VENTILATION DEVICE COMPRISING RETENTION MEANS

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a ventilation device, in particular for a cooling module, for example for a motor vehicle, in particular an electric motor vehicle.

Prior Art

It has previously been proposed in the prior art, in particular by the publication FR3115503, to make available a ventilation device provided with a torque transmission part between, on the one hand, a member with tangential blades and, on the other hand, an electric motor. This part for transmitting torque from the engine to the bladed member made it possible in particular to mount the ventilation device within a cooling module in two main steps. The first step involves assembling the torque transmission part to the electric motor by screwing, this being done prior to installation in the cooling module. This is followed by a second step that involves mechanically fitting the torque transmission part within the cooling module with the bladed member. This last step has the advantage of being able to be carried out without screws and blind, due to the configuration of the torque transmission part. In order to guarantee the correct functioning of the ventilation device according to such a design, it is customary to lubricate the mechanical connection between the bladed member and the torque transmission part. However, when the ventilation device is in operation, the lubricant, even a highly viscous lubricating solution such as grease, is centrifuged and leads to pollution of the electric motor. Similarly, it has been found that in the absence of lubrication of the torque transmission part, pollution can also result from the friction created during the operation of the device. Wear of the parts causes detachment of material in the form of dust or chips of variable sizes, this debris being brought by centrifugal force into the electric motor, which will degrade the operation of the latter.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

In order to remedy the disadvantages of the prior art, the present invention relates to a ventilation device comprising:

• • a bladed member,
  • an electric motor and
  • a torque transmission part designed to transmit a torque developed by the electric motor to the bladed member, the torque transmission part comprising:
    • a first section intended to transmit the torque developed by the electric motor from the torque transmission part to the bladed member, and
    • a second section intended to fasten the torque transmission part to the electric motor,

the arrangement of the bladed member with the torque transmission part forming a coupling, and the device being characterized in that it comprises retention means configured to retain, within the coupling, elements produced during the interaction of the bladed member with the torque transmission part.

Advantageously, the present invention thus makes it possible to prevent any pollution of the electric motor due to the operation of the ventilation device, by projecting elements produced by the operation of the bladed member arranged with the torque transmission part.

The coupling of the bladed member to the torque transmission part defines a volume formed by the contact zones and the mechanical clearances between the first section and the bladed member. It will also be understood that the volume of the coupling corresponds to the interstitial space between the first section and the bladed member.

The coupling of the bladed member to the torque transmission part can be direct or indirect via one or more intermediate parts.

The elements produced are, for example, dust, chips resulting from wear, or lubricant that has leaked. The retention means of the device are intended to retain these produced elements within the volume defined by the coupling of the bladed member to the torque transmission part.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the bladed member and/or the torque transmission part comprise the retention means.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the bladed member and the torque transmission part, during operation, rotate about an axis of rotation, the retention means being disposed all around the axis of rotation. It will thus be understood that the retention means extend circularly about the axis of rotation.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the torque transmission part comprises a peripheral wall designed to cooperate with the retention means.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the torque transmission part comprises a first face oriented toward the bladed member, and a second face oriented toward the electric motor, the peripheral wall extending outward from the first face.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the peripheral wall extends perpendicularly with respect to the first face of the torque transmission part.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the first section comprises a recess designed to transmit the torque to a recess counterpiece of the bladed member.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the peripheral wall extends circularly with respect to the axis of rotation so as to surround the recess of the first section.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the retention means are smaller than the bladed member and the torque transmission part. This makes it possible to limit the overall size of the ventilation device.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the bladed member comprises the retention means.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the retention means are disposed on the recess counterpiece of the bladed member.

According to one of the aspects of the invention and according to a variant, the torque transmission part, preferably the first section, comprises the retention means.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the retention means comprise a skirt, the skirt comprises a first part connected to the bladed member and extending radially with respect to the axis of rotation, and a second part connected to the first part and extending parallel to the peripheral wall in the direction of the torque transmission part.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the skirt and the peripheral wall are spaced apart so as to form a space between the second part of the skirt and the peripheral wall. It will thus be understood that the skirt and the peripheral wall do not touch each other and that the space between them forms a void.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the space between the skirt and the peripheral wall is less than or equal to 2 millimeters.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the retention means are sealing means configured to seal the first section of the torque transmission part.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the sealing means comprise a sealing lip configured to cooperate with the peripheral wall.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the sealing means comprise an annular seal configured to cooperate with the peripheral wall.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the lip is in contact with an inner wall of the peripheral wall oriented toward the axis of rotation, so as to ensure the sealing of the first section. It will thus be understood that the lip is surrounded by the peripheral wall.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the lip is in contact with an outer wall of the peripheral wall in order to ensure the sealing of the first section. It will thus be understood that the lip surrounds the peripheral wall.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the lip is in contact with an upper end of the peripheral wall in order to ensure the sealing of the first section.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the sealing means are disposed on the peripheral wall and cooperate with the recess counterpiece of the bladed member.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the sealing means extend from an inner wall of the peripheral wall.

According to one of the aspect of the invention, the sealing means extend from an outer wall of the peripheral wall.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the retention means are integral with the recess counterpiece of the bladed member or integral with the torque transmission part.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the retention means are overmolded with the recess counterpiece of the bladed member or with the torque transmission part.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the retention means are molded with the recess counterpiece of the bladed member or with the torque transmission part by two-material molding.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the retention means are attached to the recess counterpiece of the bladed member or to the torque transmission part.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the retention means are fixed by adhesive bonding to the recess counterpiece or to the torque transmission part.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the retention means are mounted in a circular groove positioned on the recess counterpiece or on the peripheral wall of the torque transmission part.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the recess counterpiece of the bladed member is a part that is attached.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the recess counterpiece is assembled to the bladed member by fastening means (screw, rivet, clip, etc.).

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the bladed member comprises a shaft configured to be housed in a hub inserted by overmolding into the recess counterpiece.

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the second section is a mechanical fastening by way of fastening means (screw, rivet, clip, etc.).

According to one of the aspects of the invention, the first section is closer to the axis of rotation than the second section. It will be understood that the first section is disposed more to the center of the torque transmission part than the second section, which surrounds the first section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become more clearly apparent from reading the description set out below by way of indication with reference to drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a cooling module according to an example of implementation of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a ventilation device according to the prior art;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the torque transmission part according to the invention with the retention means;

FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of the torque transmission part with the retention means according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view of the torque transmission part with the retention means according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of the torque transmission part with the retention means according to an alternative of the second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic sectional view of the torque transmission part with the retention means according to another alternative of the second embodiment of the invention.

Firstly, it should be noted that although the figures disclose the invention in detail for the implementation thereof, they can of course be used to further define the invention if applicable. It should also be noted that these figures merely show exemplary embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 describes an exemplary implementation of the invention, in particular a cooling module 50 of a motor vehicle, in particular having an electric motor. As is illustrated in section in FIG. 1, the cooling module 50 has a casing or fairing 200 forming an internal channel 300. The casing 200 makes it possible to house at least one heat exchanger 400 and a ventilation device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. This ventilation device 100 has a bladed member 1.

FIG. 2 shows a ventilation device according to the prior art. This ventilation device comprises:

• • a bladed member 1,
  • an electric motor 2 and
  • a torque transmission part 3 designed to transmit a torque developed by the electric motor 2 to the bladed member 1, the torque transmission part 3 comprising:
    • a first section 4 intended to transmit the torque developed by the electric motor 2 from the torque transmission part 3 to the bladed member 1, and
    • a second section 5 intended to fasten the torque transmission part 3 to the electric motor 2.

According to the invention, and as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 7, the arrangement of the bladed member 1 with the torque transmission part 3 forms a coupling 6, and the device 100 is characterized in that it comprises retention means 7 configured to retain, within the coupling 6, elements produced during the interaction of the bladed member 1 with the torque transmission part 3.

The bladed member 1 and/or the torque transmission part 3 comprise the retention means 7. The bladed member 1 and the torque transmission part 3, during operation, rotate about an axis of rotation 8, and the retention means 7 are disposed all around the axis of rotation 8. It will thus be understood that the retention means 7 extend circularly about the axis of rotation 8.

The torque transmission part 3 comprises a peripheral wall 9 arranged to cooperate with the retention means 7.

The torque transmission part 3 comprises a first face 30 oriented toward the bladed member 1, and a second face 31 oriented toward the electric motor 2, the peripheral wall 9 extending outward from the first face 30.

The peripheral wall 9 extends perpendicularly with respect to the first face 30 of the torque transmission part 3.

The first section 4 comprises a recess 10 arranged to transmit the torque to a recess counterpiece 11 of the bladed member 1.

The peripheral wall 9 extends circularly with respect to the axis of rotation 8 so as to surround the recess 10 of the first section 4.

The retention means 7 are smaller than the bladed member 1 and the torque transmission part 3. This makes it possible to limit the overall size of the ventilation device 100.

As is illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 7, the bladed member 1 comprises the retention means 7.

The retention means 7 are disposed on the recess counterpiece 11 of the bladed member 1.

According to an alternative not illustrated in the figures, the torque transmission part 3, preferably the first section 4, comprises the retention means 7.

According to a first embodiment of the invention as illustrated in FIG. 4, the retention means 7 comprise a skirt 70, the skirt 70 comprises a first part 700 connected to the bladed member 1 and extending radially with respect to the axis of rotation 8, and a second part 701 connected to the first part 700 and extending parallel to the peripheral wall 9 in the direction of the torque transmission part 3.

The skirt 70 and the peripheral wall 9 are spaced apart so as to form a space 12 between the second part 701 of the skirt 70 and the peripheral wall 9. It will thus be understood that the skirt 70 and the peripheral wall 9 do not touch each other and that the space 12 between them forms a void.

The space 12 between the skirt 70 and the peripheral wall 9 is less than or equal to 2 millimeters.

According to a second embodiment of the invention as illustrated in FIGS. 5 to 7, the retention means 7 are sealing means 7 configured to seal the first section 4 of the torque transmission part 3.

The sealing means 7 comprise a sealing lip 71 configured to cooperate with the peripheral wall 9.

According to a variant (not shown in the figures), the sealing means 7 comprise an annular seal 72 configured to cooperate with the peripheral wall 9.

In the case where the bladed member 1 comprises the sealing means 7, three configurations are possible. According to a first configuration and as can be seen in FIG. 5, the lip 71 is in contact with an inner wall 90 of the peripheral wall 9 oriented toward the axis of rotation 8, so as to ensure the sealing of the first section 4. It will thus be understood that the lip 71 is surrounded by the peripheral wall 9.

According to a second configuration and as can be seen in FIG. 6, the lip 71 is in contact with an outer wall 91 of the peripheral wall 9 in order to ensure the sealing of the first section 4. It will thus be understood that the lip 71 surrounds the peripheral wall 9.

According to a third configuration and as can be seen in FIG. 7, the lip 71 is in contact with an upper end 92 of the peripheral wall 9 in order to ensure the sealing of the first section 4.

In the case (not illustrated) where the torque transmission part 3 comprises the sealing means 7, one possible configuration is for the sealing means 7 to be disposed on the peripheral wall 9 and to cooperate with the recess counterpiece 11 of the bladed member 1. In this case, the sealing means 7 can either extend from an inner wall 90 of the peripheral wall 9 or from an outer wall 91 of the peripheral wall 9.

According to a preferred design and as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 7, the retention means 7 are integral with the recess counterpiece 11 of the bladed member 1 or integral with the torque transmission part 3.

Other designs are possible, according to which:

• • the retention means 7 are overmolded with the recess counterpiece 11 of the bladed member 1 or with the torque transmission part 3.
  • the retention means 7 are molded with the recess counterpiece 11 of the bladed member 1 or with the torque transmission part 3 by two-material molding.
  • the retention means 7 are attached to the recess counterpiece 11 of the bladed member 1 or to the torque transmission part 3.
  • the retention means 7 are fixed by adhesive bonding to the recess counterpiece 11 or to the torque transmission part 3.
  • the retention means 7 are mounted in a circular groove 13 positioned on the recess counterpiece 11 or on the peripheral wall 9 of the torque transmission part 3.

As is illustrated in the figures, the recess counterpiece 11 of the bladed member 1 is an attached part. The bladed member 1 comprises a shaft 14 not visible in the figures and configured to be housed in a hub 15 inserted by overmolding into the recess counterpiece 11. Alternatively, still in the case where the recess counterpiece 11 is a part attached to the bladed member 1, the recess counterpiece 11 is assembled to the bladed member 1 by fastening means (screw, rivet, clip, etc.). It is also possible, although not illustrated in the figures, to have the recess counterpiece 11 made in one piece with the bladed member 1 by overmolding directly on the shaft 14 of the bladed member 1.

The second section 5 is a mechanical fastening to the electric motor 2 by way of fastening means (screw, rivet, clip, etc.).

The first section 4 is closer to the axis of rotation 8 than the second section 5. It will be understood that the first section 4 is disposed more to the center of the torque transmission part 3 than the second section 5, which surrounds the first section 4.