Engine cooling fan with ring reinforcement

Abstract

A cooling fan for use in an engine of an automotive vehicle includes a central hub, a plurality of blades and an annular reinforcement element. The central hub is pivotally coupled to the vehicle. The plurality of blades has distal ends spaced radially outwardly relative to the central hub. The annular reinforcement element is fixedly secured to the plurality of blades, the reinforcement element is spaced radially inwardly relative to the distal ends of the plurality of blades to prevent a build-up of ice between the fan and a shroud or housing surrounding the fan.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The invention relates to a cooling fan of an engine for an automotive vehicle. More particularly, the invention relates to a cooling fan having an outer periphery and an annular reinforcement member spaced radially inwardly from the outer periphery. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] An automotive vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and a radiator for exhausting heat emitted by the engine. Specifically, liquid is forced through passages and cavities within a block of the engine via an engine-driven impeller. The liquid is heated by the block. Heat is carried away from the block as the liquid passes through the radiator. While the vehicle is moving, air is continuously funneled toward the radiator. Heat is exchanged with the air as it passes around and through the radiator. The heat exchange cools the liquid passing through the radiator. The liquid is returned to the passages and cavities of t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, an automotive vehicle includes a fan shroud and a cooling fan. The fan shroud has an outer wall defining a generally cylindrical space. The cooling fan is pivotally coupled to the vehicle. The fan is disposed within the cylindrical space of the fan shroud. The fan has a central hub, a plurality of blades and an annular reinforcement element. The central hub is pivotally coupled to the vehicle. The plurality of blades has distal ends spaced radially outwardly relative to the central hub. The annular reinforcement element is fixedly secured to the plurality of blades, the reinforcement element being spaced apart from the outer wall of the shroud so as to minimize a build-up of ice therebetween.

Problems solved by technology

The problem with the reinforcement ring in conventional fan designs is that in cold environments, ice can form between the reinforcement ring and the protective shroud.

The ice can impede rotational movement of the fan, which can cause damage to the fan when the engine is started.

The engine can also be damaged as heat energy accumulates in the engine and is not properly exhausted by the radiator.

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