ELECTRIC MOTOR WITH INTERCONNECTION PCB

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric motor comprising a stator (104) and a rotor (102) having an axis of rotation (XX'), the stator (104) comprising a plurality of coils (117), and further comprising: - a first connection board (120), extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis (XX') of rotation of the rotor, said board being provided with conductive tracks (124) for connecting the coils to each other and with a plurality of means (126) for electrical connection to the connection tracks (124); - a second board, separate from the first board (120), this second board comprising means for controlling the power supply to the coils (117) and connection means for linking this second board to the first board (120). Figure 5A (for the abstract)

Description

Title of the invention: ELECTRIC MOTOR WITH INTERCONNECTION PCB TECHNICAL FIELD AND PRIOR ART

[0001] The invention relates to the field of electric motors, for the purpose of controlling components 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 comprises a plurality of coils, some of which are connected to each other by connections.

[0003] Typically, an electronic board is used to connect these connections together, but also to house various control components for the motor and / or valve. In other words, cables or connection tracks, including coils, are arranged on this board. When currents flow through these cables, disturbances can occur in the other control components. Furthermore, the presence of these cables necessitates the use of a correspondingly larger board. However, there is a growing trend towards developing compact motors or actuators. Finally, the motors typically used usually have a fairly limited number of coils, for example, three. Using more coils requires new components, also poses a space-related problem, and further exacerbates the disturbance-related problems mentioned above.

[0004] The problem therefore arises of finding a new system for interconnecting the wires of the coils of an electric motor that does not present the above disadvantages.

[0005] Another problem in sensorless control, i.e., without a rotor position sensor, is measuring the signals from the different phases of the coils. To this end, it is necessary to measure the voltage at the so-called "neutral point." However, this point is not accessible. As is known and illustrated in [Fig. 10], for a three-phase system, resistors RI - R3 are used in parallel with the coils B1-B3 (one for each phase) in order to obtain a representation 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 computational resources, and these parameters also modify the impedance of the coils B1-B3. Furthermore:

[0006] - the parameters in question must be adapted for each type of engine and each application;

[0007] - a virtual neutral point fluctuates during the operations or functioning of the engine, a variation in speed or load thereof can affect this point virtual neutral; and the magnetic characteristics of the motor can fluctuate depending on temperature and / or other environmental factors.

[0008] The problem therefore also arises of finding a device that allows easier access to this neutral point, without having to use additional components.

[0009] Another problem concerns the addressing of different components or devices, for example, different valves or their actuators, within the same system or network, for example, within the same vehicle. A different address within 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. The aim is therefore to implement, in a simpler way than in the prior art, individualized addressing of different components, for example, valves, or their actuators within the same system or network, for example, within the same vehicle.

[0010] Finally, in certain applications, it is desirable to have a rotation of a distributor or actuator of a component, 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, that can only be actuated over a limited angular range, while also offering adaptability to various environments. Description of the invention

[0011] The invention aims to solve all or part of these problems.

[0012] The invention relates first to an electric motor comprising a stator and a rotor having an axis of rotation (XX'), the stator comprising a plurality of coils, and further comprising a first connection board or card (or "PCB" for "printed circuit board", hereafter referred to as the "connection board" or "card"), which extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis (XX') of rotation of the rotor, said connection board or card being provided with conductive tracks for connecting the coils to each other and with means, for example, holes or pads, for electrical connection to the connection tracks. This card may include or be provided with means, for example, lugs or terminals, for connecting the coils to the means, for example, holes or pads, for electrical connection to the connection tracks of the card.

[0013] The stator may have 3 or more coils, for example up to at least 6 or 12 coils.

[0014] One or more of the connecting tracks may have an arc-shaped form, and may be provided with, or combined with, at least one radial track a connection extending from the circular arc, for example from one end thereof, to a connection point or to another connection track, for example itself in the shape of a circular arc. This connection card may, for example, include means, such as zones or ranges, for connecting a three-phase power supply.

[0015] Said means for electrical connection to the connection tracks include, for example, holes in the card or solder areas in or on it.

[0016] When these means have holes, each electrical connection hole may be circular. Alternatively, it may include:

[0017] - a first, wide part, into which it is possible to insert one end of means, for example a lug or a terminal, of connecting the coils to the tracks of the plate;

[0018] - and a second part narrower than the first part, in which said end can to be pinched, for example thanks to its elastic properties, and held to ensure electrical contact.

[0019] In an electric motor according to the invention, said connection plate may further comprise means, for example holes or areas, for connection to one or more neutral points, which offers several advantages:

[0020] - it is then no longer necessary to use a virtual neutral point N as explained below- above in relation to [Fig.10]: we therefore no longer need the resistors R1-R3, which means that the number of parameters to use and / or measure or estimate is reduced;

[0021] - 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;

[0022] - a virtual neutral point fluctuates during the operations or functioning of the Motor: A variation in speed or load can affect this virtual neutral point; moreover, the magnetic characteristics of the motor can fluctuate depending on temperature and / or other environmental factors. Using a physical neutral point on a motor connection board according to the invention avoids such fluctuations. In an electric motor according to the invention, said connection board can be in the form of a circular ring, the center of the ring being aligned with the axis of rotation (XX') of the rotor. For example, the connection board can 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 a minimal board footprint.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the stator is electrically mounted in a star configuration.

[0024] An electric motor according to the invention may further comprise a magnetic element for identifying the position of the rotor. Such a magnetic element, for example a magnet can interact with a sensor arranged to interact with said magnetic element, for example in an actuator in which the motor is arranged, to identify this position of the rotor during its rotation.

[0025] An electric motor according to the invention may further comprise an element, or spacer, made of non-magnetic material at one end of the rotor located on the side of the first connection plate or board. The advantages of this element are explained later. This element, or spacer, may, for example, carry a magnetic element to identify the position of the rotor and / or carry or comprise one or more shielding plates or sheets as described below.

[0026] An electric motor according to the invention may further comprise a 2nd electronic board or plate (or "PCBA" for "printed circuit board assembled", hereafter referred to as "board" or "main board" or "control board"), different from and separate from the first board, and means, for example pads or tracks and / or connecting wires, for electrically connecting this 2nd board to the first board.

[0027] This second card may include:

[0028] - means, for example a processor or a microcontroller, for controlling and / or coil power supply control;

[0029] - and / or at least one detector of the position and / or rotational speed of an element magnetic, for example associated or coupled to the rotor or to a shaft or axis of transmission of the motor's motion, as explained later; this detector is for example a Hall effect detector;

[0030] - and / or one or more other electrical or electronic components.

[0031] This 2nd map being different and separate from the 1st map, the currents which go circulating in the connection tracks carried by the first card will not affect the components of the second 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.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the 2nd card may further include an addressing connector for the 2nd card (or of an associated or corresponding motor or actuator), for example a connector to determine a network address, for example a CAN address, of this 2nd card or of the motor or actuator to which it is associated or coupled.

[0033] In particular, vehicles today have a distributed CAN network system comprising ECUs (Electrode Control Units) and possibly sub-ECUs. Devices, such as motors or actuators, are also connected to this network, each having a CAN address or ID. The invention makes it possible to configure a device's address with different CAN IDs, for example, according to a user's specifications. This is achieved by storing different CAN IDs in a memory, for example an EEPROM, of the control means, or associated with them, of the corresponding device. This CAN ID can be modified dynamically. simply using the connector mentioned above, without interfering with the device's memory or control software. For example, 2 pins for this connector are used digitally ("0" or "1"), the selection logic assigning the desired address or identifier, for example a CAN ID, to the device in question.

[0034] Preferably, the second card and the first card are separate but arranged at least partially above or opposite each other. In other words, the two cards are "stacked" (while remaining separate from each other) in a direction, for example, the vertical direction or, more generally, a direction that is perpendicular to each of the two cards. This arrangement helps to improve lateral space and also meets the requirements for controlling the motor separately from the motor interconnection to avoid interference and noise.

[0035] A motor according to the invention may further include means, for example one or more shielding plates or sheets, between the second card and the assembly comprising the rotor and the stator. This / these shielding plate(s) or sheet(s) may be arranged in the spacer already mentioned above.

[0036] The invention also relates to a fluid flow control valve, comprising a component, for example at least one valve, for opening or closing a fluid flow and an actuator comprising an electric motor according to the invention, as described above or in the present application.

[0037] The invention also relates to a vehicle cooling system, comprising a plurality of valves and control and / or actuation means, for example an actuator, for each valve, each of these means comprising an electric motor according to the invention, as described above or in the present application.

[0038] In such a cooling system:

[0039] - at least 2 of the valves may have different maximum flow rates;

[0040] - and / or each of the control and / or actuation means has a CAN address different from that of other valves.

[0041] The invention also relates to a land vehicle (truck or utility vehicle or construction vehicle or agricultural vehicle) or air vehicle (airplane or aircraft) or nautical or naval vehicle (boat for example), comprising a thermal or electric, or hybrid, and / or fuel cell engine(s), further comprising a cooling system according to the invention, as described above or in the present application. Brief description of the drawings

[0042] [Fig.1A], [Fig.1B] and [Fig.1C] represent an example of an embodiment of a rotor which can be used within the framework of the invention;

[0043] [Fig.2A], [Fig.2B], [Fig.2C] and [Fig.2D] represent aspects of the realization of a stator which can be used within the framework of the invention;

[0044] Fig. 3 represents an example of a lug or terminal that can be used in the context of the invention;

[0045] [Fig.4A] and [Fig.4B] represent an example of an embodiment of a connection card which can be used within the framework of the invention;

[0046] [Fig.5A] represents the assembly of a stator and a connection card within the framework of the present invention;

[0047] [Fig.5B] represents an embodiment of a connection hole of a connection card within the framework of the present invention;

[0048] [Fig.6A] and [Fig.6B] represent an embodiment of a main card that can be implemented within the framework of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] [Fig.7] represents an implementation of a CAN network;

[0050] [Fig.8] represents an embodiment of an actuator implementing aspects of the present invention;

[0051] [Fig.9A], [Fig.9B], [Fig.9C] and [Fig.9D] represent various aspects of an implementation of an output stage of a reducer that can be implemented within the framework of the present invention;

[0052] [Fig. 10] represents a known embodiment for a sensorless measurement of the position of a rotor of an actuator.

[0053] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0054] Figures IA-2D 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 IA-IC and a wound stator 104, one embodiment of which is shown in figures 2A-2D.

[0055] This is for example a brushless motor (BLDC, or Brushless Direct Current) of the "IPMSM" type ("Interior Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor").

[0056] The rotor 102 comprises, for example, stacked ferromagnetic steel plates with recesses 103 for housing embedded 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 outer diameter of the rotor (as seen in [Fig. 1B]); therefore, the distance between the inner diameter of the stator and the rotor magnets is equal to the air gap plus this thickness of iron.

[0057] The rotor may also include a bore with a keying feature 110 for mounting a rotor shaft 112 to transmit a force. This keying feature is in the form of two flats 110 ([Fig. IB]). The keying feature prevents the rotor from "slipping" relative to the associated shaft or axis and ensures that the force is transmitted correctly, but not solely by press fitting. In other words, the center of the rotor may be bored and Equipped with one or two flats 110. The rotor shaft can be fitted with the corresponding male shape, the cylindrical part ensuring coaxiality of the components, the flat(s) ensuring anti-rotation between the assembled components. These aspects (combination of a cylindrical part and flat(s)) can be implemented in other shaft assemblies, as indicated below.

[0058] As explained later (in connection with [Fig. 8]), and as illustrated in [Fig. 1C], a magnetic element 114 for angular positioning, for example a magnet, for example again a ring magnet, can also be implemented, being applied to 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 optionally a shielding plate 118, can be present so that the position signal of the ring magnet 114, detected by a sensor 135 (shown in [Fig. 8]), is not disturbed. The intermediate element 119 has several functions:

[0059] - one function is to move the rotor power magnets away from the element ma genetic 114 of position (so that their fields do not interfere with each other);

[0060] - another function is to bring the magnetic element 114 closer to a sensor ma genetics which will allow us to detect the position of this magnetic element 114;

[0061] - yet another function is to serve as a support for possible means 118 of shielding, for example one or more shielding plates, by positioning these means not only between the power magnets and the positioning magnetic element 114 but also by ensuring that these shielding means are not too close to, or even stuck to, the magnets and that the cross-cutting of the fields is optimal; this function is illustrated in [Fig. IC] on which we see that the means 118 are taken between 2 parts of the intermediate element 119.

[0062] The stator 104 (Figures 2A - 2D) comprises, for example, a stack of star-shaped stator laminations with a star portion 104i including so-called "solid" laminations 1051 for holding the plates together, and "non-solid" laminations 1052 for limiting losses. Such a star structure allows wound plastic cores to be inserted directly onto a winding machine, known as a "spindle" (rotating coil), which enables winding with simpler machines (which is less expensive and faster).

[0063] The star 104i accommodates N (N>1; in this example: N = 12) plastic frames 116, each equipped with a coil 117. A ring 1042 made of stator laminations (these laminations are visible in [Fig.5A]) can be assembled on the stator to allow the wound frames to be held and to loop back the magnetic fields.

[0064] Preferably, the stator 104 is electrically connected in a star configuration, with a neutral point

[0065] An interconnection board or card 120 (“PCB”) is provided extending from the electric motor to connect the coils that are to be connected to each other. This board, which extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis (XX') of rotation of the rotor, has a plurality of connection tracks 124, for example as illustrated in Figures 3A-3B, these tracks being provided for connecting the stator coils to each other.

[0066] These tracks are connected to the output or input wires of the various coils by means 122 of conductive material connections, for example by soldering the ends of the coil wires, or by connection lugs 122, for example of the "press fit" type (connector or insertion pin and / or

[0067] break-open terminals (BOTs). An example of such a connection 122 is shown in [Fig. 3]: it comprises an end 122i (for example, of the "press-fit" type), preferably having a portion 122' forming a spring in a lateral direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the connection, configured to be inserted into a contact hole 126 of the card 120, and an end 1222 (for example, of the break-open terminal type) configured to make contact with a wire of a coil, for example, by pinching this wire. Preferably, the connection means 122 are designed to be pressed into the corresponding holes or receptacles of a component, creating a solid and secure connection without the need for soldering or additional fasteners; this is the case, in particular, for "press-fit" type connection terminals 122.

[0068] These connection means ensure both an electrical connection and mechanical retention of the card 120.

[0069] More specifically, the card 120 can include a plurality of contact means 126, for example holes or pads, preferably equidistant, each being 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 from a coil, or an end of a connection lug, can be housed and thus establish an electrical contact between a wire from 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 contact holes or pads 126, some 126n1, 126n2, 126n3 are neutral points and allow easier access to these neutral points, without having to use additional components.The 3 phases of the power supply (from, for example, the board 130 described below) are connected to a series of 3 connection points or holes 1263, for example by soldering or, particularly in the case of connection holes, by "press-fit" type means as explained above. These 3 connection points or holes 1263 are connected to the different coils by traces 124.

[0070] The card 120 preferably has a crown shape, as seen in the example of figures 2D and 4A - 4B, which reproduces the shape of the stator 104. It can have any other shape, which has a maximum dimension less than that of the stator 104 and a central hole to allow the shaft 112 of the rotor to pass through.

[0071] Fig. 4A shows how the connections were designed for the 120 card and Fig. 4B is the final output of the card according to another representation, in 3D.

[0072] Thus, when this card is mounted, it does not add any bulk 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 size of the motor.

[0073] Moreover, as this card 120 is located near the motor along the axis (XX'), it does not add bulk along the axial direction, i.e. along the axis of rotation of the rotor.

[0074] Preferably, the center of the crown is aligned with the axis of rotation (XX') of the rotor.

[0075] On the card 120, one or more of the connecting tracks 124 preferably have a circular arc shape 124b with one or more radial connecting track(s) 1242, 1243 extending from the circular arc, for example from one or more of its ends, to a connection point 126 or to another circular arc-shaped track.

[0076] The tracks 124 can preferably be designed while maintaining:

[0077] -the shortest distance between two points, respecting the geometry of the stator;

[0078] - and / or having sufficient width for current conduction;

[0079] - and / or by having a sufficient inter-path distance.

[0080] In addition, to avoid congestion in the design of the paths followed by the tracks and to respect the points above, one can 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 shape of a portion of an arc.

[0081] Figure 5A shows the assembly comprising the stator 104, the connection board 120, and one end of the connection means 122; this assembly is compact (the distance between the rotor-stator assembly and the board 120 can vary, but, for example, be between 1 mm and 5 mm). Furthermore, the connection board 120 avoids the need for connection traces (between the coils) on a second circuit board or electronic circuit board (“PCB”) (described below), which is also equipped with components that can be sensitive to the current flowing in the coils and that can generate interference. Thus, the functions of the connection between the coils are separated. (connection provided by card 120) and on the other hand motor control (provided by the 2nd electronic card).

[0082] As can be understood from this [Fig.5A], when, on the one hand, the assembly consisting of the stator and the rotor is ready, and, on the other hand, the card 120 equipped 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.

[0083] The holes 126 can be circular, but this circular shape can pose a problem of alignment accuracy 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. 5B]: this has a wide part 126a, into which it is possible to insert 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. 3]), and a narrower part 126b, into which the end in question can then be pinched and held to ensure electrical contact.

[0084] Thus, when the end of each means 122 is inserted into the wider part 126a, it is then possible to rotate the card 120, as indicated by the arrow in [Fig. 5B], to bring this end into the narrower part 126b, where it is then held. This also ensures that the entire card 120 is locked in place.

[0085] An example of another, or 2nd, electronic board or card 130 (or "PCB A"), called the control or command board or main board, is shown schematically in figures 6A and 6B. This control or main board is different from the connection board 120.

[0086] This main electronic board 130 has, on a face 132i ([Fig. 6B]), referred to as the "lower" face, one or more components 132, for example one or more Hall effect sensors 133, for example to detect the position of a motor output shaft, as explained below; it may optionally have, on the opposite face 1322 ([Fig. 6A]), referred to as the "upper" face, one or more sensors, for example Hall effect sensors 135, opposite, for example, a rotor position magnet 114, in order to detect the position of the latter. This main electronic board 130 has connectors or connection points for a three-phase power supply to the motor; these connectors can be connected to the three-phase supply of the connection board 120. This board 130 may also have a point for the neutral (not shown in Figures 6A and 6B).Thus, in total there can be 4 connections between the main 130 board and the 120 interconnection board (3 connections for the 3 phases and one connection for the neutral).

[0087] Furthermore, this electronic card 130 includes control means or a control element 134, for example a microprocessor or microcontroller 134. This element 134 can be programmed, or contain instructions to, control the electrical power supply to the motor.

[0088] In particular, this element 134 can measure or estimate the current consumption supplied to the electric motor. This current consumption reflects the effort exerted by the motor. If, for example, a valve, which is controlled by the motor or by an actuator that includes this motor, is blocked or 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 applied effort due to the increase in the current supplied; it can therefore send an instruction to stop the actuator and the component it controls.

[0089] This element 134 can start a work sequence, after an interruption of the operation of the organ, for example the valve, which it controls, by sending the latter jolts: for example, short pulses can be generated by this same element 134, with a predetermined torque, in order to unstick the organ or the valve after an interruption of its operation.

[0090] A component can also be magnetically isolated, for example a magnetic sensor 135, for example a Hall sensor, by positioning on the upper face 1322, or opposite the latter, one or more shielding plates 118 (which can be seen in [Fig.8]).

[0091] On this card 130, a connector 136 can also be arranged to allow an electrical interface, for example with a specific connector which will allow an interface with a network, for example a CAN network of a vehicle, of which the card 130 (or the motor or actuator which it controls) is a part.

[0092] The card 130 allows calibration of the actuator at each start of the device.

[0093] According to one aspect, the card 130 is provided, on one of its faces, with a connector 136 (already described above), which has a plurality of connection pins, each pin combination determining an address of the card within a network, for example, a vehicle's CAN network. Plugs or pins connect to several pins of this 136 connector, according to a configuration determined by the desired address. For example, two plugs or pins can determine the address: each can have one of two values, 0 and 1; thus, with two plugs or pins, four different addresses are possible.

[0094] Furthermore, the different addresses can be stored by element 134 (for example in a memory, for example an EEPROM, of the same) or in a separate memory, for example an EEPROM.

[0095] Thus, programming the address of each card is easy and can be easily modified since it is sufficient to change the position of the different pins in the connector 136, without interfering with element 134 or any software aspects implemented by the latter. Information exchange between the network and element 134 can then take place via this connector.

[0096] 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 above), an address can easily be assigned to each card 130 and implemented using connector 136, all these addresses being different from each other. Therefore, there is no need to resort to complex programming to determine the addresses of the different cards.

[0097] For example, for a 136 connector with 6 inputs (usually, most of these connectors simply have 4 inputs):

[0098] - an input is used for CAN High, one of the wires of a CAN bus;

[0099] - one input is used for CAN Low, the other wire of the same CAN bus;

[0100] - an input is used for the V+ voltage supply;

[0101] - another input is used for the V- voltage supply (or ground);

[0102] - the other 2 entries can be used to select an address, each input can be in the state "0" (Earth) or "1" ("open"); in total, therefore, 4 different addresses can be generated for the same actuator or motor.

[0103] This ability to allocate different addresses to the same motor or actuator offers several advantages. Indeed, a fixed CAN address imposes numerous restrictions on the use of that motor or actuator within a network. In particular, when a user wants to connect several devices (for example, motors or actuators) to the same network and wishes to identify them, they need different identifiers. The invention allows:

[0104] -to avoid conflicts of addresses or CAN identifiers;

[0105] - possibly to expand the network by including new devices and their allocating additional CAN addresses or identifiers;

[0106] - avoid having to intervene in the memory that stores addresses or IDs CAN busters and intervening on the software that implements them, which can often be difficult for an end user and can compromise system security: the user can, on the other hand, intervene more easily on connector 136, without needing to modify said memory and / or said software.

[0107] An example of a CAN network in a vehicle is shown in [Fig. 7]: this vehicle has several actuators 142-148, each of which is assigned a CAN address (CAN address 1 for actuator 142, CAN address 2 for actuator 144, CAN address 3 for actuator 146, CAN address 4 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 equipped with a card 130, as described above, and the address of each card 130 can be programmed using connector 136 of that card, in the manner explained above. Each of the means 134, for example microprocessor or microcontroller, stores the possible addresses for the actuator to which it is associated.

[0108] Figure 8, which will be discussed in more detail below, shows a particularly interesting arrangement of various means already presented above:

[0109] - the spacer 119 is disposed at the end of the rotor 102;

[0110] - an armor plate 118 can be arranged in the spacer 119;

[0111] - 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;

[0112] - the first card 120 can be positioned opposite the rotor, and can surround the means magnetic 114;

[0113] - the first card 120 can be placed opposite the second card 130, which bears the detector 135 arranged opposite magnetic means 114.

[0114] We now describe a reducer 200 which can be used in combination with an electric motor as described above, the whole being contained in a case 220. Thus we recognize in [Fig.8] the rotor 102 and the stator 104 as described above, the connection card 120 between the coils and the control card 130 of the electric motor.

[0115] As illustrated in [Fig.8], an example of such a reducer comprises a plurality of pinions and / or gears, for example:

[0116] - a pinion 202 which extends the shaft 112 of the rotor (see [Fig. 1 A], these 2 elements forming a single piece) and which is driven in rotation by the latter;

[0117] - an intermediate wheel 204, which mechanically engages the pinion 202;

[0118] - an output shaft 206 on which a wheel or pinion 230 is fixedly mounted rotation, this wheel or pinion 230 mechanically engaging the wheel 204 or a pinion 204p attached to the latter or to a shaft 205 on which both are mounted.

[0119] The shafts or axles on which these various elements are mounted are parallel to each other. Each of these elements can be mounted on bearings or bushings (202a, 202b, 204a, 204b, 206a, 206b), for example ball bearings, to ensure the most precise positioning possible (to ensure better center distance and / or better parallelism of the axes). To provide the bearing function, one or more ball bearings as mentioned above can be used, but bronze or plastic bushings could be suitable in certain cases, for example for shafts with low rotational speeds. In the following, we will mainly refer to "bearings," but all the bearing variants mentioned above can be used.

[0120] These various components are made, for example, of non-magnetic material (e.g., stainless steel or another material, such as plastic) to avoid problems with magnetic field feedback. In the case of bearings, stainless steel is generally used; guide rings can be made of plastic.

[0121] The rotor pinion shaft is fitted into the stack of rotor laminations, for example by press fitting, and one or more anti-rotation elements prevent any slippage due to cylinder-to-cylinder contact; for example, one or more anti-rotation elements incorporate one or more flats on each side of the shaft, as already described above in connection with [Fig. 2B]. This shaft 112 can be mounted in bearings 202a, 202b which can be located in parts of the housing, for example, on the one hand in a wall 220i (here referred to as the upper wall) of the housing 220, and on the other hand in an intermediate plate 222 thereof. These bearings are press-fitted into 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, referred to here as 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 rigidly on the same shaft 205. A fit 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.2B].

[0122] An output stage of the reducer includes 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 housing of the housing 220, on the other hand, in the intermediate plate 222.

[0123] A rotating element or mechanism can be mounted on the end (outside the housing) 208i of the shaft 208, for example, a valve or a valve core. This rotating element or mechanism, for example, this valve, can then be actuated by the electric motor, whose motion is transmitted to the gearbox, the output of which actuates this rotating element or mechanism, for example, this valve. In the case of a valve, this could, for example, belong to a cooling system, for example, in a motor vehicle or in any motorized transport device. Alternatively, an actuator such as the one described above or in this application can be implemented not only in the automotive field, but in many other fields, for example, in robotics or medicine.

[0124] A magnetic element 214 can be disposed at the other end (inside the housing) 2082 of the shaft 208 (for example in a hollow made at the end thereof), to allow detection of the angular position of the latter by a sensor 133, for example a Hall effect sensor, which is preferably mounted on the card 130.

[0125] As already explained above (see also [Fig.8]), an annular position magnet 114 can also be implemented to capture the position of the rotor; between the power magnets 106 and the position magnet 114, a spacer 119 made of plastic material (whose various functions have already been explained above) and possibly a shielding plate 118 can be present so that the position signal of the annular magnet 114, detected by a sensor 135, is not disturbed.

[0126] As can be understood from the description above, the intermediate plate 222 separates the housing into 2 parts:

[0127] - a first part or a first compartment (located above the plate 222 on the [Fig.8]) which includes the motor, with its rotor 102 and its stator 104, as well as the cards 120, 130 (PCB);

[0128] - 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 protrudes to be coupled to a component to be actuated, for example a valve.

[0129] The intermediate plate 222 provides housing for the bearings of the various shafts or axes. This saves space, since the axes in question do not need to be extended to the opposite wall to be guided in rotation.

[0130] If one end of each axis were not retained in the intermediate plate, it would be impossible, except by significantly increasing the overall size of the device, to have any axis retention in the upper or lower wall of the housing. Indeed, various elements of the device are located above or below these axes, preventing such retention in the upper or lower wall.

[0131] As can be seen in [Fig. 8], return means 230, for example a torsion spring, allow the element 206 to return to its initial position when it has been driven in rotation by the motor or the gearbox from that initial position; such a return function can be very useful, particularly in the event of a power failure. The means 230 can therefore act as a safety element. This element operates over the entire angular range permitted by the device. It can be attached on one side to the wheel or pinion 206, and on the other side to the housing 220.

[0132] The return means can be calibrated to match the performance of each valve that may be associated with it (for example, to set a maximum angular range, and / or a resisting torque, and / or a return time, etc.). This calibration This is achieved through several bores 236 on the output shaft wheel, allowing the return means to be preloaded to varying degrees depending on the bore 236 selected. Consequently, these return means can be adapted to the specific application requirements. In particular, these return means are preferably designed to provide sufficient torque to return the component (e.g., a valve) coupled to the actuator to its initial position, for example, in the event of a power failure or a degraded operating mode, and this, for example, over the entire angular travel allowed by the actuator. For instance, if a higher torque is required to return the actuated component, the position of the end of the return means 230 can be changed to increase their preload and thus provide a greater return torque.This allows for a single type of return mechanism, for example, a single type of spring, for a wide variety of components, such as valves. For example, the actuator can be mechanically defined to cover a larger angle than the useful angle of the rotating component to be actuated; the return mechanisms are then functional over the larger angle.

[0133] According to one embodiment, 18 holes equidistant from each other at 20° were made to define as many possible positions for one end of the retrieval means.

[0134] According to a particular embodiment, the element 206 can mesh with the pinion 204p over a limited angular sector, for example between 90° and 200°, or for example 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, formed in the housing. To this end, the element 206 preferably comprises:

[0135] - a first angular sector 206a which has a first radius (measured with respect to the center of wheel rotation) or diameter, and which includes gear teeth,

[0136] - a 2nd angular sector 206b which has a 2nd radius or diameter smaller than the 1st radius (measured relative to the center of rotation of the wheel) or diameter, and which does not have gear teeth; this aspect allows for space saving.

[0137] Thus, the transition zones 209 (figures 9A and 9C) between the first angular sector 206a and the second angular sector form shoulders which will be able to rest against the stop(s) 225, 227.

[0138] 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 allows to have such positioning holes over 360°.

[0139] The output shaft 208 can also use a fit with the wheel 206 having one or more flats, as already explained above, to prevent rotation of one of these 2 elements in relation to the other. This output shaft 208 can be engaged between the intermediate plate 222 and the lower wall 2202 of the housing and also uses bearings.

[0140] An example of the realization of the 206 pinion is shown in figures 9A and 9B.

[0141] As can be seen in these figures, this pinion has gear teeth only on one section, or angular sector, 206a of its perimeter.

[0142] Furthermore, it is provided with holes or bores 236 which will allow one end of the return spring 230 to be adjusted, for example according to the desired performance of an element, for example a valve, which will be coupled to the output shaft 208: one may want a faster or slower return and / or with more or less torque (the greater the return stress, the greater the return torque) of this element and adjust accordingly the position of the end of the return spring using the different positions in the different holes 236.

[0143] 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 area(s) 209 to avoid too abrupt a contact between the pinion 206 and the stop(s) and to ensure that this contact is dampened.

[0144] At the inner end 2082 of the shaft 208, on the side of the plate 130, a magnetic element, for example a magnetized disk, 214 enables a magnetic sensor 133 (for example a Hall effect sensor) to detect the position of the output shaft 208; thus, closed-loop operation of the device can be achieved. The desired position of the shaft or the actuator output can thus 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.

[0145] Finally, a dynamic seal 230 can be disposed in the wall 2202 of the housing to ensure the sealing of the assembly.

[0146] Furthermore, connector 136 passes through a wall of the housing to allow access from outside of it.

[0147] As can be understood from the explanations above, a housing 220 that can be implemented according to the present invention may comprise an upper part (upper housing) and a lower part (lower housing). This housing may have a guiding function, since bearings and / or elements may be housed therein. For example, as illustrated in Figures 9C and 9D, positioning and / or centering pins 306 may be housed therein, as explained above, making it possible to ensure the correct positioning of the rotating elements and the intermediate plate 222, which may have one or Several of the features already explained above, in particular the bearing housing(s) at the ends of the shafts or axles. These correct positionings also ensure the desired distance between the axles and the required clearances between them.

[0148] Threaded holes 308 (see, for example, [Fig. 9A]) may be provided in the various parts of the housing to allow the attachment of these positioning and / or centering elements, as well as the attachment of element 222 and / or one or more cards 120, 130 and / or the stator. Threaded holes 302, 304 (Figures 9A, 9C, 9D) allow the two parts of the housing to be joined and fixed to each other.

[0149] A dynamic seal is also inserted, allowing internal / external sealing.

[0150] An electric motor described within the scope of the present invention can be used with a reduction gear other than the one just described. And the output wheel or pinion 206 can be of the type described above, or have teeth all around its circumference.

Claims

Claims

1. Electric motor comprising a stator (104) and a rotor (102) having an axis of rotation (XX'), the stator (104) comprising a plurality of coils (117), and further comprising: - a 1st connection card (120), which extends in a direction perpendicular to the axis (XX') of rotation of the rotor, said card being provided with conductive tracks (124) for connecting the coils together and with a plurality of means (126) for electrical connection to the connection tracks (124). - a 2nd circuit card (130), separate from the 1st card (120), this 2nd card comprising means (134) for controlling the power supply to the coils (117) and connection means for connecting this 2nd card to the 1st card (120).

2. An electric motor according to claim 1, further comprising means (122) for connecting the coils to the tracks (124) of the first card.

3. An electric motor according to claim 1 or 2, one or more of the conductive connection tracks (124) having an arcuate shape (124J.

4. An electric motor according to claim 3, further comprising at least one radial connecting track (1242, 1243) which extends from an arc-shaped track to a connecting point (126i, 1262) or to another arc-shaped track.

5. Electric motor according to claim 1 to 4, said card comprising connection means (1263) for a three-phase current supply.

6. Electric motor according to claim 1 to 5, said electrical connection means (126) to the connection tracks (124) comprising electrical connection holes, each hole comprising: - a 1st wide part (126a), into which it is possible to introduce one end of means (122) for connecting the coils to the tracks of the plate; - and a 2nd narrower part (126b), in which said end can be pinched and held to ensure electrical contact.

7. Electric motor according to one of claims 1 to 6, said 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).

8. Electric motor according to one of claims 1 to 7, the connection card (120) being in the form of a circular crown.

9. Electric motor according to claim 8, the center of the crown is aligned with the axis of rotation (XX') of the rotor.

10. Electric motor according to claim 8 or 9, the connection card (120) having 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.

11. Electric motor according to one of claims 1 to 10, the stator (104) being electrically mounted in a star.

12. An electric motor according to one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a magnetic element (114) for identifying the position of the rotor.

13. Electric motor according to one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising an insulating element (119) at one end of the rotor arranged on the side of the 1st circuit plate.

14. Electric motor according to claim 1 to 13, the 2nd card (130) further comprising a detector (135) of the position and / or the rotational speed of the rotor.

15. An electric motor according to claim 14, said detector being a Hall effect detector.

16. Electric motor according to one of claims 1 to 15, the 2nd card further comprising a connector (136) for addressing the 2nd card.

17. Electric motor according to one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising shielding means (118) between the 2nd card (130) and the assembly comprising the rotor (102) and the stator (104).

18. Electric motor according to one of claims 1 to 17, the 2nd card comprising a connector (136) for determining a CAN address of this 2nd card and means for storing a plurality of possible addresses for this motor.

19. Electric motor according to one of claims 1 to 18, the 2nd card and the 1st connection card (120) being arranged at least partly opposite each other.

20. Valve for regulating the flow of a fluid, comprising a member for opening or closing a flow of fluid and an actuator comprising an electric motor according to one of claims 1 to 19.

21. Cooling system of a vehicle, comprising at least one valve according to claim 20.

22. A cooling system for a vehicle, comprising a plurality of valves and means for controlling and / or actuating each valve, each of these means comprising an electric motor according to one of claims 1 to 19.

23. A cooling system according to claim 22, at least 2 of the valves having different maximum flow rates.

24. Cooling system according to one of claims 21 to 23, 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.

25. Vehicle, comprising a thermal or electric engine, further comprising a cooling system according to one of claims 21 to 24.

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