Fan module for motor vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fan module (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a fan frame (4) and a fastening device (12) for holding the fan frame (4) in the motor vehicle, wherein the fan frame (4) has at least one engaging element (10) having an integrated threaded bushing (13), and the fastening device (12) has a retaining element (12b) and a resilient decoupling element (12c) assembled or configurable on the vehicle side, and a machine screw (12a) passing through the retaining element (12b) and the decoupling element (12c) and releasably screwed into the threaded bushing (13) on the frame side.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a fan module for a motor vehicle, comprising a fan frame for a fan and / or for a heat exchanger, and a fastening device for holding the fan frame in the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle herein is also particularly understood to be an electric vehicle having an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery, and a hybrid vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery.

[0002] In motor vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, the engine itself is typically located within the transmission system. Since heat radiation and convection are insufficient to cool it, this cooling process is usually aided by a cooling airflow from the driving winds of the vehicle and a fan system (cooler fan). In this case, a cooler system in the form of a fluid cooling loop is typically inserted, where the heat exchanger (cooler) is exposed to the airflow from the driving winds and the fan system. A mixture of water, antifreeze, and corrosion inhibitors is commonly used as a coolant to maintain the operating temperature of the internal combustion engine and the operation of the air conditioning system.

[0003] The coolant in the pipes connected to the cooler network or cooler assembly of the cooler must be cooled again. For this purpose, cooling air flows through cooling fins that exchange heat with the coolant. Since the driving air used as cooling air is often insufficient for cooling, especially at low speeds in motor vehicles, the cooler fan typically has a fan wheel, usually driven by an electric motor, and has air delivery elements in the form of impellers or propellers. This fan wheel is rotatably arranged in a fan wheel recess in the form of a continuous opening in the fan frame of the cooler fan. The fan wheel is usually located behind the cooler network or cooler assembly of the cooler (heat exchanger). By means of the fan wheel of the cooler fan (also called the fan module), air is drawn into the cooler network and directed to the internal combustion engine. If, in addition to the cooler network, there is a condenser network for the liquefied gas exchanger of an air conditioning unit, the condenser network is usually arranged in front of the cooler network in the direction of the driving airflow (airflow direction).

[0004] Electric or motor-driven or drivable motor vehicles, such as electric or hybrid vehicles, typically include an electric motor as an electric drive system that can drive one or two axles. To provide electrical energy, the electric motor is usually coupled to an onboard rechargeable (high-voltage) battery (rechargeable battery) that acts as an energy storage device. In this case, so-called fast charging operations are usually required, where the onboard battery is charged in the shortest possible time.

[0005] During this rapid charging process, a relatively high current intensity occurs, which subsequently leads to an increase in battery temperature. Since battery charging typically occurs when the vehicle is stationary, an airflow to cool the battery can be generated using a condenser fan. This fan module used in motor vehicles, which includes a fan for the air conditioning circuit, a cooler (cooler), and a condenser, is also known as a CRFM (condenser-cooler fan module).

[0006] The following information about spatial orientation is given in the vehicle's coordinate system (vehicle coordinate system), where the horizontal axis (X-axis, X direction) is oriented along the vehicle's longitudinal direction, the vertical axis (Y-axis, Y direction) is oriented along the vehicle's lateral direction, and the decal axis (Z-axis, Z direction) is oriented along the vehicle's height direction.

[0007] It is desirable that this fan module can be disassembled and reassembled in the vehicle several times, say ten times, during its service life. In this case, it must be considered that the fan module should not be disassembled in the initial assembly direction, i.e., in the X direction relative to the vehicle coordinate system toward the direction of travel. The reason is that for such disassembly or reassembly of the fan module, the front components of the vehicle should not be disassembled.

[0008] The object of this invention is to provide a fan module that is particularly suitable for assembly and disassembly in motor vehicles, especially electric or hybrid vehicles. Specifically, the fan module should be assembled or disassembled in the Z-direction or ZX-direction relative to the vehicle coordinate system. Furthermore, the use of self-cutting plastic screws should be avoided, particularly on decoupling components between the fan module and the vehicle body.

[0009] 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).

[0010] Fan modules are provided and configured for motor vehicles, particularly electric or hybrid vehicles. A fan module advantageously includes a fan and at least one heat exchanger, particularly a cooler (cooler) and / or condenser for air conditioning equipment. For example, a fan module is a CRFM (condenser-cooler-fan module). A fan module may include both a cooler and a condenser, or may serve as a heat exchanger, including only a cooler or only a condenser.

[0011] The fan module has a fan frame with at least one engaging element and fastening means for retaining the fan frame in a motor vehicle, particularly on the vehicle and / or body components of the motor vehicle. Suitably, in each case, two pairs of engaging elements of the same type are provided in the upper and lower corner regions of the fan frame in the vehicle height direction (Z direction in the vehicle coordinate system), wherein the upper and lower corner regions are advantageously different or may be different.

[0012] The engaging element is preferably designed as a dome-shaped frame pin with an integrated threaded bushing. Preferably, the engaging element is injection molded integrally onto the fan frame as a threaded bushing, or formed from its frame material. Advantageously, the engaging element with the integrated threaded bushing protrudes beyond the fan frame or beyond its fan plane. In other words, the injection-molded threaded bushing protrudes axially from the fan frame relative to the fan axis. The threaded bushing is suitably designed as a threaded sleeve with metric (internal) threads. More preferably, the engaging element is arranged in corner areas of the fan frame, particularly the lower corner areas.

[0013] Suitably, the engaging element has a support surface that at least partially surrounds the threaded bushing, serving as a support for a resilient or elastically deformable decoupling element of the fastening device. Advantageously, the support surface of the engaging element is configured to extend at an angle relative to the fan axis. This allows the fan module to be arranged at an angle or tilt in the motor vehicle. In other words, in this arrangement, the fan axis of the fan module, in its assembled state in the motor vehicle, extends at an angle or tilt relative to the vehicle's longitudinal axis (the X direction in the vehicle coordinate system). The angle between the fan module and the vehicle's longitudinal axis is, for example, between greater than 0° and less than or equal to 60°, such as (50 ± 5)°.

[0014] The fastening device has a retaining element and a resilient decoupling element assembled or assembleable on the vehicle side, and a machine screw in a threaded bushing that passes through the retaining element and the decoupling element and is releasably screwed into or screwable into a connecting element on the frame side.

[0015] According to an advantageous design, the retaining element has at least one fastening opening in which a screw sleeve is located. During assembly, a metric screw (machine screw) is screwed into or screw-in (screw-in) through the assembly opening in the body or vehicle component of the motor vehicle to releasably fasten the retaining element to or into the vehicle.

[0016] A threaded bushing is suitably a metal sleeve or a machine component designed in the manner of a screw and nut having a metric internal thread that is designed together with the external thread of the machine screw to create a fixed and releasable threaded connection, thereby the threaded bushing being torsionally anchored in the engagement element on the frame side.

[0017] The decoupling element is preferably an elastomer (rubber element). The decoupling element suitably has a hollow cylindrical shaft portion received within a through-hole of a retaining element and a collar portion protruding circumferentially beyond it, through which the decoupling element abuts against a connecting element on the frame side. The collar portion is conveniently configured in a mushroom shape, having a preferably structured, particularly convex, surface.

[0018] The fastening device appropriately incorporates a bending-resistant support sleeve. It surrounds the machine screw on its axial side and passes through the retaining element and the decoupling element. Preferably, the metal support sleeve absorbs the axial tightening force and prevents deformation or accidental compression of the elastic decoupling element when the machine screw is tightened into the threaded bushing.

[0019] In an advantageous improvement, the fastening device has an intermediate sleeve passing through the decoupling element, which has a support collar abutting against the opening edge of the retaining element or the through-hole of the retaining element. Preferably, the intermediate sleeve, made of glass fiber reinforced plastic, surrounds the support sleeve within the through-hole of the retaining element and is in turn surrounded by the hollow cylindrical shaft portion of the resilient decoupling element. The intermediate sleeve is particularly useful for avoiding or reducing radial clearance relative to the longitudinal axis of the machine screw between the support sleeve and the decoupling element within or in the retaining element or its through-hole.

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0021] Figure 1 An exploded view of a fan module is shown, which has a fan frame, a fan driven by an electric motor, a heat exchanger, and a fastening device for holding it in a motor vehicle.

[0022] Figure 2 A top view (rear view) of a fan module is shown, which has an (upper) fastening device for insert-type connection to the fan frame and a lower fastening device for screw connection to the fan frame.

[0023] Figure 3 A side view of the fan module is shown, including the upper and lower fastening devices;

[0024] Figure 4 An exploded view shows the (lower) fastening device with retaining elements and decoupling elements, as well as assembly elements and supports and / or intermediate sleeves;

[0025] Figure 5 A portion of the perspective view shows a (lower) engagement element with a screw sleeve for a machine screw, and

[0026] Figure 6 and 7 The fastening device for securing the screw to the (lower) engagement element is shown in different views or illustrations.

[0027] In all figures, the corresponding parts use the same reference numerals.

[0028] Figures 1 to 3Fan module 1 is shown in exploded view and top or side view. Fan module 1 includes a fan 2 and a cooler (cooler) and / or condenser (condenser) as a heat exchanger 3. According to the embodiment shown here, fan module 1 is a CRFM. Fan module 1 is provided and configured to have a cooler and a condenser as heat exchangers 3. Alternatively, this CRFM may only have a cooler or a condenser as heat exchangers 3. Then, in the final assembly process of the CRFM, another heat exchanger 3 is assembled as fan module 1. Fan module 1 is specifically provided and configured for electric or hybrid vehicles. Figure 2 A view of the (rear) side of the fan module 1 facing away from the heat exchanger 3 is shown.

[0029] The fan module 1 includes a fan frame 4 for the fan 2 or a corresponding heat exchanger 3. In an embodiment, the box-shaped fan frame 4 is rectangular and has an upper transverse support or frame support 4a, a lower transverse support or frame support 4a parallel to it, and transverse longitudinal supports 4b. In an embodiment, the transverse supports 4a of the box-shaped fan frame 4 are oriented in the vehicle's lateral direction (Y direction in the vehicle coordinate system), and the parallel longitudinal supports 4b are oriented at an angle relative to the vehicle's height direction (Z direction in the vehicle coordinate system) or relative to the vehicle's longitudinal direction (X direction in the vehicle coordinate system).

[0030] The fan frame 4 has a circular fan wheel groove 4c between the supports 4a and 4b, and a motor support 4e held by the support 4d is located at its center. The motor 5 is arranged therein, driving the fan wheel 6 with serrated fan blades 6a, which is connected to the blade ends by an outer ring 6b. The fan axis (rotation axis) A of the fan 2 can extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle (X direction in the vehicle coordinate system) or extend at an inclined angle.

[0031] In one embodiment, the assembled fan module 1 is arranged to rotate or tilt within the vehicle about an axis extending transversely to the fan axis A or in the Y direction. In this case, the fan axis A is oriented at an angle of, for example, (45±5)° relative to the X direction.

[0032] In this embodiment, the fan frame 4 of the fan module 1 has two (in the Z direction) rising engagement elements 7 in the upper corner region of the upper transverse support 4a. The corresponding engagement elements 7 are configured in an arc shape, forming a preferably rectangular insertion opening 8 that extends in the direction of travel (X direction in the vehicle coordinate system) or parallel to the fan axis A. The fan module 1 has a plurality of fastening devices 9 corresponding to the number of upper engagement elements 7, for releasably holding the fan frame 4, and thus the fan module 1, within the motor vehicle, particularly onto a vehicle or body component (not shown).

[0033] Engaging elements 10, particularly a pair of such engaging elements 10, are disposed in the lower corner region of the fan frame 4 in the vehicle height direction (Z direction in the vehicle coordinate system). The engaging elements 10 are integrally molded onto the fan frame 4 as dome-shaped pins. The engaging elements 10 on the frame side protrude from the fan frame 4 in the X direction or axially relative to the fan axis A. In other words, the engaging elements 10 protrude beyond the transverse struts 4a and longitudinal struts 4b of the box-shaped fan frame 4 in the X direction.

[0034] Engaging element 10 forms an abutment or support surface 11 for the (lower) fastening device 12. In an embodiment, the support surface 11 is positioned or inclined relative to the fan axis A, for example, at an angle of approximately 50°. The fastening device 12 has a machine screw (screw, bolt) 12a with a metric external thread corresponding to the metric internal thread of a threaded bushing (screw sleeve, screw nut) 13, which is securely connected to the corresponding engaging element 10 to create a releasable threaded connection. Figure 5 ).

[0035] (Lower) The fastening device 12 has a fastening element 12b, which is fastened to the side of the vehicle or body, particularly by screws. The fastening device 12 also has a decoupling element 12c connected to the retaining element 12b. In the assembled state, the machine screw 12a passes through this element and the retaining element 12b.

[0036] Figure 4 The fastening device 12 is shown in an exploded view. A retaining element 12b, a machine screw 12a, and a decoupling element 12c made of elastic deformable plastic (elastomer) are visible. The retaining element 12b, preferably made of glass fiber reinforced plastic, has a through-hole 14 in an annular or disc-shaped matrix in the embodiments. An engaging lug or collar portion with a fastening opening is integrally molded onto it, and a threaded sleeve 15, preferably with metric internal threads, is inserted therein. A corresponding screw (not shown) with metric external threads is threadedly connected to the threaded sleeve 15 for retaining the retaining element 12b, and thus the fastening device 12 including the retaining element and the decoupling element 12c, on a vehicle or body component in a motor vehicle, such as a retaining bracket.

[0037] The decoupling element 12c has a hollow cylindrical shaft portion 16 housed in a through hole 14 of the retaining element 12 and a collar portion 17 protruding out of it on the circumference.

[0038] from Figure 5 and Figure 6 As can be seen, the collar portion 17 of the decoupling element 12c is configured as an annular or mushroom-shaped structure with a structured surface. Through the collar portion 17, the decoupling element 12c abuts against the engagement element 10 on the frame side or its supporting surface 11 surrounding the threaded bushing 13.

[0039] The fastening device 12 has a bending-resistant support sleeve 18, particularly made of metal (steel). It surrounds the machine screw 12a on the axial side and passes through the support sleeve 18, the retaining element 12b, and the decoupling element 12c. When the machine screw 12a is screwed into the threaded bushing 13 on the frame side, the support sleeve 18 absorbs the axial force (axial tightening force) and limits the maximum deformation of the elastic decoupling element 12c.

[0040] The fastening device 12 has an intermediate sleeve 19, which is preferably made of glass fiber reinforced plastic. The intermediate sleeve 19 has a hollow cylindrical shaft 19a and an annular disc-shaped head or support collar 19b. Within the through hole 14 of the retaining element 12b, the intermediate sleeve 19 and its hollow cylindrical shaft 19a surround the support sleeve 18, and are themselves surrounded by the hollow cylindrical shaft portion 16 of the elastic decoupling element 12c.

[0041] like Figure 7 As shown, in the assembled state of the fastening device 12, the support collar 19b of the intermediate sleeve 19 abuts against the opening edge of the through hole 14 of the retaining element 12b. The screw of the machine screw 12a abuts against or is supported on the support collar 19b of the intermediate sleeve 19. By means of the intermediate sleeve 19, undesirable (radial) clearance between the support sleeve 18 and the decoupling element 12c is prevented or compensated within the through hole 14 of the retaining element 12b.

[0042] In the assembled state of the fastening device 12—relative to the longitudinal axis of the machine screw 12a—the support sleeve 18 and the intermediate sleeve 19, as well as the decoupling element 12c or its shaft portion 16 and the retaining element 12b are arranged coaxially relative to each other, wherein, preferably, only the collar portion 17 of the decoupling element 12c protrudes axially from or beyond the retaining element 12b.

[0043] The present invention relates to a fan module 1, comprising a fan frame 4 and a fastening device 9 for holding the fan frame 4 in a motor vehicle, wherein the fan frame 4 has an engagement element 10 having an integrated threaded bushing 13, and the fastening device 12 has a retaining element 12b and a resilient decoupling element 12c assembled or assembled to the vehicle side, and a machine screw 12a passing through the retaining element 12b and the decoupling element 12c and releasably screwed into the threaded bushing 13 on the frame side.

[0044] The claimed invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Instead, those skilled in the art can derive other variations of this utility model within the scope of the disclosed claims without departing from the subject matter of the claimed invention. Furthermore, within the scope of the disclosed claims, all 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] 1 fan module

[0047] 2 fans

[0048] 3 heat exchangers

[0049] 4-fan frame

[0050] 4a Horizontal / Frame Columns

[0051] 4b Longitudinal support

[0052] 4c fan wheel groove

[0053] 4D pillar

[0054] 4e motor support

[0055] 5 electric motors

[0056] 6 fan wheels

[0057] 6a fan blades

[0058] 6b outer ring

[0059] 7 (Upper) Connecting element

[0060] 8 Insertion opening

[0061] 9 (Upper) Fastening Device

[0062] 10 (Lower) Connecting element

[0063] 11 Support / Abutment Surface

[0064] 12 (Lower) Fastening Device

[0065] 12a machine screw

[0066] 12b retaining element

[0067] 12c decoupling element

[0068] 13 threaded bushing

[0069] 14 through holes

[0070] 15 threaded sleeve

[0071] 16-axis section

[0072] 17 rings

[0073] 18 support sleeve

[0074] 19 intermediate sleeve

[0075] 19a axis

[0076] 19b Head / Support Collar

[0077] A fan axis

Claims

1. A fan module (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a fan frame (4) for a fan (2) and / or for a heat exchanger (3) and a fastening device (12) for holding the fan frame (4) in the motor vehicle. -in, The fan frame (4) has at least one engagement element (10) with an integrated threaded bushing (13), and -The fastening device (12) has a retaining element (12b) and a resilient decoupling element (12c) assembled or capable of being assembled on the vehicle side, and a machine screw (12a) passing through the retaining element (12b) and the decoupling element (12c) and capable of being released into or capable of being screwed into the engaging element (10) on the frame side.

2. The fan module (1) according to claim 1, Its features are, The coupling element (10) is integrally injection molded onto the fan frame (4) as the threaded bushing (13).

3. The fan module (1) according to claim 1 or 2. Its features are, The connecting element (10) of the fan frame (4) protrudes in a dome-shaped manner.

4. The fan module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Its features are, The engaging element (10) has a supporting surface (11) that at least partially surrounds the threaded bushing (13), against which the decoupling element (12c) abuts.

5. The fan module (1) according to claim 4. Its features are, The support surface (11) of the connecting element (10) is configured to extend at an angle relative to the fan axis (A).

6. The fan module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Its features are, The fastening device (12) has a rigid support sleeve (18) that passes through the retaining element (12b) and the decoupling element (12c) and surrounds the machine screw (12a) on the axial side.

7. The fan module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Its features are, The fastening device (12) has an intermediate sleeve (19) passing through the decoupling element (12c) and a support collar (19b) abutting against the retaining element (12b).

8. The fan module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. Its features are, The retaining element (12b) has at least one screw sleeve (15) specifically located in the fastening opening.

9. The fan module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. Its features are, The decoupling element (12c) has a hollow cylindrical shaft portion (16) housed in a through hole (14) of the retaining element (12b) and a collar portion (17) protruding beyond it on the circumference, the decoupling element (12c) abutting against the engaging element (10) on the frame side.

10. The fan module (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9. Its features are, The connecting element (10) on the frame side is arranged in the corner area of ​​the fan frame (4), particularly in the lower corner area.

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