Motor-fan assembly for a motor vehicle cooling system and associated manufacturing process

Abstract

Motor-fan assembly for a motor vehicle cooling system comprising a ventilation nozzle (2) formed of a first material and traversed by an orifice (3) adapted to receive a propeller (4), and a circulation pipe (6) for the flow of a fluid formed of a second material different from the first material of the ventilation nozzle (2) and at least partially integrated into the ventilation nozzle (2), the circulation pipe (6) having an outer surface (6a) positioned in contact with the inner surface (5a) of the ventilation nozzle (2) defining a cylindrical cavity (5). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig 1

Description

Title of the invention: Motor-fan assembly for a motor vehicle cooling system and associated manufacturing process. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates, in general, to the cooling of a motor vehicle engine, and the arrangement of a cooling system in a motor vehicle.

[0002] More specifically, the invention relates to a motor-fan unit for a motor vehicle cooling system, a motor vehicle cooling system incorporating such a motor-fan unit, a motor vehicle comprising such a cooling system and a method for manufacturing such a motor-fan unit. Previous techniques

[0003] Generally, motor vehicles include a cooling system designed to maintain the engine temperature around an optimal operating temperature.

[0004] The cooling system includes at least one heat exchanger at the front of the vehicle, in particular a cooling radiator, which performs a heat exchange between a coolant and air.

[0005] The movement of the vehicle generates a relative movement of air through the heat exchanger. When this relative movement of air is insufficient, it is known to use the assistance of a motor-fan unit (MFC).

[0006] The GMV includes a ventilation nozzle, also called a ventilation base, through which an orifice is crossed on which a propeller is rotated by an electric motor.

[0007] The design and dimensions of the cooling system have evolved over time so that the space dedicated for its installation at the front of the vehicle is reduced and the arrangement of its components and the fluid circulation pipes that connect them is more complex. Description of the invention

[0008] The invention therefore aims to remedy these drawbacks and to propose a cooling system design that facilitates its arrangement within the motor vehicle.

[0009] A motor-fan assembly for a motor vehicle cooling system is therefore proposed, comprising a ventilation nozzle formed by a first material and traversed by an orifice adapted to receive a propeller, and a circulation pipe for the flow of a fluid formed by a second material different from the first material of the ventilation nozzle and at least partially integrated into the ventilation nozzle, the circulation pipe having an outer surface positioned in contact with the inner surface of the ventilation nozzle delimiting a cylindrical cavity.

[0010] In one embodiment, the cylindrical cavity can extend from a first lateral side to a second lateral side of the ventilation nozzle.

[0011] Advantageously, the circulation pipe comprising first and second opposite ends, at least one of the first and second ends may include a connector disposed outside the ventilation nozzle for the fluidic connection of the circulation pipe to an additional circulation pipe.

[0012] Advantageously, the connector can be arranged at the outlet of the cylindrical cavity of the ventilation nozzle.

[0013] The invention further relates to a cooling system for a motor vehicle comprising a motor-fan unit as described above.

[0014] In one embodiment, the cooling system may include a degassing tank and a cooling radiator to which the motor-fan assembly is coupled, the circulation pipe being a high-temperature degassing pipe connecting the degassing tank and the cooling radiator.

[0015] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a cooling system as previously described.

[0016] The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a motor-fan assembly for a motor vehicle cooling system, comprising:

[0017] the formation of a ventilation nozzle traversed by an orifice adapted to receive a propeller, and comprising a cylindrical cavity, the ventilation nozzle being formed from a first material,

[0018] the formation of a circulation pipe for the flow of a fluid before or after the formation of the ventilation nozzle, the circulation pipe being at least partially integrated into the ventilation nozzle, the circulation pipe having an outer surface positioned in contact with an inner surface of the ventilation nozzle delimiting a cylindrical cavity and being formed by a second material different from the first material of the ventilation nozzle,

[0019] the ventilation nozzle and the circulation pipe being formed by bi-material injection.

[0020] In one embodiment, the cylindrical cavity formed can extend from a first lateral side to a second lateral side of the ventilation nozzle.

[0021] Advantageously, the circulation pipe comprises first and second opposing ends, the method possibly comprising attaching a connector to the minus one of the first and second ends, outside the ventilation nozzle, for the fluid connection of the circulation pipe to an additional circulation pipe.

[0022] Advantageously, the connector can be fixed at the outlet of the cylindrical cavity of the ventilation nozzle. Brief description of the drawings

[0023] Other purposes, advantages and features will become apparent from the following description, given for illustrative purposes only and made with reference to the accompanying drawings on which:

[0024] [Fig-1] illustrates a motor-fan unit for a cooling system of a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0025] [Fig.2] is a detailed view according to section plane II-II of the upper portion of the motor-fan group of [Fig.1], incorporating a fluid circulation pipe.

[0026] [Fig.3] illustrates a motor-fan unit for a cooling system of a motor vehicle according to another embodiment of the invention incorporating a fluidic connection connector.

[0027] It should be noted that, in the figures, structural and / or functional elements common to the different embodiments may have the same reference numerals. Thus, unless otherwise stated, such elements have identical structural, dimensional and material properties.

[0028] In the description of the invention that will be given, the expression "at least one" used shall be considered equivalent to the expression "one or more". Detailed description of at least one embodiment

[0029] Fig. 1 represents a motor-fan unit 1, otherwise known as "GMV", for a cooling system of a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0030] The GMV includes a ventilation nozzle or base 2 having a first face 2a and a second face 2b opposite to the first face 2a.

[0031] The ventilation nozzle 2 is crossed by an orifice 3 opening onto the first face 2a and onto the second face 2b, forming an air inlet and an air outlet.

[0032] A propeller 4 is positioned in the orifice 3 so as to draw in a flow of air through the air inlet and expel it through the air outlet.

[0033] Advantageously, the propeller 4 can be driven by a drive motor such as an electric motor.

[0034] The ventilation nozzle 2 is formed from a first material.

[0035] The ventilation nozzle 2 comprises a cylindrical cavity 5 delimited by a surface internal 5a of the ventilation nozzle 2 forming a bore.

[0036] In the illustrated example, the cylindrical cavity 5 is positioned in the upper part of the ventilation nozzle 2.

[0037] Preferably, the cylindrical cavity 5 extends in a straight line from a first lateral side 2c to a second lateral side 2d of the ventilation nozzle 2.

[0038] With reference to [Fig.2], the motor-fan group 1 further includes a circulation pipe 6 for the flow of a fluid, integrated into the ventilation nozzle.

[0039] The circulation pipe 6 is formed from a second material. The second material is different from the first material forming the ventilation nozzle 2.

[0040] The circulation pipe 6 has an outer surface 6a and an inner surface 6b radially opposite the outer surface 6a.

[0041] The outer surface 6a of the circulation pipe 6 and the inner surface 5a of the cylindrical cavity 5 of the ventilation nozzle 2 are positioned in direct contact with each other in the radial direction.

[0042] The ventilation nozzle 2 and the circulation pipe 6 form a single structure which allows for optimization of the arrangement of the various elements constituting the cooling system.

[0043] In one embodiment, the first and second materials are thermoplastic materials.

[0044] The cooling system may include a degassing jar or reservoir and a cooling radiator to which the motor-fan assembly 1 is coupled.

[0045] Advantageously, the circulation pipe 6 can, for example, be a high-temperature degassing pipe connecting the degassing jar and the cooling radiator.

[0046] The fluid intended to circulate in the circulation pipe 6 is advantageously a cooling fluid from the cooling system.

[0047] The degassing jar allowing the separation of gases, such as air, from the liquid in the cooling system, and the evacuation of these gases from the cooling system.

[0048] In the illustrated example, the circulation pipe 6 comprises first and second opposing ends 7 and 8 opening, respectively, onto the first lateral side 2c and the second lateral side 2d of the ventilation nozzle.

[0049] In the example illustrated in [Fig.1], each of the first and second ends 7 and 8 comprise first and second connecting elements, respectively 10 and 11.

[0050] The first connecting element 10 allows, for example, the first end 7 of the circulation pipe 6 to be connected to the degassing jar, and the second connecting element 11 allows, for example, the first end 8 of the circulation pipe 6 to be connected to the cooling radiator.

[0051] According to an alternative, and with reference to [Fig.3], the first end 7 of the circulation pipe 6 may include a connector 9 adapted for the fluidic connection of the circulation pipe 6 to an additional circulation pipe, not shown.

[0052] The connector 9 is disposed outside the ventilation nozzle 2, in particular at the outlet of the cylindrical cavity 5 of the ventilation nozzle 2.

[0053] The additional circulation pipe can be a pipe intended to connect the circulation pipe 6 integrated into the ventilation nozzle 2 of the motor-fan group 1 to the degassing jar.

[0054] Alternatively, only the second end 8 or each of the first and second ends 7 and 8 may include a fluidic connection connector 9.

[0055] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a motor-fan assembly 1 for a motor vehicle cooling system.

[0056] The manufacturing process includes the formation of the ventilation nozzle 2, through which passes the orifice 3 adapted to receive the propeller 4, and comprising the cylindrical cavity 5.

[0057] The ventilation nozzle 2 is formed from a first material.

[0058] The manufacturing process further includes the formation of the circulation pipe 6 for the flow of a fluid.

[0059] The formed circulation pipe 6 is integrated into the ventilation nozzle 2.

[0060] The circulation pipe 6 is formed such that the outer surface 6a of the pipe circulation 6 is positioned in contact with the inner surface 5a of the cylindrical cavity 5 of the ventilation nozzle 2.

[0061] The circulation pipe 6 is formed from a second material different from the first material of the ventilation nozzle.

[0062] The ventilation nozzle 2 and the circulation pipe 6 are formed by the bi-material injection technique.

[0063] Bi-material plastic injection is a plastic injection process that allows the production, on a single press and with a single tool, of a part comprising two materials with different characteristics, in particular the first and second materials.

[0064] The first and second materials are thermoplastic materials.

[0065] Advantageously, the ventilation nozzle 2 and the circulation pipe 6 are formed successively during the same operation, in the same tooling, using the two-component injection molding technique. The formation of the circulation pipe 6 can be carried out before or after the formation of the ventilation nozzle 2.

[0066] The tooling may include several shells.

[0067] Advantageously, the tooling includes at least one inlet for the injection of the first material and at least one inlet for the injection of the second material.

[0068] According to one example, the manufacturing process of the motor-fan group 1 by two-material injection can include the formation, firstly, of the circulation pipe 6 and then, secondly, preferably after polymerization of the second material, of the ventilation nozzle 2 overmolded on the circulation pipe 6.

[0069] After injection of the first material and the second material, the single part comprising the ventilation nozzle 2 and the circulation pipe 6 of the motor-fan unit 1 thus formed is allowed to cool before being ejected from the tooling and recovered.

[0070] The two-material injection manufacturing process leads to obtaining a single part comprising the ventilation nozzle 2 and the circulation pipe 6 of the motor-fan unit 1, and makes it possible to avoid the need for an assembly step of these two elements.

[0071] This allows in particular a saving of time as well as an economic gain linked in particular to the absence of the means and fixing elements necessary for the assembly operation.

[0072] Advantageously, the manufacturing process of the motor-fan assembly 1 may include a step of attaching a connector 9 to one or both of the first and second ends 7 and 8, for the fluidic connection of the circulation pipe to an additional circulation pipe.

[0073] Advantageously, the connector 9 is positioned outside the ventilation nozzle 2, in particular at the outlet of the cylindrical cavity 5 of the ventilation nozzle 2.

[0074] The addition of a connector 9 makes it possible to form a circulation pipe 6 whose first and second ends 7 and 8 are shortened at the exit of the cylindrical cavity 5 of the ventilation nozzle 2, and thus facilitate the formation by bi-material injection of the assembly formed by the ventilation nozzle 2 and the circulation pipe 6.

Claims

Demands

1. Motor-fan assembly for a motor vehicle cooling system comprising a ventilation nozzle (2) formed of a first material and through an orifice (3) adapted to receive a propeller (4), and a circulation pipe (6) for the flow of a fluid formed of a second material different from the first material of the ventilation nozzle (2) and at least partially integrated into the ventilation nozzle (2), the circulation pipe (6) having an outer surface (6a) positioned in contact with the inner surface (5a) of the ventilation nozzle (2) delimiting a cylindrical cavity (5).

2. Motor-fan group according to claim 1, wherein the cylindrical cavity (5) extends from a first lateral side (2c) to a second lateral side (2d) of the ventilation nozzle (2).

3. Motor-fan unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the circulation pipe (6) comprises first and second opposite ends (7, 8), at least one of the first and second ends (7, 8) having a connector (9) disposed outside the ventilation nozzle (2) for the fluidic connection of the circulation pipe (6) to an additional circulation pipe.

4. Method of manufacturing a motor-fan assembly (1) for a motor vehicle cooling system, comprising: the formation of a ventilation nozzle (2) through which an orifice (3) is passed, adapted to receive a propeller (4), and having a cylindrical cavity (5), the ventilation nozzle (2) being formed from a first material, the formation of a circulation pipe (6) for the flow of a fluid before or after the formation of the ventilation nozzle (2), the circulation pipe (6) being at least partially integrated into the ventilation nozzle (2), the circulation pipe (6) having an outer surface (6a) positioned in contact with an inner surface (5a) of the ventilation nozzle (2) delimiting a cylindrical cavity (5) and being formed from a second material different from the first material of the ventilation nozzle (2), the ventilation nozzle (2) and the circulation pipe (6) being formed by two-material injection.

5. A manufacturing method according to claim 4, wherein the circulation pipe (6) comprises first and second opposite ends (7, 8), the method comprising attaching a connector (9) to at least one of the first and second ends (7, 8), outside the ventilation nozzle (2), for the fluidic connection of the circulation pipe (6) to an additional circulation pipe.

6. A manufacturing method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the cylindrical cavity (5) formed extends from a first lateral side (2c) to a second lateral side (2d) of the ventilation nozzle (2).

7. Cooling system for motor vehicle comprising a motor-fan unit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. Cooling system according to claim 7, comprising a degassing jar and a cooling radiator to which the motor-fan assembly (1) is coupled, the circulation pipe (6) being a high-temperature degassing pipe connecting the degassing jar and the cooling radiator.

9. Motor vehicle comprising a cooling system according to claim 7 or 8.

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