阅读说明：本技术 用于分配流体的可配置阀门以及为该阀门设定参数的方法 (Configurable valve for dispensing fluids and method of setting parameters for the valve ) 是由 J-F·维斯特 于 2018-10-10 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种阀门(1),所述阀门用于装配在基座上以旨在控制流体分配,并且所述阀门包括壳体(2)和多个孔口(O),这些孔口(O)用于使流体输入到所述壳体(2)内部或使所述壳体内部的流体输出。此外,所述阀门(1)包括多个分配器(4),所述多个分配器布置在所述壳体(2)中并且布置用于控制流体在所述阀门(1)内部的循环,并且,所述阀门(1)包括布置在所述壳体(2)中的电子卡(6),所述电子卡(6)配置用于存储真值表格(60),所述真值表格使由所述阀门(1)接收的每个控制信号与所述分配器(4)的预定定位相关联。所述电子卡(6)还配置用于管理所述分配器(4)从一个位置到另一位置的转换模式。(The invention relates to a valve (1) intended to be fitted on a base with the aim of controlling the dispensing of a fluid and comprising a housing (2) and a plurality of orifices (O) for the input of the fluid inside the housing (2) or for the output of the fluid inside the housing. Furthermore, the valve (1) comprises a plurality of distributors (4) arranged in the housing (2) and arranged for controlling the circulation of fluid inside the valve (1), and the valve (1) comprises an electronic card (6) arranged in the housing (2), the electronic card (6) being configured for storing a truth table (60) associating each control signal received by the valve (1) with a predetermined positioning of the distributors (4). The electronic card (6) is also configured for managing the switching modes of the dispenser (4) from one position to another.)

1. Valve (1) for fitting on a base intended to control the dispensing of a fluid, said valve (1) comprising a housing (2) and a plurality of orifices (O) for the input or output of a fluid inside said housing (2), characterized in that said valve (1) comprises a plurality of distributors (4) arranged in said housing (2) and arranged to control the circulation of a fluid inside said valve (1), and in that said valve (1) comprises an electronic card (6) arranged in said housing (2), said electronic card (6) being configured to store a table of truth values (60) associating each control signal received by said valve (1) with a predetermined positioning of said distributor (4), wherein said electronic card (6) is configured to manage the conversion module of said distributor (4) from one position to another position Formula (II) is shown.

2. Valve (1) according to claim 1, wherein the valve (1) comprises connection means configured for enabling the connection of the electronic card (6) with a user terminal (8) with the aim of transferring a truth table (60) from the user terminal to the electronic card (6).

3. The valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve (1) comprises a fluid recirculation component configured for recovering at least a portion of the fluid discharged by one of the distributors (4) with the aim of reusing said fluid.

4. Valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said valve (1) comprises pressure or flow measuring means connected to said electronic card (6).

5. Valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve (1) comprises an electrical energy storage element (26) loaded in the housing (2) and configured for supplying the electronic card (6) with energy.

6. Valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic card (6) is arranged at least partially above the dispenser (4).

7. The valve (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the valve (1) comprises five orifices (O1, O2, O3, O4, O5).

8. The valve (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the valve (1) comprises four distributors (4) of the two-orifice two-position type.

9. The valve (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the distributor (4) comprises a bistable actuator.

10. The valve (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the distributor (4) comprises a proportional actuator.

11. A fluid dispensing device (50) comprising a valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and a user terminal (8) comprising a plurality of truth tables (60).

12. The apparatus (50) of claim 11, wherein the user terminal (8) comprises a program configured to enable a user to create a truth table (8) and/or a conversion pattern.

13. A method of setting parameters for a valve (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising the steps of:

-connecting the valve (1) with a user terminal (8),

-transferring a truth table (60) from said user terminal (8) to the electronic card (6) of said valve (1).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a valve for dispensing a fluid, a fluid dispensing device comprising the valve, and a method of setting a parameter for the valve.

Background

Conventionally, fluid valves (e.g., pneumatic solenoid valves) include a plurality of orifices for introducing or outputting fluid and components for switching and controlling the circulation of pressurized fluid. Typically, a fluid dispenser is configured to perform a single predetermined dispensing function of a fluid, that is, a fluid valve always dispenses the fluid at an output end in the same manner through a base to which the valve is mounted, in response to the same control signal.

A disadvantage of these conventional fluid dispensing devices is that the valve needs to be replaced each time the user wishes to modify the function performed at the output. This therefore requires the user to set a valve for each function, which can create constraints in terms of storage, maintenance or productivity changes.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention therefore aims to overcome this drawback by providing a fluid dispensing valve capable of performing a plurality of different functions.

To this end, the invention aims to provide a valve for fitting on a base intended to control the dispensing of a fluid, comprising a housing and a plurality of orifices for the input or output of a fluid inside the housing, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of distributors arranged in the housing and arranged to control the circulation of a fluid inside the valve, and in that it comprises an electronic card arranged in the housing and configured to store a truth table associating each control signal received by the valve with a predetermined positioning of the distributor.

The positioning of the dispenser in response to the input signals is therefore dependent on the truth table stored by said electronic card, so that the valve according to the invention can perform on its own a plurality of different functions, one defined by a truth table. It is not necessary to replace the valve to change the function as in the prior art. It is sufficient to modify only the functions recorded by the electronic card. It is also noted that the valve according to the invention operates in an autonomous and user-transparent manner, while the external control signal remains standard.

According to an embodiment, the device comprises connection means configured for enabling the electronic card to be connected with a user terminal with the aim of transferring a truth table from the user terminal to the electronic card.

This enables the transfer of another truth table from the customer terminal to the electronic card. Thus, by connecting the electronic card with the user terminal, the user can modify by himself the truth table stored by said electronic card, so that the handling signals sent by said electronic card to the dispenser are modified in response to external control signals.

According to an embodiment, the device comprises fluid recirculation means configured for recovering at least a portion of the fluid discharged by one of the distributors, with the aim of reusing said fluid.

This enables a considerable saving of energy.

According to an embodiment, the electronic card is configured for managing a switching mode of the dispenser from one position to another.

This can define a sequence (that is to say a command for opening or closing an input duct or an output duct of the dispenser, or a switching speed of the dispenser from one position to another).

Conventionally, in prior art fluid dispensing valves, the transition from one state to another is defined by the technical choice and by the mechanical arrangement of the valve in question and is therefore invariable. For example, in the case of a pneumatic valve, switching from a state in which the first output port is placed in a pressurization scenario and the second output port is placed in a discharge scenario to a state in which the first output port is placed in a discharge scenario and the second output port is placed in a pressurization scenario or vice versa is performed in synchronization, because the mechanical configurations that are generally adopted are combined with each other and the facilities for fluid circulation are connected therebetween. The use of the electronic card in connection with a truth table installed via the user terminal controls a plurality of dispensers, the use being able to adapt to the status changes according to the needs of the user and thus bring about an adjustable and modifiable time offset or condition offset.

According to an embodiment, the valve comprises a pressure measuring part or a flow measuring part connected to the electronic card.

This enables the transfer of fluid from one dispenser to another to be optimised so as not to adversely affect the response time of the valve to the input signal, particularly in the case of fluid recirculation. In this case, the differential measurement of the pressure between the output orifices or of the fluid flow rate can adjust and optimize the time required for the fluid recirculation, while following the cycle time sought. The setting can also accommodate a condition offset during a transition from one state to another, the condition offset being based on a pressure value or a flow value. These parameters are internal to the valve and managed by an electronic card and therefore require neither additional equipment nor additional external control logic at the time of installation by the customer.

According to an embodiment, the valve comprises an electrical energy storage element loaded in the housing, the electrical energy storage element being configured for supplying energy to the electronic card.

The valve thus offers more opportunities for use in the context of maintenance operations or retrofit operations, and is also compatible with already installed systems.

According to an embodiment, the electronic card is arranged at least partially above the dispenser.

This positioning of the electronic card can not affect the width or length of the valve and can therefore enjoy the benefit of the standard dimensions required to enable the housing to remain connected to the base, even if an electronic card is present. This therefore allows the use of said valve to replace standard valves fitted on bases with standard connection interfaces, for example in compliance with standard ISO15407-2 or 5599-2.

According to an embodiment, the device comprises five orifices.

This feature enables the use of two orifices as pressurized fluid introduction orifices and one orifice as a discharge orifice. This therefore allows the use of different pressures at the input.

According to an embodiment, the device comprises four distributors, which are of the two-orifice two-position type.

This configuration with four model 2/2 dispensers enables multiple functions to be performed by standard and inexpensive dispensers.

According to an embodiment, the dispenser comprises a bi-stable actuator.

The use of said bi-stable actuator has the advantage of reducing the energy consumption, since the switching from one position to another is controlled by the polarization pulse signal, i.e. the positive voltage pulse or the negative voltage pulse is responsive to the rising or falling leading edge, respectively, of the positioning command.

According to an embodiment, the dispenser comprises a proportional actuator.

This makes it possible to open more or less the inlet or outlet orifices of the dispenser in order to obtain a flow rate ratio or a pressure ratio with respect to the command signal sent by the electronic card.

According to another aspect, the invention also aims to provide a fluid dispensing assembly comprising a valve according to any one of the preceding claims and a user terminal comprising a plurality of truth tables.

According to an embodiment, the user terminal comprises a program configured to enable a user to create a truth table and/or a conversion pattern.

Thus, the user can create functions or truth tables that are adapted to their needs and that do not exist in the library of truth tables.

According to a third aspect, the invention also aims to provide a method of use of a valve having the above characteristics, comprising the steps of:

-connecting the valve with a user terminal,

-transferring the truth table from the user terminal to the electronic card of the valve.

This method enables the user to modify the functions performed by the valve according to the invention on his own, as required.

According to an embodiment, before the transferring step, a selecting step of selecting a truth table from a library of predetermined truth tables or a creating step of creating a truth table via a program executed by the user terminal is performed.

According to one possibility, the method comprises introducing the pressurized fluid using two orifices of the housing and discharging the fluid using a single orifice of the housing.

This use enables the use of different pressures at the input and thus provides more possibilities for the user.

Drawings

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from a reading of the following detailed description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of non-limiting example, and the accompanying drawings, in which:

figure 1 is a perspective view of a valve according to an embodiment of the invention,

figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a valve according to an embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a valve according to an embodiment of the invention, without a housing,

figures 4 and 5 are perspective views of a fluid dispensing device comprising a valve according to an embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a fluid dispensing device comprising a fluid valve according to an embodiment of the invention,

figure 7A is a schematic view of a distributor arrangement of a valve according to an embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 7B is a schematic view of a distributor arrangement according to the valve of FIG. 7A, said valve further comprising a fluid recirculation distributor,

figure 7C is a schematic view of a model 5/3 valve according to an embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 7D shows a truth table enabling a valve according to an embodiment of the invention to perform a predetermined function,

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of the functions performed by a standard 5/3-type dispenser, in comparison with the 5/3-type valve according to FIG. 7C,

figure 8A is a schematic view of a distributor arrangement of a valve according to an embodiment of the invention,

FIG. 8B is a schematic view of a distributor arrangement of the valve according to FIG. 8A, the valve further comprising a fluid recirculation distributor,

figures 9A and 9B are perspective views of a fluid dispensing device comprising a fluid valve according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a valve 1 (more precisely, a solenoid valve) for dispensing a fluid according to an embodiment of the invention. The valve 1 may be a pneumatic or hydraulic valve.

The valve 1 is configured to be mounted on a base 150. The base is used to introduce pressurized fluid to the valve 1 and to establish a fluid connection between the valve 1 and one or more actuators (e.g., pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders).

The valve 1 is an "all in one" type valve or a universal valve in the sense that the valve 1 is capable of performing multiple functions without being replaced, as will be described in detail below. In particular, the valve 1 can be replaced by itself with 3 or 5 orifice 2 position type conventional valves and with 5 orifice 3 position type conventional valves.

The valve 1 comprises: a housing or shell 2 configured for connection with a base; a plurality of ports or orifices O for the input of fluid inside the valve 1 or the output outside the valve; at least two distributors 4 configured for controlling the circulation of fluid inside the valve 1; and an electronic card 6 configured to store a truth table 60 (fig. 7D) associating each control signal received by the valve with a predetermined positioning of the dispenser 4. Conventionally, a control signal is transmitted from the controller 110 to the valve 1.

The housing 2 may have a substantially parallelepiped shape. The housing 2 is dimensioned such as to meet the standard ISO15407-2 or 5599-2. This enables the provision of an all-in-one valve 1 which can be installed on standard equipment for optimum cost, or can replace a valve 200 of standard size, or be associated with a standard valve 200, as shown on figures 9A, 9B. The housing 2 comprises a connection face 20 for connection with a base. The aperture O preferably opens into the connection face 20.

The electronic card 6 is arranged inside the housing 4. Preferably, said electronic card 6 is arranged on the side of the casing 2 opposite to the side on which the port O is provided for connection with the base. In particular, said electronic card 6 can be positioned above the distributor 4 with respect to an axis a substantially orthogonal to the connection face 20 of the casing 2.

According to the example of the figures (e.g. fig. 7A), the valve 1 may comprise at least four (preferably five) orifices O, wherein at least one pressurized fluid inlet orifice O1 allows to supply the valve 1 with pressurized fluid, two fluid output orifices O2, O4 for outputting fluid towards one or more actuators (e.g. pressure cylinders) (not shown), and at least one discharge orifice (preferably two discharge orifices O3, O5) enables the valve 1 to discharge the fluid circulating therein.

Since there are two output orifices O2, O4 for connection with the actuator, there are two possible external control signals: a first control signal for controlling the flow of orifice O2 and a second control signal for controlling the flow of orifice O3. These two control signals correspond to the four possible combinations seen in fig. 7D: neither signal is active, only the first control signal is active, both control signals are active simultaneously, only the second control signal is active.

Electronic card 6 comprises a microprocessor configured for translating each control signal received by valve 1 into a command signal for controlling a predetermined positioning of dispenser 4 according to stored truth table 60. The microprocessor thus controls the positioning of the dispenser 4 according to the stored truth table 60.

In order to modify the truth table 60 stored by the microprocessor and thus modify the function of the valve 1 without replacing said valve by another valve, said valve 1 comprises connection means configured for connecting the electronic card 6 with a user terminal 8 storing a library of predetermined truth tables 60, for example a computer, a tablet, a mobile phone or a Programmable industrial Controller API110 (expressed in english as PLC) for transferring another truth table to the electronic watch 6. Thus, the valve 1 can be configured according to the needs of the user. As symbolically shown on fig. 6, the connection means may be wired (for example, a connection port 22 of the M12 or USB connector type, for example) and/or wireless (for example, a communication unit 24 of the bluetooth or Wifi type). The connection port 22, in particular the M12 connector, is advantageously positioned on the upper surface of the valve 1, that is to say opposite the lower surface intended for connection with the base and provided with the aperture O, preferably closest to the surface of the electronic card 6.

As shown on fig. 9A, 9B, the connection means may comprise a gateway 21 of the IO-Link type, which enables the connection of the valve 1 with the user terminal 8, in particular with the controller 110, in order to set parameters for the valve 1 and/or to power the electronic card 6. The IO-Link type gateway 21 allows bidirectional communication: from the user terminal 8 to the valve 1 to send and receive truth table 60; from the valve 1 to the user terminal 8 to send and receive status data, such as the activation status of the output (by means of the pressure at the output orifice), the number of cycles performed, and even the leak level or response time (by measuring pressure changes).

The distributor 4 corresponds to a basic functional block. The distributor 4 is arranged inside the housing 2. Each distributor 4 can couple at least two orifices O of the valve 1 to control the circulation of the fluid inside the valve 1. The distributor 4 may be a pneumatic distributor or a hydraulic distributor, such as a solenoid valve. Each dispenser 4 may comprise a body, a movable element (drawer or shutter) movable between at least two positions inside said body, and an actuator 14, 45, 12, 23 (e.g. a solenoid) configured to move the movable element. Said actuator is connected to the electronic card 6, as symbolically shown on fig. 6.

Preferably, the dispenser 4 is a standard dispenser. For example, the distributor 4 may be a 3-orifice 3-position type (fig. 8A) or a 2-orifice 2-position type (fig. 7A) distributor.

In order to implement all the traditional pneumatic or hydraulic functions, the valve 1 may for example comprise a configuration of at least four 2/2(2 orifices, 2 positions) type distributors 4, as shown on fig. 7A. Distributor 4a is used to communicate ports O1 and O4, distributor 4b is used to communicate ports O1 and O2, distributor 4c is used to communicate ports O4 and O5, and distributor 4d is used to communicate ports O2 and O3. By combining the effects of the dispensers 4a, 4b, 4c and 4d, any type of standard dispenser can be reproduced and functionality can be added.

As a comparative example, fig. 8 shows a standard dispenser 100 of the 5/3(5 orifices, 3 positions) type, the central position of which has an orifice blocked. This standard dispenser is also known as type 5/3 dispenser with a closed center. The standard dispenser provides three different states. According to a first state, the two control signals for the manipulators 14, 12 are inactive, the dispenser 100 being in a central position (fig. 8). According to the second state, only the control signal for the manipulator 14 is active, the dispenser 100 switches to the left block (and thus moves to the right from the position in fig. 8). According to a third state, only the control signal for the manipulator 12 is active, the dispenser 100 switches to the right-hand block (thus moving to the left from the position in fig. 8). Since the case in which both control signals of the manipulator 12, 14 are active at the same time leads to a similar result as the first state, there is no possible fourth state. Conversely, the valve 1 with the configuration of fig. 7A is able to dispatch different results depending on whether the two control signals are active or inactive at the same time. Thus, as shown on fig. 7C and 7D, when both control signals are inactive, the valve 1 occupies the equivalent position of a central position in which all orifices O are blocked; but when both control signals are active at the same time, the valve 1 occupies a central position with a centre open to the exhaust, wherein the ports O2 and O4 communicate with the ports O3 and O5, respectively. The truth table 60 associates each combination of control signals with a steering signal for activating or deactivating the actuator 14, 45, 12, 23 of each of the dispensers 4a, 4b, 4c, 4 d.

Advantageously, the electronic card 6 can be configured for managing the switching modes of the distributor 4 from one position to another, from a plurality of switching modes or from a combination of possible switching modes. In other words, the microprocessor of the electronic card 6 can be configured to determine the command to open or close the fluid circulation duct of the valve 1. In order to be able to manage the switching modes effectively, in particular to optimize the transfer of fluid to reduce the response time of the valve 1, said valve 1 may comprise pressure or flow measuring means (for example, a pressure sensor 16) connected to the electronic card 6. For example, the pressure measuring component or flow measuring component may be arranged to measure pressure or flow at one or more output orifice O2, O4 locations, as shown on fig. 7E.

The valve 1 may advantageously comprise fluid recirculation means configured for recovering at least a portion of the fluid discharged by at least one of the distributors 4 when the distributor is transformed to another position. During the transition, controlled by the control signal for triggering the change of state, the recovered fluid is redirected towards the second distributor 4.

As can be seen on fig. 7B, the fluid recirculation component may comprise a fluid recovery distributor 18, for example for coupling the output orifices O2, O4. The fluid recovery distributor 18 is also connected to the distributor 4.

In fact, when one of the output orifices O2 or O4 is placed in a pressurized scenario to send pressure to the actuator, in the absence of recirculation components, the fluid sent towards the other output orifice O4, O2 is conventionally discharged, that is, directed towards the discharge orifice O5 or O3, respectively. Thereby losing fluid (especially compressed air) that was previously used to pressurize the output orifices O4, O2. Conversely, by integrating a switch between ports O2 and O4 by means of the fluid recovery distributor 18, the amount of fluid that pressurizes one of the two output orifices O2, O4 can be partially reused for a second action on the other output port O2, O4 and thus energy savings are achieved. The recovery function may be activated at the transition between steady states.

With the recirculation function activated, the switching from the state in which the first output port is placed in the pressurization scenario and the second output port is placed in the discharge scenario to the state in which the first output port is placed in the discharge scenario and the second output port is placed in the pressurization scenario, or vice versa, is performed in three stages: first the switch of the distributor 18 opens to allow fluid to be exchanged between the output ports until a pressure condition threshold or a flow condition threshold is reached; next, the switch of the distributor 18 is returned to the closed position before the appropriate distributor 4 is activated to complete and complete the establishment of the fluid passage.

To reduce the cost of the valve 1, the fluid recovery distributor 18 may be a distributor similar to the distributor 4. According to the example of fig. 7B, the fluid recovery distributor 18 is therefore of the 2/2 (two-port two-position) type.

The actuator of the distributor 4 (and if necessary the fluid recovery distributor 18) may comprise an electromagnet (e.g. a solenoid).

The actuators of the distributors 4, 18 may be monostable, also referred to as "fully open or fully closed". These actuators have a stable state corresponding to the non-excited state of the electromagnet and therefore to the rest state, and a non-stable state depending on the excited state of the electromagnet and corresponding to the establishment of the steering signal. The activation of the actuators managed by the electronic card 6 requires the maintenance of the command signals; however, the manipulation signal can be optimized by applying an evolved electrical signal, either in two stages, namely a surge voltage (tension d' aspect) and then a hold voltage (tension de main), or in keying (d couponage), i.e. pulsing at a suitable frequency (pulse Width Modulation).

The actuators of the dispensers 4, 18 may be bistable. These actuators have two stable states, one of which corresponds to a rest state and the other of which corresponds to an established state of the steering signal. Switching from one state to another is done by applying a polarized pulse signal. The transition from one state to the other is made by detecting the rising or falling leading edge of the control signal. This type of actuator can reduce the consumed energy.

The actuators of the dispensers 4, 18 may be of the proportional type. These actuators can adopt a relative state between a rest state and an established state establishing a complete steering signal, said relative state being proportional to the recorded electric control signal (0-10V or 5-20 mA). Therefore, these actuators are capable of pressure adjustment.

Depending on the type of actuator, the electronic card 6 is configured to send suitable steering signals to each actuator.

The valve 1 may also comprise supply means configured for providing a constant energy source for the electronic card 6 to enable its operation. For example, the supply component may include a supply port 24 configured to couple with an electrical power supply cable. According to another possibility, said supply means may comprise an electrical energy storage element 26 (for example a battery or a capacitor) loaded in the casing 2, configured for supplying the energy required for the operation of the electronic card 6. This may be particularly advantageous for a bi-stable actuator of the dispenser 4, 18.

Valves complying with standard ISO15407-2 or 5599-2 comprise a four-point electrical connector, wherein three points are used for transmitting control signals. The fourth contact of the connector can thus be used to bring the continuous power supply required for the operation of the electronic card 6, thus serving as the supply port 24. The valve 1 is thus compatible with the standards ISO15407-2 or 5599-2 and can be fitted on a standard base, since the three connection points defined in the standards remain unchanged. As shown on fig. 4 to 6, the invention also relates to a fluid dispensing device 50 comprising a valve 1 as described above and a user terminal 8 (for example, a computer, a tablet, a mobile phone or a programmable industrial Controller API110 (indicated in english as PLC (i.e. programmable logic Controller)) storing a library of predetermined truth tables 60. The user terminal 8 includes an interface that enables a user to select a truth table 60 from a library of truth tables 60. Thus, by connecting the user terminal 8 with the valve 1, the truth table 60 previously stored by the electronic card 6 can be modified by another truth table 60 of the truth tables 60 stored on said user terminal 8.

The user terminal 8 comprises a program which is advantageously configured to also enable a user to create a truth table 60 and to add said truth table to a library of truth tables 60 via a user interface. Furthermore, the program may be configured to enable a user to define the transition pattern. Thus, the user can create functions or truth tables that are adapted to their needs and that do not exist in the library of truth tables. The valve 1 is thus programmable.

The invention also relates to a method for setting parameters for a valve 1 as described above. The method comprises the following steps:

the valve 1 is connected (in particular by means of a connecting member) to a user terminal 8,

-a microprocessor for transferring the truth table 60 from said user terminal 8 to the electronic card 6 of said valve 1.

Before the transfer step, and even before the connection step, the method may comprise a selection step of selecting, by the user, a truth table 60 from a library of predetermined truth tables 60 stored on the user terminal 8. Thus, the user may access a pre-recorded library of commonly used hydraulic or pneumatic functions.

Before the transfer step, and even before the connection step, the method may comprise a creation step of creating a truth table 60 via a program assembled on the user terminal 8. The truth table 60 may be added to a library of truth tables 60 for user terminals 8. The user can thus set parameters for the valve 1 by very specific and non-existent functions.

The method may further include a creation step of creating the conversion pattern by the user via a program installed on the user terminal 8. Thus, when the valve 1 is transferred from one position to another, the user can specify and modify the switching pattern, which is not possible with standard valves. In other words, when transitioning from one state to another, a user may define a command for opening or closing the fluid circulation conduit in the valve 1.

Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described above, which are given as examples only. Modifications may be made, particularly in matters of construction of the various devices or by substitution of equivalent techniques, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Thus, the valve 1 is not limited to an arrangement of, for example, four or five 2/2 type distributors 4, 18, but may also comprise an arrangement of two or three 3/3 type distributors 4, 18 (three orifices in three positions, as shown in fig. 8A and 8B).