Radiator fan
By introducing rib structure into the radiator fans of electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, countercurrent and gap flow problems are solved, heat dissipation efficiency and noise performance are improved, and a more compact structural design is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202080086880.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2019-12-19
- Filing Date
- 2020-12-15
- Publication Date
- 2024-12-17
- Estimated Expiration
- 2040-12-15
AI Technical Summary
In electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, the battery deteriorates at high temperatures, and the battery temperature rises during fast charging, resulting in reduced heat dissipation efficiency and increased noise. The existing radiator fans have problems with countercurrent and gap flow, which affects the heat dissipation performance and passenger comfort. Spend.
A fan frame with fan impeller recess and an outer ring of the radiator fan is designed, and the rib structure is used to guide the gap flow in the annular gap, reducing the rotation of the countercurrent, and achieving more efficient air transport and noise reduction.
Through the design of the rib structure, the rotation of the gap flow is significantly reduced, the efficiency and noise performance of the radiator fan are improved, and a more compact structure and higher heat dissipation performance are achieved.
Smart Images
Figure CN114945736B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The invention relates to a radiator fan, in particular for a motor vehicle, which is preferably driven electrically (electric motor), and which has a fan frame with a fan impeller recess and a fan impeller surrounding an outer ring (cover ring) and which is rotatably arranged or positioned in the fan impeller recess. The invention also relates to a radiator fan module, in particular as a prefabricated structural unit. Background Art
[0002] Modern internal combustion engines, in particular four-stroke engines in motor vehicles, typically use coolant to dissipate heat, for which a mixture of water, antifreeze and corrosion inhibitors is usually used. The coolant is conveyed via hoses, pipes and / or channels through the internal combustion engine (cylinder head and engine block) and possibly through thermally loaded accessories of the internal combustion engine, such as the exhaust gas turbocharger, generator or exhaust gas recirculation radiator. In this process, the coolant absorbs the heat energy generated by the internal combustion engine and discharges it from the above-mentioned components. The heated coolant flows through the radiator installed on the front of the motor vehicle, with the help of which the air flow absorbs the heat energy of the coolant and cools it according to the heat exchange principle, after which the cooled coolant flows back to the internal combustion engine, thus closing the coolant circuit.
[0003] Such cooling systems of internal combustion engines, in particular motor vehicles, primarily discharge the heat given off to the walls of the combustion chambers and cylinders. Since the increased temperatures can damage the internal combustion engine, for example by lubricant film stripping, combustion of the intake / exhaust valves of the fuel-air mixture, etc., the heat from the internal combustion engine should be actively dissipated. In order to convey air through the radiator, a radiator fan is arranged in front of the radiator (i.e. upstream) or behind the radiator (i.e. downstream) in the flow direction, which is driven mechanically by a belt drive or electrically by an electric motor.
[0004] Motor vehicles that are driven or can be driven electrically or by an electric motor (e.g. electric cars or hybrid cars) usually include an electric motor as an electric drive system, which can drive one or two axles. For power supply purposes, the electric motor is typically connected to a vehicle internal (high voltage) battery as an energy storage device.
[0005] Such electric motors generate relatively little waste heat when operating as electric drives, and therefore require less heat dissipation power than internal combustion engines. However, in electrically driven or electrically drivable motor vehicles, an additional problem arises, namely that the battery begins to deteriorate at high battery temperatures, for example above 45° C. This means that at such elevated temperatures, electrochemical reactions occur within the battery, which damage or completely destroy the battery.
[0006] In order to improve electric vehicles, so-called fast charging operations are often desired in electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles, in which the battery inside the vehicle is charged within the shortest possible time interval. During such fast charging processes, relatively high current intensities occur, which subsequently cause the battery temperature to increase during the charging process.
[0007] Battery charging is usually carried out when the vehicle is parked, so there is no headwind for heat dissipation. In order to improve the heat dissipation performance in the battery fast charging mode, for example, a heat dissipation airflow can be generated by a radiator fan through a heat exchanger.
[0008] The following embodiments relate to a radiator fan having a fan frame with a fan impeller recess and having a fan impeller which is rotatably arranged in the fan impeller recess. The fan frame usually has a frame ring surrounding the fan impeller recess, wherein the fan impeller typically has an outer ring or a cover ring which connects the blade tips of the fan impeller blades on the circumference. Between the outer ring of the fan impeller and the frame ring of the fan frame, a clear distance in the form of an annular gap or intermediate space is formed, which is also referred to as annular gap below.
[0009] During the operation of such a radiator fan, a so-called backflow, leakage flow or gap flow occurs due to the pressure difference between the rotating fan impeller and the fixed radiator fan frame. The gap flow that occurs consists of a component of ambient air and a component of the conveyed air flow. In this case, a gap flow refers in particular to a (gas) flow that is formed in the gap region due to the negative pressure and which is swirled due to the rotation of the fan impeller, i.e. has at least a certain angular momentum or tangential flow component.
[0010] Swirling gap flows lead to flow separation on the blades of the fan impeller in certain applications. This disrupts the desired air delivery. In particular, the swirling gap flow opposes the main flow, which has a negative impact on the flow characteristics of the cooling fan module. The gap flow from the discharge side of the radiator fan facing away from the conveying air flow to the suction side facing the conveying air flow leads to a known reduction in the efficiency of the radiator fan and has a negative impact on the cooling power of the cooling system. In addition, the gap flow sometimes leads to very high noise generation, which can reduce passenger comfort during operation of the motor vehicle.
[0011] The annular gap has a gap geometry with an approximately L-shaped cross section, which acts approximately as a labyrinth or gap seal, so that the gap flow is reduced in the axial direction. In order to reduce swirling, for example, an annular rib structure is arranged within the gap geometry, which again corrects the orientation of the sucked, swirling gap flow, which leads to flow stabilization. Flow separation is thus avoided.
[0012] Such rib structures are known, for example, from US Pat. No. 7,762,769 B2 and EP 1 862 675 B1. The known rib structures cooperate with a pocket of a frame ring or an outlet bell, wherein the rib structures are arranged between the walls of the pocket.
[0013] Here and hereinafter, an “outlet bell” or “(frame ring) pocket” is understood to mean in particular a region of the frame ring which is bent approximately in a U-shape in the axial direction or conveying direction of the radiator fan, i.e., a frame ring section of its frame ring end face is oriented approximately opposite to the conveying direction. In other words, a cavity is formed in the region of the pocket which is enclosed on three sides in the axial and radial direction and in which the rib structure is at least partially arranged.
[0014] Such an outlet bell or (frame ring) pocket requires a relatively large axial installation space, as a result of which such a radiator fan is of large construction in the axial direction. Summary of the invention
[0015] The object of the present invention is to specify a particularly suitable radiator fan. In particular, a radiator fan which is particularly space-compact in the axial direction should be specified, wherein a reliable reduction of gap flows can be achieved. The object of the present invention is also to specify a particularly suitable radiator fan module.
[0016] According to the invention, this object is achieved with respect to the radiator fan by the features of claim 1 and with respect to the radiator fan module by the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments and improvements are the subject matter of the dependent claims. Advantages and embodiments of the embodiment of the radiator fan can be transferred to the radiator fan module and vice versa.
[0017] The radiator fan of the present invention is particularly designed and suitable for use in motor vehicles. The radiator fan has a fan frame, which has a frame upper side and a frame lower side and a fan impeller recess as a through opening from the frame upper side to the frame lower side. A fan impeller with an outer ring is placed in the fan impeller recess, and the outer ring connects the blade tips of blades extending in a radial direction from a (central) hub or hub pot to each other. When the radiator fan is in operation, the fan impeller rotates and conveys an air flow (main air flow, conveying air flow) from the frame upper side to the frame lower side. Therefore, the frame upper side is particularly understood to be the suction or inlet side of the radiator fan, that is, the inflow side. Correspondingly, the frame lower side is particularly understood to be the pressure or outlet side of the radiator fan, that is, the outflow or discharge side.
[0018] The outer ring is also called a shroud ring or outer band or shroud band. Between the outer ring of the fan impeller and the frame ring (frame band) surrounding or defining the fan impeller recess of the fan frame, an annular gap or intermediate space, referred to below as annular gap, is formed, which surrounds the outer ring.
[0019] A rib structure is introduced into the annular gap to reduce the swirling of the gap flow directed opposite to the conveying direction. The rib structure is a blocking or (air) guiding structure for the gap flow and thus acts during the operation of the radiator fan. Here, the rib structure is designed or implemented such that when the swirling gap flow flows through the annular gap, the gap flow is at least partially guided via the rib structure, thereby reducing the swirling of the gap flow. In other words, the gap flow is deswirled when flowing through the annular gap.
[0020] According to the invention, the frame ring extends axially beyond the outer ring on the frame underside (i.e. the pressure discharge or outlet side) by a frame ring section. The frame ring section is a section or region of the frame ring that protrudes axially beyond the outer ring on the frame underside. In this case, the frame ring section is oriented parallel to the conveying direction or radially inwards at an angle of inclination relative to the conveying direction. This enables a particularly suitable radiator fan. Thus, in particular, a radiator fan of particularly flat construction with respect to the axial dimension can be achieved.
[0021] "Axial" or "axial direction" is understood here and below in particular as a direction parallel (coaxial) to the rotation axis of the fan impeller, i.e. a direction perpendicular to the end face of the radiator fan or the fan frame. Correspondingly, "radial" or "radial direction" is understood here and below in particular as a direction along the radius of the fan impeller or the frame ring that is oriented perpendicularly (transversely) to the rotation axis of the fan impeller. "Tangential" or "tangential direction" is understood here and below in particular as a direction along the circumference of the fan impeller or the frame ring (circumferential direction, azimuthal direction), i.e. a direction perpendicular to the axial direction and perpendicular to the radial direction.
[0022] The radiator fan according to the invention is preferably designed as an axial flow fan. An axial flow fan is understood here and below to be a radiator fan which draws in the cooling air axially and delivers it axially. This means that the axial flow fan delivers (blows out) in the axial direction. The delivery direction (i.e. the direction of the air flow or volume flow generated by the rotation of the fan impeller) is thus oriented approximately parallel to the axial direction.
[0023] A "fan impeller" within the meaning of the invention is in particular a rotationally symmetrical component having a hub, in particular in the form of a hub pot, and a number of blades connected thereto. In a fan impeller driven by an electric motor, the hub is connected to the electric motor, in particular via a shaft protruding from the electric motor, so that the torque generated by the electric motor is transmitted to the fan impeller. The blades are arranged and / or designed to generate an air volume flow as long as the fan impeller is in a rotational motion.
[0024] A "hub pot" within the meaning of the invention is in particular the central part of the fan impeller, which consists of a base surface and a cylindrical surface connected thereto in the manner of a conventional pot. In particular, the blades are arranged, in particular formed, on the cylindrical outer wall. The hub pot is arranged in the middle of the fan impeller and provides a connection to a drive, in particular (if it is a fan impeller driven by an electric motor) to an electric motor. In this case, the hub pot at least partially covers the drive.
[0025] "Blades" within the meaning of the invention are flat bodies which are oriented in a radial direction in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation and are crescent-shaped in this plane and / or inclined relative to this plane. Blades within the meaning of the invention are also understood to be wings (fan wings) or rotor blades. The blades are arranged on the hub can and are provided, in particular designed, to generate an air volume flow as long as the fan wheel is in rotational motion.
[0026] In a suitable embodiment, the axially protruding frame ring section is designed without a pocket. In other words, the frame ring has no (frame ring) pocket or no outlet bell, i.e. no cavity enclosed on three sides. This means that the frame ring section is oriented parallel to the conveying direction or radially inwards at an acute angle relative to the conveying direction. An "acute angle" or "acute angle" is understood to be an angle less than or equal to 90°, i.e. an angle range between 0° and 90°.
[0027] This embodiment is based on the knowledge that a positive flow influencing of the gap flow similar to a pocket or an outlet bell can be achieved by a suitable geometrical embodiment of the annular gap or the frame ring section. Here, the frame ring section is particularly easy to manufacture and preferably requires less axial structural space than a pocket with the same effect.
[0028] In an advantageous development, the (virtual) connecting line from the outer ring end face of the frame underside (i.e. the end face of the outer ring facing the frame underside) to the frame ring end face of the frame ring segment is inclined at an acute angle relative to the conveying direction. In this case, the connecting line is oriented within the axial radial section. The connecting line corresponds approximately to the gap opening between the outer ring and the frame ring segment, through which the gap flow flows in. The most acute or flat angle ensures that a relatively large inlet surface is achieved, so that the gap flow can be reliably guided through the rib structure.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the axial spacing between the outer ring end face and the frame ring end face is greater than or equal to the radial spacing between the outer ring end face and the frame ring end face. Here, the axial spacing is understood in particular to be the axial spacing between the points of the end faces that are oriented deepest in the conveying direction (i.e., the points that face the underside of the frame in most cases). Here, the frame ring segment is the region of the frame ring that extends along the axial spacing (i.e., the region between the outer ring end face and the frame ring end face). Here, the radial spacing is understood in particular to be the radial spacing between the radially outermost point of the outer ring end face and the radially innermost point of the frame ring end face.
[0030] The acute angle between the conveying direction and the connecting line corresponds to the inverse tangent of the ratio of the radial spacing to the axial spacing of the end faces. Since the axial spacing is greater than or equal to the radial spacing or the radial spacing is less than or equal to the axial spacing, the acute angle between the conveying direction and the connecting line is always less than or equal to 45° in this embodiment, i.e., in the angular range between 0° and 45°. The angle is preferably, for example, between 15° and 45°, preferably between 20° and 40°, in particular about 25°. This achieves a particularly suitable opening of the annular gap.
[0031] In one conceivable embodiment, the outer ring has a radial lip which is aligned with the annular gap in the radial direction in the region of the frame upper side. In other words, the radial lip is aligned with the gap opening on the frame upper side. The radial lip protrudes radially beyond the outer circumference of the outer ring. Here, the radial lip at least partially overlaps the rib structure.
[0032] The frame ring has an approximately radially oriented stepped offset in the region of the gap opening on the upper side of the frame in a suitable manner, i.e. a radial intermediate region connecting two approximately axially oriented regions of the frame ring. Here, the radial lip is arranged radially aligned with respect to the stepped offset. The gap opening on the upper side of the frame is thus formed between the radial lip and the stepped offset. As a result, the clear width between the outer ring and the frame ring or between the radial lip and the stepped offset is reduced, so that a particularly narrow gap opening is formed on the upper side of the frame. As a result, the annular gap is reduced in the direction of the frame ring by the radial lip, so that the radial lip and the frame ring work together in the manner of a labyrinth seal. This ensures that swirling of the gap flow is particularly reliably eliminated.
[0033] In an additional or further aspect of the invention, the rib structure has a certain number of ribs which are arranged distributed on the circumference and which extend radially into the annular gap at least in sections. The rib structure is preferably embodied (configured) as locally periodic (that is to say regularly repeated) ribs or rib elements of preferably the same type, wherein it is further advantageous if the ribs are arranged equidistantly in the circumferential direction. For example, the ribs are arranged in the circumferential or tangential direction with an angular offset of approximately 10°. In other words, the rib structure consists, for example, of 36 ribs which are arranged around the inner circumference of the frame ring.
[0034] Here, the rib or rib element has, for example, a radially gradually converging or eccentrically inclined rib slope. In a section perpendicular to the axial orientation, the rib has, for example, a triangular cross section. Alternatively, the rib is configured, for example, as a thin, approximately free-standing wall of a rib gap. In another alternative embodiment, the rib structure is configured, for example, as a certain number of radial pockets with rib effect.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the rib structure is integrally formed (i.e., integrally or monolithically) on the inner circumference of the frame ring facing the outer ring. This means that not only the gap geometry of the annular gap but also the rib structure are relevant to the geometric design and implementation of the frame ring. As a result, the frame ring has an advantageous functional integration, so that the annular gap or the rib structure can be adapted particularly simply and flexibly to the respective application. In this case, the frame ring is suitably designed as an injection molded part.
[0036] In a suitable embodiment, the frame ring segment is oriented radially inward at an inclination angle, in particular an acute inclination angle, relative to the conveying direction. Here, the frame ring segment at least partially overlaps the outer ring in the radial direction. Preferably, the frame ring segment radially overlaps the radial lip of the outer ring. As a result, at least one certain radial offset is achieved between the gap opening on the upper side of the frame (which is in particular constructed between the radial lip and the stepped offset portion of the frame ring) and the gap opening on the lower side of the frame (which is in particular constructed between the outer ring end face and the frame ring end face). In other words, the gap openings on the upper side of the frame are arranged to be offset radially outward, and the gap openings on the lower side of the frame are arranged to be offset radially inward. As a result, the effect of the annular gap as a labyrinth seal is further improved.
[0037] In an advantageous embodiment, the frame ring has a surrounding contour in the annular gap region, which reduces the clear width between the frame ring and the outer ring in the gap region at least in sections. Here, the contour particularly promotes a radial contraction of the annular gap in the axial direction. The contour is designed, for example, as a radially inwardly oriented stepped offset of the frame ring and / or a radially oriented radial lip or annular wall. Here, the contour is preferably closed surrounding, i.e. arranged along the common inner circumference of the frame ring, wherein a rib structure, in particular periodically arranged ribs, is additionally provided. This achieves a particularly reliable and structurally simple elimination of swirl in the gap flow.
[0038] The radiator fan module according to the invention is preferably designed as a preassembled structural unit, which consists of the above-described radiator fan and an electric motor preferably designed as an internal gear shifting device, which is held in a fan impeller recess of a fan frame by means of radially oriented cross bars. In this case, the rotor of the internal gear shifting device is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner in the hub of the fan impeller, while the stator is held fixedly relative to the frame by means of the cross bars.
[0039] A "radiator fan module" is therefore understood within the meaning of the invention to be a radiator fan which is electrically driven (operated) or driven (operated) by an electric motor and is provided together with an electric motor as a preassembled component (module). The fan impeller is preferably held by means of a (radially oriented) crossbar, which connects the fixed part of the drive, in particular the stator of the electric motor, to the radiator frame, while the rotating part of the drive, in particular the rotor of the electric motor, is connected to the central hub pot in a rotationally fixed manner, and the radially oriented blades of the fan impeller are attached to the hub pot, in particular integrally (one-piece, single-piece). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] The following further describes the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
[0041] Figure 1 A perspective view shows a radiator fan module having a fan frame and a fan impeller rotatably arranged in a recess on the frame side, the fan impeller having a hub pot for accommodating an electric motor and a number of blades, the blade tips of the blades being connected to an outer ring;
[0042] Figure 2 The radiator fan module is shown in a top view facing the upper side of the frame;
[0043] Figure 3 The radiator fan module is shown in a top view facing the underside of the frame;
[0044] Figure 4 A partial top view shows the Figure 2 The rib structure of the ribs;
[0045] Figure 5 Based on Figure 3 The sectional view along the section line VV shows the region of the annular gap between the outer ring of the fan impeller and the frame ring defining the frame-side recess;
[0046] Figure 6 Based on Figure 3 The sectional view along the section line VI-VI shows the ribs of the annular gap between the outer ring of the fan impeller and the frame ring that defines the recess on the frame side;
[0047] Figure 7 The schematic diagram shows Figure 5 and Figure 6 annular gap; and
[0048] Figures 8 to 15 Different exemplary embodiments of annular gaps are shown schematically.
[0049] Components and direction descriptions that correspond to one another are provided with the same reference numerals in all the figures. Specific implementation plan
[0050] Figure 1 A perspective view of a radiator fan module 2 with a radiator fan 4 is shown. The radiator fan 4 has a fan frame 6 and a fan wheel 8 .
[0051] A fan wheel recess 10 is formed in the fan frame 6 and is delimited by a frame ring 12. The fan wheel 8 has a central hub 14, on the outer side of which a number of blades (fan blades) 16 are formed, which are oriented in the radial direction R. In particular, Figure 2 It can be seen that in this exemplary embodiment, the fan wheel 8 has nine blades 16. These blades 16 are only denoted by reference numerals in the figures by way of example.
[0052] The motor support or the retaining ring 18 connected to the hub pot 14 is arranged centrally within the fan impeller recess 10 and is mechanically connected to the fan frame 6 via a crossbar 20. Figure 3 It can be seen that the motor mount 18 is held within the fan wheel recess 10 by means of ten crossbars 20. These crossbars 20 are identified in the figures merely by way of example with reference numerals.
[0053] The electric motor (not shown in detail) is held in the motor support 18, whose rotor is surrounded by the stator. In other words, the electric motor is designed in particular as an internal transmission device. Figure 3 ) is connected or can be connected to a power source, such as a motor vehicle onboard power supply, by means of lines guided on the crossbar 20. The radiator fan module 2 is used for installation at the front side in a motor vehicle. Here, the radiator fan 4 is especially implemented as an axial fan.
[0054] The crossbar 20 is arranged behind the fan wheel 8 in the conveying direction F (that is, in the axial direction A) of the air flow generated by the radiator fan module 2 during its operation. Figure 2 The upper side of the frame or the front of the frame shown O Figure 3 The frame underside or frame back is shown in a U-orientation. The stator is thus connected directly or indirectly via a motor mount 18 to a crossbar 20 on the back of the fan impeller 8, which in turn is connected to the fan frame 6. The stator of the electric motor is thus rigidly connected to the fan frame 6, and the rotor of the electric motor is held together with the fan impeller 8 in a rotatable manner in the fan impeller recess 10 of the fan frame 6.
[0055] The fan impeller 6 arranged in the fan impeller recess 10 is driven by an electric motor in rotation in the direction of rotation indicated by the arrow D in the drawing during operation of the radiator fan module 2. Here, the rotation direction D is parallel to the tangential or circumferential direction of the fan impeller recess 10 or the frame ring 12. The blade 16 is designed concave at its leading edge 16a and approximately convex and preferably wavy at its trailing edge 16b in this rotation direction D.
[0056] The blades 16 are connected or mechanically coupled to one another at their blade tips 16 c by means of a circumferential outer ring 24. The outer ring 24 also serves to stabilize the blades 16 during the rotational movement of the fan wheel 8. The outer ring 24 is also used to guide the air flow and improve the aerodynamic properties of the fan wheel 6. A circumferential annular gap 26 is formed between the outer ring 24 (on the fan wheel side) and the frame ring 12 (on the recess side).
[0057] The radiator fan module 2 is preferably provided as a (pre) assembled component unit and thus has a radiator fan 4 consisting of a fan frame 6 and a fan impeller 8, and an electric motor, whose rotor is arranged in a hub can (fan hub) 14 of the fan impeller 8 in a rotationally fixed manner and whose stator is fixed relative to the frame in a fan impeller recess 10 of the fan frame 6 by means of a cross bar 20 oriented (radially) in the radial direction R.
[0058] In the annular gap 26, a rib structure 28 is introduced, which serves to eliminate swirl of the gap flow directed opposite to the conveying direction F. The rib structure 28 is an (air) guide structure for eliminating swirl of the gap flow and thus acts during the operation of the radiator fan 4. The annular gap 26 is thus designed as a rib gap.
[0059] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the rib structure 28 has, for example, thirty-six (36) ribs or rib elements 30 distributed around the circumference, which extend radially at least in sections into the annular gap 26. The ribs 30 are equidistant in the circumferential direction, that is, are arranged with an angular offset of approximately 10° in the circumferential or tangential direction.
[0060] The ribs 30 or rib elements are integrally formed as substantially free-standing walls of the rib gaps 26, ie integrally or in one piece, on the inner circumference 32 of the frame ring 12 facing the outer ring 24. Figure 4 It can be seen that the ribs 30 have a radially converging rib slope. The ribs 30 of the rib structure 26 are identified in the figures by reference numerals merely as an example.
[0061] The gap geometry, i.e. the geometric cross-sectional shape of the annular gap 26, is combined with the surrounding Figure 5 and 6 Here, the cross-sectional view along Figure 3The section lines VV and VI-VI are oriented and respectively show an axial radial section, ie a section extending in the axial direction A and in the radial direction R. The section line VV here extends through the rib-free region of the annular gap 26 , wherein the section line extends through the ribs 30 .
[0062] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 It is clearly visible in the sectional view that the frame ring 12 has a radial step offset 34 on the frame upper side O. The step offset 34 is aligned with the radial lip 36 on the frame upper side of the outer ring 24 in the radial direction R. The outer ring 24 together with the radial lip 36 has an approximately L-shaped cross-sectional shape in the section shown, wherein the radial lip 36 extends as a horizontal L edge in the radial direction over the outer circumference of the outer ring 24. Here, the radial lip 36 overlaps the rib structure 28 or its ribs 30 at least in sections in the radial direction R. A gap opening 38 on the frame upper side of the annular gap 26 is provided between the step offset 34 of the frame ring 12 and the radial lip 36 of the outer ring 24 as an outflow or discharge port for the gap flow.
[0063] The frame ring 12 extends axially beyond the outer ring 24 in the region of the frame underside U (ie the pressure discharge or outlet side of the fan wheel recess 10) by a frame ring section or (frame) ring extension 40. Figures 5 to 7 In the embodiment shown, the frame ring segment 40 is oriented radially inwards at an angle of inclination NW relative to the conveying direction. In the embodiment shown, the angle of inclination NW is approximately 45°. In other words, the frame ring segment 40 is bent or curved radially inwards. Thus, the frame ring segment 40 at least partially undercuts the radial lip 36 of the outer ring 24 in the radial direction R. The frame ring segment 40 is non-grooved, that is, it has no frame ring groove or outlet bell.
[0064] Towards the frame underside U, the outer ring 24 has an outer ring end face 42 at the axial end side, and the frame ring segment 40 has a frame ring end face 44 at the axial end side. There is a radial spacing dR and an axial spacing dA between the outer ring end face 42 and the frame ring end face 44. Here, the axial spacing dA represents the axial spacing between the approximately radially oriented end faces 42, 44, wherein the radial spacing dR represents the radial spacing between the radial outermost edge of the outer ring end face 42 and the radial innermost edge of the frame ring end face 44.
[0065] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6In the embodiment of the embodiment, the size of the axial spacing dA is greater than the size of the radial spacing dR. In particular, the size of the axial spacing dA is approximately twice the size of the radial spacing dR. The connecting line V indicated by a dashed line in the figure between the end faces 42, 44 (which, by way of example, points from the lower edge of the radial outer side of the outer ring end face 42 to the lower edge of the radial inner side of the frame ring end face 44) has an acute angle W relative to the conveying direction F, which in the embodiment shown is approximately 25°. Here, the connecting line V roughly corresponds to the gap opening 46 facing the frame underside U, through which the gap flow can flow.
[0066] Especially in Figure 6 It can be seen in FIG. 3 that the rib 30 is designed as a (radial) material thickening formed integrally on the frame ring 12. The annular gap 26 has an approximately L-shaped cross-sectional shape in the region of the rib 30, which acts as a labyrinth seal with respect to the gap flow.
[0067] In the attached Figures 7 to 15 2 shows various gap geometries and rib structures 28 in a schematic and greatly simplified illustration.
[0068] The term "approximately" when specifying an angle means in particular a certain angle range of the specified angle value, for example ±5°. For example, an angle of approximately 45° is understood to be (45±5)°, that is, an angle range between 40° and 50°. With regard to length specifications or ratios, for example with regard to radial spacing dR and axial spacing dA, the term "approximately" is understood to mean the following value range: the limits of which can be derived in particular from the angle specifications associated therewith in combination with geometric relationships. For example, the radial spacing dR and the axial spacing dA are approximately equal in size at an angle W of approximately 45°, in particular, the ratio of the spacings (dR / dA) is between 0.839 (Arctan(40°)) and 1.192 (Arctan(45°)).
[0069] Figure 7 The embodiment generally corresponds to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The aforementioned embodiment, wherein the tilt angle NW and the angle W are approximately 35° respectively.
[0070] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment shown, the frame ring section or ring extension 40 is oriented parallel to the conveying direction F or axial direction A. In other words, the inclination angle NW is equal to 0°. Here, the radial spacing or radial interval dR is greater than the axial spacing or axial interval dA, so that the angle W is greater than 45°, for example approximately 50°.
[0071] The frame ring 12 has a stepped profile 48 in the region of the annular gap 26, ie, in the region between the gap openings 38 and 46. The profile 48, also referred to below as the stepped profile 48, is formed around the inner circumference 32 and causes a radial contraction of the annular gap 26. Figure 8 In the embodiment of the invention, the step profile 48 has a step offset, which extends at an angle or is bent relative to the conveying direction. In other words, the frame ring 12 is oriented radially inwards within the step profile 48 at an acute angle less than 90°, which is not further described.
[0072] Fig. 9 The embodiment of the invention shows a gap geometry which corresponds approximately to Figure 8 An embodiment in which the step profile 48 ′ has a radially oriented step offset which orients the frame ring 12 radially inwardly in the region of the annular gap 26 at an angle of approximately 90°.
[0073] Fig.10 An embodiment of a gap geometry is shown, in which the frame ring segment 40 is bent radially inwards. Here, the frame ring segment 40 is bent radially inwards at an inclination angle of approximately 90°, so that the end faces 42, 44 are oriented approximately perpendicular to each other. In other words, the frame ring end face 44 is oriented approximately axially. Here, the size of the axial spacing dA is greater than the size of the radial spacing dR, wherein the angle W of the connecting line V is approximately 35°.
[0074] Fig.11 The figure shows a gap geometry with a frame ring segment 40 oriented parallel to the conveying direction F and a step profile 48 ′ with a radial step offset. Fig. 9 In the embodiment of the present invention, the step profile 48' is not arranged within the range of the gap opening 38 but within the range of the axially opposite gap opening 46. In particular, the step offset of the step profile 48' is arranged approximately at the axial height of the outer ring end face 42. Here, the rib 30 extends from the step offset in the opposite direction to the conveying direction F. The axial spacing dA and the radial spacing dR are approximately equal in size, so that the angle W of the connecting line V is approximately 45°.
[0075] Fig.12 An embodiment is shown in which the step profile 48 is arranged in the region of the axially protruding frame ring section 40, i.e., axially below the outer ring end face 42 in the conveying direction F. Here, the ribs 30 extend from the step offset in the opposite direction to the conveying direction F. In other words, the ribs 30 extend at least partially beyond the frame ring section 40. Here, the axially oriented region of the frame underside of the frame ring section 40 extends parallel to the conveying direction F, i.e., parallel to the axial direction A or the longitudinal direction of the outer ring 24. The size of the axial spacing dA is greater than the size of the radial spacing dR, wherein the angle W of the connecting line V is approximately 30°.
[0076] Fig.13 An exemplary embodiment of a gap geometry is shown, in which the frame ring segment 40 is oriented parallel to the conveying direction F. In this case, the radial spacing dR is approximately twice as large as the axial spacing dA. The angle W of the connecting line V is approximately 65°.
[0077] Fig.14 An embodiment of a gap geometry is shown, in which the radial step offset of the step profile 48 ′ is arranged approximately at half the axial height of the outer ring 24 . Here, the ribs 30 extend from the step offset in the opposite direction to the conveying direction F. The frame ring section 40 is oriented parallel to the conveying direction F, in which the radial spacing dR is smaller than the axial spacing dA, and in which the angle W of the connecting line V is approximately 35°.
[0078] Fig.15 An embodiment is shown in which the frame ring section 40 is designed parallel to the conveying direction F. Fig.13 In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the radial spacing dR is approximately twice as large as the axial spacing dA. The angle W of the connecting line V is approximately 65°. In this exemplary embodiment, the frame ring 12 has a circumferential contour 50. The contour 50, also referred to below as the radial lip, is designed as a freely standing radially extending annular wall, which is arranged approximately at half the axial height of the outer ring 24. With respect to the axial direction A or conveying direction F, the ribs 30 extend above and below the radial lip 50.
[0079] Although exemplary embodiments have been described in the foregoing description, it should be noted that a large number of variants are possible. In particular, this inventive design of the fan frame 6 is also suitable for removing waste heat from components of vehicles that are operated purely electrically. It should also be pointed out that the exemplary embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection, application and structure in any way. On the contrary, the foregoing description provides a person skilled in the art with a guide to the implementation of at least one exemplary embodiment, wherein various changes, especially with regard to the described component functions and arrangements, can be implemented without departing from the scope of protection, as it results from the feature combination of the claims and their equivalents.
[0080] Reference numerals list
[0081] 2 Radiator fan module
[0082] 4 Radiator fans
[0083] 6 Fan frame
[0084] 8 Fan impeller
[0085] 10 Fan impeller recess
[0086] 12 Frame Ring
[0087] 14 Hub tank
[0088] 16 blades
[0089] 16a Leading edge
[0090] 16b trailing edge
[0091] 16c Blade tip
[0092] 18 Motor bracket
[0093] 20 Crossbar
[0094] 22 Motor electronics
[0095] 24 Outer ring
[0096] 26 Annular gap
[0097] 28 Rib structure
[0098] 30 ribs
[0099] 32 inner week
[0100] 34 Step Displacement
[0101] 36 Radial ribs
[0102] 38 Gap opening
[0103] 40 frame ring segment
[0104] 42 Outer ring end face
[0105] 44 Frame ring end face
[0106] 46 Gap Opening
[0107] 48, 48' profile / step profile
[0108] 50 Profile / Radial Rib
[0109] R Radial direction
[0110] A Axial direction
[0111] F Conveying direction
[0112] O Frame upper side
[0113] U frame bottom
[0114] D Rotation direction
[0115] NW Tilt Angle
[0116] dA Spacing / axial spacing
[0117] dR Spacing / Radial Spacing
[0118] V cable
[0119] W angle
Claims
1. A radiator fan (4), the radiator fan having a fan frame (6) having a frame top side (O) and a frame bottom side (U) and a fan wheel recess (10) which is surrounded by a frame ring (12), and a fan wheel (8) rotatably arranged in the fan wheel recess (10) and serving to convey an air flow in a conveying direction (F) from the frame top side (O) to the frame bottom side (U), -in, The fan wheel (8) has a central hub (14) with a number of radially oriented blades (16) and an outer ring (24) connecting the blades (16) to one another on the blade tip side. - wherein a circumferential annular gap (26) is formed between the outer ring (24) and the frame ring (12), - wherein a rib structure is introduced into the annular gap (26) for reducing the swirl of the gap flow directed opposite to the conveying direction (F), wherein the frame ring (12) extends axially beyond the outer ring (24) at the frame underside (U) by a frame ring section (40), and wherein the frame ring segments (40) are oriented parallel to the conveying direction (F) or radially inwardly at an inclination angle (NW) relative to the conveying direction (F), A connecting line (V) from the outer ring end surface (42) of the outer ring (24) to the frame ring end surface (44) of the frame ring segment (40) is inclined at an acute angle (W) relative to the conveying direction (F), The connecting line is inclined at an acute angle between 25° and 70°, The connecting line extends between the radially outermost edge of the outer ring end face and the radially innermost edge of the frame ring end face.
2. The radiator fan (4) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The axially protruding frame ring section (40) is designed without a pocket.
3. The radiator fan (4) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that An axial distance (dA) between the frame ring end face (44) and the outer ring end face (42) is greater than or equal to a radial distance (dR) between the outer ring end face (42) and the frame ring end face (44).
4. The radiator fan (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that The radial lip (36) of the outer ring (24) is aligned with the annular gap (26) in the radial direction (R) in the region of the frame upper side (O).
5. The radiator fan (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that The rib structure (28) has a number of ribs (30) distributed over the circumference and extending at least in sections into the annular gap (26).
6. The radiator fan (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that The rib structure (28) is integrally formed on the inner periphery (32) of the frame ring (12) facing the outer ring (24).
7. The radiator fan (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that The frame ring segment (40) is at least partially radially buckled against the outer ring (24).
8. The radiator fan (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that The frame ring (12) has a circumferential contour (48, 48', 50) in the region of the annular gap (26), which reduces the clear width between the frame ring and the outer ring at least in sections.
9. Radiator fan module (2) having a radiator fan (4) according to one of claims 1 to 8 and an electric motor which is held in a fan wheel recess (10) of a fan frame (6) by means of radially oriented crossbars (20).