Fan cover for heat exchange module of vehicle

Abstract

A fan cover for a vehicle heat exchange module has a wall configured to at least partially block a flow of air through the fan cover between a front portion and a rear portion of the fan cover, the wall having a first opening for enabling the flow of air through the fan cover between the front portion and the rear portion of the fan cover. The fan casing further comprises a fastener adapted to mount the fan casing in an inclined position relative to the ground, and a first discharge opening for fluid arranged at the bottom of the fan casing and at a first ramp portion whose lowest point is at the height of the first discharge opening when the fan casing is in the inclined position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of heat exchange modules for motor vehicles, in particular to a heat exchange module having a fan mounted on a fan housing. Background Art

[0002] The heat exchange modules can be placed at the front of a motor vehicle, for example at the height of the grille of such a vehicle, and they generally comprise an air inlet duct, a group of heat exchangers, ducts for these heat exchangers and a motorized propeller whose function is to deliver the air captured directly from the outside of the vehicle through the front grille to the heat exchangers of the heat exchange modules. The heat exchangers are stacked to be housed and fixed in an internal volume defined by the ducts. In other words, the ducts surround the exchangers they support. Furthermore, the ducts can guide the air through the heat exchangers into the heat exchange modules by ensuring the delivery of the highest level of air flow.

[0003] When the air flow is insufficient, for example when the vehicle's speed is not high enough, motorized propellers, also called fans, are used to force the air flow into the duct.

[0004] The air entering the duct may contain water, moisture or other foreign matter. The presence of such matter may be detrimental to the operation and life of the heat exchange module and its components, particularly when the vehicle is subject to varying temperatures, including freezing conditions. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is particularly a fan cover for a vehicle heat exchange module, comprising: a wall, which is configured to at least partially block the air flow through the fan cover between the front and the rear of the fan cover, the wall having a first opening, which is used to enable the air flow to pass through the fan cover between the front and the rear of the fan cover; a fastener, which is suitable for mounting the fan cover in an inclined position relative to the ground; and a first discharge opening for the fluid, which is arranged at the bottom of the fan cover and the first slope portion, and when the fan cover is in this inclined position, the lowest point of the first slope portion is at the height of the first discharge opening.

[0006] In one embodiment, the first wall portion of the wall terminates in the first ramp.

[0007] In one embodiment, the wall includes a second opening for enabling air flow through the fan housing between the front and rear of the fan housing.

[0008] In one embodiment, the fan cover includes a second slope portion inclined in a direction opposite to an inclination direction of the first slope portion.

[0009] In one embodiment, the fan cover includes a second ramp portion inclined in a direction opposite to the inclination direction of the first ramp portion, wherein the wall includes a second opening for enabling air flow to pass through the fan cover between the front and rear of the fan cover, the first opening being arranged above the first ramp portion, and the second opening being arranged above the second ramp portion.

[0010] In one embodiment, the fan cover includes a second ramp portion inclined in a direction opposite to the inclination direction of the first ramp portion, wherein the wall includes a second opening for enabling air flow to pass through the fan cover between the front and rear of the fan cover, and both the first opening and the second opening are arranged above the first ramp portion.

[0011] In one embodiment, the lowest point of the second ramp ends at the second discharge opening.

[0012] In one embodiment, the second wall portion of the wall terminates in a second ramp.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first slope portion and the second slope portion have a common highest point.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first slope portion and the second slope portion have a common lowest point.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first slope portion and the second slope portion are symmetrically arranged with respect to a central portion of the fan housing.

[0016] In one embodiment, the fan housing includes a first gutter disposed at the bottom and fluidly connected to the first discharge opening to discharge fluid away from the first discharge opening.

[0017] In one embodiment, the fan housing has a rectangular profile.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first discharge opening is located at a bottom corner of the fan housing.

[0019] In one embodiment, the fan housing has a rectangular profile, the first discharge opening is located at a bottom corner of the fan housing, and the lowest point of the second ramp terminates at a second discharge opening, wherein the second discharge opening is located at an opposite bottom corner of the fan housing.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is a heat exchange module comprising at least one heat exchanger and a fan cover for a vehicle heat exchange module. The fan cover comprises: a wall configured to at least partially block air flow through the fan cover between the front and rear of the fan cover, the wall having a first opening for enabling air flow through the fan cover between the front and rear of the fan cover; a fastener adapted to mount the fan cover in an inclined position relative to the ground; and a first discharge opening for a fluid, the first discharge opening being arranged at the bottom of the fan cover and at a first slope portion, the lowest point of the first slope portion being at the height of the first discharge opening when the fan cover is in the inclined position. The heat exchange module also comprises: a fan attached to the fan cover; and a duct encapsulating at least one heat exchanger and comprising an air inlet so that air entering the air inlet is directed through at least one heat exchanger and at least one opening in the fan cover, wherein the at least one heat exchanger, the fan cover and the fan are arranged in an inclined position relative to the ground. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings:

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a heat exchange module according to the present invention is shown from the side;

[0023] Figure 2 A first example of a fan cover according to the present invention is shown;

[0024] Figure 3 A second example of a fan cover according to the present invention is shown;

[0025] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a fan cover according to the present invention, with an enlarged partial view;

[0026] Figure 5a A schematic front view showing an example of a bottom portion of a fan cover;

[0027] Figure 5b A schematic front view showing another example of a bottom portion of a fan cover;

[0028] Figure 6 A schematic front view showing another example of a bottom portion of a fan cover;

[0029] Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a bottom portion of a fan housing;

[0030] Figure 8 shows a schematic partial perspective view of a bottom portion of a fan housing having a single discharge opening and a single gutter;

[0031] Fig. 9 shows a schematic partial perspective view of a bottom portion of a fan housing having two discharge openings and two gutters;

[0032] Fig.10 The sloped portion Fig. 9 A variation of the example;

[0033] Fig.11 A schematic partial perspective view of a bottom portion of another example of a fan cover having a single discharge opening and a single gutter is shown;

[0034] Fig.12 shows a schematic partial perspective view of a bottom portion of a fan housing having two discharge openings and a gutter;

[0035] Fig.13 A schematic partial perspective view of a bottom portion of another example of a fan cover having two discharge openings and two gutters is shown;

[0036] Fig.14 The slope portion is shown Fig.13 A variation of the example;

[0037] Fig.15 A schematic diagram of a bottom portion of another example of a fan cover having a discharge opening and a gutter with a sloped portion is shown;

[0038] Fig.16 Another example of an opening configuration with a gutter is shown;

[0039] Fig.17a An example of a gutter protruding vertically from the wall of a fan housing is shown;

[0040] Fig.17b Another example of a gutter protruding vertically from the wall of a fan housing is shown;

[0041] Fig.17c Another example of a gutter protruding vertically from the wall of a fan housing is shown;

[0042] Fig.17d Another example of a gutter protruding vertically from the wall of a fan housing is shown;

[0043] Fig.18a An example of a gutter that projects parallel to the wall of the fan housing is shown;

[0044] Fig.18b Another example of a gutter protruding parallel to the wall of the fan housing is shown; and

[0045] Fig.18c Yet another example of a gutter protruding parallel to the wall of the fan housing is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a heat exchange module according to the present invention is shown from the side.

[0047] The heat exchange module 1 comprises a conduit 2 enclosing at least one heat exchanger. In the embodiment shown, the heat exchange module 1 comprises a first heat exchanger 5 and a second heat exchanger 6. In general, the present invention is applicable to various architectures of heat exchange modules having different numbers of heat exchangers, such as a heat exchange module comprising only a first heat exchanger 5, or a heat exchange module comprising more than a first heat exchanger 5 and a second heat exchanger 6, depending on the cooling or heating requirements of the heat exchange module and the vehicle in which the heat exchange module is installed. The following description will focus on an embodiment having a first heat exchanger 5 and a second heat exchanger 6, i.e., an embodiment having two heat exchangers.

[0048] The duct 2 includes an air inlet 3. The air entering the air inlet 3 is guided to and through the first heat exchanger 5 and the second heat exchanger 6 through the air guide 4.

[0049] The heat exchange module 1 comprises a fan shroud 7 to which a fan 8 is attached. The fan shroud 7 with the fan 8 is located downstream of the first heat exchanger 5 and the second heat exchanger 6. The fan shroud 7 has a wall 11 configured to at least partially block the air flow through the fan shroud 7 between the front and rear of the fan shroud 7, the wall having a first opening 12 for enabling the air flow to pass through. The fan shroud 7 also comprises a fastener 9 suitable for mounting the fan shroud 7 in an inclined position relative to the ground. Such mounting of the fan shroud 7, and therefore also of the fan 8, is required in the case where the first heat exchanger 5 and the second heat exchanger 6 are also mounted in an inclined position, as is the case in the illustrated embodiment. An inclined position of the heat exchangers 5, 6 may be required in view of the packaging constraints within the vehicle body. Preferably, the duct 2 is sealed relative to the external environment between the air inlet 3 and the fan shroud 7.

[0050] The first heat exchanger 5 may be a condenser, and the second heat exchanger 6 may be a radiator. The first heat exchanger 5 and the second heat exchanger 6 are arranged one after another according to the traveling direction of the vehicle.

[0051] The heat exchange module 1 is intended to be mounted behind the front grille of a motor vehicle. In operation, for example when the vehicle is moving forward, air A passes through the grille and enters the air inlet 3 and travels through the air guide 4 before reaching the first heat exchanger 5 and the second heat exchanger 6, thereby passing through the first heat exchanger 5 and the second heat exchanger 6. The air then passes through the fan cover 7 through the first opening 12 and leaves the heat exchange module 1.

[0052] The first heat exchanger 5 and the second heat exchanger 6, which are installed one after another in the direction of travel of the vehicle, are supported in the same duct 2, which surrounds and closes the first heat exchanger 5 and the second heat exchanger 6. In this case, the duct 2 constitutes an airtight casing, which guides air to ensure that the air flow passing through the first exchanger 5 also passes through the second heat exchanger 6.

[0053] In order to generate a sufficient flow of air A when the vehicle speed is too low, the heat exchange module 1 is equipped with a fan 8 at its rear side. The fan 8 is therefore located opposite the second heat exchanger 6 and is attached to a fan cover 7, which extends the duct 2 or is located inside the duct 2. Thanks to this arrangement, almost all the air exhausted by the fan 8 passes through the first heat exchanger 5 and the second heat exchanger 6.

[0054] Figure 2 A first example of a fan shroud 7 according to the invention is shown. In the embodiment shown, the fan shroud 7 has a rectangular profile, matching the general profile of the heat exchangers 5, 6 located upstream. The wall 11 may occupy all or most of the interior space defined by the fan shroud 7, or a smaller portion of the interior space. The wall 11 is configured to at least partially block the air flow through the fan shroud 7. Preferably, the wall 11 is arranged to completely block the air flow through the fan shroud 7.

[0055] The fan cover 7 may include one or more side walls 14 at the edge of the wall 11, which may facilitate mounting the fan cover 7 to other components. The side walls 14 may also have an air sealing function and may enhance the rigidity of the fan cover 7. The side walls 14 may extend along the flow path of the air A, i.e. substantially perpendicular to the surface of the wall 11. The fan cover 7 includes a first opening 12 for enabling the air flow to pass between the front and rear of the fan cover 7. The fan cover 7 may include an attachment arm 13 for attaching the fan 8 to the fan cover 7, in particular to the wall 11.

[0056] Figure 3 A second example of a fan cover 7 according to the present invention is shown. Figure 2 Compared to the example shown, the fan cover 7 has a second opening 15 for air, which has the same function as the first opening 12. This example covers the situation where more than one fan 8 is needed in the heat exchange module 1, for example in order to achieve a more desired air flow path or heat exchange efficiency. Preferably, in this case, the fan 8 and the first opening 12 and the second opening 15 are respectively identical.

[0057] Figure 4The fan cover 7 according to the present invention is shown in perspective view, which has an enlarged partial view. Generally, moisture, water or any other foreign matter collectively referred to as fluid can enter the heat exchange module through the front grille (not shown) and the air inlet 3. The fluid can end at the fan cover 7 or the fan blade of the fan 8, where it can stay or can travel downward from here. Since it is expected that the heat exchange module 1 does not allow air to escape between the air inlet 3 and the fan 8, the same applies to the fluid. Under winter conditions, the fluid may freeze, and there is a risk of damaging the heat exchange module 1 and its components. When any heat exchanger 5, 6 and the assembly of the fan cover 7 with the fan 8 are installed in an inclined position relative to the ground, the fluid will gather in an undesirable position. This may be difficult to control, especially when the fan cover 7 is the last component on the air flow path. For this reason, the fan cover 7 includes a first discharge opening 20 for the fluid. The first discharge fluid opening 20 allows the fluid collected in the heat exchange module 1 to be discharged to the outside and reduces the risk of any damage. Preferably, the first discharge opening 20 is located on a side closer to the fan cover 7. Preferably, the first discharge opening 20 is located at a bottom corner of the fan cover 7 .

[0058] The wall 11 of the fan cover 7 comprises a first wall portion 18. The first wall portion 18 may be located below the first opening 12. The first ramp 16 is located below the first wall portion 18. In other words, the first wall portion 18 ends at the first ramp 16. The first ramp 16 is a step-like element that is inclined toward the bottom portion of the fan cover 7 so that any fluid that reaches the first ramp 16 and is acted upon by gravity is directed in a downward direction along the first ramp 16. In this case, the first ramp 16 extends along the bottom portion of the fan cover 7 toward one side thereof, toward the first discharge opening 20.

[0059] When the fan cover 7 is in the inclined position, the lowest point of the first ramp 16 is at the height of the first discharge opening 20. Therefore, the fluid reaching the wall 11 will travel along the first wall portion 18 to the first ramp 16 and along the first ramp 16 to the first discharge opening 20.

[0060] Figure 4 An embodiment with a second ramp 17 is shown, which will be described below in conjunction with Figure 5a Discuss in detail.

[0061] like Figure 5aSchematically shown, the fan housing 7 may include a second discharge opening 21 for fluid, the purpose of which is the same as the first discharge opening 20. Typically, the wall 11 of the fan housing 7 may include a second wall portion 19. The second ramp 16 is located below the second wall portion 19. In other words, the second wall portion 19 ends in a second ramp 17. The second ramp 17 is a step-like element that slopes toward the bottom portion of the fan housing 7 so that any fluid that reaches the second ramp 17 and is acted upon by gravity is guided in a downward direction along the second ramp 17. In this case, the second ramp 17 extends along the bottom portion of the fan housing 7 toward one side thereof, toward the second discharge opening 21.

[0062] The second slope portion 17 may be inclined in an opposite direction to the first slope portion 16. The second slope portion 17 may have equal or unequal lengths.

[0063] If there are two openings, a first opening 12 and a second opening 15, for letting air pass through the fan cover 7, the first opening 12 can be arranged above the first ramp 16 and the second opening 15 can be arranged above the second ramp 17. In this case, there are also two fans 8 associated with each opening 12, 15. In the case of a single first opening 12, the first wall portion 18 and the second wall portion 19 as well as the first ramp 16 and the second ramp 17 can be located adjacent to each other below the first opening 12.

[0064] like Figure 5a As shown, the first slope portion 16 and the second slope portion 17 may have a common highest point. The first slope portion 16 and the second slope portion 17 may also be arranged symmetrically with respect to the central portion or axis of the fan cover 7.

[0065] Figure 5b A schematic front view is shown of another example of the bottom portion of the fan cover 7. Here, the first ramp 16 and the second ramp 17 have a common lowest point, at which the first discharge opening 20 is located.

[0066] Figure 6 A schematic front view of another example of the bottom portion of the fan cover 7 is shown. In this example, there is only one ramp, namely the first ramp 16, which extends from one side of the fan cover 7 to the other side. The first ramp 16 ends at the height of the first discharge opening 20. In this example, there may be only the first opening 12 arranged above the single first ramp 16, or the second opening 15 is adjacent to the first opening 12 and both are arranged above the single first ramp 16. In this case, the first ramp 16 extends from one side to the other side, the highest point is adjacent to one side, and the first discharge opening 20 is adjacent to the other side.

[0067] It should be noted that, depending on the specific application, there may be a plurality of first discharge openings 20, and optionally a plurality of second discharge openings 21. The shape of the discharge openings may take various forms, such as square, rectangular, slit-like, circular, oval, and the like.

[0068] Figure 7 The image taken along plane Z is shown. Figure 5a Schematic cross section of the bottom part of the fan cover 7. The wall 11 of the fan cover 7 is inclined at an angle α relative to the ground, which is the horizontal reference plane X. Because the wall 11 of the fan cover 7 is inclined, any fluid will travel along the wall 11 in a downward direction to reach the first ramp portion 16, and will then travel along the first ramp portion 16 towards the corresponding first discharge opening 20 so that the fluid can be discharged to the outside of the fan cover 7. The angle α is preferably included in the range of 20 degrees to 75 degrees.

[0069] The first ramp 16 may have a main first ramp portion 22 and a secondary first ramp portion 23. The main first inclined portion 22 is arranged closer to the wall 11, while the secondary first inclined portion 23 is arranged closer to the bottom, preferably closer to the bottom side wall 14. When viewed along the general direction of the air flow, i.e., perpendicular to the wall 11, the main first inclined portion 22 is generally inclined in a direction opposite to the inclination direction of the secondary first inclined portion 23. Since the main first inclined portion 22 and the secondary first inclined portion 23 have a common highest point, i.e., a ridge extending along the bottom of the fan cover 7, the two inclined portions create two parallel depressions for the fluid. Therefore, the fluid can be guided to the corresponding discharge openings 20, 21, and the risk of accumulation along its path is reduced.

[0070] about Figure 7 The described embodiments of the first ramp 16 can also be reflected in the structure of the second ramp 17 , wherein the corresponding primary and secondary second ramps are arranged similarly.

[0071] Figure 8 A schematic perspective view of the bottom portion of the fan hood 7 is shown, which has a single first discharge opening 20 and a single first gutter 24. The first discharge opening 20 extends along the bottom of the fan hood 7, in particular along the bottom portion of the wall 11. The first gutter 24 extends along the first discharge opening 20, preferably along the entire length of the first discharge opening 20. The first gutter 24 receives the fluid from the first discharge opening 20 and directs it to a gutter opening 27 that is farther away relative to the first discharge opening 20. The first gutter 24 in this embodiment has two gutter openings 27 located at opposite ends thereof. The gutter openings 27 can be at the height of the lateral sidewalls 14 of the fan hood 7, i.e. coincide with them.

[0072] The first gutter 24 is preferably designed to ensure that no additional turbulence is generated which would increase audible noise. The first gutter 24 may be integral with the fan guard 7 or may be a separate attachment.

[0073] Fig. 9 A schematic perspective view of a bottom portion of a fan housing 7 is shown, which has a first discharge opening 20 , a second discharge opening 21 , a first gutter 24 and a second gutter 25 .

[0074] The first discharge opening 20 is associated with the first gutter 24, while the second discharge opening 21 is associated with the second gutter 25. In other words, the fluid passes through the first discharge opening 20 to the first gutter 24, passes through the second discharge opening 25 to the second gutter 25, and then exits through the corresponding gutter opening 27.

[0075] Fig.10 Shows Fig. 9 A variation of the example of , which has a first ramp 16 and a second ramp 17. The first ramp 16 guides the fluid to the first discharge opening 20, while the second ramp 17 guides the fluid to the second discharge opening 21.

[0076] Fig.11 A schematic perspective view of the bottom portion of another example of a fan cover 7 having a single first discharge opening 20 and a single first gutter 24 is shown. The first discharge opening 20 in this embodiment is a circular hole located in the center of the bottom portion of the fan cover 7. The first gutter 24 extends along the entire length of the bottom of the fan cover 7. The first gutter may also extend along only a portion of the length of the bottom of the fan cover.

[0077] Fig.12 A schematic perspective view of the bottom portion of the fan cover 7 having a first discharge opening 20, a second discharge opening 21 and a first gutter 24 is shown. In these embodiments, the first discharge opening 20 and the second discharge opening 21 are circular holes. The first discharge opening 20 is closer to the first side wall 14 of the fan cover 7, while the second discharge opening 21 is closer to the second side wall 14 of the fan cover 7.

[0078] Fig.13 A schematic perspective view of a bottom portion of another example of a fan cover 7 having a first discharge opening 20, a second discharge opening 21, a first gutter 24, and a second gutter 25 is shown. The first discharge opening 20 is associated with the first gutter 24, while the second discharge opening 21 is associated with the second gutter 25. In these embodiments, the first discharge opening 20 and the second discharge opening 21 are circular holes.

[0079] Fig.14 Shows Fig.13The variation illustrated in FIG. 1 has a first ramp 16 and a second ramp 17. The first ramp 16 directs the fluid toward the first discharge opening 20, while the second ramp 17 directs the fluid toward the second discharge opening 21. In these embodiments, the first discharge opening 20 and the second discharge opening 21 are circular holes.

[0080] In any case, the first discharge opening 20 and the second discharge opening 21 may also be added to the bottom side of any first gutter 24 or second gutter 25 .

[0081] Fig.15 A schematic diagram of the bottom portion of another example of a fan hood 7 is shown, the fan hood 7 having a first discharge opening 20 and a first gutter 24 with a first ramp 16. In this embodiment, the first ramp 16 extends along almost the entire length of the bottom portion of the fan hood 7, thereby collecting any fluid present on the wall 11 and directing it towards the first discharge opening 20. The fluid then travels through the first gutter 24 to the gutter opening 27 and leaves the fan hood 7 in a controlled manner.

[0082] Fig.16 Another example of a discharge opening configuration is shown. In the embodiment shown, there are a plurality of first discharge openings 20 in the form of slits. Alternatively, there may be a single first discharge opening 20 in the form of a slit. A slit is a generally narrow rectangular opening. Depending on the specific needs, the orientation of the slit, i.e. the direction in which it extends, may be parallel, perpendicular or inclined relative to the extension axis of any associated gutter 24, 25. The features discussed here with respect to the first discharge openings 20 apply mutatis mutandis to any second discharge opening 21.

[0083] Fig.17a An example is shown of a first gutter 24 protruding perpendicularly to the wall 11 of the fan housing 7. The first gutter 24 protrudes from the fan housing 7, ie from the wall 11, substantially perpendicularly to a plane in which the wall 11 extends.

[0084] Fig.17bAnother example of a first gutter 24 protruding perpendicularly to the wall 11 of the fan shroud 7 is shown. The first gutter 24 protrudes from the fan shroud 7, i.e., from the wall 11, substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the wall 11 extends. The first gutter 24 includes a lip 26 covering a portion of the first discharge opening 20. The lip 26 extends from the wall 11, preferably in the same plane. The lip 26 or any such extension has at least three advantages. First, it reduces the open area leading to the gutter and may reduce turbulence, thereby reducing noise. The lip 26, whether straight or angled, also provides a surface tension effect to collect water into larger droplets and allow them to fall into the first gutter 24. The upward angled solution of the lip 26 can also divert some air flow away from the first gutter 24 and the first discharge opening 20, thereby potentially reducing audible noise.

[0085] Fig.17c Another example of a first gutter 24 protruding perpendicularly to the wall 11 of the fan housing 7 is shown. The first gutter 24 protrudes from the fan housing 7, i.e. from the wall 11, substantially perpendicularly to the plane in which the wall 11 extends. The first gutter 24 comprises a lip 26 covering a portion of the first discharge opening 20. The lip 26 extends away from the first gutter 24 relative to the wall 11, preferably in the same plane as the wall 11.

[0086] Fig.17d Another example of a first gutter 24 protruding perpendicularly to the wall 11 of the fan housing 7 is shown. The first gutter 24 protrudes from the fan housing 7, i.e. from the wall 11, substantially perpendicularly to the plane in which the wall 11 extends. The first gutter 24 comprises a lip 26 covering a portion of the first discharge opening 20. The lip 26 extends away from the first gutter 24 relative to the wall 11, preferably at an angle relative to the plane of the wall 11, in order to reduce noise.

[0087] Fig.18a An example of a first gutter 24 is shown which protrudes parallel to the wall 11 of the fan housing 7. The first gutter 24 protrudes from the fan housing 7, ie from the wall 11, substantially parallel to the plane in which the wall 11 extends.

[0088] Fig.18b Another example of a first gutter 24 protruding parallel to the wall 11 of the fan housing 7 is shown. The first gutter 24 protrudes from the fan housing 7, i.e. from the wall 11, substantially parallel to the plane in which the wall 11 extends. The first gutter 24 comprises a lip 26 covering a portion of the first discharge opening 20. The lip 26 extends away from the first gutter 24 relative to the wall 11.

[0089] Fig.18cAnother example of a first gutter 24 protruding parallel to the wall 11 of the fan housing 7 is shown. The first gutter 24 protrudes from the fan housing 7, i.e. from the wall 11, substantially parallel to the plane in which the wall 11 extends. The first gutter 24 comprises a lip 26 covering a portion of the first discharge opening 20. The lip 26 extends from the wall 11.

[0090] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0091] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. A fan cover for a vehicle heat exchange module, comprising: a wall configured to at least partially block air flow through the fan shroud between a front portion and a rear portion of the fan shroud, the wall having a first opening for enabling air flow through the fan shroud between the front portion and the rear portion of the fan shroud, A fastener adapted to mount the fan cover in an inclined position relative to the ground A first discharge opening for fluid is arranged at the bottom of the fan housing and at a first slope, the lowest point of the first slope being at the height of the first discharge opening when the fan housing is in the inclined position.

2. The fan cover according to claim 1, wherein: The first wall portion of the wall terminates at the first ramp.

3. The fan cover according to claim 1, wherein: The wall includes a second opening for enabling air flow through the fan housing between a front portion and a rear portion of the fan housing. 4 . The fan cover according to claim 1 , comprising a second slope portion inclined in a direction opposite to an inclination direction of the first slope portion.

5. The fan cover according to claim 1, comprising a second slope portion inclined in a direction opposite to the inclination direction of the first slope portion, wherein: The wall includes a second opening for enabling air flow through the fan housing between a front portion and a rear portion of the fan housing, the first opening being disposed above the first ramp portion, and the second opening being disposed above the second ramp portion.

6. The fan cover according to claim 1, comprising a second slope portion inclined in a direction opposite to the inclination direction of the first slope portion, wherein: The wall includes a second opening for enabling air flow through the fan housing between a front portion and a rear portion of the fan housing, and the first opening and the second opening are both arranged above the first ramp portion.

7. The fan cover according to claim 4, wherein: The lowest point of the second slope portion terminates at a second discharge opening.

8. The fan cover according to claim 4, wherein: The second wall portion of the wall terminates at the second ramp.

9. The fan cover according to claim 4, wherein: The first slope portion and the second slope portion have a common highest point.

10. The fan cover according to claim 4, wherein: The first slope portion and the second slope portion have a common lowest point.

11. The fan cover according to claim 4, wherein: The first slope portion and the second slope portion are symmetrically arranged with respect to a central portion of the fan cover.

12. The fan guard of claim 1, comprising a first gutter disposed on the base and fluidly connected to the first discharge opening to discharge fluid away from the first discharge opening.

13. The fan guard of claim 1 having a rectangular profile.

14. The fan cover according to claim 13, wherein: The first discharge opening is located at a bottom corner of the fan housing.

15. The fan cover of claim 1, having a rectangular profile, the first discharge opening being located at a bottom corner of the fan cover, and the lowest point of the second ramp portion terminating at the second discharge opening, wherein The second discharge openings are located at opposite bottom corners of the fan housing.

16. A heat exchange module comprising at least one heat exchanger, Fan cover for vehicle heat exchange module, including: a wall configured to at least partially block air flow through the fan shroud between a front portion and a rear portion of the fan shroud, the wall having a first opening for enabling air flow through the fan shroud between the front portion and the rear portion of the fan shroud, a fastener adapted to mount the fan cover in an inclined position relative to the ground, a first discharge opening for fluid, the first discharge opening being arranged at the bottom of the fan cover and at a first sloped portion, the lowest point of the first sloped portion being at the height of the first discharge opening when the fan cover is in the inclined position; a fan, the fan being attached to the fan housing, a duct enclosing the at least one heat exchanger and comprising an air inlet such that air entering the air inlet is directed through the at least one heat exchanger and at least one opening in the fan housing, in, The at least one heat exchanger, the fan housing and the fan are arranged in the inclined position relative to the ground.

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