Fan module for motor vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fan module (2) for a motor vehicle. The fan module includes a frame (10) for a fan (4) and / or for a heat exchanger (8, 6), wherein the frame (10) has an extension (14) extending in the transverse direction (q) of the frame. In addition, the fan module (2) includes a mounting element (16) having a fastening portion (18) for the extension (14) and a support portion (20) for a bearing housing (24) of a bracket (26) for the motor vehicle, wherein a hook (22) for engaging with the bearing housing (24) is provided on the support portion (20) of the mounting element (16).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a fan module for a motor vehicle, the fan module having a frame for a fan and / or for a heat exchanger.

[0002] In motor vehicles, fan modules with heat exchangers are commonly used. Such fan modules, which include a fan and a cooler (radiator), are also called cooler-fan modules. Fan modules that include a fan, cooler (radiator), and a condenser for the climate circuit are also known as CRFM (condenser / radiator / fan / module).

[0003] During assembly into a motor vehicle, the fan module engages with the vehicle's reverse bearing, specifically by screwing or clamping. For example, the fan module is elastically supported by means of a decoupling element.

[0004] However, in some motor vehicles, the structural space of the fan module is relatively small, making assembly difficult, and / or some areas of the structural space used to fasten the fan module to the reverse bearing are inaccessible to tools.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to simplify the assembly of the fan module.

[0006] According to the invention, this objective is achieved by a fan module having the features of claim 1. Furthermore, according to the invention, this objective is achieved by a bracket having the features of claim 8 and a method having the features of claim 10. Advantageous improvements and designs are the subject of the dependent claims. In this case, the embodiments related to the fan module are equally applicable to the bracket and the method, and vice versa.

[0007] A fan module is provided and installed for motor vehicles. It advantageously includes a fan and at least one heat exchanger, i.e., a cooler (radiator) and / or condenser for air conditioning equipment. For example, a fan module is a CRFM (condenser / radiator / fan / module). For example, a fan module is provided and configured to include both a cooler and a condenser, and / or—for example, for supply purposes—a fan module may only include a cooler or a condenser as a heat exchanger.

[0008] The fan module includes a frame for a fan and / or a heat exchanger. The fan and / or heat exchanger are conveniently fastened to the frame. In this case, the frame has a (assembly) extension extending in the lateral direction of the frame (also known as the module lateral direction). The extension is specifically arranged on the sidewall of the frame, and the latter protrudes in the lateral direction of the frame. In this case, the lateral direction of the frame is conveniently oriented perpendicular to the fan axis (axis of rotation) of the fan and / or parallel to the lateral direction of the vehicle when the fan module is assembled in a vehicle. For example, when the fan module is assembled in a motor vehicle, the fan axis is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The angle between the fan module and the longitudinal axis of the vehicle is, for example, between 0° and 60°.

[0009] The fan module also includes a mounting element having a fastening portion for the extension. The mounting element is conveniently arranged on the extension, particularly fastened to it, for example, inserted thereon in the transverse direction of the frame. Furthermore, the mounting element includes a support portion, also referred to as a bearing portion, for a bearing housing of a bracket for a motor vehicle. In this case, the support portion is provided and positioned to insert into the bearing housing of the bracket. Specifically, the bearing housing carries a retaining element (with the fan module arranged thereon) in the assembled state; in other words, when the fan module is assembled on the bracket, the support portion is located on and / or in the bearing housing.

[0010] The hook is mounted on the support portion of the assembly component, specifically, the hook is integrally formed on the support portion. In this case, the hook is positioned and arranged to engage with the bearing housing, particularly as a bayonet closure. During assembly, the hook is guided through a through-channel in the bearing housing, causing the latter to protrude through the through-channel. Subsequently, the assembly component rotates, particularly about an axis parallel to the transverse direction of the frame, such that in the (final) assembled state of the fan module on the bracket, the hook is post-engaged with the bearing housing.

[0011] A particular advantage is that the tool-less engagement of the fan module with the bracket is possible thanks to the hooks on the assembly components. This results in a much easier assembly process, especially in situations with relatively limited structural space.

[0012] The assembly components are conveniently integral, i.e., one-piece, and / or designed as injection-molded parts.

[0013] According to the preferred design, the assembly element is formed of or includes an elastomer. In this way, structural noise propagation from the fan module to the motor vehicle is advantageously avoided or at least reduced. In other words, the assembly element also serves to decouple noise propagation from the fan module. Therefore, the assembly element is also referred to as a decoupling element.

[0014] According to a particularly preferred design of the fan module, the mounting element is held anti-rotationally on the extension, in other words, anti-torsional, particularly relative to rotation about an axis parallel to the transverse direction of the frame. For this purpose, the mounting element has, for example, a pin-shaped or dome-shaped nose on its side facing the extension, extending transversely to the direction of rotation and received in a corresponding support within the extension. For example, the support is recessed and extends transversely to the frame, such that when the mounting element is inserted into the extension, the nose is also introduced into the support. Due to the anti-rotational connection between the mounting element and the extension, the entire fan module can be rotated relatively easily during assembly to rotate the mounting element to create a hook-and-bearing housing engagement, eliminating the need for separate handling of the mounting element.

[0015] According to a suitable design, the hook extends in a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction of the frame. In other words, the hook has (only) an axis of curvature oriented parallel to the transverse direction of the frame. In this way, the structural space in the transverse direction of the frame is advantageously reduced.

[0016] According to a particularly preferred design, the support portion of the assembly element is bent into an arc shape, particularly a circular arc shape. Specifically, the support portion resting on the bearing switch in the assembled state is designed to be cylindrical or semi-cylindrical, wherein the cylindrical axis is oriented parallel to the transverse direction of the frame. Due to this shape, rotation of the assembly element within the bearing housing is advantageously easier.

[0017] According to an advantageous design, the guide structure protrudes from the support portion, particularly the cylindrical or semi-cylindrical support portion. Specifically, the guide structure protrudes relative to the surface of the support portion in a direction perpendicular to the transverse direction of the frame. For example, the guide structure is pin-shaped or dome-shaped, but in a suitable manner, the guide structure forms a plug for a groove or recess in the bearing housing, wherein the guide structure and / or the recess or recess in the bearing housing extend in a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction of the frame. Therefore, the guide structure is used to guide the rotation of the assembly equipment during assembly.

[0018] In the assembled state, the assembly element is fixed in the bearing housing relative to the lateral direction of the frame. In particular, the frame is supported in a floating manner, that is, the frame is held in the assembly element in a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction of the frame, and the frame is preferably movable relative to the assembly element assembled in the bearing housing in the lateral direction of the frame and / or opposite to the lateral direction of the frame.

[0019] According to an advantageous design, the assembly element includes a damper. The damper is located in the transverse direction of the frame or opposite to the transverse direction of the frame. Specifically, the damper protrudes from the support portion and extends toward the frame, particularly toward its sidewalls, in the assembled state. It is advantageous for the damper to be designed in such a way that it protrudes toward the frame beyond the bearing housing relative to the transverse direction of the frame. Therefore, the damper acts as a stop for the frame.

[0020] Another aspect of the invention relates to a bracket for a motor vehicle. In this case, the bracket includes a bearing housing, which, in one of the aforementioned variations, forms a support for mounting components and / or for extensions of a fan module. Advantageously, the bracket also includes a carrier, particularly a strut, which is fastened to the bearing housing and can be mounted on the motor vehicle, particularly its body.

[0021] Therefore, the bearing housing includes a receiving space for assembling components. In this case, the bearing housing is advantageous in the vertical direction, appropriately oriented perpendicular to the lateral direction of the frame when the fan module is mounted on the bracket, so that the assembly components can be introduced into the bearing housing. Furthermore, the bearing housing, particularly its shell wall defining the receiving space, has a through channel for hooking. Specifically, the through channel is introduced into a portion of the shell wall that restricts the support opposite to the vertical direction. For example, the through channel is configured as a hole.

[0022] In an advantageous design, the bearing housing's supporting surface, i.e., the (inner) side of the housing wall facing the assembled component in the assembled state, is curved into an arc shape. The bearing housing is particularly suited to form a semi-cylindrical receiving space. For this purpose, the housing wall is curved according to the semi-cylindrical sheath.

[0023] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for assembling a fan module constructed in one of the above-described (fan module) variations onto a bracket constructed in one of the above-described (bracket) variations.

[0024] For example, assembly components are arranged on the extension, especially inserted thereon.

[0025] According to this method, the assembly components of the fan module are introduced into the bracket, i.e., its bearing housing, in a direction perpendicular to the transverse direction of the frame, specifically opposite to the perpendicular direction of the bearing housing. In this case, the hook of the assembly device is guided through a through-channel of the bearing housing, such that the hook protrudes through the through-channel. Therefore, the support portion of the assembly component is located on the inner side of the housing wall, and the free end of the hook is located on the outer side of the housing wall. In particular, the assembly component and its support portion rest on the bearing housing, i.e., are supported by the bearing housing.

[0026] Then, the assembly element, particularly together with the rest of the fan module, rotates about an axis parallel to the transverse direction of the frame. Specifically, the central axis of the cylindrical or semi-cylindrical assembly element is used as this axis of rotation. Through rotation, the hook is adjusted so that it is now engaged with the housing wall. In other words, the housing wall is positioned between the free end of the hook and the support portion of the assembly element. Specifically, the connection between the assembly element and the support is achieved using a bayonet closure. In short, the fan module engages with the bracket simply by insertion and subsequent rotation. Therefore, no tools are required.

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0028] Figure 1a A schematic side view of a fan module is shown, its frame having an extension to which mounting elements are fastened, and wherein the mounting elements include hooks for forming a bayonet closure with the bearing housing.

[0029] Figure 1b The previous view schematically shows the fan module.

[0030] Figure 2 The assembly components fastened to the extension are shown at an enlarged scale.

[0031] Figure 3 A perspective view of the assembled components is shown.

[0032] Figure 4 A side view of the fan module is shown, in which the assembly components are housed in a bearing housing of a bracket for motor vehicles.

[0033] Figure 5 A side view is shown of a bracket with assembly components housed in its bearing housing.

[0034] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a fan module connected to a bracket is shown, which has according to Figure 5 The cross-sectional plane AA,

[0035] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the fan module coupled to the bracket is shown, which has according to Figure 5 The cross-sectional plane BB,

[0036] Figure 8 The bracket is shown in perspective and cross-section, wherein its bearing housing has recesses for guiding structures used to assemble components, and

[0037] Figure 9A bracket with an assembly element housed in its bearing housing is shown in enlarged scale and perspective view, wherein the assembly element has a buffer for the frame that protrudes out of the bearing housing from the side wall of the frame in the lateral direction relative to the frame.

[0038] In all the accompanying drawings, the corresponding parts and dimensions always have the same reference numerals.

[0039] Figure 1a The fan module 2 is schematically shown in a side view. It includes a fan 4 and a cooler 6 (radiator 6) and / or a condenser 8 as a heat exchanger. According to the embodiment shown here, the fan module is a CRFM. Therefore, the fan module is supplied and configured to have a cooler 6 and a condenser 8. Depending on customer requirements or for delivery, this CRFM may only have a cooler 6 or a condenser 8 as a heat exchanger. Then, a corresponding additional heat exchanger is assembled into the CRFM for final assembly.

[0040] The fan module 2 also includes a frame 10 for the fan 4 and / or for a corresponding heat exchanger. In this case, an extension 14 is provided on the side wall 12 of the frame 10, which protrudes from the side wall 12 in the lateral direction q of the frame. In this case, the lateral direction q of the frame is oriented perpendicular to the fan axis A (rotation axis) of the fan 4.

[0041] The mounting element 16 of the fan module 2, formed of an elastomer, is mounted on the extension 14. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The assembly element can be seen in relatively detail. It has a generally circular or sleeve-shaped first portion, namely the fastening portion 18 surrounding the extension 14. Furthermore, the assembly element 16 includes a support portion 20 on which a hook 22 is provided, formed on the support portion 20. In this case, the hook extends in a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction q of the frame. In other words, the hook 22 extends from the support portion 20 to its free end, wherein the hook 22 spans a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction q of the frame. In this case, the support portion 20 is configured to support itself on the bearing housing 24 of the bracket 26. The support portion and the fastening portion are connected to each other by a support post 30.

[0042] In this configuration, the support portion 20 is curved into an arc shape. In this configuration, the support portion is convex relative to the extension 14. Specifically, the support portion 20 is designed as a hollow semi-cylinder, see [reference needed]. Figure 2 and Figure 6 Therefore, the support portion has an arcuate cross-section (a cross-sectional plane perpendicular to the transverse direction q of the frame). Consequently, the radially outer surface of the support portion forms a semi-cylindrical sheath surface. In this case, the central axis is parallel to the transverse direction q of the frame.

[0043] Furthermore, the fan module 2 includes another mounting element 28, by virtue of which the fan module 2 can be screwed or clamped into a motor vehicle, for example. This other mounting element is also preferably formed of an elastomer for decoupling related to structural noise propagation.

[0044] As in Figure 1b As can be seen in particular, the fan module 2 has extensions 14 on both sides of the frame in the lateral direction q, on which mounting elements 16 are fastened, and in each case, another mounting element 28. Thus, the fan module 2 is configured to be fastened to the vehicle in a total of four locations, namely twice by means of the vehicle's bracket 26 and twice by means of the other mounting element 28 to the vehicle's reverse bearing (not shown further).

[0045] Figures 2 to 7 The specific design of the fan module 2 or its assembly component 16 is shown. For example, in... Figure 3 As can be seen in particular, the extension 14 has a recessed support 32 extending in the transverse direction q of the frame. The pin-shaped or dome-shaped nose of the mounting element is received in the support to prevent rotational retention; the nose protrudes from the fastening portion 18 into the support 32. In summary, the mounting element 16 is held on the extension 14 in a rotation-resistant, i.e., torsion-resistant manner.

[0046] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the guide structure 34 protrudes from the support portion 20. The guide structure 34 is constructed as a plug or spring and serves as a recess or bead-like groove 48 in the bearing housing, or, according to an alternative not further shown, a groove. The guide structure 34 spans a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction q of the frame. In the assembled state, the guide structure 34 is received within the recess 48 or groove of the bearing housing 24. In other words, in the assembled state, the guide structure 34 protrudes into the recess 48. Therefore, during the rotation of the fan module 2, the assembly element 16 is guided about the axis of rotation, which advantageously corresponds to the central axis of the cylindrical support portion 20.

[0047] Figures 4 to 7 The assembly state of fan module 2 mounted on bracket 26 is shown. In these figures, for better identification, fan module 2 is shown only in the area of ​​extension 14. Figure 8 The bracket 26 is shown without assembly element 16 and without frame 10.

[0048] In this configuration, the bracket 26 has a bearing housing 24. It includes a housing wall 36 with an arcuate cross-section. Therefore, the housing wall 36 is curved according to the shape of a semi-cylindrical sheath. Consequently, the (inner) support surface 38 of the bearing housing 24 facing the assembly element 16 in the assembled state is designed such that it has a shape corresponding to the support portion 20 of the assembly element 16, see in particular... Figure 6 and Figure 7 Therefore, the bearing housing 24 forms a semi-cylindrical receiving space.

[0049] Since both the housing wall 26 and the support portion 20 are designed with arc shapes, the rotation of the assembly components in the bearing housing 24, especially around the common central axis that serves as the axis of rotation, becomes relatively easy.

[0050] The bearing housing 24 opens in the vertical direction h, which is perpendicular to the lateral direction q of the frame when the fan module 2 is mounted on the bracket 26. Figure 6 and 7 The figure is indicated by reference numeral 40. Therefore, during assembly, assembly element 16 can be introduced into bearing housing 24 in a direction opposite to the vertical direction h.

[0051] The hook 22 is received in the through channel 42 of the shell wall 36. In this case, the hook 22 protrudes through the through channel 42, see [reference needed]. Figure 6 .

[0052] The bearing housing 24 includes a cover 44 that defines a receiving space formed by the bearing housing 24 in the transverse direction q of the frame. The cover 44 prevents the fan module 2 from moving in the transverse direction of the frame and serves as a guide when the assembly component 16 is introduced into the bearing housing 24 during assembly.

[0053] The bearing housing 24 is engaged with a carrier 46, for example, configured as a support. In this case, the carrier 46 is configured to engage with a motor vehicle, particularly with its body, or form part of the body.

[0054] In the assembled state, the assembly element 16 is fixed in the bearing housing 24 relative to the lateral direction q of the frame. According to the embodiment shown here, the frame 10 is supported in a floating manner, that is, the frame 10 is held in a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction q of the frame by means of the assembly element 16 and the bracket 26. The housing 10 is movable at least relative to the assembly element 16 assembled in the bearing housing 26 in a direction opposite to the lateral direction q of the frame.

[0055] As in Figure 2As can be seen in particular, the mounting element 16 includes a buffer 50 that protrudes in the lateral direction q of the frame. Specifically, the buffer 50 is located above the support portion 20. In other words, the buffer extends further in the lateral direction q of the frame than the support portion 20 and / or the fastening portion 18. Figure 9 As can be seen in particular, in the assembled state, the buffer 50 extends toward the side wall 12 of the frame 10. In this case, the buffer 50 protrudes beyond the bearing housing 24 toward the side wall 12 of the housing 10 in the lateral direction q relative to the frame, such that the buffer 50, formed of an elastomer, forms a damping stop for the housing 10.

[0056] In the method of assembling the fan module onto the bracket, if necessary, the heat exchanger is first fastened to the fan module 2.

[0057] Then, the fan module 2 and its assembly element 16 are moved toward the bearing housing in a direction perpendicular to the transverse direction q of the frame, opposite to the vertical direction h, such that the assembly element 16 is introduced into the bearing housing 24 in a direction opposite to the vertical direction h. The fan module 2 is oriented such that, during its insertion, the hook 22 of the assembly element 16 passes through the through channel 42 of the bearing housing 24 opposite to the vertical direction h. Therefore, after this step, the hook 22 protrudes through the through channel 42 of the bearing housing 24.

[0058] Subsequently, the fan module 2 and thus the assembled component 16 rotate about an axis parallel to the transverse direction q of the frame, specifically about the central axis of the support portion 20. The direction of rotation is... Figure 6 The arrow with reference numeral d is used to indicate this. Rotation occurs in such a way that the free end of hook 22 moves below the housing wall 36. Therefore, due to the rotation, hook 22 and housing wall 36 are engaged. After assembly, the fan module is tilted relative to the vertical direction h due to the rotation.

[0059] The fan module 2 is then conveniently fastened to the corresponding reverse bearing via another mounting element 28.

[0060] This invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. Rather, within the scope of the claims, those skilled in the art can derive other variations of the invention without departing from its subject matter. Furthermore, in particular, all individual features described in the embodiments and / or claims can be combined with each other in other ways without departing from the subject matter of the invention.

[0061] List of reference numerals

[0062]

[0063]

Claims

1. A fan module (2) for a motor vehicle, the fan module comprising: - A frame (10) for the fan (4) and / or for the heat exchanger (8, 6), wherein, The frame (10) has an extension (14) extending in the lateral direction (q) of the frame, and - Assembly element (16), the assembly element having a fastening portion (18) for the extension (14) and a support portion (20) for the bearing housing (24) of the bracket (26) of the motor vehicle. - wherein a hook (22) for engaging with the bearing housing (24) is provided on the support portion (20) of the assembly element (16).

2. The fan module (2) according to claim 1. Its features are, The assembly element (16) is formed of or has an elastomer to reduce structural noise propagation.

3. The fan module (2) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The assembly element (16) is held anti-rotationally on the extension (14).

4. The fan module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Its features are, The hook (22) extends in a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction (q) of the frame.

5. The fan module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4. Its features are, The support portion (20) of the assembly element (16) is bent into an arc shape, particularly a circular arc shape.

6. The fan module (2) according to claim 5. Its features are, The guide structure (34) protrudes from the support portion (20).

7. The fan module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Its features are, The assembly element (16) has a buffer (50) for the frame (10) that protrudes in the transverse direction (q) of the frame or in the opposite direction thereto.

8. A bracket (26) for a motor vehicle, the bracket comprising: - Bearing housing (24) for the assembly element (16) of the fan module (2) designed according to any one of claims 1 to 7. -in, The bearing housing (24) has a through channel (42) for the hook (22) of the assembly element (16).

9. The bracket (26) according to claim 8. Its features are, The bearing housing (24) of the assembly element has a support surface (38) that is bent into an arc shape.

10. A method for assembling a fan module (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 onto a bracket according to claim 8 or 9, -In this configuration, the mounting element (16) of the fan module (2) is inserted into the bracket (26) in a direction perpendicular to the transverse direction (q) of the frame, such that the hook (22) protrudes through the through channel (42) of the bearing housing (24), and -in, The assembly element (16) of the fan module (2) rotates about an axis parallel to the transverse direction (q) of the frame.

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