CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR ELECTRIC MOTOR

Abstract

The invention relates to a control circuit for an electric motor comprising a board (130) having at least one processor, a plurality of components (135), and at least one CAN address configuration connector (136), having a plurality of contact pads for defining different CAN addresses, and means for storing these CAN addresses. Figure 1A

Description

Title of the invention: CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR ELECTRIC MOTOR TECHNICAL FIELD AND PRIOR ART

[0001] The invention relates to the field of control circuits for electric motors, with a view to controlling members such as, for example, fluid distribution agents in a cooling system, for example of the medium temperature and / or high temperature type.

[0002] Such an electric motor can in fact be controlled by a control circuit to which a specific address is assigned in a network, for example a CAN network of a vehicle, which comprises a plurality of devices or circuits also having such an address. These addresses are generally assigned to the different circuits by software. However, if such an operation can be carried out by a manufacturer of the circuit, it is on the other hand much more delicate for a user or a manufacturer of a more complex system in which the circuit or the electric motor is used, for example a manufacturer of motor vehicles. Such a system can in fact comprise several of these circuits, for example several electric motors, each controlling a valve or another component of the system, for example of the vehicle.

[0003] A technical problem is therefore that of addressing different components or devices, for example different valves or their actuators, of the same system or network, for example of the same vehicle, each of these components or devices controlling a member, for example a valve, of this system. An address in the system or network, for example of the CAN type, can be assigned to each of these components. This is usually done in software, which is complex and does not offer the possibility of modifying this address, whereas this may be necessary if the network or system evolves. It is therefore sought to achieve, in a simpler manner than in the prior art, individualized addressing of different components or circuits, for example valves, or their actuators, of the same system or network, for example of the same vehicle.

[0004] Furthermore, such an electric motor comprises a plurality of coils, some of which are connected to each other by connections.

[0005] Usually, an electronic card is used to connect these connections together, but also to carry various control components of the motor and / or the valve. In other words, cables or connection tracks, in particular coils, are arranged on this card. When these cables carry currents, disturbances can occur in the other control components. Furthermore, the The presence of these cables requires the use of a larger board. However, there is an increasing trend towards producing motors or actuators with a small footprint. Finally, the motors usually used most often have a fairly limited number of coils, for example 3. Using more coils requires new components, and also poses a space problem and further increases the problems linked to the presence of the disturbances mentioned above.

[0006] The problem therefore also arises of finding a new system for interconnecting the wires of the coils of an electric motor which does not have the above drawback.

[0007] There is also the problem, in a "sensorless" control, i.e. without a rotor position sensor, of measuring the signals of the different phases of the coils. To this end, we need to measure the voltage at the so-called "neutral point". However, this is not accessible. In a known manner, and as illustrated in [Fig. 10], we use, for a three-phase system, resistors RI - R3 in parallel with the coils B1 - B3 (one for each phase) in order to have an image of the neutral point N., which is said to be virtual. The use of this virtual neutral point obviously complicates the circuit, adds parameters (in particular the values ​​of the resistors RI - R3) which requires greater computing resources, these parameters also modifying the impedance of the coils B1-B3. In addition:

[0008] - the parameters in question must be adapted for each type of engine and each application;

[0009] - a virtual neutral point fluctuates during operations or functioning of the motor, a variation in speed or load of the motor may affect this virtual neutral point; and the magnetic characteristics of the motor may fluctuate depending on temperature and / or other environmental factors.

[0010] The problem therefore also arises of finding a device which allows easier access to this neutral point, without having to resort to additional components.

[0011] Finally, in certain applications, it is desired to have a rotation of a distributor or a member, for example a hydraulic valve which has a well-defined limited angular range (<360°). The problem therefore arises of finding new components for a system, for example a distributor or a valve, which can only be actuated over a limited angular range, while offering possibilities of adaptation to various environments. Statement of the invention

[0012] The invention proposes to solve one or more of the above problems.

[0013] To this end, the invention firstly relates to a control circuit for a motor electrical comprising a plate (or card (name mainly used in the following), or "PCBA" for "printed circuit board assembled"), also called main or command and / or control card, comprising at least electronic means for controlling or commanding the power supply of the electric motor (and / or programmed to control this power supply of the electric motor), for example a processor or a microcontroller, a plurality of components, at least one connector for configuring a CAN address, comprising a plurality of contact pads or pins making it possible to define different CAN addresses, and means for storing said CAN addresses.

[0014] The storage means are for example contained in the electronic means for controlling the power supply of the electric motor. They store CAN addresses which can be configured by the connector and from which a user will make a selection to configure the connector.

[0015] For example, the connector has at least 6 inputs and / or allows at least 4 different addresses of the electric motor to be defined.

[0016] In particular, vehicles today have a distributed CAN network system comprising central ECUs and possibly sub-ECUs. Devices, for example motors or actuators, are also connected to this network, each of which has a CAN address or ID. A circuit according to the invention makes it possible to configure an address of a device with different CAN IDs, for example in accordance with user specifications. This is achieved by storing different CAN IDs in the storage means of a circuit according to the invention, for example an EEPROM. This CAN ID can be dynamically modified using the connector mentioned above, without intervening in the memory or in the control software of the device.For example, 2 pins for this connector can be used digitally ("0" or "1"), with the selection logic assigning the desired address or identifier, e.g. a CAN ID, to the device in question.

[0017] Such a circuit may further comprise at least one magnetic sensor, for example of the Hall type, on at least one of its faces.

[0018] Preferably, such a circuit is capable of supplying a three-phase motor.

[0019] Such a circuit may further comprise means of connection to coils of the electric motor.

[0020] Preferably, the electronic means for controlling the power supply to the electric motor make it possible to, or are programmed to, detect an output torque of the motor. If the latter increases or increases too much, the electronic control means can send an instruction to stop the actuator and the member which they control.

[0021] The invention also relates to an electric motor or an actuator comprising an electric motor, this electric motor comprising a rotor and a stator comprising a plurality of coils, and this electric motor or this actuator comprising a control circuit (or a card) according to the invention, the electronic control or command means of this circuit controlling the power supply to the motor, respectively to the coils.

[0022] According to an exemplary embodiment, the stator is electrically mounted in a star configuration.

[0023] The stator may have 3 or more coils, for example up to at least 6 or 12 coils. When the number of coils increases, the number of connections between them increases significantly, which poses problems for the control circuit if it must also include these connections between the coils. The currents flowing in the conductive connection tracks of the connection circuit then interfere even more with the components of the control circuit.

[0024] Such an actuator may therefore further comprise a circuit (or a card or "PCB" for "printed circuit board", hereinafter most often called "connection card") for connecting the coils, this connection circuit being connected to the control circuit of the actuator. This connection card is preferably different and separate from the main or command and / or control card: Thus, the currents which will circulate in the connection tracks carried by the connection card will not affect the components of the main card, this effect being even more advantageous when the stator has more than 3 coils, for example up to at least 6 or 12 coils.

[0025] This connection card may be provided with conductive tracks for connecting the coils to each other and with means, for example holes or pads, for electrical connection or soldering zones to the connection tracks.

[0026] One or more of these connection tracks may have the shape of an arc of a circle, and may be provided with at least, or combined with at least, one radial connection track which extends from the track(s) or the arc of a circle, for example from one end thereof, towards a connection point or towards another connection track, for example itself in the shape of an arc of a circle.

[0027] Said connection circuit can be used in combination with means, for example lugs or terminals, for connecting the coils of an electric motor to tracks of the circuit or of the card on which it is produced.

[0028] This connection circuit (or the board on which it is made):

[0029] - may include means, for example connection zones or pads for three-phase power supply;

[0030] - and / or may further comprise means, for example holes or areas of connection to one or more neutral point(s), which offers several advantages:

[0031] * it is then no longer necessary to use a virtual neutral point N as explained above. above in connection with [Fig.10]: we therefore no longer need the resistors R1-R3, which means that the number of parameters to be used and / or measured or estimated is reduced;

[0032] * the same physical neutral point can be used for different types of motors; whereas, in the case of the virtual neutral point N, parameters must be used which must be adapted for each type of motor;

[0033] * a virtual neutral point fluctuates during operations or functioning of the motor: a variation in speed or load may affect this virtual neutral point; in addition, the magnetic characteristics of the motor may fluctuate depending on temperature and / or other environmental factors; use of the physical neutral point, on a connection board of a motor according to the invention, avoids such fluctuations;

[0034] - and / or may be in the form of a circular crown, the center of the crown being able to be aligned with the axis of rotation (XX') of the rotor. For example, the connection board may have an internal diameter greater than or equal to the internal diameter of the stator and / or an external diameter less than or equal to the external diameter of the stator. These conditions ensure minimal bulk of the plate.

[0035] Preferably, the connection circuit and the control circuit are separate and / or produced on 2 different cards. These 2 cards are preferably arranged at least partly above or opposite each other, which saves space.

[0036] This avoids any interference on the components of the control circuit which would be due to the currents circulating in the conductive connection tracks of the connection circuit, in particular in the case where the number of coils is greater than 3, for example greater than 6, for example still equal to 12.

[0037] In the embodiment where the 2 cards are separated but arranged at least partly above or opposite each other, the 2 cards are in other words "stacked" (while being separated from each other) in one direction, for example the vertical direction or more, generally, a direction which is perpendicular to each of these 2 cards. This arrangement helps to improve the lateral space, further meeting the needs of controlling the motor separate from the motor interconnection to avoid interference and noise.

[0038] An actuator according to the invention may further comprise means, for example one or more shielding plates or sheets, between the rotor and the stator on the one hand, and the control circuit on the other hand.

[0039] The invention also relates to a device or a valve for regulating the flow rate of a fluid, comprising a member, for example at least one valve, for opening or closing a flow of fluid and an actuator according to the invention, as described above or in the present application.

[0040] The invention also relates to a cooling system for a vehicle:

[0041] - comprising a cooling circuit provided with at least one device or a valve according to the invention,

[0042] - and / or comprising a plurality of valves and an actuator for each valve, each actuator being an actuator according to the invention; for example, at least 2 of the valves have different maximum flow rates.

[0043] A cooling system according to one of the above embodiments may comprise a plurality of valves and means for controlling and / or actuating each valve, each of the control and / or actuating means having a CAN address different from that of the other valves.

[0044] The invention also relates to a CAN circuit of a vehicle, comprising a plurality of actuators, each comprising a control circuit according to the invention, each actuator having a CAN address different from that of the other actuators.

[0045] The invention also relates to a land vehicle (truck or utility vehicle or construction vehicle or agricultural vehicles) or air vehicle (plane or aircraft) or nautical or naval vehicle (boat for example), with a thermal or electric engine, or hybrid, and / or with fuel cell(s), comprising a CAN circuit according to the invention.

[0046] The invention also relates to a method for programming a control circuit for an electric motor, this circuit comprising a plate on which are arranged / or connected at least one processor, a plurality of components, and at least one connector for configuring a CAN address, comprising a plurality of pads or pins, method in which the position of a plurality of connectors in the plurality of pads or pins is defined to define a first CAN address.

[0047] In such a method, the position of at least one connector in the plurality of pads can be modified to define a 2nd CAN address, different from the 1st address. Brief description of the drawings

[0048] [Fig. 1 A] and [Fig. 1B] represent an embodiment of a control circuit or card main according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] [Fig.2] represents an embodiment of a CAN network;

[0050] [Fig.3A], [Fig.3B] and [Fig.3C] represent an exemplary embodiment of a rotor which can be used in combination with a control circuit according to the invention;

[0051] [Fig.4A], [Fig.4B], [Fig.4C] and [Fig.4D] represent aspects of realization of a stator which can be used in combination with a control circuit according to the invention;

[0052] [Fig.5] shows an example of a terminal or lug that may be used in one aspect of the invention;

[0053] [Fig.ôA] and [Fig.ôB] represent an exemplary embodiment of a connection card which can be used in the context of an embodiment of the invention;

[0054] [Fig.7A] shows the assembly of a stator and a connection board in accordance with one aspect of the present invention;

[0055] [Fig.7B] shows an embodiment of a connection hole of a connection board within the framework of one aspect of the present invention;

[0056] [Fig.8] shows an embodiment of an actuator implementing aspects of the present invention;

[0057] [Fig.9A], [Fig.9B], [Fig.9C] and [Fig.9D] represent various aspects of an embodiment of an output stage of a reducer which can be implemented within the framework of the present invention.

[0058] [Fig. 10] represents a known embodiment for sensorless measurement of the position of a rotor of an actuator.

[0059] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS

[0060] An example of an embodiment of an electronic card 130 (or “PCB”) according to the invention, called a control or monitoring card for an electric motor or main card, is shown schematically in Figures 1A and 1B. This control or main card is different from the connection card 120 which will be presented later.

[0061] An electric motor that the card 130 can control or pilot comprises a rotor 102 and a stator 104, examples of which are presented below. This motor will make it possible to actuate an output shaft to which a member, for example a valve, can be connected.

[0062] This main electronic card 130 comprises, on a face 132i ([Fig.lB]), called “lower”, one or more components 132, for example one or more magnetic sensor(s) (for example one or more Hall effect sensors) 133, for example to detect a position of a shaft of an output axis of the electric motor or of the actuator, as explained below; it may optionally comprise on the opposite face 1322 ([Fig.lA]), called “upper”, one or more sensor(s), for example one or more magnetic sensor(s) (for example one or more Hall effect sensors) 135, which may be arranged substantially opposite a magnetic element, for example a magnet, 114 of the position of another part of the motor for example a rotor 102, in order to detect the position of the latter.This main electronic card 130 includes connectors or connection points for a three-phase power supply to the motor; these connectors can be connected to the three-phase of the connection card 120 (see below). This card 130 can also include a point for the neutral (not shown in figures 1A and 1B). Thus, in total, there can be 4 connections between the main card 130 and the interconnection card 120 (3 connections for the 3 phases and one connection for the neutral).

[0063] Furthermore, this electronic card 130 comprises control means or elements 134, for example a microprocessor or microcontroller 134. This element 134 can be programmed, or comprise instructions for, controlling the electrical power supply of the motor. In particular, this element 134 can measure or estimate the consumption of current supplied to the electric motor. This current consumed reflects the force supplied by the motor. If, for example, a valve, which is controlled by the motor or by an actuator which comprises this motor, is blocked or is slowed down due to impurities in a fluid whose flow is controlled by the valve, or if the actuator is defective, the element 134 sees an increase in the force applied by the increase in the current supplied; it can therefore send an instruction to stop the actuator and the member which it controls.This element 134 can start a work sequence, after an interruption in the operation of the member, for example the valve, which it controls, by sending jolts to the latter: for example, short pulses can be generated by this same element 134, with a predetermined torque, in order to detach the member or the valve after an interruption in its operation.

[0064] It is also possible to magnetically isolate a component, for example a magnetic sensor 135, for example again a Hall sensor, by positioning on the upper face 1322, or opposite the latter, one or more shielding sheets 118 (which can be seen in [Fig.8]).

[0065] On this card 130, a connector 136 may be arranged to allow an electrical interface, for example with a specific connector which will allow an interface with a CAN network of a vehicle of which the card 130 (or the motor or actuator which it controls) may be part. The card 130 allows calibration of an actuator, comprising an electric motor, for example as described below, each time the device is started.

[0066] The connector 136 comprises a plurality of connection pads (or “pins”), for example 6 or at least 6, each combination of pads making it possible to determine an address of the card in a network, for example a CAN network of a vehicle. Plugs or pins are connected to several pads of this connector 136, according to a configuration determined by the desired address for the card 130.

[0067] For example, 2 plugs or pins allow the address to be determined: each can have one of the 2 values ​​0 and 1; thus, with 2 plugs or pins, we can have 4 different addresses.

[0068] Furthermore, the different addresses can be stored by the element 134 (for example in a memory, for example an EEPROM, thereof) or in a memory, for example a separate EEPROM.

[0069] Thus, programming the address of each card is easy and can be modified easily since it is sufficient to modify the position of the different plugs in the connector 136, without intervening on the element 134 or on aspects of software implemented by the latter. The exchanges of information between the network and the element 134 can then take place via this connector. Thus, if a vehicle is equipped with a plurality of cards 130, each actuating for example a valve via an electric motor (for example as explained in the present application) an address can be easily assigned to each card 130 and implemented thanks to the connector 136, all these addresses being different from each other. There is thus no need to resort to complex programming to determine the addresses of the different cards.

[0070] For example, for a 6-input 136 connector (usually most of these connectors just have 4 inputs):

[0071] - one input is used for CAN High, one of the wires of a CAN bus;

[0072] - one input is used for CAN Low, the other wire for the same CAN bus;

[0073] - one input is used for the voltage supply V+;

[0074] - another input is used for the voltage supply V- (or ground);

[0075] - the other 2 inputs can be used to select an address, each input that can be in state “0” (Ground) or “1” (“open”); in total, 4 different addresses can be generated for the same actuator or motor.

[0076] This possibility of allocating different addresses to the same motor or actuator has several advantages. Indeed, a fixed CAN address imposes numerous restrictions on the use of this motor or actuator in a network. In particular, as soon as a user wants to connect several devices (for example motors or actuators) to the same network and wishes to identify them, he needs different identifiers. The invention allows:

[0077] - to avoid conflicts of CAN addresses or identifiers;

[0078] - possibly to expand the network by including new devices and by allocating additional CAN addresses or identifiers;

[0079] - avoid having to intervene in the memory which stores the addresses or the iden CAN modules and to intervene on the software that implements them, which can often be difficult for an end user and can compromise the security of the system: the user can, on the other hand, intervene more easily on the connector 136, without needing to modify said memory and / or said software.

[0080] An example of a vehicle CAN network is shown in [Fig.2]: this vehicle comprises several actuators 142-148, a CAN address being assigned to each of them (CAN1 address for actuator 142, CAN2 address for actuator 144, CAN3 address for actuator 146, CAN4 address for actuator 146). The control instructions are generated and sent to the different actuators, according to their addresses, by a central unit 140. Each of these actuators is provided with a card 130, as described above, or with a circuit according to the invention, and the address of each card 130 can be programmed using the connector 136 of this card, in the manner explained above. Each of the means 134, for example microprocessor or microcontroller 134, stores the possible addresses for the actuator with which it is associated.

[0081] Figures 3A - 4D represent elements of an example of a motor to which the invention can be applied. It comprises a rotor 102, one embodiment of which is shown in Figures 3A - 3C and a wound stator 104, one embodiment of which is shown in Figures 4A - 4D.

[0082] This is for example a brushless motor (BLDC, or Brushless Direct Current) of the “IPMSM” (“Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor”) type.

[0083] The rotor 102 comprises, for example, stacked sheets of ferromagnetic steel with housings 103 for receiving buried NdFeB magnets 106. The thickness of iron between the magnets and the air gap (which separates the rotor from the stator) is constant. This thickness is the thickness of iron between a magnet and the outside diameter of the rotor (it can be seen in [Fig.lB]); between the inside diameter of the stator and the magnets of the rotor, there is therefore a distance equal to the air gap increased by this thickness of iron.

[0084] The rotor may also include a bore with a keying device 110 for mounting a rotor shaft 112 to transmit a force. This keying device here has the form of 2 flats 110 ([Fig.3B]). The keying device allows the rotor not to "slip" relative to the associated shaft or axis and to transmit the force correctly, but not only by tight mounting. In other words, the center of the rotor may be pierced with a bore and provided with 1 or 2 flats 110. The rotor axis may be provided with the corresponding male shape, the cylindrical part ensuring the coaxiality of the components, the flat(s) ensuring anti-rotation between the assembled components. These aspects (combination of a cylindrical part and flat(s)) may be implemented in other assemblies of axes or shafts, as indicated below.

[0085] As explained further below (in connection with [Fig.8]), and as illustrated in [Fig.3C], a magnetic element 114 of angular position, for example a magnet, for example again an annular magnet can also be implemented, by being applied on or against the rotor 102 in order to capture the position of the latter; between the power magnets 106 and the position magnet 114, an intermediate element 119, or a spacer, made of plastic material as well as possibly a shielding sheet 118 can be present so that the position signal of the annular magnet 114, detected by a sensor 135 (shown in [Fig.8]), is not disturbed. The intermediate element 119 has several functions:

[0086] - one function is to move the power magnets of the rotor away from the element ma genetic 114 position (so that their fields do not disturb each other);

[0087] - another function is to bring the magnetic element 114 closer to a sensor ma genetics which will make it possible to detect the position of this magnetic element 114;

[0088] - yet another function is to serve as support for possible means 118 of shielding, for example one or more shielding sheets, by positioning these means not only between the power magnets and the magnetic position element 114 but also by allowing these shielding means not to be very close to, or even stuck to, the magnets and for the field cross-section to be optimal; this function is illustrated in [Fig.3C] in which we see that the means 118 are taken between 2 parts of the intermediate element 119.

[0089] The stator 104 (figures 4A - 4D) comprises for example a stack of star-ring type stator laminations with a star part 104i comprising so-called "solid" laminations 1051 allowing the plates to be held together, and "non-solid" laminations 1052 allowing losses to be limited. Such a star structure makes it possible to insert wound plastic carcasses directly onto a winding machine, called a "spindle" (rotating coil), which allows winding with simpler machines (which is less expensive and faster).

[0090] The star 104 accommodates N (N>1; in this example: N = 12) plastic carcasses 116, each provided with a coil 117. A crown 1042 made of stator laminations (these laminations are visible in [Fig.7A]) can be assembled on the stator to allow the wound carcasses to be held and to loop the magnetic fields.

[0091] Preferably, the stator 104 is electrically mounted in a star configuration, with a neutral point

[0092] An interconnection plate or card 120 (or "PCB" for "printed circuit board", hereinafter called "connection card" or "card"), may be provided in the extension of the electric motor to connect together the coils which must be connected to each other. This card, which extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis (XX') of rotation of the rotor, carries a plurality of connection tracks 124, for example as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5B, these tracks being provided to connect the coils of the stator together.

[0093] These tracks are connected to the output or input wires of the different coils by connection means 122 made of conductive material, for example by soldering the ends of the wires of the coils, or by connection terminals 122, for example of the “press fit” type (connector or insertion pin and / or

[0094] enamel breakaway terminals (IDC). An example of such a connection 122 is shown in [Fig.5]: it comprises an end 122i (for example of the “pressfit” type) preferably comprising a part 122' forming a spring in a lateral direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the connection, configured to be introduced into a contact hole 126 of the card 120 and an end 1222 (for example of the enamel break terminals) configured to come into contact with a wire of a coil, for example by pinching this wire. Preferably, the connection means 122 are designed to be pushed into the corresponding holes or receptacles of a component, creating a solid and secure connection without the need for soldering or additional fixings; this is the case, in particular, for the connection terminals 122 of the “press fit” type.

[0095] These connection means provide both an electrical connection and mechanical support for the card 120.

[0096] More precisely, the interconnection card 120 may comprise a plurality of means, for example holes or contact pads 126, preferably equidistant, each being for example in the form of a metallized hole in which a connection means 122, for example the end (which may be soldered to the metallization) of a wire of a coil, or one end of a connection terminal, will be able to be housed and thus establish an electrical contact between a wire of one of the coils, the metallization of the hole with which this means 22 is in contact and one or more of the tracks 124. Among the holes or contact pads 126, some 126ni, 126n2, 126n3 are neutral points and allow easier access to these neutral points, without having to resort to additional components.The 3 phases of the power supply (coming for example from the card 130 described above) are connected to a series of 3 connection pads or holes 1263, for example by soldering or, in particular in the case of connection holes, by "pressfit" type means as explained above. These 3 connection pads or holes 1263 are connected to the different coils by tracks 124.

[0097] The interconnection card 120 preferably has a crown shape, as seen in the example of FIGS. 4D and 6A-6B, which reproduces the shape of the stator 104. It can have any other shape, which has a maximum dimension smaller than that of the stator 104 and a central hole to allow the axis 112 of the rotor to pass through.

[0098] [Fig.6A] shows how the connections were designed for the board 120 and [Fig.6B] shows the board in another representation, in 3D.

[0099] Thus, when this interconnection card 120 is mounted, it does not add any space in width (i.e. in a direction located in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotor); preferably, if the card 120 has a crown shape, then its internal diameter is greater than or equal to the internal diameter of the stator and its external diameter is less than or equal to the external diameter of the stator: in this way, it strictly respects the space requirement of the motor.

[0100] Furthermore, since this card 120 is located close to the motor along the axis (XX'), it does not add any bulk in the axial direction, i.e. along the axis of rotation of the rotor. Preferably, the center of the crown is aligned with the axis of rotation (XX') of the rotor.

[0101] On the interconnection board 120, one or more of the connection tracks 124 preferably have an arcuate shape 124b with one or more radial connection tracks 1242, 1243 extending from the arcuate, for example from one or more of its ends to a connection point 126 or to another arcuate-shaped track.

[0102] The tracks 124 can be designed while preferably keeping:

[0103] -the shortest distance between two points, respecting the geometry of the stator;

[0104] - and / or having sufficient width for current conduction;

[0105] - and / or having sufficient inter-path distance.

[0106] Furthermore, to avoid clutter in the design of the paths followed by the tracks and to comply with the above points, it is possible to have a straight part, following a radial direction (this is one or more of the radial tracks already mentioned above), and a part in the form of a portion of an arc.

[0107] [Fig.7A] shows the assembly comprising the stator 104, the interconnection card 120 and one end of the connection means 122; this assembly is compact (the distance between the rotor-stator assembly and the plate 120 can vary, but, for example, be between 1 mm and 5 mm. In addition, the connection card 120 avoids the presence of connection tracks (between the coils) on the main electronic card or board ("PCB") (described above), which, as explained above, is also provided with components which may be sensitive to the current flowing in the coils and which may generate interference. Thus, the functions of connection between the coils (connection provided by the card 120) and motor control (provided by the main electronic card, described above) are separated.

[0108] As can be understood from this [Fig.7A], when, on the one hand, the assembly consisting of the stator and the rotor is ready, as well as, on the other hand, the interconnection card 120 provided with its tracks 124, it is sufficient to align the holes 126 of the card with the corresponding means 122 and to press the plate towards the stator.

[0109] The holes 126 may be circular, but this circular shape may pose a problem of precision of alignment and / or guidance of the means 122 in these same holes. To solve this problem, it is possible to give each hole 126 a particular shape, as illustrated in [Fig.7B]: this comprises a wide part 126a, into which it is possible to introduce the end of a means 122 (for example the end of a wire or a connector 122, for example such as that illustrated in [Fig.5]), and a narrower part 126b, into which the end in question can then be pinched and held to ensure electrical contact.

[0110] Thus, when the end of each means 122 is introduced into the widest part 126a, it is then possible to rotate the card 120. interconnection board, as indicated by the arrow in [Fig.7B], to bring this end into the narrower portion 126b in which it is then held. This also ensures that the entire interconnection board 120 is locked.

[0111] [Fig.8], which will be commented on in more detail below, shows a particularly interesting arrangement of various means already presented above:

[0112] - the spacer 119 can be arranged at the end of the rotor 102;

[0113] - an armor plate 118 can be arranged in the spacer 119;

[0114] - and / or the magnetic means 114 can be arranged on the spacer 119, which can be advantageously arranged between these magnetic means 114 and the rotor 102;

[0115] - the interconnection card 120 can be arranged opposite the rotor, and surrounds the magnetic means 114;

[0116] - the interconnection card 120 can be arranged opposite the 2nd card 130, which carries the detector 135 arranged opposite the magnetic means 114.

[0117] A reducer 200 is now described which can be used in combination with an electric motor as described above, the assembly being contained in a housing 220. Thus, in [Fig.8] we recognize the rotor 102 and the stator 104 as described above, the card 120 for interconnection between the coils 117 and the card 130 for controlling the electric motor.

[0118] As illustrated in [Fig.8], an example of such a reducer comprises a plurality of pinions and / or toothed wheels, for example:

[0119] - a pinion 202 which extends the axis 112 of the rotor (see [Fig.3A], these 2 elements forming a single piece) and which is driven in rotation by the latter;

[0120] - an intermediate wheel 204, which mechanically engages the pinion 202;

[0121] - an output shaft 206 on which a wheel or pinion 230 is mounted integrally in rotation, this wheel or pinion 230 mechanically engaging the wheel 204 or a pinion 204p integral with the latter or with a shaft 205 on which both are mounted.

[0122] The axes or shafts on which these different elements are mounted are parallel to each other. Each of these elements can be mounted on bearings or rollers (202a, 202b, 204a, 204b, 206a, 206b), for example ball bearings, in order to guarantee the most precise positioning (to ensure a better center distance, and / or better parallelism of the axes). To ensure the bearing function, one or more ball bearings can be used as mentioned above, but bronze or plastic rings could be suitable in certain cases, for example for shafts with low rotation speed. In the following, we will mainly mention “bearings”, but all the bearing variants which have just been mentioned can be used.

[0123] These different elements are made for example from non-magnetic material (for example example, stainless steel or another material, such as plastic) to avoid the problem of magnetic field feedback. In the case of bearings, stainless steel will be used; guide rings can be made of plastic.

[0124] The rotor pinion shaft is fitted into the stack of rotor laminations, for example by press fitting and one or more anti-rotation elements make it possible to eliminate any slippage due to cylinder / cylinder contact; for example, one or more anti-rotation elements implement one or more flats on each side of the shaft, as already described above in connection with [Fig.3B]. This shaft 112 can be mounted in bearings 202a, 202b which can be located in parts of the casing, for example on the one hand in a wall 220i (here called the upper wall) of the casing 220, on the other in an intermediate plate 222 thereof. These bearings are mounted tightly in these different parts.This same intermediate plate 222 can serve as a housing for a bearing 204a of the intermediate wheel 204, another bearing 204b of the latter being housed in a wall 2202 of the casing, here called the lower wall, for example opposite the wall 220p. This intermediate wheel can comprise two parts, on the one hand the wheel 204 itself and, on the other hand, a pinion 204p, both mounted integrally on the same axis 205. An adjustment between the two can be obtained by an adjusted diameter and one or more anti-rotation elements; for example, one or more anti-rotation elements implement one or more flats on each side of the shaft, as already described above in connection with [Fig.3B].

[0125] An output stage of the reducer comprises a pinion 206 which engages the wheel 204 or the pinion 204p and which drives the output shaft 208, mounted in bearings 208a, 208b which can be located, on the one hand in the wall 2202 of the casing of the casing 220, on the other in the intermediate plate 222.

[0126] A rotary member or mechanism may be mounted at the end (outside the casing) 208i of the shaft 208, for example a flap or a valve or a valve core. This rotary member or mechanism, for example this valve, may therefore be actuated by the electric motor, the movement of which is transmitted to the reducer, the output of the latter actuating this rotary member or mechanism, for example this valve. In the case of a valve, the latter may for example belong to a cooling system, for example again in a motor vehicle or in any motorized transport device. Alternatively, an actuator as described above or in the present application may be implemented not only in the automotive field, but in many other fields, for example in the field of robotics or medicine.

[0127] A magnetic element 214 may be disposed at the other end (inside the casing) 2082 of the shaft 208 (for example in a hollow made at the end thereof), to allow detection of the angular position thereof by a sensor 133, for example a Hall effect sensor, which is preferably mounted on the card 130.

[0128] As already explained above (see also [Fig.8]), an annular position magnet 114 can also be implemented in order to sense the position of the rotor; between the power magnets 106 and the position magnet 114, a spacer 119 made of plastic material (the various functions of which have already been explained above) as well as possibly a shielding sheet 118 can be present so that the position signal of the annular magnet 114, detected by a sensor 135, is not disturbed.

[0129] As understood from the above description, the intermediate plate 222 separates the casing into 2 parts:

[0130] - a first part or a first compartment (located above the plate 222 in [Fig.8]) which includes the motor, with its rotor 102 and its stator 104, as well as the cards 120, 130 (PCB);

[0131] - and a 2nd part or a 2nd compartment (located below plate 222 on the [Fig.8]) which includes most of the elements of the reducer and from which the output shaft projects to be coupled to a member to be actuated, for example a valve.

[0132] The intermediate plate 222 makes it possible to house the bearings of the various shafts or axles. This saves space, since the axles in question do not need to be extended to the opposite wall to be guided in rotation.

[0133] If one end of each axis were not taken up in the intermediate plate, it would be impossible, unless there were a significant increase in the size of the entire device, to have any axis taken up in the upper or lower wall of the casing. In fact, various elements of the device are located above or below these axes, preventing such a take up in the upper or lower wall.

[0134] As seen in [Fig.8], return means 230, for example a torsion spring, make it possible to return the element 206 to an initial position when it has been rotated by the motor or by the reducer from this initial position; such a return function can be very useful, particularly in the event of a power cut. The means 230 can therefore act as a safety element. This operates over the entire angular range permitted by the device. It can be fixed on the one hand to the wheel or pinion 206, and on the other hand to the casing 220.

[0135] The return means can be calibrated so as to respond to the performance of each valve which can be associated with it (for example to fix maximum angular range, and / or a resistive torque, and / or a return time, etc.). This calibration is done using several bores 236 present on the wheel of the output shaft. allowing, depending on the choice of the bore 236, to pre-stress the return means more or less. Consequently, these return means can be adapted to the specific needs of the application. In particular, these return means are preferably adapted to provide sufficient torque to return the member (for example a valve) coupled to the actuator to its initial position, for example in the event of a power cut or a switch to degraded mode, and this for example over the entire angular movement authorized by the actuator. For example, if a greater torque is needed to return the actuated member, the position of the end of the return means 230 can be changed in order to pre-stress them more and therefore to have a greater return torque. This makes it possible to have a single type of return means, for example a single type of spring, for a wide variety of members, for example valves.For example, the actuator can be mechanically defined to cover an angle greater than the useful angle of the rotary member to be actuated; the return means are then functional over the largest angle.

[0136] According to an exemplary embodiment, 18 holes equidistant by 20° from each other were made to define as many possible positions for one end of the return means.

[0137] According to a particular embodiment, the element 206 can be engaged with the pinion 204p over a limited angular sector, for example between 90° and 200°, for example still approximately 110°, allowing rotation of the output shaft 208 over this same limited angular range. This angular range can also be limited by the presence of one or more stops 225, 227, made in the casing. To this end, the element 206 preferably comprises:

[0138] - a 1st angular sector 206a which has a 1st radius or diameter, and which comprises gear teeth,

[0139] - a 2nd angular sector 206b which has a 2nd radius or diameter less than the 1st radius or diameter, and which does not have gear teeth; this aspect saves space.

[0140] Thus, the transition zones 209 (figures 9A and 9C) between the first first angular sector 206a and the second angular sector form shoulders which will be able to bear against the stop(s) 225, 227.

[0141] It is understood that the arrangement of the positioning holes of one end of the return means at a distance from the center of rotation of the wheel which is less than that of the 2nd angular sector 206b makes it possible to have such positioning holes over 360°.

[0142] The output shaft 208 may also use an adjustment between the wheel 206 with one or more flats, as already explained above, to prevent rotation of one of these 2 elements relative to the other. This output shaft 208 may be engaged between the intermediate plate 222 and the lower wall 2202 of the casing and also uses bearings.

[0143] An exemplary embodiment of the pinion 206 is shown in Figures 9A and 9B.

[0144] As can be seen in these figures, this pinion only has gear teeth on one section, or angular sector, 206a of its periphery.

[0145] Furthermore, it is provided with holes or bores 236 which will make it possible to adjust one end of the return spring 230, for example according to the desired performance of an element, for example a valve, which will be coupled to the output shaft 208: it may be desired to have a more or less rapid return and / or with more or less torque (the greater the return constraint, the greater the return torque) of this element and to adjust the position of the end of the return spring accordingly using the different positions in the different holes 236.

[0146] Finally, as already indicated above, one or more stops 225, 227 may be provided to limit the travel of the pinion 206. One or more damping elements 207, for example made of plastic material, may be provided on the zone(s) 209 to avoid excessively abrupt contact between the pinion 206 and the stop(s) and to ensure that this contact is damped.

[0147] At the inner end 2082 of the shaft 208, on the side of the main plate 130, a magnetic element, for example a magnetized disc, 214 allows a magnetic sensor 133 (for example a Hall effect sensor) to detect the position of the output shaft 208 and thus, a closed-loop operation of the device can be achieved. : thus, the desired position of the shaft or output of the actuator can be controlled and maintained, the means 134 implementing a closed-loop system monitoring, preferably continuously, the actual position of the actuator and making adjustments to ensure that it remains as close as possible to the desired position.

[0148] Finally, a dynamic seal 230 can be arranged in the casing wall 2202 to ensure the sealing of the assembly.

[0149] Furthermore, the connector 136 passes through a wall of the casing to allow access to it from outside the casing.

[0150] As understood from the above explanations, a casing 220 that can be implemented according to the present invention may comprise an upper part (upper casing) and a lower part (lower casing). This casing may have a guiding function, since bearings and / or elements may be housed therein. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 9C and 9D, positioning and / or centering pins 306 may be housed therein, as explained above, making it possible to ensure a good position of the rotating elements and of the intermediate plate which may have one or more of the functionalities already explained above, in particular the housing of end bearing(s) of the shafts or axles. These good positions also ensure the desired distance between the axles and the desired clearances for them.

[0151] Threaded holes 308 (see for example [Fig.9A]) may be provided in the different parts of the casing to allow the fixing of these positioning and / or centering elements but also the fixing of the electronic cards 120, 130 and / or that of the stator. The threaded holes 302, 304 (figures 9A, 9C, 9D) make it possible to join the 2 parts of the casing and to fix them to each other.

[0152] A dynamic seal 209 is also inserted, allowing internal / external sealing.

[0153] A control card 130 described in the context of the present invention may be used with an electric motor and / or a reducer other than those just described. And the output wheel or pinion 206 may be of the type described above, or may have teeth around its entire periphery.

Claims

Claims

1. Control circuit for an electric motor comprising a card (130) comprising electronic means (134) for controlling the power supply of the electric motor, a plurality of components (132), at least one connector (136) for configuring a CAN address, comprising a plurality of contact pads making it possible to define different CAN addresses, and means for storing these CAN addresses.

2. A circuit according to claim 1, the connector (136) comprising at least 6 inputs.

3. Circuit according to claim 1 or 2, the connector (136) making it possible to define at least 4 different addresses of the electric motor.

4. Circuit according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising at least one magnetic sensor (133, 135), for example of the Hall type, on at least one of its faces.

5. Circuit according to one of claims 1 to 4, capable of supplying a three-phase motor.

6. Circuit according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising means (120) for connection to coils (117) of the electric motor.

7. Circuit according to one of claims 1 to 6, the electronic means (134) for controlling the power supply of the electric motor making it possible to detect an output torque of the motor.

8. Actuator comprising an electric motor (102, 104), comprising a rotor (102) and a stator (104) comprising a plurality of coils (117), and a control circuit (130) according to one of the preceding claims, the electronic means (134) of this circuit controlling the power supply of the coils (117).

9. Actuator according to the preceding claim, the actuator further comprising a card (120) for connecting the coils, this connection card being connected to the card (130) for controlling the actuator.

10. Actuator according to claim 9, the connection card (120) being provided with conductive tracks (124) for connecting the coils to each other and with means (126) for electrical connection to the connection tracks (124).

11. Actuator according to claim 10, the connection card (120) and the control card (130) being separate and / or produced on 2 different cards.

12. Actuator according to claim 11, the 2 cards being arranged at least partly opposite each other.

13. Actuator according to one of claims 9 to 12, the connection card (120) comprising connection means (1263) for a three-phase current supply.

14. Actuator according to one of claims 9 to 13, the connection card (120) further comprising one or more neutral point(s) (126n[, 126n2, 126n3) and means for connection to one or more of these neutral point(s) (126n[, 126n2, 126n3).

15. Actuator according to one of claims 8 to 14, further comprising shielding means (118) between the rotor (102) and the stator (104) on the one hand, and the control card (130) on the other hand.

16. Valve for regulating the flow of a fluid, comprising a member for opening or closing a flow of fluid and an actuator according to one of claims 8 to 15.

17. Cooling system of a vehicle, comprising a cooling circuit provided with at least one valve according to claim 16.

18. A cooling system of a vehicle, comprising a plurality of valves and an actuator of each valve, at least one, or each, actuator being according to one of claims 8 to 15.

19. A cooling system according to claim 18, at least 2 of the valves having different maximum flow rates.

20. Cooling system according to one of claims 17 to 19, comprising a plurality of valves and means for controlling and / or actuating each valve, each of the control and / or actuating means having a CAN address different from that of the other valves.

21. CAN circuit of a vehicle, comprising a plurality of actuators, each comprising a control circuit according to one of claims 1 to 7, each actuator having a CAN address different from that of the other actuators.

22. Vehicle, comprising a thermal or electric engine, comprising a CAN circuit according to the preceding claim.

23. Method for programming a control circuit for an electric motor, this circuit comprising a card (130) on which are positioned electronic means (134) for controlling the power supply of the electric motor, a plurality of components (132), at least one connector (136) for configuring a CAN address, comprising a plurality of pads, and means for storing these CAN addresses, a method in which the position of a plurality of connectors in the plurality of pads is defined to define a first CAN address.

24. Method according to the preceding claim, in which the position of at least one connector in the plurality of pads is modified to define a 2nd CAN address, different from the 1st address.

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