Mounting arrangement for a cooling module

Abstract

Mounting arrangement (1) for at least one cooling module (2) for a motor vehicle (3), comprising at least one cooling module (2), at least one bearing unit (4, 5) and a mounting bracket (6) which forms a frame (11) with a first side part (7), a second side part (8), an upper frame part (9) and a lower frame part (10), wherein the at least one cooling module (2) is arranged within an area (12) enclosed by the frame (11); wherein the bearing unit (4, 5) is arranged between the cooling module (2) and the mounting bracket (6); wherein the cooling module (2) is connected to the mounting bracket (6) via the at least one bearing unit (4, 5); wherein the bearing unit (4, 5) has at least one seal (13) for sealing a gap (14) between the mounting bracket (6) and the cooling module (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mounting arrangement for at least one cooling module for a motor vehicle. The cooling module is, in particular, a heat exchanger.

[0002] A heat exchanger can comprise a first and a second collection box, as well as at least a plurality of pipes extending from the first to the second collection box, for conveying a heat exchange fluid. The pipes between the first and second collection boxes can be spaced apart from each other such that a fluid (e.g., ambient air) can flow over them along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. Heat exchange then takes place between the heat exchange fluid flowing through the pipes and the fluid flowing over them along the other direction. In particular, the heat exchanger is arranged in conjunction with a fan shroud in the front of a vehicle, with the heat exchanger typically positioned spatially in front of the vehicle's drive unit and in front of the fan shroud, in the direction of travel.

[0003] Cooling modules can be arranged in mounting brackets, with the cooling modules being connected to the mounting bracket via connecting pins. At least one connecting pin of the cooling module extends regularly along a yaw axis of the vehicle. Furthermore, gaps between the mounting bracket and the cooling module must be sealed so that predefined airflow paths, e.g., for the ambient air (while driving the vehicle), are maintained.

[0004] Due to increasing technical requirements, cooling systems are becoming more complex, while at the same time predefined conditions must be implemented more precisely (e.g., sealing concepts). However, the geometry of the available connecting pins can lead to damage during the mounting of the cooling modules to mounting brackets.

[0005] From DE 10 2014 226 758 A1 a series of mounting carriers is known in which adapter elements are used to connect the cooling module and the mounting carrier.

[0006] The JP 2007245857 A is aimed at a vehicle heat exchanger.

[0007] From DE 10 2007 053 187 A1 a method for installing a unit comprising cooling components into a motor vehicle is known.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to at least partially solve the problems mentioned with reference to the prior art. In particular, the complexity of a fastening arrangement should be reduced as much as possible, while on the other hand the increased requirements with regard to sealing and cooling performance should be met.

[0009] A fastening arrangement with the features according to claim 1 contributes to solving these problems. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims. The features listed individually in the claims can be combined with one another in a technologically meaningful way and can be supplemented by explanatory details from the description and / or details from the figures, thereby showing further embodiments of the invention.

[0010] A mounting arrangement for a motor vehicle is proposed. The mounting arrangement comprises at least one cooling module, at least one bearing unit, and a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket, together with a first side part, a second side part, an upper frame part, and a lower frame part, forms a frame, with the at least one cooling module arranged within an area enclosed by the frame. The at least one bearing unit is arranged between the at least one cooling module and the mounting bracket. The at least one cooling module is connected to the mounting bracket via the at least one bearing unit. The at least one bearing unit has at least one seal for sealing a gap between the mounting bracket and the cooling module.

[0011] A motor vehicle typically has a longitudinal axis (extending transversely to the wheel axles), a transverse axis (extending transversely to the longitudinal axis), and a yaw axis (transverse to both the longitudinal and transverse axes; typically parallel to gravity). In the following, it is assumed that the cooling module in the motor vehicle is arranged in a plane spanned by the transverse and yaw axes. The terms "axis" are also used below to refer to the mounting arrangement, assuming the aforementioned orientation of the mounting arrangement or the at least one cooling module. Should the mounting arrangement or the at least one cooling module be oriented differently in the motor vehicle, correspondingly different oriented axes will apply to the following explanations.

[0012] The at least one cooling module, and thus the surface of the mounting bracket's frame, is regularly (but not necessarily) arranged essentially in a plane spanned by the transverse and yaw axes, or parallel to them. The side panels extend, in particular, parallel to the yaw axis, and the frame panels parallel to the transverse axis. Deviations of up to 20 degrees from this orientation are also included.

[0013] The mounting assembly is located, in particular, in a front area (opposite the usual direction of travel) of the vehicle (front end). Specifically, the mounting assembly is positioned in front of the vehicle's drive unit and, if applicable, in front of a fan shroud.

[0014] The bearing unit allows the cooling module to be connected first to the bearing unit and then, via the bearing unit, to the mounting bracket. This allows for better guidance of the cooling module relative to the mounting bracket and prevents damage during assembly (e.g., to the mounting bracket or the cooling module, and especially to the connecting pins of the cooling module; or to the seals).

[0015] The seal can be an integral part of at least one bearing unit. It is possible that the seal is attached to the bearing unit, so that both function as a single component group. It is possible that the seal is fixed to and / or connected to the bearing unit.

[0016] Furthermore, the complexity of assembly can be further reduced by using a seal connected to the bearing unit.

[0017] The mounting bracket comprises, in particular, a (pre-assembled) frame by which the mounting arrangement is connected to the motor vehicle. Specifically, the mounting bracket extends around the at least one bearing unit and the at least one cooling module, so that, in particular, the at least one cooling module is protected by the mounting bracket during the installation of the mounting arrangement in the motor vehicle.

[0018] The at least one cooling module is fixed in a specific position relative to the mounting bracket, particularly (exclusively) via the at least one bearing unit (or via several bearing units). The cooling module's lines (for supplying and removing heat exchanger fluids) do not serve to fix the position of the at least one cooling module.

[0019] In particular, the at least one bearing unit has at least one first bearing receptacle for receiving a first bearing element of the cooling module. In particular, the first bearing element comprises, for example, a pin that can be received in the first bearing receptacle. In particular, the at least one first bearing element (in particular, all bearing elements of the at least one cooling module) extends exclusively along a transverse axis of the vehicle (the orientation of the cooling module relative to the vehicle is already known before the cooling module is installed in the vehicle). The first bearing receptacle includes, in particular, a receiving opening that annularly surrounds the first bearing element or the pin. Preferably, the bearing unit can be slid onto the first bearing element along one of the extension directions of the first bearing element (e.g., along the transverse axis) and thus connected to the at least one cooling module.

[0020] In particular, the at least one bearing unit has at least one first bearing receptacle for receiving a first bearing element of the cooling module and a second bearing receptacle for receiving a second bearing element of the cooling module; the bearing receptacles being connected to each other via a connecting part. The descriptions of the first bearing receptacle and the first bearing element apply equally to the second bearing receptacle and the second bearing element.

[0021] In particular, the bearing mounts of a bearing unit are arranged at intervals from one another. Preferably, the bearing unit is arranged on a side part of the mounting bracket, so that the bearing mounts of a bearing unit are preferably arranged at intervals from one another along the yaw axis.

[0022] In particular, the sealing extends (at least partially or even predominantly or even almost completely) between the first bearing mount and the second bearing mount.

[0023] Preferably, the seal is designed in at least two parts, wherein a first part extends from the connecting part towards the mounting bracket and a second part extends from the connecting part towards the cooling module.

[0024] In particular, the seal is made of a different material than the connecting part. The connecting part serves to ensure a geometrically (spatially) fixed position of the bearing mounts relative to each other. The seal serves to seal a gap between the cooling module and the mounting bracket (or the connecting part) and is therefore designed to be elastically deformable so that it can conform to the surface of the cooling module and the mounting bracket.

[0025] In particular, the bearing unit is an injection-molded part, preferably made of plastic. Specifically, the bearing unit is at least a two-component injection-molded part, wherein at least the seal and the connecting part are made of different materials (in particular with different stiffness or elastic deformability) but are manufactured in one piece.

[0026] Preferably, at least one bearing unit is attached to a side panel.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, two bearing units are provided, with a first bearing unit attached to a first side of the mounting bracket and a second bearing unit attached to a second side of the mounting bracket opposite the first side. In particular, both bearing units are attached to the side parts (however, an arrangement on the frame parts is also possible).

[0028] In particular, the bearing elements of the at least one cooling module extend exclusively along the transverse axis. Preferably, the bearing units can therefore be moved (exclusively) along the transverse axis to the at least one cooling module, and thus the bearing elements can be arranged in the bearing receptacles.

[0029] At least one bearing unit can alternatively or additionally be connected to the cooling module via screw connections or rivet connections (or similar).

[0030] In particular, the first bearing unit is identical or mirror-symmetrical to the second bearing unit. The seals of the first and second bearing units may be designed differently.

[0031] Furthermore, a bearing unit for the described mounting arrangement is proposed, wherein the bearing unit has at least a first bearing receptacle for receiving a first bearing element of a cooling module and a fastening element for attaching the bearing unit to a mounting bracket as well as a seal for sealing a gap between the mounting bracket and the cooling module.

[0032] The fastening element is, in particular, a snap-fit ​​element that can be connected to a corresponding element of the mounting bracket via a snap-fit ​​mechanism.

[0033] In particular, the bearing unit has two fastening elements.

[0034] Preferably, the storage unit (additionally) has at least one guide element by which the storage unit (after assembly with the at least one cooling module) can be guided relative to the mounting carrier during assembly with the mounting carrier.

[0035] Furthermore, a motor vehicle is proposed with a drive unit (e.g., an electric motor, an internal combustion engine, or similar) for propelling the motor vehicle and the described mounting arrangement. The mounting arrangement is located, in particular, in a front area (opposite the usual direction of travel) of the motor vehicle (front end). Specifically, the mounting arrangement is installed in front of the motor vehicle's drive unit and, if applicable, in front of a fan shroud.

[0036] Furthermore, a method for assembling the described fastening arrangement is proposed, comprising at least the following steps: a) Providing (at least) one cooling module; b) Providing at least one storage unit which has at least one seal; c) Connecting the cooling module and the at least one bearing unit (e.g. via bearing mounts and bearing elements) and forming an assembly; d) Providing a mounting bracket; e) Connecting the assembly to the mounting bracket by connecting the at least one bearing unit to the mounting bracket; wherein at least in one of steps c) and e) a gap between mounting carrier and cooling module is sealed by at least one seal.

[0037] In particular, step e) is carried out by sliding the assembly along its longitudinal axis in accordance with step d). Specifically, the assembly is guided relative to the mounting carrier by at least one guide element.

[0038] In particular, the connection between the mounting carrier and the assembly is made exclusively via the at least one bearing unit, and especially exclusively via the at least one fastening element.

[0039] The statements regarding the fastening arrangement are particularly applicable to the storage unit, the motor vehicle and the process, and vice versa.

[0040] It should be noted as a precaution that the numerical terms used here ("first", "second", etc.) primarily serve (only) to distinguish between several similar objects, quantities, or processes, and thus do not necessarily dictate any dependency and / or sequence between these objects, quantities, or processes. Should a dependency and / or sequence be required, this is explicitly stated here, or it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art upon studying the specific configuration described. Where a component can occur multiple times ("at least one"), the description of one of these components may apply equally to all or some of the multiple components, but this is not mandatory.

[0041] The invention and its technical context are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. It should be noted that the invention is not intended to be limited by the exemplary embodiments shown. In particular, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is also possible to extract partial aspects of the situations described in the figures and combine them with other components and findings from the present description. It should be emphasized that the figures, and especially the depicted dimensions, are only schematic. They show: Fig. 1: a motor vehicle in a side view; Fig. 2: a storage unit in a perspective view; Fig. 3: a cooling module in a perspective view; Fig. 4: an assembly in a side view; Fig. 5: Step e) of the procedure; Fig. 6: a fastening arrangement in a perspective view; Fig. 7: a section of the fastening arrangement according to Fig. 6 in a view along the longitudinal axis; Fig. 8: another section of the fastening arrangement according to Fig. 6 in a view along the longitudinal axis; Fig. 9: the storage unit after Fig. 2 in a view along the longitudinal axis; Fig. 10: the storage unit after Fig. 9 in a perspective view; and Fig. 11: the storage unit according to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 in a view along the longitudinal axis (opposite direction to Fig. 9).

[0042] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a motor vehicle 3 in a side view. The motor vehicle 3 has a mounting arrangement 1 and a drive unit 25 successively in the front section. The motor vehicle 3 has a longitudinal axis 29, a transverse axis 30 and a yaw axis 31.

[0043] A fluid 28 flows towards the motor vehicle 3 (when the motor vehicle 3 is moving in the direction of travel) along the longitudinal axis 29. The fluid 28 acts upon and flows over or through the cooling module 2.

[0044] Fig. Figure 2 shows a bearing unit 4, 5 in a perspective view. The bearing unit 4, 5 comprises a first bearing receptacle 15 for receiving a first bearing element 16 of the cooling module 2 and a second bearing receptacle 17 for receiving a second bearing element 18 of the cooling module 2. The bearing receptacles 15, 17 are connected to each other via a connecting part 19. The bearing receptacles 15, 17 are spaced apart from each other. The seal 13 extends between the first bearing receptacle 15 and the second bearing receptacle 17.

[0045] Fig. Figure 3 shows a cooling module 2 in a perspective view. The cooling module 2 is arranged in a plane spanned by the transverse axis 30 and the yaw axis 31. The cooling module 2 has a first bearing element 16 and a second bearing element 18 on each side. These extend exclusively parallel to the transverse axis 30.

[0046] Fig. Figure 4 shows a side view of an assembly 26. The assembly 26 comprises the bearing units 4, 5 and the cooling module 2. The bearing units 4, 5 can be slid onto the respective bearing element 16, 18 along the transverse axis 30, so that each bearing element 16, 18 is received in a bearing receptacle 15, 17.

[0047] The bearing receptacles 15, 17 each comprise a receiving opening that encloses the bearing element 16, 18 in an annular manner. The bearing unit 4, 5 can only be slid onto the bearing elements 16, 18 along one extension direction of the bearing element 16, 18 along the transverse axis 30 and thus connected to the cooling module 2.

[0048] Fig. Figure 5 shows step e) of the procedure. In this step, the assembly 26, comprising the bearing units 4, 5 and the cooling module 2, is connected to the mounting bracket 6 by connecting the bearing units 4, 5 to the mounting bracket 6.

[0049] Step e) is carried out by inserting the assembly 26 according to step d) along the longitudinal axis 29. The assembly 26 is guided relative to the mounting carrier 6 by guide elements 27 of the bearing units 4, 5.

[0050] The connection between mounting carrier 6 and assembly 26 is made exclusively via the bearing unit 4, 5 and exclusively via the fastening elements 24.

[0051] Fig. Figure 6 shows a fastening arrangement 1 in a perspective view. Fig. Figure 7 shows a section of the fastening arrangement 1 according to Fig. 6 in a view along the longitudinal axis 29. Fig. Figure 8 shows another section of the fastening arrangement 1 according to Fig. 6 in a view along the longitudinal axis 29. Fig. Figure 9 shows the (first) storage unit 4 after Fig. 2 in a view along the longitudinal axis 29. Fig. 10 shows the storage unit 4 after Fig. 9 in a perspective view. Fig. 11 shows the storage unit 4 after Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 in a view along the longitudinal axis 29 (opposite direction to Fig. 9). The Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10 to Fig. 11 are described together below.

[0052] The mounting assembly 1 comprises a cooling module 2, a first bearing unit 4, a second bearing unit 5, and a mounting bracket 6. The mounting bracket 6, together with a first side part 7, a second side part 8, an upper frame part 9, and a lower frame part 10, forms a frame 11, the cooling module 2 being arranged within an area 12 enclosed by the frame 11. The bearing units 4 and 5 are each arranged between the cooling module 2 and the mounting bracket 6. The cooling module 2 is connected to the mounting bracket 6 exclusively via the bearing units 4 and 5. The bearing units 4 and 5 each have a seal 13 for sealing a gap 14 between the mounting bracket 6 and the cooling module 2.

[0053] The seal 13 is designed in two parts, with a first part 20 extending from the connecting part 19 towards the mounting carrier 6 and a second part 21 extending from the connecting part 19 towards the cooling module 2.

[0054] The seal 13 is visibly made of a different material than the connecting part 19. The connecting part 19 serves to ensure a geometrically (spatially) fixed position of the bearing receptacles 15, 17 relative to each other. The seal 13 serves to seal a gap 14 between the cooling module 2 and the mounting bracket 6 (or the connecting part 19) and is therefore designed to be elastically deformable so that it can conform to a surface of the cooling module 2 and the mounting bracket 6.

[0055] The bearing units 4, 5 are each attached to a side part 7, 8 of the mounting bracket 6. A first bearing unit 4 is attached to a first side 22 of the mounting bracket 6 (to the first side part 7) and a second bearing unit 5 is attached to a second side 23 of the mounting bracket 6 opposite the first side 22 (to the second side part 8).

[0056] The bearing elements 15, 17 of the cooling module 2 extend exclusively along the transverse axis 30. Therefore, the bearing units 4, 5 can only be moved along the transverse axis 30 towards at least one cooling module 2, and thus the bearing elements 16, 18 can be arranged in the bearing receptacles 15, 17.

[0057] Each bearing unit 4, 5 has two fastening elements 24, each designed in a hook shape and configured as a locking element. The locking element is connected to a corresponding element of the mounting carrier 6 via a locking mechanism.

[0058] Furthermore, each storage unit 4, 5 additionally has a guide element 27, via which the storage unit 4, 5 (after assembly with at least one cooling module 2) can be guided relative to the mounting carrier 6 during assembly with the mounting carrier 6. Reference symbol list 1 Mounting arrangement 2 Cooling module 3 Motor vehicle 4 first storage unit 5 second storage unit 6 mounting brackets 7 first side panel 8 second side panel 9 upper frame part 10 lower frame part 11 frames 12 area 13 Sealing 14 columns 15 first stock assessment 16 first bearing element 17 second storage recording 18 second bearing element 19 Connecting part 20 Part One 21 Part Two 22 first page 23 second page 24 Fastening element 25 Drive unit 26 assembly 27 Guide element 28 Fluid 29 Longitudinal axis 30 Transverse axis 31 Yaw axis

Claims

[1] Mounting arrangement (1) for a motor vehicle (3), comprising at least one cooling module (2), at least one bearing unit (4, 5) and a mounting bracket (6) which forms a frame (11) with a first side part (7), a second side part (8), an upper frame part (9) and a lower frame part (10), wherein the at least one cooling module (2) is arranged within an area (12) enclosed by the frame (11); wherein the bearing unit (4, 5) is arranged between the at least one cooling module (2) and the mounting bracket (6); wherein the at least one cooling module (2) is connected to the mounting bracket (6) via the at least one bearing unit (4, 5); and wherein the at least one bearing unit (4, 5) has at least one seal (13) for sealing a gap (14) between the mounting bracket (6) and the cooling module (2);wherein the at least one bearing unit (4, 5) has at least one first bearing receptacle (15) for receiving a first bearing element (16) of the cooling module (2) and a second bearing receptacle (17) for receiving a second bearing element (18) of the cooling module (2); wherein the bearing receptacles (15, 17) are connected to each other via a connecting part (19); wherein the seal (13) extends between the first bearing receptacle (15) and the second bearing receptacle (17); wherein the seal (13) is designed in at least two parts, wherein a first part (20) extends from the connecting part (19) towards the mounting bracket (6) and a second part (21) extends from the connecting part (19) towards the cooling module (2). [2] Fastening arrangement (1) according to claim 1 wherein the at least one bearing unit (4, 5) is attached to a side part (7, 8). [3] Fastening arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein two bearing units (4, 5) are provided, wherein a first bearing unit (4) is attached to a first side (22) of the mounting carrier (6) and a second bearing unit (5) is attached to a second side (23) of the mounting carrier (6) opposite the first side (22). [4] Fastening arrangement (1) according to claim 3, wherein the first bearing unit (4) is identical or mirror-symmetrical to the second bearing unit (5). [5] Bearing unit (4, 5) for a fastening arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bearing unit (4, 5) has at least a first bearing receptacle (15) for receiving a first bearing element (16) of a cooling module (2) and a fastening element (24) for fastening the bearing unit (4, 5) to a mounting carrier (6) and a seal (13) for sealing a gap (14) between mounting carrier (6) and cooling module (2). [6] Motor vehicle (3) with a drive unit (25) for driving the motor vehicle (3) and a fastening arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4. [7] Method for assembling a fastening arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 5, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: a) Provision of the cooling module (2); b) Providing at least one storage unit (4, 5) which has at least one seal (13); c) Connecting the cooling module (2) and the at least one storage unit (4, 5) and forming an assembly (26); d) Provision of the mounting carrier (6); e) Connecting the assembly (26) to the mounting carrier (6) by connecting the at least one bearing unit (4, 5) to the mounting carrier (6); wherein at least in one of steps c) and e) a gap (14) between the mounting carrier (6) and the cooling module (2) is sealed by the at least one seal (13).

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