found for example in FR 3119656, as well as the operation of the device in Figure 1.

[0086] The outer diameter of the core 4 is smaller than the inner dimensions of the housing 2; for example, the difference between the outer diameter of the core 4 and the inner dimensions of the housing 2 is between 1 mm and a few mm. In one embodiment, the chamber 26 has a circular inner cross-section, and the seals 44, 46 bridge the gap between the outer side wall of the core and the inner face of the chamber; the seals thus constantly rub against the inner surface of the chamber.

[0087] The core 4 and the lid 10 are, for example, made of plastic by injection molding.

[0088] Preferably, the housing 2 and the core 4 are made of a filled plastic material, reducing the valve's mass, which is particularly advantageous in the automotive sector. For example, the housing and / or the core are made of polyphthalamide, such as PA6T / 6I-GF30; filled PPS can also be used for hydrogen applications. Furthermore, they are preferably molded, which simplifies mass production. However, the housing and core can also be made of metallic material, such as stainless steel or aluminum (preferably anodized).

[0089] Preferably, the valve is actuation electrically, for example by means of a geared motor MR whose output shaft enters the recessed cavity 31, as shown in Figure 8. The geared motor is for example that described in application WO2019 / 129984. It drives the core in rotation.

[0090] The invention therefore applies to a hydraulic rotary valve comprising a housing 2 and a core 4, said housing 2 comprising a side wall 8, two end walls 6, 10 delimiting a hydraulic chamber, in which is housed the core 4 capable of rotating in said chamber around an axis (XX') of rotation.

[0091] Such a valve includes:

[0092] - at least one inlet or supply route, conduit or orifice 11, and at least two outlet routes, conduits or orifices 12, 20, 14, 24,

[0093] - or, alternatively (or respectively), at least 2 inlet or supply ways or conduits or ports and at least one outlet way or conduit or port, each of these ways or conduits or ports opening into the hydraulic chamber with an internal diameter (A).

[0094] The core 4 has a lateral surface 32 facing the lateral wall 8 of the housing 2, an inlet opening 37 of a channel 38, at least one lateral outlet 34 of this channel, and allowing, depending on the angular position of the core in the housing: - if the valve has at least one inlet or supply port or conduit or orifice, and at least 2 outlet ports or conduits or orifices: a supply to each of said ports or each of said outlet ports or orifices,

[0095] - if (or alternatively or respectively) the valve has at least 2 inlet or supply ways or conduits or ports and at least one outlet way or conduit or port: a supply from the 2 inlet or supply ways or conduits or ports.

[0096] According to the invention, the internal geometry of the valve can be modified, which makes it possible to optimize its compactness and / or to limit the effects of one or both of the main causes of pressure loss described below.

[0097] According to a first aspect of the invention, illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, in the case where the valve has at least one inlet or supply port or conduit and at least two outlet ports or conduits, the overlap length L, which separates the two outlet ports or conduits 12, 20 (or inter-port overlap length), is limited to less than 30% or less than 25% of the internal diameter A of each of the outlet ports 12, 20 (in cylindrical areas or areas supported by a cylinder), in order to limit pressure losses when the valve is open on both outlet ports or conduits 12, 20 simultaneously, as in the position illustrated, for example, in Figure 4. In one example, the overlap length is between 24% and 27% of the internal diameter A. The outlet 34 of the core is then positioned to direct a flow ère part of the fluid towards one of the outlets 14, ducts, or ports, and a 2 ème24. In cases where the valve has at least two inlet or supply ports and one outlet port: the overlap length L, which separates the two inlet ports (or inter-port overlap length), is limited to less than 30% or less than 25% of the inside diameter A of each inlet port (in cylindrical areas or areas supported by a cylinder), in order to limit pressure losses when the valve is open on both inlet or supply ports simultaneously. This case is not shown in the figures, but it suffices to reverse the direction of fluid flow and the functions of the inlet or supply and outlet ports in Figures 3A, 3B, and 4 to obtain the corresponding figure(s).

[0098] According to a second aspect of the invention, illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B for channel 14, the cross-sectional profile of each of the channels, conduits, or orifices 14, 24 evolves along the direction of fluid flow, transitioning from the outlet orifices 12, 20, which have a "rounded square" (or "squircle") shape, to a circular shape of diameter D; as explained later in connection with Figure 8, the evolution from the circular shape to the "squircle" shape can be achieved by progressive truncation. In other words, the cross-section of each outlet channel or conduit is:

[0099] - initially (i.e. exiting chamber 38) in "squircle", which is a shape comprising 2 sides 14i, 142 parallel to each other, 2 sides 14a, 144 parallel to each other and perpendicular to sides 14i, 142, side 14i, (respectively 142) being connected to each of sides 14a, 144 by 2 portions or arcs of circles 145, 14g (respectively 147, 14g);

[0100] - then evolves, along track 14, as one moves away from room 38, towards a circular shape.

[0101] Such an evolution is illustrated in Figure 8 (circular section 13, section 13', squircle section 13"); in this figure, as in Figure 5B, the squircle section 13" can be obtained from an octagon 13', inscribed in the circle 13, where every other side is replaced by a curved segment (preferably an arc of a circle) tangent to the inside of the circle 13, to connect the two adjacent straight sides. This allows for a reduction in the flow passage area (where the section is squircle-shaped) of up to 14% compared to the circular section, for example, between 4% and 14%, which makes it possible to reduce the diameter and height of the valve. Note the presence of so-called "filler" areas 14' in the conduit 14 (see Figures 5A and 9) to ensure a smooth transition between the curved areas and the straight sections. Such areas are also present, in a similar or identical manner, in the unshown lane 24.We go from the "squircle" shape (at the outlet 12 or 20), to the circular shape, at a distance d from outlet 12 or 20 (this distance is shown in figure 4); preferably, the transition from squircle to circle takes place over the entire length of available track (in order to be as gradual as possible).

[0102] As illustrated in figure 8 (which represents the evolution of the section of the exit channel or conduit 14, the same evolution being applied to the other exit channel or conduit): starting from an initial circular section 13 (on the side opposite the distributor), this section evolves towards a "squircle" shape as one approaches the distributor; the section reduces with the appearance of a section 13' in the shape of a "squircle" which becomes increasingly pronounced until the final profile 13", the section of the final profile being reduced to for example 14% (value for an octagon with 4 rounded edges, see figure 8) compared to the initial circular section 13. As can be understood from this figure, the squircle 13" is inscribed within a circle 13. Figures 6A and 6B, but also 7B and 9, also represent a case where the outlet conduits 14, 24 have a "squircle" shape from the exit of the volume 38.

[0103] This modification to the section of tracks 14 and 24 allows, as illustrated in figures 6A and 6B:

[0104] - to reduce the overlap area S between the two outlet ports or ports 12, 20, which allows for a reduction in pressure losses when the valve is open on both of these outlet ports or ports simultaneously; the outlet port or port 34 of the core is then positioned to direct a flow ère part of the fluid towards one of the outlet channels or orifices or conduits 14, and a 2 ème part of the fluid towards the other of the outlet channels or orifices or conduits 24; it can be noted that this overlap area S is reduced but the passage area is also reduced: without "squircle", the overlap area represents more than 40% of the passage area; with "squircle" the overlap area represents 30% of the passage area, which makes a reduction of more than 25% (therefore less pressure loss);

[0105] - to reduce the diameter and height of the distributor, which allows for a valve with a smaller footprint; the reduction in the valve's footprint can reach up to 30%, which also allows for a reduction in weight of up to approximately 50%;

[0106] - to reduce dead zones in the channel or chamber 38 (see figure 3B), i.e. the volume of zones in which the fluid has no velocity, an advantage being to obtain a well established flow (which remains stable) which promotes flow control when piloting the valves.

[0107] Figures 7A and 7B show a valve with conventional outlet ports 12 and 20 (Figure 7B) and with outlet ports according to the invention (Figure 7A), which help to better understand the aspects explained above. In Figure 7B, the squircle shape is represented by dashed lines.

[0108] A valve according to the invention makes it possible to reduce the dimensions of the distributor while reducing the maximum pressure losses of the valve (the losses are reduced in the 50% position (position in which the fluid is distributed in 2 equal quantities between the outlet paths where the pressure losses are at their maximum).

[0109] Preferably, the shape of the ports or orifices or conduits 14, 24 described above is also applied to the inlet or supply port or orifice 22. Having a squircle profile also for the inlet orifice, and therefore for all three ports or orifices, allows for good valve compactness; there may be small variations in geometry between the inlet or supply and outlet ports due to the manufacturing process. In cases where the valve has at least two inlet or supply ports and one outlet port: the squircle shape described above applies to each of the two inlet ports or orifices and, preferably, also to the outlet port; in this case, at a distance from the distributor, the shape of each of the supply channels or conduits is preferably circular, then gradually transitions, along the channel or conduit and towards the distributor, to the squircle shape.This case is not shown in the figures, but it is enough to reverse the direction of fluid flow and the functions of the inlet or supply and outlet channels or conduits or orifices in figures 5A - 9 to have the corresponding figure(s).

[0110] The 1 er aspect of the invention (L<30% A) makes it possible to obtain a reduction in the overlap area S and a reduction in the diameter of the valve.

[0111] The 2 ème aspect of the invention just described may or may not be combined with the 1 eraspect described above, particularly in relation to figures 3A and 3B. When these aspects are combined, the A to be taken into account in the case where the outlet ports have a "squircle" shape corresponds to the distance between the flat surfaces 14i, 142, or between the flat surfaces 143 and 144, that is to say the distance between 2 straight and opposite segments of the "squircle" as illustrated in figure 5B (on which the distance A is indicated) and as is the case in figures 6A, 6B, 7B and 9 (on this last figure, only an inner face of the conduit 14 is visible, the opposite surface being identical), the cross-section of the conduit being in the shape of a "squircle" at the level of the outlet ports or ways of the chamber 38 and evolving progressively, along the conduit, towards a circular shape.Here again, we will therefore have an overlap length less than 30% of the distance A (which is then the distance between 2 straight and opposite segments of the "squircle"), or less than 25% of the distance A; according to one example the overlap length is between 24 and 27% of the distance A.

[0112] As explained above, the invention has been described above for an inlet or supply via a channel, conduit, or orifice 22 and a distribution via two channels, conduits, or orifices 14, 24, but it also applies, alternatively or respectively, to a structure with one outlet channel, conduit, or orifice and two inlet or supply channels, conduits, or orifices, the latter bringing a fluid into the chamber 38, for example at different temperatures, and then the fluid being distributed via the outlet channel, conduit, or orifice. In this case, the shape of the channels 14, 24 described above is applied to the inlet or supply channels, conduits, or orifices, but preferably also to the outlet channel, conduit, or orifice. A method for distributing a fluid according to the invention employs a valve according to the invention.

[0113] In the case where the valve has one supply route and two outlet routes (this is the case of the example illustrated in figure 3B), the distributor being for example of type "3-2" or "Y", the fluid is introduced through the inlet or supply route or orifice or conduit, is guided by the internal conduit 38 of the core and then, depending on the orientation of the core in the housing 2, towards one and / or the other of the outlet routes or orifices or conduit.

[0114] In the case where the valve has one outlet and two supply lines, the distributor being for example of type "3-2" or "Y", the fluid is introduced by one and / or the other of the 2 supply lines, guided by the internal conduit 38 of the core and then directed towards the outlet line.

[0115] In this case, the fluid can be introduced at 2 different temperatures between the 2 supply paths.

[0116] The fluid can be, for example, air or water or a mixture of water and glycol or a fuel cell coolant.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. A hydraulic rotary valve comprising a housing (2) and a core (4), said housing (2) comprising a side wall (8), two end walls (6, 10) defining a hydraulic chamber, in which the core (4) is housed, adapted to rotate in said chamber about an axis (XX') of rotation, the housing (2) comprising at least one supply port (11), and two outlet ports (12, 20, 14, 24), respectively, which open into the hydraulic chamber with an internal diameter (A), the core (4) comprising a lateral surface (32) facing the side wall (8) of the housing (2), an inlet opening (37) of a channel (38), at least one lateral outlet (34) of this channel, and allowing supply to each of said outlet ports (12, 20, 14, 24), respectively, from each of the supply ports, depending on from its angular position in the housing, the length (L) of the inter-output channel overlap (12, 20),respectively, inter-feed channels, being less than or equal to 25%, or between 24% and 27%, of the internal diameter (A) of each of the output channels, respectively of the feed channels.

2. A hydraulic rotary valve comprising a housing (2) and a core (4), said housing (2) comprising a side wall (8), two end walls (6, 10) defining a hydraulic chamber, in which the core (4) is housed, adapted to rotate in said chamber about an axis (XX') of rotation, the housing (2) comprising at least one supply port (11) in said side wall (8), and two outlet ports (12, 20) in said side wall (8), each extended by an outlet conduit (14, 24), respectively, two supply ports, each supplied by a supply conduit, and one outlet port, which open into the hydraulic chamber, the core (4) comprising a lateral surface (32) facing the side wall (8) of the housing (2), an inlet opening (37) of a channel (38), at least one lateral outlet (34) of this channel, and allowing supply to each of said outlet ports (12, 20), respectively from each of the supply routes,depending on its angular position in the housing, the passage cross-section of each of the output channels (12, 20), respectively of each of the power supply channels, being in the shape of a square with rounded corners.

3. Hydraulic rotary valve according to claim 1, the passage cross-section at least of each of the outlet conduits (14, 24), respectively at least of each of the inlet conduits, changing from a square shape with rounded corners, at the outlet, respectively at the inlet, of the hydraulic chamber, to a circular shape, at a distance from the hydraulic chamber.

4. Hydraulic rotary valve according to any one of claims 2 or 3, the passage section of each of the outlet channels (12, 20), respectively of each of the supply channels, having a shape comprising 2 first sides (14i, 14i) parallel to each other, 2 second sides (14a, 144) parallel to each other and perpendicular to the first 2 sides (14i, 14a), the first 2 sides (14i, 14i) and the 2 second sides (14g, 144) being connected by portions of circles (145, 14g, 147, 14g) and evolving, as they move away from the valve, towards a circular shape.

5. Hydraulic rotary valve according to claim 4, the length (L) of overlap between outlet channels (12, 20), respectively between supply channels, being less than or equal to 30% of the distance between the first 2 sides (14i, 14j) or between the second 2 sides (14a, 144).

6. Hydraulic rotary valve according to claim 4 or 5, the length (L) of the inter-output inter-way overlap (12, 20), respectively inter-supply inter-way overlap, being less than or equal to 25% of the distance between the first 2 sides (14i, 14j) or between the second 2 sides (14a, 144).

7. Hydraulic rotary valve according to claim 4, the length (L) of overlap between outlet channels (12, 20), respectively between supply channels, being between 24% and 27% of the distance between the first 2 sides (14i, 14j) or between the second 2 sides (14a, 144).

8. Hydraulic rotary valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the passage cross-section of each of the outlet conduits (14, 24), respectively of each of the inlet conduits, being modified along the conduit, with a reduction of the passage cross-section of the flow in the square-shaped section with rounded corners, for example less than or equal to 14%, compared to a circular shape in which the square-shaped section with rounded corners is inscribed.

9. Hydraulic rotary valve according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising a supply path extended by an inlet conduit (22), respectively an outlet path extended by an outlet conduit, the passage section of said inlet orifice, respectively of said outlet orifice, being in the form of a square with rounded corners.

10. Hydraulic rotary valve according to claim 9, the passage section of said inlet conduit (22), respectively of said outlet conduit, passing from a square shape with rounded corners, at the inlet of the hydraulic chamber, to a circular shape, at a distance from the hydraulic chamber.

11. Hydraulic rotary valve according to claim 9 or 10, the passage cross-section of said inlet conduit (22), respectively of said outlet conduit, being modified along the conduit, with a reduction of the passage cross-section of the flow in the square-shaped section with rounded corners, for example less than or equal to 14%, compared to a circular shape in which the square-shaped section with rounded corners is inscribed.

12. Hydraulic rotary valve according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising one supply port and two outlet ports, the distributor being of type "3-2" or "Y".

13. Hydraulic rotary valve according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising one outlet and two supply ports, the distributor being of type “3-2” or “Y”.

14. Hydraulic rotary valve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing and / or the core are made of plastic material.

15. Motorized hydraulic rotary valve comprising a valve according to one of the preceding claims and an actuator (33), for example a geared motor (MR), driving the core in rotation.

16. Motorized hydraulic rotary valve according to the preceding claim, the actuator comprising an output shaft aligned along the axis (XX') of rotation.

17. Hydrogen fuel cell cooling circuit, comprising a hydraulic rotary valve according to any one of the preceding claims.

18. A method for distributing a fluid using a motorized hydraulic rotary valve according to claim 12, the fluid being introduced through the supply port and being guided by the inner conduit (38) of the core then, depending on the orientation of the core in the housing (2), towards one and / or the other of the output channels (12, 20).

19. Method of distributing a fluid using a motorized hydraulic rotary valve according to claim 13, a fluid being introduced through one and / or the other of the 2 supply paths, guided by the inner conduit (38) of the core and then towards the outlet path.

20. Method according to claim 19, the fluid being introduced at 2 different temperatures between the 2 supply paths.

21. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, the fluid being air or water or a mixture of water and glycol.

22. Method according to claim 21, the fluid being a fuel cell cooling fluid.

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