EP1355068A1 - Device for dividing or uniting a supply of fluid - Google Patents

Abstract

The separator/connector, comprising a housing (10) with primary (OP) and secondary (OS4) ports for corresponding fluid flows, contains a cylinder block (14) with a series of radial cylinders (16) and a fixed reaction cam (11). The block has a duct (20) for each cylinder and incorporates a fluid distributor (22) that rotates together with it. The distributor has primary distribution ducts (24P) connected to the primary port, and secondary ducts (24S) connected to the various secondary ports. During relative rotation of the housing and cylinder block is connected alternately to a primary and secondary distribution duct.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for dividing or joining a fluid flow comprising a casing which has at least one orifice primary capable of being crossed by a primary flow of fluid and several secondary orifices which can each be crossed by a secondary flow of fluid, and means for dividing the primary flow into secondary flows or to combine secondary flows into primary flow.

We know, for example from FR 2 476 770, flow dividers in which a flow entering through the primary orifice is divided into two outflows through secondary ports using a floating drawer which connects, by restrictions, the secondary ports to the primary port.

Despite the improvements made to the pre-existing prior art, by FR 2 476 770, dividers of this type are relatively unreliable when the flow entering through the primary orifice varies significantly.

We also know, for example from FR 2 199 836, dividers of flow formed by several coupled gear motors. This technology is reliable, but dividers of this type are expensive and bulky. In some applications, it is necessary to split a primary flow in addition to two secondary flows. For these applications, the flow dividers of the aforementioned type include at least three or more gear motors which are coupled together. In this case, the cost of these flow dividers and their size are excessive.

The device of the invention not only serves as a flow divider, dividing an incoming flow through the primary orifice into several outgoing flows through its secondary ports, but also of flow reunifier, combining several flows entering through the secondary orifices in a flow exiting through the primary port.

The invention aims to improve the aforementioned prior art by proposing a flow divider / unifier that is both simple and reliable.

This object is achieved thanks to the fact that the device comprises a cylinder block, mounted in relative rotation with respect to the housing around an axis of rotation and having a plurality of cylinders arranged radially relative to this axis, pistons being able to slide in the cylinders and cooperating, by their ends distant from the axis of rotation, with a wavy reaction cam integral in rotation with the housing, the cylinder block including a cylinder duct for each cylinder, by the way that this device comprises a fluid distributor, integral in rotation of the casing and comprising primary distribution conduits connected to the primary orifice, and secondary distribution conduits respectively connected to the different secondary ports and to the fact that each cylinder duct is suitable, during the relative rotation of the cylinder block and casing, to be alternately connected to a conduit primary distribution and a secondary distribution conduit.

The flow divider according to the invention therefore comes close by its structure of a radial piston hydraulic motor. It thus includes a cylinder block and a cam having a plurality of cam lobes. According to direction of rotation of the cylinder block, the device according to the invention can be used as a flow divider or as a debit.

The distributor is fixed in rotation relative to the cam, so that the different distribution conduits are associated with the different cam lobes. Indeed, for a given direction of rotation, the communication of a cylinder duct with a distribution duct always produces the same effect for the piston which slides in the cylinder connected to this cylinder conduit. Considered in this direction of rotation, each the cam lobe has a rising part and a falling part. Yes this direction of rotation is that in which the device is a divider of flow, a piston cooperates with the rising part of a cam lobe in moving radially outward when the cylinder duct of the cylinder in which this piston is placed is connected to the primary distribution duct, and the same piston then cooperates with the descending part of the same cam lobe when this cylinder duct is put in communication with a secondary distribution conduit. The fluid contained in the cylinder of this piston is then expelled through the orifice secondary to which said secondary distribution duct is connected. This secondary distribution orifice is said to be associated with the cam lobe considered since it is when a piston cooperates with this cam lobe that the fluid contained in the cylinder of this piston passes through this secondary orifice. Of course, several secondary distribution conduits can be connected at the same secondary port, so that a group of at least one lobe of cam is associated with each secondary port.

When the device operates as a flow divider, the flow of fluid entering through the primary orifice is divided into several flow rates secondary, each leaving through a secondary orifice. So that these debits are regular, each group of at least one lobe of cam associated with a secondary orifice is homokinetic, that is to say that the flow passing through this secondary orifice is constant and regular for a constant speed of rotation of the cylinder block relative to the casing.

Compared to the prior art, the devices according to the invention also allow, in a single housing, large flows with a greater number of secondary flows in a reduced footprint and can operate at higher pressures with better performance.

Those skilled in the art know that to make motors homokinetic, the number of pistons in relation to the number of cam lobes and their cover angular, as well as the tracing of their profile. Each group of cam lobes associated with a secondary orifice behaves like an elementary entity which itself must be homokinetic. For example, when all cam lobes cover the same angular sector, and if the device includes n cam lobes (where n is an integer at least equal to 2), then a device comprising 2 n + 1 pistons and n secondary orifices each associated with one of the cam lobes, fulfills the condition according to which each cam lobe associated with a secondary port can be CV. In this configuration, for example for a device with four secondary ports and four identical cam lobes, imperatively provide at least nine pistons.

The device according to the invention can comprise a single orifice primary and several associated secondary orifices, each with a single lobe cam. In this case, if it includes p cam lobes, p being a number integer greater than 2, then it divides the primary flow of fluid passing through the primary orifice in p secondary flows passing through, each an orifice secondary, or it combines in a single primary flow p secondary flows entering, each through a secondary orifice. The secondary flows being all equal to each other if the cam lobes are identical.

One can also conceive with the device of the invention of divide a primary flow into several unequal secondary flows, or to combine several unequal secondary flows into a single primary flow. The device can for example comprise four cam lobes and only three secondary ports, i.e. two ports each associated with a cam lobe, and a third secondary orifice associated with the two lobes cam remaining. In this case, if all the cam lobes are identical, the primary flow passing through the primary orifice can be divided into two secondary flows each corresponding to a quarter of this primary flow and in a third secondary flow corresponding to half the flow primary.

Similarly, the device may include several primary orifices, while having advantages of secondary orifices than of orifices primary. So for example, it can split two incoming primary rates each by a primary orifice in four secondary flows leaving by four secondary ports, or combine these four secondary flows in two primary flow rates.

However, one can choose to have cam lobes which are not not identical, in angular cover and / or in profile, to obtain groups of cam lobes constituting homokinetic and able entities to provide regular but different rates in reports determined to be precise and suitable for their use.

Advantageously, the device also comprises means for deactivation capable of communicating the primary conduits and the secondary distribution conduits.

When all the primary and secondary distribution conduits communicate with each other, the device is deactivated and the flow is no longer divided in the reports imposed during activation, but is divided into according to the flow requirements called at the secondary orifices. Through example, the device is placed on the discharge line of a pump used to power two motors each driving a wheel of a machine. We know that to avoid skating situations, the interposition a flow divider between the supply or exhaust pipe motors and the pump line connected to it allows to supply the two motors with the same flow rate and to avoid therefore skating situations in which if one of the wheels patina, the motor driving this wheel "consumes" the entire flow driven back by the pump, and the vehicle can no longer move. Of another side, when a vehicle is turning in a bend, the wheel must be outer is driven at a speed faster than the inner wheel. It is for example for this reason that it can be interesting to deactivate the flow divider device.

It should be noted that one can choose to deactivate only partially the flow divider. So for a four-wheeled vehicle drive, the device can be interposed between the discharge line or suction of a pump and four supply lines or exhaust each connected to an engine driving one of the wheels the craft. The device therefore divides into four determined secondary flow rates (for example equal, if the wheels have equal diameters), the flow primary pumped back or combines four equal secondary flows into a primary conduit drawn in by the pump.

The flow divider can be activated to avoid a situation of skating when operating in a straight line, on difficult terrain, of the craft. For road operation, you may wish to only partially deactivate the device, for example to negotiate turns.

As previously indicated, each cam lobe is associated with a primary conduit and a secondary distribution conduit; the hole secondary of the device to which this secondary conduit of distribution is also associated with the same cam lobe. We can deactivate the division or the reunification of the flow at the secondary orifice considered, according to the imposed reports, by connecting together the conduit primary and secondary distribution conduit associated with the cam lobe considered, while, for other cam lobes, the primary conduits and secondary distribution remain separate. So the device flow divider / unifier remains activated with regard to the latter cam lobes and flow rates in the last secondary ports at which they are associated continue to be driven back according to imposed reports.

We thus manage to stop dividing the flow, according to the report imposed, between the motors driving the steering wheels of a vehicle, to allow these wheels to rotate at different speeds, especially when cornering, while continuing to divide / join the flow, according to the required ratio between the supply / exhaust lines of the engines driving the other two non-steered wheels of the vehicle.

Advantageously, the deactivation means are produced by the that primary and secondary distribution lines (or all of these conduits) are capable of being connected to a bore by openings disposed in this bore, and the device comprises a selector, disposed in this bore and able to be controlled between a first position in which it isolates these openings from each other and a second position in which he communicates with each other at least some of these openings.

This bore is for example formed in the distributor.

Advantageously, the device has stop means hydrostatic for the cylinder block.

The device is thus simplified, since no axial stop such only a pad is required to hold the cylinder block vis-à-vis an axial displacement, but that the pressure of the fluid circulating in the device is used to form a hydrostatic stop.

Advantageously, the device includes a pressure limiter suitable for communicating a secondary orifice with a pressure limitation to limit the pressure of the fluid passing through said secondary port.

It is interesting to associate a pressure limiter with a divider of flow, to avoid overpressure in the pipes supplied by this divider, especially when each is used to power a hydraulic motor. Indeed when the hydraulic motors drive the wheels of a machine, sometimes the pressure in a pipe can reaching too high a value which could damage the motor hydraulic, for example when cornering or when the wheel driven by this motor encounters an obstacle. With the invention, a pressure relief valve can be a component of the divider or unifier device debit. The device can include as many pressure relief valves as secondary ports. The device preferably includes a single pressure which can be used to limit the pressure in the secondary ducts thanks to a set of valves, each subject to pressure of a secondary orifice and allowing the passage of the the secondary orifice towards a common enclosure upstream of the limiter pressure.

Alternatively, the pressure limiting conduit is connected to the primary orifice, which simplifies the constitution of the pressure relief valve.

Advantageously, the device comprises a speed sensor of rotation of the cylinder block with respect to the casing and a converter able to process the data captured by this sensor to determine the flow of fluid passing through the primary orifice or a secondary orifice in function of this speed and thus realize a flow meter.

This flowmeter is reliable and simple because it uses the most data reliable to know the flow discharged through the secondary orifices, which is the rotational speed of the cylinder block, the calculated flow being the product of this speed of rotation of the cylinder block by the cubic capacity considered. The converter can be a simple calculator or a microprocessor in the memory of which entered the flow of fluid passing through each orifice secondary for a complete turn of the cylinder block. For each orifice secondary, this flow is a function of the number and conformation of the cam lobes associated with this orifice, as well as with the displacement of the cylinder block.

According to an advantageous arrangement, the cylinder block has a transverse face with marks and the sensor is arranged opposite this transverse face.

The marks can be formed by notches, teeth or others, located on the transverse face of the cylinder block, and the sensor can be formed by an inductive, magnetic or optical sensor, opposite from which scroll the marks during the rotation of the cylinder block.

• la figure 1 est une vue en coupe axiale d'un dispositif conforme à l'invention, selon un premier mode de réalisation ;
• la figure 2 est une coupe partielle de ce dispositif selon la ligne II-II de la figure 1 sur laquelle, pour simplifier, le bloc-cylindres n'est pas représenté ;
• la figure 3 est une vue en coupe axiale du dispositif de l'invention, selon un deuxième mode de réalisation ;
• la figure 4 est une vue analogue à celle de la figure 3, pour un autre mode de réalisation ;
• les figures 5 et 6 sont des vues analogues, pour deux autres modes de réalisation.

The invention will be well understood and its advantages will appear better on reading the detailed description which follows, of embodiments shown by way of nonlimiting examples. The description refers to the accompanying drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is an axial sectional view of a device according to the invention, according to a first embodiment;
• Figure 2 is a partial section of this device along the line II-II of Figure 1 in which, for simplicity, the cylinder block is not shown;
• Figure 3 is an axial sectional view of the device of the invention, according to a second embodiment;
• Figure 4 is a view similar to that of Figure 3, for another embodiment;
• Figures 5 and 6 are similar views, for two other embodiments.

The device 10 of Figures 1 and 2 comprises a housing in three parts, respectively 10A, 10B and 10C, fixed together by screws 12 passing through axial holes 13. Inside the casing is disposed a cylinder block 14 mounted with relative rotation relative to the casing opposite an axis of rotation A. This cylinder block has a plurality of cylinders 16 arranged radially with respect to the axis A, in which are arranged pistons 18 capable of sliding in these cylinders. By their ends 18A distant from the axis of rotation A, the pistons can cooperate with a wavy reaction cam 11 made at the periphery internal part 10B of the housing.

The cylinder block 14 includes a cylinder duct 20 for each cylinder, this conduit being able to be put in communication successively with a primary orifice OP of the casing and with an orifice secondary of this housing. In FIG. 1, only one secondary orifice OS4, present in the section plane, is shown. However, the positions of all the secondary ports OS1, OS2, OS3 and OS4 and also that of the orifice OP are indicated in broken lines in FIG. 2, although these holes are not in the section of this figure.

The device comprises a fluid distributor 22, which is integral in rotation of the casing by any appropriate means such as one or more pins 21, and which has 24P primary distribution conduits connected at the primary port OP. The device also includes conduits 24S distribution side panels respectively connected to the different secondary ports OS1 to OS4.

Thus, the primary orifice OP is the orifice, on the end face of the part 10C of the casing, of an axial duct 26 which is formed in this part 10C. This conduit 26 opens into a groove 28 which is formed between an axial face 10'C of the part 10C and an axial face 22 'of the distributor 22.

The 24P primary distribution conduits all open into this groove 28 to be connected to the primary orifice. They lead also in a transverse distribution face 22A of the distributor, in which they open through the primary distribution orifices 30P.

The cylinder block has a transverse face of communication 14A in which the cylinder conduits 20 open by communication ports 20A. Ports 30P and 20A are located at the same distance from the axis of rotation A, so that they can be set communication with each other during the relative rotation of the cylinder block and crankcase. The transverse communication face 14A and the transverse distribution face 22A, which are both perpendicular to the axis A, are placed in mutual support, for example at using compression springs 32 which constantly repel the distributor 22 against the cylinder block 14 while resting on the bottom of part 10C of the housing.

The groove 28 forms an enclosure which is delimited around an area distributor 22 into which the primary conduits of 24P distribution to be connected to the primary distributor OP.

In FIG. 2, the conduits 24S and their orifices 30S are indicated; the positions of the conduits 24P and their orifices 30P are also indicated, although these are not visible in the section plane.

In the upper half of FIG. 1, the cylinder duct 20 is connected to a primary 24P distribution duct. On the lower half of this figure, the cylinder duct 20 is connected to a secondary duct of 24S distribution.

In this case, the 24S secondary distribution conduits are not not practiced in the distributor 22 but they are formed in the part 10A from the housing. The cylinder block 14 has a transverse face end 14B which is opposite the transverse communication face 14A and which is in abutment against a bearing face 34 belonging to a element integral with the casing, which in this case is part 10A of the casing, an internal transverse face of which forms the bearing face 34.

At least some cylinder conduits 20 have a portion 20B which extends between the transverse faces 14A and 14B of the cylinder block 14 and which is open, in the transverse communication face 14A, by a communication port 20A and, in the transverse face end, by an end orifice 20C.

24S secondary distribution openings open in the face support 34 by secondary distribution orifices 305 which are suitable for communicate with the end holes 20C during rotation relative of the cylinder block and the crankcase. Indeed, the orifices 20C and 30S are located at the same radial distance from axis A. For simplicity, the cylinder ducts have a T shape with a radial branch which opens into the bottom of the cylinders 16 and an axial branch which forms the portion 20B and extends rectilinearly between the faces 14A and 14B of the cylinder block.

Of course, one could foresee that only certain conduits distribution side lines like the conduits side 24S of figure 1. The device could perfectly include other secondary distribution conduits, arranged in the distributor 22 and opening on the one hand in the transverse face of distribution 22A by secondary distribution orifices suitable for communicate with communication ports during rotation relative of the cylinder block and the crankcase and on the other hand in the face opposite transverse of the distributor opposite secondary orifices made in part 10C of the housing.

The device of Figure 1 has stop means hydrostatic for cylinder block 14. More specifically, in the example shown, the bearing face 34 has a blind hole 34A located in manhole of each of the 30P distribution orifices which are arranged in the transverse distribution face 22A. In the example in Figure 1, all these distribution ports are the primary ports 30P, but it may not not always go that way. So when a cylinder duct communicates with one of these 30P distribution ports, it communicates also with one of these blind holes. This forms a room whose communication with the cylinder duct opens or closes as the communication of this cylinder duct with the orifice of distribution considered. This results in a balancing of pressures and axial forces on either side of the cylinder block.

Similarly, the transverse distribution face 22A has a hole blind 23A located opposite each of the secondary orifices of 24S distribution which are arranged in the support face 34.

These hydrostatic abutment means form an axial bearing for the cylinder block, during its rotation inside the casing. The device also includes a bearing 36 for taking up the radial forces which is formed by a bearing supported by a central stud 37 of part 10A of the housing. This bearing cooperates with the wall of a central bore 14 'of the cylinder block.

Ppi est la pression à chaque orifice primaire,

Qpi est le débit à chaque orifice primaire,

Psi est la pression à chaque orifice secondaire,

Qsi est le débit à chaque orifice secondaire.

The embodiment of the distributor 22, with the stepped axial faces 10 ′ C and 22 ′, makes it possible to use the fluid pressure in the groove 28 to permanently balance the thrusts exerted on the distributor by the pressure of the fluid contained in the 24P and 24S distribution lines and to push the distributor axially towards the cylinder block. More specifically, in FIG. 1, the fluid contained in the distribution conduits 24S exerts its thrust on the distributor 22 via the cylinder conduits 20 and blind holes 23A. The shape of the groove 28 is determined by taking into account the particularity of the flow divider according to the invention in terms of the relationship between the pressures at the secondary ports and the pressure at the primary port: Σ (Ppi x Qpi) = Σ (Psi x Qsi) or

Ppi is the pressure at each primary port,

Qpi is the flow rate at each primary port,

Psi is the pressure at each secondary port,

Qsi is the flow at each secondary port.

For example, for a flow divider having a primary port and four secondary ports with division of the flow into four flows secondary equals, the sum of pressures in the secondary ports is four times the pressure in the primary port, since the flow primary is equal to four times each secondary flow.

Of course, other types of axial support could be used, for example example by choosing a studded distributor of the type described, for a hydraulic motor, in FR 2 701 736.

The device of FIG. 1 also comprises a return orifice for OF leaks. This is connected to the interior of the housing by a return of leaks which, in this case, includes a first section of conduit 38A which opens into the region of the cam 11, and a second section of conduit 38B which opens into the region of the interior space of the distributor 22, the latter having the shape of a ring.

The device of FIG. 1 also comprises a sensor 40 of the rotation speed of the cylinder block with respect to the casing. It is by example of an inductive sensor placed in a bore 41 of part 10A of the casing and held tightly in this part using a retaining assembly 42 comprising a screw. The end of the sensor found in relation to a region of the transverse end face of the cylinder block which has marks 44 angularly spaced from each other other. By connections 43, the sensor 40 can be connected to a converter which counts the number of marks 44 scrolling next to this sensor per unit of time (which gives the rotation speed of the cylinder block) and which deduces the flow of fluid through the various secondary orifices of the device, based on stored parameters, relative to the displacement of each elementary entity constituted by a group of one or more cam lobes associated with a secondary orifice.

In FIG. 2, it can be seen that the cam 11 has four lobes of cam, respectively 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D each having a ramp up and down ramp. A primary distribution conduit 24P whose port 30P is shown in Figure 2, and a conduit 24S secondary distribution including the 30S secondary distribution orifice is shown in Figure 2, are respectively associated with the ramps rising [s] 11A1 and falling [s] 11A2 from the cam lobe 11A in the direction of rotation R of the cylinder block. This means that when a cylinder is in communication with orifice 30P, the piston located in the cylinder of this conduit moves radially outward with its end in contact with the ramp 11A1, while the same piston is moves radially inward with its end in contact with the ramp 11A2 when the same cylinder duct communicates with orifice 30S. The secondary port OS1 to which this conduit is connected secondary distribution 24S is associated with the cam lobe 11A. In the species, the four secondary ports OS1 to OS4 are respectively associated with each of the four cam lobes 11A to 11D.

We now describe Figure 3, in which the same references that in Figure 1, increased by 100, are used to designate the elements of the device of FIG. 3 which are similar to those of the device of figure 1.

The device 110 of FIG. 3 comprises means for deactivation capable of communicating the primary conduits of distribution 124P and secondary distribution conduits 124S. More specifically, the primary distribution pipes 124P have 125P openings which are arranged in a bore 122B of the distributor 122. Similarly, the secondary distribution conduits 124S have openings 125S which are also arranged in this bore 122B.

The device 110 comprises a selector 150, which is arranged in the bore 122B and which is suitable for being controlled between a first position, shown in Figure 3, in which it isolates the openings 125P and 125S from each other and a second position in which it causes at least some of these openings to communicate with each other.

In the example shown, the external periphery of the selector 150 has a groove 152 which, in the second position of this selector in which it is moved in the direction of the arrow F, is in look at both 125P openings and 125S openings.

Provision can be made for all the distribution pipes 124P, 124S have openings that open into bore 122B, and that all these openings are arranged so as to be put in communication in the second position of the selector 150, in which case the entire flow division or reunification system is disabled in this second selector position.

Alternatively, provision can be made to deactivate part of the device by choosing for example that only certain conduits distribution side 124S have 125S openings which open into bore 122B.

In the example shown, the control means of movement of the selector 150 between its two positions includes elastic return means 154 which permanently recall this selector in its first position. This is a jurisdiction which bears against the end of the stud 137 of the part 110A of the casing. These control means also include a hydraulic control 156 capable of being supplied with fluid under press to move the selector to its second position. To this end, a pilot duct 158 is disposed in the part 110C of the casing and opens into the chamber 156 which, in the position of the selector 150 shown in Figure 3, has a minimum volume. In the example of the FIG. 3, we have therefore chosen that, without pressure in chamber 156, the selector 150 is in its first position. In other words, the flow divider or unifier device is enabled by default. We could choose a reverse situation in which the means of command would be reversed from those in Figure 3 and include a return spring permanently reminding the selector in its position in which it deactivates the device.

Furthermore, all means for controlling the movement of the selector can be used, such as hydraulic means, mechanical, electromechanical or electronic, in particular for rendering progressive and / or staggered switching depending on the selector position 150.

Alternatively, deactivation devices can be provided individual of each flow division by interposing a selector between each secondary distribution conduit and a distribution conduit primary to allow direct communication between these conduits. These selectors can be constituted by known components such as piloted valves, logic valves or slide valves.

In the example of FIG. 3, the secondary orifices of OS distribution are made in the same part 110C of the casing as the primary distribution orifice OP. Secondary conduits of distribution 124S are provided in distributor 122 and open in its transverse distribution face 122A through the secondary orifices of 130S distribution capable of communicating with communication ports 120A during the relative rotation of the cylinder block and the casing. More specifically, the 124S conduits each include a first section 124S1 which is arranged in the distributor 122. It is this first section which is connected, by a radial branch, to the 125S opening located in bore 122B. These distribution conduits also include a second section 124S2 which is formed in the part 110C of the casing. These two parts are connected by a ring 160, the central hole is aligned with parts 124S1 and 124S2. This ring forms a seat for a compression spring 132 which biases permanently the distributor pressing against the cylinder block. She cooperates tightly with a distributor cavity in which it is housed and constitutes a balancing stud dimensioned so that all of these studs allow the distributor to be balanced.

In addition to the primary and secondary orifices, the device 110 has an OF leakage return opening into which a leak return pipe having two sections, 138A and 138B.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the device 110 includes a pressure limiter 170 which is capable of communicating a OS secondary port with pressure limiting conduit for limit the pressure of the fluid passing through this secondary orifice.

In FIG. 3, this pressure limiting conduit is connected to the primary port OP. More specifically, the pressure relief valve includes first 170S conduits which are capable of being connected each to one of the OS secondary ports, a second 170L conduit which can be connected to the pressure limiting duct and an enclosure 170E which is connected to each first duct 170S by a non-return valve 172 and which is connected to the second conduit 170L by a valve 174.

Each non-return valve 172 can open to communicate the first 170S conduit with which it cooperates with the enclosure 170E when the pressure in this first conduit becomes greater than the pressure in the enclosure. The valve 174 can open to communicate this enclosure with the second duct 170L when the pressure in the enclosure reaches a predetermined threshold. More precisely, the valve 174, in its differential valve variant shown in figure 3, opens when the difference in pressures in the enclosure 170E and in the duct 170L reaches a predetermined threshold. Other valve variants pressure limitation can be used.

For this, the movable member 176 of the valve is recalled in permanently against its seat by a prestressed spring 178, the prestressing has a predetermined value. The valve includes a body valve 181, which is arranged in a 110D element integral with the casing, in which the ducts 170L and 170S are formed, as well as enclosure 170E. The valve body is sealed in a bore 182 of this element 110D, and its interior space can communicate with enclosure 170E through communications such as holes 184. When the movable member 176 of the valve 174 is pushed back against his seat, he closes the communication between the speaker 170E and the 170L conduit.

In the example shown in Figure 3, the first conduits 170S are able to be connected to the secondary ports OS by via the secondary distribution conduits 124S. More specifically, the housing portion 110A which has the bearing face 134 against which the extreme transverse face 114B of the cylinder block is in support has 186S connecting conduits which open in this face support by 186'S connection orifices capable of communicating with 120C end holes of the axial portions 120B of the conduits cylinder which cross the cylinder block right through, between its face of communication 114A and its transverse end face 114B during the relative rotation of the cylinder block and the crankcase, which allows 186S link lines to communicate with secondary lines distribution system 124S. The second 170L pressure relief conduit 170 communicates with the main orifice OP by another connecting conduit 186L produced in part 110A of the casing, itself in communication with a primary distribution pipe 124P via a cylinder conduit 120. In fact, the 186L conduit opens in the face support 134 of part 110A of the casing by a connection hole 186′L suitable to communicate with the orifices 120 during the rotation of the cylinder block. The number of pistons at least equal to 2n + 1, n being the number of secondary ports, guarantees permanent communication between duct 170L and primary distribution duct 124P, by through the conduit 186L and at least one cylinder conduit 120.

So when the fluid pressure passing through a secondary port OS becomes excessive, i.e. above a predetermined threshold, or higher than the pressure in the primary OP port increased by a value predetermined, excess pressure is returned to the primary port.

The element 110D in which the valve 174 is placed is flanged on part 110A of the casing. Of course, it could be an element forming an integral part of the housing.

We now describe the embodiment of Figure 4, on which elements common to that of Figure 1 are assigned same references as in this figure, increased by 200.

In FIG. 4, the cylinder block 214 has an internal bore 214 ′ in which the cylinder conduits 220 open through orifices of communication 220A.

The dispenser comprises an axial portion 222 integral with the casing which extends in this bore 214 'of the cylinder block. The distribution lines 224P and 224S open on the external periphery 222 ′ of this axial portion 222 into distribution orifices, 230P and 230S respectively. Communication ports 220A and distribution orifices are able to be arranged facing one of the others during the relative rotation of the cylinder block and the crankcase. Through example, the axial portion 222 which forms the dispenser is actually a axial extension of the part 210C of the casing which crosses the bore 214 'of the cylinder block and also a bore 210'A of the part 210A of the casing which then has a disc shape whose center is hollowed out.

For example, the primary distribution pipes 224P are arranged in a star inside the distributor 222 being all connected to the main orifice OP by an axial section of common conduit, 224PA.

For their part, the secondary distribution conduits 224S are all connected respectively to a secondary port OS by a branch respective axial link 224SL.

The connection between the bore 214 'of the cylinder block and the periphery external axial 222 'of the distributor 222 is sealed by two seals or annular segments 227 arranged respectively in two planes transverse between which extend the communication and distribution. The cylinder block is guided axially by two simple friction washers 229 or needle stops. Variant consists in replacing the seals 227 by two annular grooves intended for receive leaks and promote the formation of a hydrostatic bearing.

The device of Figure 4 further comprises a setting device in pressure of the interior space 273 of the casing capable of putting this space in communication with the primary or secondary orifice which is at the most low pressure. This device includes non-return valves 292 arranged on pressurization ducts 290 connecting respectively the primary orifice OP and the secondary orifices OS in space 273 and authorizing the passage of the fluid only from the space 273 of the casing towards the primary or secondary port which is at the lowest pressure. More specifically, for each pressurization conduit (there is one for each primary or secondary port), the valve 292 is interposed between the pressurization duct and the space 273 inside the casing surrounding the cylinder block, the seat of the valve being the edge of a pressurization 292 'which extends between each duct 290 and the space 273. Each pressurization duct 290 is connected to a primary orifice OP or secondary OS respectively via the axial section common 224PA of primary distribution conduits or through a branch axial connection 224SL of a secondary distribution conduit.

Unlike the previous figures, the flow divider of the Figure 4 does not have a leak return pipe and operating pressure in space 273 increases due to leaks internal. When the fluid pressure in this space 273 becomes too that of the valves 292 which is located in the duct of pressurization 290 at the lowest pressure opens to allow the circulation of the fluid from space 273 towards this pressurization duct 290, therefore towards the primary or secondary orifice at the lowest pressure.

Springs 217 arranged in the cylinders 216 allow hold the pistons 218 against the cam 211 even when the piston 218 is subjected to its two ends, in its cylinder and in space 273, at substantially equal pressures.

The advantage of the device of FIG. 4 lies in the fact that the pistons 218 of the flow divider are thus subject to differences in lower pressure than when the leakage return pipe (generally at a pressure of the order of 1 bar) is present. The pistons, and consequently cam 211, are then subjected to forces less important. The performance and the service life of the device are thus increased. This is made possible because the pistons of the divider flow are not intended to provide a couple of drive, as this is the case in an engine of neighboring structure. In addition, the implementation crankcase pressure, which in an engine can cause leaks at the rotating seals on the engine outlet, presents no difficulty for a flow divider without a shaft exit.

We now describe Figure 5 on which the common elements in FIG. 3 are given the same references, increased by 200.

As in the example in FIG. 4, the cylinder block 314 of the Figure 5 shows an axial bore 314 'in which extends a portion axial 322 which forms the distributor. Cylinder conduits 320 open into bore 314 'into communication openings 320A to which can be connected, during the relative rotation of the cylinder block and the dispenser, the 330P and 330S distribution ports on the distribution pipes 324P and 324S.

The distributor 322, formed by an axial portion of the part 310C of the housing, has a bore 322B in which are arranged 325P and 325S openings of the distribution ducts, respectively 324P and 324S. In this bore 322B is arranged a selector 350 which is able to occupy a first position, shown in FIG. 5, in which it isolates the 325P openings and the 325S openings and a second position, in which it is moved in the direction of arrow G, to make at least some of the openings communicate with each other 325P and 325S.

For this, in the example shown, the external periphery of the distributor 350 has a groove 352 which can be arranged opposite openings 325P and 325S, themselves arranged between two planes transverse. Selector 350 control means include a spring 354 constantly recalling it to its first position and a control chamber 356 capable of being supplied with fluid by a pilot line 358.

The 324P primary distribution conduits are all communication with the primary orifice OP by being connected to a groove annular 328 with which said port permanently communicates primary OP. The 324S secondary distribution conduits are connected to the OS secondary openings by radial branches.

The device of FIG. 6 is now described, in which the same references, increased by 300 compared to FIG. 3, describe the same elements as in FIG. 3. The cylinder block 414 is rotatably supported against the three-part casing 410A, 410B and 410C by a bearing taking up the radial and axial forces. In this case, it is a bearing 436 with four contact points, which cooperates with an extension 435 of the cylinder block, located under part 410B of the casing. The conduits cylinder 420 open into a transverse communication face 414A of the cylinder block, in communication openings 420A. The hole primary OP of the device is connected to primary distribution conduits 424P via an axial duct 426 in communication with a groove 428 formed between the stepped axial periphery of the distributor 422 and the stepped axial periphery of part 410C of the casing.

Overall, the 424P and 424S distribution lines are similar to those in Figure 3.

The device 410 of FIG. 6 can be deactivated, partially or totally, using a selector 450 generally similar to the selector 150 of FIG. 3. The device 410 has a leak return orifice OF into which a leak return pipe having several sections, 438A and 438B.

The part 410A of the casing has the shape of a disc drilled in its center by a bore 410'A. An axial extension 415 of the cylinder block extends in this bore, from which it is sealed with one or more several 415 'seals. This extension of the cylinder block has a central cavity 490, provided with groove 492 which forms thus a motor output allowing the rotation of the cylinder block with an external element to train, such as a small tree engine.

Indeed, the flow divider according to the invention is not specifically made to deliver a torque and that's why the device of Figures 1 to 5 is devoid of motor output. However, we can use the rotation of the cylinder block to drive a small tree motor, for example for applications such as a pump auxiliary, an angular encoder or any machine element to train a speed proportional to the flow passing through the flow divider.

It should be noted that the cylinder block is pierced by a hole 438C allowing to bring between the external transverse face 414B of the cylinder block and part 410A of the crankcase the fluid from leaks in the bore 422B of the distributor in which the selector 450 is disposed.

Claims (26)

Device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) for dividing or joining a fluid flow comprising a casing (10A, 10B, 10C; 110A, 110B, 110C; 210A, 210B, 210C; 310A, 310B, 310C; 410A, 410B, 410C) which has at least one primary orifice (OP) capable of being traversed by a primary fluid flow rate and several secondary orifices (OS1, OS2, OS3, OS4; 0S) which may each be traversed by a secondary flow of fluid, and means for dividing the primary flow into secondary flows or to combine the secondary flows into primary flow,
characterized in that it comprises a cylinder block (14; 114; 214; 314; 414), mounted in relative rotation relative to the casing about an axis of rotation (A) and having a plurality of cylinders (16; 116; 216; 316; 416) arranged radially with respect to this axis, pistons (18; 118; 218; 318; 418) being able to slide in the cylinders and cooperating, by their ends remote from the axis of rotation, with a corrugated reaction cam (11; 111; 211; 311; 411) integral in rotation with the casing, the cylinder block comprising a cylinder duct (20; 120; 220; 320; 420) for each cylinder, in that '' it includes a fluid distributor (22; 122; 222; 322; 422), integral in rotation with the casing and comprising primary distribution conduits (24P; 124P; 224P; 324P; 424P) connected to the primary orifice (OP ), and secondary distribution conduits (24S; 124S; 224S; 324S; 424S) respectively connected to the different orifices s secondary (OS) and in that each cylinder duct is capable, during the relative rotation of the cylinder block and the casing, of being alternately connected to a primary distribution duct and to a secondary distribution duct. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises deactivation means (150, 350, 450) capable of making the primary conduits and the secondary distribution conduits communicate. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that primary and secondary distribution conduits (124P, 124S; 324P, 324S; 424P, 424S) are capable of being connected to a bore (122B; 322B; 422B) by openings (125P , 125S; 325P, 325S) arranged in this bore and in that it comprises a selector (150; 350; 450), arranged in this bore and able to be controlled between a first position in which it isolates said openings from each other others and a second position in which it communicates between them at least some of these openings. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cylinder block (214; 314) has an internal bore (214 ';314') in which the cylinder ducts (220; 320) open by communication orifices (220A; 320A) and in that the distributor comprises an axial portion (222; 322) which extends in this bore of the cylinder block, the distribution conduits (224P, 224S; 324P, 324S) opening on the external periphery of this axial portion (222; 322) into distribution orifices (230P, 230S; 330P, 330S), the communication orifices and the distribution orifices being able to be arranged facing each other others during the relative rotation of the cylinder block and the crankcase. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cylinder block (14; 114; 414) has a communication face (14A; 114A; 414A) transverse to the axis of rotation in which s' open the cylinder ducts (20; 120; 420) through communication orifices (20A; 120A; 420A), while the distributor (22; 122; 422) has a transverse distribution face (22A; 122A; 422A) in which open at least the primary distribution conduits (24P; 124P; 424P) by primary distribution orifices (30P; 130P; 430P), said transverse faces being in mutual support and the communication orifices (20A; 120A; 420A ) and the primary distribution orifices (30P; 130P; 430P) being able to be arranged facing one another during the relative rotation of the cylinder block (14; 114; 414) and the distributor (22; 122; 422) and in that the primary orifice (OP) is connected to an enclosure (28 ; 128; 428) delimited around an area of the dispenser (22; 122; 422) into which the primary distribution conduits (24P; 124P; 424P) open to be connected to said primary orifice (OP). Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the cylinder block (14; 114) has a transverse end face (14B; 114B), opposite to said transverse communication face (14A; 114A) and bearing against a face support (34; 134) belonging to an element (10A; 110A) integral with the casing and in that at least certain cylinder ducts (20; 120) have a portion (20B; 120B) which extends between said faces transverse (14A; 14B; 114A; 114B) of the cylinder block (14; 114) and which is open, in the transverse communication face (14A; 114A), by a communication orifice (20A; 120A) and, in the transverse end face (14B; 114B), through an end orifice (20C; 120C). Device according to either of Claims 5 and 6, characterized in that at least certain secondary distribution conduits (124S; 424S) are formed in the distributor (122; 422) and open in the transverse distribution face (122A ; 422A) by secondary distribution orifices (130S; 430S) capable of communicating with the communication orifices (120A; 420A) during the relative rotation of the cylinder block and the casing. Device according to claim 6 or claims 6 and 7, characterized in that at least some secondary distribution conduits (24S) are formed in said integral element (10A) of the casing and open in said bearing face (34) by secondary distribution orifices (30S) capable of communicating with the end orifices (20C) during the relative rotation of the cylinder block and the casing. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it has hydrostatic stop means (34A; 23A) for the cylinder block (14). Device according to Claims 6 and 9, characterized in that the bearing face (34) has a blind hole (34A) situated opposite each of the distribution orifices (30P) which are arranged in the transverse distribution face (22A ). Device according to Claim 9 and any one of Claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the transverse distribution face (22A) has a blind hole (23A) situated opposite each of the secondary distribution orifices (30S) which are arranged in the bearing face (34). Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises a pressure relief valve (170) capable of making a secondary orifice (OS) communicate with a pressure limiting conduit (186, 120, 124P, 126) to limit the pressure of the fluid passing through said secondary orifice. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the pressure limiting conduit (186 or 186L, 120, 124P, 126) is connected to the primary orifice (OP). Device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the pressure relief valve (170) comprises first conduits (170S) which are adapted to be connected each to one of the secondary orifices (OS), a second conduit (170L) which is able to be connected to the pressure limiting conduit, and an enclosure (170E) which is connected to each first conduit by a non-return valve (172) and which is connected to the second conduit by a valve (174), each anti-valve -return being capable of opening to communicate the first conduit (170S) with which it cooperates with the enclosure (170E) when the pressure in this first conduit becomes greater than the pressure in the enclosure and the valve (174) being capable of opening to communicate the enclosure with the second conduit when the pressure in this enclosure reaches a determined threshold. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the first conduits (170S) are able to be connected to the secondary orifices (OS) via the secondary distribution conduits (124S). Device according to claim 6 and any one of claims 14 and 15, characterized in that the first conduits (170S) are able to be connected to the secondary distribution orifices (124S) via connecting conduits (186S) formed in said element (110A) integral with the casing and opening in the bearing face (134) of this element by connection orifices (186S ') capable of communicating with the end orifices (120C) during the relative rotation of the cylinder block and the casing. Device according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the second conduit (170L) is suitable connected to the primary orifice (OP) via the primary distribution conduits (124P). Device according to claim 6 and any one of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the second conduit (170L) is capable of being connected to the primary distribution orifices (130P) via connecting conduits (186L) formed in said element (110A) integral with the casing and opening in the bearing face (134) of this element by connection orifices (186'L) capable of communicating with the end orifices (120C) during the relative rotation of the cylinder block and the crankcase. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 18, characterized in that it comprises a leakage return duct (38A, 38B; 138A, 138B; 338; 438A, 438B 438C), connected to an interior space of the casing. Device according to Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it includes means for pressurizing the interior space of the casing (273) capable of bringing this space into communication with the primary (OP) or secondary (OS) orifice. ) which is at the lowest pressure. Device according to claim 20, characterized in that each primary (OP) or secondary orifice (OS) is connected to the interior space of the casing (273) by a pressurization duct (290) in which a non-return valve is disposed (292) allowing only the circulation of fluid in the direction going from the interior space of the casing towards the pressurization duct which is at the lowest pressure. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 21, characterized in that it comprises a sensor (40) of the speed of rotation of the cylinder block (14) relative to the casing (10A, 10B, 10C) and a converter able to determine the fluid flow rate passing through the primary orifice (OP) or a secondary orifice (OS) as a function of this speed and thus produce a flowmeter. Device according to claim 22, characterized in that the cylinder block (14) has a transverse face (14B) with marks (44) and in that the sensor (40) is arranged opposite this transverse face. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that the casing has more than two secondary orifices (OS1, OS2, OS3, OS4; OS). Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 24, characterized in that it does not have a motor output. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 24, characterized in that it includes a drive output (490).

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