Fan shroud for a motor vehicle

Abstract

Fan shroud (1) for a motor vehicle (2), wherein the fan shroud (1) has a frame (3) with a first side wall (4) and a second side wall (5), which define a width (6) of the fan shroud (1), as well as an upper frame part (7) and a lower frame part (8), which define a height (9) of the fan shroud (1); wherein at least one fan (11) with a rotatable rotor (12) is arranged within an area (10) enclosed by the frame (3); wherein an extension (13) of the at least one fan (11) in a first direction (14) extending transversely to the width (6) and height (9) defines a depth (15) of the fan shroud (1); wherein the frame (3) itself predetermines a frame depth; wherein the depth (15) relates to a partial section of the frame depth;wherein at least one part (16) of at least one fluid-carrying pipeline (17) is arranged within the surface (10), wherein at least one partial region (18) of the part (16) of the pipeline (17) extends in a second direction (19) running transversely to the first direction (14) and the partial region (18) is arranged at least partially within the depth (15);

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fan shroud for a motor vehicle. A fan shroud typically comprises a frame with a first side wall and a second side wall, which define a width of the fan shroud, as well as with an upper frame part and a lower frame part, which define a height of the fan shroud. At least one fan with a rotating rotor is arranged within the area enclosed by the frame. When installed in the front of a motor vehicle, the fan shroud is typically installed in front of the drive unit and behind a radiator, as seen in the direction of travel.

[0002] From EP 1 764 572 A1 a frame is known which comprises a heat exchanger and a fan.

[0003] Increasing crash safety requirements mean that the distance between the front of a vehicle and the front-most components must become ever greater. This, however, is resulting in ever-smaller installation space for the components.

[0004] Furthermore, the increasing number of units (additional water pumps, secondary air blowers, hybrid components), which are required to comply with increasingly strict emissions regulations, leads to cramped installation space.

[0005] A fan shroud is known from JP 2013-139 856 A.

[0006] JP 2000-74 530 A discloses an air conditioning condenser with a fan wheel.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to at least partially solve the problems cited with reference to the prior art. In particular, the installation space available for the installation of parts and components, especially in the front end, is to be used more efficiently.

[0008] A fan shroud with the features according to claim 1 contributes to achieving these objectives. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims. The features listed individually in the claims can be combined with one another in a technologically expedient manner and can be supplemented by explanatory facts from the description and / or details from the figures, whereby further embodiments of the invention are demonstrated.

[0009] A fan shroud for a motor vehicle is proposed, wherein the fan shroud is essentially formed by a (single- or multi-part) frame. The frame has a first side wall and a second side wall, which define a width of the fan shroud, as well as an upper frame part and a lower frame part, which define a height of the fan shroud.

[0010] At least one fan with a rotating rotor is arranged within an area enclosed by the frame. The fan or rotor passes through this area or is delimited by it. The extent of the at least one fan (or rotor) in a first direction extending transversely (perpendicularly) to the width and height defines a depth of the fan frame. Depending on the position of the area under consideration, the fan or rotor can extend in the first direction on one side or both sides. The extent of the fan (or rotor) determines the depth in terms of value. The area and depth can therefore be used to specify a fan-to-frame volume ratio. If multiple fans are provided, the sum of the extents in the first direction is preferably considered, but it is also possible to use only the extent of a single fan (or rotor) to determine the depth.

[0011] The fan shroud can have a frame, which, particularly with its dimensions, determines the frame depth. However, additional components or component groups, such as a cooling unit, can be arranged within the frame in the depth direction. Since the depth is determined by the extent of the fan (or rotor), this depth may affect a portion of the frame depth.

[0012] At least a portion of at least one fluid-conveying conduit is arranged within the surface (formed by the frame) (the conduit may also extend beyond the surface and / or the frame). The fluid-conveying conduit may be rigid or flexible. In particular, the conduit conveys a fluid that may be problematic for electrical components, such as an aqueous and / or corrosive fluid.

[0013] At least a partial region of the part of the fluid-carrying pipe extends in a second direction running transversely (perpendicularly) to the first direction. In this case, the partial region is at least partially arranged within the depth. The fluid-carrying pipe can extend from the outer surroundings of the fan shroud and / or the frame into the fan-frame volume portion and then leave it again. The fluid-carrying pipe does not run parallel to the rotation axis of the fan in at least one region of the fan-frame volume portion. The section that passes through the fan-frame volume portion is referred to as the “part” (or section) of the fluid-carrying pipe. This part of the fluid-carrying pipe does not have to be arranged therein with its entire cross-section, but can be sufficient if at least a “partial region” (of the cross-section) of the fluid-carrying pipe penetrates into the fan-frame volume portion.

[0014] In other words, it is possible to partially arrange the piping in the fan-frame volume portion in such a way that it runs over a predeterminable section substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the fan (or rotor), i.e. from an area close to the frame to the at least one fan and / or vice versa.

[0015] Previously, the fan shroud was used exclusively to support at least one fan. Electrical cables for driving the fans were sometimes attached to the fan shroud. No other cables were previously routed in the fan shroud area.

[0016] Here, it is proposed to lay at least one fluid-carrying pipe, in particular between the frame and the at least one fan, in the area of ​​the fan casing. At least one part of the at least one pipe extends within the frame, i.e., in a first area or space defined by the surface and the depth. At least a partial area extends in a second direction (i.e., in the plane of the surface or parallel to it) that is perpendicular to the first direction (the depth extends in this direction).

[0017] In particular, the partial region of the fluid-carrying pipeline comprises a length of at least 5 cm [centimeters], preferably at least 10 cm, particularly preferably at least 20 cm.

[0018] A fluid (e.g., water, oil, technical gas—but not ambient air, etc.) can be conveyed through at least one fluid-carrying pipe during operation or after commissioning of the motor vehicle. An electrical current may also be conveyed, although this current is preferably not used to drive the at least one fan.

[0019] Preferably, the at least one pipe is attached to the fan frame (e.g. via a holder, a clip, etc.).

[0020] In particular, the pipeline has at least one pipeline cross-section in the partial region and transversely to the second direction, wherein at least 50%, in particular at least 75%, of the pipeline cross-section is arranged within the depth. In particular, the pipeline cross-section can also be arranged partially outside the depth (i.e., in front of or behind the fan frame or the fan frame volume portion).

[0021] Preferably, the partial area of ​​the pipe is arranged completely (i.e. 100% of the pipe cross-section) within the depth or the fan frame volume portion.

[0022] The pipe cross-section is, for example, between 10 and 30 millimeters, in particular approximately 20 millimeters, whereby the pipe cross-section is dimensioned to meet the requirements, e.g., for the respective (cooling) circuit.

[0023] The at least one pipeline can extend between a first end and a second end, with at least one end being arranged outside the surface or outside the depth. In particular, the pipeline extends from a second region, which is arranged outside the surface or outside the depth, at least into the first region defined by depth and surface, and possibly also through it to the other end.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the pipeline has a substantially constant flow cross-section for a fluid between the first end and the second end.

[0025] In particular, the fluid is thus passed through the pipeline, wherein the pipeline extends from a first end, which is arranged in the second region, through the first region and to the second end, which is again arranged in the second region.

[0026] In particular, the part of the piping is attached to the fan frame via at least one fastening.

[0027] The at least one fastening element may include a fixed bearing. A fixed bearing defines all (six) degrees of freedom of movement (i.e., the three possible translational movements in space and the three possible rotational movements) of the pipeline.

[0028] The at least one fastening element may comprise a floating bearing. A floating bearing does not define all (six) degrees of freedom of movement of the pipeline; in particular, at least one of the three displacement movements is not defined.

[0029] In particular, the part of the piping is attached to the fan shroud via a fixed bearing and at least (or exactly) one loose bearing.

[0030] A floating bearing can compensate for thermal expansion of the piping during vehicle operation. In particular, it can also compensate for the different thermal expansions of the fan shroud and the piping.

[0031] The pipeline can extend from the part of the pipeline that is arranged within the area enclosed by the frame through at least one frame part or one side part (into the second region).

[0032] Furthermore, a motor vehicle is proposed, comprising a drive unit (e.g., an internal combustion engine or an electric drive or similar) for driving the motor vehicle, a radiator for cooling the drive unit (or other components such as control units, power electronics, etc.), and the described fan shroud. In particular, the fan shroud has at least one fan designed to supply the radiator with an air flow. In particular, the fan draws in an air flow through the radiator or heat exchanger arranged upstream in the direction of travel.

[0033] The installation of the described fan shroud in the motor vehicle can lead to a more efficient use of the available installation space.

[0034] The statements regarding the fan shroud apply equally to the motor vehicle and vice versa.

[0035] As a precaution, it should be noted that the numerals used here ("first", "second", ...) primarily serve (only) to distinguish between several similar objects, quantities, or processes, and therefore do not necessarily specify any interdependence and / or sequence of these objects, quantities, or processes. Should a dependence and / or sequence be required, this is explicitly stated here or will be obvious to the person skilled in the art upon studying the specifically described embodiment.

[0036] The invention and the technical environment are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the invention is not intended to be limited by the exemplary embodiments cited. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the facts explained in the figures and combine them with other components and findings from the present description. In particular, it should be noted that the figures, and in particular the proportions shown, are only schematic. They show: Fig. 1: a motor vehicle in a side view; Fig. 2: a fan shroud in perspective view; Fig. 3: a first section of a fan frame in perspective view; Fig. 4: Detail IV from Fig. 3 in a view along the second direction; Fig. 5: Detail V from Fig. 3 in a view along the second direction; Fig. 6: a first embodiment of a fixed bearing in a perspective view; Fig. 7: the fixed bearing after Fig. 6 in a view along the second direction; Fig. 8: a second embodiment of a fixed bearing in a view along the second direction; Fig. 9: a second section of a fan frame in perspective view; and Fig. 10: a third section of a fan shroud in perspective view.

[0037] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a side view of a motor vehicle 2. The motor vehicle 2 has (at least) a radiator 28, a fan shroud 1, and a drive unit 27 in the front section.

[0038] Fig. 2 shows a fan shroud 1 in perspective view. The fan shroud 1 comprises a frame 3 with a first side wall 4 and a second side wall 5, which define a width 6 of the fan shroud 1, as well as an upper frame part 7 and a lower frame part 8, which define a height 9 of the fan shroud 1. Two fans 11, each with a rotatable rotor 12, are arranged within the area 10 enclosed by the frame 3. An extension 13 of at least one fan 11 in a first direction 14 extending transversely to the width 6 and height 9 defines a depth 15 of the fan shroud 1. At least a part 16 of a fluid-carrying pipe 17 is arranged within the area 10 formed by the frame 3 (with the pipes extending beyond the area 10 and the frame 3 outside the area 10). At least a partial area 18 of the part 16 of the pipeline 17 extends in a second direction 19 running transversely to the first direction 14.The second direction 19 extends in the plane of the surface 10 or parallel thereto. The partial area 18 is arranged at least partially within the depth 15.

[0039] The pipes 17 extend at least with a part 16 within the frame 3, i.e. in a first region 33 which is defined by the surface 10 and the depth 15.

[0040] The pipes 17 are attached to the fan frame 1 via fastenings 24 (e.g. via a holder, a clip, etc.).

[0041] Fig. 3 shows a first section of a fan frame 1 in perspective view. Fig. 4 shows detail IV from Fig. 3 in a view along the second direction 19. Fig. 5 shows detail V from Fig. 3 in a view along the second direction 19. The Fig. 3 to 5 are described together below. The explanations for Fig. 2 is referred to.

[0042] The pipeline 17 has in the partial area 18 and transversely to the second direction 19 a pipeline cross-section 20 which is arranged 100% within the depth 15.

[0043] The pipe 17 extends between a first end 21 and a second end 22, both ends 21, 22 being arranged outside the surface 10 and outside the depth 15. The pipe 17 extends from a first end 21, which is arranged in the second region 34, which is arranged outside the surface 10 and outside the depth 15, via an opening 29 in the frame 3 into the first region 33, which is delimited or defined by the depth 15 and the surface 10. The pipe extends through this first region 33 and via an opening 29 in the fan shroud 1 to the second end 22, which is again arranged in the second region 34.

[0044] The pipeline 17 has a substantially constant flow cross-section 23 for a fluid between the first end 21 and the second end 22.

[0045] The part 16 of the pipe 17 is attached to the fan frame 1 by two fastenings 24. One fastening 24 comprises a fixed bearing 25 (Detail IV, see Fig. 4). A fixed bearing 25 defines all (six) degrees of freedom of movement (i.e., the three possible translational movements in space and the three possible rotational movements) of the pipeline 17. The pipeline 17 is connected to the fixed bearing 25 via the first holder 31.

[0046] The other attachment 24 comprises a floating bearing 26. A floating bearing does not determine all (six) degrees of freedom of movement of the pipeline. Here, one of the three displacement movements is not fixed (here along the second direction 19). The floating bearing 26 is formed by a pin 30 on the second holder 32, which extends through a receptacle in the frame 3 (see Fig. 3 and Fig. 5). The pin 30 can be moved along the second direction 19 relative to the frame 3. Fig. 3 shows several embodiments of a pin 30.

[0047] Fig. 6 shows a first embodiment of a fixed bearing 25 in a perspective view. Fig. 7 shows the fixed bearing 25 after Fig. 6 in a view along the second direction 19. Fig. 8 shows a second embodiment of a fixed bearing 25 in a view along the second direction 19. The Fig. 6 to 8 are described together. The explanations for Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 is referred to.

[0048] Both versions of the fixed bearing 25 include the first holder 31, which forms the fixed bearing 25 on the one hand and fixes the pipe 17 on the other. The first holder 31 is connected to the fan shroud 1 via clip connections.

[0049] Fig. 9 shows a second section of a fan frame 1 in perspective view. The explanations for Fig. 2 is referred to.

[0050] In contrast to Fig. 2, an opening 29 is provided on the first side wall 4, into which the first holder 31 can be inserted along the first direction 14. The first holder 31 forms the fixed bearing 25 for the pipe 17. Furthermore, in the area of ​​the surface 10 in the fan frame 1, a further opening 29 is provided, through which the second end 22 of the pipe 17 is pushed to form the loose bearing on the loose bearing 26. Here, the pipe 17 is connected to the loose bearing 26 via the second holder 32.

[0051] Fig. 10 shows a third section of a fan frame 1 in perspective view. The explanations for Fig. 2 and Fig. 9 is referred to.

[0052] In contrast to Fig.9, an opening 29 is provided on the first side wall 4, into which the second holder 32 can be inserted along the first direction 14. The second holder 32 forms the loose bearing 26 for the pipe 17. Furthermore, in the area of ​​the surface 10 in the fan frame 1, a further opening 29 is provided, through which the second end 22 of the pipe 17 is pushed to form the fixed bearing on the fixed bearing 25. Here, the pipe 17 is connected to the fixed bearing 25 via the first holder 31. List of reference symbols 1 fan shroud 2 motor vehicles 3 frames 4 first side wall 5 second side wall 6 Width 7 upper frame part 8 lower frame part 9 Height 10 Area 11 fans 12 Rotor 13 Extension 14 first direction 15 depth Part 16 17 Pipeline 18 sub-area 19 second direction 20 Pipe cross-section 21 first end 22 second end 23 Flow cross-section 24 Fastening 25 fixed bearings 26 loose bearings 27 Drive unit 28 coolers 29 Opening 30 pens 31 first holder 32 second holder 33 first area 34 second area

Claims

[1] Fan housing (1) for a motor vehicle (2), wherein the fan housing (1) comprises a frame (3) with a first side wall (4) and a second side wall (5) defining a width (6) of the fan housing (1), and an upper frame part (7) and a lower frame part (8) defining a height (9) of the fan housing (1); wherein at least one fan (11) with a rotatable rotor (12) is arranged within an area (10) enclosed by the frame (3); wherein an extension (13) of the at least one fan (11) in a first direction (14) extending transversely to the width (6) and height (9) defines a depth (15) of the fan housing (1); wherein the frame (3) itself defines a frame depth; wherein the depth (15) relates to a partial section of the frame depth;wherein at least a part (16) of at least one fluid-carrying pipe (17) is arranged within the area (10), wherein at least a sub-area (18) of the part (16) of the pipe (17) extends in a second direction (19) transverse to the first direction (14) and the sub-area (18) is arranged at least partially within the depth (15). [2] Fan frame (1) according to claim 1, wherein the pipe (17) has at least one pipe cross-section (20) in the partial area (18) and transverse to the second direction (19), wherein at least 50% of the pipe cross-section (20) is arranged within the depth (15). [3] Fan frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the partial section (18) of the pipeline (17) is arranged completely within the depth (15). [4] Fan frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one pipe (17) extends between a first end (21) and a second end (22), wherein at least one end (21, 22) is arranged outside the area (10) or outside the depth (15). [5] Fan frame (1) according to claim 4, wherein the pipe (17) between the first end (21) and the second end (22) has a substantially constant flow cross-section (23) for a fluid. [6] Fan frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the part (16) of the pipe (17) is attached to the fan frame (1) via at least one fastening (24). [7] Fan frame (1) according to claim 6, wherein the at least one fastening (24) comprises a fixed bearing (25). [8] Fan frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims 6 and 7, wherein the at least one fastening (24) comprises a loose bearing (26). [9] Fan frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pipe (17) extends from the part (16) of the pipe (17) which is arranged within the area (10) enclosed by the frame (3) through at least one side wall (4, 5) or frame part (7, 8). [10] Motor vehicle (2) comprising a drive unit (27) for driving the motor vehicle (2), a radiator (28) for cooling the drive unit (27) and a fan frame (1) according to one of the preceding claims for supplying the radiator (28) with an airflow.

Images