Cooling device for cooling a drive unit of a vehicle

Abstract

Cooling device (10) for cooling a drive device of a vehicle, comprising a cooling unit (20) for heat exchange with cooling air and a mounting frame (30) for holding the cooling unit (20), wherein the mounting frame (30) has a fastening section (32) to which the cooling unit (20) is attached by means of a bearing section (22), characterized in that the mounting frame (30) has at least one positive locking section (34) and the cooling unit (20) has at least one counter-positive locking section (24), wherein the counter-positive locking section (24) engages the positive locking section (34) transversely to a main deformation direction (H) of the mounting frame (30).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a cooling device for cooling a drive device of a vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and to a method for assembling such a cooling device.

[0002] It is known that vehicles with drive systems have cooling devices to cool these drive systems. Such drive systems are, in particular, internal combustion engines, electric drives, or battery packs. To ensure this cooling performance, the cooling systems are typically equipped with a cooling unit that has a heat exchanger function. Cooling air from the vehicle's surroundings, which flows past this heat exchanger function of the cooling unit, makes it possible to ensure the appropriate heat dissipation from the drive system.

[0003] DE 10 2011 107 211 A1, DE 10 2013 202 146 A1, DE 10 2006 037 761 A1, DE 10 2014 201 991 A1, and DE 102 07 025 A1 disclose cooling devices for cooling a drive device of a vehicle. DE 44 25 350 A1 discloses an arrangement for connecting two or more heat exchangers, and DE 10 2005 002 058 A1 discloses a heat exchanger.

[0004] A disadvantage of existing solutions is that this cooling unit is usually clamped or locked into a support frame with a locking connection. High loads, such as those that can occur during minor parking bumps or at very high speeds in sports cars due to the resulting back pressure of the cooling air, can now also affect such a fastening function. This could fundamentally lead to a deformation of the support frame, reducing the overlap of this fastening function and thus the fastening force. To avoid this, previous solutions have designed the support frame with a correspondingly high level of stability, which is associated with high weight and a high space requirement.

[0005] The object of the present invention is to at least partially remedy the disadvantages described above. In particular, the object of the present invention is to reduce the space requirement and / or weight of the cooling device in a cost-effective and simple manner while maintaining the same or even improved support conditions for the cooling unit.

[0006] The above object is achieved by means of a cooling device having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 10. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the subclaims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the cooling device according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the method according to the invention, and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reference is always made to each other.

[0007] According to the invention, a cooling device is provided for cooling a drive device of a vehicle. Such a cooling device comprises a cooling unit for heat exchange with cooling air and a holding frame for holding the cooling unit. The holding frame has a fastening section to which the cooling unit is fastened by means of a bearing section. A cooling device according to the invention is characterized in that the holding frame has at least one form-fitting section and the cooling unit has at least one counter-form-fitting section. The counter-form-fitting section engages behind the form-fitting section transversely to a main deformation direction of the holding frame.

[0008] A cooling device according to the invention is therefore based on the fundamentally known idea of ​​attaching the cooling unit to a mounting section of the support frame using a bearing section. This can be done reversibly or irreversibly. In particular, a locking connection (described later) is provided for easy assembly, so that the bearing means can lock into a corresponding locked position in the mounting section.

[0009] In order to ensure the stability of the cooling device in high dynamic pressure situations or mechanical impacts in the form of minor parking bumps, a form-fitting section is provided on the holding frame. The counter-form-fitting section of the cooling unit engages behind this. This engagement can be in either a contacting or a spaced-apart manner. A normal distance, as explained later, is bridged in the event of deformation of the holding frame, so that contact is established between a surface of the counter-form-fitting section and a surface of the form-fitting section at this point at the latest. The engagement, which is designed according to the invention transversely to the main deformation direction of the holding frame, provides additional protection against undesirable plastic or elastic deformation.

[0010] In the event of a high dynamic pressure situation or other mechanical influences, a corresponding force would be introduced into the holding frame of the cooling device. This can lead to the holding frame attempting to evade this acting force, which would lead to a deformation of the holding frame. Since the orientation of the dynamic pressure or corresponding mechanical influence from parking bumps is essentially precisely defined by the assembly situation or the installation orientation of the cooling device, a deformation direction based on such an influence can be defined as the main deformation direction for the holding frame within the meaning of the present invention. Without the provision between the counter-form-locking section and the form-locking section, the holding frame would deform along the main deformation direction in such an impact situation.However, by engaging the counter-form-locking section in an orientation transverse to this main deformation direction, this deformation is either completely prevented or stopped after a short deformation path. Whether such a main deformation direction would lead to elastic, plastic, or mixed deformation is irrelevant for the effectiveness of the cooling device according to the invention.

[0011] As can be seen from the above explanation, additional stiffening or reinforcement of the support frame material is now unnecessary. Rather, the frame can be made lighter and thus more cost-effective, as well as requiring less manufacturing effort, since any deformation that occurs is eliminated or minimized by the correlation between the form-fitting section and the counter-form-fitting section. This leads to cost and weight savings. Furthermore, reducing the required stability of the support frame also allows for space savings.

[0012] For the purposes of the present invention, a cooling unit is understood to mean, in particular, a unit which has a heat exchanger. Such a heat exchanger serves to collect a corresponding coolant, for example water, in a circuit from the drive device and return it to the latter. The cooling unit itself is equipped with the heat exchanger in order to be able to provide, with a large surface area, a corresponding heat exchange between this coolant and the surrounding cooling air. This cooling air usually originates from the environment of the vehicle and is either actively sucked in or introduced into the cooling device by the airflow or the corresponding driving speed of the vehicle. Of course, the holding frame can also be designed to guide such cooling air, whereby a further influence also occurs on the holding frame due to the dynamic pressure of the cooling air which is created in this way.

[0013] The solution according to the invention ensures that, despite the light and simple design of the holding frame, undesirable deformation is avoided. This also means that the geometric design of the fastening section and the bearing section can be ensured in a cost-effective and simple manner. For example, the fastening section can be designed simply and cost-effectively as a fastening pin or rubber plug, which engages into a corresponding C-shaped locking receptacle as the bearing section of the cooling unit. Lateral breakaway of the bearing section from the fastening section due to corresponding deformation of the holding frame is prevented by the engagement or engagement behind the form-fitting section of the counter-form-fitting section.

[0014] It can be advantageous if, in a cooling device according to the invention, the holding frame has two side cheeks between which the cooling unit is arranged. The cooling unit is fastened to a fastening section on each of the side cheeks by means of a bearing section. Furthermore, a counter-form-locking section is arranged on each side cheek, which engages behind a form-locking section. According to the invention, this embodiment therefore results in a holding frame which is essentially C-shaped in plan view. The two side cheeks enclose the cooling unit at the left and right ends. This enclosing action increases the stability of the overall system of the cooling device. In addition, the effect according to the invention is further enhanced by the dual design of the fastening functionality and the form-locking functionality on both sides to both side cheeks.In particular, the symmetrical design prevents any breakage or deformation of the support frame in the area of ​​the side panels for the entire support frame. This allows for a compact, simple, and above all, lightweight and space-saving design while achieving the advantages of the invention at a particularly low cost.

[0015] A further advantage can be achieved if, in a cooling device according to the invention, the counter-form-locking section and / or the form-locking section are designed to be flat, in particular plate-shaped. Such an embodiment provides a particularly space-saving and weight-saving design. For example, a rib projection can be designed as a counter-form-locking section, which engages behind a corresponding L-shaped form-locking section. A plate-shaped design provides, in particular, the contact surfaces or counter-contact surfaces explained later, which can provide a simple and cost-effective planar removal of the effective deformation forces or holding forces against such deformation.

[0016] It may also be advantageous if, in a cooling device according to the invention, the counter-form-locking section and / or the form-locking section have at least one stiffening rib for stiffening in the direction of the main deformation direction of the holding frame. Such a stiffening rib serves to further reduce the material requirements and thus the weight and space requirements for the counter-form-locking section or the form-locking section. The corresponding stiffening rib is preferably formed in or substantially in the direction of the main deformation direction. This leads to further stabilization without significantly compromising the overall weight of the cooling device.

[0017] It is furthermore advantageous if, in a cooling device according to the invention, a normal distance is formed between the counter-form-locking section and the form-locking section. This means that, under normal circumstances, the form-locking section and the counter-form-locking section do not touch when positioned behind one another. Rather, when the mechanical load increases, the normal section is bridged by the holding frame beginning to deform. This deformation along the main deformation direction caused by the mechanical load leads to the normal distance being reduced, and at the end of this reduction, the counter-form-locking section comes into preferably flat contact with the form-locking section. This is the situation in which the force transmission is ensured, and in this way, further deformation of the holding frame is stopped or essentially stopped.By providing the standard clearance in the normal situation, friction between the counter-locking section and the form-locking section is avoided. Such friction could lead to wear or acoustic impairment due to squeaking, so the standard clearance offers advantages in normal operation.

[0018] It is also advantageous if, in a cooling device according to the invention, the bearing section is oriented along or substantially along the main deformation direction. This means that if the holding frame were to deform, the fastening section would extend out of the bearing section in the direction of the main deformation direction. While this is highly advantageous in terms of the orientation for mounting the cooling unit on the holding frame, it would lead to the disadvantages described if the holding frame were to deform. However, it is now possible to provide such a simplified and advantageous mounting orientation of the bearing section and the fastening section, since the deformation of the holding frame is canceled out or reduced to a minimum by the counter-form-locking section and the form-locking section according to the invention. This makes assembly simple and cost-effective.

[0019] It is also advantageous if, in a cooling device according to the invention, the fastening section and the bearing section are designed for a locking fastening. Such a locking fastening can also be referred to as a snap-locking function. This allows for a simple, quick, and cost-effective implementation of the fastening function. This also allows for a simple, cost-effective, and quick replacement of a defective cooling unit or one in need of repair.

[0020] A further advantage is when, in a cooling device according to the invention, the counter-form-locking section is formed integrally with the cooling unit and / or the form-locking section is formed integrally with the holding frame. An integral design can also be described as a monolithic and / or one-piece design. Such an integral configuration enables a particularly simple and cost-effective design of the overall system of the cooling device. In particular, plastic parts can be used for the holding frame and / or the cooling unit with regard to their housing, so that the counter-form-locking section and / or the form-locking section can be formed accordingly in an injection molding process.

[0021] A further advantage is provided if, in a cooling device according to the invention, the counter-form-locking section has a contact surface, in particular a planar one, for a surface-to-surface contact with a contact surface, in particular a planar one, of the form-locking section. This leads to a surface-to-surface contact and thus to a surface-to-surface force transmission between the contact surface and the counter-contact surface, so that the stress related to the associated transmission surface is reduced in the event of contact. A space-saving design through correspondingly reduced wall thicknesses of the counter-form-locking section and the form-locking section is a possible consequence here.

[0022] The present invention also relates to a method for assembling a cooling device, in particular according to the present invention, comprising the following steps: - Inserting a cooling unit for heat exchange with cooling air into a holding frame, - Forming a rear engagement between a counter-form-locking section of the cooling unit and a form-locking section of the holding frame transversely to a main deformation direction of the holding frame, - Attaching a bearing section of the cooling unit to a mounting section of the support frame.

[0023] By assembling a cooling device according to the invention, a method according to the invention provides the same advantages as those explained in detail with reference to a cooling device according to the invention. In this method, the execution sequence is particularly important, since the corresponding geometric correlations can be achieved easily and cost-effectively by forming the engagement in a first step and subsequently fastening the bearing section to the fastening section in the manner according to the invention. This is particularly the case when a tilting movement first achieves the engagement and then a reversible locking between the fastening section and the bearing section.

[0024] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which describes embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. They show schematically: Fig. 1 an embodiment of a cooling device according to the invention in perspective view, Fig. 2 the embodiment of the Fig. 1 in plan view and Fig. 3 the design of the Fig. 1 in a cut side view.

[0025] The Fig. 1 to 3 show an embodiment of a cooling device 10 according to the invention. This cooling device 10 is equipped with a cooling unit 20 and a holding frame 30. The holding frame 30 has two side cheeks 36, wherein in the Fig. 1 to 3, only one of these two side walls 36, namely the left one, is shown. For the appropriate fastening of the cooling unit 20, locking reversible fastening options are provided here. In addition to a connection locking at the upper left end according to Fig. 1 Between the cooling unit 20 and the support frame 30, a bearing section 22 is provided on the cooling unit 20, which provides a C-shaped locking device. A fastening section 32 of the support frame 30 is arranged in this bearing section 22 in the form of a rubber plug. To establish this fastening, the cooling unit 20 is pressed into the position as required by the Fig. 1 shows.

[0026] For the training of the situation according to the Fig. 1 to 3, for example, a tilting movement can achieve the desired fastening functionality. Subsequently, simultaneously, or previously, the correlation between the counter-form-locking section 24 and the form-locking section 34 takes place, as is particularly shown in Fig. 2 is shown in more detail. Here, it can be clearly seen that the counter-form-locking section 24 engages behind the form-locking section 34, so that a contact surface 35 faces a counter-contact surface 25. In this embodiment, in the normal state, the contact surface 35 and the counter-contact surface 25 are spaced apart from each other by a normal distance N. As soon as a deformation due to mechanical action, for example resulting from a dynamic pressure, affects the holding frame 30, the side cheek 36 would Fig. 2 to the left along the main deformation direction H. This leads to the normal distance N being overcome and a flat contact being established between the counter contact surface 25 and the contact surface 35. At this point in time, the positive locking and the existing engagement behind it can provide support for the side cheek 36, thus counteracting further undesirable deformation. Further deformation, which would in particular lead to the fastening section 32 being pulled out of the bearing section 22 laterally along the main deformation direction H, is thus minimized or even completely avoided.

[0027] For further improved stabilization and a cost-effective, lighter and more compact design, the variants of the Fig. 1 to 3, a stiffening rib 40 in the form of a cross-shaped alignment in the Fig. 1 and Fig.3 for the counter-form-locking section 24. This results in further mechanical stabilization being provided by an alignment also in the direction of the main deformation direction H, so that breaking off or deformation of the counter-form-locking section 24 is reliably and effectively prevented.

[0028] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively by way of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided they are technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

[1] Cooling device (10) for cooling a drive device of a vehicle, comprising a cooling unit (20) for heat exchange with cooling air and a holding frame (30) for holding the cooling unit (20), wherein the holding frame (30) has a fastening section (32) to which the cooling unit (20) is fastened by means of a bearing section (22), characterized by in that the holding frame (30) has at least one form-fitting section (34) and the cooling unit (20) has at least one counter-form-fitting section (24), wherein the counter-form-fitting section (24) engages behind the form-fitting section (34) transversely to a main deformation direction (H) of the holding frame (30). [2] Cooling device (10) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the holding frame (30) has two side cheeks (36) between which the cooling unit (20) is arranged, wherein on each of the side cheeks (36) on a fastening section (32) the cooling unit (20) is fastened by means of a bearing section (22), and wherein on each side cheek (36) a counter form-fitting section (24) engages behind a form-fitting section (34). [3] Cooling device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the counter-form-locking section (24) and / or the form-locking section (34) is flat. [4] Cooling device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the counter-form-locking section (24) and / or the form-locking section (34) have at least one stiffening rib (40) for stiffening in the direction of the main deformation direction (H) of the holding frame (30). [5] Cooling device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a normal distance (N) is formed between the counter-form-locking section (24) and the form-locking section (34). [6] Cooling device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the bearing section (22) has an orientation along the main deformation direction (H). [7] Cooling device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fastening section (32) and the bearing section (22) are designed for a locking fastening. [8] Cooling device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the counter-form-locking section (24) is formed integrally with the cooling unit (20) and / or the form-locking section (34) is formed integrally with the holding frame (30). [9] Cooling device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the counter-form-locking section (24) has a, in particular flat, counter-contact surface (25) for a surface contact of a contact surface (35) of the form-locking section (34). [10] Method for assembling a cooling device (10) comprising the following steps: - inserting a cooling unit (20) for heat exchange with cooling air into a holding frame (30), - forming a rear engagement between a counter-form-locking section (24) of the cooling unit (20) and a form-locking section (34) of the holding frame (30) transversely to a main deformation direction (H) of the holding frame (30), - Fastening a bearing section (22) of the cooling unit (20) to a fastening section (32) of the holding frame (30).

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