U.S. patent application number 16/081679 was filed with the patent office on 2019-06-06 for motor-fan assembly comprising a hydraulic heat transfer fluid cooling circuit.
This patent application is currently assigned to Valeo Systemes Thermiques. The applicant listed for this patent is Valeo Systemes Thermiques. Invention is credited to Kamel Azzouz, Farid Bakir, Sofiane Khelladi.
Application Number | 20190170158 16/081679 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59742468 |
Filed Date | 2019-06-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190170158 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Azzouz; Kamel ; et
al. |
June 6, 2019 |
MOTOR-FAN ASSEMBLY COMPRISING A HYDRAULIC HEAT TRANSFER FLUID
COOLING CIRCUIT
Abstract
The invention concerns a motor-fan assembly (3) dedicated to
cooling a motor vehicle component (1), the motor-fan assembly (3)
comprising an air propelling device (5, 7), characterized in that
the air propelling device (5, 7) incorporates a hydraulic circuit
(31a, 31b, 31c) through which a heat transfer fluid (Fe) flows.
Inventors: |
Azzouz; Kamel; (Le Mesnil
Saint Denis, FR) ; Bakir; Farid; (Le Mesnil Saint
Denis, FR) ; Khelladi; Sofiane; (Le Mesnil Saint
Denis, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Valeo Systemes Thermiques |
Le Mesnil Saint Denis |
|
FR |
|
|
Assignee: |
Valeo Systemes Thermiques
Le Mesnil Saint Denis
FR
|
Family ID: |
59742468 |
Appl. No.: |
16/081679 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
February 24, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/FR2017/050417 |
371 Date: |
February 12, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04D 29/326 20130101;
F04D 25/06 20130101; F04D 25/08 20130101; F04D 29/329 20130101;
F01P 3/18 20130101; F04D 29/5826 20130101; A01K 3/00 20130101; A01M
29/30 20130101; E04H 17/16 20130101; B60K 11/04 20130101; F01P
2005/046 20130101; F04D 19/002 20130101; F01P 5/04 20130101; E04H
17/22 20130101; F01P 1/06 20130101; A01K 2003/007 20130101; F04D
29/384 20130101; F04D 29/5806 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F04D 29/58 20060101
F04D029/58; F04D 25/06 20060101 F04D025/06; F04D 29/38 20060101
F04D029/38; F04D 29/32 20060101 F04D029/32; F01P 5/04 20060101
F01P005/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 1, 2016 |
FR |
1600338 |
Mar 1, 2016 |
FR |
1600341 |
Claims
1. A motor-fan assembly dedicated to cooling a motor vehicle
component, the assembly comprising: an air propelling device,
wherein the air propelling device incorporates a hydraulic circuit
through which a heat transfer fluid flows.
2. The motor-fan assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising
a blower wheel, the blower wheel comprising at least one hub
carrying a plurality of blades by their proximal end that are
connected together at their distal end by a crown, the blower wheel
incorporating the hydraulic circuit through which the heat transfer
fluid flows.
3. The motor-fan assembly as claimed in claim 2, in which the
hydraulic circuit travels at least partially through the hub, the
blades and the crown.
4. The motor-fan assembly as claimed in claim 2, in which the hub
comprises at least one heat transfer fluid inlet port and at least
one heat transfer fluid outlet port.
5. The motor-fan assembly as claimed in claim 4, in which the inlet
port is connected to at least one first channel and the outlet port
is connected to at least one last channel extending inside the
respective blades.
6. The motor-fan assembly as claimed in claim 5, in which the at
least one first channel and the at least one last channel are
connected together by at least one peripheral channel provided at
least partially inside the crown.
7. The motor-fan assembly as claimed in claim 6, in which the at
least one first channel and the at least one last channel are
connected together by at least one channel provided in an
additional blade arranged between a first blade, in which the at
least one first channel is provided, and a last blade, in which the
at least one last channel is provided.
8. The motor-fan assembly as claimed in claim 5, in which the hub
is arranged as at least two bodies assembled together, between them
providing at least one inlet pipe connected to the inlet port and
to at least the at least one first channel, and at least one outlet
pipe connected to the outlet port and to the at least one last
channel.
9. The motor-fan assembly as claimed in claim 2, in which the hub
is provided with a rotating hydraulic connector conveying the heat
transfer fluid between the outside of the blower wheel and the
hydraulic circuit of the blower wheel.
10. The motor-fan assembly as claimed in claim 8, in which the hub
comprises at least one intermediate channel connecting together at
least two channels provided in two immediately adjacent blades.
11. The motor-fan assembly as claimed in claim 10, in which the
intermediate channel forms a cavity that brings at least three
channels into communication, each provided in a blade.
12. The motor-fan assembly as claimed in claim 8, in which at least
one peripheral channel is provided inside the crown, connecting
together at least two channels provided in two immediately adjacent
blades.
13. The motor-fan assembly as claimed in claim 2, in which the
blades are hollow and each comprise, at the proximal end of same, a
first mouth that opens on an inlet pipe and, at the distal end of
same, a second mouth that opens on a peripheral channel provided at
least partially inside the crown, the heat transfer fluid being
able to circulate through the blades between the inlet pipe and the
peripheral channel.
14. The motor-fan assembly as claimed in claim 2, in which at least
one blade incorporates at least one baffle that extends a part of
the hydraulic circuit through which the heat transfer fluid passing
through the blade travels.
15. The motor-fan assembly as claimed in claim 2, in which at least
one blade incorporates protrusions for disturbing the flow of the
heat transfer fluid passing through the blade.
16. The motor-fan assembly as claimed in claim 8, in which the
blower wheel is constituted by two blower wheel elements assembled
together, each of said blower wheel elements incorporating,
securely attached to each other, at least one blade portion, one
crown portion and one of the bodies constituting the hub.
17. The motor-fan assembly as claimed in claim 1, further
comprising a system for driving a blower wheel of the motor-fan
assembly, the drive system comprising an electric motor comprising
a rotor and a stator, the stator incorporating the hydraulic
circuit through which the heat transfer fluid flows.
18. The motor-fan assembly as claimed in claim 17, in which the
hydraulic circuit comprises at least one annular channel provided
inside at least one component of the stator.
19. The motor-fan assembly as claimed in claim 18, in which at
least one external annular channel is provided inside a peripheral
ring of the stator.
20. The motor-fan assembly as claimed in claim 19, in which the
ring comprises a plurality of external annular channels arranged
concentrically.
21. The motor-fan assembly as claimed in claim 19, in which the
stator is equipped with a cooling unit extending radially between a
shaft for the passage of the rotor through the stator and the
ring.
22. The motor-fan assembly as claimed in claim 21, in which the
cooling unit is arranged as a plurality of fins distributed
radially between the shaft and the ring.
23. The motor-fan assembly as claimed in claim 22, in which at
least one radial channel extends inside at least one fin
constituting the cooling unit.
24. The motor-fan assembly as claimed in claim 21, in which the
hydraulic circuit comprises at least one internal annular channel
provided inside the shaft of the stator.
25. The motor-fan assembly as claimed in claim 17, comprising at
least one inlet pipe through which the heat transfer fluid can
enter the stator and at least one discharge pipe through which the
heat transfer fluid exits the stator, the inlet pipe and the
discharge pipe being connected, indiscriminately, to external
annular channels provided inside a peripheral ring of the stator,
to internal annular channels provided inside a shaft of the stator,
to an external annular channel and to an internal annular
channel.
26. A system for cooling a motor vehicle component, comprising: at
least one circuit for conveying heat transfer fluid between the
component and at least one blower wheel as claimed in claim 2.
27. The cooling system as claimed in claim 26, comprising at least
one heat exchanger arranged in the circuit for conveying the heat
transfer fluid between the component and the blower wheel, the heat
exchanger being traversed by the air flow generated by the blower
wheel.
28. A system for cooling a motor vehicle component, comprising: at
least one circuit for conveying heat transfer fluid between the
component and at least one stator of a drive system as claimed in
claim 17.
29. The cooling system as claimed in claim 28, comprising at least
one heat exchanger arranged in the circuit for conveying the heat
transfer fluid between the component and the stator, the heat
exchanger being traversed by the air flow generated by the blower
wheel set in rotation by the electric motor equipped with the
stator.
Description
[0001] The present invention concerns the field of motor-fan
assemblies equipping motor vehicles in order to cool at least one
component of same that experiences a temperature variation during
operation. More specifically, the present invention relates to the
field of blower wheels equipping such motor-fan assemblies and
systems for driving the blower wheel, comprising an electric motor
combining a stator and a rotor.
[0002] Motor vehicles comprise components that needs to be cooled
due to the fact that they increase in temperature during operation.
Such components include, for example, a battery providing the
vehicle with electrical power, one or more power electronic
components, or indeed the propulsion engine of the vehicle, which
may be an electric motor or an internal combustion engine.
[0003] To this end, it is common to use a cooling system comprising
a radiator inside which a heat transfer fluid circulates. The fluid
collects calories released by the component and is conveyed in a
closed circuit between the component and the radiator. The fluid is
cooled inside the radiator as a result of heat exchange between the
radiator and the ambient air. Depending on the component to be
cooled, the radiator is commonly ventilated by a motor-fan assembly
generating an air flow that increases the heat exchange between the
radiator and the ambient air.
[0004] The motor-fan assembly conventionally comprises a base that
is used to mount it on the vehicle. The base carries a drive motor
for rotating at least one blower wheel. The blower wheel typically
comprises a hub provided with means for rotationally linking with a
drive shaft driven by the drive motor. The hub carries a plurality
of blades distributed around the periphery of same, which extend
radially. Control means control the implementation of the drive
motor depending on the cooling requirements of the component.
[0005] Reference can be made, for example, to document FR 3 008 132
(VALEO SYSTEMES THERMIQUES), which describes such a motor-fan
assembly used to cool a radiator.
[0006] Preferably, the performances obtained should be improved as
far as possible in order to cool the component quickly and
effectively. The present invention belongs to such a research
context, taking into consideration economic constraints that
require a trade-off to be found between achieving the performances
expected in order to cool the component, organizing the cooling
system in a simple manner and ensuring the structure of its
components allow them to be obtained at lower costs.
[0007] In such a research context, the present invention concerns a
motor-fan assembly dedicated to cooling a motor vehicle component,
comprising an air propelling device, incorporating a hydraulic
circuit through which a heat transfer fluid flows. The air
propelling device comprises, in particular, a blower wheel and a
system for driving the blower wheel. The present invention further
concerns a system for cooling a component of the vehicle,
comprising a motor-fan assembly according to the present
invention.
[0008] The approach taken in present invention has led its
designers to use the motor-fan assembly to cool a heat transfer
fluid circulating therethrough, by using the air flow generated by
the motor-fan assembly.
[0009] More particularly, the air propelling device of the
motor-fan assembly is structured as a heat exchange member, capable
of cooling the fluid conveyed from the component and circulating
through the blower wheel.
[0010] Therefore, the motor-fan assembly equipped with the air
propelling device of the present invention provides a dual
function. A first function is that of generating an air flow and a
second function is that of constituting a heat exchange member
exchanging heat by means of the circulation of the fluid through
the air propelling device. In other words, the motor-fan assembly
is used not only to generate the forced air flow that passes
through the radiator, but also to cool the fluid used to cool the
component, as a result of its circulation at least in a hydraulic
circuit incorporated into the air propelling device. The air flow
and the fluid cooled by the air propelling device are used in
conjunction to cool the component, moreover via a heat exchanger.
Such a heat exchanger, used as the main radiator helping to cool
the fluid, is positioned, in particular, on the circuit conveying
the fluid between the component and the air propelling device. The
main radiator can be mounted indiscriminately in series or parallel
with the hydraulic circuit incorporated into the air propelling
device.
[0011] Thus, the main radiator and the air propelling device form a
set of heat exchange members together helping, for example, to cool
the fluid circulating through the component. The heat exchanger can
also additionally comprise an auxiliary radiator and/or a condenser
cooled by the air flow.
[0012] The cooling of the component is thus more effective, due to
the combined use of the air flow ventilating the heat exchanger,
and the fluid cooled by the air propelling device, which now
behaves like an additional heat exchanger.
[0013] The present invention therefore generally proposes to
provide a hydraulic circuit channeling the fluid through the air
propelling device of the motor-fan assembly. More particularly, the
air propelling device is arranged to provide channels for the
circulation of the fluid inside one or more of its components. The
hydraulic circuit can, in particular, be incorporated into the
blower wheel of the motor-fan assembly and/or into the blower wheel
drive system. It should be noted that the components of the blower
wheel comprise at least one hub and at least one blade, or indeed a
plurality of blades, and preferably a crown, the latter linking an
end of the blades opposite that which attaches the blades to the
hub.
[0014] The hydraulic circuit is, in particular, arranged as a loop
through which the fluid circulates between an inlet through which
the fluid enters the blower wheel and/or the blower wheel drive
system and a fluid outlet through which the fluid flows out of the
blower wheel and/or the blower wheel drive system. A rotating
hydraulic connector mounted coaxially on the hub of the blower
wheel can provide the connection between the hydraulic circuit of
the blower wheel and a circuit conveying the fluid between the
component and the blower wheel. The inlet pipe and the discharge
pipe can also be connected to a circuit conveying the fluid between
the component and the stator. The fluid conveying circuit can
advantageously comprise said heat exchanger mounted in series or
parallel with the internal hydraulic circuit of the blower wheel
and/or the stator, and can advantageously be ventilated by the air
flow generated by the motor-fan assembly.
[0015] The components of the blower wheel used for the internal
circulation of the fluid are advantageously arranged as hollow
members, the internal recesses of which form channels through which
the fluid circulates. Such hollow members can be obtained at lower
costs by simplifying their individual structures by means of a
double shell arrangement comprising two shells formed by molding
and assembled together. Moreover, the shells respectively forming
the component or components of the blower wheel can be produced in
the form of one-piece blower wheel elements. These elements can be
a part of the hub, a part of one or more blades, and/or a part of a
crown encircling the blades.
[0016] The blower wheel elements can be formed at lower costs by
molding and can be assembled together, for example axially. The
blower wheel elements can be assembled together axially by sealing,
in particular by bonding or welding. Such an assembly by sealing
produces a sealed join between the shells. This prevents any fluid
from leaking from the components of the blower wheel through which
the channels are provided.
[0017] The components of the blower wheel can be made from a
material that promotes heat exchange between the air flow and the
heat transfer fluid present inside the blower wheel. The material
can be metal or synthetic, for example. Such a synthetic material
consists, in particular, of a resin filled with mineral fibers
arranged into layers or fragmented. Such mineral fibers are, for
example, glass fibers or carbon fibers.
[0018] Optimizing the path traveled by the fluid through the blower
wheel is also proposed, in order to cool the fluid circulating
inside same as much as possible. To this end, the fluid circulation
channels extend between the hub of the blower wheel, the blades of
the blower wheel mounted on the hub at the proximal end of same,
and the crown linking the blades together at the distal end of
same.
[0019] From such a proposition, various configurations extending
the hydraulic circuit through the air propelling device can be
envisaged in order to define the path traveled by the fluid through
the motor-fan assembly, i.e. the hydraulic circuit of the air
propelling device. Various configurations described below as
illustrative examples correspond to respective trade-offs between:
[0020] the performance achieved in terms of the cooling of the
fluid, [0021] the speed of circulation of the fluid through the
blower wheel, for a given fluid circulation speed, thus defining
the loss of pressure of the heat transfer fluid through the blower
wheel, [0022] the power generated by the motor-fan assembly and the
arrangements for operating same, and/or [0023] the power of the
main radiator helping cool the component being cooled in
conjunction by the fluid circulating through the blower wheel and
by the air flow generated by the motor-fan assembly.
[0024] Thus, the present invention can be in the form of a first
embodiment in which the hydraulic circuit is incorporated into a
blower wheel of the motor-fan assembly.
[0025] Such a blower wheel comprises a hub carrying a plurality of
blades by the proximal ends of same. The blades preferably extend
radially, being linked together at the distal end of same by a
crown. It is understood that the axial and radial directions are
relative concepts considered relative to the rotational axis of the
blower wheel.
[0026] The hydraulic circuit preferably extends in a loop between
the hub, the blades and the crown.
[0027] The hydraulic circuit thus forms a path where the heat
transfer fluid travels, this path being able to extend through
several blades, consecutively and/or concurrently, depending on the
configuration of the hydraulic circuit.
[0028] The connection device advantageously comprises the following
features taken alone or in combination: [0029] the hub can comprise
at least one heat transfer fluid inlet port and at least one heat
transfer fluid outlet port, [0030] the inlet port is connected to
at least one first channel and the outlet port is connected to at
least one last channel extending inside respective blades, in
particular a first blade and a last blade, [0031] the first channel
and the last channel are connected to each other by at least one
peripheral channel provided at least partially, or indeed entirely,
inside the crown, [0032] the first channel and the last channel are
connected to together by at least one channel provided in an
additional blade arranged between a first blade, in which the first
channel is provided, and a last blade, in which the last channel is
provided. Thus, the fluid is able to circulate consecutively along
several channels provided inside consecutively adjacent blades. At
the end of its journey, the fluid is conveyed from a peripheral
channel of the crown to a last channel distributing the fluid to
the outlet pipe provided inside the hub. Such measures make it
possible to optimize the length of the path traveled by the fluid
inside the blower wheel, i.e. the length of the hydraulic circuit.
Indeed, the fluid circulates inside the blower wheel along a path
extending consecutively along the blades, via the hub and the
crown, [0033] the hub is arranged as at least two bodies assembled
together, between them providing at least one inlet pipe connected
to the inlet port and to at least the first channel, and at least
one outlet pipe connected to the outlet port and to at least the
last channel. One of the bodies of the hub advantageously forms a
bottom comprising, in particularly on one of the axial faces of
same, a housing for receiving a drive motor for rotating the blower
wheel. The other body of the hub advantageously forms a lid
covering the bottom on the other axial face of same. Between them,
the bottom and the lid provide the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe,
[0034] according to one embodiment, said at least one inlet pipe
and said at least one outlet pipe are formed by partitioning a
chamber provided in the lid. The partitioning of the chamber
delimits at least two compartments inside the hub, which
respectively form the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, [0035]
according to another embodiment, said at least one inlet pipe and
said at least one outlet pipe are formed by separate grooves
provided indiscriminately in the thickness of the lid and/or in the
thickness of the bottom. Said grooves can, for example, be provided
side by side in the thickness of the lid, [0036] the hub is
provided with a rotating hydraulic connector conveying the heat
transfer fluid between the outside of the blower wheel and the
hydraulic circuit of the blower wheel. Such a hydraulic connector
is preferably mounted on a lid of the hub. Given the arrangement of
the housing intended to receive the drive motor, the rotating
hydraulic connector and the housing are preferably each arranged at
axially opposing ends of the hub, [0037] the hub comprises at least
one intermediate channel connecting together at least two channels
provided in two immediately adjacent blades, [0038] the hub is, in
particular, arranged as a recessed member. At least one recess of
the hub is delimited radially by at least one partition that
extends in the axial direction of the blower wheel. At least one
first recess forms the inlet pipe and one second recess forms the
outlet pipe. The axially extending partition can be a peripheral
wall of the hub or an inner wall of the hub, [0039] at least one
recess of the hub is delimited axially between closing walls
arranged facing each other and extending in a plane orthogonal to
the rotational axis of the blower wheel. The closing walls are
preferably incorporated respectively into two bodies constituting
the hub that are assembled together axially. One of the bodies
forms a bottom covered axially by the other body formed from a lid,
[0040] the intermediate channel forms a cavity that brings at least
three channels into communication, each provided in a blade. It
should be understood in this instance that the blower wheel is
arranged such that the fluid circulates in the same direction
through at least two immediately adjacent blower wheels, in
particular from the hub to the crown, [0041] the blower wheel
comprises, provided inside the crown, at least one peripheral
channel connecting together at least two channels provided in two
immediately adjacent blades. The crown can comprise one or more
peripheral channels, depending on the configuration of the
hydraulic circuit. To this end, the crown can comprise at least one
internal recess forming the peripheral channel delimited by at
least one partition closing the recess of the crown. More
particularly, the peripheral channel extends at least partially
along the annular extension of the crown. Said at least one
peripheral channel can be provided between two partitions closing
the recess of the crown. Several peripheral channels can be
provided at least partially around the crown, consecutively and/or
in parallel along the annular extension of the crown, [0042]
according to one embodiment, the blades are hollow and each
comprise, at the proximal end of same, a first mouth that opens on
an inlet pipe and, at the distal end of same, a second mouth that
opens on a peripheral channel provided at least partially inside
the crown, the heat transfer fluid being able to circulate through
the blades between the inlet pipe and the peripheral channel,
[0043] at least one blade incorporates at least one baffle that
extends the part of the hydraulic circuit through which the heat
transfer fluid passing through the blade travels. This cools the
fluid more than if the fluid were circulating through the blades
along a radially direct path between the blade ends, [0044] at
least one blade incorporates protrusions for disturbing the flow of
the heat transfer fluid passing through the blade, [0045] the
blower wheel is constituted by two blower wheel elements assembled
together, each of said blower wheel elements incorporating,
securely attached to each other, at least one blade portion, one
crown portion and one of the bodies constituting the hub.
[0046] According to another configuration of the hydraulic circuit,
a channel of a first blade and a channel of a second blade are
connected together by a peripheral channel of the crown that is
allocated to them. The fluid thus circulates between a plurality of
sets of channels each comprising two blade channels and one
peripheral channel. In this context, the blades of a pair of
adjacent blades are, for example, connected respectively with an
inlet pipe and with an outlet pipe that are allocated individually
to them.
[0047] According to another configuration of the hydraulic circuit,
the blades of a first group of adjacent blades are in communication
with a shared inlet pipe. The blades of a second group of adjacent
blades are in communication with a shared outlet pipe. The channels
of the first group of blades and the channels of the second group
of blades are connected together by a single peripheral channel of
the crown. According to this configuration, the fluid circulates
through the channels of the first group of blades to the peripheral
channel, which then conducts the fluid to the channels of the
second group of blades. The set of channels of the first group of
blades is advantageously supplied with fluid by a single inlet pipe
and the set of channels of the second group of blades is
advantageously connected to a single outlet pipe.
[0048] According to an advantageous embodiment, the blades are each
arranged as double blade shells assembled together axially. These
shells form blower wheel portions. One of the blade shells forms
the pressure side of the blade and the other blade shell forms the
suction side of the blade. Between them, the blade shells provide
the channel for the circulation of heat transfer fluid allocated to
the blade that the blade shells together delimit when they are
assembled together.
[0049] According to another advantageous embodiment, the crown is
arranged as double crown shells assembled together axially, between
them providing at least one peripheral channel, and optionally a
plurality of peripheral channels.
[0050] The double shell arrangement of the components of the blower
wheel delimiting the hydraulic circuit allows the blower wheel to
be formed by assembling the two blower wheel elements together
axially. It should be noted that such components of the blower
wheel comprise the hub, formed from the bottom and the lid, the
blades each formed from two blade shells, and the crown formed from
two crown shells. The blower wheel elements can be obtained
separately by molding and can be assembled together by sealing.
Thus, the blower wheel is advantageously constituted by two blower
wheel elements assembled together axially. Each of said blower
wheel element incorporates, securely attached to each other, one
blade shell, one crown shell and one of the bodies constituting the
hub.
[0051] The present invention also concerns a system for cooling a
motor vehicle component, that comprises at least one circuit for
conveying the heat transfer fluid between the component and at
least one blower wheel according to the invention above. Such a
cooling system can comprise at least one heat exchanger arranged in
the circuit for conveying the heat transfer fluid between the
component and the blower wheel, the heat exchanger being traversed
by the air flow generated by the blower wheel.
[0052] According to the present invention, at least one heat
exchange member comprises the blower wheel of a motor-fan assembly
according to the present invention. In other words, the cooling
system comprises at least one first heat exchange member
constituted by the blower wheel of the motor-fan assembly.
[0053] In this context, the heat exchanger constitutes a second
heat exchange member equipping the cooling system.
[0054] The heat exchanger is, in particular, in the form of at
least one main radiator, and optionally an auxiliary radiator
and/or a condenser. The main radiator is potentially a
high-temperature or low-temperature radiator, through which the
fluid originating from the component circulates before it is
conveyed to the blower wheel of the motor-fan assembly. The heat
exchanger, and in particular said at least one main radiator, is
positioned, in order to exchange heat with the air, in the path of
the air flow generated by the air propelling device of the
motor-fan assembly, the air being set in motion by the blower wheel
driven by the drive system.
[0055] It should be noted that the air flow can pass through the
heat exchanger by suction or blowing of the air flow.
[0056] According to one embodiment, the fluid circulates from the
component to the heat exchanger, and then to the blower wheel of
the motor-fan assembly. The fluid is then sent back to the
component, supplying cooled fluid in order collect calories
released by the component.
[0057] The fluid conveying circuit comprises a first portion
interposed between the component and the main radiator, then a
second portion between the main radiator and the blower wheel of
the motor-fan assembly. The main radiator and the blower wheel are
potentially mounted on the fluid conveying circuit in series or in
parallel.
[0058] According to one embodiment, the main radiator and the
blower wheel are mounted in parallel on the fluid conveying
circuit. The second portion of the fluid conveying circuit can then
be connected to a fluid inlet box for the fluid to enter the main
radiator and to a fluid outlet box for the fluid to exit the main
radiator to the component.
[0059] According to an alternative or additional variant, the main
radiator and the blower wheel are mounted in series on the fluid
conveying circuit. The second portion of the fluid conveying
circuit can then be connected to a fluid inlet box for the fluid to
enter the main radiator.
[0060] According to one embodiment, the rotating hydraulic
connector is preferably arranged axially opposite the blower wheel
drive motor intended to be positioned on the base, facing the heat
exchanger.
[0061] The present invention can also be in the form of a second
embodiment in which the hydraulic circuit is incorporated into a
system for driving a blower wheel of the motor-fan assembly. The
motor-fan assembly is, in particular, dedicated to cooling a motor
vehicle component, at least by generating an air flow circulating
through at least one heat exchanger used for cooling it. The drive
system comprises an electric motor comprising a rotor and a stator,
for example, at least partially coaxial.
[0062] The stator can be equipped with a cooling unit ventilated by
the air flow generated by the motor-fan assembly. Such a cooling
unit is suitable for cooling the heat transfer fluid that
experiences a temperature increase as a result of circulating
through the vehicle component. In this context, the cooling unit
can, for example, be formed from fins that extend radially between
a peripheral ring of the stator and a shaft of the stator providing
a passage for the rotor of the motor and/or for the hub of the
blower wheel. It is understood that the axial and radial directions
are relative concepts considered relative to the rotational axis of
the rotor.
[0063] The fins of the cooling unit can advantageously be used to
provide, through same, radial channels of the hydraulic circuit,
connecting together external channels that may, for example, be
annular, provided inside the ring, and internal channels that may,
for example, be annular, provided inside the shaft.
[0064] The cooling of the fluid circulating through the stator is
enhanced by extending the hydraulic circuit and therefore the path
travelled by the heat transfer fluid through the stator. The
components of the stator through which the channels making up the
hydraulic circuit are provided are arranged as hollow members. The
internal recesses of such hollow members delimit the channels
constituting the hydraulic circuit. Such hollow members can be
obtained at lower costs by simplifying their individual structures
by means of a double shell arrangement comprising two shells formed
by molding and assembled together axially. Moreover, the shells
respectively forming the components of the stator can each be
incorporated into one-piece stator elements.
[0065] Certain stator elements can be formed at lower costs by
molding and can be assembled together axially. The stator elements
can be assembled together axially by sealing, in particular by
bonding or welding in a sealed manner. Such an assembly by sealing
produces a sealed join between the different shells that constitute
the stator component or components housing the channel or channels
of the hydraulic circuit. This prevents any fluid from leaking from
the components of the stator through which the channels are
provided.
[0066] Since the stator is subjected to the air flow generated by
the motor-fan assembly, the heat transfer fluid circulating inside
the stator is cooled by this air flow.
[0067] The hydraulic circuit provided in the stator comprises, in
particular, consecutively, an inlet pipe for the heat transfer
fluid to enter the stator, at least one channel, that may, for
example, be annular, provided inside at least one component of the
stator and, advantageously, a discharge pipe for discharging the
fluid out of the stator.
[0068] The stator can thus be connected to a circuit conveying the
fluid between the component and the stator via the inlet pipe and
the discharge pipe. The channel at least partially delimits a path
where the heat transfer fluid circulates inside the stator between
the inlet pipe and the discharge pipe.
[0069] According to one embodiment, at least one extension channel,
for example an annular extension channel, referred to as an
external channel, is provided inside a peripheral ring of the
stator. It should naturally be understood that the ring constitutes
one of the components of the stator. According to various
configurations of the hydraulic circuit, the external channel can
extend at least partially or virtually all the way along the ring.
The ring can comprise a plurality of external channels, for
extending the path travelled by the fluid through the stator. The
peripheral ring of the stator can also surround the blower wheel,
peripherally, the inner diameter of the ring then being strictly
greater than the outer diameter of the blower wheel.
[0070] According to one embodiment, the external channels can
extend indiscriminately concentrically or parallel to the inside of
the ring, being connected together consecutively. In other words,
the external channel can be arranged substantially as a spiral,
each of the turns of the channel extending substantially along the
ring. The fluid therefore travels along a path that extends several
times around the ring.
[0071] According to another embodiment, the ring can comprise a
plurality of external channels separate from each other. More
particularly, such external channels can send the fluid
consecutively from the ring to another component of the stator.
Another such component of the stator can, in particular, be formed
by a shaft delimiting a passage for the rotor and/or for the hub of
the blower wheel intended to rotated by the drive system.
[0072] The stator is preferably equipped with a cooling unit
extending radially between the ring and the shaft through which the
rotor passes. It should naturally be understood that the shaft
constitutes a second component of the stator, while the cooling
unit represents a third component of the stator. According to one
embodiment of the invention, the cooling unit is used as a heat
exchanger, in particular extending in the radial plane of the
stator.
[0073] Such a cooling unit is capable of dissipating the calories
of the heat transfer fluid after this fluid has circulated through
the stator. The cooling unit then restores the calories that it
absorbs to the ambient air, being cooled by the air flow generated
by the motor-fan assembly.
[0074] According to one embodiment, the cooling unit is arranged as
a plurality of radial fins distributed angularly between the ring
and the shaft, around the rotational axis of the rotor.
[0075] The cooling unit constituted in this way therefore comprises
radial channels interposed between the external annular channel
provided in the ring and the internal annular channel provided
inside a cylindrical wall delimiting the shaft.
[0076] According to an advantageous embodiment using the cooling
unit, the radial channels extend respectively into the fins
constituting the cooling unit. The hydraulic circuit thus extends
consecutively at least between one external channel and one
internal channel by means of at least one radial channel.
[0077] In the context of such an arrangement of the cooling unit
and according to various embodiments, the fluid can enter and/or be
discharged via the ring and/or the shaft. Indeed, the inlet pipe
and the discharge pipe can be connected indiscriminately: [0078] to
first channels provided in the ring, [0079] to a first channel
provided in the ring and to a second channel, [0080] to second
channels provided in the shaft.
[0081] According to one embodiment, the hydraulic circuit is
provided between two stator elements formed by molding and
assembled together axially. The stator elements then together form
the component or components of the stator housing the channel or
channels that constitute the hydraulic circuit.
[0082] The stator elements are, in particular, arranged as two
respective shells, at least one of which is recessed. Between them,
the shells provide said at least one channel. The stator elements
constitute two axial sections that delimit at least the ring, and
optionally also the shaft and optionally also the cooling unit, in
particular the fins. Between them, the stator elements provide said
at least one external channel, said at least one internal channel,
and/or the radial channel or channels.
[0083] The present invention also concerns a motor-fan assembly
comprising a blower wheel and a system for driving the blower wheel
according to the present invention. The motor of the drive system
is, in particular, mounted on a base that constitutes a member for
mounting the motor-fan assembly on the vehicle.
[0084] The present invention further concerns a system for cooling
a motor vehicle component. Such a cooling system comprises a
circuit conveying the fluid between the component and at least the
stator incorporating the hydraulic circuit.
[0085] More particularly, the fluid circulates in the environment
of the component in order to collect calories that it releases. The
fluid is then conveyed to at least one heat exchanger in order to
be cooled. The cooled fluid is then sent back to the component.
[0086] In this context, the cooling system of the present invention
is mainly distinguished in that it comprises a stator of a
motor-fan assembly according to the present invention and used to
cool the heat transfer fluid. In other words, the cooling system
comprises a heat exchange member constituted by the stator of the
electric motor that the motor-fan assembly comprises.
[0087] The cooling system preferably comprises a heat exchanger
used as a radiator, in particular as the main radiator. The main
radiator is interposed on the circuit for conveying fluid between
the component and the stator constituting the electric motor
equipping the motor-fan assembly.
[0088] The main radiator is also preferably positioned, in order
for it to cool, in the path of the air flow generated by the
motor-fan assembly. It should be noted that the air flow generated
by this motor-fan assembly can function by suction or blowing of
the air flow.
[0089] The cooling system can also comprise an auxiliary radiator
and/or a condenser, in addition to the main radiator. This main
radiator is potentially a low-temperature or high-temperature
radiator, through which the heat transfer fluid originating from
the component circulates before or after being conveyed to the
stator according to the invention.
[0090] The fluid conveying circuit comprises, in particular, a
first portion interposed between the component and the main
radiator, then a second portion interposed between the main
radiator and the stator. The second portion can then be connected
to a fluid inlet pipe for the fluid to enter the main radiator and
extend to the stator. The second portion can also then be connected
to a fluid outlet pipe for the fluid to exit the main radiator and
channeling the heat transfer fluid to the component to be
cooled.
[0091] The main radiator and the stator are preferably mounted in
series on the fluid conveying circuit. In this case, the second
portion can comprise a downstream pipe that connects the stator
directly to the component. The invention also covers the
possibility of mounting the main radiator and the stator in
parallel on the fluid conveying circuit.
[0092] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will
become clearer on reading the description that follows as an
example, with reference to the figures in the appended plates in
which:
[0093] FIG. 1 consists of two diagrams (a) and (b), which
respectively show, in perspective, various arrangements of a first
embodiment of a system for cooling a motor vehicle component
according to the present invention.
[0094] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a motor-fan
assembly according to the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0095] FIG. 3 consists of two diagrams (c) and (d), showing an
example of a configuration of a hydraulic circuit incorporated into
a blower wheel according to the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0096] FIG. 4 consists of two perspective views (e) and (f), which
respectively show bodies that together form a hub of a blower wheel
according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0097] FIG. 5 consists of three diagrams (g), (h) and (i), showing
another example of a configuration of a hydraulic circuit
incorporated into a blower wheel according to the first embodiment
of the present invention.
[0098] FIG. 6 consists of three diagrams (j), (k) and (l), showing
another example of a configuration of a hydraulic circuit
incorporated into a blower wheel according to the first embodiment
of the present invention.
[0099] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a blower wheel
according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0100] FIG. 8 consists of three diagrams (m), (n) and (o), which
respectively show various configurations of a cooling system
according to the first embodiment of the invention.
[0101] FIG. 9 consists of two diagrams (a) and (b), which
respectively show perspective views of various arrangements of a
system for cooling a motor vehicle component according to the
second embodiment of the present invention.
[0102] FIG. 10 is a front view of a motor-fan assembly according to
the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0103] FIG. 11 consists of three diagrams (c), (d) and (e), which
respectively show various arrangements of a hydraulic circuit
incorporated into a stator comprised in a motor-fan assembly
according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0104] FIG. 12 consists of four diagrams (f), (g) and (h), which
respectively show various configurations of a cooling system shown
in diagram (b) of FIG. 9.
[0105] It should be noted that the figures show the present
invention in a detailed manner and according to specific
arrangements for the implementation of same, and that said figures
can naturally be used, if necessary, to better define the present
invention, both in terms of its specific features and in
general.
[0106] Moreover, in order to clarify and facilitate the reading of
the following description of the present invention, the same
members shown in different figures are identified respectively, in
the descriptions specific to these figures, with the same reference
numbers and/or letters, without this necessarily implying that the
embodiment is identical.
[0107] In diagrams (a) and (b) of FIG. 1 and in diagrams (m) to (o)
of FIG. 8, a motor vehicle component 1 is provided with a cooling
system 2 that cools by heat exchange between a heat transfer fluid
Fe and an air flow Fx. The component 1 to be cooled is potentially:
[0108] an internal combustion engine, a turbocompressor or an
air-conditioning loop and, generally, any components of the power
train of the vehicle provided by a combustion drive system, and/or
[0109] an electric motor and, generally, any components of the
power train of the vehicle provided by an electric drive system,
and/or [0110] one or more power electronic components, in cases
where the vehicle's propulsion is provided by an electric drive
system, a combustion drive system or a hybrid drive system
combining a combustion drive system and an electric drive
system.
[0111] It should be noted that the examples listed above of
applications of the present invention are mentioned for reference
purposes, and should not be considered to be exhaustive. Indeed,
the present invention can be applied to the cooling, by heat
exchange by means of a heat transfer fluid, of at least one of any
motor vehicle component that needs to be cooled.
[0112] In this context, the system 2 for cooling the component 1
implements a motor-fan assembly 3 setting in motion an air flow Fx
that passes through a heat exchanger 8 intended to dissipate
calories generated by the component 1. Such a heat exchanger can,
for example, be in the form of at least one main radiator 8a
preferably helping cool the component 1. The heat exchanger can
also, for example, be formed by a gas cooler or a condenser of an
air-conditioning loop.
[0113] The cooling system 2 comprises a circuit 4 for conveying the
heat transfer fluid Fe between the component 1 and a hydraulic
circuit included in a blower wheel 5 equipping the motor-fan
assembly 3. It should be noted that the hydraulic circuit included
in the blower wheel 5, described below with reference to FIGS. 3 to
7, is not shown in the diagrams of FIG. 1 and FIG. 8, in order not
to overload these figures.
[0114] More particularly, the motor-fan assembly 3 essentially
comprises a base 6 carrying a drive motor 7 for rotating the blower
wheel 5. The base 6 constitutes a member for mounting the motor-fan
assembly 3 on a structural element of the vehicle or on the heat
exchanger. The drive motor 7 is, indiscriminately, a hydraulic
motor or an electric motor engaged on a hub 9 of the blower wheel
5.
[0115] In the diagrams of FIG. 1 and in FIG. 2, the hub 9 carries
blades 10 that set in motion the air flow Fx as a result of the
blower wheel 5 being set in rotation. The blades 10 extend radially
between their proximal end secured to the hub 9 and their distal
end secured to a crown 11 extending at the periphery of the blower
wheel 5. In FIG. 2, the hub 9 comprises, for example, a housing 12
for receiving the drive motor 7. This housing 12 can, in
particular, be provided with members 13 for rotationally linking
the hub 9 of the blower wheel 5 and a drive shaft equipping the
motor 7, as shown, for example, in diagram (e) of FIG. 4.
[0116] In the diagrams of FIG. 1 and FIG. 8, the cooling system 2
essentially comprises a source of calories formed by the component
1. The calories released by the component 1 as a result of its
increase in temperature are transferred by the conveying circuit 4
to the hydraulic circuit incorporated into the blower wheel 5 of
the motor-fan assembly 3. At least some of these calories are
dissipated in the air flow Fx by the blower wheel 5 of the
invention. The heat transfer fluid Fe can also be conveyed to a
heat exchanger 8, for example used as a radiator 8a to dissipate
the calories in the air flow Fx. The heat transfer fluid Fe can be
conveyed into the heat exchanger 8 and into the blower wheel 5 in
series or in parallel, and the heat exchanger 8 can be upstream or
downstream of the blower wheel 5, depending on the direction of
circulation of the fluid Fe.
[0117] In diagram (a) of FIG. 1, the conveying circuit 4 comprises
an upstream pipe 16 for conveying the heat transfer fluid Fe from
the component 1 to the blower wheel 5 of the motor-fan assembly 3,
and a downstream pipe 17 conveying the heat transfer fluid Fe from
the blower wheel 5 of the motor-fan assembly 3 to the component
1.
[0118] In diagram (b) of FIG. 1 and in diagrams (m) to (o) of FIG.
8, the conveying circuit 4 comprises a first portion 16a, 17a of
the conveying circuit 4 and a second portion 16b, 17b of the
conveying circuit 4. The first portion 16a, 17a extends between the
component 1 and the heat exchanger 8, which comprises, to this
effect, a fluid inlet box 16c for the heat transfer fluid Fe in
order for the heat transfer fluid Fe circulating through it to
enter same. The second portion 16b, 17b extends between the heat
exchanger 8 and the blower wheel 5, the latter being connected to
the heat exchanger 8 via a fluid outlet box 17c for the heat
transfer fluid Fe constituting the heat exchanger 8. The outlet box
17c concentrates the heat transfer fluid Fe with a view to it being
discharged from the heat exchanger 8, and is connected to the first
portion 17a of the circuit 4 for conveying the heat transfer fluid
Fe in order to return it to the component 1.
[0119] In this context, the component 1 is cooled by the heat
exchanger 8 and/or by the blower wheel 5.
[0120] The second portion 16b, 17b of the circuit 4 for conveying
the heat transfer fluid Fe is connected to the hydraulic circuit
integrated into the blower wheel 5 by a rotating hydraulic
connector 18 equipping the motor-fan assembly 3.
[0121] The hydraulic connector 18 constitutes a member for
conveying the heat transfer fluid Fe from outside the blower wheel
5 to the hydraulic circuit that it incorporates. The hydraulic
connector 18 is mounted coaxially on the hub 9 of the blower wheel
5. Such a rotating hydraulic connector 18 comprises at least two
hydraulic elements 18a, 18b comprising heat transfer fluid Fe
passages between them. A first hydraulic element 18a is mounted
coaxially secured to the hub 9, so as to rotate with the blower
wheel 5. The second hydraulic element 18b is mounted stationary
around the first hydraulic element 18a.
[0122] In the diagrams of FIG. 1 and FIG. 8, it should be noted
that the hydraulic connector 18 is preferably arranged at a first
end of the motor-fan assembly 3 situated axially opposite a second
end carrying the drive motor 7. The blower wheel 5 is this
interposed between the drive motor 7 and the rotating hydraulic
connector 18.
[0123] Concerning the relative positions of the motor-fan assembly
3 and the component 1, the drive motor 7 is arranged axially facing
the component 1 whereas the rotating hydraulic connector 18 is
arranged axially on the motor-fan assembly 3 opposite the drive
motor 7.
[0124] In diagram (b) of FIG. 1, the heat exchanger 8 and the
blower wheel 5 are mounted in parallel relative to each other on
the circuit 4 for conveying the heat transfer fluid. In this case,
the two pipes forming the second portion 16b, 17b connect the heat
exchanger 8 and the hydraulic circuit incorporated into the blower
wheel 5. In diagrams (m) to (o) of FIG. 8, the heat exchanger 8 and
the blower wheel 5 are mounted in series relative to each other on
the circuit 4 for conveying the heat transfer fluid. In this case,
a first pipe 16b of the second portion 16b, 17b of the conveying
circuit 4 channels the heat transfer fluid Fe to the blower wheel 5
and a second pipe 16b of this second portion 16b, 17b conveys the
heat transfer fluid Fe directly from the blower wheel 5 to the
component 1.
[0125] FIGS. 3 and 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show configuration examples
of the hydraulic circuit extending inside the blower wheel 5.
[0126] In these figures, the hub 9 comprises recesses to allow the
heat transfer fluid Fe to circulate between the blower wheel 5 and
rotating hydraulic connector 18. The hub 9 comprises at least one
inlet port 19a and at least one outlet port 19b. The inlet port or
ports 19a delimit an inlet of the heat transfer fluid Fe from the
rotating hydraulic connector 18 into at least one inlet pipe 20a
formed by a first recess of the hub 9. The inlet pipe 20a connects
the inlet port 19a with at least one first channel 21a extending
inside a blade 10, in this instance the first blade traversed by
the hydraulic circuit of the blower wheel 5. The outlet port or
ports 19b delimit an outlet of the heat transfer fluid Fe to the
rotating hydraulic connector 18 from at least one outlet pipe 20b
formed by a second recess of the hub 9. The outlet pipe 21b
connects the outlet port 19b with at least one last channel 21b
extending inside a blade 10, in particular the last blade traversed
by the hydraulic circuit of the blower wheel 5.
[0127] According to one embodiment, the inlet port 19a, the inlet
pipe 20a, the outlet pipe 20b and the outlet port 19b are part of
the hydraulic circuit incorporated into the blower wheel according
to the invention.
[0128] In FIG. 4, the hub 9 is arranged as two bodies 9a, 9b
assembled together, for example by moving one body in an axial
direction towards the other. One of the bodies of the hub 9 forms a
bottom 9a and is axially covered by a lid 9b constituting the other
body of the hub 9. The engagement between the bottom 9a and the lid
9b is supplemented by a sealed connection, for example ultrasonic
bonding or welding, providing the hub 9 with a seal between its
internal volume and the outside.
[0129] The bottom 9a and the lid 9b each comprise a closing wall
23a, 23b between which the inlet pipe 20a and the outlet pipe 20b
are provided. The closing walls 23a, 23b are designed to be
positioned axially against each other once the bottom 9a and the
lid 9b have been assembled together axially. The inlet pipe 20a and
the outlet pipe 20b are provided in the thickness of the lid 9b,
extending axially between the respective closing walls 23a, 23b of
the bottom 9a and the lid 9b.
[0130] The bottom 9a comprises the housing 12 for receiving the
drive motor 7. The housing 12 opens on the outside of the hub 9, on
one of its axial faces opposite its other axial face covered by the
lid 9b.
[0131] As previously indicated, link members 13 are provided on the
inside of the housing 12 in order to prevent the hub 9 and the
drive motor 7 from rotating relative to each other. In the
embodiment shown, such link members 13 form notches that extend
axially and are provided along a peripheral wall of the bottom 9a
and facing radially towards the inside of the housing 12. The
bottom 9a preferably also comprises a centering shaft 25.
[0132] It should be noted that the arrangements that have just been
described in reference to FIG. 4 can be transferred to various
configurations of the hydraulic circuit, such as the configurations
shown respectively in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.
[0133] In FIG. 4 and diagram (d) of FIG. 3, the inlet pipe 20a and
the outlet pipe 20b are, more specifically, formed by respective
grooves 26a, 26b provided in the thickness of the closing wall 23b
of the lid 9b.
[0134] In FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the inlet pipe 20a and the outlet pipe
20b are provided by internally partitioning a chamber 27 formed in
the thickness of the lid 9b. At least one partition 28 that extends
axially divides the chamber 27 into at least two compartments
respectively forming the inlet pipe 20a and the outlet pipe 20b. In
FIG. 5, the chamber 27 is divided by a single partition 28 into two
compartments respectively forming a single inlet pipe 20a and a
single outlet pipe 20b. In FIG. 6, the chamber 27 is divided by
several partitions 28 into a plurality of compartments providing
several inlet channels 20a and several outlet channels 20b.
[0135] In this context, in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, at least one
inlet pipe 20a distributes the heat transfer fluid Fe to at least
one channel provided in a first blade 10, this channel then forming
a first channel 21a. The channel or channels 21a of the blades 10
are respectively connected to at least one peripheral channel 29
extending around the crown 11. According to one embodiment, the
crown 11 is internally recessed so as to delimit at least the
peripheral channel 29, comprising one or more partitions 30 for
closing this recess. Such partitions 30 extend, for example,
radially in order to segment the internal recess of the crown 11
into at least one peripheral channel 29.
[0136] Thus, one or more peripheral channels 29 extend at least
partially around the crown 11. The peripheral channel or channels
29 are, moreover, respectively connected to at least one channel
opening on an outlet pipe 20b, referred to as the last channel
21b.
[0137] The reference S shows the direction in which the heat
transfer fluid Fe circulates from its inlet into the interior of
the blower wheel 5 through the inlet port 19a until it is
discharged out of the blower wheel 5 through the outlet port 19b.
Taking into consideration the direction S in which the heat
transfer fluid Fe circulates through the blower wheel 5, hydraulic
circuits 31a, 31b, 31c shown respectively in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6 at
least each consist consecutively of at least one inlet port 19a, at
least one inlet pipe 20a, at least one first channel 21a, at least
one peripheral channel 29, at least one last channel 21b, at least
one outlet pipe 20b and at least one outlet port 19b.
[0138] More particularly, in diagrams (c) and (d) of FIG. 3, a
first hydraulic circuit 31a comprises an inlet port 19a
distributing the heat transfer fluid Fe to the inlet pipe 20a. The
latter distributes the heat transfer fluid Fe to a first blade 10
housing the first channel 21a. The first channel 21a opens on a
first peripheral channel 32a provided inside the crown 11,
extending partially along its annular extension. The first
peripheral channel 32a connects the first channel 21a with a second
channel 21a provided inside a second blade 10 adjacent to the first
blade 10. Thus, a pair of channels 21a, respectively provided
inside a pair of adjacent blades 10, are connected together by the
first peripheral channel 32a.
[0139] The second channel 21a opens on an intermediate channel 33a
provided inside the hub 9. The intermediate channel 33a is formed
by a recess provided in the thickness of the closing wall 23b of
the lid 9b, as shown particularly clearly in diagram (f) of FIG. 4.
The intermediate channel 33a is connected to a third channel 21a
provided inside a third blade 10 adjacent to the pair of blades 10
made up by the first blade 10 and the second blade 10. The third
channel 21a opens on a second peripheral channel 32b. The second
peripheral channel 32b is a channel for conveying the heat transfer
fluid Fe to a fourth channel 21a provided in an adjacent blade
10.
[0140] Thus, the heat transfer fluid Fe travels along a plurality
of channels 21a provided respectively in a series of adjacent
blades 10, via one or more intermediate channels 33a, 33b and one
or more peripheral channels 32a, 32b, forming the peripheral
channel 29. At the end of the flow of the heat transfer fluid Fe
inside the blower wheel 5, an end peripheral channel sends the heat
transfer fluid Fe to the outlet pipe 20b via a last channel 21b
provided in a last blade 10.
[0141] Moreover, in diagram (d) of FIG. 3, the blades 10 are
provided with one or more baffles 34 that extend the path traveled
by the heat transfer fluid Fe along the channel or channels 21a,
21b, compared with a path following a straight line in a radial
direction passing through the blade 10. Moreover, protrusions 35
can be provided projecting into the part of the hydraulic circuit
provided in the blades 10 in order to disturb the linear flow of
the heat transfer fluid Fe through them. Although such arrangements
are only shown in FIG. 3, it should be noted that the respective
formations of the baffles 34 and/or the protrusions 35 inside the
channels of the blades 10 can be transferred to any configuration
of the hydraulic circuit 31b, 31c, such as the other configurations
shown respectively in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.
[0142] In diagrams (g), (h) and (i) of FIG. 5, the hub 9 comprises
an inlet port 19a and an outlet port 19b respectively connected to
an inlet pipe 20a and an outlet pipe 20b. The inlet pipe 20a
distributes the heat transfer fluid Fe to a plurality of first
channels 21a provided respectively inside first adjacent blades 10,
of which there are three in this instance.
[0143] The first channels 21a open on a single peripheral channel
29 extending around the whole of the crown 11. Moreover, the outlet
pipe 20b is connected to a plurality of last channels 21b provided
respectively inside adjacent blades 10 and opening on the
peripheral channel 29, these last blades being three in number, in
this example.
[0144] Thus, the second hydraulic circuit 31b comprises a first
group of adjacent blades 10, inside which channels 21a are
respectively provided, and a second group of adjacent blades 10
inside which last channels 21b are respectively provided. The heat
transfer fluid Fe circulates from the inlet pipe 20a simultaneously
through the plurality of first channels 21a, then into the
peripheral channel 29 distributing the heat transfer fluid Fe
simultaneously to a plurality of last channels 21b opening on the
outlet pipe 21b.
[0145] In diagrams (i), (j) and (k) of FIG. 6, a third hydraulic
circuit 31c comprises a plurality of inlet ports 19a opening on
respective inlet channels 20a and a plurality of outlet ports 19b
opening on a plurality of respective outlet channels 20b. Each
inlet channel 19a is connected individually to a single first
channel 21a. Each outlet channel 19b is connected individually to a
last channel 21b. The first channels 21a and the last channels 21b
are grouped together consecutively two by two into a set of
channels provided respectively inside adjacent blades 10. Each set
of channels comprises a first channel 21a connected to an inlet
pipe 20a and a last channel 21b connected to an outlet pipe 20b.
The first channel 21a and the last channel 21b of a same set of
channels are connected together by a portion of peripheral channel
29 allocated to them.
[0146] The heat transfer fluid Fe circulates from the inlet
channels 20a to first channels 21a belonging to sets of channels
allocated respectively to the inlet channels 20a. The heat transfer
fluid Fe circulates from the first channels 21a to the portions of
peripheral channel 29, then to the last channels 21b with which the
first channels 21a respectively make up the sets of channels. The
heat transfer fluid Fe is then conveyed to the outlet channels 20b
connected respectively with the last channels 21b.
[0147] In diagram (h) of FIG. 5 and in diagram (k) of FIG. 6, the
hollow nature of the blades 10 can be seen. In order to allow the
heat transfer fluid Fe to circulate between the hub 9 and the crown
11, the blades 10 comprise a first mouth 22a that opens on the
inside of the hub 9 and a second mouth 22b that opens on the inside
of the crown 11. The blades 10 are each arranged, generally, as a
tubular member, the ends of which open respectively on the inside
of the hub 9 and on the inside of the crown 11. The channels of the
blades are, for example, implemented by this hollow nature of the
blades 10.
[0148] According to the example of FIG. 5, the heat transfer fluid
Fe travels simultaneously through several first blades 10 and
several last blades 10. In other words, the first channels 21a are
in parallel to each other, according to the path of the heat
transfer fluid Fe.
[0149] According to the example of FIG. 3 or 6, the heat transfer
fluid Fe travels consecutively through the blades 10 that make up
the blower wheel 5. In other words, the channels of each blade are
in series one after another, according to the path of the heat
transfer fluid Fe.
[0150] In FIG. 7, the blower wheel 5 consists of two blower wheel
elements 5a, 5b formed, for example, by molding, and designed to be
assembled together axially, in particular by ultrasonic bonding or
welding. Mechanically connecting the blower wheel elements 5a, 5b
together in this way seals the blower wheel 5, preventing any heat
transfer fluid Fe from leaking out of the blower wheel 5. Each of
the blower wheel elements 5a, 5b is shown in exploded view but it
should be understood that the blower wheel elements 5a, 5b are each
constituted by a monolithic or one-piece body, so as to form a
unitary part.
[0151] Each of the blower wheel elements 5a, 5b comprises one of
the bodies 9a, 9b constituting the hub 9, at least one blade
portion 10a, 10b constituting the blades 10 and at least one crown
portion 11a, 11b constituting the crown 11. The blade portions 10a,
10b can each consist of a set of elementary shells.
[0152] According to one embodiment, a first element 5a comprises
the bottom 9a of the hub 9, a first crown portion 11a and at least
one first blade portion 10a forming a pressure side of the blades
10. A second element 5b comprises the lid 9b of the hub 9, a second
crown portion 11b and at least one second blade portion 10b forming
a suction side of the blades. In this particular example, the first
blade portion 10a and the second blade portion 10b each delimit a
plurality of blades 10.
[0153] When the blower wheel elements 5a, 5b are assembled
together, for example axially: [0154] between them, the bottom 9a
and the lid 9b provide at least one inlet pipe 20a and at least one
outlet pipe 20b, and, if required, the intermediate channels
33a-33b as shown. [0155] between them, the blade portions 10a, 10b
provide the first channel or channels 21a and the last channel or
channels 21b that are respectively allocated to them. It should be
noted that the baffles 34 and/or the protrusions 35 provided inside
the channels 21a, 21b are advantageously formed by molding in
conjunction with the formation of the blower wheel elements 5a, 5b.
[0156] between them, the crown portions 11a, 11b provide the
peripheral channel or channels 29 or peripheral channel portion 29,
and, if required, the first and second peripheral channel or
channels 32a, 32b.
[0157] Regardless of the embodiment shown above, it should be noted
that each blade 10 has a curved profile, in the radial direction of
the blower wheel 5. The suction side and the pressure side of each
blade 10 form blade walls that are inclined relative to the
rotational axis A of the blower wheel 5.
[0158] Diagrams (m) to (o) of FIG. 8 respectively show various
embodiments of a cooling system 2 according to the present
invention. The heat transfer fluid Fe circulates along or in the
component 1 in order to collect calories released by this component
1 during operation. The heat transfer fluid Fe circulates through
the conveying circuit 4 between the component 1, a heat exchanger 8
and the blower wheel 5 of the motor-fan assembly 3.
[0159] According to the embodiment in diagrams (n) or (o), the heat
exchanger 8 can be used as a radiator 8a, 8b, or indeed as a
condenser 8c, or indeed as a combination of these means.
[0160] More particularly, the heat exchanger 8 is used at least as
a main radiator 8a, in particular dedicated to cooling the
component 1, through which the heat transfer fluid Fe conveyed to
the blower wheel 5 circulates. The main radiator 8a can be a
high-temperature or low-temperature radiator. The heat exchanger 8
can also be used as an auxiliary radiator 8b dedicated to cooling
an auxiliary component 1.
[0161] The radiator or radiators 8a, 8b, and optionally the
condenser 8c, are arranged consecutively one after another in the
direction of movement of the air flow Fx, in particular parallel to
their general plane. The air flow Fx generated by the motor-fan
assembly 3 passes consecutively through the condenser 8c, if it is
present, the auxiliary low-temperature radiator 8b, if it is
present, then the main radiator 8a, referred to as the
high-temperature radiator. The air flow Fx can be generated by
blowing, as shown in diagrams (m) to (o). In this embodiment, the
air flow Fx is pushed by the blower wheel 5 towards the heat
exchanger or exchangers, the blower wheel 5 being arranged in front
of the exchangers. According to another embodiment, the air flow Fx
can be generated by suction. In this embodiment, the air flow Fx is
sucked by the blower wheel 5 through the heat exchanger or
exchangers, the blower wheel 5 being arranged after the heat
exchangers, in particular between them and the component 1.
[0162] For example, in diagram (m), the heat exchanger 8 comprises
only the main low-temperature radiator 8a, for example. However, it
should be understood that, according to the embodiment shown in
diagram (m), the main radiator 8a can also be a high-temperature
radiator.
[0163] According to the example shown in diagram (n), the heat
exchanger 8 comprises the main radiator 8a, the auxiliary radiator
8b, and indeed, additionally, the condenser 8c. This condenser 8c
is then arranged facing the motor-fan assembly 3. The auxiliary
radiator 8b is a low-temperature radiator, interposed between the
high-temperature radiator 8a and the condenser 8c, if it is
present. The air flow Fx is generated by blowing and passes
consecutively through the condenser 8c, the auxiliary radiator 8b
and then the main radiator 8a.
[0164] According to the variant in diagram (n), the conveying
circuit comprises the high-temperature radiator 8a and the blower
wheel 5.
[0165] According to the variant in diagram (o), the conveying
circuit comprises the low-temperature radiator 8b and the blower
wheel 5.
[0166] In all of the diagrams of FIG. 8, the implementation of the
motor-fan assembly 3 is controlled by control means 36. The control
means 36 process various pieces of information based on which the
control means 36 control the operation of the motor-fan assembly 3.
Such control essentially concerns the possibilities in terms of
activating the motor-fan assembly 3, and optionally the speed of
rotation of the blower wheel 5.
[0167] For reference purposes, results of obtained measurements are
provided below, taking into account: [0168] the physical
characteristics of the air flow Fx, the density of which is, for
example, 0.9 kg/s, and the temperature of which measured upstream
of the first exchanger, either the heat exchanger 8a or the
condenser 8c, is 40.degree. C. [0169] a high-temperature radiator
8a with a power of between 30 kW and 31 kW, which can be used as
the main radiator 8a. For this radiator, the heat transfer fluid Fe
is considered to enter the radiator at a temperature of the order
of 107.degree. C. [0170] a low-temperature radiator 8b with a power
of between 5 kW and 6 kW, which can be used as the auxiliary
radiator 8b. For this radiator, the heat transfer fluid Fe is
considered to enter the radiator at a temperature of the order of
65.degree. C. [0171] a condenser 8c with a power of between 8 kW
and 9 kW.
[0172] According to these hypotheses, it has been observed that, at
the outlet of the high-temperature radiator 8a, the temperature of
the heat transfer fluid Fe is of the order of 98.degree. C. It has
also been observed that, at the outlet of the low-temperature
radiator 8b, the temperature of the heat transfer fluid Fe is of
the order of 52.degree. C.
[0173] If the condenser 8c is present, as shown in diagrams (n) and
(o) of FIG. 8, the temperature of the air flow Fx downstream from
the condenser 8c is of the order of 48.degree. C. If the radiator
that follows it in the direction of the air flow Fx is a single
radiator, the temperature of the air flow Fx downstream from this
radiator is of the order of 53.degree. C. In this case, it is
understood that this radiator constitutes the main radiator 8a or
the auxiliary radiator 8b. If, in the direction of movement of the
air flow Fx, the high-temperature radiator 8a follows the
low-temperature radiator 8b, as shown in diagram (n) or (o), the
temperature of the air flow Fx downstream from the high-temperature
radiator is of the order of 82.degree. C. In this case, it is
understood that the low-temperature radiator constitutes the
auxiliary radiator 8b and that the high-temperature radiator
constitutes the main radiator 8a.
[0174] In diagrams (a) and (b) of FIG. 9 and in diagrams (f) to (h)
of FIG. 12, another motor vehicle component 1 is provided with a
cooling system 2 that cools by heat exchange between a heat
transfer fluid Fe and an air flow Fx. The component 1 to be cooled
is potentially: [0175] an internal combustion engine, a
turbocompressor or an air-conditioning loop and, generally, any
components of the power train of the vehicle provided by a
combustion drive system, and/or [0176] an electric motor and,
generally, any components of the power train of the vehicle
provided by an electric drive system, and/or [0177] one or more
power electronic components, in cases where the vehicle's
propulsion is provided by an electric drive system, a combustion
drive system or a hybrid drive system combining a combustion drive
system and an electric drive system.
[0178] It should be noted that the examples listed above of
applications of the present invention are mentioned for reference
purposes, and should not be considered to be exhaustive. Indeed,
the present invention can be applied to the cooling, by heat
exchange by means of a heat transfer fluid, of at least one of any
motor vehicle component that needs to be cooled.
[0179] In this context, the system 2 for cooling the component 1
implements a motor-fan assembly 3 setting in motion an air flow Fx
that passes through a heat exchanger 8 intended to dissipate
calories generated by the component 1. Such a heat exchanger can,
for example, be in the form of at least one main radiator 8a
preferably helping cool the component 1. The heat exchanger can
also, for example, be formed by a gas cooler or a condenser of an
air-conditioning loop.
[0180] The cooling system 2 also implements a circuit 4 for
conveying a heat transfer fluid Fe between the component 1 and a
hydraulic circuit incorporated into the stator of the electric
motor. The stator that is the subject matter of the invention
provides heat exchange between its external environment and the
heat transfer fluid Fe circulating through it.
[0181] According to the present invention, the stator 7a of an
electric motor 7 equipping the motor-fan assembly 3 acts as a heat
exchanger arranged to dissipate the calories present in a heat
transfer fluid Fe in an air flow Fx. The stator 7a cooperates with
a rotor 7b provided with a drive shaft for rotating the blower
wheel 5. It should be noted that the hydraulic circuit incorporated
into the stator 7a, described below with reference to diagrams (c)
to (e) of FIG. 11, is not shown in the diagrams of FIG. 9 and FIG.
12, in order not to overload these figures.
[0182] Referring more specifically to diagrams (a) and (b) of FIG.
9, the motor-fan assembly 3 essentially comprises a base 6 carrying
the electric drive motor 7 for rotating the blower wheel 5. The
base 6 constitutes a member for mounting the motor-fan assembly 3
on a structural element of the vehicle.
[0183] The electric motor 7 is provided with means 7c for
electrical connection to a power source of the vehicle. The
electric motor 7 comprises the stator 7a and the rotor 7b mounted
coaxially along the rotational axis A of the rotor 7b and the
blower wheel 5. The rotor 7b carries the blower wheel 5 and the
stator 7a is attached to the base 6, for example via fastening
brackets 7d.
[0184] In the diagrams of FIG. 9 and FIG. 12, the cooling system 2
essentially comprises the component 1, the circuit for conveying
the heat transfer fluid, the stator 7a of the invention and,
optionally, one or more heat exchangers. The calories released by
the component 1 as a result of its increase in temperature are
transferred by the conveying circuit 4 to the hydraulic circuit
incorporated into the stator 7a of the motor-fan assembly 3. At
least some of these calories are dissipated in the air flow Fx by
this stator 7a of the invention. The heat transfer fluid Fe can
also be conveyed to a heat exchanger 8, for example used as a
radiator 8a to dissipate the calories from said heat transfer fluid
in the air flow Fx. The heat transfer fluid Fe can be conveyed into
the heat exchanger 8 and into the stator 7a in series or in
parallel, and the heat exchanger 8 can be upstream or downstream of
the stator 7a, depending on the direction of circulation of the
fluid Fe.
[0185] In diagram (a) of FIG. 9, the conveying circuit 4 comprises
an upstream pipe 16 for conveying the heat transfer fluid Fe from
the component 1 to the stator 7a of the motor-fan assembly 3, and a
downstream pipe 17 conveying the heat transfer fluid Fe from the
stator 7a to this component 1.
[0186] In diagram (b) of FIG. 9 and in diagrams (f) to (h) of FIG.
12, the conveying circuit 4 comprises a first portion 16a, 17a and
a second portion 16b, 17b. The first portion 16a, 17a extends
between the component 1 and the heat exchanger 8. The second
portion 16b, 17b extends between the heat exchanger 8 and the
stator 7a.
[0187] In this context, the component 1 is cooled by the heat
exchanger 8 and/or by the stator 7a according to the invention.
[0188] In diagram (b) of FIG. 9, the heat exchanger 8 and the
stator 7a are mounted in series on the circuit 4 for conveying the
fluid. In this case, the two pipes forming the second portion 16b,
17b connect the heat exchanger 8 and the hydraulic circuit
incorporated into the stator 7a.
[0189] In FIG. 10, the stator 7a comprises, at its periphery, a
recessed ring 50 provided with a fluid inlet pipe 18a for the heat
transfer fluid Fe to enter the stator 7a. The ring is also provided
with a fluid discharge pipe 18b for discharging the heat transfer
fluid Fe out of the stator 7a. The stator 7a also comprises a shaft
51 providing an axial passage for the rotor 7b. The stator 7a is
also equipped with a cooling unit 52 intended to dissipate the
calories from the heat transfer fluid Fe in the air flow Fx.
[0190] In diagrams (a) and (b) of FIG. 9, and in diagrams (c), (d)
and (e) of FIG. 11, the cooling unit 52 is arranged as a plurality
of fins 52b distributed radially relative to the axially extending
axis A of the stator 7a, or in other words relative to the
rotational axis A of the rotor 7b.
[0191] Diagrams (c), (d) and (e) of FIG. 11 respectively show
various arrangement examples of the hydraulic circuit 31a, 31b and
31c provided inside the stator 7a. At least one first annular
channel 50a extends at least partially around the ring 50. In order
to provide the hydraulic circuit 31a, 31b and 31c, the component or
components 50, 51 and/or 52b of the stator 7a are arranged,
individually or together, as double shells assembled together
axially, in particular by sealing.
[0192] In diagram (c) of FIG. 11, the ring 50 is provided with a
single first annular channel 50a constituting the hydraulic circuit
31a. The stator 7a comprises an inner radial partition 49a in order
to cause the heat transfer fluid Fe to move in the direction S of
circulation along the first annular channel 50a. The inlet pipe 18a
and the discharge pipe 18b open on the first annular channel 50a to
either side of the radial partition 49a. In this case, the
hydraulic circuit 31a is constituted by a single first annular
channel 50a, the stator 7a thus formed then acting as a heat
exchanger exchanging heat between the heat transfer fluid Fe and
the air flow Fx outside the stator.
[0193] In diagram (d) of FIG. 11, the ring 50 is provided with a
plurality of concentric annular partitions 49b. Between them, the
annular partitions 49b consecutively provide, two by two, a
plurality of first annular channels 50a that constitute the
hydraulic circuit 31b. Fluid passages 13 are provided through the
annular partitions 49b in order to allow the heat transfer fluid Fe
to flow consecutively between the first annular channels 50a. The
inlet pipe 18a opens on a first annular channel 50a referred to as
the upstream annular channel and the discharge pipe 18b opens on a
first annular channel 50a referred to as the downstream annular
channel. The concepts of upstream and downstream should be
understood according to the direction S of circulation of the fluid
through the stator 7a. In this case, the hydraulic circuit 31b is
constituted by a plurality of first annular channels 50a connected
together consecutively, the stator 7a thus formed then acting as a
heat exchanger exchanging heat between the heat transfer fluid Fe
and the air flow Fx outside the stator.
[0194] In diagram (e) of FIG. 11, the stator 7a is provided with
the cooling unit 52 interposed between the ring 50 and the shaft 51
and comprising a plurality of radial channels 14. The ring 50
comprises radial partitions 49a which, between them, consecutively
provide a plurality of external annular channels 50a aligned with
one another in an annular manner. Moreover, the fins 52a are used
to extend the hydraulic circuit 31c. To this end, the cooling unit
52 comprises radial channels 14 extending inside the fins 52a.
[0195] The radial channels 14 open, at their distal end, on the
external annular channels 50a. The radial channels 14 also open, at
their proximal end, on internal annular channels 51a provided
inside a cylindrical wall 59 delimiting the shaft 51. The internal
recess of the cylindrical wall 59 is segmented by radial partitions
49a distributed radially around the axis A in the recess of the
cylindrical wall 59. In this way, a plurality of internal annular
channels 51a is formed, forming chambers that bring two adjacent
radial channels 14 into communication.
[0196] The heat transfer fluid Fe circulates from an external
annular channel 50a, referred to as the first external annular
channel, connected to the inlet pipe 18a, to a first radial channel
14. The heat transfer fluid Fe then circulates through an internal
annular channel 51a, referred to as the first internal annular
channel, then through a second radial channel 14 provided inside a
fin adjacent to the first fin 52a comprising the first radial
channel 14. The heat transfer fluid Fe then enters another external
annular channel 50a that sends the heat transfer fluid Fe on again
to another internal annular channel 51a via a radial channel 14.
This arrangement for circulating the heat transfer fluid Fe through
the stator 7a is repeated successively until the fluid enters a
last radial channel 14 opening on a last external annular channel
50a connected to the discharge pipe 18b.
[0197] The hydraulic circuit 31c thus consists of a plurality of
consecutive sets of channels 50a, 14, 51a. Each set of channels
consists consecutively of an external annular channel 50a, a radial
channel 14 of a fin 52a, and an internal annular channel 51a.
[0198] It should be noted that other variants not shown here can be
implemented from sets of channels similar to the hydraulic circuit
31c shown in diagram (e) of FIG. 11. For example, the inlet pipe
18a can be connected to one or more external annular channels 50a
and the discharge pipe 18b can be connected indiscriminately to one
or more external annular channel 50a. The discharge pipe 18b can
also be connected directly or by means of a radial channel to one
or more internal annular channels 51b. For example, the inlet pipe
18a can be connected to an internal annular channel 51a and the
discharge pipe 18b can be connected indiscriminately to an external
annular channel 50a or to an internal annular channel 51b.
[0199] Diagrams (f) to (h) of FIG. 12 show various embodiments of a
cooling system 2 according to the present invention. The heat
transfer fluid Fe circulates along or in the component 1 in order
to collect calories released by this component 1 during operation.
The heat transfer fluid Fe circulates through the conveying circuit
4 between the component 1, a heat exchanger 8 and the stator 7a of
the motor 7 constituting the motor-fan assembly 3.
[0200] According to the embodiment in diagrams (g) or (h), the heat
exchanger 8 can be used as a radiator 8a, 8b, or indeed as a
condenser 8c, or indeed as a combination of these means.
[0201] More particularly, the heat exchanger 8 is used at least as
a main radiator 8a, in particular dedicated to cooling the
component 1, through which the heat transfer fluid Fe conveyed to
the stator 7a circulates. The main radiator 8a can be a
high-temperature or low-temperature radiator. The heat exchanger 8
can also be used as an auxiliary radiator 8b dedicated to cooling
an auxiliary component 1.
[0202] The radiator or radiators 8a, 8b, and optionally the
condenser 8c, are arranged consecutively one after another in the
direction of movement of the air flow Fx, in particular parallel to
their general plane. The air flow Fx generated by the motor-fan
assembly 3 passes consecutively through the condenser 8c, if it is
present, the auxiliary low-temperature radiator 8b, if it is
present, then the main radiator 8a, referred to as the
high-temperature radiator. The air flow Fx can be generated by
blowing, as shown in diagrams (f) to (h). In this embodiment, the
air flow Fx is pushed by the blower wheel 5 towards the heat
exchanger or exchangers, the blower wheel 5 being arranged in front
of the exchangers. According to another embodiment, the air flow Fx
can be generated by suction. In this embodiment, the air flow Fx is
sucked by the blower wheel 5 through the heat exchanger or
exchangers, the blower wheel 5 being arranged after the heat
exchangers, in particular between them and the component 1.
[0203] For example, in diagram (f), the heat exchanger 8 comprises
only the main low-temperature radiator 8a, for example. However, it
should be understood that, according to the embodiment shown in
diagram (f), the main radiator 8a can also be a high-temperature
radiator.
[0204] According to the example shown in diagram (g), the heat
exchanger 8 comprises the main radiator 8a, the auxiliary radiator
8b, and indeed, additionally, the condenser 8c. This condenser 8c
is then arranged facing the motor-fan assembly 3. The auxiliary
radiator 8b is a low-temperature radiator, interposed between the
high-temperature radiator 8a and the condenser 8c, if it is
present. The air flow Fx is generated by blowing and passes
consecutively through the condenser 8c, the auxiliary radiator 8b
and then the main radiator 8a.
[0205] According to the variant in diagram (g), the conveying
circuit comprises the high-temperature radiator 8a and the stator
7a.
[0206] According to the variant in diagram (h), the conveying
circuit comprises the low-temperature radiator 8b and the stator
7a.
[0207] In all of the diagrams of FIG. 12, the implementation of the
motor-fan assembly 3 is controlled by control means 36. The control
means 36 process various pieces of information based on which the
control means 36 control the operation of the motor-fan assembly 3.
Such control essentially concerns the possibilities in terms of
activating the motor-fan assembly 3, and optionally the speed of
rotation of the blower wheel 5.
* * * * *