WO2017149227A1

WO2017149227A1 - Motor-fan assembly comprising a hydraulic heat transfer fluid cooling circuit

Info

Publication number: WO2017149227A1
Application number: PCT/FR2017/050417
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kamel Azzouz; Farid Bakir; Sofiane KHELLADI
Original assignee: Valeo Systemes Thermiques
Priority date: 2016-03-01
Filing date: 2017-02-24
Publication date: 2017-09-08
Also published as: US20190170158A1; EP3423719A1

Abstract

Motor-fan assembly (3) for cooling a motor vehicle component (1), said motor-fan assembly (3) comprising an air propelling device (5, 7), characterized in that the air propelling device (5, 7) includes a hydraulic circuit (31a, 31b, 31c) conducting a heat transfer fluid (Fe) therethrough.

Description

Fan motor unit incorporating a hydraulic circuit of

cooling of a coolant

The field of the present invention is that motor-fan units fitted to motor vehicles for cooling at least one of its equipment subjected to a temperature variation in operation. The present invention is more specifically in the field of propellers fitted to such motor-fan units and propeller drive systems, comprising an electric motor combining a stator and a rotor.

Motor vehicles have equipment to be cooled as a result of their rise in operating temperature. Such equipment is for example a battery providing electrical power to the vehicle, one or more electronic power components, or the propulsion engine of the vehicle, the latter may be electric or internal combustion.

For this purpose, it is common to operate a cooling system comprising a radiator inside which circulates a heat transfer fluid. The fluid takes heat from the equipment and is circulated in a closed circuit between the equipment 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 equipment to be cooled, the radiator is commonly ventilated by a motor-fan unit generating a flow of air increasing the heat exchange between the radiator and the ambient air. The motor-fan unit conventionally comprises a base for mounting it on the vehicle. The base carries a motor for rotating at least one propeller. The propeller typically comprises a hub provided with means for connecting in rotation with a drive shaft driven by the drive motor. The hub carries a plurality of blades distributed at its periphery which extend radially. Control means regulate the implementation of the drive motor according to the cooling requirements of the equipment. For example, reference may be made to document FR 3,008,132 (VALEO SYSTEMES THERMIQUES), which describes such a motor-fan unit used for cooling a radiator. It is advisable to increase at best the performances obtained to cool the equipment quickly and efficiently. The present invention is part of such a research framework, taking into account the economic constraints imposing the search for a compromise between obtaining the expected performance for the cooling of the equipment, a simple organization of the cooling system and a structure of its components to obtain them at lower costs.

In such a research context, the subject of the present invention is a motor-fan unit dedicated to the cooling of a motor vehicle equipment, comprising an air propulsion device incorporating a hydraulic circuit for the flow of a heat transfer fluid. through it. The air propulsion device comprises in particular a propeller and a drive system of the propeller. The present invention further relates to a cooling system of a vehicle equipment, comprising a motor-fan unit according to the present invention. The approach carried out by the present invention has led its designers to operate the motor-fan unit to cool a heat transfer fluid flowing therethrough, using the air flow generated by the motor-fan unit.

More particularly, the air propulsion device of the motor-fan unit is structured as a heat exchange member, able to cool the fluid conveyed from the equipment and circulating through the propeller.

Thus, the motor-fan unit provided with the air propulsion device of the present invention provides a dual function. A first function is to generate an air flow and a second function is to constitute a heat exchange member by circulating the fluid through the air propulsion device. In other words, the fan motor unit is not only used to generate the forced air flow that passes through the radiator, but also to cool the fluid used for cooling the equipment, from its circulation at least in a hydraulic circuit incorporated in inside the air propulsion device. The air flow and the fluid cooled by the air propulsion device are used together to cool the equipment, moreover via a heat exchanger. Such a heat exchanger, used as a main radiator involved in the cooling of the fluid, is in particular placed on the fluid transport circuit between the equipment and the air propulsion device. The main radiator can be indifferently connected in series or in parallel with the hydraulic circuit incorporated inside the air propulsion device.

Thus, the main radiator and the air propulsion device compose a set of heat exchange members participating for example in conjunction with the cooling of the fluid flowing through the equipment. The heat exchanger may also comprise incidentally an auxiliary radiator and / or a condenser cooled by the air flow. The cooling of the equipment is thus more efficient, by combined operation on the one hand of the air flow ventilating the heat exchanger, and on the other hand of the air-cooled fluid, the latter then comprising as an additional heat exchanger. It is thus generally proposed by the present invention to provide a hydraulic circuit channeling the fluid through the air propulsion device of the fan motor unit. More particularly, the air propulsion device is arranged to provide inside one or more of its components, fluid flow channels. The hydraulic circuit may in particular be incorporated in the propeller of the motor-fan unit and / or the drive system of the propeller. As a reminder, the components of the propeller comprise at least one hub and at least one blade, or even a plurality of blades, and preferably a crown, the latter connecting one end of the blades opposite to that which attaches the blades to the hub. . The hydraulic circuit is in particular arranged in fluid circulation loop, between a fluid inlet inside the propeller and / or the propeller drive system and a fluid outlet out of the propeller and / or the propeller drive system. A rotatable hydraulic coupling mounted coaxially on the propeller hub can provide the connection between the hydraulic circuit of the propeller and a transport circuit of the propeller. fluid between the equipment and the propeller. The intake duct and the exhaust duct may also be connected to a fluid flow circuit between the equipment and the stator. The fluid transport circuit may advantageously comprise said heat exchanger connected in series or in parallel with the internal hydraulic circuit of the propeller and / or the stator, and advantageously be ventilated by the air flow generated by the motorcycle unit. -fan.

The components of the propeller operated for the internal circulation of the fluid are advantageously arranged in hollow members whose inner recesses form channels through which the fluid flows. Such hollow members can be obtained at lower cost by simplifying their individual structures by an arrangement in double shells formed by molding and assembled to one another. In addition, the shells respectively forming the propeller component (s) can be generated in the form of one-piece helix elements. These elements may be a part of the hub, a part of one or more blades, and / or a portion of a crown ringing the blades.

The propeller elements can be formed at lower cost by molding and assembled together, for example axially. The axial assembly of the helical elements to one another can be achieved by sealing, in particular by gluing or welding. Such an assembly by sealing provides a tight junction of the hulls between them. Any escape of the fluid out of the components of the helix sparing the channels through them is thus prohibited.

The components of the propeller may be derived from a material that promotes a heat exchange between the air flow and the heat transfer fluid present inside the propeller. The material is for example metallic or synthetic. Such a synthetic material consists in particular of a resin filled with mineral fibers arranged in a sheet or parcellized. Such mineral fibers are, for example, glass fibers or carbon fibers.

It is also proposed to optimize the path traveled by the fluid through the helix, to better cool the fluid flowing in it. For this purpose, the fluid circulation channels extend between the hub of the propeller, the blades of the propeller mounted on the hub at their proximal end, and the crown connecting the blades to each other at their distal end. From such a proposal, various configurations of hydraulic circuit extension through the air propulsion device can be provided to define the path traveled by the fluid through the motor-fan unit, i.e. say the hydraulic circuit of the air propulsion device. Various configurations described below for illustrative purposes, respond to respective compromises between:

-) the performance obtained for cooling the fluid,

-) the speed of the fluid flow through the propeller for a given fluid flow rate, thus defining the pressure drop of the heat transfer fluid through the propeller,

-) the power developed by the motor-fan unit and the methods of putting it into operation, and / or

-) the power of the main radiator participating in the cooling of the equipment being cooled jointly by the fluid flowing through the propeller and by the air flow generated by the motor-fan unit.

Thus, the present invention may be in the form of a first embodiment in which the hydraulic circuit is incorporated in a propeller of the motor-blower unit.

Such a propeller comprises a carrier hub of a plurality of blades by its proximal end. The blades preferably extend radially, being connected together at their distal end by a ring. It is understood that the concepts of axial and radial are relative notions considered with respect to the axis of rotation of the helix.

The hydraulic circuit preferably extends in a loop between the hub, the blades and the crown.

The hydraulic circuit then forms a path through which the heat transfer fluid passes, this path being able to extend through several blades, successively and / or jointly, according to the configuration of the hydraulic circuit.

The connection device advantageously comprises the following characteristics taken alone or in combination: the hub may comprise at least one heat transfer fluid inlet and at least one heat transfer fluid outlet,

the inlet orifice is connected to at least one first channel and the outlet orifice is connected to at least one last channel extending inside respective blades, in particular a first blade and a last blade,

the first channel and the last channel are connected to each other by at least one peripheral channel formed at least in part, or even entirely, inside the ring,

the first channel and the last channel are interconnected by at least one channel formed in an additional blade disposed between a first blade, in which the first channel is formed, and a last blade, in which the last channel is formed, the fluid is able to flow successively along several channels formed within successively adjacent blades. At the end of the course, the fluid is conveyed from a peripheral channel of the ring towards a last channel distributing the fluid towards the outlet duct formed inside the hub. Such arrangements make it possible to optimize the length of the path traveled by the fluid inside the propeller, that is to say the length of the hydraulic circuit. Indeed, the fluid circulates inside the helix along a path extending successively along the blades, via the hub and the ring,

the hub is arranged in at least two bodies assembled to each other by providing at least one inlet duct connected to the inlet port on the one hand and to at least the first one on the other hand; channel, and at least one outlet duct connected on the one hand to the outlet port and on the other hand to at least the last channel. One of the hub bodies advantageously forms a bottom, including in particular at one of its axial faces a receiving housing of a drive motor in rotation of the propeller. The other body of the hub advantageously forms a lid covering the bottom at its other axial face. The bottom and the lid form between them the inlet duct and the outlet duct,

- According to one embodiment, said at least one inlet duct and said at least one outlet duct are formed by partitioning a chamber formed in the lid. The partitioning of the chamber defines at least two compartments inside the hub, forming respectively the inlet duct and the outlet duct, according to another embodiment, said at least one inlet duct and said at least one outlet duct are formed by separate grooves formed indifferently in the thickness of the lid and / or in the thickness of the bottom. Said grooves may for example be arranged side by side in the thickness of the cover,

the hub is provided with a rotating hydraulic connection for conveying the coolant between the outside of the propeller and the hydraulic circuit of the propeller. Such a hydraulic coupling is preferably mounted on a cover of the hub. Given the arrangement of the housing dedicated to the reception of the drive motor, the rotating hydraulic coupling and the housing are each preferably arranged at the axially opposite ends of the hub,

the hub comprises at least one intermediate channel interconnecting at least two channels formed in two immediately adjacent blades, the hub is in particular arranged as a hollow member. At least one recess of the hub is radially delimited by at least one partition which extends in the axial direction of the helix. At least one first recess forms the inlet duct and a second recess forms the outlet duct. The axially extended partition may be a peripheral wall of the hub or an inner wall of the hub,

at least one recess of the hub is axially defined between closure walls disposed facing each other and extending in a plane orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the helix. The closure walls are preferably incorporated respectively in two constituent bodies of the hub assembled axially to one another. One of the bodies forms a bottom axially capped by the other body formed of a lid,

the intermediate channel forms a cavity which communicates at least three channels each formed in a blade. Here it is understood that the propeller is arranged so that the fluid circulates in the same direction through at least two immediately adjacent propellers, in particular from the hub towards the crown,

the helix comprises, formed inside the ring, at least one peripheral channel interconnecting at least two channels formed in two immediately adjacent blades. The crown may include one or more Peripheral channels according to the configuration of the hydraulic circuit. The crown may for this purpose comprise at least one inner recess forming the peripheral channel defined by at least one closure wall of the recess of the crown. More particularly, the peripheral channel extends at least partially along the annular extension of the ring. Said at least one peripheral channel may be formed between two closing partitions of the recess of the crown. Several peripheral channels may be arranged at least partly along the ring, successively and / or parallel depending on the annular extension of the ring,

- According to one embodiment, the blades are hollow and each have at their proximal end a first mouth open on an inlet duct and at their distal end a second mouth open on a peripheral channel arranged at least partly inside. of the ring, the heat transfer fluid being able to circulate through the blades between the inlet duct and the peripheral channel,

at least one blade incorporates at least one baffle that extends the portion of the hydraulic circuit traversed by the coolant passing through the blade. Thus, the cooling obtained of the fluid is increased compared to a circulation of the fluid through the blades along a path that would be radially direct between the ends of the blade,

at least one blade incorporates disturbance reliefs of a flow of heat transfer fluid passing through the blade,

the propeller consists of two helix elements assembled to each other, each of said propeller elements incorporating at least one blade portion, a crown portion and one of the hub body.

According to another configuration of the hydraulic circuit, a channel of a first blade and a channel of a second blade are interconnected by a peripheral channel of the crown which is assigned to them. The fluid thus circulates between a plurality of channel sets each comprising two blade channels and a peripheral channel. In this context, the blades of a pair of adjacent blades are for example connected respectively with an inlet duct and with an outlet duct which are individually assigned to them.

According to another configuration of the hydraulic circuit, the blades of a first group adjacent blades are in communication with a common inlet conduit. The blades of a second group of adjacent blades are in communication with a common output conduit. The channels of the first group of blades and the channels of the second group of blades are interconnected by a single peripheral channel of the ring. According to this configuration, the fluid flows through the channels of the first group of blades to the peripheral channel which then leads 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 duct and all the channels of the second group of blades is advantageously connected to a single outlet duct.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the blades are each arranged in double blade shells axially assembled to one another. These shells form helical portions. One of the blade shells forms the underside of the blade and the other blade shell forms the upper surface of the blade. The hulls of blades arrange between them the heat transfer fluid circulation channel assigned to the blade that the blade hulls jointly delimit when they are assembled together.

According to another advantageous embodiment, the ring is arranged in double crown shells axially assembled to each other by providing between them at least one peripheral channel, or even a plurality of peripheral channels.

The double-hull arrangement of the components of the propeller delimiting the hydraulic circuit makes it possible to form the helix by axial assembly of the two propeller elements. As a reminder, such components of the propeller comprise the hub formed of the bottom and the lid, the blades each formed of two blade shells and the crown formed of two crown shells. The helix elements can be individually molded and bonded to each other by sealing. Thus, the helix advantageously consists of two propeller elements assembled axially to one another. Each of said propeller elements integrally incorporates a blade shell, a crown shell and one of the hub body.

The present invention also relates to a cooling system of a motor vehicle equipment, which comprises at least one heat transfer fluid transport circuit between the equipment and at least one propeller according to the invention herein. above. Such a cooling system may comprise at least one heat exchanger disposed in the heat transfer fluid transport circuit between the equipment and the propeller, the heat exchanger being traversed by the air flow generated by the propeller. . According to the present invention, at least one heat exchange member comprises the propeller of a motor-fan unit according to the present invention. In other words, the cooling system comprises at least a first heat exchange member constituted by the fan of the motor-fan unit. In this context, the heat exchanger is a second heat exchange member fitted to the cooling system.

The heat exchanger notably takes the form of at least one main radiator, or even an auxiliary radiator and / or a condenser. The main radiator is potentially a high-temperature or low-temperature radiator, through which fluid flows from the equipment prior to its transport to the propeller of the motor-fan unit. The heat exchanger, and in particular said at least one main radiator, is placed for its exchange with the air in the path of the air flow generated by the air propulsion device of the motor-fan unit, the air being moved by the propeller driven by the drive system.

Note that the air flow can pass through the heat exchanger by suction or by blowing air flow. According to one embodiment, the fluid flows from the equipment to the heat exchanger, then to the propeller of the motor-fan unit. The fluid is then returned to the equipment supplying a cooled fluid to take heat from the equipment. The fluid flow circuit comprises a first portion interposed between the equipment and the main radiator, then a second portion between the main radiator and the fan of the motor-fan unit. The main radiator and the propeller are potentially mounted on the fluid conveyance circuit in series or in parallel. In one embodiment, the main radiator and the propeller are connected in parallel to the fluid delivery circuit. The second portion of the fluid delivery circuit can then be connected to a fluid inlet box within the main radiator and to a fluid outlet box out of the main radiator to the equipment.

According to an alternative or complementary variant, the main radiator and the propeller are mounted in series on the fluid transport circuit. The second portion of the fluid delivery circuit can then be connected to a fluid inlet box inside the main radiator.

According to one embodiment, the rotating hydraulic coupling is preferably axially arranged opposite the drive motor of the propeller provided to be placed on the base, vis-à-vis the heat exchanger.

The present invention may also be in the form of a second embodiment in which the hydraulic circuit is incorporated in a drive system of a propeller of the motor-fan unit. The fan motor unit is particularly dedicated to the cooling of a motor vehicle equipment, at least by generating a flow of air flowing through at least one heat exchanger assigned to its cooling. The drive system comprises an electric motor having a rotor and a stator, for example at least partly coaxial.

The stator can be equipped with a cooling unit ventilated by the air flow generated by the motor-fan unit. Such a cooling block is able to cool the heat transfer fluid subjected to an increase in temperature due to the circulation of this fluid in the vehicle equipment. In this context, the cooling unit may for example be formed of fins extending radially between a peripheral ring of the stator and a stator shaft providing a passage for the rotor of the motor and / or the hub of the propeller. It is understood that the concepts of axial and radial are relative notions considered with respect to the axis of rotation of the rotor. The fins of the cooling block can advantageously be used to cut through radial channels of the hydraulic circuit, connecting one to the other outer channels, for example ring-shaped, formed inside the ring and inner channels, for example ring-shaped, formed inside the barrel.

The cooling efficiency of the fluid flowing through the stator is enhanced by an extension of the hydraulic circuit and therefore the path traveled by the heat transfer fluid through the stator. The stator components through which are formed the channels making up the hydraulic circuit are arranged in a hollow organ. The internal recesses of such hollow members delimit the constituent channels of the hydraulic circuit. Such hollow members can be obtained at lower cost by simplifying their individual structures by an arrangement in double shells formed by molding and assembled axially to one another. In addition, the shells respectively forming the stator components may each be incorporated into one-piece stator elements.

Some stator elements can be formed at lower cost by molding and axially assembled together. The axial assembly of the stator elements to one another can be achieved by sealing, in particular by bonding or sealed welding. Such a seal assembly provides a seal between the various shells constituting the component or components of the stator housing the channel or channels of the hydraulic circuit. Any escape of the fluid out of the stator components sparing the channels through them is thus prohibited.

Since the stator is subjected to the flow of air generated by the motor-fan unit, the coolant circulating inside the stator is thus cooled by this air flow.

The hydraulic circuit formed in the stator comprises, in particular successively an inlet duct for the coolant inside the stator, at least one channel, for example annular, formed inside at least one component of the stator and advantageously a conduit for discharging the fluid out of the stator.

The stator can thus be connected to a circuit for conveying the fluid between the equipment and the stator via the intake duct and the duct. discharge. The channel defines at least in part a path in which the heat transfer fluid circulates inside the stator between the intake duct and the evacuation duct.

According to one embodiment, at least one extension channel, for example an annular channel, called an outer channel, is formed inside a peripheral ring of the stator. It is of course understood that the ring constitutes one of the components of the stator. According to various configurations of the hydraulic circuit, the outer channel is likely to extend at least in part or almost all along the ring. The ring is capable of including a plurality of outer channels, to increase the path traveled by the fluid through the stator. The peripheral ring of the stator may also peripherally surround the helix, the internal diameter of the ring then being strictly greater than the external diameter of the helix.

According to one embodiment, the outer channels can extend indifferently concentrically or parallel to the inside of the ring, being successively connected to each other. In other words, the outer channel is likely to be substantially spirally arranged, each of the turns of the channel extending substantially along the ring. Thus, the fluid travels a path extending several times along the ring.

According to another embodiment, the ring may comprise a plurality of external channels that are distinct from one another. More particularly, such external channels can return the fluid successively from the ring to another component of the stator. Such another component of the stator may in particular be formed by a shaft delimiting a passage for the rotor and / or for the hub of the propeller intended to be rotated by the drive system.

The stator is preferably equipped with a cooling block extending radially between the ring and the passage shaft of the rotor. It is of course understood that the drum is a second component of the stator, while the cooling block is a third component of the stator. According to one embodiment of the invention, the cooling block is used as a heat exchanger, extending in particular in the radial plane of the stator. Such a cooling block is able to dissipate the heat transfer fluid calories as a result of the circulation of this fluid through the stator. The cooling unit then restores the calories it absorbs to the ambient air, being cooled by the air flow generated by the fan motor unit.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the cooling block is arranged in a plurality of radial fins angularly distributed between the ring and the barrel, around the axis of rotation of the rotor.

The cooling block thus formed thus comprises radial channels interposed between the outer annular channel formed in the ring and the inner annular channel formed inside a cylindrical wall defining the barrel. According to an advantageous embodiment making use of the cooling block, the radial channels extend respectively inside the constituent fins of the cooling block. Thus, the hydraulic circuit extends successively at least between an outer channel and an inner channel via at least one radial channel.

In the context of such an arrangement of the cooling block and according to various alternative embodiments, the admission and / or the evacuation of the fluid can be carried out via the ring and / or the barrel. Indeed, the intake duct and the evacuation duct are likely to be indifferently connected:

-) at first channels in the ring,

-) indifferently to a first channel formed in the ring and to a second channel,

-) second channels in the barrel.

According to one embodiment, the hydraulic circuit is formed between two stator elements formed by molding and axially assembled together. The stator elements then jointly form the stator component (s) housing the constituent channel (s) of the hydraulic circuit. The stator elements are in particular arranged in two respective shells, at least one of which is recessed. The shells provide between them said at least one channel. The stator elements constitute two axial sections which delimit at least the ring, or even the barrel and even the cooling block, including the fins. The stator elements form between them said at least one outer channel, said at least one inner channel, and / or the radial channel or channels.

The present invention also relates to a motor-fan unit comprising a propeller and a drive system of the propeller according to the present invention. The motor of the drive system is in particular mounted on a base constituting a mounting member of the motor-fan unit on the vehicle.

The present invention further relates to a cooling system of a motor vehicle equipment. Such a cooling system comprises a fluid routing circuit between the equipment and at least the stator integrating the hydraulic circuit.

More particularly, the fluid circulates in the environment of the equipment to collect calories released by it. The fluid is then conveyed to at least one heat exchanger for cooling. The cooled fluid is then returned to the equipment.

In this context, the cooling system of the present invention is mainly recognizable in that it comprises a stator of a motor-ventilation unit according to the present invention and operated to cool the coolant.

In other words, the cooling system comprises a heat exchange member constituted by the stator of the electric motor that includes the motor-fan unit. The cooling system preferably comprises a heat exchanger used as a radiator, especially as a main radiator. The main radiator is interposed on the fluid transport circuit between the equipment and the constituent stator of the electric motor equipping the motor-fan unit. The main radiator is also preferably placed for cooling on the path of the air flow generated by the motor-fan unit. It will be noted that the air flow generated by this motor-fan unit can operate by suction or by blowing the air flow.

The cooling system may further include 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 circulates the heat transfer fluid from the equipment before or after its delivery to the stator according to the invention.

The fluid routing circuit comprises in particular a first portion interposed between the equipment 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 inside the main radiator and extend towards the stator. The second portion may also be connected to a fluid outlet pipe out of the main radiator and channeling the heat transfer fluid to the equipment to be cooled. The main radiator and the stator are preferably mounted in series on the fluid delivery circuit. In this case, the second portion may comprise a downstream pipe directly connecting the stator to the equipment. The invention also covers the possibility of mounting the main radiator and the stator in parallel on the fluid transport circuit.

Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the description given below as an indication in relation to the figures of the attached plates, which:

- Figure 1 is composed of two diagrams (a) and (b), respectively illustrating in perspective various arrangements of a first embodiment of a cooling system of a motor vehicle equipment according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective illustration of a motor-fan unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is composed of two diagrams (c) and (d), illustrating an example of a configuration of a hydraulic circuit incorporated in a helix according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

- Figure 4 is composed of two perspective illustrations (e) and (f) respectively illustrating bodies together forming a hub of a propeller according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is composed of three diagrams (g), (h) and (i), illustrating another example of a configuration of a hydraulic circuit incorporated in a helix according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

- Figure 6 is composed of three diagrams (j), (k) and (1), illustrating another example of a configuration of a hydraulic circuit incorporated in a propeller according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

- Figure 7 is an exploded perspective illustration of a propeller according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

- Figure 8 is composed of three schemes (m), (n), (o), respectively illustrating various configurations of a cooling system according to the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is composed of two diagrams (a) and (b) respectively illustrating in perspective various arrangements of a cooling system of a motor vehicle equipment according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a front view of a motor-fan unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is composed of three diagrams (c), (d) and (e), respectively illustrating various arrangements of a hydraulic circuit incorporated in a stator which comprises a motor-fan unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention; invention.

FIG. 12 is composed of four diagrams (f), (g) and (h) respectively illustrating various configurations of a cooling system illustrated in diagram (b) of FIG. 9. It should be noted that the FIGS. disclose the present invention in detail and in particular ways of its implementation, and that said figures can of course be used if necessary to better define the present invention, both in its features as in its generality. Moreover, to clarify and make it easy to read the description that will be made of the present invention, the common organs shown in the various figures are respectively identified in the descriptions of these figures with the same numbers and / or letters of reference without implying a necessarily identical embodiment.

In the diagrams (a) and (b) of FIG. 1 and in the diagrams (m) to (o) of FIG. 8, an equipment 1 of a motor vehicle is provided with a cooling system 2 by heat exchange between a heat transfer fluid Fe and an air flow Fx The equipment 1 to be cooled is potentially:

-) an internal combustion engine, a turbocharger or an air conditioning loop and in general all components of the vehicle power train provided by a thermal engine, and / or

-) an electric motor, and generally all components of the vehicle power train provided by an electric motor, and / or

-) one or more electronic power components, in cases where the propulsion of the vehicle is provided by an electric motor, a thermal engine or a hybrid motor combining a thermal motor and an electric motor. It should be noted that the list of examples of applications of the present invention which has just been given is mentioned for information only and can not be considered exhaustive. Indeed, the present invention can be applied to cooling by heat exchange by means of a heat transfer fluid of at least one of any equipment to be cooled of a motor vehicle.

In this context, the cooling system 2 of the equipment 1 implements a motor-fan unit 3 setting in motion an air flow Fx which passes through a heat exchanger 8 intended to dissipate the heat generated by the equipment 1 Such a heat exchanger for example takes the form of at least one main radiator 8a preferably participating in the cooling of the equipment 1. The heat exchanger can for example also be formed by a gas cooler or a condenser an air conditioning loop. The cooling system 2 comprises a delivery circuit 4 of the heat transfer fluid Fe between the equipment 1 and a hydraulic circuit integrated in a propeller 5 fitted to the motor-fan unit 3. It will be noted that the hydraulic circuit integrated in the propeller 5 , described below in connection with FIGS. 3 to 7, is not shown in the diagrams of FIG. 1 and FIG. 8 so as not to overload these figures.

More particularly, the motor-fan unit 3 essentially comprises a base 6 carrying a motor 7 driving rotation of the propeller 5. The base 6 constitutes a mounting member of the motor-fan unit 3 on a structural member of the vehicle or on the heat exchanger. The drive motor 7 is indifferently a hydraulic motor or an electric motor engaged on a hub 9 of the propeller 5.

In the diagrams of FIG. 1 and in FIG. 2, the hub 9 carries blades 10 which set the air flow Fx into motion as a result of the rotation of the propeller 5. The blades 10 extend radially between their proximal end engaged with the hub 9 and their distal end engaged with a ring gear 11 extending at the periphery of the propeller 5. In FIG. 2, the hub 9 comprises, for example, a housing 12 for receiving the motor. 7 training. This housing 12 may in particular be provided with connecting members 13 in rotation between the hub 9 of the propeller 5 and a drive shaft fitted to the motor 7, as for example illustrated in the diagram (e) of Figure 4 .

In the diagrams of FIG. 1 and FIG. 8, the cooling system 2 essentially comprises a source of calories formed by the equipment 1. The calories released by the equipment 1 as a result of its rise in temperature are transferred by the routing circuit 4 to the hydraulic circuit incorporated in the helix 5 of the fan motor unit 3. At least part of these calories are dissipated in the air stream Fx by the propeller 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 for dissipating the calories in the air flow F.sub.x The flow of the heat transfer fluid Fe in the heat exchanger 8 and the flow heat transfer fluid in the helix 5 may be in series or in parallel, the heat exchanger 8 may be upstream or downstream of the helix 5, in the flow direction of the fluid Fe. In the diagram (a) of FIG. 1, the routing circuit 4 comprises an upstream pipe 16 conveying the heat-transfer fluid Fe from the equipment 1 to the propeller 5 of the fan motor unit 3, and a downstream pipe 17 conveying the heat transfer fluid Fe from the propeller 5 of the fan motor unit 3 to the equipment 1.

In the diagram (b) of FIG. 1 and in the diagrams (m) to (o) of FIG. 8, the routing circuit 4 comprises a first portion 16a, 17a of the routing circuit 4 and a second portion 16b , 17b of the routing circuit 4. The first portion 16a, 17a extends between the equipment 1 and the heat exchanger 8, which comprises for this purpose an inlet box 16c of the coolant Fe for admission Fe heat transfer fluid flowing therethrough. The second portion 16b, 17b extends between the heat exchanger 8 and the propeller 5, the latter being connected to the heat exchanger 8 via an outlet box 17c of the heat transfer fluid Fe constituting the heat exchanger 8. The outlet box 17c concentrates the heat transfer fluid Fe with a view to its evacuation out of the heat exchanger 8, and is connected to the first portion 17a of the delivery circuit 4 of the heat transfer fluid Fe for his return to the equipment 1.

In this context, the equipment 1 is cooled by the heat exchanger 8 and / or by the propeller 5.

The second portion 16b, 17b of the delivery circuit 4 of the heat transfer fluid Fe is connected to the hydraulic circuit integrated in the propeller 5 by a rotating hydraulic coupling 18 fitted to the motor-fan unit 3. The hydraulic coupling 18 constitutes a transmission member. delivery of heat transfer fluid

Fe from the outside of the propeller 5 to the hydraulic circuit that it incorporates. The hydraulic connection 18 is mounted coaxially on the hub 9 of the propeller 5. Such a rotating hydraulic connection 18 comprises at least two hydraulic elements 18a, 18b having heat transfer fluid passages Fe therebetween. A first hydraulic element 18a is mounted coaxially integrally with the hub 9, so as to rotate with the propeller 5. The second hydraulic element 18b is fixedly mounted around the first hydraulic element 18a.

In the diagrams of FIG. 1 and FIG. 8, it should be noted that the hydraulic coupling 18 is preferably arranged at a first end of the motor unit. fan 3 located axially opposite a second carrying end of the drive motor 7. The propeller 5 is thus interposed between the drive motor 7 and the rotating hydraulic coupling 18. Concerning the relative positions between the motor-fan unit 3 and the equipment

1, the drive motor 7 is axially arranged vis-à-vis the equipment 1 while the rotating hydraulic connection 18 is axially arranged on the motor-fan unit 3 opposite the drive motor 7.

In the diagram (b) of Figure 1, the heat exchanger 8 and the propeller 5 are connected in parallel with each other on the delivery circuit 4 of the heat transfer fluid. In this case, the two ducts forming the second portion 16b, 17b connect the heat exchanger 8 and the integrated hydraulic circuit to the propeller 5. In the diagrams (m) to (o) of FIG. 8, the exchanger 8 and the propeller 5 are mounted in series with respect to one another on the delivery circuit 4 of the heat transfer fluid. In this case, a first conduit 16b of the second portion 16b, 17b of the routing circuit 4 channels the coolant Fe to the helix 5 and a second conduit 16b of the second portion 16b, 17b directly conveys the coolant Fe since the propeller 5 to the equipment 1.

FIGS. 3 and 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrate exemplary configurations of the hydraulic circuit extending inside the helix 5.

In these figures, the hub 9 has recesses to provide a circulation of the coolant Fe between the propeller 5 and the rotating hydraulic connection 18. The hub 9 comprises at least one inlet port 19a and at least one outlet port 19b . The inlet orifice (s) 19a delimit an intake of the coolant Fe from the rotating hydraulic connection 18 inside at least one inlet duct 20a formed by a first recess of the hub 9. The inlet duct 20a connects the inlet port 19a with at least a first channel 21a extending inside a blade 10, here the first blade traversed by the hydraulic circuit of the propeller 5. The outlet or openings 19b define an evacuation of the coolant Fe to the rotating hydraulic connection 18 out of at least one outlet duct 20b formed by a second recess of the hub 9. The outlet duct 21b connects the outlet orifice 19b with at least one last channel 21b extending to the inside of a blade 10, in particular the last blade traversed by the hydraulic circuit of the propeller 5.

According to one embodiment, the inlet orifice 19a, the inlet duct 20a, the outlet duct 20b and the outlet orifice 19b form part of the hydraulic circuit integrated in the propeller according to the invention.

In Figure 4, the hub 9 is arranged in two bodies 9a, 9b assembled to each other, for example in an axial movement from one body to the other. One of the bodies of the hub 9 forms a bottom 9a and is axially capped by a cover 9b constituting the other body of the hub 9. The interlocking between the bottom 9a and the cover 9b is completed by a tight connection, for example a bonding or ultrasonic welding, giving the hub 9 a seal between its interior volume and the outside. The bottom 9a and the cover 9b each comprise a closure wall 23a, 23b between which are formed the inlet duct 20a and the outlet duct 20b. The closure walls 23a, 23b are provided to be placed axially against each other as a result of the axial assembly of the bottom 9a and the lid 9b to each other. The inlet duct 20a and the outlet duct 20b are formed in the thickness of the cover 9b, extending axially between the respective closure walls 23a, 23b of the bottom 9a and the cover 9b.

The bottom 9a comprises the housing 12 for receiving the drive motor 7. The housing 12 opens on the outside of the hub 9 at one of its axial faces opposite its other axial face capped the lid 9b.

As previously referred to, connecting members 13 are formed inside the housing 12 to provide a locking in rotation between the hub 9 and the drive motor 7. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, such connecting members 13 form an axially extended lug formed along a peripheral wall of the bottom 9a and oriented radially inwardly of the housing 12. The bottom 9a also preferably comprises a shank 25 centering. It will be noted that the arrangements which have just been described in relation with FIG. 4 are transposable to various configurations of the hydraulic circuit, such as the configurations respectively illustrated in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. In FIG. Figure (d) of Figure 3, the inlet duct 20a and the outlet duct 20b are more specifically formed by respective grooves 26a, 26b formed in the thickness of the closure wall 23b of the lid 9b.

In FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, the inlet duct 20a and the outlet duct 20b are formed by internal partitioning of a chamber 27 formed in the thickness of the cover 9b. At least one axially extended partition 28 divides the chamber 27 into at least two compartments respectively forming the inlet duct 20a and the outlet duct 20b. In FIG. 5, the chamber 27 is divided by a single partition 28 into two compartments respectively forming a single inlet duct 20a and a single outlet duct 20b. In FIG. 6, the chamber 27 is divided by several partitions 28 into a plurality of compartments providing a plurality of inlet channels 20a and a plurality of outlet channels 20b.

In this context in FIG. 3, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, at least one inlet duct 20a distributes the heat-transfer fluid Fe towards at least one channel formed 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 along the ring 11. According to one embodiment, the ring 11 is internally hollowed out to delimit at least the peripheral channel 29, having one or more closing partitions 30 of this recess. Such partitions 30 extend for example radially to segment indoors recess of the ring 11 into at least one peripheral channel 29.

Thus, one or more peripheral channels 29 extend at least partially along the ring 11. The peripheral channel or channels 29 are also respectively connected to at least one channel opening on an outlet conduit 20b, called the last channel 21b. The reference S illustrates the direction of circulation of the coolant Fe from its admission inside the helix 5 through the inlet port 19a to its evacuation out of the helix 5 through the orifice of exit 19b. Taking into account the direction S of circulation of the coolant Fe through the helix 5, hydraulic circuits 31a, 31b, 31c respectively illustrated in Figures 3, 5 and 6, are at least each successively composed of at least one orifice d input 19a, at least one input conduit 20a, at least one first channel 21a, at least one peripheral channel 29, at least one last channel 21b, at least one output conduit 20b and at least one outlet 19b. More particularly, in the diagrams (c) and (d) of FIG. 3, a first hydraulic circuit 31a comprises an inlet orifice 19a distributing the coolant Fe to the inlet duct 20a. The latter distributes the coolant Fe to a first blade 10 housing the first channel 21a. The first channel 21a opens onto a first peripheral channel 32a formed inside the ring 11 extending partially along its annular extension. The first peripheral channel 32a connects the first channel 21a with a second channel 21a formed inside a second blade 10 adjacent to the first blade 10. Thus, a pair of channels 21a, respectively formed inside a couple of adjacent blades 10 are interconnected by the first peripheral channel 32a.

The second channel 21a opens onto an intermediate channel 33a formed inside the hub 9. The intermediate channel 33a is formed by a cavity formed in the thickness of the closure wall 23b of the cover 9b, as particularly visible on the Figure (f) of Figure 4. The intermediate channel 33a is connected to a third channel 21a formed inside a third blade 10 adjacent to the pair of blades 10 composed by the first blade 10 and the second blade 10. The third channel 21a leads to a second peripheral channel 32b. The second peripheral channel 32b is a channel for transporting the coolant Fe to a fourth channel 21a formed in an adjacent blade 10. Thus, the heat transfer fluid Fe travels along a plurality of channels 21a respectively formed in a succession 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 coolant Fe inside the helix 5, a terminal peripheral channel returns the fluid coolant Fe to the outlet duct 20b via a last channel 21b formed in a last blade 10.

Furthermore, in the diagram (d) of FIG. 3, the blades 10 are provided with one or more baffles 34 providing an extension of the path traveled by the coolant Fe along the channel or channels 21a, 21b, compared to a path in a straight line in a radial direction passing through the blade 10. In addition, reliefs 35 may be protruding inside the part of the hydraulic circuit formed in the blades 10 to disturb the linear flow of the coolant Fe to through them. Although such arrangements are illustrated only in FIG. 3, it will be noted that the respective formations of the baffles 34 and / or the reliefs 35 inside the channels of the blades 10 can be transposed to any configuration of the hydraulic circuit 31b, 31c. , such as the other configurations respectively illustrated in Figure 5 and Figure 6. In the diagrams (g), (h) and (i) of Figure 5, the hub 9 has an inlet port

19a and an outlet 19b respectively connected to an inlet duct 20a and an outlet duct 20b. The inlet duct 20a distributes the coolant Fe to a plurality of first channels 21a respectively formed inside first adjacent blades 10, here three in number.

The first channels 21a open onto a single peripheral channel 29 extending along the whole of the ring 11. Furthermore, the outlet conduit 20b is connected to a plurality of last channels 21b respectively formed inside blades 10 adjacent and opening on the peripheral channel 29, the latter blades being according to this example to the number of three.

Thus, the second hydraulic circuit 31b comprises a first group of adjacent blades 10 inside which are respectively formed channels 21a, and a second group of adjacent blades 10 within which are formed respectively last channels 21b. The heat transfer fluid Fe flows from the inlet duct 20a simultaneously through the plurality of first channels 21a, then into the peripheral channel 29 simultaneously distributing the coolant Fe to a plurality of last channels 21b opening on the outlet duct 21b. In diagrams (i), (j) and (k) of FIG. 6, a third hydraulic circuit 31c comprises a plurality of inlet orifices 19a opening onto respective inlet channels 20a and a plurality of orifices. output 19b opening on a plurality of respective output channels 20b. Each input channel 19a is individually connected to a single first channel 21a. Each output channel 19b is individually connected to a last channel 21b. The first channels 21a and the last channels 21b are grouped successively in pairs in a set of channels respectively formed inside adjacent blades 10. Each set of channels comprises a first channel 21a connected to an inlet duct 20a and a last channel 21b connected to an outlet duct 20b. The first channel 21a and the last channel 21b of the same set of channels are connected to each other by a portion of peripheral channel 29 assigned to them.

The heat transfer fluid Fe flows from the input channels 20a to the first channels 21a participating sets of channels respectively assigned to the input channels 20a. The heat transfer fluid Fe flows from the first channels 21a to the peripheral channel portions 29, then to the last channels 21b with which the first channels 21a respectively compose the channel sets. The coolant Fe is then led to the outlet channels 20b respectively connected with the last channels 21b. It will be noted in the diagram (h) of FIG. 5 and in the diagram (k) of FIG. 6, the hollow character of the blades 10. In order to allow the circulation of the heat-transfer fluid Fe between the hub 9 and the crown 11, the blades 10 comprise a first mouth 22a open on the inside of the hub 9 and a second mouth 22b open on the inside of the ring 11. The blades 10 are generally arranged in a tubular member, the ends of which respectively open on the inside of the hub 9 and on the inside of the crown 11. The blade channels are for example implemented by this hollow character of the blades 10.

According to the example of FIG. 5, the heat transfer fluid Fe simultaneously travels several first blades 10 and several last blades 10. In other words, the first channels 21a are in parallel with each other, depending on the path of the fluid coolant Fe. According to the example of FIGS. 3 or 6, the coolant Fe passes successively the blades 10 constituting the helix 5. In other words, the channels of each blade are in series one after the other, depending on the route of the Heat transfer fluid Fe. In FIG. 7, the helix 5 is composed of two helical elements 5a, 5b formed for example by molding and designed to be assembled axially with each other, in particular by gluing or ultrasonic welding. . Such a mechanical connection of the helical elements 5a, 5b between them gives the impeller 5 a seal preventing any escaping of the coolant Fe out of the propeller 5. Each of the propeller elements 5a, 5b is shown exploded but it is understood that the helical elements 5a, 5b each consist of a monolithic body or monobloc, so as to form a unitary piece.

Each of the helical elements 5a, 5b comprises one of the bodies 9a, 9b constituting the hub 9, at least one portion of blades 10a, 10b constituting the blades 10 and at least one crown portion 11a, 11b constituting the 11. The portions of blades 10a, 10b are each likely to be composed of a set of elementary shells.

According to an exemplary embodiment, a first element 5a comprises the bottom 9a of the hub 9, a first crown portion 1a and at least a first portion of blades 10a forming a lower surface of the blades 10. A second element 5b comprises the cover 9b of the hub 9, a second crown portion 1 lb and at least a second portion of blades 10b forming an upper surface of the blades. In this particular example, the first portion of blades 10a and the second portion of blades 10b each delimit a plurality of blades 10.

When the helical elements 5a, 5b are assembled to one another, for example axially:

-) the bottom 9a and the cover 9b provide between them at least one inlet duct 20a and at least one outlet duct 20b, and optionally the intermediate ducts 33a-33b as illustrated.

-) the blade portions 10a, 10b between them the first channel (s) 21a and the last channel (s) 21b respectively assigned to them. It will be noted that the baffles 34 and / or the reliefs 35 formed inside the channels 21a, 21b are advantageously formed by molding together with the formation of the helical elements 5a, 5b.

-) the crown portions l ia, 1 lb between them or the peripheral channels 29 or peripheral channel portion 29, and where appropriate the first and second peripheral channels 32a, 32b.

Whatever the embodiment presented above, it will be noted that each blade 10 has a curved profile, in the radial direction of the helix 5. The extrados and the intrados of each blade 10 form blade walls which are inclined with respect to the axis of rotation A of the helix 5.

Diagrams (m) to (o) of Figure 8 respectively illustrate various alternative embodiments of a cooling system 2 according to the present invention. The heat transfer fluid Fe circulates along or in the equipment 1 to collect heat released by this equipment 1 in operation. The heat transfer fluid Fe flows through the routing circuit 4 between the equipment 1, a heat exchanger 8 and the propeller 5 of the motor-fan unit 3.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the diagrams (n) or (o), the heat exchanger 8 can be used as a radiator 8a, 8b, or even as a condenser 8c, or even as a combination of these means.

More particularly, the heat exchanger 8 is used as at least one main radiator 8a, in particular dedicated to the cooling of the equipment 1, through which circulates the heat transfer fluid Fe conveyed to the propeller 5. The main radiator 8a is capable of to be a radiator high temperatures or low temperatures. The heat exchanger 8 can also be used as an auxiliary radiator 8b dedicated to cooling an ancillary equipment 1. The radiator or radiators 8a, 8b, or even the condenser 8c, are successively arranged one after another according to the direction of movement of the air flow Fx, in particular parallel to their general plane. The flow of air Fx generated by the motor-fan unit 3 passes successively through the condenser 8c if present, the radiator appendix 8b at low temperatures if it is present, then the main radiator 8a, said high temperatures. The flow air Fx is likely to be generated by blowing as in the schemes (m) to (o) illustrates. In this embodiment, the air flow Fx is pushed by the propeller 5 to the heat exchanger or exchangers, the propeller 5 being disposed in front of the exchangers. According to another embodiment, the air flow Fx is likely to be generated by suction. In this embodiment, the air flow Fx is sucked by the propeller 5 through the heat exchanger or exchangers, the propeller 5 being disposed after the heat exchangers, in particular between these and the equipment 1 .

For example in the scheme (m), the heat exchanger 8 includes only the main radiator 8a at low temperatures, for example. However, it is understood that according to the embodiment shown in diagram (m), the main radiator 8a can also be a radiator at high temperatures.

According to the example shown in diagram (n), the heat exchanger 8 comprises the main radiator 8a, the radiator annex 8b, or alternatively the condenser 8c. This condenser 8c is then disposed frontally to the motor-fan unit 3. The radiator annex 8b is a radiator at low temperatures, interposed between the high-temperature radiator 8a and the condenser 8c, if present. The air flow Fx is generated by blowing and successively passes through the condenser 8c, the radiator annex 8b and the main radiator 8a.

According to the variant of the diagram (n), the routing circuit comprises the high temperature radiator 8a and the helix 5. According to the variant of the diagram (o), the routing circuit comprises the low temperature radiator 8b and the propeller 5.

In all the diagrams of FIG. 8, the implementation of the motor-fan unit 3 is regulated by control means 36. The control means 36 process various information from which the control means 36 regulate the operation of the fan motor group 3. Such a regulation essentially relates to the activation modalities of the motor-fan unit 3, or even to the speed of rotation of the propeller 5. As an indication, measurement results are obtained taking into account:

-) physical characteristics of the air flow Fx, whose density is for example 0.9 kg / s and whose temperature considered upstream of the first exchanger, either the heat exchanger 8a or the condenser 8c, is 40 ° C.

-) a high temperature radiator 8a with a power between 30 kW and 31 kW, which can be operated as a main radiator 8a. It is taken into account for this radiator that the coolant Fe enters the radiator at a temperature of the order of 107 ° C.

-) a radiator at low temperatures 8b with a power between 5 kW and 6 kW, may be operated as radiator annex 8b. It is taken into account for this radiator that the coolant Fe enters the radiator at a temperature of the order of 65 ° C.

-) a condenser 8c with a power of between 8 kW and 9 kW. According to these hypotheses, it has been found that at the outlet of the high-temperature radiator

8a, the temperature of the coolant Fe is of the order of 98 ° C. It has also been found that at the outlet of the radiator at low temperatures 8b, the temperature of the coolant Fe is of the order of 52 ° C. In the presence of the condenser 8c, as shown in the diagrams (n) and (o) of FIG. 8, the temperature of the air flow Fx downstream of the condenser 8c is of the order of 48 ° C. In the case where the radiator succeeding it in the direction of the air flow Fx is a single radiator, the temperature of the air flow Fx downstream of this radiator is of the order of 53 ° C. In this case, it is understood that this radiator constitutes the main radiator 8a or the radiator annex 8b. In the case where the high-temperature radiator 8a succeeds, according to the direction of movement of the air flow Fx, the radiator at low temperatures 8b as illustrated in diagram (n) or (o), the temperature of the flow of Fx air downstream of the high temperature radiator is of the order of 82 ° C. In this case, it is understood that the low-temperature radiator constitutes the radiator annex 8b and the high-temperature radiator constitutes the main radiator 8a.

In the diagrams (a) and (b) of FIG. 9 and in the diagrams (f) to (h) of FIG. 12, another equipment 1 of a motor vehicle is provided with a cooling system 2 by heat exchange between a heat transfer fluid Fe and a flow of air F. The equipment 1 to be cooled is potentially:

-) one or more electronic power components, in cases where the propulsion of the vehicle is provided by an electric motor, a thermal engine or a hybrid motor combining a thermal motor and an electric motor.

It should be noted that the list of examples of applications of the present invention which has just been given is mentioned for information only and can not be considered exhaustive. Indeed, the present invention can be applied to cooling by heat exchange by means of a heat transfer fluid of at least one of any equipment to be cooled of a motor vehicle.

In this context, the cooling system 2 of the equipment 1 implements a motor-fan unit 3 setting in motion an air flow Fx which passes through a heat exchanger 8 intended to dissipate the heat generated by the equipment 1 Such a heat exchanger for example takes the form of at least one main radiator 8a preferably participating in the cooling of the equipment 1. The heat exchanger can for example also be formed by a gas cooler or a condenser an air conditioning loop.

The cooling system 2 also implements a delivery circuit 4 of a heat transfer fluid Fe between the equipment 1 and a hydraulic circuit integrated in the stator of the electric motor. The stator object of the invention provides a heat exchange between its external environment and the heat transfer fluid Fe flowing therethrough.

According to the present invention, the stator 7a of an electric motor 7 fitted to the motor-fan unit 3 behaves as a heat exchanger arranged to dissipate in a flow of air Fx the calories present in a heat transfer fluid Fe. The stator 7a cooperates with a rotor 7b provided with a drive shaft in rotation of the propeller 5. It will be noted that the hydraulic circuit integrated in the stator 7a, described later in relation to the diagrams (c) to (e) of FIG. 11, is not shown in the diagrams of FIG. 9 and FIG. 12 so as not to overload these figures.

Referring more particularly to diagrams (a) and (b) of Figure 9, the motor-fan unit 3 essentially comprises a base 6 carrying the electric motor 7 driving the rotating propeller 5. The base 6 constitutes a mounting member of the motor-fan unit 3 on a structural element of the vehicle.

The electric motor 7 is provided with electrical connection means 7c to a source of electrical energy of the vehicle. The electric motor 7 comprises the stator 7a and the rotor 7b mounted coaxial along the axis A of rotation of the rotor 7b and the helix 5. The rotor 7b carries the helix 5 and the stator 7a is fixed on the base 6, for example by means of fixing lugs 7d.

In the diagrams of FIG. 9 and FIG. 12, the cooling system 2 essentially comprises the equipment 1, the heat transfer fluid transport circuit, the stator 7a of the invention and possibly a plurality of heat exchangers. The heat generated by the equipment 1 as a result of its rise in temperature is transferred by the routing circuit 4 to the hydraulic circuit incorporated in the stator 7a of the fan motor unit 3. At least some of these calories are dissipated in the Fx air flow by this stator 7a of the invention. The heat transfer fluid Fe may also be conveyed to a heat exchanger 8, for example used as a radiator 8a to dissipate the calories of the same heat transfer fluid in the air flow F.sub.x The flow of the heat transfer fluid Fe in the heat exchanger 8 and the path of the coolant in the stator 7a may be in series or in parallel, the heat exchanger 8 may be upstream or downstream of the stator 7a, in the flow direction of the fluid Fe.

In diagram (a) of FIG. 9, the routing circuit 4 comprises an upstream pipe 16 conveying the heat-transfer fluid Fe from the equipment 1 to the stator 7a of the fan motor unit 3, and a downstream pipe 17 conveying the coolant Fe from the stator 7a to this equipment 1.

In the diagram (b) of FIG. 9 and in the diagrams (f) to (h) of FIG. 12, the routing circuit 4 comprises a first portion 16a, 17a and a second portion 16b, 17b. The first portion 16a, 17a extends between the equipment 1 and the heat exchanger 8. The second portion 16b, 17b extends between the heat exchanger 8 and the stator 7a.

In this context, the equipment 1 is cooled by the heat exchanger 8 and / or by the stator 7a according to the invention.

In the diagram (b) of Figure 9, the heat exchanger 8 and the stator 7a are connected in series on the fluid conveying circuit 4. In this case, the two ducts constituting the second portion 16b, 17b connect the heat exchanger 8 and the integrated hydraulic circuit to the stator 7a.

In FIG. 10, the stator 7a comprises at its periphery a recessed ring 50 provided with an intake duct 18a for the heat transfer fluid Fe inside the stator 7a. The ring is also provided with a discharge duct 18b of the coolant Fe out of the stator 7a. The stator 7a also comprises a barrel 51 providing an axial passage for the rotor 7b. The stator 7a is also equipped with a cooling block 52 intended to dissipate the calories of the coolant Fe in the air flow Fx.

In diagrams (a) and (b) of FIG. 9, as well as in diagrams (c), (d) and (e) of FIG. 11, the cooling block 52 is arranged in a plurality of fins 52b radially distributed with respect to axis A of axial extension of the stator 7a, or in other words with respect to the axis A of rotation of the rotor 7b.

Diagrams (c), (d) and (e) of FIG. 11 respectively illustrate various examples of arrangement of the hydraulic circuit 31a, 31b and 31c formed inside the stator 7a. At least one first annular channel 50a extends at least partly along the ring 50. To protect the hydraulic circuit 31a, 31b and 31c, the component or components 50, 51 and / or 52b stator 7a are individually or collectively arranged in double shells assembled axially with each other, particularly by sealing.

In the diagram (c) of Figure 11, the ring 50 is provided with a single first annular channel 50a constituting the hydraulic circuit 31a. The stator 7a has an internal radial partition 49a for inducing the flow direction S of the coolant Fe along the first annular channel 50a. The intake duct 18a and the exhaust duct 18b open onto the first annular channel 50a on either side of the radial partition 49a. In this case, the hydraulic circuit 31a consists of a single first annular channel 50a, the stator 7a thus formed then behaving as a heat exchanger between the heat transfer fluid Fe and the air flow Fx outside the stator.

In the diagram (d) of FIG. 11, the ring 50 is provided with a plurality of concentric annular partitions 49b. The annular partitions 49b between them successively in pairs a plurality of first annular channels 50a constituting the hydraulic circuit 31b. Fluid passages 13 are formed through the annular partitions 49b to allow the flow of the coolant Fe successively between the first annular channels 50a. The intake duct 18a opens on a first annular channel 50a said upstream and the discharge duct 18b opens on a first annular channel 50a said downstream. The concepts upstream and downstream are to be considered in the direction S of circulation of the fluid through the stator 7a. In this case, the hydraulic circuit 31b consists of a plurality of first annular channels 50a successively connected to each other, the stator 7a thus formed then behaving as a heat exchanger between the heat transfer fluid Fe and the outside air flow Fx to the stator.

In the diagram (e) of Figure 11, the stator 7a is provided with the cooling block 52 interposed between the ring 50 and the barrel 51 and having a plurality of radial channels 14. The ring 50 has radial partitions 49a sparing successively therebetween a plurality of outer annular channels 50a annularly aligned one after the other. Moreover, it is used fins 52a to extend the hydraulic circuit

31c. For this purpose, the cooling block 52 has radial channels 14 extending inside the fins 52a. The radial channels 14 open at their distal end on the outer annular channels 50a. The radial channels 14 also open at their proximal end on internal annular channels 51a formed inside a cylindrical wall 59 delimiting the barrel 51. The internal recess of the cylindrical wall 59 is segmented by radially distributed radial partitions 49a. around the axis A in the recess of the cylindrical wall 59. A plurality of inner annular channels 51a are thus formed forming chambers for placing two adjacent radial channels 14 in communication.

The coolant Fe flows from an outer annular channel 50a, said first outer annular channel, connected to the intake duct 18a, to a first radial channel 14. The heat transfer fluid Fe then flows through an inner annular channel 51a, said first channel annular interior, then through a second radial channel 14 formed inside a fin adjacent to the first fin 52a having the first radial channel 14. The heat transfer fluid Fe is then admitted inside another annular channel outside 50a again returning the heat transfer fluid Fe to another inner annular channel 51a via a radial channel 14. Such circulation of the heat transfer fluid Fe through the stator 7a are repeated successively until admission fluid in a last radial channel 14 opening on a last outer annular channel 50a connected to the discharge conduit 18b.

The hydraulic circuit 31c thus consists of a plurality of successive sets of channels 50a, 14, 51a. Each set of channels consists successively of an outer annular channel 50a, a radial fin channel 14a 52a, an inner annular channel 51a. It will be noted that other variants not shown can be implemented from sets of channels similar to the hydraulic circuit 31c illustrated in the diagram (e) of Figure 11. For example, the intake duct 18a can be connected to one or more outer annular channels 50a and the exhaust duct 18b can be connected indifferently to one or more outer annular channels 50a. The exhaust duct 18b can also be connected directly or via a radial channel to one or more inner annular channels 51b. For example again, the intake duct 18a can be connected to an inner annular channel 51a and the evacuation duct 18b be interchangeably connected to an outer annular channel 50a or an inner annular channel 51b.

Diagrams (f) to (h) of Figure 12 illustrate various alternative embodiments of a cooling system 2 according to the present invention. The heat transfer fluid Fe circulates along or in the equipment 1 to collect heat released by this equipment 1 in operation. The heat-transfer fluid Fe flows through the routing circuit 4 between the equipment 1, a heat exchanger 8 and the stator 7a of the motor 7 constituting the motor-fan unit 3.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the diagrams (g) or (h), the heat exchanger 8 can be used as a radiator 8a, 8b, or even as a condenser 8c, or even as a combination of these means. More particularly, the heat exchanger 8 is used as at least one main radiator 8a, in particular dedicated to the cooling of the equipment 1, through which circulates the heat transfer fluid Fe conveyed to the stator 7a. The main radiator 8a is likely to be a high temperature radiator or low temperatures. The heat exchanger 8 can also be used as an auxiliary radiator 8b dedicated to the cooling of an ancillary equipment 1.

The radiator or radiators 8a, 8b, or even the condenser 8c, are successively arranged one after the other in the direction of movement of the air flow Fx, in particular parallel to their general plane. The flow of air Fx generated by the motor-fan unit 3 passes successively through the condenser 8c if present, the radiator appendix 8b at low temperatures if it is present, then the main radiator 8a, said high temperatures. The flow of air Fx is likely to be generated by blowing as in the diagrams (f) to (h) illustrates. In this embodiment, the air flow Fx is pushed by the propeller 5 to the heat exchanger or exchangers, the propeller 5 being disposed in front of the exchangers. According to another embodiment, the air flow Fx is likely to be generated by suction. In this embodiment, the air flow Fx is sucked by the propeller 5 through the heat exchanger or exchangers, the propeller 5 being disposed after the heat exchangers, in particular between these and the equipment 1 . For example in the scheme (f), the heat exchanger 8 includes only the main radiator 8a at low temperatures, for example. However, it is understood that according to the embodiment illustrated in diagram (f), the main radiator 8a can also be a radiator at high temperatures.

According to the example shown in diagram (g), the heat exchanger 8 comprises the main radiator 8a, the radiator annex 8b, and alternatively the condenser 8c. This condenser 8c is then disposed frontally to the motor-fan unit 3. The radiator annex 8b is a low-temperature radiator interposed between the high-temperature radiator 8a and the condenser 8c, if present. The air flow Fx is generated by blowing and successively passes through the condenser 8c, the radiator annex 8b and the main radiator 8a. According to the variant of the scheme (g), the routing circuit comprises the high temperature radiator 8a and the stator 7a.

According to the variant of diagram (h), the routing circuit comprises the low-temperature radiator 8b and the stator 7a.

In all the diagrams of FIG. 12, the implementation of the motor-fan unit 3 is regulated by control means 36. The control means 36 process various information from which the control means 36 regulate the operation of the fan motor group 3. Such a regulation essentially relates to the activation modalities of the motor-fan unit 3, or even to the speed of rotation of the propeller 5.

Claims

Motor-fan unit (3) for cooling a motor vehicle equipment (1), the system comprising an air-propulsion device (5, 7), characterized in that the air-propulsion device (5, 7) incorporates a hydraulic circuit (31a, 31b, 31c) for the flow of a heat transfer fluid (Fe) therethrough.

2. motor-fan unit (3) according to claim 1, comprising a propeller (5), the propeller (5) comprising at least one hub (9) carrying a plurality of blades (10) by their proximal end and interconnected at their distal end by a ring (11), the propeller (5) incorporating the hydraulic circuit (31a, 31b, 31c) coolant flow (Fe) therethrough.

3. motor-fan unit (3) according to the preceding claim, wherein the hydraulic circuit (31a, 31b, 31c) at least partly traverses the hub (9), the blades (10) and the ring (11).

4. fan motor unit (3) according to any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein the hub (9) comprises at least one inlet (19a) of the coolant (Fe) and at least one orifice of outlet (19b) of the coolant (Fe).

Motor-fan unit (3) according to the preceding claim, in which the inlet orifice (19a) is connected to at least one first channel (21a) and the outlet orifice (19b) is connected to at least one a last channel (21b) extending within respective blades (10).

Motor-fan unit (3) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first channel (21a) and the last channel (21b) are interconnected by at least one peripheral channel (29) provided at least in part with the inside the crown (11).

7. fan motor unit (3) according to the preceding claim, wherein the first channel (21a) and the last channel (21b) are interconnected by at least one channel (21a) formed in an additional blade disposed between a first pale in which is formed the first channel (21a) and a last blade in which is formed the last channel (21b).

8. fan motor unit (3) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the hub (9) is arranged in at least two bodies (9a, 9b) assembled to each other between they at least one inlet duct (20a) connected on the one hand to the inlet port (19a) and on the other hand to at least the first channel (21a), and at least one outlet duct (20b) connected on the one hand to the outlet port (19b) and on the other hand to at least the last channel (21b).

9. motor-fan unit (3) according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the hub (9) is provided with a rotating hydraulic connection (18) for conveying the coolant (Fe) between the outside the propeller (5) and the hydraulic circuit (31a, 31b, 31c) of the propeller (5).

10. motor-fan unit (3) according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein the hub (9) comprises at least one intermediate channel (33a, 33b) interconnecting at least two channels (21a) formed in two blades (10) immediately adjacent.

11. Fan motor unit (3) according to the preceding claim, wherein the intermediate channel (33a, 33b) forms a cavity which communicates at least three channels (21) each formed in a blade (10).

12. motor-fan unit (3) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein is formed inside the ring (11) at least one peripheral channel (32a, 32b) interconnecting at least two channels (21a) in two immediately adjacent blades (10).

Motor-fan unit (3) according to any one of claims 2 to 12, wherein the blades (10) are hollow and each have at their proximal end a first mouth (22a) open on an inlet duct ( 20a) and at their distal end a second mouth (22b) open on a peripheral channel (29) formed at least partly inside the ring (11), the coolant (Fe) being able to circulate to through the blades (10) between the inlet duct (20a) and the peripheral channel (29).

14. Motor-fan unit (3) according to any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein at least one blade (10) incorporates at least one baffle (34) which extends a portion of the hydraulic circuit traversed by the coolant ( Fe) passing through the blade (10).

15. Fan motor unit (3) according to any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein at least one blade (10) incorporates reliefs (35) of disturbance of a flow of heat transfer fluid (Fe) through the blade (10).

16. Motor-fan unit (3) according to any one of claims 8, 9 or 11, wherein the propeller (5) consists of two propeller elements (5a, 5b) assembled one to the other. another, each of said helix elements (5a, 5b) integrally incorporating at least one blade portion (10a, 10b), a crown portion (11a, 11b) and one of the bodies (9a, 9b) constituting the hub (9).

17. fan motor unit (3) according to claim 1, comprising a drive system (2) of a propeller (5) of the motor-fan unit (3), the drive system (2) comprising an engine electric motor (7) comprising a rotor (7b) and a stator (7a), the stator (7a) incorporating the hydraulic circuit (31a, 31b, 31c) coolant flow (Fe) therethrough.

18. Motor-fan unit (3) according to the preceding claim, wherein the hydraulic circuit (31a, 31b, 31c) comprises at least one annular channel (50a, 51a) formed inside at least one component (50 51) of the stator (7a).

19. motor-fan unit (3) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one outer annular channel (50a) is formed inside a ring (50) peripheral of the stator (7a).

20. motor-fan unit (3) according to the preceding claim, wherein the ring (50) comprises a plurality of outer annular channels (50a) arranged concentrically.

21. fan motor unit (3) according to any one of claims 19 or 20, wherein the stator (7a) is equipped with a cooling block (52) extending radially between a shaft (51) passage of the rotor (7b) through the stator (7a) and the ring (50).

22. motor-fan unit (3) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cooling block (52) is arranged in a plurality of fins (52a) distributed radially between the shaft (51) and the ring (50).

23. motor-fan unit (3) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one radial channel (14) extends within at least one fin (52a) constituting the cooling block (52).

24. motor-fan unit (3) according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the hydraulic circuit (31a, 31b, 31c) comprises at least one inner annular channel (51a) is formed inside the barrel (51) of the stator (7a).

Motor-fan unit (3) according to any one of claims 17 to 24, comprising at least one intake duct (18a) through which the coolant (Fe) is able to enter the stator (7a) and at least one evacuation duct (18b) through which the coolant (Fe) is able to exit the stator (7a), the intake duct (18a) and the evacuation duct (18b) being connected indifferently,

- external annular channels (50a) formed inside a peripheral ring (50) of the stator (7a),

- internal annular channels (51a) formed inside a shaft (51) of the stator

(7a)

- indifferently to an outer annular channel (50a) and an inner annular channel

(51a).

26. Cooling system (2) for a motor vehicle equipment (1), comprising at least one heat transfer fluid (Fe) conveying circuit (4) between the equipment (1) and at least one propeller (5). ) according to any one of claims 2 to 16.

Cooling system (2) according to claim 26, comprising at least one heat exchanger (8) arranged in the delivery circuit (4) of the coolant (Fe) between the equipment (1) and the propeller ( 5), the heat exchanger (8) being traversed by the air flow (Fx) generated by the propeller (5).

28. Cooling system (2) for a motor vehicle equipment (1), comprising at least one heat transfer fluid (Fe) conveying circuit (4) between the equipment (1) and at least one stator (7a). ) of a drive system according to any one of claims 17 to 25.

29. Cooling system (2) according to claim 28, comprising at least heat exchanger (8) disposed in the delivery circuit (4) of the coolant (Fe) between the equipment (1) and the stator (7a). ), the heat exchanger (8) being traversed by the air flow (Fx) generated by the propeller (5) rotated by the electric motor (7) equipped with the stator (7a).