Motor-fan unit, particularly for a motor vehicle, and corresponding assembly method

Abstract

Motor-fan unit, in particular for a motor vehicle, and corresponding assembly method The invention relates to a motor-fan unit, in particular for a motor vehicle, the motor-fan unit (1) comprising a fan wheel (3), a motor for driving the fan wheel (3), a motor support (5) comprising at least one base (51) and a fixing interface (9) comprising at least one frame (91) arranged around the base (51), the base (51) being mounted so as to be movable relative to the frame (91) of the fixing interface (9). According to the invention, the motor-fan unit (1) further comprises a seal (11) arranged at the periphery of the base (51) and compressed between the base (51) and the frame (91) of the fixing interface (9). The invention also relates to a method for assembling such a motor-fan unit (1). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Motor-fan unit, in particular for a motor vehicle, and corresponding assembly method Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a motor-fan unit or ventilation device which may be intended for the field of vehicles, in particular motor vehicles. The invention relates in particular to a method of assembling such a motor-fan unit. The invention may be applied, for example, to heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning installations for vehicles, in particular motor vehicles, and comprising such a motor-fan unit. Technical background

[0002] Vehicles, in particular motor vehicles, are commonly equipped with a system, for example heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning, which makes it possible to create an air flow in the passenger compartment. Such an installation also makes it possible to manage the temperature and distribution of the air flow created within the passenger compartment. Such an installation comprises, among other things, a fan, in particular of the blower type, comprising a fan wheel driven in rotation by a drive motor, in particular an electric motor. The electric motor may in particular be electronically commutated, controlled by a control module.

[0003] An electronically commutated electric motor, or brushless direct current motor (also known as "brushless"), comprises a rotor and stator assembly, each of these components carrying electromagnetic elements whose interaction generates the movement of the rotor relative to the stator, and thus the movement of the fan wheel.

[0004] The electric motor is assembled in the installation, for example heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning, by means of a motor support.

[0005] According to known solutions, the engine support comprises in particular two annular rings, an inner ring fixed to the engine, in particular to the stator, and an outer ring fixed for example to a fixing interface on the vehicle, such as a deflector.

[0006] In these solutions, the outer ring is secured to the fixing interface, and a decoupling material and / or a sealing material is generally interposed between the inner ring and the outer ring. The integration of the material is conventionally done by overmolding.

[0007] The production of such an engine support requires specific molds to inject the outer and inner rings and to subsequently inject the demolition material. coupling and / or the sealing material to ensure the connection between the two rings. Such molds are of complex shapes and the process of producing the engine mount is long and expensive. In addition, if the decoupling is not satisfactory, it is necessary to rectify, redefine the design, the design of the engine mount and in particular of the decoupling. Finally, for each application, it is necessary to develop a specific engine mount, the production of which is long and expensive.

[0008] Furthermore, overmolding does not allow the use of just any material. The material used must in particular have bonding characteristics to ensure the connection between the two rings. It is generally an elastomeric material such as polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene-butylene)-b-polystyrene or SEBS, overmolded.

[0009] According to another solution, the engine support comprises a base forming a solid block fixed to the engine and mounted on the fixing interface on the vehicle, such as a deflector. However, with this arrangement, when an air flow is circulated by driving the fan wheel, air leaks may occur between the base and the fixing interface and negatively impact the aeraulic performance of the motor-fan unit.

[0010] An objective of the present invention is to at least partially resolve the drawbacks described above, by developing an engine support of simplified and less expensive design, while guaranteeing the sealing function. Summary of the invention

[0011] For this purpose, the invention relates to a motor-fan unit, in particular for a motor vehicle, the motor-fan unit comprising a fan wheel, a motor for driving the fan wheel, a motor support comprising at least one base and a fixing interface comprising at least one frame arranged around the base, the base being mounted so as to be movable relative to the frame of the fixing interface.

[0012] According to the invention, the motor-fan unit further comprises a sealing gasket arranged on the periphery of the base and compressed between the base and the frame of the fixing interface.

[0013] Thus, the seal is in permanent contact with the two parts which are distinct and in movement relative to each other.

[0014] In operation of the motor-fan unit, an air flow is set in motion by the fan wheel and pressurized air is present under the fan wheel. The seal makes it possible to prevent possible air leaks between the motor support and the fixing interface, on the side opposite the fan wheel, for example on the side of the vehicle environment when the motor-fan unit is mounted in a vehicle, which would harm the airflow performance of the motor-fan unit.

[0015] The motor-fan unit may further comprise one or more of the following characteristics described below, taken separately or in combination.

[0016] The seal may be a dynamic type seal, configured to provide a dynamic seal between the base and the fixing interface in motion relative to each other.

[0017] The seal may be made of a flexible or supple material, such as rubber or SEBS for polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene-butylene)-b-polystyrene or polypropylene.

[0018] The base may have an annular shape.

[0019] The reinforcement can be made by a ring of the fixing interface.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the sealing gasket may be integral with the base, for example by overmolding.

[0021] The seal may be configured to compress when the base is inserted into the attachment interface during a process of assembling the motor-fan assembly.

[0022] Alternatively, the seal may be integral with the fixing interface.

[0023] The sealing gasket may have an external diameter greater than the internal diameter of said ring of the fixing interface, forming the frame.

[0024] The seal is for example chosen from a lip seal, a tubular seal.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the fixing interface may have an inner ring and an outer ring.

[0026] The base of the engine support can be fixed to the inner ring.

[0027] The outer ring may be arranged around the base. The outer ring of the fixing interface forms, for example, said frame.

[0028] According to another aspect, the motor-fan unit may comprise at least one damping element arranged between the outer ring and the inner ring of the fixing interface. The damping is thus achieved at the level of the fixing interface between the two rings movable relative to each other.

[0029] The damping element(s) may be made of a flexible or supple material, such as rubber or SEBS or even polypropylene.

[0030] The damping element is for example produced in the form of an “H” or “I” shaped damping pad.

[0031] The damping element may be received at least partially in a housing of at least one of the rings of the fixing interface.

[0032] The damping element may be held by axial contact with at least one of the rings of the fixing interface.

[0033] According to one example, the motor-fan unit may comprise at least two damping elements arranged between the outer ring and the inner ring of the fixing interface and connected to each other by a material bridge.

[0034] The drive motor is for example a brushless motor.

[0035] The motor-fan unit may be intended for a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning installation of a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle.

[0036] The invention also relates to a method for assembling a motor-fan unit as defined above, the motor-fan unit comprising a fan wheel movable around an axis of rotation, a motor for driving the fan wheel, a motor support comprising at least one base, a sealing joint arranged on the periphery of the base, and a fixing interface comprising at least one frame, the base being mounted movable relative to the frame of the fixing interface.

[0037] The assembly method comprises at least the following steps: - assembly of the fixing interface, - engine mount assembly, - mounting the engine support on the fixing interface according to an axial translation movement, so that the base is received inside the frame of the fixing interface, and such that the sealing gasket deforms and compresses by adhering to a wall of the frame of the fixing interface. Brief description of the drawings

[0038] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the following description given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the appended drawings among which:

[0039] [Fig-1] is a first perspective view of an embodiment of a motor-fan unit.

[0040] [Fig.2] is a second perspective view of the motor-fan unit of [Fig. 1].

[0041] [Fig.3] shows a perspective view of a fixing interface of the motor-fan unit of figures 1 and 2.

[0042] [Fig.4] is a sectional view showing a compressed seal between the fixing interface and a motor support of the motor-fan unit of Figures 1 and 2.

[0043] In these figures, identical elements have the same reference numbers.

[0044] The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference relates to the same embodiment, or that the features apply only to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments, without departing from the scope of the invention, such as defined by the claims.

[0045] In the description, certain elements may be indexed, for example first element or second element. In this case, it is a simple indexing to differentiate and name close but not identical elements. This indexing does not imply a priority of one element over another and such names can easily be interchanged without departing from the scope of the present invention. This indexing also does not imply an order in time. Detailed description

[0046] [Fig.l] illustrates a motor-fan unit 1, in particular for a vehicle such as a motor vehicle. It may in particular be a motor-fan unit 1 for a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning installation for a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle.

[0047] The motor-fan unit 1 (or ventilation device) comprises in particular a fan wheel 3, a motor (not visible in the figures) for driving the fan wheel 3, and a support 5 for the motor, hereinafter called the motor support 5.

[0048] The fan wheel 3, in particular of the blower type, rotates around an axis of rotation A. The motor is intended to drive the fan wheel 3 in rotation around its axis A. In the present document, the terms “axial”, “coaxial” or “axially” are defined relative to this axis A.

[0049] In particular, the motor is an electric motor. It may be a brushless motor. The motor comprises a fixed stator part and a rotor (not visible in the figures), the rotor being movable relative to the stator part and capable of driving the fan wheel 3. The rotor is for example an external rotor. The rotor may have a cup shape fixed to a motor shaft. The fan wheel 3 may be fixed directly to the motor shaft. The motor and the fan wheel 3 are for example coaxial.

[0050] The rotor and the stator part may carry electromagnetic elements whose interaction generates the movement of the rotor relative to the stator part, and the movement of the fan wheel 3. In particular, the rotor may comprise magnets, for example fixed on an internal face of the cup. The stator part may be internal, that is to say arranged inside the rotor. The stator part comprises a stator and, for example, stator windings.

[0051] The motor is intended to be controlled by a control module 7. The control module 7 may comprise an electronic card (not visible in the figures) having a control circuit and supporting a set of electronic components making it possible to control the motor, and at least one connector electrically connected to the electronic card for the electrical power supply of the electronic card. electronics and, consequently, of the engine, when it is connected to an electrical harness in particular of the vehicle. In particular, when the electronic card is powered, the stator windings can create a magnetic field causing the rotation of the rotor and consequently of the fan wheel 3. The engine support 5 advantageously carries the control module 7. A cover 71 can be fixed on the engine support 5, so as to cover the control module 7. As illustrated in [Fig.l], the control module 7 is hidden by this cover 71.

[0052] The engine support 5 is intended to allow the motor-fan unit 1 to be fixed in the vehicle, in particular an automobile.

[0053] The engine support 5 comprises a base 51. This is a unitary base 51. There is no range of movement of one element of the base relative to another. The engine support 5 thus forms a solid block. In other words, the engine support 5 does not comprise two parts or rings that are movable relative to each other.

[0054] The base 51 may have at least in part a form of revolution around a axis coinciding for example with the axis A of rotation of the fan wheel 3 in the assembled state of the motor-fan unit 1. The base 51 can be centered around this axis A. The axis A subsequently designates both the axis of the base 51 and the axis of rotation of the fan wheel 3. The base 51 can extend mainly along a plane normal to the axis A. For example, the base 51 has an annular shape, or a disc shape.

[0055] The base 51 is intended to be fixed to the motor, in particular to the stator.

[0056] The base 51 may also be intended to be fixed, directly or indirectly, to a structural element of the vehicle, for example a vehicle heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system.

[0057] In the example illustrated, the motor-fan unit 1 comprises a fixing interface 9 to which the base 51 is fixed. The base 51 can in particular be received in a cavity of the fixing interface 9.

[0058] The fixing interface 9 may have a shape of revolution around the axis A. The fixing interface 9 and the base 51 are for example coaxial.

[0059] The fixing interface 9 is arranged on the periphery of the base 51.

[0060] The fixing interface 9 makes it possible, for example, to fix the engine support 5 to a vehicle structure. For this, the fixing interface 9 may be intended to be fixed to a structure in the vehicle, such as a housing of the heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning system.

[0061] This fixing interface 9 can advantageously also have an air deflector function allowing, during operation of the motor-fan unit 1, to deflect at least part of the air set in motion by the fan wheel 3 towards the control module 7 and / or towards the motor.

[0062] The fixing interface 9 comprises for example at least one frame, for example in the form of a ring 91, arranged around the base 51. This frame is a part of the fixing interface 9 intended to be fixed to a structure in the vehicle. The frame is intended to be fixed relative to the vehicle.

[0063] The base 51 can be mounted to move relative to this frame such as a ring 91 of the fixing interface 9.

[0064] In particular, the fixing interface 9 can be made in at least two parts.

[0065] According to an embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the fixing interface 9 comprises an outer ring 91 and an inner ring 92. The outer ring 91 forms the armature in this example.

[0066] The base 51 of the motor support 5 can be fixed on the inner ring 92 of the fixing interface 9. According to one example, the base 51 can come to bear at least partially on the inner ring 92. This inner ring 92 can in particular define a central opening 93 intended to be crossed by the motor when assembling the motor-fan unit 1. The outer ring 91 can surround the base 51.

[0067] A seal 11 visible in Figures 1 and 4 is further arranged in pe rim of the base 51. The seal 11 is, in the assembled state of the motor-fan unit 1, compressed between the base 51 of the motor support 5, in particular an external peripheral wall of the base 51, and the frame, in particular the outer ring 91, of the fixing interface 9.

[0068] The seal 11 is thus in permanent contact with two parts, the base 51 and the armature such as the outer ring 91, which are distinct and in movement relative to each other.

[0069] The seal 11 is therefore a dynamic type seal, configured to provide a dynamic seal between the base 51 and the fixing interface 9, more precisely the frame such as the outer ring 91, in motion relative to each other. The dynamic type seal 11 makes it possible to absorb the stresses of the relative movements between the base 51 and the frame such as the outer ring 91 of the fixing interface 9. The seal 11 ensures, between the base 51 and the fixing interface 9, an airtight seal against air which would come for example from below the fan wheel 3 when the latter is started, according to the orientation of the elements in [Fig.l].

[0070] For example, the seal 11 may be a lip seal or alternatively a tubular seal. In the case of a tubular seal, it may be hollow and configured to be radially deformed.

[0071] In particular, the seal 11 is intended to be compressed between the base 51 and the frame such as the outer ring 91, when the base 51 is inserted into the fixing interface 9 during a process of assembling the motor-fan unit 1.

[0072] The seal 11 may for example be compressed at least radially relative to the axis A. To do this, it may have a sufficient radial length. According to one example, the seal 11 has an external diameter greater than the internal diameter of the outer ring 91, forming a frame, of the fixing interface 9.

[0073] As shown diagrammatically in [Fig.4], when compressed, the seal 11 may have a wave shape, or a radial accordion shape. Of course, any other deformation may be envisaged.

[0074] The sealing gasket 11 may be made of a flexible, supple, elastically deformable material, such as rubber or SEBS for polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene-butylene)-b-polystyrene or even polypropylene.

[0075] This flexible seal 11 is configured to not undergo, or to undergo little, the tensions generated by the relative movements, which may be axial, radial and / or tangential, between the base 51 and the frame such as the outer ring 91, of the fixing interface 9. The terms axial, radial, tangential are defined relative to the axis of rotation A of the fan wheel 3.

[0076] In particular, the seal 11 can be configured as flexible as possible so as not to disturb or to disturb only a little the damping (described below) between the two parts, the base 51 and the armature such as the outer ring 91, which are in movement relative to each other.

[0077] In practice, the sealing gasket 11 may be integral with the base 51, for example by overmolding.

[0078] The sealing gasket 11 is elastically deformable to adhere against the frame such as the outer ring 91, when mounting the engine support 5 on the fixing interface 9.

[0079] Conversely, it could be envisaged to have a sealing joint integral with the frame such as the outer ring 91 of the fixing interface 9 and intended to adhere to the outer periphery of the base 51 of the engine support 5, during assembly.

[0080] Furthermore, at least one damping element 13 (see Figures 2 to 4) can be arranged between the outer ring 91 and the inner ring 92 of the fixing interface 9. In particular, the at least one damping element 13 is arranged between an inner peripheral wall of the outer ring 91 and an outer peripheral wall of the inner ring 92. The number of damping elements 13 can be adapted as required.

[0081] At least two damping elements 13 can be arranged between the two rings 91, 92 of the fixing interface 9, being connected to each other by a connecting arm or a material bridge 15. In the example illustrated, several damping elements 13 are arranged in pairs between the two rings 91, 92 of the interface of fixing 9, the damping elements 13 of a pair being connected to each other.

[0082] The damping element(s) 13 provide a connection between the inner ring 92 and the outer ring 91 of the fixing interface 9. In addition, the relative movements between the inner ring 92 and the outer ring 91 of the fixing interface 9 are permitted by this or these damping elements 13. The damping elements 13 therefore have a decoupling function making it possible to filter axial and radial forces during operation of the motor-fan unit 1. The damping elements 13 can also make it possible to limit the transmission of vibrations generated by the engine and / or the fan wheel 3 in the vehicle.

[0083] The damping element(s) 13 are made of a flexible, supple material, such as rubber or SEBS or even polypropylene.

[0084] This makes it possible to overcome previous solutions in which the damping is carried out at the level of the engine support, a fixed outer ring of which was integral with the fixing interface in a single piece. With this solution, the damping is carried out at the level of the fixing interface 9 between the two rings 91, 92 movable relative to each other.

[0085] The damping elements 13 can for example be assembled between the two rings 91, 92 of the fixing interface 9 by overmolding.

[0086] The shape of the damping elements 13 can be adapted according to requirements. The damping elements 13 are for example made of damping pads, for example in the shape of an “H” as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. Alternatively, the damping pads can have an “I” shape or any other suitable shape.

[0087] One or more damping elements 13 may be received at least in part in a housing 17 of at least one of the rings 92 and / or 91 of the fixing interface 9. The housing 17 defined by one or other of the rings may have a function of retaining an associated damping element 13. The housing 17 defines for example a “U” shape so as to at least in part frame the associated damping element 13.

[0088] Alternatively or additionally, one or more damping elements 13 may be held in position by axial contact with at least one of the rings 91, 92 of the fixing interface 9.

[0089] The housing 17 may also have a slot for a passage of material connecting two damping elements 13 of a pair, as described previously.

[0090] Furthermore, the motor-fan unit 1 can be assembled according to an assembly method comprising one or more of the steps described below, with reference to all of FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0091] In one step, the fixing interface 9 can be assembled. In particular, the ring outer ring 91 and inner ring 92 can be assembled to each other with the damping elements 13 interposed, for example by overmolding.

[0092] In one step, the engine support 5 can be assembled. For example, the control module 17, the cover 71, can be mounted and fixed on the base 51.

[0093] The motor can be fixed to the motor support 5.

[0094] The seal 11 may be secured to the engine support 5, at the periphery of the base 51, for example by overmolding. Alternatively, the seal 11 could possibly be secured to the fixing interface 9, in particular to the frame such as the outer ring 91.

[0095] Finally, the motor support 5 can be mounted on the fixing interface 9, for example according to an axial translation movement. The base 51 is then received inside the frame such as the outer ring 91, of the fixing interface 9. And, the seal 11 deforms during the insertion of the motor support 5, and compresses by adhering to a wall of the frame such as the outer ring 91 of the fixing interface 9.

[0096] The base 51 may be fixed to the fixing interface 9 by any suitable means. For example, this fixing may be done by means of one or more fixing or riveting studs 19, extending from the inner ring 92 and passing through the base 51.

[0097] Of course, the order of at least some steps of this assembly method can be reversed.

[0098] Thus, the base 51 of the motor support 5 is unitary and movable relative to the fixing interface 9, without amplitude of movement of the base 51 relative to another base or ring of the motor support 5. The sealing function is performed by the seal 11 arranged between the motor support 5 and the fixing interface 9, more precisely between the fixed frame of the fixing interface 9 and the base 51 movable relative to the frame. In operation of the motor-fan unit, when an air flow is set in motion by the fan wheel 3, the seal 11 makes it possible to prevent possible air leaks between the fixing interface 9 and the support 5, on the side opposite the fan wheel 3.

[0099] A damping function can further be performed by one or more damping elements 13 between the two rings 91, 92 of the fixing interface 9, movable relative to each other.

Claims

Claims

1. Motor-fan unit (1) in particular for a motor vehicle, the motor-fan unit (1) comprising a fan wheel (3), a motor for driving the fan wheel (3), a motor support (5) comprising at least one base (51) and a fixing interface (9) comprising at least one frame (91) arranged around the base (51), the base (51) being mounted so as to be movable relative to the frame (91) of the fixing interface (9), characterized in that the motor-fan unit (1) further comprises a seal (11) arranged at the periphery of the base (51) and compressed between the base (51) and the frame (91) of the fixing interface (9).

2. Motor-fan unit (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the seal (11) is a dynamic type seal, configured to provide dynamic sealing between the base (51) and the fixing interface (9) in movement relative to each other.

3. Motor-fan unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the seal (11) is integral with the base (51) and is configured to compress when the base (51) is inserted into the fixing interface (9) during a method of assembling the motor-fan unit (1).

4. Motor-fan unit (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the sealing joint (11) is integral with the base (51) by overmolding.

5. Motor-fan unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the seal (11) is chosen from a lip seal, a tubular seal.

6. Motor-fan unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which: - the fixing interface (9) has an inner ring (92) on which the base (51) of the motor support (5) is fixed and an outer ring (91) arranged around the base (51), the outer ring (91) forming said frame, and - the motor-fan unit (1) comprises at least one damping element (13) arranged between the outer ring (91) and the inner ring (92) of the fixing interface (9).

7. Motor-fan unit (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the damping element (13) is produced in the form of an “H” or “I” shaped damping pad.

8. Motor-fan unit (1) according to one of claims 6 or 7, comprising at least two damping elements (13) arranged between the outer ring (91) and the inner ring (92) of the fixing interface (9) and connected to each other by a material bridge (15).

9. Motor-fan unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the drive motor is a brushless motor.

10. Method for assembling a motor-fan unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, the motor-fan unit (1) comprising a fan wheel (3) movable about an axis of rotation (A), a motor for driving the fan wheel (3), a motor support (5) comprising at least one base (51), a seal (11) arranged on the periphery of the base (51), and a fixing interface (9) comprising at least one frame (91), the base (51) being mounted movable relative to the frame (91) of the fixing interface (9), the assembly method comprising at least the following steps: - assembly of the fixing interface (9), - assembly of the motor support (5), - mounting of the motor support (5) on the fixing interface (9) according to an axial translation movement, so that the base (51) is received inside the frame (91) of the fixing interface (9),and such that the seal (11) deforms and compresses by adhering to a wall of the frame (91) of the fixing interface (9).,

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