WO2024056451A1

WO2024056451A1 - Valve for a fluid, in particular a heat-transfer liquid

Info

Publication number: WO2024056451A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/074262
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gael Durbecq; Kamel Azzouz; Moussa Nacer-Bey; Veronique Westermann
Original assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
Priority date: 2022-09-16
Filing date: 2023-09-05
Publication date: 2024-03-21
Also published as: FR3139876A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve for a fluid, in particular a heat-transfer liquid, the valve comprising a casing, defining a housing, the valve further comprising a dispensing member (6), rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the housing, said casing being provided with fluid inlet and/or outlet lines opening laterally into the housing, the valve having at least two chambers (16a-16c) and at least one fluid circulation channel (18a-18c), which are movable with the dispensing member (6), the valve being configured so that angular positions of the dispensing member (6), referred to as dispensing positions, determine a passage of the fluid between the various inlet and/or outlet lines, through the chambers (16a-16c) and/or the circulation channel(s) (18a-18c).

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE: VALVE FOR FLUID, IN PARTICULAR HEAT TRANSFER LIQUID

The invention relates to a valve for a fluid, in particular a heat transfer liquid. It will find its applications, for example, in the field of motor vehicles.

Fluid circuits are known allowing thermal conditioning of different organs or zones of a motor vehicle, in particular its passenger compartment. With the proliferation of hybrid or electric type engines, these circuits have numerous branches in order to be able to meet the thermal management needs of the vehicle in various operating modes.

To circulate the fluid in their different branches, such circuits include a large number of valves connecting the branches together according to different configurations depending on the desired operating mode. Such a number of valves increases pressure losses. They also make the control of the circulation of the fluid more complex and increase the cost of these circuits.

Rotary valves have also been proposed making it possible to connect numerous inlets/outlets in order to offer more possibilities for fluid circulation between the branches of the circuits compared to standard two, three or four-way valves. However, these valves have a significant size which limits their use.

The invention aims to at least partially overcome the preceding drawbacks and to this end proposes a valve for a fluid, in particular a heat transfer liquid, said valve comprising a housing, defining a housing, said valve further comprising a distributor member movable in rotation around a longitudinal axis of said housing, said housing being provided with fluid inlet and/or outlet conduits opening laterally into said housing, said valve having at least one chamber, preferably at least two chambers, and at least one channel , preferably at least two fluid circulation channels, movable with said distributor member, said valve being configured so that angular positions of said distributor member, called distribution positions, determine a passage of the fluid between different of said inlet and/or outlet conduits, through the said chamber(s) and/or the said circulation channel(s).

We thus have, thanks to the combined use of chambers and circulation channels, a multiplication of fluid distribution possibilities, with reduced radial and/or axial dimensions of the valve. Such a valve will thus be suitable, among other things, for circuits having numerous branches and in which the volume available for positioning the valve is reduced.

According to various additional characteristics of the invention, which can be taken together or separately and which form as many embodiments of the invention:

- said circulation channel(s) pass through said distributor member, for example in a rectilinear or curved manner,

- at least some of said circulation channels are configured to open, at each of their ends, onto one of said inlet and/or outlet conduits, in at least one of the distribution positions,

- at least some of said circulation channels are configured to connect one of said inlet and/or outlet conduits and the or one of said chambers, in at least one of the distribution positions,

- at least some of said circulation channels are configured to connect one of said rooms with another of said rooms,

- said channels are located at different heights of said distributor member, along said longitudinal axis, so as to be able to pass one above and/or below the other without crossing,

- said distributor member comprises a central part and several branches connected together at the central part,

- said chamber(s) are defined between two of said branches,

- said circulation channel(s) extend along said branches and/or said central part,

- said distributor member forms a bottom of said chamber(s), opposite a side wall of the housing,

- said funds have a curved outline, in particular in a convex manner for the chamber(s), - at least some of said circulation channels open through one of their ends into the or one of said chambers at said central part of the distributor member,

- said distributor member has a center of gravity, for example located at said central part of the distributor member,

- said center of gravity is eccentric in relation to the longitudinal axis of the housing, for example between 0 and 1/3 of a radius of the housing,

- said valve comprises a seal, located between a side face of said distributor member and said side wall of the housing,

- said seal has an annular configuration,

- said joint has lights having a contour corresponding to a contour of an opening part of said entry and/or exit conduits into the housing,

- said joint has an angular span of between 50 and 100% of a periphery of the housing,

- said distributor member is configured to rotate clockwise and/or counterclockwise,

- said distributor member is configured to rotate over more than 360°,

- said inlet and/or outlet conduits are distributed angularly in an interval less than or equal to 200°, or even 180°,

- the said rooms are of different sizes,

- said rooms are asymmetrical with respect to each other,

- said circulation channel(s) have a reference cross section greater than a reference cross section of said inlet and/or outlet conduits intended to correspond to said circulation channel(s) in one of said distribution positions,

- the reference straight section of the traffic channel(s) is a minimum straight section of said traffic channel(s),

- said inlet and/or outlet conduits have an external orifice and an internal orifice connected together for the circulation of the fluid through said conduit, said external orifice opening externally to the valve and said internal orifice opening laterally into the housing, - the reference cross section of said inlet and/or outlet conduits is a straight section of said external orifice of the conduits, or even a straight section of a connection flange fitted to said external orifice,

- said external orifices are located on an upper wall of the housing,

- said internal orifices of the inlet and/or outlet conduits extend substantially longitudinally,

- the circulation channel(s) have an evolving straight section between their ends so as to limit pressure losses inside said channels,

- said ends of the circulation channel(s) are flared, in particular angularly and/or along said longitudinal axis,

- said straight section of said channels is minimum in a zone where said circulation channels pass above and/or below each other,

- said straight section of said channels is minimum at the level of said central part of the distributor member,

- said circulation channel(s) have a first end, called external, intended to open into at least one of said inlet and/or outlet conduits,

- a height of said external end is just less than a height of the distributor member,

- an angular span of said external end is just less than an angular span of the branch traveled by the corresponding circulation channel,

- said circulation channel(s) have a second end, called internal, intended to open into at least one of said chambers,

- a straight section of said internal end is less than a straight section of said external end,

- a height of said internal end is less than a height of said chamber,

- an angular span of said internal end is less than an angular span of the bottom of the chamber onto which the corresponding circulation channel opens,

- said circulation channel(s) extend in a plane orthogonal to said longitudinal axis, - all of the conduits 10 and/or rooms 16 are distributed on a single floor.

The invention will be better understood, and other aims, details, characteristics and advantages thereof will appear more clearly during the detailed explanatory description which follows, of at least one embodiment of the invention given to as a purely illustrative and non-limiting example, with reference to the appended schematic drawings including:

[Fig 1] schematically illustrates in perspective an example of a valve according to the invention;

[Fig 2] schematically illustrates in perspective a distributor member of the valve of Figure 1;

[Fig 3] schematically illustrates in perspective the distributor member of Figure 1, according to a transverse sectional plane located at a first level along its axis of rotation,

[Fig 4] schematically illustrates in perspective the distributor member of Figure 1, according to a transverse sectional plane located at a second level along its axis of rotation,

[Fig 5] schematically illustrates in perspective the distributor member of Figure 1, according to a transverse sectional plane located at a third level along its axis of rotation,

[Fig 6] schematically illustrates an example of a circuit comprising a valve according to the invention,

[Fig 7] schematically illustrates a first mode of operation of the circuit of Figure 6,

[Fig 8] illustrates schematically according to a transverse section plane the positioning of the distributor member of the valve of Figures 1 to 5 in the operating mode illustrated in Figure 7,

[Fig 9] schematically illustrates a second mode of operation of the circuit of Figure 6,

[Fig 10] illustrates schematically along a transverse section plane the positioning of the distributor member of the valve of Figures 1 to 5 in the operating mode illustrated in Figure 9, [Fig 1 1] schematically illustrates a third mode of operation of the circuit of Figure 6,

[Fig 12] illustrates schematically according to a transverse section plane the positioning of the distributor member of the valve of Figures 1 to 5 in the operating mode illustrated in Figure 1 1,

[Fig 13] schematically illustrates a fourth mode of operation of the circuit of Figure 6,

[Fig 14] schematically illustrates on a transverse section plane the positioning of the distributor member of the valve of Figures 1 to 5 in the operating mode illustrated in Figure 13,

[Fig 15] schematically illustrates a fifth mode of operation of the circuit of Figure 6,

[Fig 16] illustrates schematically according to a transverse section plane the positioning of the distributor member of the valve of Figures 1 to 5 in the operating mode illustrated in Figure 15,

[Fig 17] schematically illustrates a sixth mode of operation of the circuit of Figure 6,

[Fig 18] schematically illustrates on a transverse section plane the positioning of the distributor member of the valve of Figures 1 to 5 in the operating mode illustrated in Figure 17,

[Fig 19] schematically illustrates a seventh mode of operation of the circuit of Figure 6,

[Fig 20] illustrates schematically according to a transverse section plane the positioning of the distributor member of the valve of Figures 1 to 5 in the operating mode illustrated in Figure 19,

[Fig 21] illustrates schematically according to a transverse sectional plane a first alternative embodiment of the valve according to the invention,

[Fig 22] illustrates schematically according to a transverse section plane a second alternative embodiment of the valve according to the invention,

[Fig 23] illustrates schematically along a transverse sectional plane a third alternative embodiment of the valve according to the invention, [Fig 24] schematically illustrates in perspective and according to a transverse sectional plane a fourth alternative embodiment of the valve according to the invention,

[Fig 25] illustrates schematically in perspective and according to a transverse section plane a fifth alternative embodiment of the valve according to the invention,

[Fig 26] schematically illustrates in perspective a detail of Figure 1,

[Fig 27] illustrates schematically in front view the distributor member of Figure 2,

[Fig 28] illustrates schematically in perspective and in diametrical section view the distributor member of Figure 2, from a first angle of view,

[Fig 29] illustrates schematically in perspective the distributor member of Figure 2, from another angle of view,

[Fig 30] illustrates schematically in perspective the distributor member of Figure 2, from an even different angle of view.

In these figures, the same reference corresponds to identical or similar elements.

As illustrated in Figure 1, the invention relates to a valve 1 for fluid, in particular heat transfer liquid. This concerns in particular water with added antifreeze, notably glycol. Alternatively, it is a dielectric fluid.

Said valve comprises a housing 2, defining a housing 4. Said housing 4 has a longitudinal axis 8 at its center.

Said housing 2 is provided with fluid inlet and/or outlet conduits opening laterally into said housing 4. There are six of said inlet and/or outlet conduits here, namely a first inlet/outlet conduit 10a , a second input/output conduit 10b, a third input/output conduit 10c, a fourth input/output conduit 10d, a fifth input/output conduit 10e and a sixth input/output conduit 10f . Said inlet and/or outlet conduits 10a-1 Of have an external orifice 13 and an internal orifice 15, connected together for the circulation of the fluid through said conduit 10a-1 Of, provided in a radial projection of a side wall 30 of the housing 2. Said external orifices 13 open externally to the valve and said internal orifices 15 open, for example, laterally into the housing 4. Said external orifices 13 are located, for example, on an upper wall 19 of the housing 2. Said internal orifices 15 extend substantially longitudinally along said longitudinal axis 8 of the housing 4.

As illustrated in Figure 2, said valve further comprises a distributor member 6, movable in rotation around the longitudinal axis 8 of said housing 4. Said distributor member 6 is illustrated in transparency in Figure 1 and visible without the housing 2 to Figure 2. Said distributor member 6 comprises a distribution body 20 and, optionally, two plates 22, 24, parallel and orthogonal to said longitudinal axis 8, connected by said distribution body 20. The plates 22, 24 have a substantially identical diameter in housing 4, to the clearance necessary for the rotational movement. Said dispensing body 20 has lateral edges 26 located here at the level of a fictitious cylinder connecting peripheral edges 28 of the plates 22, 24. In other words, said lateral edges 26 of the dispensing body are located opposite each other. and in immediate proximity, to the nearest clearance, of an internal face of the side wall 30 of the housing.

Said distributor member 6 is configured to rotate clockwise and/or counterclockwise. Said distributor member 6 is configured, for example, to rotate over more than 360°. For this, said valve here comprises an actuator 12, for example a stepper motor, to drive said distributor member around the longitudinal axis 8. Said distributor member 6 comprises, for example, a drive shaft 14, intended to be engaged with actuator 12.

Said valve has at least one chamber, preferably at least two chambers. Here it comprises three rooms, for example a first room 16a, the smallest, a second room 16b, of intermediate size, and a third room 16c, the largest. Said chambers 16a-16c are defined, for example, recessed in said distributor member 6.

Said valve further comprises at least one distribution channel, preferably at least two distribution channels. Here it comprises three fluid circulation channels, namely a first channel 18a, a second channel 18b and a third channel 18c. Said distribution channels 18a-18c are defined, for example, through said central body 20. They extend, in particular, in a plane orthogonal to said longitudinal axis 8 of the housing 4. Said chambers 16a-16c and said channels 18a-18c are movable with said distributor member 6. Said valve is configured so that angular positions of said distributor member 6, called distribution positions, determine a passage of the fluid between different of said inlet conduits and/or outlet 10a-1 Of, through said chamber(s) 16a-16c and/or said circulation channel(s) 18a-18c.

Different distribution positions of the valve in Figures 1 and 2 are shown below in the context of a heat transfer fluid circuit 100 illustrated in Figure 6. Such a circuit is only a non-limiting example of a circuit in which the valve according to the invention is intended to be used.

Said heat transfer fluid circuit 100 is configured to allow the thermal regulation of a battery 102 supplying an electric motor driving a motor vehicle and/or an electrical assembly 104 formed of said motor and a electronic control of an electrical circuit connecting said battery and said motor. Said heat transfer fluid circuit 100 is also advantageously configured for thermal regulation of a passenger compartment of the vehicle and here comprises for this a condenser 108, a cooler 110 and a heater 112. These three heat exchangers as well as an evaporator 113 are also integrated into a refrigerant circuit 101 which will not be detailed here. Said heat transfer fluid circuit 100 also includes a heat exchanger, called low temperature, 114.

Said low temperature heat exchanger 114, said condenser 108, said cooler 110, said heater 112, said battery 102 and/or said electrical assembly 104 are respectively distributed over first 116a, second 116b, third 116c, fourth 1 16d, fifth 116e and sixth 1 16f branches of said circuit 100, each of said branches being respectively connected to one of the inlet and/or outlet conduits 10a-10f of the valve 1. The first branch 1 16a is furthermore connected at its end opposite to that connected to the valve 1 of the invention to a first way of a first other valve 1 18, namely a three-way valve. Said second and fourth branches 10b, 10d are connected at their end opposite to that connected to the valve 1 of the invention to a second channel of said first other valve 1 18. Said fifth and sixth branches 10e, 10f are connected at their end opposite to that connected to the valve 1 of the invention to a first way of a second other valve 120, here a two-way valve or isolation valve. Said heat transfer fluid circuit 100 further comprises a connecting branch 122 connecting the third channel of the first other valve 1 18 and the second channel of the second other valve 120. The third branch 1 16c of the circuit is connected at its end opposite to that connected to the valve 1 of the invention to said connecting branch 122. second branch 116b further comprises an electric heating module 109.

Said heat transfer fluid circuit also includes pumps 124, here located on the second 1 16b, on the third 1 16c and on the sixth 1 16f branches.

In a first mode of operation illustrated in Figure 7 and corresponding to a first of the distribution positions, illustrated in Figure 8, the heat transfer fluid circulates respectively according to three independent loops, the first of said loops comprising the first 1 16a and the third 1 16c branches, the second of said loops comprising the second 1 16b and fourth 1 16d branches and the third of said loops comprising the fifth 116th and the sixth 1 16f branches.

We then operate in a mode allowing heating of the passenger compartment using heat recovery at the level of the low temperature exchanger 1 14. Alternatively, by cutting off the circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the first 1 16a and the third 1 16c branches, we obtain heating of the passenger compartment as well as heating of the battery 102, the latter using calorie recovery at the level of the electrical assembly 104.

In said first distribution position, the first chamber 16a places the fifth and sixth branches 116e, 116f in communication. The second chamber 16b places the first and third branches 1 16a, 1 16c in communication. The third chamber 16c connects the second and fourth branches 1 16b, 116d.

In a second operating mode illustrated in Figure 9 and corresponding to a second of the distribution positions, illustrated in Figure 10, the heat transfer fluid circulates respectively according to two independent loops, the first of said loops comprising the second 1 16b and the fourth 1 16d branches. The second of said loops comprises the third branch 1 16c and, in series with said third branch 1 16c, the fifth 1 16th and the sixth 116f branches, located in parallel to each other. We note that on the other hand there is no circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the first branch 1 16a. We then operate in a mode allowing heating of the passenger compartment using heat recovery at the level of the battery 102 and the electrical assembly 104. Alternatively, it could also be a heating of the battery 102 or defrosting the passenger compartment, depending on the mode of operation of the refrigerant circuit 101.

In said second distribution position, the first chamber 16a places the second and fourth branches 116b, 116d in communication. The second chamber 16b places the third, fifth and sixth branches 116c, 1 16e, 1 16f in communication. The third chamber 16c is only connected to the first branch 116a.

In a third mode of operation illustrated in Figure 11 and corresponding to a third of the distribution positions, illustrated in Figure 12, the heat transfer fluid circulates in a single loop. In said loop, the fourth branch 116d, the fifth branch 1 16e and the sixth branch 1 16f are in parallel to each other to form a first part of the loop. Said second branch 1 16b forms a second part of the loop, located with said first part of the loop. We note that, on the other hand, there is no circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the first branch 1 16a nor in the third branch 1 16c, this because the second pump 124 of the third branch 1 16 c is not active.

We then operate in a mode allowing an alternative solution for heating the passenger compartment and the battery 102.

In said third distribution position, the first chamber 16a places the first branch 116a and the third branch 116c in communication. The second chamber 16b is not connected to any branch. The third chamber 16c places the second, fourth, fifth and sixth branches 116b, 1 16d, 1 16e, 116f in communication.

In a fourth mode of operation illustrated in Figure 13 and corresponding to a fourth of the distribution positions, illustrated in Figure 14, the heat transfer fluid circulates in a single loop comprising the second branch 1 16b and, in series with said second branch 1 16b, the fifth 1 16th and the sixth 1 16f branches, located in parallel to each other. We note that on the other hand there is no circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the first branch 1 16a nor in the third branch 1 16c nor in the fourth branch 116d. We then operate in a mode allowing heating of the battery 102 using a compressor of the refrigerant circuit or electric heating. Alternatively, it could also involve heating the battery 102 using the heat from the passenger compartment and/or electric heating, depending on the mode of operation of the refrigerant circuit 101.

In said fourth distribution position, the first chamber 16a is only connected to the fourth branches 1 16d. The second chamber 16b connects the third, fifth and sixth branches 1 16b, 1 16e, 116f. The third chamber 16c connects the first branch 116a and the third branch 116c but without circulation of the heat transfer fluid because the second pump 124 of the third branch 116c is not active.

In a fifth operating mode illustrated in Figure 15 and corresponding to a fifth of the distribution positions, illustrated in Figure 16, the heat transfer fluid circulates respectively according to two independent loops. The first of said loops comprises the second 116b and the fourth 1 16d branches. The second of said loops comprises the other branches, the first 116a and the third 1 16c branches being in parallel to each other to form a first part of said second loop and the fifth 1 16th and the sixth 1 16f branches being in parallel to each other to form a second part of the second loop. Said first part and said second part of said second loop are in series with each other.

We then operate in a mode allowing an alternative solution for heating the battery 102 using heat from the passenger compartment and/or electric heating. Alternatively, by cutting off the pumps 124 located on the second and third branches 116b, 116c, the battery 102 and the electrical assembly 104 are cooled using the low temperature exchanger 114.

In said fifth distribution position, the first chamber 16a is not connected to any branch. The second chamber 16b places the second branch 1 16b and the fourth branch 116d in communication. The third chamber 16c connects the first branch 1 16a, the third branch 116c, the fifth branch 1 16e and the sixth branch 1 16f.

In a sixth operating mode illustrated in Figure 17 and corresponding to a sixth of the distribution positions, illustrated in Figure 18, the heat transfer fluid circulates in a single loop comprising the second branch 116b and, in series with said second branch 116b, the first branch 116a and the fourth branch 116d, provided in parallel to each other. We note that on the other hand there is no circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the third branch 1 16c nor in the fifth branch 1 16e nor in the sixth branch 1 16f, this because the pumps 124 of the third branch 1 16c and of the sixth branch 1 16f are stopped.

We then operate in a mode allowing the cabin temperature to be maintained using the refrigerant circuit. Alternatively, by activating the pumps 124 of the third branch 1 16c and the sixth branch 116f, the heat transfer fluid is circulated in a second loop comprising the third branch 1 16c and, in series with said third branch 1 16c, the fifth branch 116e and the sixth branch 1 16f, planned in parallel to each other. The battery 102 is then allowed to cool and the passenger compartment to be heated.

In said sixth distribution position, the first chamber 16a is not connected to any branch. The second chamber 16b connects the second branch 116b and the fourth branch 1 16d as well as the first branch 1 16a, this via the second channel 18b. The third chamber 16c connects the third branch 1 16c, the fifth branch 1 16e and the sixth branch 1 16f.

In a seventh operating mode illustrated in Figure 19 and corresponding to a seventh of the distribution positions, illustrated in Figure 20, the heat transfer fluid circulates respectively in two independent loops. A first of said loops comprises the first branch 116a and said second branch 116b. A second of said loops comprises the third branch 1 16c and, in series with said third branch 1 16c, the fifth branch 116e and the sixth branch 1 16f, provided in parallel to each other. We note that, on the other hand, there is no circulation of the heat transfer fluid in the fourth branch 1 16d.

We then operate in a mode allowing cooling of the passenger compartment and the battery 102.

In said seventh distribution position, the first chamber 16a places the first branch 116a and the second branch 116b in communication, this via the first channel 18a. The second chamber 16b is only connected to the fourth branch 1 16d. The third chamber 16c connects the third branch 1 16c, the fifth branch 1 16e and the sixth branch 1 16f.

In the example illustrated, as a reminder, said input and/or output conduits 10a-10f are thus six in number, said chambers 16a-16c are three in number, said channels 18a-18c are three in number, said distribution positions are seven in number, said distribution positions involve circulation of the fluid in at least one of said chambers 16a-16c and said distribution positions imply circulation of the fluid in at least one of said circulation channels 18a-18c are two in number.

We further note that the input/output conduits 10a-1 Of are distributed angularly, clockwise, when viewed from above, as follows: the first conduit 10a is connected to the fourth branch 1 16d, the second conduit 10b is connected to the second branch 116b, the third conduit 10c is connected to the sixth branch 116f, the fourth conduit 10d is connected to the fifth branch 1 16e, the fifth conduit 10e is connected to the third branch 1 16c and the sixth conduit 10f is connected to the first branch 116a (see Figure 8).

Alternatively, still according to said example, other operating modes and/or other distribution positions are possible.

In light of this example, we understand that the invention allows, thanks to the combined use of the chamber(s) 16a-16c and the circulation channel(s) 18a-18c, a very large number of possibilities for distributing the fluid, with reduced radial and/or axial dimensions of the valve.

If we refer again to Figures 1 to 5, we see that said circulation channel(s) 18a-18c pass through said distributor member 6, here in a rectilinear manner. Alternatively, said circulation channel(s) pass through said distributor member 6 in a curved manner.

The or at least some of said circulation channels, here all the circulation channels 18a-18c are configured to connect one of said input and/or outlet conduits 10a-1 Of and the or one of said chambers 16a -16c, in at least one of the distribution positions. In other words, in the illustrated embodiment, said distribution channels 18a-18c open, on the one hand, at the level of the lateral edges 26 of the distribution body 20 and on the other hand into the chambers 16a-16c. More precisely, the first distribution channel 18a opens into the first chamber 16a, the second distribution channel 18b opens into the second chamber 16b and the third distribution channel 18c opens into the third chamber 16c. As a reminder, fluid circulation in the first and second channels is illustrated in Figures 18 and 20, in the corresponding distribution positions.

Preferably, said channels 18a-18c are located at different heights of said distributor member 6, along said longitudinal axis 8, so as to be able to pass one above and/or below the other without crossing. Figure 3 illustrates the first channel 18a which is at a low level along said longitudinal axis 8. Figure 4 illustrates the third channel 18c which is at an intermediate level along said longitudinal axis 8. Figure 5 illustrates the second channel 18b which is at a high level along said longitudinal axis 8.

Said distributor member 6, more particularly said distribution body 20, advantageously comprises a central part 32 and several branches 34, here three, connected together at the level of the central part 32. At their opposite end, said branches 34 extend up to 'to said side edges 26.

Said chamber(s) 16a-16c are defined between two of said branches 34, in cooperation with the internal face of the side wall 30 of the housing. Said distributor member 6, more particularly said distribution body 20, forms a bottom 36 of said chamber(s), opposite the internal face of the side wall 30 of the housing. Said funds 36 have a curved contour, in particular in a convex manner for the chamber(s) 16a-16c.

Each of said circulation channels 18a-18c extends along one of said branches 24 and, continuously, in said central part 32. At least some of said circulation channels, here all of said channels 18a-18c open through one of their ends into the or one of said chambers 16a-16c at the level of said central part 32 of the distributor member 6.

Said distributor member 6 has a center of gravity, for example located at said central part 32 of the distributor member 6, in particular, in a zone where the channels 18a-18c pass one above or below the others . In Figures 3 to 5, a longitudinal axis 38 of said distributor member 6 passing through said center of gravity is illustrated, this at the different levels through which the distribution channels 18a-18c pass through said distributor member 6. Said center of gravity is located along said longitudinal axis 38 of the distributor member, for example at said third conduit 18c.

Advantageously, said center of gravity is eccentric with respect to the longitudinal axis 8 of the housing 4, for example between 0 and 1/3 of a radius of the housing 4. This allows, in particular, the presence of at least one chamber, here the third bedroom 16c, large in size.

Although this is not illustrated, said valve comprises a seal, located between a side face of said distributor member 6 and the internal face of said side wall 30 of the housing. In the example illustrated, said side face of the distributor member 6 is that joining the peripheral edges of the plates 22, 24. It is formed by the side edges 26 and an opening face of the chambers 16a-16c. Said joint has, for example, lights having a contour corresponding to a contour of an opening part of said inlet and/or outlet conduits 10a-1 Of in housing 4. Said joint is fixed.

Said seal has an annular configuration. Said joint has, for example, an angular span of between 50 and 100% of a periphery of the housing 4.

Said inlet and/or outlet conduits 10a-1 Of are distributed angularly in an interval less than or equal to 200°, or even 180°, in order to limit the movements of the distributor member 6.

Advantageously, as is the case in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5, said chambers 16a-16c are of different sizes and/or asymmetrical with respect to each other.

In Figures 21 to 25, said chambers are marked 16 and said distribution channels are marked 18 in an undifferentiated manner.

In Figure 21, said chambers 16 are also of different sizes and/or asymmetrical with respect to each other. There are five of them here, like branches 34.

Alternatively, as illustrated in Figures 22 and 23, said chambers are substantially of the same size and/or symmetrical with respect to each other. In Figure 22, said chambers 16 are two in number and the distribution body 20 is in the form of a partition wall 40 between said chambers 16. A Figure 23, said chambers 16 are four in number, as are said branches 34.

In these Figures 21 to 23, the distribution channels 18 have not been represented. Alternatively, any other number of chambers 16 is possible while remaining within the scope of the invention.

As illustrated in Figure 24, according to another embodiment, at least some of said circulation channels 18 are configured to open, at each of their ends, onto one of said inlet and/or outlet conduits 10, in at least one of the distribution positions. All of the valve's distribution channels are possibly in this configuration. Said channel(s) 18 are, for example, oriented in a curved manner. An arrow marked 42 travels through such a channel 18. We see that said channel successively crosses a first of the branches 34 of the distributor member, its central part 32 and a second of said branch 34 to finish on either side at the level of two side edges 26 of the distribution body 20.

As illustrated in Figure 25, according to a still different embodiment, the or at least some of said circulation channels 18 are configured to connect one of said chambers 16 with another of said chambers 16. All of the circulation channels distribution 18 of the valve are possibly in this configuration. Said channel(s) 18 are, for example, oriented in a curved manner. An arrow marked 44 travels through such a channel 18. It can be seen that said channel 18 passes through one of the branches 34 and/or the central part 32 of the distributor member. It opens on either side, for example, at the bottom 36 of the rooms 16 served.

Figures 26 and following show the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5.

As illustrated in Figure 26, said inlet and/or outlet conduits have a reference cross section. This is, for example, a straight section of said external orifice 13 of the conduits, or even a section of a connection flange 46 connected to said housing 2 and defining said external orifice 13. Here, only one of said conduits has been illustrated. It is marked 10, in an undifferentiated manner.

As illustrated in Figure 27, said circulation channel(s) 18a-18c have a reference cross section. This is, for example, the right section minimum of said circulation channel(s) 18a-18c, marked here Sen, SCT2 and SCT3. As will be developed later, such a minimum section is found, for example, at the central part 32 of said distributor member 6.

Preferably, the reference cross section SCTI -SCT3 of said circulation conduits 18a-18c is greater than the reference cross section of that or those of said inlet and/or outlet conduits 10a-1 Of intended to correspond to said one or more circulation channels 18a-18c, in one of said distribution positions. In other words, for each of said circulation channels 18a-18c, their reference cross section SCTI -SCT3 is greater than the largest reference cross section of said inlet and/or outlet conduit(s) 10a-10f with which said channel circulation 18a-18c is intended to come in correspondence. This makes it possible to limit pressure losses in the valve, inside said channels 18a-18c.

As illustrated in Figure 28, said circulation channels 18a-18c have a first end 48, called external, intended to open into at least one of said inlet and/or outlet conduits 10a-1 Of. Said first end 48 is located at the level of the free ends of the branches 34, that is to say, here at the level of said lateral edges 26 of the distributor member 6. This first end 48 has a straight section Sext. Said circulation channel(s) 18a-18c have a second end 50, called internal, intended to open into at least one of said chambers 16a-16c. Said second end 50 is located at the bottom 36 of one of the chambers 16a-16c. This second end 50 has a straight section Sint.

Preferably, the circulation channel(s) 18a-18c have an evolving straight section between their first and second ends 48, 50. Said first and/or second ends 48, 50 are, for example flared, in particular angularly and/or along said longitudinal axis 38 of the distributor member 6. This makes it possible to limit the pressure losses in the distributor member 6.

Again preferably, the minimum cross section SCTI -SCT3 of said circulation channels is located in the zone where said circulation channel(s) 18a-18c pass above and/or below each other, that is to say that is, here, as already mentioned, in the central part 32 of said distributor member 6. This makes it possible to limit the axial size of the valve 1. Said minimum straight section SCTI -SCT3 is possibly oblong, a major axis of the latter being able to be oriented differently from one of the channels 18a-18c to the other, for example along said longitudinal axis 38 of the distributor member 6 for one or some of said channels 18a-18c and orthogonally to said longitudinal axis 38 of the member distributor 6 for the other(s).

In other words, said circulation channel(s) 18a-18c have a largest section at said section Sext then converge towards a central zone presenting said minimum straight section SCTI -SCT3 before diverging to said section Sint. The straight section Sint of said internal end 50 is, for example, smaller than the straight section Sext of said external end 48.

As illustrated in Figures 29 and 30, said distributor member 6, in particular said distribution body 20, has a height h. In other words, said height h here corresponds to a height of said rooms 16a-16c. Said chambers 16a-16c have an angular span L _c , measured between the branches 24 delimiting each of the chambers 16a-16c angularly, in particular at the free end of said branches 24. In other words, said angular span L _c of the chambers 16a- 16c here corresponds to the angular span of the bottom 36 of said chambers 16a-16c. Said branches 24 have an angular span L at their free end.

Preferably, a height of said external end 48 of the circulation conduits 18a-18c is just less than the height h of the distribution member 20. An angular span of said external end 48 of the circulation conduits 18a-18c is just less than the angular span L of the branch 24 traversed by the corresponding circulation channel 18a-18c. A height of said internal end 50 of the circulation conduits 18a-18c is less than said height h of the distribution member 20. An angular span of said internal end 50 of the circulation conduits 18a-18c is less than the angular span Lcd of the chamber 16a-16c onto which the corresponding circulation channel 18a-18c opens.

In all of the illustrated embodiments, we see that all of the conduits 10 and/or the rooms 16 are advantageously distributed on a single floor.

Claims

1. Valve for fluid, in particular heat transfer liquid, said valve comprising a housing (2), defining a housing (4), said valve further comprising a distributor member (6), movable in rotation around a longitudinal axis (8) of said housing (4), said housing (2) being provided with conduits (10; 10a-1 Of) for inlet and/or outlet of the fluid opening laterally into said housing (4), said valve having at least two chambers (16; 16a -16c) and at least one fluid circulation channel (18; 18a-18c), movable with said distributor member (6), said valve being configured so that the angular positions of said distributor member (6), called distribution positions, determine a passage of the fluid between different of said inlet and/or outlet conduits (10; 10a-10f), through said chambers (16; 16a-16c) and/or said circulation channel(s) (18; 18a-18c) ).

2. Valve according to claim 1 in which said circulation channel(s) (18; 18a-18c) pass through said distributor member (6).

3. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims in which at least some of said circulation channels (18) are configured to open, at each of their ends, onto one of said inlet and/or outlet conduits ( 10), in at least one of the distribution positions.

4. Valve according to any one of claims 1 or 2 in which at least some of said circulation channels (18a-18c) are configured to connect one of said inlet conduits (10a-1 Of) and /or outlet and the or one of said chambers (16a-16c), in at least one of the distribution positions.

5. Valve according to any one of claims 1 or 2 in which at least some of said circulation channels (18) are configured to connect one of said chambers (16) with another of said chambers (16).

6. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims in which said channels (18; 18a-18c) are located at different heights of said distributor member (6), along said longitudinal axis (8), so as to be able to pass the 'one above and/or below the other without crossing.

7. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims in which said distributor member (4) has a center of gravity, eccentric with respect to the longitudinal axis (8) of the housing (4).

8. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims in which said circulation channel(s) (18; 18a-18c) have a reference cross section greater than a reference cross section of said conduits (10; 10a-10f) of input and/or output intended to come into correspondence with said circulation channels (18; 18a-18c), in one of said distribution positions.

9. Valve according to any one of the preceding claims in which the circulation channel(s) (18; 18a-18c) have an evolving cross section between their ends (48, 50) so as to limit the pressure losses at the interior of said channels (18; 18a-18c).

10. Valve according to the preceding claim in which said ends (48, 50) of the circulation channel(s) (18; 18a-18c) are flared.