FR2838791A1 - DEVICE FOR DIVIDING OR JOINING A FLOW OF FLUID - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (10) for dividing or joining a fluid flow comprising a casing which has at least one primary orifice (OP) and secondary orifices (OS4) capable of being traversed respectively by a primary fluid flow and by secondary flow rates of fluid. The device comprises a cylinder block (14) having a plurality of radial cylinders (16), and a reaction cam (11) integral with the casing. The cylinder block comprises a cylinder duct (20) for each cylinder and the device comprises a fluid distributor (22), integral in rotation with the casing and comprising primary distribution conduits (24P) connected to the primary orifice (OP ), and secondary distribution conduits (24S) respectively connected to the various secondary orifices (OS4). Each cylinder duct (20) is adapted, during the relative rotation of the cylinder block (14) and the casing, to be alternately connected to a primary distribution duct (24P) and to a secondary distribution duct (24S) .

Description

the connection orifice (42).

  The present invention relates to a device for dividing or joining a fluid flow comprising a casing which has at least one primary orifice capable of being crossed by a primary fluid flow and several secondary orifices capable of being traversed, each 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 by the primary orifice is divided into two outgoing flows by the secondary orifices using a floating drawer which

  connects, by restrictions, the secondary ports to the primary port.

  However, the improvements at doorways, to the interior, preexist, by FR 2 476 770, dividers of this type relatively unreliable wind

  when the flow entering the primary port varies significantly.

  There are also known, for example from FR 2 199 836, flow dividers constituted 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 divide a primary flow into more than two secondary flows. For these applications, flow dividers of the precise type include at least

  gear motor trots, or even more, which wind coupled between them.

  In this case, the cost of these flow dividers and their excessive wind dimensions. The device of the invention serves not only as a flow divider, dividing a flow entering by the primary orifice into several flows leaving by its secondary orifices, but also as a flow unifier, combining several flows entering through the secondary orifices into one flow

exiting through the primary port.

  The invention aims to improve the precise prior art by proposing a

  flow divider / reunifier that is both simple and reliable.

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

  primary distribution and has a secondary distribution conduit.

  The flow divider according to the invention is therefore similar in structure to a hydraulic motor with 3 radial pistons. It thus comprises a block cylinder and a cam having a plurality of cam lobes. Depending on the direction of rotation of the cylinder block, the device according to the invention can be used as a flow divider or as a flow reunifier. The distributor is fixed in rotation relative to the cam, so that the different distribution ducts 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 duct. Considered in this direction of rotation, each cam lobe has a rising part and a falling part. If this direction of rotation is that in which the device is a flow divider, a piston cooperates with the rising part of a cam lobe by moving radially outwards when the cylinder duct of the cylinder in which is placed this piston is put in relation with the primary distribution duct, and the same piston then cooperates with the descending part of the same cam lobe when this cylinder duct is placed in communication with a secondary distribution duct. The fluid contained in the cylinder of this piston is then expelled by the secondary orifice 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, it is possible to connect several secondary distribution conduits to the same secondary orifice, 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 secondary flows, each leaving through a secondary orifice. For these flows to be regular, each group of at least one cam lobe associated with a secondary orifice should be homokinetic, that is to say that the flow rate passing through this secondary orifice is constant and regular for

  a constant speed of rotation of the cylinder block with respect to the casing.

  Compared to the prior art, the devices according to the invention also allow, in a single casing, high flow rates with a larger number of secondary flow rates in a reduced space requirement and can operate at higher pressures with better performance. Those skilled in the art know that in order to make constant velocity motors, the number of pistons should be chosen with respect to the number of cam lobes and their angular coverage, as well as to the trace of their profile. Each group of cam lobes associated with 3 a secondary orifice behaves like an elementary entity which must itself be homokinetic. For example, when all the cam lobes cover the same angular sector, and if the device comprises n cam lobes (or n is an integer at least equal to 3 2), then a device comprising 2 n + pistons and n secondary orifices each associated with one of the cam lobes, fulfills the condition that each cam lobe associated with a secondary orifice may be homokinetic. In this configuration, for example for a device 3, four secondary orifices and four identical cam lobes, it is necessary

  imperatively provide at least nine pistons.

  The device according to the invention can comprise a single primary orifice and several associated secondary orifices, each 3 a single cam lobe. In this case, if it comprises p cam lobes, p being an integer greater than 2, then it divides the primary flow rate of fluid passing through the primary orifice into p secondary flows passing through, each a secondary orifice, or else it combines in a single primary flow p incoming secondary flows, each through a secondary port. The secondary debits being

  all equal to each other if the cam lobes are identical.

  It is also conceivable with the device of the invention to divide a primary flow into several unequal secondary flows, or else

  to combine several unequal secondary debits in a single primary flow.

  The device can for example comprise four cam lobes and only three secondary orifices, that is to say two orifices each associated with a cam lobe, and a third secondary orifice associated with the two restart cam lobes. In this case, if all the cam lobes are identical, the primary flow passing through the primary orifice may be divided into two secondary flows each corresponding to a quarter of this primary flow and in a third secondary flow corresponding to half of the flow. prlmalre. Likewise, the device may comprise several primary orifices, while presenting advantages of secondary orifices than of primary orifices. So for example, it can divide two primary flows each entering through a primary port into four secondary flows leaving through four secondary ports, or combine these four secondary flows

in two primary flows.

  However, one can choose to have cam lobes which are not identical, in angular cover and / or in profile, to obtain groups of cam lobe constitute homokinetic entities and able to provide regular but different flow rates, in reports

  determined precise and suitable for their use.

  Advantageously, the device further comprises means of deactivation apses 3 to communicate 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 ratios imposed during the activation, but is distributed according to the flow requirements called to the secondary ports. For example, the device is arranged on the discharge line of a pump used to supply two motors each driving a wheel of a machine. It is important that to avoid slippage situations, the interposition of a flow divider between the supply or exhaust pipe of the engines and the pipe of the pump which is connected to it makes it possible to supply the two engines with the even flow and therefore avoid slippage situations in which, if one of the wheels slips, the motor driving this wheel "consumes" the entire flow driven by the pump, and the vehicle can no longer move. On the other hand, when a vehicle is going around a bend, it is necessary that the wheel

  the outer wheel is driven at a faster speed than the inner wheel.

  It is for example for this reason that it can be interesting to

  deactivate the flow divider device.

  Note that you can choose to only partially deactivate the flow divider. Thus, for a four-wheel drive machine, the device can be interposed between the discharge or suction line of a pump and four supply or exhaust lines each connected to a motor driving one of the wheels. the craft. The device therefore divides into four determined secondary flows (for example equal, if the wheels have equal diameters), the primary flow fed back by the pump or receives four equal secondary flows

  in a primary conduit sucks in through the pump.

  The flow divider can be activated to avoid a skating situation when operating in a straight line, on difficult terrain, of the machine. For road operation, you may wish to deactivate the device only partially, for example to negotiate turns. As indicated above, each cam lobe is associated with a primary conduit and a secondary distribution conduit; [The secondary orifice of the device to which this secondary distribution duct is connected is also associated with the same cam lobe. One can deactivate the division or the reunification of the flow at the secondary port considered, according to the imposed ratios, by connecting between them the primary conduit and the secondary conduit of distribution associated with the cam lobe considered, while, for other lobes cam, the primary and secondary distribution conduits remain separate. Thus, the flow divider / reunifier device remains active with regard to these latter cam lobes and the flows in the last secondary orifices at which

  they are associated and continue to be repressed according to imposed relationships.

  We thus manage to stop dividing the flow, according to the imposed report, between the motors driving the steered wheels of a vehicle, to allow these wheels to turn at different speeds, especially when cornering, while continuing to divide / unite the flow, according to the report imposes, between the supply / exhaust pipes of

  motors driving the other two non-steered wheels of the vehicle.

  Advantageously, the wind deactivation means realized by the fact that primary and secondary distribution conduits (or all these conduits) are able to be connected to a bore by openings arranged in this bore, and the device comprises a selector, arranged 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 it makes at least some communicate with each other

of these openings.

  This bore is for example formed in the dispenser.

  Advantageously, the device has abutment means

  hydrostatic for the cylinder block.

  The device is thus simplified, since no axial stop such as a bearing is necessary to retain the cylinder block vis-à-vis an axial displacement, but the pressure of the fluid circulating in the

  device is used to form a hydrostatic stop.

  Advantageously, the device comprises a pressure limiter capable of causing a secondary orifice to communicate with a pressure limiting conduit to limit the pressure of the fluid passing through said

secondary port.

  It is interesting to associate a pressure limiter with a flow divider, to avoid overpressures in the pipes supplied by this divider, in particular when they each serve to supply a hydraulic motor. Indeed, when the hydraulic motors drive the wheels of a machine, it can happen that the pressure in a pipe can reach a too high value likely to damage the hydraulic motor, for example when cornering or when the wheel driven by this motor meets a obstacle. With the invention, a pressure relief valve can be a constituent element of the flow divider or unifier device. The device can include as many pressure limiters as secondary orifices. The device preferably comprises a single pressure relief valve which can be used to limit the pressure in the secondary conduits by means of a set of valves, each subjected to the pressure of a secondary orifice and allowing the passage of the fluid from the secondary orifice. to a common enclosure upstream of the pressure relief valve. Alternatively, the pressure limiting conduit is connected to

  ['primary orifice, which simplifies the constitution of the pressure relief valve.

  Advantageously, the device comprises a sensor of the speed of rotation of the cylinder block relative to the casing and a converter able to process the data sensed by this sensor to determine the flow rate of fluid passing through the primary orifice or a secondary orifice in function

  of this speed and thus achieve a flow meter.

  This flow meter is reliable and simple because it uses the most reliable data to know the flow delivered by the secondary orifices, which is the speed of rotation of the cylinder block, the flow calculated as the product of this speed of rotation of the cylinder block by the considered cylinder. The converter can be a simple computer or a microprocessor in the memory of which is between the flow of fluid passing through each secondary orifice for a complete revolution of the cylinder block. For each secondary orifice, this flow rate is a function of the number and of the 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 blocks has a transverse face with markings and the sensor is placed opposite

this transverse face.

  The markings can be formed by notches, teeth or the like, 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.

  The invention will be well understood and its advantages will appear better

  on reading the detailed description which follows, of embodiments

  represented by way of nonlimiting examples. The description refers to

  annexed drawings in which: - the figure is an axial section view of a device according to the invention, according to a first embodiment; Figure 2 is a partial section of this device along line II II of the figure 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 others

embodiments.

  The device 10 of the figures and 2 comprises a casing in trots parts, respectively lOA, lOB and lOC, fixed to each other by screws 12 passing through axial perforations 13. Inside the casing is arranged a bloccylindres 14 mounted with relative rotation relative to the casing with respect to an axis of rotation A. This cylinder block has a plurality of cylinders 16 arranged radially with respect to the axis A, in which the wind has pistons 18 apses 3 sliding in these cylinders . By their ends 18A away from the axis of rotation A, the pistons can cooperate with a wavy reaction cam i! carried out at the periphery

internal part 10B of the housing.

  The cylinder block 14 comprises a cylinder conduit 20 for each cylinder, this conduit being able to be placed in communication successively with a primary orifice OP of the casing and with a secondary orifice of this casing. In Figure 1, only a secondary port OS4, present in the section plane, is shown. However, the positions of all the secondary ports OS i, OS2, OS3 and OS4 and also that of the OP wind port indicated in broken lines in Figure 2, although

  these holes are not in the section of this figure.

  The device comprises a fluid distributor 22, which is integral in rotation with the housing by any suitable means such as one or more pins 2l, and which comprises primary distribution conduits 24P connected to the primary orifice OP. The device also includes secondary distribution conduits 24S respectively connected to the different

OS secondary ports! 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 practical in this part 10C. This conduit 26 opens into a groove 28 which is formed between an axial face 10'C of the part LOC and an axial face 22 'of the

distributor 22.

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

  in which they open through the primary distribution orifices 30P.

  As for the cylinder block, it has a transverse communication face 14A in which the cylinder conduits 20 open through communication orifices 20A. The orifices 30P and 20A are located 3 at the same distance from the axis of rotation A, so that they can be placed in communication with one another during the relative rotation of the cylinder block and the casing. The transverse communication face 14A and the transverse distribution face 22A, which both wind perpendicular to the axis A, are placed in mutual support, for example 3 by means of compression springs 32 which constantly push the distributor 22 against the cylinder block 14 bearing on the bottom

of part 10C of the housing.

  The groove 28 forms an enclosure which is delimited around a zone of the 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 also vent

  indicated, although these are not visible in the section plane.

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

24S distribution.

  In this case, the secondary distribution conduits 24S are not practical in the distributor 22 but they are formed in the part A of the casing. The cylinder block 14 has a transverse end face 14B which is opposite to the transverse communication face 14A and which is in abutment against a bearing face 34 belonging to an element secured to the casing, which in this case is the 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 orifice 20A and, in the transverse end face,

by a 20C end orifice.

  The secondary distribution orifices 24S open into the bearing face 34 through secondary distribution orifices 30S which are able to communicate with the end orifices 20C during the relative rotation of the cylinder block and the casing. Indeed, the orifices 20C and 30S are located at the same radial distance from the axis A. To simplify, the cylinder conduits 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 in a rectilinear manner between the faces 14A

and 14B of the cylinder block.

  Of course, it could be expected that only certain secondary distribution conduits would conform like the secondary conduits 24S in FIG. 1. The device could perfectly comprise other secondary distribution conduits, housed in the distributor 22 and opening with a part in the transverse distribution face 22A by secondary distribution orifices capable of communicating with the communication orifices during the relative rotation of the cylinder block and the casing and on the other hand in the opposite transverse face of the distributor opposite '' secondary ports

  performed in part 10C of the housing.

  The device of the figure presents hydrostatic abutment means for the cylinder block 14. More precisely, in the example shown, the bearing face 34 has a blind hole 34A situated opposite each of the distribution orifices 30P which blows arranged in the transverse distribution face 22A. In the example of FIG. I, all of these dispensing orifices distribute the primary orifices 30P, but this may not always be the case. Thus, when a cylinder duct communicates with one of these dispensing orifices 30P, it also communicates with one of these blind holes. This forms a chamber whose communication with the cylinder duct opens or closes like the communication of this cylinder duct with the distribution orifice considered. The result is a balancing of pressures and

  axial forces on either side of the cylinder block.

  Likewise, the transverse distribution face 22A has a blind hole 23A located opposite each of the secondary orifices of

  24S distribution which is arranged in the support face 34.

  These hydrostatic abutment means form an axial bearing for the cylinder blocks, during its rotation 3 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 lug 37 of the part 10A of the casing. This bearing cooperates with the wall of a central bore 14 'of the cylinder block. The embodiment of the distributor 22, with the axial axial faces 10'C and 22 ', allows the fluid pressure in the groove 28 to be used 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 precisely, in FIG. 1, the fluid contained in the distribution conduits 24S exerts its thrust on the distributor 22 through the intermediary of 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: ú (Ppi x Qpi) = I (Psi x Qsi) where Ppi is the pressure at each primary port, Qpi is the flow 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 equal secondary flows, the sum of pressures in the secondary ports is equal to 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 by choosing a stud distributor of the type described, for a

  hydraulic motor, in FR 2 701736.

  The device of FIG. 1 also comprises an orifice for returning leaks OF. This is connected to the interior space of the casing by a leakage return pipe which, in this case, comprises a first section of pipe 38A which opens into the region of the cam 11, and a second section of pipe 38B which opens in the interior space region of

  distributor 22, the latter having the shape of a ring.

  The device of FIG. 1 also comprises a sensor 40 of the speed of rotation of the cylinder block relative to the casing. It is for example an inductive sensor arranged in a persage 41 of the part 10A of the casing and held in a sealed manner in this part with the aid of a retaining assembly 42 comprising a screw. The sensor end is

  found with regard to a region of the transverse end face of the block

  cylinders which have marks 44 spaces angularly from each other. By connections 43, the sensor 40 can be connected to a converter which counts the number of marks 44 scrolling opposite

  this sensor per unit of time (which gives the rotation speed of the block-

  cylinders) and which deduces the fluid flow rate through the various secondary orifices of the device, on the basis of memorized parameters, relating to the cylinder capacity 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 cam lobes, respectively 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D each having an ascending ramp and a descending ramp. A primary distribution conduit 24P, the orifice 30P of which is shown in FIG. 2, and a secondary distribution conduit 24S, the secondary distribution orifice of which is indicated in FIG. 2, wind respectively associated with the rising ramps [s] llA1 and descending [s] llA2 of the cam lobe 1lA in the direction of rotation R of the cylinder block. This means that when a cylinder duct is in communication with the orifice 30P, the piston located in the cylinder of this duct moves radially towards the outside with its end in contact with the ramp llAl, while the same piston moves radially towards the interior with its end in contact with the ramp IIA2 when this same cylinder duct communicates with the orifice 30S. The secondary orifice OS1 to which this secondary distribution conduit 24S is connected is associated with the cam lobe llA. In this case, the four secondary ports OS1 to OS4 are respectively

  associated with each of the four cam lobes llA to 11D.

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

device of figure 1.

  The device 110 of FIG. 3 comprises means of deactivation which are capable of causing the primary distribution conduits 124P and the secondary distribution conduits 124S to communicate. More precisely, the primary distribution conduits 124P have openings 125P which are disposed in a bore 122B of the distributor 122. Likewise, 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 capable of being controlled between a first position, represented in FIG. 3, in which it isolates the openings P and 125S from one another and a second position in which he

  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 located in

  look, 3 at a time, of the 125P openings and the 125S openings.

  It can be expected that all the distribution conduits 124P, 124S have openings which open into the bore 122B, and that all these openings are arranged so as to be placed in communication in the second position of the selector 150, in which case ['together of the debit division or reunification system is

  deactivates in this second selector position.

  As a variant, it can be foreseen that a part of the device is deactivated by choosing for example that only certain secondary distribution conduits 124S have openings 125S which

lead into bore 122B.

  In the example shown, the means for controlling the movement of the selector 150 between its two positions include elastic return means 154 which permanently recall this selector in its first position. In this case it is a spring which

  bears against the end of the teton 137 of the 11OA part of the casing.

  These control means also include a hydraulic control chamber 156 capable of being supplied with pressurized fluid to move the selector to its second position. To this end, a pilot line 158 is arranged in the part 11OC of the casing and opens out into the chamber 156 which, in the position of the selector 150 shown in FIG. 3, has a minimum volume. In the example of FIG. 3, it has therefore been chosen that, without pressure in the chamber 156, the selector 150 is in its first position. In other words, the flow divider or unifier device is active by default. One could choose an opposite situation in which the control means would be opposite with respect to those of FIG. 3 and would include a return spring permanently reminding the

  selector in its position in which it deactivates the device.

  Furthermore, any means for controlling the movement of the selector can be used, such as hydraulic, mechanical, electromechanical or electronic means, in particular for making the switching operations progressive and / or staggered as a function of the

selector position 150.

  Alternatively, it is possible to provide individual deactivation devices for each flow division by interposing a selector between each secondary distribution conduit and a primary distribution conduit to allow direct communication between these conduits. These selectors can be constituted by known components such as

  pilot valves, logic valves or slide valves.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the secondary distribution orifices OS are practical in the same part 11OC of the casing as the primary distribution orifice OP. The secondary distribution conduits 124S are formed in the distributor 122 and open in its transverse distribution face 122A by the secondary distribution orifices 130S which are able to communicate with the communication orifices A during the relative rotation of the cylinder block and of the housing. More precisely, the conduits 124S each comprise a first section 124S1 which is placed in the distributor 122. It is this first section which is connected, by a radial branch, to the opening 125S located in the bore 122B. These distribution conduits also include a

  second section 124S2 which is housed in the 110C part of the casing.

  These two parts are placed in communication by a ring 160, the central persage of which is aligned with the parts 12451 and 124S2. This ring forms a seat for a compression spring 132 which permanently biases the distributor in abutment against the cylinder block. Wile cooperates in a sealed manner with a distributor cavity in which it is housed and constitutes a dimensioning equilibration pad of such a kind that

  ['all of these studs allow the distributor to be balanced.

  In addition to the primary and secondary orifices, the device 110 includes a leakage return orifice OF into which opens a leakage return conduit having two sections, 138A and 138B. In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the device 110 includes a pressure limiter 170 which is able to make a secondary orifice OS communicate with a 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 orifice OP. More precisely, the pressure relief valve comprises first conduits 170S which are quick to be connected each to one of the secondary orifices OS, a second conduit 170L which is capable of being connected to the pressure limiting conduit and an enclosure 170E which is connected to each first pipe 170S by a check valve 172 and

  which is connected to the second pipe 170L by a valve 174.

  Each non-return valve 172 can open 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. The valve 174 can open to communicate this enclosure with the second conduit 170L when the pressure in the enclosure reaches a predetermined threshold. More precisely, the valve 174, in its variant of the differential valve represented in FIG. 3, opens when the difference in pressures in the enclosure 170E and in the conduit 170L reaches a predetermined threshold. Other valve variants

  pressure limitation can be used.

  For this, the movable member 176 of the valve is permanently urged against its seat by a prestressed spring 178, the prestressing of which has a predetermined value. The valve comprises a valve body 181, which is arranged in an element 110D integral with the casing, in which the conduits 170L and 170S wind, as well as the enclosure 170E. The valve body is disposed in a sealed manner in a bore 182 of this element 110D, and its interior space can communicate with the enclosure 170E by 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 enclosure

E and conduit 170L.

  In the example shown in FIG. 3, the first conduits S are able to be connected to the secondary orifices OS via the secondary distribution conduits 124S. More precisely, the housing part 110A which presents the bearing face 134 against which the extreme transverse face 114B of the cylinder block is in contact with the connecting conduits 186S which open in this bearing face by orifices of link 186'S apt to communicate with the end orifices 120C of the axial portions 120B of the cylinder ducts which pass right through the cylinder block, between its communication face 114A and its transverse end face 114B during rotation relative of the cylinder block and the casing, which allows the connection conduits 186S to communicate with the secondary distribution conduits 124S. The second conduit 170L of the pressure relief valve communicates with the main orifice OP by another connection conduit 186L produced in the part 110A of the casing, itself in communication with a primary distribution conduit 124P via a conduit cylinder 120. Indeed, the conduit 186L opens in the bearing face 134 of the part 110A of the casing by a connection orifice 186'L capable of communicating 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 orifices, guarantees permanent communication between the duct 170L and the primary distribution duct 124P, by

  The intermediate of conduit 186L and at least one cylinder conduit 120.

  Thus, when the fluid pressure passing through a secondary orifice OS becomes excessive, that is to say greater than a predetermined threshold, or greater than the pressure in the primary OP orifice increased by a value

  predetermined, excess pressure is returned to the primary port.

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

  forming an integral part of the casing.

  We now describe the embodiment of Figure 4, on which the elements common to that of Figure 1 are affected

  same references as in this figure, increased by 200.

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

communication 220A.

  The distributor comprises an axial portion 222 integral with the casing which extends in this bore 214 'of the cylinder block. The distribution conduits 224P and 224S open on the external periphery 222 'of this axial portion 222 in distribution orifices, respectively 230P and 230S. The communication openings 220A and the wind distribution openings are apt to be arranged facing one another during the relative rotation of the cylinder block and the casing. For example, the axial portion 222 which forms the distributor is in reality an axial extension of the part 210C of the casing which passes through the bore 214 'of the cylinder block and also a bore 210'A of the part 210A of the casing

  which then presents a disc shape whose center is hollow.

  For example, the primary distribution conduits 224P are arranged in a star inside the distributor 222, all being connected to

  ['main port OP by an axial section of common conduit, 224PA.

  On their side, the secondary distribution conduits 224S are all connected respectively to a secondary orifice OS by a branch.

respective axial link 224SL.

  The connection between the bore 214 'of the cylinder block and the external axial periphery 222' of the distributor 222 is made eta nch by two seals or annular segments 227 disposed respectively in two transverse planes between which extend the orifices of communication and distribution. The cylinder block is guided axially by two simple friction washers 229 or 3 needle stops. A 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 FIG. 4 further comprises a device for pressurizing the interior space 273 of the casing capable of putting this space in communication with the primary or secondary orifice which is at the lowest pressure. This device comprises non-return valves 292 disposed on pressurization conduits 290 connecting respectively the primary orifice OP and the secondary orifices OS to the space 273 and authorizing the passage of the fluid only from the space 273 of the casing towards the primary orifice or secondary which is at the lowest pressure. More precisely, for each pressurization conduit (there is one for each primary or secondary orifice), the valve 292 is interposed between the pressurization conduit and the interior space 273 of the casing surrounding the cylinder block, ie seat of the valve. being the edge of a pressurization bore 292 'which extends between each conduit 290 and the space 273. Each pressurization conduit 290 is connected to a primary orifice OP or secondary OS respectively by means of the common axial section 224PA primary distribution or branch lines

  axial connection 224SL of a secondary distribution conduit.

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

  done to the primary or secondary port at the lowest pressure.

  Springs 217 arranged in the cylinders 216 allow the pistons 218 to be held against the cam 211 even when the piston 218 is subjected to its two ends, in its cylinder and in the space 273,

  at substantially equal pressures.

  The advantage of the device in FIG. 4 resides in the fact that the pistons 218 of the flow divider are thus subjected to pressure differences which are less high than when the leak return pipe (generally at a pressure of the order of 1 bar) is present. The pistons, and consequently the cam 211, are then subjected to less significant forces. The efficiency and the lifespan of the device are thus increased. This is made possible because the pistons of the flow divider are not intended to provide a drive torque, as is the case in an engine of neighboring structure. In addition, pressurizing the casing, which in an engine can cause leakage problems at the level of the rotary seals on the engine outlet, does not present any diffficult for a flow divider without an output shaft. We now describe Figure 5 on which the common elements

  in Figure 3 are assigned the same references, increased by 200.

  As in the example of Figure 4, the cylinder block 314 of Figure 5 has an axial bore 314 'in which extends an axial portion 322 which forms the distributor. The cylinder ducts 320 open into the bore 314 ′ in communication openings 320A to which can be connected, during the relative rotation of the cylinder block and the distributor, the distribution openings 330P and 330S of the

  distribution pipes 324P and 324S.

  The distributor 322, formed by an axial portion of the part 310C of the casing, has a bore 322B in which the wind has openings 325P and 325S of the distribution conduits, respectively 324P and 324S. In this bore 322B there is a selector 350 which is able to occupy a first position, represented in FIG. 5, in which it isolates the openings 325P and the openings 325S and a second position, in which it is moved in the direction of the 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 placed opposite the openings 325P and 325S, themselves arranged between two transverse planes. Control means for the selector 350 include a spring 354 constantly bringing it back to its first position and a control chamber 356 capable of being supplied with fluid by a

pilot line 358.

  The primary distribution conduits 324P are all placed in communication with the primary orifice OP by being connected to an annular groove 328 with which said primary orifice OP permanently communicates. The 324S secondary distribution ducts are connected to

  OS secondary openings by radial branches.

  We now describe the device of Figure 6, in which the same references, increased by 300 compared to 3 in Figure 3, describe the same elements as in Figure 3. The cylinder block 414 is rotatably supported vis-3-vis of the casing in trots parts 410A, 410B and 410C by a bearing taking up the radial and axial forces. In this case, it is a bearing 436 3 four contact points, which cooperates with an extension 435 of the cylinder block, located under the part 410B of the housing. The cylinder ducts 420 open into a transverse communication face 414A of the cylinder block, into communication orifices 420A. The primary orifice OP of the device is connected to primary distribution conduits 424P by an axial conduit 426 in communication with a groove 428 formed between the axial peripheral periphery of the distributor 422 and the axial peripheral periphery of the 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 comprises a leak return orifice OF into which a conduit opens. back from leaks having multiple

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, with respect to which it is sealed by means of one or more seals 415 '. This extension of the cylinder block has a central cavity 490, provided with groove 492 which forms

  thus a motor output allowing the rotational attachment of the block

  cylinders with an external element to be driven, such as a small tree

engine.

  In fact, the flow divider according to the invention is not specifically made to deliver a motor torque and that is why the device of FIGS. 5 has no motor output. However, the rotation of the cylinder block can be used to drive a small drive shaft, for example for applications such as an auxiliary pump, an angle encoder or any machine element to be driven.

  a speed proportional to the flow passing through the flow divider.

  It should be noted that the cylinder block is pierced by a cutout 438C making it possible to bring the fluid originating from leaks into

  the bore 422B of the distributor in which is located the selector 450.

Claims (26)

  1. Device (10; 110; 210; 310; 410) for dividing or joining a fluid flow comprising a casing (1OA, 10B, 10C; 110A, 110B, llOC; 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 and several secondary orifices (OS1, OS2, OS3, OS4; 0S) each capable of being traversed, by a secondary fluid flow, and means for dividing the primary flow into secondary flows or for uniting the secondary flows in primary flow, characterized in that it comprises a cylinder block (14; 114; 214; 314; 414) , rises in relative rotation relative to the casing around 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 wavy reaction cam e (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 comprises 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 secondary orifices (OS) and in that each cylinder duct is able, during the relative rotation of the cylinder block and the casing, to be alternately connected to a duct   primary distribution and 3 a secondary distribution conduit.   2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises deactivation means (150, 350, 450) apses to communicate the primary conduits and the secondary distribution conduits. 3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that primary and secondary distribution conduits (124P, 124S; 324P, 324S; 424P, 424S) wind able to be 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 capable of being controlled between a first position in which it isolates said openings from each other and a second position in which it causes at least some of these openings to communicate with each other.   4. Device according to any one of claims 1 3 3,   characterized in that the cylinder block (214; 314) has an internal bore (214 '; 314') in which the cylinder ducts (220; 320) open via communication orifices (220A; 320A) and that the distributor comprises an axial portion (222; 322) which extends in this bore of the cylinder block, the distribution conduits (224P, 224S; 324P, 3245) opening onto the external periphery of this axial portion ( 222; 322) in distribution openings (230P, 230S; 330P, 330S), the communication openings and the distribution openings being able to be arranged opposite one another during the relative rotation of the cylinder block and crankcase.   5. Device according to any one of claims 1 3 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 the cylinder ducts (20; 120; 420) open by communication orifices (20A; 120A; 420A), while the distributor (22; 122; 422) has a transverse distribution face (22A; 122A; 422A) in which 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 of the distributor (22; 122; 422) and in that the primary orifice (OP ) is connected 3 an enclosure (28; 128; 428) delimited around a zone of the distributor (22; 122; 422) into which the s primary distribution pipes (24P; 124P; 424P) to be connected audit primary orifice (OP).   6. 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 in abutment against a bearing face (34; 134) belonging to an element (1OA; 110A) integral with the casing and in that at least certain cylinder conduits (20; 120) have a portion (20B; 120B) which extends between said said transverse faces (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; A) and, in the transverse end face (14B; 114B), through an orifice end (20C; 120C).   7. Device according to any one of claims 5 and 6,   characterized in that at least some secondary distribution conduits (124S; 424S) wind formed in the distributor (122; 422) and open in the transverse distribution face (122A; 422A) by secondary distribution orifices (130S; 430S) apses to communicate with the communication ports (120A; 420A) during   the relative rotation of the cylinder block and the crankcase.   8. Device according to claim 6 or claims 6 and 7,   characterized in that at least some secondary distribution conduits (24S) wind formed in said integral element (1OA) of the casing and open in said bearing face (34) by secondary distribution orifices (30S) capable of communicating with the end holes (20C) during the relative rotation of the cylinder block and the housing.   9. 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).   10. Device according to claims 6 and 9, characterized in that the   bearing face (34) has a blind hole (34A) located opposite each of the distribution orifices (30P) which are arranged in the face distribution cross (22A).   11. Device according to claim 9 and any one of   claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the transverse face of   distribution (22A) has a blind hole (23A) located opposite each of the secondary distribution orifices (30S) which are disposed in the bearing face (34).   12. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 11,   characterized in that it comprises a pressure limiter (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 port.   13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the pressure limiting conduit (186 or 186L, 120, 124P, 126) is connected to the orifice primary (OP).   14. Device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the pressure relief valve (170) comprises first conduits (170S) which wind apses 3 be connected each 3 one of the secondary ports (OS), a second conduit (170L) which is suitable for being 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 non-return valve 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 able to open to make the enclosure communicate with the second conduit when the pressure in this enclosure reaches a certain threshold.   15. Device according to claim 14, characterized in that the first conduits (170S) wind apses 3 be connected to the secondary orifices   (OS) through the secondary distribution conduits (124S).   16. Device according to claim 6 and any one of   claims 14 and 15, characterizes in that the first conduits   (170S) wind able to be connected to the secondary distribution orifices (124S) by means of connection conduits (186S) formed in said element (llOA) integral with the casing and opening in the bearing face (134) of this element by connection orifices (186S ') apse 3 communicating with the end orifices (120C) during rotation   relative of the cylinder block and the casing.   17. Device according to any one of claims 14 3 16,   ca racterise in that the second condu it (1 70 L) is suitable relic 3 I 'primary orifice (OP) through the primary distribution conduits (124p). 18. 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) by means of connection conduits (186L) formed in said element (llOA) integral with the casing and opening in the bearing face (134) of this element by connection orifices (186'L) able to communicate with the end orifices (120C) during the relative rotation of the block cylinders and crankcase.   19. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 18,   characterized in that it comprises a leak return duct (38A, 38B; 138A, 138B; 338; 438A, 438B 438C), connected to an interior space of the casing.   20. Device according to claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it   comprises means for pressurizing the interior space of the casing (273) capable of bringing this space into communication with the primary orifice   (OP) or secondary (OS) which is 3 the lowest pressure.   21. Device according to claim 20, characterized in that each primary (OP) or secondary (OS) orifice is connected to the interior space of the casing (273) by a pressurization duct (290) in which is fitted a check valve. -return (292) authorizing only the circulation of fluid in the direction going from the interior space of the casing towards the conduit of   pressurization which is at the lowest pressure.   22. 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 (1OA, 10B, 10C) and a converter capable of determining the flow rate of fluid passing through the primary orifice (OP) or a secondary orifice (OS) depending on this speed and to thus realize a flow meter.   23. Device according to claim 22, characterized in that the cylinder block (14) has a transverse face (14B) with markings (44) and in that the sensor (40) is arranged opposite this face cross.   24. 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).   25. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 24,   characterized in that it has no motor output.   26. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 24,