Mounting bracket for an electric motor, especially in a vehicle

Abstract

Mounting arrangement (1) for an electric motor (3), in particular in a motor vehicle, comprising: - a receiving part (2) with a receiving opening configured such that the electric motor (3) can be inserted therein, and - at least one damping element (8) arranged in the receiving part (2) such that it is in physical contact between the receiving part and the electric motor (3) when the latter is inserted into the receiving opening, - a retaining ring (4) which can be attached to the receiving part (2) around the receiving opening, so that the electric motor (3) is prevented from moving out of the receiving opening when inserted, - wherein the attachment of the retaining ring (4) to the receiving part (2) is provided by locking means (9), characterized in that - two locking pairs (9) are provided as locking means,- the latch comprises a flexible tab (11) extending parallel to the fastening direction (B) and perpendicular to it, with a barb (12); - the counter latch comprises a flexible counter tab (13) extending parallel to the fastening direction (B) and perpendicular to it, and an adjacent retaining projection (14); - the tab (11) with the barb (12) can be inserted into the space between the counter tab (13) and the retaining projection (14) in the fastening direction (B) under lateral pressure through the counter tab (13); and - the barb (12) can be hooked onto the underside of the retaining projection (14) in the fastening direction (B); - the barbs (12) of the paired latch-counter latch pairs (9) face each other, and in the area between them, the retaining ring (4) is in physical contact with the damping element (8).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting arrangement for an electric motor and an electric motor assembly with such a mounting arrangement, particularly for use in a fan. The mounting arrangements of this type comprise a receiving part with a receiving opening configured to allow the electric motor to be inserted into it. They further comprise at least one damping element arranged in the receiving part such that it is in physical contact between the receiving part and the electric motor when the latter is inserted into the receiving opening. The damping elements serve to decouple the electric motor from the supporting system in a vibration-damping manner.

[0002] The invention can be applied in various fields. It is advantageously suited for the installation of assemblies in motor vehicles. In vehicle construction, increasingly compact arrangements of components and assemblies are required. These new arrangements necessitate, among other things, a flexible installation direction for components.

[0003] A generic arrangement is known, for example, from DE 100 54 556 A1, which specifies a particular design of elastic support elements for vibration decoupling between the electric motor and the mounting part. The elastic support elements between the electric motor and the mounting part also create a certain degree of static friction, which makes it more difficult for the electric motor to slip out of the mounting part.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to improve the assembly and disassembly of generic mounting arrangements and to enable versatile use in various installation space situations.

[0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by a mounting arrangement according to claim 1 and an electric motor arrangement according to claim 8. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are described in the dependent claims.

[0006] The mounting arrangement according to the invention is characterized by a retaining ring which can be attached to the receiving part around the receiving opening, so that the electric motor is prevented from moving out of the receiving opening when inserted.

[0007] The retaining ring is secured to the mounting part by a snap-fit ​​mechanism. This arrangement prevents a mounted electric motor from slipping out of the mounting part. The arrangement thus allows for various installation positions. In particular, it permits horizontal insertion of the electric motor into the mounting part and allows for the orientation of the electric motor shaft without the motor slipping out of the mounting part during operation. Furthermore, the arrangement can be quickly assembled and, if necessary, disassembled.

[0008] Typically, in the arrangement according to the invention, the retaining ring also prevents movement of the damping elements in the fixed position by having at least one damping element lie between the receiving part and the retaining ring when the latter has been fixed.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the invention, the locking means comprise at least two, preferably even at least three, locking-counterlock pairs, each arranged on the retaining ring and the portion of the receiving part that extends circumferentially around the receiving opening. This enables a more stable connection along the circumference of the retaining ring and the receiving opening.

[0010] Because the electric motor, due to its rotation around its shaft, typically has a substantially circular shape, the retaining ring and the receiving opening advantageously also have a substantially circular base shape. This enables a compact design. To reduce assembly errors and facilitate quick and correct assembly, it is preferably provided that the detent-counter-detent pairs are distributed irregularly around the circumference of the circular base shapes. The distance or arc length between a specific detent or counter-detent pair differs, in particular, from the distance or arc length between any other detent or counter-detent pair. Alternatively or additionally, the same effect is achieved if the ring geometry of the retaining ring is radially irregular.Its irregular shape means that it can only be used precisely within a specific rotational angle around the receiving opening. Irregular in this context means, in particular, that its radial outward extension is not constant.

[0011] The detent-countertent pair can be designed in any way. For example, it could be a detent bolt that engages in a corresponding hole. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the detent comprises a tab extending parallel to the fastening direction and perpendicular to it, which is flexible and has a barb. The countertent has a flexible counter tab extending parallel to the fastening direction and perpendicular to it, and an adjacent retaining projection. The tab with the barb can be inserted into the space between the counter tab and the retaining projection in the fastening direction by applying lateral pressure through the counter tab. Once inserted, the barb can then be hooked onto the underside of the retaining projection in the fastening direction. The tab-countertent pair, which is movable essentially perpendicular to each other, facilitates simple and relatively effortless assembly.

[0012] The function of the retaining ring is to prevent the electric motor, mounted in the damping elements, from breaking out of the receiving part or the receiving opening. When fastened, the retaining ring is advantageously in physical contact with at least one damping element. According to a preferred embodiment, the retaining ring and the damping element are in physical contact with each other near at least one detent-counter-detent pair. The contact area is located, for example, directly next to a detent-counter-detent pair or offset from it by a few millimeters. If the barb of the at least one detent-counter-detent pair is oriented towards the damping element, the pressure of the damping element on the retaining ring causes the latter to transmit the mechanical tension to the detent or counter-detent – ​​whichever is located on the ring – thus further reinforcing the holding function of the barb.

[0013] In a further embodiment, two pairs of detent-counter-detent mechanisms are provided, wherein the barbs of the two detent-counter-detent mechanisms face each other, and the contact area of ​​the retaining ring with the damping element is provided in the area between them. The two facing barbs reinforce the secure fit of the retaining ring in a pincer-like manner when the electric motor mounted in the damping elements exerts a force directed out of the receiving opening.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the mounting arrangement according to the invention, at least one channel is formed between the receiving part and the retaining ring in the fastened state, which allows the insertion of a rod-shaped tool into the inner volume of the receiving opening. The channel is preferably formed at least partially within the retaining ring by locally reducing the thickness of the retaining ring in the direction of the receiving opening. Such a channel also allows for the subsequent insertion of a tool, e.g., for balancing the electric motor. In particular, several such channels are provided, which are arranged distributed around the circumference of the receiving opening or the retaining ring.

[0015] The electric motor arrangement according to the invention can be arranged in the motor vehicle in such a way that the plane defined by the retaining ring is essentially vertically oriented. The function and simple assembly of the retaining ring thus allow for horizontal installation of the drive shaft.

[0016] A preferred application of the previously described electric motor arrangement according to the invention arises for a fan arrangement, particularly for an air conditioning system for a motor vehicle. Firstly, there is a high demand for design freedom when adapting and developing air conditioning systems to specific vehicle types. Secondly, the retaining ring can be adapted to the blower wheel in such a way that the airflow to be conveyed is optimized and noise reduction is improved. This can potentially reduce the requirements for the blower wheel, thereby simplifying the sourcing of commercially available blower wheels.

[0017] The invention will now be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment and with reference to the figures.

[0018] The Fig. Figure 1 shows the receiving part of the mounting assembly with damping elements, electric motor and retaining ring in an exploded view according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0019] the Fig. 2 shows the mounting arrangement of the Fig. 1 in assembled state,

[0020] the Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-section of the mounting arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0021] the Fig. Figure 4 shows a sectional view of two pairs of latch-counter latches for attaching the retaining ring to the receiving part according to a preferred embodiment of the invention and

[0022] the Fig. 5 shows the view according to Fig. 4 in a perspective view from a low angle.

[0023] In the Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 is a mounting arrangement 1 with a case 2 and a retaining ring 4illustrated according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the mounting arrangement according to the invention is shown. 1 for mounting an electric motor 3 used in a motor vehicle. Such electric motors 3 They are specifically intended for operating a fan for an air conditioning system (not shown).

[0024] Alternatively, the mounting arrangement according to the invention can be used 1 but can also be used for other moving components, especially components rotating around an axis, such as gear wheels or flywheels, without being limited to automotive applications.

[0025] In the Fig. Figure 1 is an exploded view of the mounting arrangement. 1 illustrated according to the exemplary embodiment of the invention. The cup-shaped housing 2 as a mounting part for the electric motor 3 includes a ring groove5 , which is essentially circular and designed for the insertion of the electric motor 3 suitable opening of the housing 2 defined. The ring groove 5 It deviates slightly from a circular shape in some places and has several niches in the radial direction. 6 and channels 7 Broken through. The niches 6 extend perpendicular to the opening over a considerable part of the casing 2 However, they have only a small radial extent. They are designed to function as elastic damping elements. 8 to introduce it. The channels 7 are perpendicular to the opening of the housing 2 flat, but extend from the internal volume of the case 2 radially to the outside of the housing 2 .

[0026] The electric motor 3 is within the ring groove 5 in mounting direction B in the axial direction of the drive shaft 10into the opening of the housing 2 introduced. The also essentially circular retaining ring 4 is then inserted into the ring groove in fastening direction B. 5 introduced and by resting agent 9 solvable with the housing 2 connected. The housing 2 and the retaining ring 4 They are typically manufactured as one-piece injection-molded parts from a non-elastic plastic, e.g. polypropylene.

[0027] The assembled mounting arrangement 1 with the included electric motor 3 is in the Fig. 2 shown. On the drive shaft 10 of the electric motor 3 A fan wheel is now attached (not shown). The resulting fan assembly is flexible and can be used in the air conditioning system of a motor vehicle for various installation space situations and orientations.

[0028] In the assembled state of the mounting arrangement according to the invention 1 are the channels 7 for inserting a rod-shaped tool into the inner volume of the housing 2 Suitable. Various assembly or maintenance tasks, such as subsequent fixing or balancing, are thus made possible. The channels can be used for this purpose. 7 basically through the casing 2 and / or the retaining ring 5 be formed. The thickness of the retaining ring. 4 perpendicular to the opening of the housing 2 It may, for example, be locally reduced.

[0029] In the Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic cross-section of the mounting arrangement. 1 according to the with reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The invention is illustrated in the described embodiment. The cup-shaped inner area of ​​the housing 2 is being placed in the niches 6 each an elastic damping element 8used. The damping elements 8 They are made primarily of an elastic material, e.g., rubber, and may also have an elastic structure, e.g., a folded structure. The electric motor 3 It is inserted into the housing as described. 2 introduced that the damping element 8 in physical contact between the housing 2 and the electric motor 3 comes to lie down.

[0030] The retaining ring 4 will now be inserted into the ring groove 5 pressed, thereby coming into physical contact with the one in the niche. 6 seated damping element 8 enters. The retaining ring 4 This allows for contactless connection to the electric motor 3 to be fixed so that the damping elements 8 effective vibration decoupling between electric motor 3 and the case 2 or the supporting system.

[0031] The electric motor 3 is through the retaining ring 4 a movement from the opening of the housing 2 This prevents it from being removed. In particular, it also restricts the installation direction of the electric motor. 3 and a fan wheel attached to it in the motor vehicle, in which the plane which is formed by the retaining ring 4 is defined as being essentially vertically oriented.

[0032] The resting agents 9 They can be implemented in various ways. According to the illustrated embodiment, the locking devices comprise 9 three identical pairs of ratchet-counter ratchets, each attached to the retaining ring 4 and the ring groove 5 inside the case 2 extend. To enable quick assembly or prevent assembly errors, the latch-counter latch pairs can be arranged irregularly on the essentially circular base shapes of the retaining ring. 4 and the ring groove 5The arc lengths between adjacent locking-counter-locking pairs are, for example, 110°, 120°, and 130°, so that the correct alignment is quickly recognized during assembly if two of the locking-counter-locking pairs can be pre-fixed. Alternatively or additionally, the shape of the retaining ring 4 irregularly shaped on the outside, so that the retaining ring cannot be fixed. 4 in the ring groove 5 This is only possible under a relative rotation angle of the two components to each other. In the example shown, the retaining ring 4 In some areas the outer circumference is arc-shaped, in other areas rectangularly extended outwards, with the circular and rectangular sections within the housing 2 are appropriately trained.

[0033] A preferred embodiment of a latch-counter latch pair is now described with reference to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 described. It is shown in the Fig. 4 a sectional view along axis AA according to the Fig. 2. In the Fig. Figure 5 is a corresponding view obliquely from below of the penetrating barbs. 12 shown.

[0034] The rest on the retaining ring 4 has a tab extending parallel to the fastening direction B and flexible perpendicular to it. 11 with a barb 12 up. The counter catch in the ring groove 5 has a flexible counter tab that is parallel to the fastening direction B and extends perpendicular to it. 13 and an adjacent holding ledge 14 On. For attaching the retaining ring. 4 on the case 2 Will the tab now be 11 with the barb 12 into the space between the counter flap 13 and holding advantage 14 inserted in fastening direction B. The counter tab is then... 13slightly pressed downwards, which in turn exerts lateral pressure on the tab. 11 out, until the barb 12 has passed through the gap and is in the fastening direction B on the underside of the retaining projection 14 engages. The specific designs of the restraint devices 9 They can also be swapped, i.e., the described notch is in the ring groove 5 and the corresponding counter-rest on the retaining ring 4 are trained.

[0035] In the example shown with reference to the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Two pairs of locking devices are provided in close proximity to each other. The barbs 12 The two pairs of locking pins face each other. The retaining ring is located in the area between them. 4 with the damping element 8 in physical contact. When the electric motor 3(not shown) exerts a force opposite to the fastening direction B, i.e., directed out of the receiving opening, the damping element 8 to the retaining ring 4 pressed. The retaining ring 4 It bends easily. This bending then results in the retaining ring... 4 locally in the area around the counter tabs 13 bends in the opposite direction, causing the counter-tabs to 13 the barbs 12 Press them gently towards each other. This will cause the two barbs facing each other to engage. 12 in the area around the damping element 8 pressed together like pincers, thus securing the electric motor. 3 inside the case 2 is intensified.

[0036] Are as in the exemplary embodiment with reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 three damping elements 8Provided, the pairwise arrangement of the thus designed ratchet-counterratchet pairs can be used for each of the damping elements. 8 This results in a particularly secure mounting of the electric motor. 3 in the case 2 This allows for different installation directions without adverse vibration transmission or risk of the electric motor breaking out. 3 be made possible. Reference symbol list 1 Mounting arrangement 2 cases 3 Electric motor 4 retaining rings 5 ring groove 6 niches 7 channels 8 damping element 9 Resting agents 10 Drive shaft 11 tab 12 barbs 13 Counter tab 14 Holding advantage B Mounting direction QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0037] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0038] DE 10054556 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Mounting arrangement ( 1 ) for an electric motor ( 3 ), particularly in a motor vehicle, encompassing – a recording part ( 2 ) with a receiving opening which is designed so that the electric motor ( 3 ) can be introduced therein, and – at least one damping element ( 8 ), which is in the recording section ( 2 ) is arranged in such a way that there is physical contact between the receiving part and the electric motor ( 3 ) is located when it is inserted into the receiving opening, characterized by – a retaining ring ( 4 ), which is attached to the recording part ( 2 ) can be attached around the receiving opening, so that the electric motor ( 3 ) is prevented from moving out of the receiving opening when inserted, – whereby the fastening of the retaining ring ( 4 ) on the recording part ( 2 ) by resting agents (9 ) is provided. [2] Mounting arrangement according to claim 1, characterized by that the locking devices have at least two, preferably at least three locking-counterlock pairs ( 9 ) include each of which is attached to the retaining ring ( 4 ) and the area of ​​the recording part ( 2 ) are arranged, extending circumferentially around the receiving opening. [3] Mounting arrangement according to claim 2, characterized by that – the retaining ring ( 4 ) and the intake opening has an essentially circular basic shape and – either the rest-counter-rest pairs ( 9 ) are extensively and irregularly distributed on the circular base shapes and / or the ring geometry of the retaining ring ( 4 ) is irregularly shaped radially outwards. [4] Mounting arrangement according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized by that – the latch is a tab extending parallel to the fastening direction (B) and flexible perpendicular to it ( 11 ) with a barb ( 12 ) includes, – the counter latch is a flexible counter tab extending parallel to the fastening direction (B) and perpendicular to it ( 13 ) and an adjacent holding projection ( 14 ) shows, – where the tab ( 11 ) with the barb ( 12 ) into the space between the counter flap ( 13 ) and holding advantage ( 14 ) in the fastening direction (B) under lateral pressure through the counter tab ( 13 ) is introduceable and – the barb ( 12 ) in the fastening direction (B) on the underside of the retaining projection ( 14 ) can be hooked in. [5] Mounting arrangement according to claim 4, characterized by that – in the fastened state of the retaining ring ( 4) near at least one rest-counter-rest pair ( 9 ) in physical contact with a damping element ( 8 ) stands, – where the barb ( 12 ) of at least one ratchet-counter-ratchet pair ( 9 ) to the damping element ( 8 ) is aligned. [6] Mounting arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that between the recording part ( 2 ) and the retaining ring ( 4 ) in a fixed state at least one channel ( 7 ) is designed to allow the insertion of a rod-shaped tool into the inner volume of the receiving opening. [7] Mounting arrangement according to claim 5, characterized by that the canal ( 7 ) at least partially in the retaining ring ( 4 ) is formed by the thickness of the retaining ring ( 4 ) is locally reduced in the direction of the intake opening. [8] Electric motor arrangement with one electric motor (3 ), which is in a mounting arrangement ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims. [9] Electric motor arrangement for a motor vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the electric motor arrangement can be arranged in the motor vehicle such that the plane which is defined by the retaining ring ( 4 ) is defined as being essentially vertically oriented. [10] Fan arrangement for a motor vehicle with an electric motor arrangement according to one of claims 8 or 9.

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