Cooler fan module for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooler fan module (1), in particular for a motor vehicle, having a fan shroud (3) comprising a fan wheel recess (5) and a cooler (2) connected to the fan shroud (3) or fastenable thereto, wherein a cooler-side engagement element (9) and a latching element (10) are respectively provided in the region of a joint interface (4) between the cooler (2) and the fan shroud (3), and wherein the fan shroud (3) has an engagement contour (11) corresponding to the cooler-side engagement element (9) and a latching contour (12) corresponding to the latching element (10).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooler fan module, preferably electrically (electrically) driven, particularly for motor vehicles, having a fan shroud and a cooler fastened to or capable of being fastened to the fan shroud.

[0002] Modern internal combustion engines, especially four-stroke engines in motor vehicles, are typically cooled by a coolant flowing through the engine. In this configuration, the coolant absorbs and carries away the heat generated by the engine. The heated coolant flows through a heat exchanger, also known as a cooler, attached to the front of the vehicle. With the aid of the cooler, airflow absorbs heat from the coolant and cools it before it flows back into the engine, thus closing the coolant circuit.

[0003] To deliver air through a cooler, a cooler fan, also known as a fan system or fan device, is positioned in the flow direction in front of (upstream) or behind (downstream) the cooler. It typically has a fan wheel, usually driven by an electric motor, as the air delivery element. This fan wheel is rotatably arranged within a fan wheel recess in the form of a continuous opening in the fan shroud. The fan shroud is typically attached to the cooler and together with the cooler forms a cooler fan module.

[0004] Due to the manufacturing process or interactions of the components of the cooler fan module to be connected, the tolerances of the fan shroud and / or cooler can be very large. This can lead to assembly problems of the cooler fan module and may cause unwanted noise development between the fan shroud and the cooler.

[0005] The object of this invention is to provide a suitable cooler fan module. In particular, a mechanical interface will be provided between the cooler and the fan shroud, which is particularly suitable for easy assembly, tolerance compensation, and / or the development of the lowest possible noise.

[0006] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous designs and improvements are the subject of the dependent claims (sub-claims).

[0007] The following information provides information about the spatial orientation in the vehicle's coordinate system (vehicle coordinate system), which relates to the typical position or orientation of the vehicle's radiator fan module or the radiator and fan shroud relative to its body. In this case, the x-axis is oriented along the vehicle's longitudinal direction, the y-axis along the vehicle's transverse direction, and the z-axis along the vehicle's height.

[0008] Cooler fan modules are specifically designed for installation in motor vehicles, such as for mounting on body components in the engine compartment. A cooler fan module has a cooler and a fan shroud, which is fastened to or can be attached to the cooler via a mechanical engagement interface or bracket. The fan shroud suitably has at least one opening or recess (fan wheel recess) for a fan wheel, preferably driven by an electric motor.

[0009] In the area of ​​the (mechanical) engagement interface between the cooler and the fan shroud, also referred to below as the bracket, preferably on the cooler side, engagement elements and a suitable number of locking elements are provided. The fan shroud has an engagement profile corresponding to the engagement elements on the radiator side and a locking profile corresponding to the locking elements.

[0010] In an advantageous design, the corresponding locking element is a locking hook integrally molded onto the cooler. The preferred locking profile is a shroud-side locking groove into which the cooler-side locking element engages in the joint connection between the cooler and the fan shroud.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, multiple spring elements are conveniently arranged in the area of ​​the engagement interface between the cooler and the fan shroud. Preferably, the respective spring elements are arranged in the area of ​​one of the engagement elements, for example, between one of the engagement elements and its associated locking element. Preferably, the spring elements, integrally molded onto the cooler, rest appropriately against the fan shroud at their free ends under spring preload. In other words, the fan shroud and cooler are held together by the spring elements located in the area of ​​the support or engagement interface, while preventing relative movement. This prevents or at least reduces noise from the cooler fan module.

[0012] The engaging and locking elements are preferably located on opposite sides of the cooler, particularly extending in the Z direction relative to the vehicle coordinate system. Corresponding engaging and locking profiles are located on opposite shield sides, particularly extending in the Z direction relative to the vehicle coordinate system.

[0013] According to an advantageous design, one of the cooler-side engagement elements is configured as an insert pin with a circular, particularly annular, pin cross-section, and especially a cylindrical shape. In a suitable manner, the engagement profile corresponding to the respective cooler-side engagement element is configured as a circular, particularly annular, insertion opening.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, one of the cooler-side engagement elements is configured as an insert pin, particularly having a curved or trapezoidal pin cross-section, and the corresponding engagement profile is configured as a curved or trapezoidal insertion opening. Particularly preferably, circular, especially annular or cylindrical, and curved or trapezoidal cross-section insert pins are preferably provided on the cooler, and the corresponding engagement profiles are preferably provided on the fan shroud.

[0015] The cooler suitably has at least two, preferably four, engaging elements and at least two, preferably four locking elements, as well as at least two, preferably four spring elements. Particularly advantageously, the cooler has two engaging elements spaced apart from each other and two locking elements respectively assigned to them on opposite cooler sides, and two spring elements, each extending relative to the vehicle coordinate system, particularly in the Z direction.

[0016] Particularly preferably, the cooler has four connecting and locking elements, each suitably including a spring element as a support, designed for a corresponding engagement interface in the fan shroud. The lower left support advantageously has a circular insert pin with an annular dome as an engagement element, as well as a spring element and a locking element for creating a snap-fit ​​function on the cooler, which snaps into the corresponding interface side profile of the fan shroud.

[0017] The upper left bracket advantageously has a bent, preferably trapezoidal, insertion pin as a spring element, and a spring element and a locking element for creating a snap-fit ​​function on the cooler, which snaps into a corresponding hole in the engagement profile of the fan shroud. Alternatively, the upper left bracket on the cooler can also be designed as an engagement element with a circular or annular cross-section.

[0018] The upper right and lower brackets appropriately have insertion pins and spring elements of rectangular geometry as engagement elements, as well as locking elements for creating a snap-fit ​​function on the cooler, which snap into corresponding holes in the engagement contour as the fan shroud.

[0019] A combination of circular and curved or trapezoidal supports, in the form of a suitably designed insert pin, preferably serves as an engagement element on the cooler side, allowing the cooler to rotate relative to the fan shroud, or the latter to rotate relative to the cooler about the corresponding circular or annular engagement element. The insert pin, with its curved or trapezoidal geometry and corresponding engagement profile, particularly within the fan shroud, allows for rotational movement to a desired degree, enabling particularly effective tolerance compensation. A particularly easy-to-operate or reliable engagement connection is achieved between the cooler and the fan shroud by means of a locking connection, especially incorporating a spring element.

[0020] The advantages achieved by this invention are particularly evident in the cooler fan module, which provides a joint interface between the cooler and the fan shroud formed by a bracket in the form of a coupling element, a locking element, or a spring element, which can also compensate for large (manufacturing) tolerances and eliminate or at least significantly reduce unwanted noise generation.

[0021] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0022] Figure 1A perspective view of a cooler fan module with a cooler and a fan shroud connected to it at a joint interface is shown.

[0023] Figure 2 A perspective view of a cooler having multiple engaging elements, locking elements, and spring elements is shown, particularly the support in the area serving as the engaging interface;

[0024] Figure 3 It is along Figure 1 The sectional view along line III-III shows two different insert locking connections in the areas of the upper left and lower left engagement interfaces between the cooler and the fan shroud.

[0025] Figure 4 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view along line IV-IV shows the joint connection in the area of ​​the upper left joint interface between the cooler and the fan shroud;

[0026] Figure 5 Shown at a larger scale Figure 1 Detail V in the image shows the curved joining elements of the cooler within the corresponding joining profile of the fan shroud;

[0027] Figure 6 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view along line VI-VI shows the joint connection in the area of ​​the lower left joint interface between the cooler and the fan shroud;

[0028] Figure 7 Shown at a larger scale Figure 1 Detail VII, in which the circular engagement element of the cooler is in the corresponding engagement profile of the fan shroud;

[0029] Figure 8 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view along lines VIII-VIII shows the joint connection in the upper right joint interface area between the cooler and the fan shroud; and

[0030] Figure 9 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view along line IX-IX shows the joint connection in the area of ​​the lower right joint interface between the cooler and the fan shroud.

[0031] In all figures, the corresponding parts use the same reference numerals.

[0032] Figure 1A cooler fan module 1 is shown, having a cooler 2 and a fan shroud 3 fastened thereto. It is connected to the cooler 2 via a mechanical engagement interface 4, which is also simply referred to below as a bracket. The fan shroud 3 has a recess (fan wheel recess) 5. It has an inner retaining ring 6, which is connected to an inner ring 8 via a support 7. The latter is provided or arranged, not shown in more detail, for retaining the motor driving the fan wheel.

[0033] Such as combination Figures 2 to 7 As shown, the bracket located in the area of ​​the joint interface 4 between the cooler 2 and the fan shroud 3 is formed by a cooler-side joint element 9 and a locking element 10. The fan shroud 3 has a joint profile 11 in the form of an insertion opening corresponding to the cooler-side joint element 9 and a locking profile 12 corresponding to the locking element 10. The locking element 10 is a locking hook integrally molded on the cooler 2. The corresponding locking profile 12 is a shroud-side locking groove into which the cooler-side locking element 10 locks in the joint connection between the cooler 2 and the fan shroud 3.

[0034] Figure 2 A cooler 2 is shown, having an integrally molded engagement element 9 and a similarly integrally molded locking element 10. In an embodiment, relative to... Figure 1 In the vehicle coordinate system shown, engagement element 9 and locking element 10 are arranged on the cooler side, which are opposite each other in the Y direction and extend in the Z direction. Corresponding engagement profile 11 and locking profile 12 are arranged on the shroud side of the fan shroud 3, which are opposite each other in the Y direction and extend in the Z direction.

[0035] In this embodiment, the engaging element 9, the locking element 10, and the corresponding engaging profile 11 and locking profile 12 are disposed on the narrow side of the rectangular cooler 2 and the rectangular fan shroud 3. The engaging element 9 and the locking element 10 are disposed in the corner area of ​​the cooler 2, and the engaging profile 11 and the locking profile 12 are disposed in the corner area of ​​the fan shroud 3.

[0036] like Figures 3 to 7 As shown, a corresponding spring element 13 is disposed at the joint interface 4 between the cooler 2 and the fan shroud 3, in the area of ​​the joint element 9 and the locking element 10. The spring element 13 is designed as a curved or bent tab, which is integrally molded on the cooler 2, and in the engaged state, the end of the tab abuts against the fan shroud 3 on the (inner) side facing the cooler 2 with mechanical prestress.

[0037] from Figure 5It can be seen relatively clearly that the cooler-side engagement element 9 is configured as an insert pin with a trapezoidal pin cross-section. The corresponding engagement profile 11 of the fan shroud 3 is configured as a curved or trapezoidal insertion opening. The engagement element 9, designed as an insert pin, fits with the insertion opening with clearance, as the corresponding engagement profile 11 of the fan shroud 3.

[0038] from Figure 7 It can be seen relatively clearly that the cooler-side engagement element 9 is configured as a circular or cylindrical insertion pin with an annular pin cross-section. The engagement profile 11 of the fan shroud 3 corresponding to this engagement element 9 is configured as a circular or annular insertion opening.

[0039] according to Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the embodiment, the cooler-side engagement element 9 located on the right side of the cooler fan module 1 is configured as a rectangular insertion pin, and the corresponding shield-side engagement profile 11 is also configured as a rectangular insertion opening.

[0040] During assembly, the cooler 2 is placed on the fan shroud 3 along the X direction. The cooler 2 is rotatable about the circular engagement element 9. In this case, the contact between the cooler 2 and the fan shroud 3 is a line contact. Rotational movement is possible due to the curved geometry of the upper left engagement element 9 of the cooler 2 and the corresponding engagement profile 11 of the fan shroud 3 in this embodiment. In this case, the contact between the cooler 2 and the fan shroud 3 is a surface contact.

[0041] In this embodiment, the engagement element 9 on the right side of the cooler fan module 1 is fitted into the corresponding engagement profile 11 of the fan shroud 3. In this case, the contact between the cooler 2 and the fan shroud 3 is a surface contact. The existing tolerances of the bracket 4 from left to right are compensated by its snap-fit ​​function, in particular by means of the locking element 10.

[0042] In this embodiment, four mechanical engagement interfaces or brackets 4 are provided, with two on the right and two on the left of the cooler fan module 1. However, more than four mechanical engagement interfaces or brackets 4 may also be provided; for example, in the case of a relatively large cooler fan module 1, there may be three mechanical engagement interfaces or brackets 4 on the right side.

[0043] In summary, the present invention relates to a cooler fan module 1 having a fan shroud 3 with a fan wheel groove 5 and a cooler 2 connected to or fastened thereto, wherein a cooler-side engaging element 9 and a locking element 10 are respectively disposed in the region of the engaging interface 4 between the cooler 2 and the fan shroud 3, and wherein the fan shroud 3 has an engaging profile 11 corresponding to the engaging element 9 and a locking profile 12 corresponding to the locking element 10.

[0044] The claimed invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Instead, those skilled in the art can derive other variations of the invention within the scope of the disclosed claims without departing from the subject matter of the claimed invention, for example, also for hybrid or electric vehicles. Furthermore, within the scope of the disclosed claims, all the individual features described in conjunction with the various embodiments can be combined in other ways without departing from the subject matter of the claimed invention.

[0045] List of reference numerals

[0046]

Claims

1. A cooler fan module (1), particularly for motor vehicles, having a fan shroud (3) and a cooler (2) connected to or fastened thereto. -in, Cooler-side engagement elements (9) and locking elements (10) are respectively provided in the areas of multiple engagement interfaces (4) between the cooler (2) and the fan shroud (3), and -The fan shroud (3) has an engagement profile (11) corresponding to the cooler side engagement element (9) and a locking profile (12) corresponding to the locking element (10).

2. The cooler fan module (1) according to claim 1. Its features are, Multiple spring elements (13) are disposed in the area of ​​the engagement interface (4) between the cooler (2) and the fan shroud (3).

3. The cooler fan module (1) according to claim 2. Its features are, - The corresponding spring element (13) is arranged in the area of ​​the corresponding engaging element (9) and the associated locking element (10), and / or - The spring element (13) is integrally molded on the cooler (2) and abuts against the fan shroud (3) at its free end under spring prestress.

4. The cooler fan module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Its features are, The locking element (10) is a locking hook integrally molded on the cooler (2), and the corresponding locking profile (12) is a shroud-side locking groove or opening, in which the cooler-side locking element (10) locks in the engagement connection between the cooler (2) and the fan shroud (3).

5. The cooler fan module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Its features are, - The cooler-side engaging element (9) and locking element (10) are disposed on the opposite cooler side and / or on the cooler side extending in the Z direction relative to the vehicle coordinate system (X, Y, Z), and - The corresponding engagement profile (11) and locking profile (12) are set on the opposite shield side and / or the shield side extending in the Z direction relative to the vehicle coordinate system (X, Y, Z).

6. The cooler fan module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Its features are, One of the cooler-side engagement elements (9) is configured as an insertion pin with a circular, in particular annular, pin cross-section.

7. The cooler fan module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Its features are, One of the engagement profiles (11) corresponding to the respective cooler-side engagement element (9) is configured as a circular, in particular annular, insertion opening.

8. The cooler fan module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. Its features are, One of the cooler-side engagement elements (9) is configured to have an insert pin with a curved, particularly trapezoidal, pin cross-section, and the corresponding engagement profile (11) is configured to have a trapezoidal insertion opening.

9. The cooler fan module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8. Its features are, The cooler (2) has at least two, preferably four engagement elements (9) and at least two, preferably four locking elements (12) and / or at least two, preferably four spring elements (13).

10. The cooler fan module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9. Its features are, The cooler (2) has, in each case, two spaced-apart engagement elements (9) and two locking elements (12) respectively assigned to them and / or spring elements (13) assigned to the respective engagement elements (9) on the opposite cooler side, particularly on the cooler side extending in the Z direction relative to the vehicle coordinate system (X, Y, Z).

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