Cooling fan

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cooling fan comprising: a sand-proof cover covering a hub of the cooling fan; comprising at least one positioning section and at least one fixing section, the at least one positioning section is used for positioning the sand cover to the hub, and the at least one fixing section is used for fixing the sand cover to the hub. Wherein the connection structure is formed as part of the sand shield and as part of the hub.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooling fan, in particular to a cooling fan for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Taking into account the vehicle's architecture, cooling fans are used, for example, in the area of ​​motor cooling and / or air conditioning compressors. The fan's plane of rotation can be oriented, in particular, toward the head of the vehicle relative to the vehicle's coordinate system.

[0003] For example, DE 10 2015 106070 A1 describes an axial fan for cooling a fan module, which has a cup-shaped central hub with a front wall for connection to a rotor of an electric motor at a connection point and side walls from which a plurality of outer blades extend.

[0004] When driving in a sandy environment such as a desert, a large amount of sand may accumulate on the inside of the hub of the cooling fan.

[0005] Conventional hub designs may not take into account any sand control. Unfortunately, this can lead to poor cooling fan balance. In particular, cooling fans with imbalance values ​​exceeding the standard can cause increased, continuous vibration, which can be uncomfortable for customers. Furthermore, structural damage to the cooling fan can occur. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, an object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved cooling fan in which the imbalance value of cooling is also reduced to a certain range in a sandy environment to achieve less vibration and sound, especially when the cooling fan is operated at a high rotation speed.

[0007] This object is achieved by a cooling fan having the features of claim 1 .

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a cooling fan includes: a sand cover covering a hub of the cooling fan; a connecting structure including at least one positioning section and at least one fixing section, the at least one positioning section being used to position the sand cover to the hub, and the at least one fixing section being used to fix the sand cover to the hub, wherein the connecting structure is formed as a part of the sand cover and as a part of the hub.

[0009] Thus, one idea of ​​the present invention is to implement a sand shield to the hub of the cooling fan to guide sand in the area of ​​the hub. In addition, when the vehicle is traveling in a sandy environment such as a desert, the sand shield can prevent sand from entering the hub to achieve better balance.

[0010] In other words, the present invention provides a fan assembly comprising a cooling fan and a sand shield. The sand shield can be fixedly connected and / or engaged with a hub and can prevent sand from flowing into the hub, thereby improving the balance of the cooling fan. This assembly can be provided using an interference fit, a transition fit, a clearance fit, or the like. Furthermore, the connection and / or engagement between the cooling fan and the sand shield can be further secured using ultrasonic welding, hot melt welding, hook locks, adhesive bonding, or the like.

[0011] The positioning section is formed as part of the sand control cover and as part of the hub. The positioning section can be provided as part of the ring segment of the sand control cover and as part of the ring segment of the hub.

[0012] The fixing section is formed as a part of the sand control cover and as a part of the hub. In addition, the fixing section can be provided as a part of the ring segment of the sand control cover and as a part of the ring segment of the hub.

[0013] For example, the outer ring segment and / or the inner ring segment can be used for positioning, fixing and engaging.In addition, there can be structures for positioning, fixing and / or engaging on the outer ring and the inner ring.

[0014] The sand prevention cover may have an annular shape to cover the ring segment of the hub.

[0015] The sand shield described so far may further include a plurality of inclined surfaces to allow sand to slide out of the hub. The inclined surfaces may be formed as ribs protruding in the radial direction of the cooling fan.

[0016] Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one positioning segment and / or the at least one fixing segment can be formed on the outer ring segment and / or the inner ring segment of the hub. The edges of the sand shield and / or the outer ring segment and / or the inner ring segment of the hub can be provided with some positioning and fixing structures, such as at least one rib and / or at least one groove. Advantageously, the number and assembly dimensions of these can be adjusted based on stress, structural, and / or assembly requirements.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a positioning segment and / or a fixing segment can be formed continuously along the inner ring segment or the outer ring segment. According to one embodiment, a rib can be formed on the ring segment of the hub and / or the sand shield, in particular, on the edge of the ring segment. Therefore, at least one corresponding groove can be formed on the ring segment of the shield and / or the hub, in particular, on the edge of the ring segment. In other words, the circumferential groove and / or the circumferential rib can be formed as a connecting structure.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the outer ring segment and the inner ring segment may be arranged at different radial positions of the hub.At least one ring segment may be provided as a ring portion protruding in the axial direction of the hub.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sand shield can cover the area between the outer ring segment and the inner ring segment. This prevents sand from entering the interior of the hub. The inner ring segment and / or the outer ring segment can have a height ranging from 0 mm to the same height as the hub.

[0021] Advantageously, the positioning section and / or the fixing section may comprise corresponding radial and / or axial contact surfaces at the hub and at the sand protection shield.

[0022] The contact surface or contact area can be provided at an axial contact surface having at least one groove and at least one corresponding projection oriented in the axial direction of the cooling fan. This enables different design options depending on the available space and stress conditions.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one fixing segment and / or the at least one positioning segment may include at least one tongue-and-groove joint or tongue-and-groove connection. A welding groove may be provided in the ring segment provided with the at least one tongue. This welding groove may be a joining structure for ultrasonic welding or similar welding. To enhance sand control and the fixation between the outer ring segment or inner ring segment and the hub, a hot melt weld structure may be provided on the mounting surface of the outer ring segment or inner ring segment. According to one embodiment, an additional weld structure may be provided on the mounting surface to fill any remaining gap between the hub and the sand control cover.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the tongue-and-groove joint or connection may include at least one tongue protruding in the axial direction of the cooling fan. In one embodiment, a plurality of tongues may be provided, wherein the plurality of tongues may be spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction of the hub. Thus, a plurality of corresponding grooves may be provided to contact the tongues when positioning and / or assembling the sand shield to the hub.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one fixing section may include at least one weld, in particular produced by ultrasonic welding or heat-melt welding. The weld may be provided at the connecting section during assembly. Furthermore, an interference fit, a transition fit, or a clearance fit may be provided to close any remaining gap between the hub and the sand shield.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one fixing section may comprise at least one adhesive layer to fix the sand protection cover to the hub via at least one adhesive bond. This also provides protection against sand particles and allows the hub to be assembled to the sand protection cover.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one fixing section may include at least one undercut portion to secure the sand control cover to the hub via at least one hook locking portion. For example, a plurality of hooks may be provided in the circumferential direction of the sand control cover, for example, on an outer ring segment or an inner ring segment of the sand control cover. Thus, each hook may protrude through a corresponding slit in the hub to lock the cover to the hub at the connection structure via a hook lock. According to one embodiment, the head of the hook may be melted by hot melt welding to provide material that fills the gap between the hook and the slit, thereby optimizing the joint and sealing. This joint structure can be further simplified because the hook can be used to position the cover to the hub, and hot melt welding can then be used to seal the cover to the hub.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one positioning section may include a plurality of grooves and / or protrusions for aligning the sand control cover in a circumferential position relative to the hub. The plurality of grooves and / or protrusions may be provided on a rib of the hub and / or on a rib of the sand control cover.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the at least one positioning section may include at least one protrusion and at least one seat to support the sand control shield in a radial position relative to the hub. For example, the seat may be part of an outer ring segment of the hub, and the protrusion may be part of an outer edge of the sand control shield.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one positioning segment and the at least one fixing segment may be arranged at different axial positions relative to the axial direction of the cooling fan. For example, this may be achieved by having two ring segments with different heights.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the protective cover may include an inclined surface between the at least one positioning section and the at least one fixing section. The inclined surface may be inclined toward the hub axis. In particular, the inclined surface may be inclined at an angle of 0° to 80° relative to the hub axis. Such a surface may be configured to facilitate the removal of sand from the hub.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the protective cover may include a plurality of radial ribs between the at least one positioning section and the at least one fixing section. The ribs may enhance the stability of the sand shield. Furthermore, the ribs may provide a cooling function for cooling a motor in a cooling fan module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment shown in the schematic diagram:

[0034] Figure 1 An axonometric view of a cooling fan according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0035] Figure 2 Another isometric view of a cooling fan according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0036] Figure 3 Views are shown of a hub with and without a sand control cover according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 4 A view showing the sand shield.

[0038] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a hub with a sand shield is shown.

[0039] Figure 6 Shown according to Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of the hub and the cross-sectional view of the sand cover.

[0040] Figure 7 Further cross-sectional views of the connection structure according to the invention are shown.

[0041] Figure 8 A further cross-sectional view of a connection interface according to another embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0042] Figure 9 Views are shown of a hub with and without a sand control cover according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 10 A view showing a sand control cover according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of a hub with a sand protection cover according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0045] Figure 12 Shown according to Figure 11 Cross-sectional view of the hub and the cross-sectional view of the sand cover.

[0046] Figure 13 Shown according to Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 14 Shown according to Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of a positioning segment according to another embodiment is shown.

[0049] Figure 16 Shown according to Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 17 Further cross-sectional views of the connection structure according to the invention are shown.

[0051] Figure 18 A further cross-sectional view of a connection interface according to another embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0052] Figure 19 Views are shown of a hub with and without a sand control cover according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 20 A view showing a sand control cover according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 21 A cross-sectional view of a hub with a sand protection cover according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0055] Figure 22 Shown according to Figure 21 Cross-sectional view of the hub and the cross-sectional view of the sand cover.

[0056] Figure 23 Shown according to Figure 22 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 24 Shown according to Figure 22 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] In the drawings, identical, functionally identical and acting identically elements, features and components are denoted in each case by the same reference numerals, unless otherwise indicated.

[0059] Although specific embodiments are shown and described herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various alternative and / or equivalent embodiments may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. In general, this application is intended to cover any adaptation or modification of the specific embodiments discussed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of a cooling fan 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. When driving in a sandy environment such as a desert, a large amount of sand may accumulate in the inner side of the hub 3 of the cooling fan 1 .

[0061] Conventional hub designs may not take into account any sand control issues. Unfortunately, this can lead to undesirable imbalance in cooling fan 1. Furthermore, structural damage to cooling fan 1 can occur. Therefore, a sand protection cover 2 is provided to cover hub 3. This seals the "free space" between the ribs of hub 3, preventing sand from accumulating in hub 3.

[0062] Figure 3 (b) shows a hub 3 with open spaces between the ribs 20, Figure 3 (b) shows the hub 3 and the sand protection cover 2 covering the spaces between the ribs 20.

[0063] The connecting structure 4 is provided at the sand-proof cover 2 and in the hub 3 for positioning, fixing and joining.

[0064] The sand-proof cover 2 can be as Figure 4 The sand control cover 2 can have an annular shape. In particular, the annular shape can be defined by an outer ring segment 7 and an inner ring segment 8. Figure 4 (a) shows the sand shield 2 from the front, and Figure 4 (b) shows the sand control cover 2 from the rear side. The radial ribs 15 may be provided at the front side or the rear side of the sand control cover 2.

[0065] The sand shield 2 may be fixedly engaged or fixed to the hub 3, for example, Figure 5 、 6 , 11, 12, 21 and 22.

[0066] Figure 5 and Figure 6A cross-sectional view of a hub 3 with a sand shield 2 is shown. The outer ring segment 7 and the inner ring segment 8 may protrude in the axial direction 11 of the cooling fan 1. The ring segments 7, 8 may have different heights, so that the connecting structure 4 can be arranged at different positions in the axial direction 11, and the sand shield may be provided with an inclined surface 14. One connecting structure 4 may be formed as a positioning segment 5, and the other connecting structure 4 may be formed as a fixing segment 6.

[0067] A weld 12 may be provided to join these structures, wherein the weld 12 may be provided by ultrasonic welding or the like. The weld 12 may seal the fixing section 6. The weld 12 may also be provided at the positioning section 5 to seal the positioning section 5.

[0068] The fixing section 6 may have a tongue-and-groove joint 9. The tongue-and-groove joint 9 may provide a welding groove for joining the hub 3 and the cover 2 by, for example, ultrasonic welding. The tongue-and-groove joint 9 may have at least one tongue 10 protruding in the axial direction 11. The tongue 10 may be formed at the edge of the inner ring segment 8. In other words, the connection structure 4 may form an assembly structure.

[0069] In one embodiment, a plurality of tongues 10 may be provided, wherein the plurality of tongues 10 may be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction of the hub 3. Therefore, a plurality of corresponding grooves may be provided to contact the tongues 10 when the sand control cover 2 is positioned and / or assembled to the hub 3.

[0070] The positioning segment 5 may have a projection 17 for contacting a seat 18 at the outer ring segment 7 .

[0071] The ring segments 7 , 8 may have a height ranging from 0 mm to a height that is the same as the height of the hub 3 in the axial direction 11 .

[0072] The radial ribs 15 , 15 a can improve the structural stability of the sand protection cover 2 and can provide air inside to cool the motor in the cooling fan module.

[0073] As the joining method, ultrasonic welding, heat-melt welding, hook locking, adhesive bonding, or the like can be used.

[0074] Figure 7 and Figure 8 A further cross-sectional view in the axial direction of the connection structure 4 according to the invention is shown. According to one embodiment, the rib 20 may be fixed to the boss 19 of the outer ring segment 7 .

[0075] Figure 9 and 10 Views showing a hub 3 with and without a sand-proof cover 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0076] Figures 11 to 14 A cross-sectional view of a hub 3 with a sand control cover 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. At least one hook 21 may be provided at the sand control cover 2 to protrude through an opening 22 of the hub 3 to form a hook locking portion. An undercut 13 may be formed by the hook 21 and the opening 22 to secure the cover 2 to the hub 3.

[0077] Figures 15 to 18 A cross-sectional view of a positioning segment 5 according to another embodiment is shown. To provide better sand protection and a better fixation between the outer ring segment 7 and the hub 3, an ultrasonic welding structure may be provided on the socket 18 to provide welding support. Furthermore, protrusions 19 may be formed at various circumferential positions on the hub 3 and / or the sand protection cover 2 to position the cover 2 on the hub 3 at a desired circumferential position. The weld may fill the gap between the protrusion 19 and the socket 18.

[0078] Figure 19 and 20 Views showing a hub 3 with and without a sand-proof cover 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention are shown.

[0079] Figure 21 and 22 A connection structure 4 according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. The fixing section 6 can be sealed by an interference fit, a transition fit or a clearance fit to keep out sand particles. The fixing section 6 can be formed as a tongue and groove joint 9.

[0080] Figure 23 and 24 Shows the Figure 22 For better sand protection and better fixation between the outer ring segment 7 and the sand protection cover 2, a hot melt welding structure can be provided along the seat 18 and the protrusion 19. Thus, the gap between the hub 3 and the sand protection cover 2 can be sealed.

[0081] In another embodiment (not shown), the positioning segment 5 shown can be replaced by the fixing segment 6 to provide a fixing segment at the outer ring segment 7. In addition, the fixing segment 6 shown can be replaced by the positioning segment 5 to provide a positioning segment at the inner ring segment 7.

[0082] Thus, the present invention provides a cooling fan 1 in which a sand shield 2 can be fixedly attached to a hub 3 to prevent sand from flowing in the space between the hub 3 and the sand shield 2. This allows the vehicle to achieve better balance when traveling in the desert. Furthermore, inclined surfaces, such as ribs 15, can be provided to allow sand to slide out of the hub 3.

[0083] In the foregoing detailed description, in order to simplify the present disclosure, various features are grouped together in one or more examples. It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, not restrictive. It is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents. After reviewing the above description, many other examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The embodiments are selected and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, so that other persons skilled in the art can best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications suitable for the specific purposes envisioned.

[0084] Reference Signs List

[0085] 1 cooling fan

[0086] 2 sand cover

[0087] 3 hubs

[0088] 4 Connection structure

[0089] 5 Positioning section

[0090] 6 Fixed section

[0091] 7 outer ring segments

[0092] 8 inner ring segments

[0093] 9 Tongue and groove joint

[0094] 10 Tongue

[0095] 11 Axial direction

[0096] 12 Welds

[0097] 13 Cut

[0098] 14 Inclined Surface

[0099] 15 Radial ribs

[0100] 16 Fan

[0101] 17 raised part

[0102] 18 socket

[0103] 19 raised part

[0104] 20 Hub ribs

[0105] 21 Hook

[0106] 22 Opening

Claims

1. Cooling fan (1), including: a sand-proof cover (2), the sand-proof cover (2) covering the hub (3) of the cooling fan (1), A connecting structure (4), the connecting structure (4) comprising at least one positioning section (5) and at least one fixing section (6), the at least one positioning section (5) being used to position the sand-proof cover (2) to the hub (3), and the at least one fixing section (6) being used to fix the sand-proof cover (2) to the hub (3), The connecting structure (4) is formed as a part of the sand protection cover (2) and is formed as a part of the hub (3).

2. The cooling fan (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one positioning segment (5) and / or the at least one fixing segment (6) are formed at the outer ring segment (7) of the hub (3) and / or are formed at the inner ring segment (8) of the hub (3).

3. The cooling fan (1) according to claim 2, wherein a positioning segment (5) and / or a fixing segment (6) is formed continuously along the inner ring segment (7) or the outer ring segment (8).

4. The cooling fan (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the outer ring segment (7) and the inner ring segment (8) are arranged at different radial positions of the hub (3).

5. The cooling fan (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the sand protection cover (2) covers the area between the outer ring segment (7) and the inner ring segment (8).

6. The cooling fan (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one fixing section (6) and / or the at least one positioning section (5) comprises at least one tongue and groove joint (9).

7. The cooling fan (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tongue and groove joint (9) comprises at least one tongue (10) protruding in the axial direction (11) of the cooling fan (1).

8. The cooling fan (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one fixing section (6) comprises at least one weld seam (12), in particular the at least one weld seam (12) is produced by using ultrasonic welding or hot melt welding.

9. The cooling fan (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one fixing section (6) comprises at least one adhesive layer for fixing the sand shield (2) to the hub (3) by at least one adhesive bond.

10. The cooling fan (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one fixing section (6) comprises at least one undercut (13) for fixing the sand shield (2) to the hub (3) by means of at least one hook locking portion.

11. The cooling fan (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one positioning section (5) comprises a plurality of grooves and / or projections (19) for aligning the sand shield (2) in a circumferential position relative to the hub (3).

12. The cooling fan (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one positioning section (5) comprises at least one projection (17) and at least one seat (18) for supporting the sand shield (2) in a radial position relative to the hub (3).

13. The cooling fan (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one positioning section (5) and the at least one fixing section (6) are arranged at different axial positions with respect to an axial direction (11) of the cooling fan (1).

14. The cooling fan (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective cover (2) comprises an inclined surface (14) between the at least one positioning section (5) and the at least one fixing section (6).

15. The cooling fan (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective cover (2) comprises a plurality of radial ribs (15, 15a) between the at least one positioning section (5) and the at least one fixing section (6).

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