Motor-fan unit, in particular for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a motor-fan unit (1) comprising a fan wheel, an electric motor (5), and a motor support (7) centred about an axis (A). The electric motor (5) comprises a rotor (5A) and a stator assembly (5B) which is secured to the motor support (7) and comprises a winding support (12) comprising a plurality of branches (121) extending radially in relation to the axis (A) of the motor support (7). According to the invention, the motor support (7) comprises at least one support rib (20) extending axially towards the winding support (12), extending opposite at least one branch (121) of the winding support (12).

Description

Description Title of the invention: Motor-fan assembly, particularly for motor vehicles technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a motor-fan unit or ventilation device that can be used in vehicles, particularly automobiles. The invention can be applied, for example, to heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning systems for vehicles, particularly automobiles, that include such a motor-fan unit. Technical background

[0002] Vehicles, particularly automobiles, are commonly equipped with systems such as heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning, which circulate air within the vehicle's passenger compartment. These systems also manage the temperature and distribution of the airflow within the passenger compartment. Such systems typically include a fan, often a blower type, with a fan wheel driven by a motor, usually an electric one. The electric motor may be electronically commutated and controlled by a control module.

[0003] An electronically commutated electric motor, or brushless DC motor (also known by the English name "brushless"), comprises a rotor and a stator assembly, carrying electromagnetic elements whose interaction generates the movement of the rotor relative to the stator assembly, and thus the movement of the fan wheel.

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

[0005] The stator assembly typically comprises a winding with a plurality of windings and a winding support. The winding support consists of a lamination centered around an axis and includes a plurality of arms extending radially from the axis of the winding support. A winding is wound around each arm of the winding support. The arms define a passage for magnetic flux. When electric currents As currents flow through the windings, magnetic fields are produced. The rotor is equipped with a plurality of permanent magnets that also produce magnetic fields. The interaction of these magnetic fields generates the displacement of the rotor relative to the stator assembly, and consequently the rotation of the fan wheel.

[0006] In one design, the motor mount comprises a base or structure, usually annular, for attaching the electric motor, specifically the stator assembly, and typically includes a control module for operating the motor. The motor mount also includes a bearing support on the structure or base, which supports at least one, or for example, two, bearings. The bearings are generally press-fitted around the motor's rotor shaft.

[0007] The rotor and stator assembly are mounted independently of each other on the motor support. The stator assembly can be fixed, for example, by screwing or riveting to the base of the motor support. During fastening, an imbalance of force, for example, a higher tightening torque applied to one point, can lead to a lack of perpendicularity between the base and the rotor shaft. It is therefore necessary to ensure that the relative positioning of the motor support with respect to the rotor shaft is correct. Furthermore, during operation of the motor-fan unit, vibrations can cause the motor shaft to tilt relative to the base of the motor support. One objective of the present invention is therefore to ensure robust positioning of the motor on the motor support. Summary of the invention

[0008] To this end, the invention relates to a motor-fan unit, in particular for a motor vehicle, the motor-fan unit comprising a fan wheel, an electric motor configured to drive the fan wheel in rotation about an axis of rotation, and a motor support centered about an axis configured to coincide with the axis of rotation, such that the electric motor comprises a rotor and a stator assembly integral with the motor support, the stator assembly comprising a winding support comprising a plurality of branches extending radially with respect to the axis of the motor support.

[0009] According to the invention, the motor mount comprises at least one support rib extending axially from a bottom of the motor mount towards the support of winding, at least one support rib extending opposite at least one branch of the winding support.

[0010] Thus, the stator assembly is axially supported against the ribs formed on the motor mount, which prevents any misalignment between the axis of rotation and the motor mount, and also improves vibration resistance. Indeed, when the stator assembly is fixed to the motor mount, for example by screwing, the ribs prevent any potential misalignment between the stator assembly and the motor mount, or any misalignment between the axis of rotation and the motor mount, for example, if one screw is tightened more than the others.

[0011] The motor-fan assembly may also include one or more of the following characteristics described below, taken separately or in combination.

[0012] In particular, the engine mount has a plurality of support ribs.

[0013] At least one support rib can extend across two adjacent arms of the winding support. This minimizes the number of support ribs while ensuring stability.

[0014] According to this particular example, the motor mount can have a number of support ribs equal to half the number of branches of the winding support.

[0015] The stator assembly includes, for example, at least one insulator arranged on an axial face of the winding support, so as to cover at least part of the branches.

[0016] At least one support rib can be arranged to rest against the insulator.

[0017] The motor mount may have at least one assembly area configured to cooperate with a stator assembly fastening element on the motor mount.

[0018] At least one support rib may be further radially away than at least one assembly area, relative to the axis of the motor support.

[0019] The motor mount includes, for example, a bearing support centered around the axis of the motor mount.

[0020] The bearing carrier can be fitted with a base extending axially from the bottom of the motor support.

[0021] The bearing support can be equipped with a tower extending axially from the base.

[0022] The base may have at least one assembly area.

[0023] At least one assembly area is arranged at a first radius of the motor support axis.

[0024] The support ribs are arranged at a second radius of the motor support axis.

[0025] At least one assembly area can be inscribed within a first circle, of first radius, around the axis of the motor support.

[0026] At least one support rib can be inscribed in a second circle, of second radius, around the axis of the motor support.

[0027] The second radius can be between 1.5 times and 3 times greater than the first radius.

[0028] The second radius is preferably about twice as large as the first radius.

[0029] The engine mount may include at least one stiffening leg extending from at least one support rib.

[0030] At least one stiffening leg extends, for example, radially from at least one support rib, relative to the axis of the motor support.

[0031] The engine mount may include two stiffening legs extending radially on either side of at least one support rib, forming a common support rib.

[0032] The two stiffening legs extend, for example, radially on either side of the common support rib, relative to the axis of the motor support.

[0033] The common support rib and the two stiffening legs define, for example, a cross shape.

[0034] The support rib(s) may have come from the same material as the engine mount.

[0035] The engine mount, for example, is made of plastic material.

[0036] The winding support, for example, consists of a bundle of sheets of metal stacked axially on top of each other.

[0037] The electric motor can be a brushless motor.

[0038] In the motor-fan unit or ventilation system, the fan is notably of the blower type.

[0039] The motor-fan unit can be intended for a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning installation in a vehicle, particularly a car. Brief description of the drawings

[0040] Other advantages and features of the invention will become clearer upon reading the following description, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0041] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of one embodiment of a motor-fan unit.

[0042] [Fig. 2] is a cross-sectional view of the motor-fan assembly in Figure 1.

[0043] [Fig. 3] is a perspective view of a stator assembly of an electric motor from the motor-fan group of Figure 1 mounted on a motor support.

[0044] [Fig. 4] shows a perspective view of the engine mount.

[0045] [Fig. 5] shows a perspective view of an insulator arranged on a winding support of the stator assembly.

[0046] In these figures, identical elements bear the same reference numbers.

[0047] 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. Simple features of different embodiments can also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0048] In the description, certain elements can be indexed, for example, "first element" or "second element." In this case, it is simply indexing to differentiate and name similar but not identical elements. This indexing does not imply any priority of one element over another, and such designations can easily be interchanged without departing from the scope of the present invention. Nor does this indexing imply any chronological order. Detailed description

[0049] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a motor-fan assembly 1, specifically for a vehicle such as a motor vehicle. H may in particular be a motor-fan assembly 1 for a heating, ventilation and / or air conditioning installation for a vehicle, particularly a car.

[0050] The motor-fan group 1 (or ventilation device) includes in particular a fan wheel 3, a motor 5 for driving the fan wheel 3, and a support 7 for the motor 5, hereafter referred to as the motor support 7.

[0051] The fan wheel 3, particularly of the blower type, rotates about an axis A. The motor 5 is intended to drive the fan wheel 3 in rotation about its axis A. In this text, the terms "axial", "coaxial", "axially", "radial", or "radially" are defined with respect to this axis A.

[0052] Motor 5, more clearly visible in figures 2 and 3, is an electric motor 5, in particular a brushless motor 5 (also known by the English name "brushless").

[0053] The motor 5 comprises a rotor 5A and a stator assembly 5B, the rotor 5A being movable relative to the stator assembly 5B and capable of driving the fan wheel 3. The rotor 5A is, for example, an external rotor. The rotor 5A may be cup-shaped and fixed to a rotor shaft. Bearings 9 are mounted around the rotor shaft. The fan wheel 3 may be fixed directly to the rotor shaft. The rotor 5A may include magnets, for example, fixed to an inner face of the cup. The stator assembly 5B may be internal, that is, located inside the rotor 5A.

[0054] The stator assembly 5B can be attached to the motor support 7.

[0055] The stator assembly 5B comprises a winding support 12 centered around an axis and an associated winding 14. The axis, i.e., the central axis of the winding support 12, is intended to coincide with the axis A of rotation of the fan wheel 3. In the following description, axis A also refers to the axis of the winding support 12.

[0056] The winding support 12 can be mounted around the tower 130 of the bearing carrier 13.

[0057] The winding support 12 comprises at least one sheet 16, and preferably may comprise a stack of sheets 16 axially superimposed one on top of the other. The sheets 16 may be identical to each other. According to one embodiment, each sheet 16 fits within a disc, each sheet 16 having a central hole, so that the stack of sheets 16 is axially perforated to receive a cylindrical part by insertion.

[0058] The winding support 12 comprises a plurality of branches 121 extending radially with respect to the axis A. Thus, each of the sheets 16 can have a shape with a plurality of radial branches 121.

[0059] Each arm 121 can carry an associated winding 141. More precisely, a winding 141 is formed around a superposition of corresponding arms 121 of each sheet 16. These are the arms 121 that are aligned with each other along the axis A. The rotor magnets 5A can be arranged radially outside the windings 141. The term radially refers to their orientation with respect to the axis A.

[0060] The winding support 12 can be provided with teeth or feet 126 on the side of the free ends of the arms 121. Each tooth or foot 126 extends for example on either side of a corresponding arm 121, according to the circumference of the winding support 12.

[0061] The arms 121 define, in pairs, a respective notch 122. Thus, along the circumference of the winding support 12, the latter presents an alternation of arms 121 (also called teeth) and notches 122. The notches 122 can be distributed angularly in a regular manner around the axis A.

[0062] The notches 122 delimited between two arms 121 of the winding support 12 are axially through.

[0063] The arms 121 are preferably parallel-edged, so that the inner faces opposite each other of the notches 122 are inclined relative to each other.

[0064] The winding support 12 may include at least one insulator 18 arranged at least partially on one face of the winding support, one face of the lamination stack 16, in particular an axial face. Specifically, the insulator 18 is arranged at least partially on an axial face of the winding support opposite the motor support 7.

[0065] The insulator 18 covers at least part of the branches 121 of the winding support 12. For this purpose, it may have a shape complementary to the shape of a sheet 16.

[0066] For example, with reference to Figures 3 and 5, the insulator 18 has a central annular shape 180 from which hollow branches 181 extend, covering the branches 121. These branches 181 have, for example, a cross-section in a "U" or substantially in a "U". The base of the "U" is arranged opposite an associated arm 121 of the winding support 12. The arms 181 have at their free ends a respective foot 186 which covers the corresponding foot 126 of a branch 121. The foot 186 has, for example, a width greater than the width of the corresponding arm 181.

[0067] As an example, two insulators 18 can be arranged above and below the lamination stack 16, that is, on either side of the lamination stack 16 along axis A, as illustrated in Figure 2, specifically on opposite faces along axis A of the lamination stack 16, so as to protect and insulate the windings of the lamination stack 16. The insulators 18 are made of plastic parts. One insulator 18 can be on the side of the motor support 7 and another insulator 18 can be on the side of the fan wheel 3 in the assembled state of the motor-fan unit 1.

[0068] At least one insulator 18, in particular the one on the side of the motor support 7, can be made from a part separate from the motor support 7. In this particular case, the winding support 12, in particular the lamination pack 16, can be fixed for example by screwing to the motor support 7.

[0069] The motor support 7 has for this purpose one or more assembly zones ZA (figure 4) configured to cooperate with a fixing element of the stator assembly 5B on the motor support 7. H are for example support zones for screwing.

[0070] The assembly zone(s) ZA can be arranged at a first radius RI of the axis A. In particular, several assembly zones ZA are inscribed for example in a first circle Cl around the axis A, of first radius RL In other words, the assembly zones ZA are positioned on the same diameter or the same first circle CL This first circle Cl is materialized by dashed lines on figure 4.

[0071] Furthermore, the motor mount 7 is designed to allow the motor-fan assembly 1 to be fixed in the vehicle, particularly a car. The motor mount 7 is centered around an axis intended to coincide with the axis of rotation A. In the following description, axis A also refers to the axis of the motor mount 7.

[0072] The motor mount 7 is made of plastic. In one particular embodiment, the plastic material can be reinforced with glass fibers. This is, for example, glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene, known by the acronym PPGF.

[0073] The motor support 7 may include a base 71 for attaching the motor. This may be a single base 71.

[0074] The base 71 can be intended to be fixed to the motor. It includes in particular an opening 72 through which a rotor shaft passes at least partially.

[0075] The base 71 can also be designed to be fixed, directly or indirectly, to a structural element of the vehicle, for example, a vehicle heating, ventilation, and / or air conditioning system. In the example shown in Figure 2, the engine mount 7 has a mounting interface 73 to which the base 71 is attached. This mounting interface 73 can advantageously also function as an air deflector, allowing, when the fan motor assembly 1 is operating, for at least a portion of the air set in motion by the fan wheel 3 to be diverted towards a control module 11 of the motor 5 and / or towards the motor 5. The mounting interface 73 can be designed to be fixed to the vehicle.

[0076] The base 71 may have, at least in part, a shape of revolution around an 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 71 may be centered around this axis A. Axis A hereafter refers to both the axis of the base 71 and the axis of rotation of the fan wheel 3. The base 71 may extend primarily along a plane normal to the axis A. For example, the base 71 may have an annular shape, or a ring shape, or a disc shape.

[0077] The motor support 7 advantageously carries the control module 11 of the motor 5. In particular, the base 71 can support the control module 11. The control module 11 may include an electronic board (not visible in the figures) and at least one connector electrically connected to the electronic board for supplying power to the electronic board and, consequently, to the motor, when connected to an electrical harness, particularly that of the vehicle. Specifically, when the electronic board is powered, the windings 141 (Figure 3) can create a magnetic field driving the rotation of the rotor 5A and, consequently, the fan wheel 3.

[0078] Furthermore, the motor support 7 may include a bearing carrier 13 centered around axis A. The bearing carrier 13 notably includes a tower 130 or chimney extending axially. The tower 130 may be tubular in shape around axis A. This tower 130 can be fitted into the center of the winding support 12, through the central holes of the lamination pack 16.

[0079] Tower 130 has an internal surface defining a cavity to receive a landing 9.

[0080] Referring also to Figure 4, the bearing carrier 13 may further have a base 132 extending axially from the bottom of the motor support 7, and the tower 130 extends axially from this base 132. The base 132 is axially opposed to a free end of the tower 130. Assembly areas ZA, for example, support areas for screwing, may be defined on this base 132. Furthermore, the base 132 may also define an internal cavity to receive a bearing 9.

[0081] The motor support 7 further comprises at least one support rib 20, and in particular a plurality of support ribs 20.

[0082] The support rib(s) 20 extend axially from a bottom of the motor support 7 towards the winding support 12. The support rib(s) 20 are, for example, formed from the material of the motor support 7.

[0083] The rib(s) 20 supporting may have a rectangular or crenellated section.

[0084] The support rib(s) 20 can be positioned so as to be further radially away from the assembly zones ZA, relative to axis A.

[0085] The support rib(s) 20 are arranged at a second radius R2 of axis A. In particular, the support rib(s) 20 lie within a second circle C2 around axis A with a second radius R2. In other words, the support rib(s) 20 are positioned on the same diameter or the same second circle C2. This second circle C2 is represented by dashed lines in Figure 4.

[0086] The second radius R2 is advantageously between 1.5 times and 3 times greater than the first radius RI, and preferably on the order of twice greater than the first radius RI.

[0087] Advantageously, several 20 support ribs are regularly spaced at an angle.

[0088] Furthermore, the support rib(s) 20 extend opposite at least one arm 121 of the winding support 12. The support rib(s) 20 may bear against the winding support 12. The support rib(s) 20 may, in particular, be in direct contact against the arms 121 and / or feet 126 of the winding support 12. Alternatively, the support rib(s) 20 may be in indirect contact against the arms 121 and / or feet 126 of the winding support 12, for example via the insulator 18.

[0089] According to one example, one or each support rib 20 can bear against two adjacent or successive branches 121 of the winding support 12.

[0090] The support rib(s) 20 bear, for example, against the insulator 18, on the side of the motor support 7, covering at least part of the two adjacent branches 121. More precisely, the support rib(s) 20 can bear against the adjacent feet 186 of the insulator 18.

[0091] To achieve this, the supporting rib(s) 20 can extend over a distance, according to the circumference of the second circle C2, greater than the distance between the feet 126 of two adjacent or successive branches 121. To this distance can be added, for example, twice an additional distance.

[0092] The number of support ribs 20 is, for example, equal to half the number of arms 121 of the winding support 12. According to a particular, non-limiting example, the winding support 12 has twelve arms 121 and the motor support 7 has six support ribs 20 extending around the winding support 12.

[0093] Thus, during assembly and fastening, for example by screwing, the winding support 12 bears axially against the assembly zones ZA and also against the support ribs 20, which are further apart radially. This prevents any perpendicularity issues and improves vibration resistance.

[0094] The engine mount 7 may still include at least one stiffening leg 22 extending from a support rib 20.

[0095] In particular, at least one stiffening leg 22 can extend radially from the support rib 20.

[0096] The stiffening leg 22 can have a variable axial height. This height variation can be continuous, and in particular, progressive. For example, this height can decrease.

[0097] As one example, the stiffening leg 22 may have a decreasing radial slope, which may be straight. As another example, the stiffening leg 22 may have a radial ramp along a curved line.

[0098] In particular, two stiffening legs 22 can extend on either side of a common support rib 20.

[0099] The stiffening legs 22 can extend in the same direction, with an opposite direction from the common support rib 20.

[0100] These stiffening legs 22 can notably extend radially.

[0101] As in the illustrated example, a first stiffening leg 22 can extend from the common support rib 20 inwards and towards the center of the base 71, in particular towards the tower 130 or the base 132, while a second stiffening leg 22 can extend in the opposite direction, towards the outer periphery of the base 71. The two stiffening legs 22 can be identical or, on the contrary, different.

[0102] The common support rib 20 and the two stiffening legs 22 can thus define a general cross shape or substantially a cross shape.

[0103] Thus, during the assembly of the motor 5, in particular the stator assembly 5B, on the motor support 7, the support ribs 20 ensure perpendicularity between the axis of the motor 5 and the motor support 7. In addition, during operation of the motor-fan unit 1, during vibrations, these support ribs 20 prevent undesirable tilting between the axis of the motor 5 and the motor support 7.

Claims

Demands

1. Fan motor assembly (1), particularly for a motor vehicle, the fan motor assembly (1) comprising a fan wheel (3), an electric motor (5) configured to drive the fan wheel (3) in rotation about an axis of rotation, and a motor bracket (7) centered about the axis (A) configured to coincide with the axis of rotation, such that: the electric motor (5) comprises a rotor (5A) and a stator assembly (5B) integral with the motor bracket (7), the stator assembly (5B) comprising a winding support (12) comprising a plurality of arms (121) extending radially with respect to the axis (A) of the motor bracket (7), characterized in that the motor bracket (7) comprises at least one support rib (20) extending axially from a bottom of the motor bracket (7) towards the winding support (12), the support rib (20) extending opposite at least one arm (121) of the winding support (12),at least one support rib (20) being arranged to bear against the stator assembly (5B).

2. Motor-fan assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one support rib (20) extends opposite two adjacent branches (121) of the winding support (12).

3. Motor-fan group (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stator assembly (5B) comprises at least one insulator (18) arranged on an axial face of the winding support (12), so as to cover at least part of the arms (121), at least one support rib (20) being arranged to bear against the insulator (18).

4. Motor-fan assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the motor mount (7) has at least one assembly zone (AZ) configured to cooperate with a stator assembly fastening element on the motor mount (7), and in which at least one support rib (20) is further radially away than at least one assembly zone (ZA), relative to the axis (A) of the motor support (7).

5. Motor-fan assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the motor support (7) comprises a bearing carrier (13) centered around the axis (A) of the motor support (7), the bearing carrier (13) being provided with a base (132) extending axially from the bottom of the motor support (7) and a tower (130) extending axially from the base (132), the base (132) having at least one assembly zone (ZA).

6. Motor-fan assembly (1) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein: at least one assembly zone (ZA) is arranged at a first radius (RI) of the axis (A) of the motor support (7), and at least one support rib (20) is arranged at a second radius (R2) of the axis (A) of the motor support (7), the second radius (R2) is between 1.5 times and 3 times greater than the first radius (RI), preferably on the order of 2 times greater than the first radius (RI).

7. Motor-fan assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the motor support (7) comprises at least one stiffening leg (22) extending from at least one support rib (20).

8. Motor-fan assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one stiffening leg (22) extends radially from at least one support rib (20).

9. Motor-fan assembly (1) according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the motor support (7) comprises two stiffening legs (22) extending on either side of at least one common support rib (20).

10. Motor-fan group (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein F at least one common support rib (20) and the two stiffening legs (22) define a cross shape.

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