Hybrid engine cooling system having electric motor with electro-magnetic clutch

摘要

A vehicle engine cooling system includes a coupling assembly to be connected to and rotated by a vehicle engine output shaft. An electric motor includes a motor shaft having first and second ends. An impeller is coupled to the first end of the motor shaft. A clutch structure is integral with the electric motor and includes an input member carried by the second end of the motor shaft for rotation therewith. An end of the coupling structure is operatively associated with the input member to cause rotation of the input member upon rotation of the coupling assembly. An electro-magnet structure is disposed about the input member. The clutch structure also includes output structure having a mounting member fixed to the motor shaft. A movable element, including magnetically permeable material, is mounted with respect to the mounting member for rotational movement therewith and for movement between a non-engaging position and an engaging position. A spring biases the movable element towards the non-engaging position. A switching structure is operatively associated with the electric motor and with the electro-magnet structure and is movable between a first position providing electric current to the electric motor and a second position providing electric current to the electro-magnet structure. When the switching structure is in the second position, the movable element moves to the engaging position. When the switching structure is moved to the first position, the electro-magnet structure is deenergized and the spring returns the movable element to the non-engaging position with.