Hub for cooling fan

Abstract

The present disclosure illustrates a hub for a cooling fan, comprising a first desilting structure at a first surface of the hub, a second desilting structure at a second surface of the hub, and a bleed hole connecting the first surface and the second surface, wherein the first desilting structure is configured to convey sand to the relief hole, and the second desilting structure is configured to convey the sand out of the hub from the relief hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hub for a cooling fan, in particular to a hub for a cooling fan of 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 a cooling fan module having a cup-shaped central hub with a front wall intended 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 cooling fan hub.

[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 the above, the object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved hub for a cooling fan in which the imbalance value of the 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] The present invention relates to a hub for a cooling fan, comprising a first sand discharge structure on a first surface of the hub, a second sand discharge structure on a second surface of the hub, and a drainage hole connecting the first surface and the second surface, wherein the first sand discharge structure is configured to transport sand to the drainage hole, and the second sand discharge structure is configured to transport the sand out of the hub through the drainage hole.

[0009] Thus, one idea of ​​the present invention is to implement a sand discharge structure on the hub of the cooling fan to guide sand out of the hub area. In addition, when the vehicle is traveling in a desert or the like, the sand discharge structure can guide the sand in the hub area to obtain better balance.

[0010] In other words, the present invention provides a hub comprising two sand discharge structures located on different sides of the hub, particularly on opposite sides, wherein the sand discharge structures are connected by a drain hole, so that sand can slide or flow from one sand discharge structure to the other sand discharge structure to better balance the cooling fan.

[0011] The first surface and the second surface are located on respective first and second sides of the hub. The first sand removal structure is formed on the first surface of the hub. The first surface may be a rear surface of the hub. The second sand removal structure is formed on the second surface of the hub. The second surface may be a front surface of the hub. The first surface and the second surface may be parallel to each other, in particular, forming two opposing surfaces of the hub.

[0012] The drainage holes can allow sand to slide from the first surface to the second surface. The drainage holes can be arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the hub, wherein the drainage holes can be particularly spaced apart from each other and arranged to form an annular shape. Furthermore, the drainage holes can be arranged adjacent to each other in the radial direction of the hub. The drainage holes can have any cross-section that allows sand to slide from one surface to the other.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the first and second surfaces may be axial surfaces of the hub, and the sand drainage holes may be substantially axial holes. The axial surface may be defined as a surface having a normal line along the axial direction of the hub. In particular, the axial surface extends perpendicular to the normal axis of the hub. The same applies to the axial holes.

[0014] The hub described herein may further include a plurality of inclined surfaces to facilitate the sliding of sand from the first surface to the second surface and out of the hub. The inclined surfaces may be formed as ribs protruding in the radial direction of the cooling fan. For example, the hub structure may include a plurality of inclined surfaces, ribs, conveying channels, and / or drainage holes. These plurality of inclined surfaces, ribs, conveying channels, and drainage holes may further guide and convey sand, allowing it to slide out of the hub.

[0015] Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first sand discharge structure may include first ribs extending in the radial direction of the hub and first sliding surfaces between the first ribs. The first ribs may be arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the hub. The first ribs and / or the first sliding surfaces may guide sand to the discharge hole.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second sand discharge structure may include second ribs extending in the radial direction and second sliding surfaces between the second ribs. The second ribs may be arranged adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction of the hub. The second ribs and / or the second sliding surfaces guide sand out of the hub through the drain hole.

[0018] The first sliding surface and the second sliding surface may be formed as inclined surfaces starting from an area close to the rotation axis of the hub and directed away from the rotation axis. The sliding surfaces may be connected to the first rib or the second rib, respectively.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and / or second ribs can be inclined relative to the radial direction, in particular at an angle between 0° and 80°. The inclined surface can be oriented at an angle to the corresponding axis, for example, to the radial axis. In particular, the angle can be in the range of 3° to 10°. Furthermore, all first ribs can be inclined at the same angle or at a variable angle to guide the sand.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the number of the first ribs may be different from the number of the second ribs. Therefore, the number of the first sliding surfaces may be different from the number of the second sliding surfaces.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first ribs and the second ribs may be staggered with respect to the circumferential direction.Therefore, the first relief structure and the second relief structure may be respectively adapted to guide sand out of the hub.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first sliding surface and / or the second sliding surface can be inclined relative to the axial direction, in particular at an angle between 3° and 87°, in particular at an angle between 3° and 15°. The inclined surface can be oriented at an angle to the axial axis. Additionally or alternatively, the first sliding surface and / or the second sliding surface can be inclined in the circumferential direction of the hub, in particular at an angle between 3° and 15°.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first sliding surface and / or the second sliding surface can be inclined relative to the radial direction, in particular at an angle between 3° and 15°. The inclined surface can be oriented at an angle to the radial axis. By tilting the first sliding surface and / or the second sliding surface in different directions, sand can be more precisely directed to the discharge hole, in particular by relying on centrifugal force.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first sliding surface may extend parallel to the second sliding surface.The first sliding surface and / or the second sliding surface may be provided on two opposite surfaces of an element (eg a panel element or sheet) of the hub.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the drain holes can be located in adjacent peripheral areas of the first and / or second sliding surfaces, respectively. For example, the first and / or second sliding surfaces can be positioned closer to the hub's rotational axis than the drain holes. In other words, the first and / or second sliding surfaces can be positioned closer to the hub's rotational axis than the peripheral areas. Therefore, when the cooling fan rotates, sand can be guided by the first and / or second sliding surfaces into the drain holes.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, each peripheral area can form a sand conveying channel extending from adjacent first ribs to adjacent discharge holes. For example, the conveying channel can form an annular shape with the first ribs as radial ribs therebetween.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the hub may further comprise deflection areas configured to guide sand to corresponding drainage holes, wherein in particular each deflection area may form a continuous curve having an angle between 3° and 80° with respect to the axial direction.

[0028] The deflection regions can be provided in extensions of the first ribs, respectively. Thus, a portion of the first rib can be used to form a portion of the deflection region. The deflection region can begin at an angle of 3° relative to the axial direction and end at an angle of 80° relative to the axial direction. The transition between the deflection region and the surrounding region (e.g., the conveying channel) can be smooth to prevent disturbance of sand as it slides into the discharge hole.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, each deflection region may form a continuous curve having an angle between 3° and 80° with respect to the radial direction.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the hub may further comprise a first radial rib connected to the first rib, wherein the first radial rib may limit the area of ​​the first sand discharge structure in the radial direction towards the center of the hub, and / or the hub may further comprise a second radial rib, wherein the second radial rib may limit the area of ​​the first sand discharge structure and / or the second sand discharge structure away from the center of the hub in the radial direction. In particular, the second radial rib may be part of the peripheral area. According to one embodiment, the first sand discharge structure and the second sand discharge structure may be arranged between the first radial rib and the second radial rib. The first radial rib and the second radial rib may also guide sand. In particular, the second radial rib as part of the peripheral area may be part of the conveying channel, and / or wherein the discharge hole may also be arranged in the second radial rib.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first sliding surface may contact the first radial rib and / or the second radial rib. For example, the first and second sliding surfaces may start away from the first radial rib and end at the second radial rib, wherein a corner portion between the first sliding surface and the second radial rib may form the sand transport channel.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first sliding surface can be separate from the second radial rib and / or can form a separate stripping edge extending to the sidewall of the sand conveying channel. Due to the stripping edge, some sand can slide off the hub at the first sliding surface (e.g., at the first sand removal structure) and fall out. Under certain conditions where centrifugal force or airflow load is low, the stripping edge can serve as a simplified hub structure to remove sand from the hub.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first sliding surface can be separated from the second radial rib and / or each form a smooth transition to the side wall of the sand conveying channel. Instead of a stripping edge, a smooth transition region can be provided, wherein a radial portion can form a smooth transition between the first sliding surface and the second radial rib.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second sand removal structures can each form 20 to 30 chambers, wherein each chamber can be bounded by at least two first or second ribs and one first or second sliding surface. The chambers can have the same or different dimensions. The chambers can be arranged circumferentially to form an annular shape. The chambers can be formed by radial ribs connected to the sliding surfaces. The only "open" connection between the first and second sand removal structures can be the bleed hole.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first surface and the second surface may be axial surfaces of the hub. Thus, the first sand removal structure may be provided at the rear surface of the hub, and the second sand removal structure may be provided at the front surface of the hub. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment shown in the schematic diagram:

[0037] Figure 1 A view showing a hub of a cooling fan according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 Another view illustrating a hub of a cooling fan according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a hub with a sand removal structure is shown.

[0040] Figure 4 Shown Figure 1 Details of the embodiment.

[0041] Figure 5 Shown Figure 2 Details of the embodiment.

[0042] Figure 6 Shown according to Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of the hub.

[0043] Figure 7 A view showing a hub of a cooling fan according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 8 Another view showing a hub of a cooling fan according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a hub with a sand discharge structure according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0046] Figure 10 Shown Figure 7 Details of the embodiment.

[0047] Figure 11 Shown Figure 8 Details of the embodiment.

[0048] Figure 12 A view showing a hub of a cooling fan according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 13 A view showing a hub of a cooling fan according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 14 Shown according to Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of a hub with a sand removal structure is shown.

[0052] Figure 16 Shown Figure 13 Details of the embodiment.

[0053] Figure 17 Shown Figure 14 Details of the embodiment.

[0054] Figure 18 A cross-sectional view of a hub with a sand removal structure is shown.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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 variation of the specific embodiments discussed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] Figure 1 and 2 A hub 1 of a cooling fan according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 1 A first surface 3 is shown, which may be the rear surface of the hub 1 . Figure 2 A second surface 13 is shown, which may be a front surface of the hub 1. At the first surface 3, the first sand removal structure 2 may be disposed between the first radial rib 11 and the second radial rib 21. At the second surface 13, the second sand removal structure 12 may be disposed between the first radial rib 11 and the second radial rib 21. When viewed in the radial direction 5, the first radial rib 11 may be closer to the axis of rotation of the hub 1 than the second radial rib 22.

[0058] The chambers 18, 19 are arranged in the circumferential direction of the hub 1. The chambers 18, 19 are respectively formed by the first sand removal structure 2 or the second sand removal structure 12. The chambers 18, 19 are located at the same radial distance from the rotation axis of the hub 1.

[0059] The drain holes 8 are provided in the circumferential direction of the hub 1. The drain holes 8 are oriented in the axial direction of the hub 1. According to one embodiment, one drain hole 8 may be provided in each chamber 18, 19 to guide sand from the chambers 18, 19 out of the hub 1. According to one embodiment, a mounting surface or mounting hole 20 may be provided on the hub 1.

[0060] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the hub 1 is shown. The first sand discharge structure 2 includes a first rib 4 and a first sliding surface 6. The first rib 4 and the first sliding surface 6 can be connected to each other to form a sliding channel of the chamber 18. In the peripheral area of ​​the first sliding surface 6, a sand conveying channel 9 can be provided to guide sand to the discharge hole 8.

[0061] In the figures, the directions of sand removal in the first sand removal structure 2 and the second sand removal structure 12 are marked by dotted arrows.

[0062] According to this embodiment, the first sliding surface 6 is spaced apart from the first radial rib 11 and the second radial rib 21 and forms a stripping edge 15. Below the stripping edge 15, the sand conveying channel 9 may be located.

[0063] The second sand removal structure 12 may include a second rib 14 and a second sliding surface 16. The second rib 14 and the second sliding surface 16 may be connected to each other to form a sliding channel of the chamber 19.

[0064] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 The first sand discharge structure 2 may further comprise a deflection region 10, in particular one deflection region 10 in each chamber 18. The deflection region 10 may be located at a corner of the chamber 18, in particular at a corner opposite to the corner where the drainage hole 8 is located.

[0065] Figure 5 Shows Figure 2 Unlike the first sand discharge structure 2 , the drain hole 8 can be provided at the middle portion of the chamber 19 . This can be achieved by offsetting the second rib 14 relative to the first rib 4 .

[0066] Figure 6 From the second surface 13 is shown Figure 5 Sand can be guided out of the second chamber 19 through the second sand discharge structure 12.

[0067] Figure 7 and Figure 8 A hub 1 of a cooling fan according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 7 A first surface 3 is shown, which may be the rear surface of the hub 1 . Figure 8 A second surface 13 is shown which may be the front surface of the hub.

[0068] Figure 9 FIG2 shows a cross-sectional view of a hub 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 Compared to the embodiment of the present invention, the first sliding surface 3 forms a smooth transition portion 17 instead of forming a peeling edge. The smooth transition portion 17 can be provided by a radial portion connecting the first sliding surface 6 and the second radial rib 21. In addition, with respect to Figure 3 , the first sliding surface 4 is inclined at different angles relative to the axial direction 7. This angle can be adapted to the centrifugal force of the sand in the hub 1.

[0069] Figure 10 Shows Figure 7 The first rib 4 is inclined relative to the radial direction 5 of the hub 1. Figure 10 As shown, the ribs 4 can have different angles to optimize the sand discharge structure.

[0070] Figure 11 Shown Figure 8 Details of the embodiment, wherein the second ribs 14 may have different angles to optimize the sand discharge structure.

[0071] Figure 12 A view of a hub 1 of a cooling fan according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown. A first sliding surface 6 and a second sliding surface 16 are parallel to each other, wherein the surfaces 6 and 16 are two opposite surfaces of the same element, for example two opposite surfaces of a panel element or sheet of the hub 1.

[0072] Figure 13 and 14 FIG. 1 shows a hub 1 of a cooling fan according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 As shown, by offsetting the second rib 14, the second sand discharge structure 12 can provide a chamber without a drainage hole 8, see Figure 14 and 17 .

[0073] Figure 15 A cross-section of the hub 1 is shown. The sliding surfaces 4, 14 begin at a position remote from the first radial rib 11, wherein radial sections can connect the sliding surfaces 4, 14 to the radial rib 11. The sand transport channel 9 is located at the edge portion between the second radial rib 21 and the first sliding surface 4, wherein the sand transport channel 9 is formed by the second radial rib 21 and the first sliding surface 4.

[0074] Figure 16 Shown Figure 13 The deflection regions 10 are configured to guide sand to the respective drainage holes 8 , wherein in particular each deflection region may form a continuous curve having an angle of between 3° and 80° with respect to the axial direction 7 .

[0075] The deflection regions 10 can each be provided in the extension of the first rib 4. Thus, a portion of the first rib 4 can be used to form a portion of the deflection region 10.

[0076] For example, the deflection region 10 may start at an angle of 3° with respect to the axial direction 7 or the radial direction 5 and may end at an angle of 80° with respect to the axial direction 7 and the radial direction 5, see Figure 3 、 4 , 9, 10, 15 and 16. The transition between the deflection area 10 and the surrounding area (such as the sand conveying channel 9) can be smooth to avoid disturbance of the sand when it slides to the discharge hole 8.

[0077] Figure 18 A cross-section of the hub 1 is shown through the second sand removal structure 14. A cavity 19 is formed by the second ribs 14 connecting the second sliding surfaces 16.

[0078] 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.

[0079] Reference Signs List

[0080] 1 hub

[0081] 2. The first sand discharge structure

[0082] 3. First surface

[0083] 4 first rib

[0084] 5 radial direction

[0085] 6 First sliding surface

[0086] 7 Axial direction

[0087] 8 bleed holes

[0088] 9Sand conveying channel

[0089] 10 Deflection Area

[0090] 11 first radial rib

[0091] 12 Second sand discharge structure

[0092] 13 Second surface

[0093] 14 Second rib

[0094] 15 Peeling Edges

[0095] 16 Second sliding surface

[0096] 17 Smooth transition

[0097] 18 chambers

[0098] 19 chambers

[0099] 20 mounting surfaces

[0100] 21 Second radial rib

Claims

1. A hub (1) for a cooling fan, comprising: a first sand discharge structure (2), the first sand discharge structure (2) being located at a first surface (3) of the hub (1), a second sand removal structure (12), the second sand removal structure (12) being located at a second surface (13) of the hub (1), and a discharge hole (8), the discharge hole (8) connecting the first surface (3) and the second surface (13), The first sand discharge structure (2) is configured to transport sand to the discharge hole (8), and the second sand discharge structure (12) is configured to transport the sand from the discharge hole (8) out of the hub (1).

2. The hub (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first sand removal structure (2) comprises first ribs (4) extending in a radial direction (5) of the hub (1) and first sliding surfaces (6) between the first ribs (4).

3. The hub (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second sand removal structure (12) comprises second ribs (14) extending in the radial direction (5) and second sliding surfaces (16) between the second ribs (14).

4. The hub (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first rib (4) and / or the second rib (14) are inclined relative to the radial direction (5), in particular at an angle between 0° and 80°.

5. The hub (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the number of the first ribs (4) is different from the number of the second ribs (14).

6. The hub (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the first ribs (4) and the second ribs (14) are staggered with respect to each other with respect to the circumferential direction.

7. The hub (1) according to one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the first sliding surface (6) and / or the second sliding surface (16) is inclined relative to the axial direction (7), in particular at an angle between 3° and 87°.

8. The hub (1) according to one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the first sliding surface (6) and / or the second sliding surface (16) is inclined with respect to a radial direction (7).

9. The hub (1) according to one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the first sliding surface (6) extends parallel to the second sliding surface (16).

10. The hub (1) according to one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the bleeding holes (8) are located at adjacent peripheral areas of the first sliding surface (6) and / or the second sliding surface (6, 16), respectively.

11. The hub (1) according to claim 10, wherein each peripheral area forms a sand transport channel (9) extending from an adjacent first rib (4) to an adjacent weep hole (8).

12. The hub (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising deflection areas (10) configured to guide the sand to the respective drain holes (8), wherein in particular each deflection area (10) forms a continuous curve having an angle of between 3° and 80° with respect to the axial direction (7).

13. The hub (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a first radial rib (11) connected to the first rib (4), wherein the first radial rib (11) limits the area of ​​the first sand-removing structure (2) in the radial direction toward the center of the hub (1), and / or the hub (1) further comprising a second radial rib (21), wherein the second radial rib (21) limits the area of ​​the first sand-removing structure (2) and / or the second sand-removing structure (12) in the radial direction away from the center of the hub (1).

14. The hub (1) according to claim 13 and at least one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the first sliding surface (6) contacts the first radial rib (11) and / or the second radial rib (21), or wherein, The first sliding surface (6) is spaced apart from the second radial rib (21) and / or forms a peeling edge (15) or a smooth transition (17), respectively, to a side wall of the sand conveying channel (9).

15. The hub (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first sand discharge structure (2) and the second sand discharge structure (12) each form 20 to 30 chambers (18, 19), wherein Each chamber (18, 19) is bounded by at least two first ribs (4) or second ribs (14) and a first sliding surface (6) or second sliding surface (16).

16. The hub (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first surface (3) and the second surface (13) are axial surfaces of the hub (3).

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