WO2015193606A1

WO2015193606A1 - Fluid dispensing device with multiple reconfigurable fluid inlet/outlet channels

Info

Publication number: WO2015193606A1
Application number: PCT/FR2015/051591
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stéphane Launay
Original assignee: Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique; Université D'aix Marseille
Priority date: 2014-06-17
Filing date: 2015-06-16
Publication date: 2015-12-23
Also published as: FR3022318B1; FR3022318A1; EP3158239A1

Abstract

This fluid dispenser with multiple fluid inlet/outlet channels (114A, 116A) comprises a first cylindrical portion (106), having at least one lateral fluid inlet or outlet channel, comprising at least one fluid connection chamber (146) for fluidly connecting said lateral channel to at least one opening formed in a lower base (110) of said first cylindrical portion (106). It comprises a second cylindrical portion (112), having several lateral fluid inlet/outlet channels (114A, 116A) and with circular cylindrical boring, having an upper base (110) coinciding with the lower base of the first cylindrical portion (106). It comprises a rotary circular cylindrical core (138), disposed inside the second cylindrical portion (112) and having an upper base in contact with the lower base (110) of the first cylindrical portion (106), free in rotation inside the second cylindrical portion (112) and in which there is formed at least one conduit (140, 142) for fluidly connecting said opening to at least any one of the lateral channels (114A, 116A) of the second cylindrical portion (112).

Description

RECONFIGURABLE MULTIPLE INLET / FLUID ROUTURE FLUID DISPENSER DEVICE

The present invention relates to a fluid distributor device with multiple input / output fluidic channels reconfigurable by rotation of at least one of its constituent elements.

In a certain number of hydraulic networks, it is interesting to modify or reorganize the flows of fluids according to their temperatures or an available energy resource. This is the case, for example, with the networks of certain systems for producing, storing and supplying hot water or heating with renewable energy, such as solar energy systems or pump systems. heat. In these systems, a fluid storage tank with multiple injection points at different levels significantly improves the efficiency of heat production. In fact, renewable energy-based heat production systems are generally characterized by a considerable variability over time in energy sources (sunshine, wind, hydraulic flow, etc.). Thus, for example, depending on the availability of energy resources and the distribution of heat available in the storage tank at a given instant, it may be desired to favor the injection of hot fluid produced at an appropriate level into the reservoir. storage by controlling a fluid dispensing device.

Equivalently, it is also sometimes interesting to modify or rearrange the flows of fluids in cold fluid generation and storage applications.

To perform such a reconfiguration of the flows, multi-solenoid valve dispensing devices are generally used. The efficiency of a device of this type increases with the number of solenoid valves used, which consequently leads to an increase in its cost, including the cost of the components and the installation time, complications in the regulation and an increase risk of breakdowns.

As a result, today, renewable energy-based heat systems such as solar systems, although having a certain technological maturity, are still not competitive enough in terms of price compared to systems based on renewable energy. on conventional energies. Admittedly, the trend is to reverse this situation in the long run as the conventional energy market becomes more and more tense and makes them less accessible. But it is necessary to take the lead for such a transition to be made as quickly as possible.

It is thus desirable to find an alternative to the multiplication of the solenoid valves, in particular by designing reconfigurable multiple fluid inlet / outlet fluid distributor devices which are more compact, less expensive, with a control of the simplified regulation.

Many devices of this type exist but they present each time too few possible configurations. By way of example, such a device is described in patent document CN 102003547 A. More specifically, this dispensing device comprises a cylindrical portion with a plurality of fluidic outlet lateral channels, this cylindrical portion comprising at least one fluidic connection chamber of these side channels of fluidic outlet to an opening formed in a lower base of the cylindrical portion. The opening itself forms a fluidic input of the device. It is then possible, with the aid of a rotating central element disposed inside the cylindrical portion, to select one or more lateral fluidic outputs to be connected to the fluidic inlet. Although reconfigurable, this device appears relatively limited in number of different configurations of fluidic inputs and outputs it may present. In particular, it can not meet the complex reconfigurability requirements of a high-performance renewable energy system.

It may thus be desirable to provide a fluid distributor device with reconfigurable multiple input / output fluidic channels which makes it possible to overcome at least some of the aforementioned problems and constraints.

It is therefore proposed a fluid distributor device with multiple fluidic input / output channels reconfigurable by rotation of at least one of its constituent elements, comprising at least a first cylindrical portion to at least one lateral inlet channel or fluidic outlet, this first cylindrical portion comprising at least one fluidic connection chamber of said at least one lateral inlet or fluidic outlet channel to at least one opening formed in a flat section of the device constituting a lower base of this first cylindrical portion, further comprising:

a second cylindrical portion with a plurality of lateral inlet or fluidic outlet channels and with a circular cylindrical bore, this second cylindrical portion having an upper base coinciding with the lower base of the first cylindrical portion, and a rotating circular cylindrical core disposed in hermetic contact against the circular cylindrical bore inside the second cylindrical portion and having an upper base in hermetic contact with the lower base of the first cylindrical portion, free to rotate at the inside the second cylindrical portion and in which is hollowed at least one fluidic connection duct of said at least one opening formed in the lower base of the first cylindrical portion to at least one of the fluid inlet or outlet side channels of the second cylindrical portion.

Thus, the cooperation between two levels of lateral fluidic inputs or outputs and the presence of a rotary core, arranged in one of the two levels, making it possible to reconfigurably connect the various input or output side channels in a rotational manner. , multiplies the different possible configurations of connections. Moreover, it is simple to adapt to each concrete need for reconfigurability of the flows, by acting on the configuration itself of the connection ducts or ducts dug in the rotary circular cylindrical core.

In addition, a dispensing device according to the invention is, by its simplicity and its compactness potential, an advantageous alternative to multiple solenoid valve devices. Integrated into a hydraulic system diagram solar thermal collector associated with a storage tank with multiple points of injection, it has the effect of increasing the solar coverage rate (ie the ratio of the contribution of solar energy on consumption total energy) of this type of system and, thus, to make it more competitive with regard to conventional energy-based systems. In the field of domestic hot water production, such a distributor device therefore contributes to a reduction in the consumption of primary energies whereas this field can represent a very important part of the primary energy consumption of a country.

Optionally, a reconfigurable multiple fluidic inlet / outlet fluid distributor device according to the invention may furthermore comprise a third cylindrical portion with at least one lateral inlet or fluidic outlet channel, this third cylindrical portion comprising at least one at least one fluidic connection chamber of said at least one fluidic inlet or outlet side channel to at least one opening formed in a planar section of the device constituting an upper base of said third cylindrical portion, and

the second cylindrical portion has a lower base coinciding with the upper base of the third cylindrical portion,

the circular circular cylindrical core has a lower base in hermetic contact with the upper base of the third cylindrical portion,

at least one fluidic connection duct of said at least one opening formed in the upper base of the third cylindrical portion to at least one of the fluid inlet or outlet side channels of the second cylindrical portion is hollowed out in the core; circular cylindrical rotating.

Also optionally, the rotating circular cylindrical core is removably disposed within the second cylindrical portion.

Optionally also, a reconfigurable multiple fluid inlet / outlet fluid distributor device according to the invention may further comprise a drive shaft of the circular cylindrical core rotatable within the second cylindrical portion, this drive shaft passing through the first cylindrical portion without causing its rotation.

Also optionally, each fluidic connection duct is of the same diameter as the lateral inlet or fluidic outlet channels of the second cylindrical portion and has:

a first portion of duct extending radially and opening onto the lateral outer wall of the rotary circular cylindrical core,

a second portion of duct extending longitudinally and opening on the upper or lower base of the rotary circular cylindrical core, and

- A cubit connecting the first and second portions.

Also optionally, each fluidic connection chamber is generally at least partially open annular general shape on the lower base of the first cylindrical portion or on the upper base of the third cylindrical portion and further has a portion of conduit extending radially in the direction of said inlet side channel or fluidic outlet of the first or third cylindrical portion.

Optionally also, a reconfigurable multiple fluid inlet / outlet fluid distributor device according to the invention may comprise:

a first upper element included in the first cylindrical portion, of longitudinal section in the form of a "T", having a base, forming a cylindrical upper cover of the fluid dispensing device, and a cylindrical narrow portion of circular section, extending longitudinally to the lower base of the first cylindrical portion,

a second lower element included in the third cylindrical portion, of inverted "T" -shaped longitudinal section, having a base, forming a cylindrical lower cover of the fluid-dispensing device, and a cylindrical narrow portion of circular section, extending longitudinally to the upper base of the third cylindrical portion,

a third cylindrical intermediate element with a circular cylindrical bore, extending from the base of the first upper element to that of the second lower element, in which the narrow portions of the first upper element and the second lower element extend,

the rotating circular cylindrical core occupying the interior space between the circular cylindrical bore of the third intermediate element, the lower base of the first cylindrical portion and the upper base of the third cylindrical portion.

Optionally also:

a single lateral inlet or fluidic outlet channel is hollowed out in the third intermediate element at the level of the first cylindrical portion,

a single inlet side channel or fluidic outlet is hollowed out in the third intermediate element at the level of the third cylindrical portion,

several lateral inlet or fluidic outlet channels are hollowed out in the third intermediate element at the level of the second cylindrical portion,

a single fluidic connection chamber of generally annular main shape is hollowed out in the first upper element and has a portion of duct extending radially in the direction of the single fluidic inlet or outlet side channel of the first cylindrical portion,

a single fluidic connection chamber of generally annular main shape is hollowed out in the second lower element and has a portion of duct extending radially in the direction of the single lateral inlet or fluidic outlet of the third cylindrical portion, and two fluidic connection ducts are hollowed out in the rotating circular cylindrical core, for the fluidic connection of the two fluidic connection chambers to at least one of the fluid inlet or outlet side channels of the second cylindrical portion.

Optionally also:

two lateral inlet or fluidic outlet channels are hollowed out in the third intermediate element at the level of the first cylindrical portion,

two inlet side channels or fluidic outlet are hollowed out in the third intermediate element at the level of the third cylindrical portion,

two fluidic connection chambers, each of generally main, partially annular shape, are hollowed out in the first upper element and respectively have two portions of conduits extending radially in the directions of the two lateral inlet or fluidic outlet channels of the first portion; cylindrical,

two fluidic connection chambers, each of generally main, partially annular shape, are hollowed out in the second lower element and respectively have two portions of conduits extending radially in the directions of the two lateral inlet or fluidic outlet channels of the third portion; cylindrical, and

four fluidic connection ducts are hollowed out in the rotary circular cylindrical core, for the fluidic connection of the four fluidic connection chambers to at least one of the fluid inlet or outlet side channels of the second cylindrical portion.

Optionally also, at least the rotating circular cylindrical core is made of a thermally insulating material.

The invention will be better understood with the aid of the description which follows, given solely by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 diagrammatically shows in perspective the general structure of a multi-way fluid distributor device fluid inlet / outlet according to a first embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 2 illustrates the device of FIG. 1 in plan view,

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section of the device of FIG. 1 indicated in FIG. 2,

FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate various other sections of the device of FIG.

1 shown in Figure 3,

FIGS. 7 and 8 schematically represent two different facilities for producing and storing heated fluid comprising the device of FIGS. 1 to 6,

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the general structure of a fluidic inlet / outlet multiple fluid flow distributor device according to a second embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 10 illustrates the device of FIG. 9 in plan view,

- Figures 1 1 and 12 are longitudinal sections of the device of the figure

9 shown in Figure 10,

FIGS. 13 to 15 illustrate various other sections of the device of FIG. 9 indicated in FIGS. 11 and 12, and

FIG. 16 schematically represents a production and storage facility for heated fluid comprising the device of FIGS. 9 to 15.

The fluid inlet / outlet multiple flow fluid distributor device 100, shown schematically in perspective in FIG. 1 according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the invention, is generally cylindrical in shape. The cylindrical shape must be understood in the broad sense of the term, that is to say of any prior section, the circular cylindrical shape illustrated in FIG. 1 being only an example.

It is surmounted by a handle 102 by means of which it is possible to drive a central shaft 104 in rotation, this central shaft 104 itself driving one of the constituent elements of the distributor 100, as will be explained in FIG. FIG. 3. It can also be functionally divided into three superposed main cylindrical portions.

A first cylindrical portion 106 comprises, for example, a lateral channel 108A of fluidic inlet or outlet extending radially and connectable to a fluid transport pipe 108B. It has a free upper base which forms the upper face of the dispenser 100 and a lower base consisting of a flat section 1 10 of the distributor 100 located under the side track 108A.

A second cylindrical portion 1 12, located under the first cylindrical portion 106, has an upper base constituted by the same plane section 1 10 of the distributor 100, that is to say coinciding with the lower base of the first cylindrical portion 106, and has a plurality of radially extending fluid inlet or outlet side channels respectively connectable to as many fluid transport pipes. In the example of FIG. 1, six lateral tracks 1 14A, 1 16A, 1 18A, 120A, 122A and 124A are equidistributed radially in the second cylindrical portion 1 12 and are respectively connectable to six pipes 1 14B, 1 16B, 1 18B, 120B, 122B and 124B. Finally, the second cylindrical portion January 12 has a lower base constituted by a flat section 126 of the distributor 100 located under the lateral channels 1 14A, 1 16A, 1 18A, 120A, 122A and 124A.

A third cylindrical portion 128, located under the second cylindrical portion 1 12, has an upper base constituted by the flat section 126 of the distributor 100, that is to say coinciding with the lower base of the second cylindrical portion 1 12, and comprises for example a lateral channel 130A of fluidic inlet or output extending radially and connectable to a pipe 130B for fluid transport. Finally, the third cylindrical portion 128 has a free bottom base which forms the underside of the dispenser 100.

As indicated above, the subdivision into three cylindrical portions

106, 1 12 and 128 of the distributor 100 is functional and can be subdivided into several levels of side channels input or fluidic output, here three. This functional subdivision could also be structural, but this is not the case of the example in Figure 1.

More specifically, the distributor 100 of this figure structurally comprises a first upper element 132 included in the first cylindrical portion 106, of longitudinal section in the form of "T" due to a shoulder, the base of this upper element 132 forming an upper cover cylindrical distributor 100 and the narrow portion of this upper element, cylindrical of circular section, extending longitudinally to the flat section 1 10 so as to have a lower base forming an inner portion of the lower base of the first cylindrical portion 106.

More precisely also, the distributor 100 of FIG. 1 structurally comprises a second lower element 134 included in the third cylindrical portion 128, of inverted "T" -shaped longitudinal section due to a shoulder, the base of this lower element 134 forming a cylindrical lower cover of the distributor 100 and the narrow part of this lower element, cylindrical of circular section, extending longitudinally to the plane section 126 so as to have an upper base forming an inner portion of the upper base of the third cylindrical portion 128.

More precisely also, the distributor 100 of FIG. 1 structurally comprises a third intermediate element 136, cylindrical with a circular cylindrical bore, whose annular upper base is positioned hermetically against the shoulder of the upper element 132, whose annular lower base positioned hermetically against the shoulder of the lower member 134, and whose bore has a diameter corresponding precisely to the common diameter of the narrow portions of the first and second members which respectively extend from the two upper and lower shoulders to the two sections The three levels of lateral lanes 108A, 114A, 116A, 1,16A, 18A, 120A, 122A, 124A and 130A described above are pierced radially and through in this third intermediate element 136, between its side wall. external and internal circular bore.

Finally, the internal space between the circular cylindrical bore of the intermediate element 136 and the two plane sections 1 and 10 is entirely hermetically occupied by a rotary circular cylindrical core 138. It is this constituent element of the distributor 100 which is rotated by the central shaft 104, independently of the other elements 132, 134 and 136 which remain fixed together by means of screws and threads distributed at the periphery of the upper and lower bases. The circular circular cylindrical core 138 is thus free to rotate inside the second cylindrical portion January 12, its upper base remaining in hermetic contact with the lower base of the narrow portion of the upper member 132, its lower base remaining in position. hermetic contact with the upper base of the narrow portion of the lower member 134 and its circular outer side wall remaining in sealing contact with the inner circular bore of the intermediate member 136.

To ensure the general sealing of the distributor 100, joints can be used between the elements in a conventional manner but are not shown in FIG.

In addition, in terms of concrete fasteners, the intermediate element 136 may have flanges at its ends to ensure its attachment with the elements. upper 132 and lower 134 then to refine the wall of the intermediate member 136. Other configurations do not change anything on the principle of operation of the set are also possible.

According to the invention, the narrow part of the upper element 132, located in the first cylindrical portion 106, comprises a fluidic connection chamber between the lateral channel 108A pierced in the intermediate element 136 and an opening formed in its lower base. . Similarly, the narrow portion of the lower member 134, located in the third cylindrical portion 128, includes a fluid connection chamber between the side channel 130A pierced in the intermediate member 136 and an opening formed in its upper base. Finally, at least one fluidic connection duct is hollowed out in the rotary circular cylindrical core 138 to allow, by rotation, the connection of one or the other of the openings formed in the lower and upper bases of the upper elements 132 and lower 134 at any one of the side tracks 1 14A, 1 16A, 1 18A, 120A, 122A, 124A pierced in the intermediate member 136.

An example of configuration of these connection chambers and connecting ducts, which determines the possible combinations of fluidic inputs and outputs by successive rotations of the rotary circular cylindrical core 138, will now be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6 in the context of FIG. a particular application illustrated by FIG. 7 or 8.

FIG. 2 is a view from above of the distributor 100 of FIG. 1, in which the eight pipes 108B, 114B, 116B, 118B, 120B, 122B, 124B and 130B are visible, the six lateral channels 14A, 1 16A, 1 18A, 120A, 122A, 124A of the second cylindrical portion 1 12 being drilled every 60 ° around the intermediate element 136 and the two upper lateral lanes 108A and lower 130A being angularly offset for better visibility. An angular longitudinal section at 60 ° A-A, along the axes of the lateral channels 1 14A and 1 16A, is indicated in this figure and illustrated in FIG.

This section A-A is chosen to make visible two connecting ducts 140 and 142 dug in the circular circular cylindrical core 138 according to the intended application. These two connecting ducts are angularly arranged at 60 ° to each other around the main axis of the distributor 100.

More specifically, in the arrangement of the rotary circular cylindrical core 138 as illustrated in FIG. 3, the first connection duct 140 is disposed opposite the lateral channel 1 14A, pierced in the intermediate element 136. It comprises a first portion extending radially and opening on the lateral outer wall of the rotary circular cylindrical core 138, so as to actually face the side channel 1 14A in this configuration. It comprises a second portion of the same diameter extending longitudinally, that is to say perpendicularly to the first portion in the plane of the figure, and opening on the lower base of the rotary circular cylindrical core 138, so as to be in front of a fluidic connection chamber 144 arranged in the lower element 134. Between these two portions, it comprises a right-angled connection bend.

More precisely also, in the arrangement of the rotary circular cylindrical core 138 as shown in Figure 3, the second connecting duct 142 is disposed facing the side channel 1 16A pierced in the intermediate element 136. It comprises a first portion extending radially and opening on the lateral outer wall of the rotary circular cylindrical core 138, so as to actually face the side channel 1 16A in this configuration. It comprises a second portion of the same diameter extending longitudinally, that is to say perpendicularly to the first portion in the plane of the figure, and opening on the upper base of the rotary circular cylindrical core 138, so as to be located in front of a fluidic connection chamber 146 arranged in the upper element 132. Between these two portions, it comprises a right angle connection bend.

It is further noted that the drive shaft 104 extends along the longitudinal axis of the dispenser 100, from the handle 102 to the rotating circular cylindrical core 138, and is rotatably attached to these two elements using for example lateral lugs. It must be further arranged in the upper element 132 so as to pass through the first cylindrical portion 106 without causing its rotation.

To specify the configuration of the fluidic connection chamber 146 of the upper element 132, a section BB of the first cylindrical portion 106, orthogonal to the plane of the section AA, is indicated in FIG. 3 and illustrated in FIG. section shows that in this embodiment, the fluidic connection chamber 146 is of generally annular shape. In combination with FIG. 3, it is understood that it has an annular width corresponding to the diameter of the connection duct 142 and that it is furthermore open on the lower base of the narrow part of the upper element 132. that is to say on the lower base 1 10 of the first cylindrical portion 106, so as to be always in connection fluidic with the connecting pipe 142 irrespective of the rotation applied to the rotary circular cylindrical core 138. Furthermore, it comprises a portion of duct 146A extending radially in the direction of the lateral lane 108A and the pipe 108B, of the same diameter than these. Regardless of the rotation applied to the rotary circular cylindrical core 138, the lateral channel 108A is therefore in fluid connection with the connection duct 142 by means of the fluidic connection chamber 146.

To clarify the arrangement of the two connecting ducts 140 and 142 of the rotary circular cylindrical core 138, a section CC of the second cylindrical portion 112, orthogonal to the plane of the section AA, is shown in FIG. 3 and illustrated in FIG. This section shows that the two connecting ducts 140 and 142 are hollowed radially at 60 ° from each other. In the first position illustrated in Figure 5 according to the arrangement of the section AA, the connecting duct 140 is located opposite the side track 1 14A and the connecting duct 142 is located opposite the side channel 1 16A. In a second possible non-illustrated position, obtained by rotating 60 ° in the anti-trigonometric direction with respect to the first position of the rotary circular cylindrical core 138, the connection duct 140 is located opposite the lateral channel 1 16A and the duct connection 142 is located opposite the side channel 1 18A. In a third possible non-illustrated position, obtained by rotating 60 ° in the anti-trigonometric direction with respect to the second position of the rotary circular cylindrical core 138, the connecting duct 140 is located opposite the side track 18A and the duct connection 142 is located opposite side path 120A. In a fourth possible non-illustrated position, obtained by rotating 60 ° in the anti-trigonometric direction with respect to the third position of the rotary circular cylindrical core 138, the connecting duct 140 is located opposite the side track 120A and the duct connection 142 is located opposite side track 122A. In a fifth possible non-illustrated position, obtained by rotating 60 ° in the anti-trigonometric direction relative to the fourth position of the rotary circular cylindrical core 138, the connection duct 140 is located opposite the lateral track 122A and the duct connection 142 is located opposite side track 124A. Finally, in a sixth possible position, not illustrated, obtained by rotating 60 ° in the anti-trigonometric direction with respect to the fifth position of the rotary circular cylindrical core 138, the connection duct 140 is located opposite lateral track 124A and the connecting duct 142 is located opposite the side track 1 14A. To specify the configuration of the fluidic connection chamber 144 of the lower element 134, a section DD of the third cylindrical portion 128, orthogonal to the plane of the section AA, is indicated in FIG. 3 and illustrated in FIG. section shows that in this embodiment, the fluidic connection chamber 144 is of generally annular shape. In combination with FIG. 3, it is understood that it is of an annular width corresponding to the diameter of the connection duct 140 and that it is also open on the upper base of the narrow part of the lower element 134. that is to say on the upper base 126 of the third cylindrical portion 128, so as to always be in fluid connection with the connecting duct 140 regardless of the rotation applied to the rotary circular cylindrical core 138. Moreover, it comprises a conduit portion 144A extending radially in the direction of the side track 130A and the pipe 130B, of the same diameter as the latter. Regardless of the rotation applied to the rotary circular cylindrical core 138, the side channel 130A is therefore in fluid connection with the connection duct 140 through the fluidic connection chamber 144.

With regard to the materials used to manufacture the constituent elements of the distributor 100, in particular the elements 132, 134, 136 and 138, the following points should be noted:

- they must be compatible with the sanitary constraints applicable in case of employment in a context of production and heating of domestic hot water,

the thermomechanical expansion of the materials must be taken into account to ensure a perfect rotation of the circular circular cylindrical core 138 and a good seal between lateral channels, connection ducts and connection chambers, whatever the temperatures of the distributed fluids,

- Advantageously, the rotary circular cylindrical core 138, or possibly even the other elements 132, 134 and 136, can or can be made (s) in a thermally insulating material to limit heat transfer between the different fluid flows. In particular, stainless steel can be used for the elements 132, 134, 136 (chemical stability and mechanical resistance) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) for the rotary circular cylindrical core 138 (very good stability at relatively high temperature and thermal insulation) , with a machining game sufficient with respect to the rotating circular cylindrical core 138 to ensure its rotation whatever the temperature of the fluids.

With regard to the fluid flow considerations inside the distributor 100, the potential singular head losses must be taken into account in order to limit them as much as possible. In particular, as has been stated previously several times, it may be advantageous to provide that the side channels, connecting ducts and connection chambers generally have identical diameters (manufacturing defects close).

The production and storage facility of heated fluid shown schematically in Figure 7 illustrates a first example of possible use of the distributor 100 of Figures 1 to 6.

This installation comprises a heat generator, for example a heat pump, identified by the reference 150 and having a fluidic inlet IN and a fluid outlet OUT. It further comprises a reservoir 152 for storing heated fluid with multiple injection paths. Taking into account the distribution of the temperatures in the reservoir 152, ascending vertically, it has a lower channel OUT1 for supplying fluid to be heated and five successive injection paths IN1, IN2, IN3, IN4, IN5 fluid more or less heated, distributed over the lower channel OUT1 over the entire height of the tank 152.

The distributor 100 interposes between the heat pump 150 and the reservoir

152. It is very schematically represented in FIG. 7. The lower side channel 130A of the distributor 100 is connected to the fluidic inlet IN of the heat pump 150 with the aid of the pipe 130B. The upper side channel 108A of the distributor 100 is connected to the fluid outlet OUT of the heat pump 150 by means of the pipe 108B. The intermediate side channel 1 14A of the distributor 100 is connected to the lower channel OUT1 of the tank 152 using the pipe 1 14B. Finally, the five other intermediate lateral tracks 1 16A, 1 18A, 120A, 122A and 124A of the distributor 100 are respectively connected to the five successive injection paths IN1, IN2, IN3, IN4 and IN5 of the reservoir 152 using the hoses. 16B, 18B, 120B, 122B and 124B.

Thus, in the first position of the rotary circular cylindrical core 138 described above, the lateral channel 1 14A being fluidly connected to the lower side channel 130A via the connection duct 140 and the fluid connection chamber 144, the lower channel OUT1 of the reservoir 152 is connected to the fluidic inlet IN of the heat pump 150. Furthermore, the lateral channel 1 16A is fluidly connected to the upper lateral channel 108A by via the connection duct 142 and the fluid connection chamber 146, the fluid outlet OUT of the heat pump 150 is connected to the injection channel IN1 of the tank 152. In this first position, water from the lower channel OUT1 of the reservoir 152 is directed by the distributor 100 to be heated by the heat pump 150, then redirected once heated to the injection path I N1 of the same reservoir 152.

In the second position of the rotary circular cylindrical core 138 described above, the side channel 1 16A being fluidly connected to the lower side channel 130A through the connecting duct 140 and the fluid connection chamber 144, the injection path IN1 of the tank 152 is connected to the fluidic inlet IN of the heat pump 150. Furthermore, the side channel 18A being fluidly connected to the upper side channel 108A via the connecting duct 142 and the chamber fluidic connection 146, the fluid outlet OUT of the heat pump 150 is connected to the injection path IN2 of the reservoir 152. In this second position, water from the injection path IN1 of the reservoir 152 is directed by the distributor 100 to be heated by the heat pump 150, then redirected once heated to the injection path IN2 of the same tank 152.

In the third position of the rotary circular cylindrical core 138 described above, the side channel 18A being fluidly connected to the lower side channel 130A through the connecting duct 140 and the fluid connection chamber 144, the injection path IN2 of the tank 152 is connected to the fluidic inlet IN of the heat pump 150. Furthermore, the side channel 120A is fluidly connected to the upper side channel 108A via the connecting pipe 142 and the connection chamber fluidic 146, the fluid outlet OUT of the heat pump 150 is connected to the injection path IN3 of the reservoir 152. In this third position, water from the injection path IN2 of the reservoir 152 is directed by the distributor 100 to be heated by the heat pump 150, then redirected once heated to the IN3 injection path of the same tank 152.

In the fourth position of the rotary circular cylindrical core 138 described above, the side channel 120A being fluidly connected to the lower side channel 130A through the connecting duct 140 and the fluid connection chamber 144, the injection channel IN3 of the reservoir 152 is connected to the fluidic inlet IN of the heat pump 150. Furthermore, the lateral path 122A being fluidly connected to the upper side channel 108A through the connecting conduit 142 and the fluid connection chamber 146, the fluid outlet OUT of the heat pump 150 is connected to the injection port IN4 of the reservoir 152. In this fourth position, water coming from the injection path IN3 of the reservoir 152 is directed by the distributor 100 to be heated by the heat pump 150, then redirected once heated towards the injection channel IN4 of the same tank 152.

In the fifth position of the rotary circular cylindrical core 138 described above, the lateral channel 122A being fluidly connected to the lower side channel 130A through the connecting duct 140 and the fluid connection chamber 144, the injection channel IN4 of the reservoir 152 is connected to the fluidic inlet IN of the heat pump 150. Furthermore, the lateral channel 124A is fluidly connected to the upper side channel 108A via the connecting duct 142 and the fluidic connection chamber. 146, the fluidic outlet OUT of the heat pump 150 is connected to the injection channel IN5 of the tank 152. In this fifth position, water coming from the injection channel IN4 of the tank 152 is directed by the distributor 100 to be heated by the heat pump 150, then redirected once heated to the IN5 injection path of the same tank 152.

The sixth position of the rotary circular cylindrical core 138 described above is not used in this application. Nevertheless, it clearly appears that the first five possible positions of the circular circular cylindrical core 138 in the distributor 100 allow a variety of fluid connections able to manage the fluid production and storage facility of FIG. function at each instant of fluid heating requirements and heat pump capacity 150.

The production and storage facility of heated fluid shown schematically in Figure 8 illustrates a second example of possible use of the distributor 100 of Figures 1 to 6.

This installation comprises a heat generator, for example a solar thermal collector, identified by the reference 150 'and having a fluidic inlet IN and a fluidic outlet OUT. It further comprises the reservoir 152 previously described.

The distributor 100 is interposed between the solar collector 150 'and the tank 152. But in this installation, the third cylindrical portion 128 of the dispenser 100 is not exploited. According to an alternative embodiment, the distributor 100 could therefore have only its first and second cylindrical portions 106 and 1 12, the third being optional. The lower channel OUT1 of the tank 152 is directly connected to the fluidic input IN of the solar collector 150 '. The upper side channel 108A of the distributor 100 is connected to the fluid outlet OUT of the solar collector 150 'using the pipe 108B. The intermediate side channel 1 14A of the distributor 100 is not used. Finally, the five other intermediate lateral tracks 1 16A, 1 18A, 120A, 122A and 124A of the distributor 100 are respectively connected to the five successive injection paths IN1, IN2, IN3, IN4 and IN5 of the reservoir 152 using the hoses. 16B, 18B, 120B, 122B and 124B.

Thus, in the first position of the rotary circular cylindrical core 138 described above, the side channel 1 16A being fluidly connected to the upper side channel 108A through the connecting pipe 142 and the fluid connection chamber 146, the fluidic outlet OUT of the solar collector 150 'is connected to the injection channel IN1 of the tank 152. In this first position, water from the lower channel OUT1 of the tank 152 supplies the solar collector 150' and is then directed by the distributor 100 when heated to the injection channel IN1 of the same reservoir 152.

In the second position of the rotary circular cylindrical core 138 described above, the side channel 18A being fluidly connected to the upper side channel 108A through the connecting duct 142 and the fluid connection chamber 146, the fluid outlet OUT of FIG. solar collector 150 'is connected to injection path IN2 of reservoir 152. In this second position, water from lower channel OUT1 of reservoir 152 feeds solar collector 150', then is directed by distributor 100 a once heated to the injection path IN2 of the same reservoir 152.

In the third position of the rotary circular cylindrical core 138 described above, the side channel 120A being fluidly connected to the upper side channel 108A via the connecting duct 142 and the fluid connection chamber 146, the fluid outlet OUT of the sensor solar 150 'is connected to the injection line IN3 of the tank 152. In this third position, water from the lower channel OUT1 of the tank 152 feeds the solar collector 150', then is directed by the distributor 100 once heated to the injection path IN3 of the same reservoir 152.

In the fourth position of the rotary circular cylindrical core 138 described previously, the side channel 122A being fluidly connected to the upper side channel 108A through the connecting duct 142 and the fluid connection chamber 146, the fluid outlet OUT of the solar collector 150 'is connected to the injection channel I N4 of the reservoir 152. In this fourth position, water from the lower channel OUT1 of the reservoir 152 feeds the solar collector 150 ', then is directed by the distributor 100 when heated to the injection channel IN4 of the same tank 152.

In the fifth position of the rotary circular cylindrical core 138 described above, the lateral channel 124A being fluidly connected to the upper side channel 108A via the connecting duct 142 and the fluid connection chamber 146, the fluid outlet OUT of the sensor solar 150 'is connected to the injection line IN5 of the tank 152. In this fifth position, water from the lower channel OUT1 of the tank 152 feeds the solar collector 150', then is directed by the distributor 100 once heated to the injection path IN5 of the same reservoir 152.

The sixth position of the rotary circular cylindrical core 138 described above is also not used in this application. Nevertheless, it is clear that the first five possible positions of the circular circular cylindrical core 138 in the distributor 100 allow a variety of fluid connections capable of managing the fluid production and storage facility of FIG. function at each moment of the solar collector 150 ', that is to say according to the sun, in order to increase the solar coverage rate of the installation.

It will also be noted that, alternatively, the installations of FIGS. 7 and 8 could be extrapolated to cooled fluid generation and storage facilities. It would be enough to replace the heat pumps 150 and 150 'by cold generators and to reverse the direction of fluid flows.

The fluid inlet / outlet multiple flow fluid distributor device 200, shown schematically in perspective in FIG. 9 according to another particular and non-limiting embodiment of the invention, is generally cylindrical in shape. The cylindrical shape must also be understood here also in the broad sense of the term, that is to say of any prior section, the circular cylindrical shape illustrated in FIG. 9 being only an example.

It is surmounted by a handle 202 by means of which it is possible to drive a central shaft 204 in rotation, this central shaft 204 causing itself one of the constituent elements of the distributor 200, as will be explained with reference to Figure 1 1. It can also be subdivided functionally into three superimposed cylindrical main portions.

A first cylindrical portion 206 has two radially extending, diametrically opposed, radially extending fluid inlet or outlet paths 208A and 210B respectively connectable to two fluid transport pipes 208B and 210B. It has a free upper base which forms the upper face of the dispenser 200 and a lower base consisting of a flat section 212 of the dispenser 200 located under the side channels 208A and 210A.

A second cylindrical portion 214, located under the first cylindrical portion 206, has an upper base constituted by the same plane section 212 of the distributor 200, that is to say coinciding with the lower base of the first cylindrical portion 206, and comprises a plurality of radially extending inlet or fluidic outlet channels respectively connectable to as many fluid transport pipes. In the example of FIG. 9, six lateral channels 216A, 218A, 220A, 222A, 224A and 226A are equidistributed radially in the second cylindrical portion 214 and are respectively connectable to six pipes 216B, 218B, 220B, 222B, 224B and 226B. . Finally, the second cylindrical portion 214 has a lower base constituted by a flat section 228 of the distributor 200 located under the side channels 216A, 218A, 220A, 222A, 224A and 226A.

A third cylindrical portion 230, located under the second cylindrical portion 214, has an upper base constituted by the flat section 228 of the distributor 200, that is to say coinciding with the lower base of the second cylindrical portion 214, and comprises two radially extending, diametrically opposed and radially extending fluid inlet or outlet port ports 232A and 234A respectively connectable to two fluid transport pipes 232B and 234B. Finally, the third cylindrical portion 230 has a free bottom base which forms the underside of the dispenser 200.

As indicated above, the subdivision into three cylindrical portions 206, 214 and 230 of the distributor 200 is functional and makes it possible to subdivide it into several levels of side inlet or fluidic outlet channels, here three. This functional subdivision could also be structural, but this is not the case of the example in Figure 9.

More specifically, the distributor 200 of this figure structurally comprises a first upper element 236 included in the first cylindrical portion 206 of external general shape identical to that of the upper member 132 of Figure 1 and whose narrow portion extends longitudinally to the flat section 212 so as to have a lower base forming an inner portion of the lower base of the first cylindrical portion 206.

More precisely also, the distributor 200 of FIG. 1 structurally comprises a second lower element 238 included in the third cylindrical portion 230, of generally external shape identical to that of the lower element 134 of FIG. 1 and whose narrow part extends longitudinally to the plane section 228 so as to have an upper base forming an inner portion of the upper base of the third cylindrical portion 230.

More precisely also, the distributor 200 of FIG. 9 structurally comprises a third intermediate element 240 of generally external shape identical to that of the intermediate element 136 of FIG. 1 and arranged in the same way between the first and second elements 236, 238 The three levels of lateral channels 208A, 210A, 216A, 218A, 220A, 222A, 224A, 226A, 232A and 234A described above are pierced radially and through in this third intermediate element 240, between its external lateral wall and its bore. internal circular.

Finally, the internal space between the circular cylindrical bore of the third intermediate element 240 and the two plane sections 212 and 228 is entirely hermetically occupied by a rotary circular cylindrical core 242 whose external general shape is identical to that of the core 138 of FIG. It is also rotated by the central shaft 204 independently of the other elements 236, 238 and 240 fixed to each other in the same way as the elements 132, 134 and 136 of FIG.

To ensure general sealing of the dispenser 200, joints can be used between the elements in a conventional manner but are not shown in FIG. 9.

According to the invention and this embodiment, the narrow part of the upper element 236, located in the first cylindrical portion 206, comprises two fluidic connection chambers between the side channels 208A, 210A pierced in the intermediate element 240. and two openings formed in its lower base. Similarly, the narrow portion of the lower member 238, located in the third cylindrical portion 230, comprises two fluidic connection chambers between the side channels 232A, 234A pierced in the intermediate member 240 and two openings formed in its upper base. Finally, at least one fluidic connection duct is hollowed out in the rotary circular cylindrical core 242 to allow, by rotation, the connection of one or the other of the openings formed in the lower and upper bases of the upper elements 236 and lower 238 at any of the side channels 216A, 218A, 220A, 222A, 224A, 226A pierced in the intermediate member 240.

An example of configuration of these connection chambers and connecting ducts, which determines the possible combinations of fluidic inputs and outputs by successive rotations of the rotary circular cylindrical core 242, will now be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 15 in the context of FIG. a particular application illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a view from above of the dispenser 200 of FIG. 9, in which the ten pipes 208B, 210B, 216B, 218B, 220B, 222B, 224B, 226B, 232B and 234B are visible, the six lateral channels 216A, 218A; , 220A, 222A, 224A, 226A of the second cylindrical portion 214 being bored every 60 ° around the intermediate element 240 and the four upper side tracks 208A, 210A and lower 232A, 234A being angularly offset for better visibility. A longitudinal section EE, along the axis of the diametrically opposite lateral paths 216A and 222A, is indicated in this figure and illustrated in FIG. 1 1. A longitudinal section FF, along the axis of the diametrically opposite lateral channels 218A and 224A, is also shown in this figure and illustrated in Figure 12.

The E-E cut is chosen to make visible two connecting ducts 244 and 246 dug in the circular circular cylindrical core 242 according to the intended application. These two connecting ducts are diametrically opposed with respect to the main axis of the distributor 200.

More precisely, in the arrangement of the rotary circular cylindrical core 242 as illustrated in FIG. 11, the first connecting duct 244 is disposed facing the lateral lane 216A pierced in the intermediate element 240. It comprises a first portion s extending radially and opening on the lateral outer wall of the rotary circular cylindrical core 242, so as to actually face the side channel 216A in this configuration. It comprises a second portion of the same diameter extending longitudinally, that is to say perpendicular to the first portion in the plane of the figure, and opening on the upper base of the rotary circular cylindrical core 242, so as to be located facing a first fluidic connection chamber 248 arranged in the element 236. Between these two portions, it comprises a right-angled connection bend.

More precisely also, in the arrangement of the rotary circular cylindrical core 242 as illustrated in Figure 1 1, the second connecting pipe 246 is disposed opposite the side path 222A pierced in the intermediate element 240. It comprises a first portion extending radially and opening on the lateral outer wall of the rotary circular cylindrical core 242, so as to actually face the side channel 222A in this configuration. It comprises a second portion of the same diameter extending longitudinally, that is to say perpendicular to the first portion in the plane of the figure, and opening on the upper base of the rotary circular cylindrical core 242, so as to be located in front of a second fluidic connection chamber 250 arranged in the upper element 236. Between these two portions, it comprises a right-angled connection bend.

Note further that, as in the previous embodiment, the drive shaft 204 extends along the longitudinal axis of the distributor 200, the handle 202 to the rotary circular cylindrical core 242, and is fixed in rotation to these two elements with lateral lugs, while remaining free in rotation through the first cylindrical portion 206.

The cut F-F is chosen to make visible two other connecting ducts 252 and 254 dug in the rotary circular cylindrical core 242 according to the intended application. These two connecting ducts are diametrically opposed with respect to the main axis of the distributor 200.

More precisely, in the arrangement of the rotary circular cylindrical core 242 as illustrated in FIG. 12, the third connecting duct 252 is disposed facing the lateral lane 218A pierced in the intermediate element 240. It comprises a first portion s'. extending radially and opening on the lateral outer wall of the rotary circular cylindrical core 242, so as to actually face the side channel 218A in this configuration. It comprises a second portion of the same diameter extending longitudinally, that is to say perpendicular to the first portion in the plane of the figure, and opening on the lower base of the rotary circular cylindrical core 242, so as to be facing a third fluidic connection chamber 256 arranged in the lower element 238. Between these two portions, it comprises a right-angled connection bend. More precisely also, in the arrangement of the rotary circular cylindrical core 242 as illustrated in Figure 12, the fourth connecting pipe 254 is disposed opposite the side channel 224A pierced in the intermediate element 240. It comprises a first portion s extending radially and opening on the lateral outer wall of the rotary circular cylindrical core 242, so as to actually face the side channel 224A in this configuration. It comprises a second portion of the same diameter extending longitudinally, that is to say perpendicular to the first portion in the plane of the figure, and opening on the lower base of the rotary circular cylindrical core 242, so as to be in front of a fourth fluidic connection chamber 258 arranged in the lower element 238. Between these two portions, it comprises a right-angled connection bend.

To specify the configuration of the first and second fluidic connection chambers 248 and 250 of the upper element 236, a section GG of the first cylindrical portion 206, orthogonal to the planes of sections EE and FF, is shown in FIGS. and illustrated in Figure 13.

This section shows that, in this embodiment, the first fluidic connection chamber 248 is generally partially annular in shape, over an angular sector of about 60 ° extending from the angular position of the lateral channel 216A to the angular position. of the side track 218A. In combination with FIG. 11, it is understood that it has an annular width corresponding to the diameter of the connecting duct 244 and that it is also open on the lower base of the narrow part of the upper element 236. that is to say on the lower base 212 of the first cylindrical portion 206, so as to be in fluid connection with the connecting conduit 244 on an angular sector of 60 ° when a rotation is applied to the rotating circular cylindrical core 242. Furthermore, it comprises a portion of duct 248A extending radially in the direction of the side channel 208A and the pipe 208B, of the same diameter as the latter. Thus, for any rotation applied to the rotary circular cylindrical core 242 in the 60 ° angular sector considered, the side channel 208A remains in fluid connection with the connecting pipe 244 through the fluidic connection chamber 248.

The section GG also shows that, in this embodiment, the second fluidic connection chamber 250 is generally partially annular in shape, over an angular sector of about 60 ° extending from the angular position of the side channel 222A to the angular position of the side track 224A. In In combination with FIG. 11, it is understood that it has an annular width corresponding to the diameter of the connecting duct 246 and that it is also open on the lower base of the narrow part of the upper element 236. that is, on the lower base 212 of the first cylindrical portion 206, so as to be in fluid connection with the connecting conduit 246 over an angular sector of 60 ° when rotation is applied to the rotating circular cylindrical core 242 In addition, it comprises a portion of duct 250A extending radially in the direction of the side channel 210A and the pipe 210B, of the same diameter as the latter. Thus, for any rotation applied to the rotary circular cylindrical core 242 in the 60 ° angular sector considered, the side channel 210A remains in fluid connection with the connecting pipe 246 through the fluidic connection chamber 250.

To clarify the arrangement of the four connecting ducts 244, 246, 252 and 254 of the rotary circular cylindrical core 242, a section HH of the second cylindrical portion 214, orthogonal to the planes of sections EE and FF, is indicated in FIGS. 12 and illustrated in Figure 14. This section shows that the two connecting ducts 244 and 252 are hollowed radially at 60 ° from one another and the connecting ducts 246 and 254 are respectively diametrically opposed. In the first position illustrated in FIG. 5 according to the arrangement of the sections EE and FF, the connecting duct 244 is located opposite the side channel 216A, the connecting duct 252 is located opposite the side channel 218A, the duct connection 246 is located opposite the side channel 222A and the connecting duct 254 is located opposite the side channel 224A. In a second possible non-illustrated position, obtained by rotating 60 ° in the anti-trigonometric direction with respect to the first position of the rotary circular cylindrical core 242, the connecting pipe 244 is located opposite the lateral path 218A, the conduit of 252 connection is located opposite the side track 220A, the connecting conduit 246 is located opposite the side channel 224A and the connecting conduit 254 is located opposite the side channel 226A. In a third possible non-illustrated position, obtained by rotating 60 ° in the anti-trigonometric direction relative to the second position of the rotary circular cylindrical core 242, the connecting pipe 244 is located opposite the lateral path 220A, the conduit of connection 252 is located opposite the side track 222A, the connecting duct 246 is located opposite the side track 226A and the connecting duct 254 is located opposite the side track 216A. The other three possible positions obtained by successive rotations 60 ° in the anti-trigonometric direction are irrelevant since they are identical to the first three by axial symmetry of the four connecting conduits 244, 246, 252 and 254.

To specify the configuration of the third and fourth fluidic connection chambers 256 and 258 of the lower element 238, a section 11 of the third cylindrical portion 230, orthogonal to the planes of sections EE and FF, is shown in FIGS. and illustrated in Figure 15.

This section shows that, in this embodiment, the third fluidic connection chamber 256 is generally partially annular in shape, over an angular sector of about 60 ° extending from the angular position of the lateral channel 218A to the angular position. side track 220A. In combination with FIG. 12, it is understood that it is of an annular width corresponding to the diameter of the connecting conduit 252 and that it is furthermore open on the upper base of the narrow part of the lower element 238. that is to say on the upper base 228 of the third cylindrical portion 230, so as to be in fluid connection with the connecting pipe 252 over an angular sector of 60 ° when a rotation is applied to the rotary circular cylindrical core 242 Furthermore, it comprises a portion of conduit 256A extending radially in the direction of the lateral path 232A and the pipe 232B, of the same diameter as the latter. Thus, for any rotation applied to the rotary circular cylindrical core 242 in the 60 ° angular sector considered, the lateral path 232A remains in fluid connection with the connecting pipe 252 thanks to the fluidic connection chamber 256.

Section 11 also shows that, in this embodiment, the fourth fluidic connection chamber 258 is generally of a generally annular shape, over an angular sector of about 60 ° extending from the angular position of the lateral channel 224A to the angular position of the side track 226A. In combination with FIG. 12, it is understood that it has an annular width corresponding to the diameter of the connection duct 254 and that it is also open on the upper base of the narrow part of the lower element 238, c that is, on the upper base 228 of the third cylindrical portion 230, so as to be in fluid connection with the connecting conduit 254 over an angular sector of 60 ° when a rotation is applied to the rotating circular cylindrical core 242 In addition, it comprises a portion of duct 258A extending radially in the direction of the side channel 234A and the pipe 234B, of the same diameter as the latter. Thus, for any rotation applied to the rotary circular cylindrical core 242 in the sector 60 ° angular considered, the side channel 234A remains in fluid connection with the connecting conduit 254 through the fluid connection chamber 258.

The production and storage facility of heated fluid shown schematically in Figure 16 illustrates an example of possible use of the distributor 200 of Figures 9 to 15.

This installation comprises a heat generator, for example a heat pump, identified by reference 260. This heat pump comprises a condenser 262 and an evaporator 264. The condenser 262 has a fluidic inlet C (in) and a fluidic outlet C (out). The evaporator 264 has a fluidic inlet E (in) and a fluidic outlet E (out). The installation of FIG. 16 further comprises three heated fluid storage tanks 266, 268, 270 with two injection channels each. The first reservoir 266 has an injection channel INJ1 at the bottom and an injection route INJ2 at the top. The second reservoir 268 has an injection channel INJ3 in the lower part and an injection route INJ4 in the upper part. The third reservoir 270 has an injection channel INJ5 at the bottom and an injection route INJ6 at the top.

The distributor 200 is interposed between the heat pump 260 and the three reservoirs 266, 268, 270. It is very schematically represented in FIG. 16. The upper side channel 208A of the distributor 200 is connected to the fluidic inlet E. (in) of the evaporator 264 of the heat pump 260 using the pipe 208B. The upper side channel 210A of the distributor 200 is connected to the fluidic outlet E (out) of the evaporator 264 of the heat pump 260 using the pipe 210B. The lower side channel 234A of the distributor 200 is connected to the fluid inlet C (in) of the condenser 262 of the heat pump 260 using the pipe 234B. The lower side channel 232A of the distributor 200 is connected to the fluidic outlet C (out) of the condenser 262 of the heat pump 260 using the pipe 232B. The intermediate side channel 222A of the distributor 200 is connected to the injection line INJ1 of the reservoir 266 using the pipe 222B. The intermediate side channel 216A of the distributor 200 is connected to the injection line INJ2 of the reservoir 266 using the pipe 216B. The intermediate side channel 224A of the distributor 200 is connected to the injection channel INJ3 of the reservoir 268 by means of the pipe 224B. The intermediate side channel 218A of the distributor 200 is connected to the injection line INJ4 of the reservoir 268 using the pipe 218B. The intermediate side channel 226A of the distributor 200 is connected to the injection channel INJ5 of the tank 270 by means of the pipe 226B. Finally, the intermediate side channel 220A of the distributor 200 is connected to the injection line INJ6 of the tank 270 using the pipe 220B.

Thus, in the first position of the rotary circular cylindrical core 242 described above, the side channel 216A being fluidly connected to the upper side track 208A through the connecting conduit 244 and the fluid connection chamber 248, the track injection INJ2 of the reservoir 266 is connected to the fluid inlet E (in) of the evaporator 264 of the heat pump 260. Moreover, the lateral path 222A is fluidly connected to the upper lateral pathway 210A via the conduit connection 246 and the fluidic connection chamber 250, the fluidic outlet E (out) of the evaporator 264 of the heat pump 260 is connected to the injection line INJ1 of the reservoir 266. In this first position, the water from the injection line INJ2 of the tank 266 is directed by the distributor 200 to be cooled by the evaporator 264 of the heat pump 260, then redirected one faith s cooled to the INJ1 injection path of the same reservoir 266.

In this first position also the rotary circular cylindrical core

242, the side channel 224A being fluidly connected to the lower side channel 234A through the connecting pipe 254 and the fluid connection chamber 258, the injection channel INJ3 of the tank 268 is connected to the fluidic inlet C (In) of the condenser 262 of the heat pump 260. Furthermore, the side channel 218A being fluidly connected to the lower side channel 232A via the connecting pipe 252 and the fluidic connection chamber 256, the fluidic outlet C (out) of the condenser 262 of the heat pump 260 is connected to the injection line INJ4 of the reservoir 268. In this first position also, water from the injection line INJ3 of the reservoir 268 is directed by the distributor 200 to be heated by the condenser 262 of the heat pump 260, then redirected once heated to the INJ4 injection path of the same reservoir 268.

In the second position of the rotary circular cylindrical core 242 previously described, the side channel 218A being fluidly connected to the upper side channel 208A through the connecting conduit 244 and the fluid connection chamber 248, the INJ4 injection pathway of the reservoir 268 is connected to the fluid inlet E (in) of the evaporator 264 of the heat pump 260. Furthermore, the side channel 224A is fluidly connected to the upper side channel 210A via the connection duct 246 and the fluidic connection chamber 250, the fluidic outlet E (out) of the evaporator 264 of the heat pump 260 is connected to the injection line INJ3 of the reservoir 268. In this second position, water from the injection line INJ4 of the reservoir 268 is directed by the distributor 200 to be cooled by the evaporator 264 of the heat pump 260, then redirected once cooled to the INJ3 injection path of the same tank 268.

In this second position also of the rotary circular cylindrical core 242, the lateral channel 226A being fluidly connected to the lower side channel 234A through the connection conduit 254 and the fluid connection chamber 258, the injection channel INJ5 of the tank 270 is connected to the fluidic inlet C (in) of the condenser 262 of the heat pump 260. Furthermore, the side channel 220A is fluidly connected to the lower side channel 232A via the connection conduit 252 and the fluidic connection chamber 256, the fluidic outlet C (out) of the condenser 262 of the heat pump 260 is connected to the injection line INJ6 of the tank 270. In this second position also, water from the channel INJ5 injection tank 270 is directed by the distributor 200 to be heated by the condenser 262 of the heat pump 260, then redirected once heated worm s the INJ6 injection route of the same tank 270.

The third position of the rotary circular cylindrical core 242 described above is not used in this application. Nevertheless, it clearly appears that the first two possible positions of the rotary circular cylindrical core 242 in the distributor 200 allow a variety of fluid connections capable of managing the fluid production and storage facility of FIG. 16 flexibly and efficiently, function at any time of the heating or cooling requirements of the fluid and the heat pump capacity 260.

It is clear that a reconfigurable multiple fluid inlet / outlet fluid distributor device such as one of those described above makes it possible to envisage numerous configurations by a simple rotation of the rotating circular cylindrical core that it comprises. It is also particularly simple to design and manufacture in a compact form allowing a moderate use of raw material and a reduction in manufacturing costs. The lateral arrangement of the input / output channels on several levels makes it possible to consider an easy installation with a saving of space, time and quality of installation.

In addition, it should be noted that, given the configuration of the elements constituent of such a distributor, the rotary circular cylindrical core can be advantageously removably disposed within the second cylindrical portion. Thus, it is possible to provide several rotary circular cylindrical cores for the same distributor, so as to further increase the possibilities of reconfiguration.

Finally, note that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

In particular, the two examples of distributors described above each include six intermediate lateral channels, but could include a different number, including four or eight.

Moreover, in the examples illustrated, the distributors are manually controlled circular rotary cylindrical core using a handle, but it is clear that they could be electrically controlled so as to constitute solenoid valves, this command being able to - even be managed electronically or software.

Many variants are also permitted in the configuration of the side channels, connecting ducts and connection chambers.

It will be apparent more generally to those skilled in the art that various modifications may be made to the embodiments described above and configurations or assemblies illustrated, in light of the teaching just disclosed. In the following claims, the terms used are not to be construed as limiting the claims to the embodiments set forth in this specification, but should be interpreted to include all the equivalents that the claims are intended to cover because of their formulation and whose prediction is within the reach of those skilled in the art by applying his general knowledge to the implementation of the teaching that has just been disclosed to him.

Claims

A device (100; 200) fluid distributor with multiple input / fluidic fluid channels reconfigurable by rotation of at least one of its constituent elements, comprising at least a first cylindrical portion (106; 206) to at least one a lateral inlet or fluidic outlet channel (108A; 208A, 210A), this first cylindrical portion including at least one fluidic connection chamber (146; 248,250) of said at least one fluidic inlet or outlet side channel ( 108A, 208A, 210A) to at least one opening formed in a flat section of the device constituting a lower base (1 10; 212) of this first cylindrical portion, characterized in that it further comprises:

a second cylindrical portion (1 12; 214) having a plurality of lateral fluid input or output ports (1 14A, 1 16A, 1 18A, 120A, 122A, 124A, 216A, 218A, 220A, 222A, 224A, 226A) and cylindrical circular bore, said second cylindrical portion having an upper base coinciding with the lower base (1 10; 212) of the first cylindrical portion (106; 206), and

a rotary circular cylindrical core (138; 242) disposed in sealing engagement with the circular cylindrical bore within the second cylindrical portion (112; 214) and having an upper base in sealing contact with the lower base (1; 10; 212) of the first cylindrical portion (106; 206), freely rotatable inside the second cylindrical portion and in which at least one conduit (142; 244; 246) for fluidic connection of the at least one an opening formed in the lower base of the first cylindrical portion (106; 206) to at least one of the fluid inlet or outlet sideways (1 14A, 1 16A, 1 18A, 120A, 122A, 124A; 216A , 218A, 220A, 222A, 224A, 226A) of the second cylindrical portion (112; 214).

The device (100; 200) reconfigurable multiple inlet fluid / fluid flow fluid dispenser according to claim 1, further comprising:

a third cylindrical portion (128; 230) to at least one inlet side channel or fluid outlet (130A; 232A, 234A), said third cylindrical portion having at least one fluidic connection chamber (144; 256, 258) of said at least one way lateral inlet or fluidic outlet (130A; 232A, 234A) to at least one opening formed in a planar section of the device constituting an upper base (126; 228) of this third cylindrical portion,

and wherein:

the second cylindrical portion (1 12; 214) has a lower base coinciding with the upper base (126; 228) of the third cylindrical portion (128; 230),

the rotating circular cylindrical core (138; 242) has a lower base in sealing engagement with the upper base (126; 228) of the third cylindrical portion (128; 230),

at least one conduit (140; 252,254) for fluidically connecting said at least one opening formed in the upper base of the third cylindrical portion (128; 230) to at least one of the inlet or outlet side channels fluidic (1 14A, 1 16A, 1 18A,

120A, 122A, 124A; 216A, 218A, 220A, 222A, 224A, 226A) of the second cylindrical portion (112; 214) is bored into the rotating circular cylindrical core (138; 242).

The reconfigurable multiple inlet / fluidic fluid flow device (100; 200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rotary circular cylindrical core (138; 242) is releasably disposed within the second cylindrical portion (1 12; 214).

A multiple reconfigurable fluid inlet / fluidic fluid flow device (100; 200) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, including a rotatable circular cylindrical core drive shaft (104; 204) 242) rotating inside the second cylindrical portion (1 12; 214), this drive shaft passing through the first cylindrical portion (106; 206) without causing its rotation.

A reconfigurable multiple fluid inlet / fluidic fluid flow device (100; 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each fluidic connection conduit (140, 142; 244, 246, 256, 258) is of the same diameter as the fluid inlet or outlet side channels (1 14A, 1 16A, 1 18A, 120A, 122A, 124A, 216A, 218A, 220A, 222A, 224A, 226A) of the second cylindrical portion ( 12, 214) and presents:

a first portion of duct extending radially and opening onto the outer side wall of the rotary circular cylindrical core (138; 242),

a second longitudinally extending duct portion opening into the upper or lower base of the rotating circular cylindrical core (138; 242), and

a cubit connecting the first and second portions.

Reconfigurable multiple inlet fluid flow / fluid flow device (100; 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each fluidic connection chamber (144, 146; 248, 250, 256, 258) is generally at least partially annular open at the lower base (1 10; 212) of the first cylindrical portion (106; 206) or at the upper base (126; 228) of the third cylindrical portion (128; 230) and further has a conduit portion (144A, 146A; 248A, 250A, 256A, 258A) extending radially in the direction of said fluidic inlet or outlet side path (108A, 130A; 208A, 210A, 232A; 234A) of the first or third cylindrical portion.

Reconfigurable multiple inlet / fluidic fluid inlet fluid delivery device (100; 200) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, comprising:

a first upper element (132; 236) included in the first cylindrical portion (106; 206) of longitudinal section in the form of a

"T", having a base, forming a cylindrical top cover of the fluid dispensing device, and a cylindrical narrow portion of circular section, extending longitudinally to the lower base (1 10; 212) of the first cylindrical portion ( 106; 206); a second lower element (134; 238) included in the third cylindrical portion (128; 230), of inverted "T" -shaped longitudinal section, having a base, forming a cylindrical lower cover of the dispensing device; fluid, and a cylindrical narrow portion of circular section, extending longitudinally to the upper base (126; 228) of the third cylindrical portion

(128; 230),

a third cylindrical cylindrical bore intermediate member (136; 240) extending from the base of the first upper member (132; 236) to that of the second lower member (134; 238) into which the portions extend; narrow of the first element upper (132; 236) and the second lower member (134; 238), the rotating circular cylindrical core (138; 242) occupying the interior space between the circular cylindrical bore of the third intermediate member (136; 240); lower base (1 10; 212) of the first cylindrical portion (106; 206); and the upper base (126; 228) of the third cylindrical portion (128; 230).

Reconfigurable multiple inlet / fluidic fluid inlet fluid dispenser device (100) according to claim 7, wherein:

only one side inlet or fluidic outlet (108A) is dug in the third intermediate element (136) at the first cylindrical portion (106),

only one lateral inlet or fluidic outlet channel (130A) is hollowed out in the third intermediate element (136) at the third cylindrical portion (128),

a plurality of lateral inlet or fluidic outlet channels (1 14A, 1 16A, 1 18A, 120A, 122A, 124A) are hollowed out in the third intermediate element (136) at the level of the second cylindrical portion (1 12),

a single fluidic connection chamber (146) of generally annular main shape is hollowed out in the first upper element (132) and has a duct portion (146A) extending radially in the direction of the single inlet side channel; fluidic outlet (108A) of the first cylindrical portion (106), a single fluidic connection chamber (144) of generally annular main shape is hollowed out in the second lower element (134) and has a portion of conduit (144A) extending radially in the direction of the single side inlet or fluidic outlet (130A) of the third cylindrical portion (128), and two fluidic connection conduits (140, 142) are formed in the rotating circular cylindrical core (138) , for the fluidic connection of the two fluidic connection chambers

(144, 146) to at least one of the fluid input or output lateral paths (1 14A, 1 16A, 1 18A, 120A, 122A, 124A, 216A, 218A, 220A, 222A, 224A, 226A) of the second cylindrical portion (1 12; 214).

9. Device (200) fluid distributor with input / output fluidic channels reconfigurable multiple according to claim 7, wherein:

two input sideways or fluidic outlet (208A, 210A) are dug in the third intermediate element (240) at the first cylindrical portion (206),

two inlet side channels or fluidic outlet (232A, 234A) are hollowed out in the third intermediate element (240) at the level of the third cylindrical portion (230),

a plurality of inlet side channels or fluidic outlet (216A, 218A, 220A, 222A, 224A, 226A) are hollowed out in the third intermediate element (240) at the second cylindrical portion

(214)

two fluidic connection chambers (248, 250), each of generally main, partially annular shape, are hollowed out in the first upper element (236) and have respectively two portions of conduits (248A, 250A) extending radially in the directions of the two inlet side channels or fluidic outlet (208A, 210A) of the first cylindrical portion (206),

two fluidic connection chambers (256, 258), each of generally main, partially annular shape, are hollowed out in the second lower element (238) and respectively have two duct portions (256A, 258A) extending radially in the directions of the two side inlet or fluidic outlet channels (232A, 234A) of the third cylindrical portion (230), and

four fluidic connection ducts (244, 246, 252, 254) are formed in the rotary circular cylindrical core (242), for the fluid connection of the four fluidic connection chambers (248, 250, 256, 258) to at least one of any of the fluid input or output lateral paths (216A, 218A, 220A, 222A, 224A, 226A) of the second cylindrical portion (214).

The multiple reconfigurable fluid inlet / fluidic fluid flow device (100; 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least the rotating circular cylindrical core (138; 242) is formed in a thermally insulating material.