Fan device and vehicle with a fan device

Abstract

Fan device with a holder, in particular a fan frame (3, 3', 3''), which has a substantially circular through-opening (4, 4', 4'', 4''') for receiving a fan wheel (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5'''') rotating about its central axis (10), wherein the opening (4, 4', 4'', 4''') is delimited by an edge surface (15, 15', 15'', 15''', 15''', 15''''', 40, 40', 40'', 40''') which runs substantially cylindrically symmetrically around the central axis (10), characterized in that the edge surface (15, 15', 15'', 15''', 15''''', 15''''', 40, 40', 40'', 40''') in two separate, diametrically opposed circumferential sections (17, 17', 18, 18') in comparison to the cylindrically symmetrical shape in the remaining circumferential sections, a radius is at least partially enlarged and a radially inwardly projecting circumferential projection (30, 36, 38) of the edge surface (15, 15', 15'', 15''', 15'''', 15''''', 40, 40', 40'', 40''') is axially separated from the fan wheel (5, 5', 5'', 5''',5''''), is offset from the intended space.,

Description

[0001] The invention is in the field of mechanical engineering and relates to a fan device and a vehicle with a fan device, wherein such a fan device can serve to increase the air throughput, for example for cooling purposes.

[0002] Motor vehicles, in particular, typically have an internal combustion engine in the drivetrain, which requires cooling. Since heat radiation and convection are insufficient for this, such a cooling process is typically supported by a cooling airflow, which can be generated by the airflow as the vehicle moves, or is usually also supported by a fan. The interposition of a cooling system in the form of a fluid cooling circuit is advisable, with a heat exchanger (cooler) exposed to the airflow and the airflow from a fan.

[0003] Such a fan device typically has a drivable fan wheel with an air-propelling element in the form of a screw, a paddle wheel, or a propeller. Such a fan wheel is mounted in such a way that it is held within a continuous opening in a fan shroud or, more generally, a mount that radially surrounds the opening. The efficiency of the fan device is particularly high when the gap between the fan wheel and the edge of the opening in the fan shroud is as small as possible.

[0004] On the other hand, with small gaps, in addition to the risks caused by tolerances, material and rough road surfaces, there is the problem that a yaw moment - i.e. the centrifugal forces occurring when the fan is rotating rapidly - can cause the fan to "pitch" when cornering, i.e. the rotating fan tilts around a horizontal axis running perpendicular to the direction of travel. If the fan gap is small, this can cause the fan to rub against the edge of the opening in the fan shroud, which slows the fan down and causes unpleasant noises. Damage to or breakage of the fan from such contact must also be taken into account.

[0005] In principle, EP 1 621 773 A1, for example, discloses the use of an electrically driven fan in a vehicle to increase the airflow and operate a cooling system in the vehicle. A cooling network is arranged in the thus generated airflow, which is interspersed with pipes through which a coolant flows. The coolant establishes a heat exchange with the component to be cooled. The fan is electrically driven.

[0006] US Pat. No. 6,099,247 B discloses a fan shroud for an internal combustion engine. This shroud has a greater distance from the cooling fan on the exhaust side of the engine than on the intake side. The greater distance on the exhaust side aggressively increases the cooling airflow on the exhaust side of the engine compartment. This evens out the temperature throughout the engine, thus reducing engine damage due to overheating.

[0007] DE 196 38 518 A1 discloses an axial fan, particularly for conveying air through the heat exchanger of a motor vehicle, with low noise and high efficiency. For this purpose, the motor mount with the support struts for the electric motor is arranged between the heat exchanger and the fan wheel, which generates the cooling air flow by suction.

[0008] Against the background of the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a fan device of the type mentioned at the outset which enables the smallest possible gap between the fan wheel and the edge of the opening in the fan frame even when the fan device is pivoted, for example when cornering a vehicle in which the fan device is installed.

[0009] This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of claim 1. Accordingly, a fan device is provided with a holder, in particular a fan frame, which has a substantially circular through-opening for receiving a fan impeller rotating in the opening about its central axis, wherein the opening is delimited by an edge surface which runs essentially cylindrically symmetrically about the central axis. It is also provided that in two separate, diametrically opposed circumferential sections of the edge surface, the radius is at least partially enlarged compared to the cylindrically symmetrical shape in the other circumferential sections, and a radially inwardly projecting circumferential projection of the edge surface is offset axially away from the space provided for the fan impeller. The edge surface can have various shapes in longitudinal section, which are described in more detail below by way of example. For example, in longitudinal section it can have a circumferential, at least partially radially extending projection in the form of a step, bevel or lip.

[0010] The corresponding radial enlargement / widening of the edge surface of the opening in two opposing circumferential sections enables the rotating fan wheel or fan assembly to pivot about an axis that is essentially parallel to the connecting axis between the two separate circumferential sections, whose edge surface is enlarged in terms of radius, when a fan wheel provided in the opening rotates. A corresponding "pitching movement" resulting from the yaw moment acting on the fan wheel is made possible by slightly enlarging the gap in the corresponding circumferential sections. Thus, despite the pitching movement, the circumference of the fan wheel does not touch the edge of the opening or a radially inward-facing projection.

[0011] Depending on the thickness of the fan shroud, in which the through opening for the fan impeller is provided, the cylindrically symmetrical edge surface extends over a greater or lesser axial length in the direction of the central axis of the opening. Advantageously, the radius of the edge surface in the two separate circumferential sections is larger, at least on a partial surface of the part of the edge surface that extends in the axial direction or in the entire part of the edge surface that extends in the axial direction, compared to the cylindrically symmetrical shape in the remaining circumferential sections.

[0012] This means that the entire radius of the edge surface in the area of ​​the separate, opposing circumferential sections does not need to be radially expanded; rather, it is often sufficient for the edge surface to be expanded only over a portion of its axial length compared to the radius in the remaining circumferential sections. The transition between the radially expanded axial regions of the edge surface in the separate circumferential sections and the non-expanded axial part of the edge surface can, for example, be designed in a stepped manner or with a conical transition area.

[0013] It can also be provided that the edge surface forms a profile in longitudinal section with a radius that is variable with respect to the axial length and that the radius of the edge surface is at least partially enlarged in two separate, diametrically opposed circumferential sections of a cross-section compared to the radius present in the other circumferential sections of the same cross-section.

[0014] In longitudinal section, i.e. in a section parallel to the central axis of the opening, the edge surface, as already mentioned above, does not necessarily have to have a cylindrical contour, but it can vary in the axial direction with respect to the radius, for example in the form of a conical section or one or more steps or in the form of a circumferential, channel-shaped groove. The corresponding profile can be provided circumferentially over the entire circumferential area of ​​the opening, with individual axial sections of the edge surface being widened with respect to their radius in the two separate, opposite circumferential sections or, for example in the case of an axial section with a circumferential groove, being axially displaced relative to the other circumferential areas.For example, a circumferential step can be provided in the opening between the fan impeller and the edge of the opening, creating a type of labyrinth seal. The fan impeller itself runs in a region of the opening with a larger radius, while a radially inwardly projecting step is provided in the edge surface of the opening adjacent to the fan impeller. The contour of the fan impeller can also form a circumferential step, which can be shaped to complement a step provided in the edge surface. This lengthens the radial / axial gap between the fan impeller and the edge surface and improves the seal.It can advantageously be provided that the edge surface, in longitudinal section, has at least one step extending radially relative to the central axis, and that the radius of the edge surface in at least one cross-sectional area on at least one axial side of the step is at least partially enlarged in two separate, diametrically opposed circumferential sections compared to the radius present in the remaining circumferential sections of the same cross-sectional area. A radially extending step should be understood not only as a step with a flank extending perpendicular to the axial direction, but also as a step with a flank extending obliquely to the axial direction.

[0015] The embodiment of the invention can provide that the radially inwardly projecting step of the edge surface is arranged in front of or behind the fan wheel in the course of the air flow.

[0016] The contour swept by the fan wheel during its rotation can also have a step, which can be designed essentially complementary to the step in the edge surface. This creates a labyrinth-like gap between the edge surface and the fan wheel.

[0017] It can also be advantageously provided that the edge surface in longitudinal section has a step or lip running in the radial direction with respect to the central axis, which forms a sealing surface for a radial outer region of the fan wheel, characterized in that the step or lip is offset in the axial direction in two separate, diametrically opposed circumferential sections compared to the other circumferential sections in order to enlarge the space for receiving the fan wheel in this region.

[0018] This results in an axial recession of the sealing surface in the area of ​​the edge surface of the opening compared to the contour of the fan impeller in the two separate, opposing circumferential sections. This slightly impairs the seal in the separate circumferential sections due to an enlarged gap between the fan and the opening edge surface, but overall reduced gap dimensions are possible in the remaining circumferential sections of the fan impeller without there being any risk of the fan rubbing against the edge of the opening. In the event of a pitching movement of the fan impeller due to a yaw moment, the additional space is used by the fan impeller. Viewed in longitudinal section, the gap between the fan and the edge surface can run in a combined axial and radial direction (L-shaped gap) or can have other or additional twists.

[0019] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the axial offset of the step or lip in the separate circumferential sections is variable in steps or continuously in the circumferential direction and assumes a maximum in the middle of the separate circumferential sections.

[0020] This design allows a gradual transition in the deviation from the cylindrically symmetrical design of the edge of the opening from the two separate, radially expanded circumferential sections to the remaining cylindrically symmetrical circumferential sections of the edge of the opening without radial expansion.

[0021] This also takes into account the fact that a "pitching movement" of the fan wheel naturally has the strongest amplitude at the two points on the circumference of the fan wheel that are the greatest distance from the "pitching axis", i.e. the axis around which the pitching movement of the fan wheel takes place due to the yaw moment.

[0022] The amplitude of the pitching movement decreases continuously in the circumferential direction with the distance from these points.

[0023] The invention can also be advantageously designed in that the edge surface is concavely curved at least in the two separate, diametrically opposite circumferential sections viewed in longitudinal section.

[0024] This results in a particularly tight fit of the fan wheel's circumference in the area of ​​the separate circumferential sections during a pitching movement to the corresponding contour of the edge surface, which can be concave, since the pitching movement around a pitch axis represents a circular pivoting movement of the fan wheel. This minimizes the gap between the contour of the fan wheel and the edge surface of the opening in this area.

[0025] For this purpose, it can be provided, in particular, that the circumferential sections of the edge surface, which are concave in longitudinal section, form part of a spherical surface, which has its sphere center, particularly within the through-opening, on its central axis. The sphere center can also be spaced from the opening on the central axis.

[0026] In addition to a fan device with a fan frame which, due to the above-described shaping of the edge surface of the opening for a fan wheel, allows the installation of a fan wheel adapted thereto with a minimized axial gap, the invention also relates to a fan device with a fan wheel installed therein which meets the corresponding conditions.The invention thus relates to a fan device with a fan frame which has a substantially circular through-opening with a fan wheel rotating in the opening about its central axis, wherein the opening is delimited by an edge surface which runs substantially cylindrically symmetrically about the central axis, and wherein a gap is formed between the circumferential contour of the fan wheel and the edge surface, wherein the through-opening is radially widened in two separate, diametrically opposed circumferential sections in comparison to the cylindrically symmetrical shape in the other circumferential sections.

[0027] The invention also relates to a vehicle with a fan device according to the invention with a fan wheel that can be driven to rotate about a central axis in a through opening, wherein the installation position of the fan device in the vehicle is such that the central axis is aligned substantially in the straight-ahead direction of travel of the vehicle, wherein the through opening is radially expanded in a circumferential section arranged in its uppermost region and a second circumferential section arranged in its lowermost region in comparison to the cylindrically symmetrical shape in the remaining circumferential sections.

[0028] The corresponding design of the fan device according to the invention enables optimized cooling of a vehicle unit without the risk of the fan wheel rubbing against the edge surface of the opening in the fan shroud when the vehicle is cornering.

[0029] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. In the drawings: Fig. 1 a fan device with a fan frame and a fan wheel in three-dimensional view, Fig. 2 another fan device with a fan frame and a fan wheel, also in a three-dimensional view, Fig. 3 a front view of a section of a fan frame with a through opening and a fan wheel, Fig. 4 a longitudinal section of the arrangement from the Fig. 3, Fig. 5 shows a further longitudinal section of the arrangement from the Fig. 3, Fig. 6 shows the installation position of a fan device according to the invention in a motor vehicle, Fig. 7 a front view of another fan device with a fan wheel, Fig. 8 a first longitudinal section of the arrangement of Fig. 7, Fig. 9 shows another longitudinal section of the arrangement Fig. 7, Fig. 10 a longitudinal section of another fan arrangement, Fig. 11 shows a further longitudinal section of the same arrangement as shown in Fig. 10 is shown, Fig. 12 a longitudinal section of a fan with a special gap geometry, Fig. 13 a longitudinal section of a fan with a further special gap geometry and the Fig. 14-17 further different designs of the gap between the fan wheel and the edge surface, each in longitudinal section.

[0030] The Fig. 1 schematically shows a part of a so-called cooler box 1 with a surrounding frame 2, in which a fan frame 3 is inserted. The fan frame 3 can, for example, be designed as a plate having a substantially circular opening 4 for receiving a fan wheel 5. In the cooler box 1, a cooler can be arranged upstream or downstream of the fan frame 3 and the fan wheel 5 in the course of the air flow, which cooler can be arranged in the Fig. 1 is only shown schematically as dashed box 6.

[0031] In addition, further heat exchange means can be provided in the air flow of the fan wheel 5, such as a condenser network.

[0032] The fan wheel 5 has a hub 7 connected to a shaft (not shown), which is connected to an electric motor and driven by the latter. The electric motor, the shaft, and thus also the fan wheel 5 are fixed within the radiator casing 1, for example, by webs that are firmly connected to the frame 2. Thus, the fan wheel 5 is held in place such that it can rotate in the through-opening 4.

[0033] The fan wheel 5 has a plurality of impeller blades 8, 9, nine in the example shown, which, as the fan wheel 5 rotates, convey air in an axial direction relative to the central axis 10 of the opening 4. The central axis 10 also represents the rotational axis of the fan wheel and the central axis of the shaft (not shown).

[0034] Radially outward relative to the central axis 10, the individual conveying blades 8, 9 are firmly connected to one another by a circumferential fan wheel ring 11. A gap running essentially in the axial direction 10 is provided between the fan wheel ring 11 and the edge of the opening 4. This gap ensures that the fan wheel or fan wheel ring 11 does not rub against the fan frame 3 and, on the other hand, that the space between the fan wheel 5 and the fan frame 3 is as small as possible in order to enable good efficiency through efficient conveyance of the air flow by the fan wheel 5. The wider the axial gap, the more easily the pressure difference built up by the fan wheel 5 between the intake and exhaust sides of the fan device can be equalized radially outward past the fan wheel without the conveyed air being able to be used for its intended purpose.

[0035] The Fig. Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional view of a fan device within a further frame 3', wherein a motor 12 in the form of an electric motor is shown, which is fastened to the edge surface 15 of the fan frame 3' by means of webs 13, 14. A shaft 16 is connected to the electric motor 12, which is fixed in the hub of a fan wheel 5' and drives it. In the embodiment of the Fig. 2, impeller blades 8', 9' are provided, which are not connected to each other at their outer periphery by a fan wheel ring 11. The axial gap between the fan wheel 5' and the edge surface 15 of the opening in the fan frame 3' is determined by the contour of the impeller blades swept through / over during rotation and the shape of the opening or the edge surface 15.

[0036] To further explain the invention, the problem is first explained using the Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 described in more detail.

[0037] The Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic front view of a fan wheel 5" with a fan wheel ring 11', which is mounted in an opening 4" so as to rotate around the central axis 10'. The opening 4" is formed within a fan frame indicated by hatching.

[0038] From the Fig. 3 it is evident that the opening 4" is not perfectly circular, but that in the separate circumferential sections 17, 18, which are indicated by double arrows between radially extending dashed lines, the radius r of the opening or the edge surface of the opening 4" is enlarged compared to the other circumferential sections.

[0039] This measure according to the invention takes into account the fact that when the fan wheel 5" or the entire fan device is pivoted about the axis 19 or an axis parallel to this, a pitching movement of the fan wheel 5" takes place out of the drawing plane or into the drawing plane about the axis 20 lying in the drawing plane.

[0040] This is particularly evident in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. In the Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section of the fan device from the Fig. 3 along the axis 20. A relatively narrow axial gap can be seen on both sides of the fan wheel 5" between the fan wheel ring 11' and the edge 15' of the opening 4". It is now assumed that the fan device, with the fan wheel 5" rotating rapidly, is rotated by a Fig. 4 is pivoted about the axis 21 which is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, as indicated by the double arrow 22. The gyroscopic moments then result in a pitching movement perpendicular to the plane of the pivoting movement at the rotating fan wheel 5", as shown in the Fig. 5, which shows a section along axis 19 in Fig. 3, is indicated by the double arrows 23, 24. During pivoting movements of the fan device, as is often the case in motor vehicles during normal cornering, a pitching movement of the order of a pivoting movement of several degrees occurs. This means that the axial gap 25, as shown in the Fig. 5, in the two areas where the strongest amplitude of the pitching movement occurs, is advantageously enlarged radially compared to the other circumferential areas in order to avoid contact of the fan wheel 5" at the edge of the opening 4". This is achieved by inserting a Fig. 3, the opening 4" is radially enlarged by radial widening of the edge surface 15' of the opening 4".

[0041] In the Fig. Figure 6 schematically shows the installation position of a fan device according to the invention in a motor vehicle 26. Only the fan wheel 5 is specifically designated, as is the direction of travel of the motor vehicle by arrow 27 and the direction of the airflow by arrow 28. The pivoting double arrow 29 indicates the direction of the pitching movement of the fan wheel 5 when the motor vehicle is cornering.

[0042] This means that when installed in a motor vehicle, the separate circumferential sections 17, 18, in which the opening of the fan wheel is to be enlarged, must be provided in the upper and lower areas of the opening.

[0043] In principle, the separate circumferential sections 17, 18, in which the opening is radially widened and the axial gap is enlarged, can each occupy at least ten degrees, in particular at least twenty degrees each, more advantageously in particular at least thirty degrees each of the total circumference of the fan wheel ring or the edge of the opening. It is also advantageous if the separate circumferential sections 17, 18 together occupy no more than 180 degrees of the total circumference. Advantageously, both separate circumferential sections are approximately the same size; they should advantageously differ by no more than 50% with regard to the circumference they occupy. The radius differences between the edge surfaces of the opening in the separate circumferential sections and in the other circumferential sections should advantageously be less than 5%, more advantageously less than 3%.

[0044] In the Fig. Figure 7 shows the front view of an embodiment of the invention in which the radial expansion of the opening 4''' in the separate circumferential sections is not readily visible from the front side.

[0045] A fan wheel 5" is also provided there, with a fan wheel ring 11', which, together with the edge surface 15" of the opening 4''', forms an axial gap. The separate circumferential sections are designated 17', 18' and are arranged symmetrically opposite each other.

[0046] The Fig. Figure 8 shows a section of the arrangement from Figure 7 along axis 20. There, it can be seen that the gap between the edge surface 15" and the fan wheel ring 11' extends labyrinthinely, partly in the axial and partly in the radial direction. This is achieved by a stop-like shoulder 30 in the profile of the fan frame 3". The shoulder 30 projects radially inward and forms a surface 31 against which the fan wheel ring 11 rests without contact in the axial direction 10 perpendicular to the pivot plane.

[0047] In the Fig. 9 is a longitudinal section of the arrangement of Fig. 7 along the axis 19 and there it is shown that in the area of ​​an upper and lower circumferential section, which in Fig. 7 are again indicated by dashed lines, the shoulder 30 is thinner in the axial direction 10 than in the other circumferential sections of the edge of the opening 4''', so that in these areas there is a gap between the fan wheel ring 11' and the surface 31 which is enlarged in the axial direction 10.

[0048] Another way of considering the three-dimensional shape of the stop 30 can be formulated such that in the areas where parts of the shoulder 30 are omitted or removed within the separate circumferential sections, the radius of the edge surface 15'' of the opening 4''' is increased.

[0049] The use of the arrangement according to the Fig. 7, Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 is basically conceivable in such a way that the radially inwardly projecting step of the edge surface can be positioned upstream or downstream of the fan wheel in the air flow, that is, the air flow can be directed into the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 optionally from left to right, but also from right to left.

[0050] In the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 shows two different longitudinal sections of a modified fan device, where the Fig. 10 shows the section in the area of ​​the circumferential sections, which are essentially cylindrically symmetrical, i.e. not radially expanded, while the Fig. 11 represents a longitudinal section in a plane in which the two separate, diametrically opposed circumferential sections are located, in which the through opening is radially widened and the axial gap between the fan wheel 5'' and the edge 15''' of the opening is increased.

[0051] In the Fig. 10 shows a constellation similar to that shown in the Fig. 8. In particular, the design of the edge surface of the opening according to the Fig. 10 thus looks similar in the area of ​​the non-radially expanded circumferential sections to the fan device according to the Fig. 7.

[0052] In the circumferential sections that are in the Fig. 7 are designated by way of example with 17', 18' and in which a radially expanded contour of the edge surface 15''' of the opening 4''' is present, this is achieved on the one hand by the shoulder 30 of the fan frame 3'' being reduced in size in the axial direction of the axis 10 and by the radius being increased on a part of the edge surface 15''' in the separate circumferential sections compared to the other circumferential sections.

[0053] In addition, however, in the Fig. 11 shows that the contour of the edge surface 15''' is concave, i.e. rounded, in such a way that a pitching movement of the fan wheel 5'' along the edge surface 15''' is possible. In the illustrated embodiment, the concave edge surface 15''' is shaped in such a way that it corresponds to sections of a spherical surface around the sphere center 32, wherein the sphere center 32 corresponds to the intersection point of a central axis 10 with a pitch axis of the fan wheel 5'' that is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. A yawing movement when the fan wheel is pivoted in a pivot plane perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, wherein the pivot plane contains the central axis 10, has the tendency to pivot the fan wheel within the plane of the drawing about the axis that is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing through the sphere center 32. The continued contour of the spherical surface is shown in dashed lines and designated 33.The corresponding concave design of the edge surface 15''' thus allows the fan wheel ring 11' to remain at a consistently small distance from the edge surface 15''' of the opening in the fan shroud during a yawing movement. The size of the axial gap between the fan wheel ring and the edge of the opening thus changes only minimally during a pitching movement. Thus, a small axial gap can be selected for this configuration overall.

[0054] The design of the edge surface 15''' in the form of a spherical surface section can in principle also be provided over the entire circumference of the opening.

[0055] The described invention, in its various forms, allows the provision of a small axial gap between a fan wheel and the edge of the opening in a fan frame, without having to fear contact between the fan wheel and the edge of the opening due to yaw / gyroscopic moments during a pivoting movement of the fan device.

[0056] The use of the arrangement according to the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 is basically conceivable in such a way that the radially inwardly projecting step of the edge surface can be positioned upstream or downstream of the fan wheel in the air flow, that is, the air flow can be directed into the Fig. 10 and Fig. 11 optionally from left to right, but also from right to left.

[0057] The Fig. 12 shows a longitudinal section through a cooler 6, against which air flows in the direction indicated by arrow 28. The air flow is generated at least partially by a fan wheel 5''' driven by a motor 12. A baffle plate 34 is arranged behind the fan wheel 5'''. The fan wheel has a fan wheel ring 11'' with a lip 35 extending obliquely radially outwards, which has approximately the shape of a complementary lip 36 of the edge surface 15''''. The lip 36 is offset axially away from the fan wheel 5''' in the two separate circumferential sections.

[0058] The Fig. 13 shows a longitudinal section of a cooler 6 in front of a fan wheel 5'''. The fan wheel ring 11''' of the fan 5''' has a lip 37 which lies opposite a step 38 of the edge surface 15''''. The step 38 is offset axially from the lip 37 of the fan wheel ring 11''' in the two separate circumferential sections in the direction of arrow 28, which also indicates the air flow direction.

[0059] The Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 each show in longitudinal section a fan wheel ring 39, 39', 39'', 39''' and an edge surface 40, 40', 40'', 40''' of an opening in a fan frame or socket of a fan.

[0060] In Fig. 14 shows a fan wheel ring 39 with a lip 41 projecting radially outward perpendicular to the axial direction, which lip 41 lies opposite a sealing surface 31' at a step 45 of the edge surface 40, forming a gap. In the two separate circumferential sections, the step 45 is axially offset from the lip 41 in the direction of arrow 28, which indicates the flow direction.

[0061] The Fig. Figure 15 shows a fan wheel ring 39' with an obliquely outwardly projecting lip 42, which is opposite a radially inwardly projecting, hook-shaped lip 46 of the edge surface 40', forming a gap. In the two separate circumferential sections, the lip 46 is axially offset from the fan wheel ring 39' in the opposite direction to the direction indicated by arrow 28.

[0062] The Fig. 16 represents a fan wheel ring 39'' with a radially obliquely outwardly pointing lip 43. This lip lies opposite a radially inwardly projecting, in cross-section hook-shaped lip 47 of the edge surface 40'', forming a gap.

[0063] The lip 47 is axially offset from the fan wheel ring 39'' in the two separate circumferential sections, opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow 28.

[0064] The Fig. 17 shows a fan wheel ring 39''' with a lip 44 pointing radially obliquely outward. This lip is opposite the lip 48, which is part of the edge surface 40''' and points obliquely radially inward. The lip 48 is offset axially away from the fan wheel ring 39''' in the two separate circumferential sections, opposite the arrow 28.

Claims

[1] Fan device with a holder, in particular a fan frame (3, 3', 3''), which has a substantially circular through-opening (4, 4', 4'', 4''') for receiving a fan wheel (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5''') rotating about its central axis (10), wherein the opening (4, 4', 4'', 4''') is delimited by an edge surface (15, 15', 15'', 15''', 15''', 15''''', 40, 40', 40'', 40''') which runs substantially cylindrically symmetrically around the central axis (10), characterized byin that in the edge surface (15, 15', 15'', 15''', 15'''', 15''''', 40, 40', 40'', 40''') in two separate, diametrically opposed circumferential sections (17, 17', 18, 18') a radius is at least partially enlarged compared to the cylindrically symmetrical shape in the other circumferential sections and a radially inwardly projecting circumferential projection (30, 36, 38) of the edge surface (15, 15', 15'', 15''', 15'''', 15''''', 40, 40', 40'', 40''') is offset axially from the space provided for the fan wheel (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5''''). [2] Fan device according to claim 1, wherein the edge surface (15, 15', 15'', 15''') extends at least in the circumferential direction and in the axial direction of the central axis (10) of the opening (4, 4', 4'', 4'''), characterized bythat the radius of the edge surface (15, 15', 15'', 15''', 15'''', 15''''', 40, 40', 40'', 40''') in the two separate circumferential sections (17, 17', 18, 18') at least on a partial surface of the part of the edge surface (15, 15', 15'', 15''', 15'''', 15''''', 40, 40', 40'', 40''') which extends in the axial direction of the central axis (10) or in the entire part of the edge surface which extends in the axial direction of the central axis (10), is enlarged in comparison to the cylindrically symmetrical shape in the other circumferential sections. [3] Fan device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , - that the edge surface (15, 15', 15'', 15''', 15'''', 15'''', 40, 40', 40'', 40''') forms a profile in longitudinal section with a radius variable with respect to an axial length, and - that the radius of the edge surface (15, 15', 15'', 15''', 15'''', 15'''', 40, 40', 40'', 40''') in two separate, diametrically opposed circumferential sections (17, 17', 18, 18') of a cross-section is at least partially enlarged compared to the radius present in the other circumferential sections of the same cross-section. [4] Fan device according to claim 3 characterized by , - that the edge surface (15, 15', 15'', 15''', 15'''', 15'''', 40, 40', 40'', 40''') has, in longitudinal section, at least one step (30, 38, 45) extending in the radial direction with respect to the central axis (10), and - that the radius of the edge surface (15, 15', 15'', 15''', 15'''', 15'''', 40, 40', 40'', 40''') in at least one cross-sectional area on at least one axial side of the step (30, 38, 45) is at least partially enlarged in two separate, diametrically opposed circumferential sections (17, 17', 18, 18') compared to the radius present in the other circumferential sections of the same cross-sectional area. [5] Fan device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , - that the edge surface (15, 15', 15'', 15''', 15'''', 15''''', 40, 40', 40'', 40''') has, in longitudinal section, a step (30, 38, 45) or lip (36, 46, 47, 48) extending in the radial direction with respect to the central axis (10), which forms a sealing surface (31, 31') for a radial outer region of the fan wheel (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5''''), and - that the step (30, 38, 45) or lip (36, 46, 47, 48) is offset in two separate, diametrically opposed circumferential sections (17, 17', 18, 18') in comparison to the other circumferential sections in the axial direction of the central axis (10) in order to enlarge the space for receiving the fan wheel (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5'''') in this area. [6] Fan device according to claim 5, characterized by that the axial offset of the step (30, 38, 45) or lip (36, 46, 47, 48) in the separate circumferential sections (17, 17', 18, 18') is variable in steps or continuously in the circumferential direction and assumes a maximum in a center of the separate circumferential sections (17, 17', 18, 18'). [7] Fan device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized bythat the edge surface (15, 15', 15'', 15''', 15'''', 15'''', 40, 40', 40'', 40''') is concavely curved in longitudinal section at least in the two separate, diametrically opposite circumferential sections (17, 17', 18, 18'). [8] Fan device according to claim 7, characterized by that the circumferential sections (17, 17', 18, 18') of the edge surface (15, 15', 15'', 15''', 15'''', 15''''', 40, 40', 40'', 40''') which are concave in longitudinal section form part of a spherical surface which has its spherical center (32) in particular within the through opening (4, 4', 4'', 4''') on its central axis (10). [9] Fan device with a holder for a fan, in particular a fan frame (3, 3', 3''), which has a substantially circular through-opening (4, 4', 4'', 4''') with a fan wheel (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5'''') rotating about its central axis (10), wherein the opening (4, 4', 4'', 4''') is delimited by an edge surface (15, 15', 15'', 15''', 15''', 15''''', 40, 40', 40'', 40''') which runs substantially cylindrically symmetrically around the central axis (10), and wherein a gap (15, 15', 15'', 5''', 5'''') is formed between a circumferential contour of the fan wheel (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5'''') and the edge surface (15, 15', 15'', 15''', 15'''', 15''''', 40, 40', 40'', 40''') a gap (25) is formed, characterized by that the through opening (4, 4', 4'', 4''') is radially expanded in two separate, diametrically opposed circumferential sections (17, 17', 18, 18') compared to the cylindrically symmetrical shape in the other circumferential sections. [10] Vehicle (26) with a fan device according to one of claims 1 to 9, with a fan wheel (5, 5', 5'', 5''', 5'''') which can be driven rotatably about a central axis (10) in a through opening (4, 4', 4'', 4'''), wherein an installation position of the fan device in the vehicle (26) is such that the central axis (10) is aligned substantially in the straight-ahead direction (27) of the vehicle (26), characterized by that the through opening (4, 4', 4'', 4''') is in particular radially widened in a circumferential section (17, 17', 18, 18') arranged in its uppermost region and a second circumferential section (17, 17', 18, 18') arranged in its lowermost region compared to the cylindrically symmetrical shape in the other circumferential sections.

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