Fan for motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a fan for a motor vehicle. The fan (1) comprises a fan wheel (3) having an outer ring (5) and an inner ring (6) and at least one blade (7). The fan wheel (3) further comprises at least one reinforcing rib (15a, 15b) for the at least one blade (7), which reinforcing rib is arranged radially opposite the inner ring (6) of the blade (7). In this case, the reinforcing ribs (15a, 15b) are arranged at a distance from one of the edge points (14a, 14b) of the blade (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a fan with a fan wheel for use in a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle having the fan. Background Technology

[0002] In motor vehicles, fans are used to deliver fresh air from (for example, at the vehicle's radiator grille) into the engine compartment. Such fans typically consist of a fan impeller and a support frame that carries the impeller. Turbulence in the airflow generated by the fan can produce noise and may also degrade fan performance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to describe an improved or at least alternative embodiment for the aforementioned type of fan, wherein the disadvantages described are overcome.

[0004] According to the invention, this task is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0005] The fan according to the invention is designed or configured for use in motor vehicles. Here, the fan includes a fan wheel rotatable about a rotation axis, the fan wheel having an outer ring and an inner ring. The outer ring is configured to be spaced apart around the rotation axis, while the inner ring is arranged radially inward and radially spaced apart from the outer ring. The inner ring includes an edge that is parallel to and circumferentially oriented relative to the rotation axis. Here, the edge has an outer surface facing the outer ring and an inner surface facing away from the outer ring. The fan wheel also includes at least one blade, which is connected to the outer surface of the inner ring on one side and to the outer ring on the other side. Here, the at least one blade includes a first edge and a second edge opposite to the first edge. The first edge extends from the outer ring to the inner ring and is connected to the outer surface of the edge at a first edge point. The second edge extends from the outer ring to the inner ring and is connected to the outer surface of the edge at a second edge point. The fan wheel also includes at least one radially oriented reinforcing rib associated with the at least one blade. Here, the at least one reinforcing rib is arranged radially opposite to the associated blade and is connected to the inner surface of the edge of the inner ring. In the orthogonal projection of the fan wheel onto a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the two edge points of at least one blade are spaced apart from each other. Furthermore, the two edge points define a connecting line in the orthogonal projection that links the two edge points of at least one blade. The minimum spacing defined along the connecting line between the nearest first / second edge point of the at least one reinforcing rib and the adjacent blade exceeds 15% of the spacing between the two edge points of the blade along the connecting line in the orthogonal projection.

[0006] In the fan according to the invention, the turbulence generated in the inner ring by the airflow carried by the fan can be reduced by the arrangement of the at least one reinforcing rib, thereby reducing noise generation in the fan. Furthermore, this can also improve or increase the efficiency of the fan.

[0007] In one feasible embodiment of the fan, the fan wheel may have exactly two reinforcing ribs that mate with at least one blade. Here, these two reinforcing ribs may be spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction around the axis of rotation. The distance between one reinforcing rib and the nearest first / second edge point of the associated blade and the distance between the other reinforcing rib and the nearest second / first edge point of the associated blade may be the same. In this embodiment of the fan, the reinforcing ribs can be arranged symmetrically at the associated blades, thereby reducing noise generation.

[0008] In the radial section of the fan impeller passing through at least one reinforcing rib, the maximum axial height of the at least one reinforcing rib may be equal to or less than the maximum axial height of the edge of the inner ring. In the radial section of the fan impeller passing through at least one reinforcing rib, the maximum axial height of the at least one reinforcing rib may be greater than the axial thickness of the blade to which it is attached.

[0009] In one feasible embodiment of the fan, the inner ring may have an inner section oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Here, the inner section may have a first surface oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation and a second surface axially and spaced apart from the first surface. An edge may be connected to the inner section and radially surround the inner section. Here, the first surface of the inner section may be arranged facing at least one reinforcing rib, and at least one reinforcing rib may be connected to the first surface of the inner section. The edge and the inner section may be integrally or integrally formed relative to each other. The inner ring may in particular be configured in a pot shape. The reinforcing rib may be integrally or integrally formed with the edge and the inner section of the inner ring.

[0010] In the radial section of the fan impeller passing through at least one reinforcing rib, the axial distance between the second surface of the inner section and the edges of the at least one reinforcing rib that are axially opposed to the first surface of the inner section is less than the product of a coefficient of 1.75 and the axial distance between the second surface of the inner section and the axial distance between the surfaces of the blades to which the inner section is furthest axially from the second surface of the inner section. This relationship between the two distances reduces turbulence generated by the airflow carried by the fan in the region of at least one blade within the inner ring, thereby reducing noise generation in the fan.

[0011] The inner ring may have an inner edge that is parallel to and circumferentially oriented relative to the axis of rotation. The inner edge may be radially arranged within the inner ring relative to the edge and connected to a first surface of the inner segment. In particular, the inner ring may be integrally or integrally formed with the inner segment. At least one reinforcing rib may be connected to the inner edge. In particular, the reinforcing rib may be integrally or integrally formed with the inner edge of the inner ring. The inner edge can provide overall stability to at least one reinforcing rib and the inner ring.

[0012] In the radial section of the fan wheel passing through at least one reinforcing rib, the maximum axial height of the inner edge may be less than the maximum axial height of the edge.

[0013] The fan can have a support frame and an electric motor. The support frame allows the fan wheel to be rotated and supported, and the electric motor can be fastened to the support frame and driven by the fan wheel.

[0014] The present invention also relates to a motor vehicle having a fresh air inlet for drawing in fresh air and the aforementioned fan, wherein the fan is located downstream of the fresh air inlet in terms of fluidity. The fresh air inlet may in particular be formed by the vehicle's cooling grille, and the fan is designed to deliver fresh air from the cooling grille to the engine compartment of the motor vehicle.

[0015] In connection with this invention, the terms "axial," "radial," and "surround" always refer to the axis of rotation of the fan wheel. The term "axial height / thickness of the element" refers to the height of the element along the axis of rotation of the fan wheel. Here, orthographic projection is the image of the three-dimensional element on a plane, wherein all points of the three-dimensional element are mapped onto points on the plane along projection lines oriented at a 90° angle to the plane. The radial section is defined by a section radially oriented relative to the axis of rotation and passing through the axis of rotation. The edges of the individual blades can be defined by lines, the points of which are most spaced relative to the longitudinal centerline or longitudinal central axis of the respective blade (especially those approximately radially oriented and extending from the outer ring to the inner ring).

[0016] Other important features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the accompanying drawings, and the related drawings taken in conjunction with the drawings.

[0017] It should be understood that the features described above and below can be used not only in the given combinations, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and are described in detail in the following description, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar or functionally identical parts.

[0019] The diagram illustrates the following:

[0020] Figure 1 A view of a fan according to the invention, having a fan wheel and a support frame, is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 A partial view of the fan wheel of the fan according to the present invention within the inner ring region is shown;

[0022] Figure 3 A top view of the fan wheel of the fan according to the present invention within the inner ring region is shown;

[0023] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the fan wheel of the fan according to the present invention is shown in the inner ring region. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Figure 1 A view of a fan 1 for a motor vehicle according to the present invention is shown. Here, the fan 1 includes a support frame 2 and a fan wheel 3. The fan wheel 3 is rotatably secured to the support frame 2 about a rotation axis RA. Furthermore, the fan 1 includes an electric motor 4, which is secured to the support frame 2 and drivenly connected to the fan wheel 3. Here, arrows indicate the possible rotation direction RR of the fan wheel 3. However, this rotation direction can also be reversed. The fan wheel 3 includes an outer ring 5 spaced apart from the rotation axis RA and an inner ring 6 arranged radially inward relative to the outer ring 5. Furthermore, the fan wheel 3 includes a plurality of blades 7 arranged radially between the outer ring 5 and the inner ring 6. Each blade 7 is connected to the outer ring 5 on one side and to the inner ring 6 on the other side.

[0025] Figure 2 A partial view of the fan wheel 3 of the fan 1 according to the invention is shown in the region of its inner ring 6. Here, the inner ring 6 includes an inner section 8, an edge 9, and an inner edge 10. The inner section 8 is configured in a disc shape and oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation RA. The inner section 8 includes a first surface 8a and a second surface 8b, which are oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation RA and axially spaced apart from each other. The edge 9 and the inner edge 10 are formed surrounding the axis of rotation RA and project axially from the first surface 8a of the inner section 8. The inner edge 10 is arranged radially inward and radially spaced relative to the edge 9. The edge 9 includes a surrounding outer surface 11 facing the outer ring 5 and a surrounding inner surface 12 facing the inner edge 10. The inner ring 6 is integrally formed, and the inner section 8, edge 9, and inner edge 10 are integrally integrated into each other.

[0026] Each blade 7 is connected to the outer surface 11 of the edge 9. Each blade 7 includes a first edge 13a and a second edge 13b, which extend from the inner ring 6 to the outer ring 5 and are arranged opposite each other. The first edge 13a of each blade 7 is connected to the outer surface 11 of the edge 9 at a first edge point 14a, and the second edge 13b of each blade 7 is connected to the outer surface 11 of the edge 9 at a second edge point 14b. Furthermore, each blade 7 includes two surfaces 7a and 7b, which are located between the edges 13a and 13b and are axially spaced apart from each other.

[0027] The fan wheel 3 includes exactly two reinforcing ribs 15a and 15b for each blade 7, which are arranged radially opposite to each other at the edge 9. Here, both reinforcing ribs 15a and 15b are radially oriented and connected to the inner surface 12 of the edge 9, the first surface 8a of the inner section 8, and the inner edge 10. Specifically, the reinforcing ribs 15a and 15b are integrally or integrally formed with the inner ring 6. Each reinforcing rib 15a or 15b includes two axially opposed edges 16a and 16b. One edge 16a is axially opposed to the first surface 8a of the inner section 8, while the other edge 16b abuts against the first surface 8a of the inner section 8.

[0028] Figure 3 This shows a top view of the fan wheel 3 of the fan 1 according to the invention, or rather, an orthogonal projection of the fan wheel 3 of the fan 1 according to the invention within the inner ring 6 region onto a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation RA. For example... Figure 3 As can be seen, edge points 14a and 14b have a distance BW between them. Furthermore, reinforcing ribs 15a and 15b have minimum distances D1 and D2 respectively relative to their nearest neighboring edge points 14a and 14b. Here, minimum distances D1 and D2 are defined or determined parallel to the connecting line VL between edge points 14a and 14b. Here, minimum distances D1 and D2 are greater than 15% of the distance BW.

[0029] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the fan wheel 3 of the fan 1 according to the present invention is shown within the inner ring 6 region. (See figure) Figure 4 and Figure 5 It can be seen that the maximum axial height HV of each reinforcing rib 15a or 15b is less than the maximum axial height HR of edge 9 but greater than the maximum axial height HIR of inner edge 10. Furthermore, the axial distance H1 between the second surface 8b of inner section 8 and the edges 16a of each reinforcing rib 15a or 15b, and the axial distance BH between the second surface 8b of inner section 8 and the surface 7a of blade 7 that is axially furthest from the second surface 8b of inner section 8 are also indicated. Here, the distance H1 is less than the product of the coefficient 1.75 and the distance BH.

[0030] List of reference numerals

[0031] 1 fan

[0032] 2 load-bearing frame

[0033] 3 fan wheels

[0034] 4 electric motors

[0035] 5 outer ring

[0036] 6 inner circle

[0037] 7 blades

[0038] 7a / 7b surfaces

[0039] 8 inner sections

[0040] 8a / 8b First / Second Surface

[0041] 9 edges

[0042] 10 inner edge

[0043] 11 Outer Surface

[0044] 12 inner surface

[0045] 13a / 13b First / Second Edge

[0046] 14a / 14b First / Second Edge Points

[0047] 15a / 15b reinforcing ribs

[0048] 16a / 16b edges

[0049] BH / H1 axial spacing

[0050] BW / D1 / D2 Spacing

[0051] HV / HR / HIR Axial Height

[0052] RA rotation axis

[0053] RR rotation direction

[0054] VL connection cable

Claims

1. A fan (1) for a motor vehicle, the fan having a fan wheel (3) rotatable about a rotation axis (RA). - in, The fan wheel (3) has an outer ring (5) spaced apart around the axis of rotation (RA) and an inner ring (6) arranged radially inward and radially spaced apart from the outer ring (5). - The inner ring (6) has an edge (9) oriented parallel to the axis of rotation (RA) and surrounding the axis of rotation (RA), the edge having an outer surface (11) facing the outer ring (5) and an inner surface (12) facing away from the outer ring (5). - Wherein, the fan wheel (3) has at least one blade (7), and the at least one blade (7) is connected to the outer surface (11) of the inner ring (6) on one side and to the outer ring (5) on the other side. - Wherein, the first edge (13a) of the at least one blade (7) extending from the outer ring (5) to the inner ring (6) is connected to the outer surface (11) of the edge (9) at the first edge point (14a), and the second edge (13b) of the at least one blade (7) extending from the outer ring (5) to the inner ring (6) and opposite to the first edge (13a) is connected to the outer surface (11) of the edge (9) at the second edge point (14b). - wherein the fan wheel (3) has at least one reinforcing rib (15a, 15b) that is associated with and radially oriented with the at least one blade (7). - Wherein, the at least one reinforcing rib (15a, 15b) is arranged radially opposite to the associated blade (7) and connected to the inner surface (12) of the edge (9) of the inner ring (6), and - Wherein, in the orthogonal projection of the fan wheel (3) on a plane perpendicular to the orientation of the axis of rotation (RA), the minimum distance (D1, D2) between the at least one reinforcing rib (15a, 15b) and the nearest first or second edge point (14a, 14b) defined by the connecting line (VL) connecting the two edge points (14a, 14b) exceeds 15% of the distance (BW) between the two edge points (14a, 14b) defined by the connecting line (VL).

2. The fan (1) according to claim 1, Its features are, - The fan wheel (3) has exactly two reinforcing ribs (15a, 15b) that correspond to the at least one blade (7), and the two reinforcing ribs (15a, 15b) are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction around the axis of rotation (RA), and - The distance (D1) between one of the reinforcing ribs (15a) and the nearest first / second edge point (14a) of the associated blade (7) and the distance (D2) between the other reinforcing rib (15b) and the nearest second / first edge point (14b) of the associated blade (7) are the same.

3. The fan (1) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, In the radial section of the fan wheel (3) passing through the at least one reinforcing rib (15a, 15b), the maximum axial height (HV) of the at least one reinforcing rib (15a, 15b) is equal to or less than the maximum axial height (HR) of the edge (9) of the inner ring (6).

4. The fan (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, In the radial section of the fan wheel (3) passing through the at least one reinforcing rib (15a, 15b), the maximum axial height (HV) of the at least one reinforcing rib (15a, 15b) is greater than the axial thickness of the blade (7) to which it is attached.

5. The fan (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, - The inner ring (6) has an inner section (8) oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation (RA), the inner section having a first surface (8a) oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation and a second surface (8b) axially and spaced apart from the first surface (8a). - The edge (9) connects to the inner segment (8) and radially surrounds the inner segment (8) outward, and - The first surface (8a) of the inner section (8) is arranged facing the at least one reinforcing rib (15a, 15b), and the at least one reinforcing rib (15a, 15b) is connected to the first surface (8a) of the inner section (8).

6. The fan (1) according to claim 5, Its features are, In the radial section of the fan wheel (3) passing through the at least one reinforcing rib (15a, 15b), the axial distance (H1) between the second surface (8b) of the inner section (8) and the edge (16a) of the at least one reinforcing rib (15a, 15b) that is axially opposed to the first surface (8a) of the inner section (8) is less than the product of the coefficient 1.75 and the axial distance (BH) between the second surface (8b) of the inner section (8) and the surface (7a) of the blade (7) that is axially furthest from the second surface (8b) of the inner section (8).

7. The fan (1) according to claim 5 or 6. Its features are, - The inner ring (6) has an inner edge (10), and the inner edge (10) is oriented parallel to and circumferentially relative to the axis of rotation (RA) and arranged radially inward relative to the edge (9), and - The inner edge (10) is connected to the first surface (8a) of the inner section (8), and the at least one reinforcing rib (15a, 15b) is connected to the inner edge (10).

8. The fan (1) according to claim 7. Its features are, - In the radial section of the fan wheel (3) passing through the at least one reinforcing rib (15a, 15b), the maximum axial height (HIR) of the inner edge (10) is less than the maximum axial height (HR) of the edge (9), and / or - In the radial section of the fan wheel (3) passing through the at least one reinforcing rib (15a, 15b), the maximum axial height (HIR) of the inner edge (10) is less than the maximum axial height (HV) of the at least one reinforcing rib (15a, 15b).

9. The fan (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features are, - The fan (1) has a support frame (2), and the support frame (2) rotatably supports the fan wheel (3), and - The fan (1) has an electric motor (4), and the electric motor (4) is fastened to the support frame (2) and driven connected to the fan wheel (3).

10. A motor vehicle having a fresh air inlet for drawing in fresh air and a fan (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The fan (1) is located downstream of the fresh air inlet in terms of fluid flow.

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