Radiator fan module for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a radiator fan module (10) for a vehicle, comprising a radiator frame (12). It is proposed that the radiator frame (12) have at least one fastening element (31) for fastening at least one unit (100), in particular at least one cooling circuit component, preferably a thermal management module and / or at least one coolant pump, to the radiator frame (12).

Description

[0001] The invention is based on a radiator fan module and an aggregate holder according to the class of the independent claims. State of the art

[0002] Power unit mounts are already known from the prior art. These are typically attached to body components. To provide a sufficiently stable connection, such power unit mounts feature stiffening elements, such as additional metal mounting components, in the connection area to the body. Disclosure of the inventionAdvantages of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to a radiator fan module for a vehicle, comprising a radiator frame. It is proposed that the radiator frame have at least one fastening element for fastening at least one unit, in particular at least one cooling circuit component, preferably a thermal management module and / or at least one coolant pump, to the radiator frame.

[0004] The cooling fan module according to the invention with the features of the independent claims has the advantage that the unit can be mounted in the vehicle in a particularly cost-optimized and space-saving manner. Furthermore, the solution enables the reduction of vibration loads on the unit and provides a mounting and decoupling system for a unit in a vehicle that is easy to implement in terms of manufacturing technology.

[0005] A unit of the type in question here can be, in particular, a pump, particularly preferably a cooling circuit pump. The unit can further comprise a thermal management module, a distribution unit, and a plurality of pumps and / or valves arranged on the distribution unit.

[0006] A unit holder is preferably designed to accommodate the unit. The unit is preferably inserted into the unit holder. Particularly preferably, the unit holder encloses the unit. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the unit holder rests flat against the outer surface of the unit.

[0007] A cooling fan module of the type in question here can be used, for example, to cool engine components in a vehicle. Typically, such a cooling fan module has a fan wheel suspended in the radiator shroud in addition to the radiator shroud.

[0008] According to a particularly easy-to-assemble development of the invention, the unit is arranged, in particular fastened, in a unit holder, in particular an elastic unit holder, wherein the unit holder has at least one guide section which is designed to cooperate, in particular to cooperate in a form-fitting manner, with the fastening element for fastening the unit to the radiator frame.

[0009] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the fastening sections are spaced apart such that the assembly can be arranged between the fastening sections. The distance between the fastening sections is thus preferably greater than the assembly diameter. The fastening element preferably has exactly two fastening sections. The elastic assembly holder can thus be particularly advantageously suspended between the fastening sections and requires no additional stiffening elements, such as any metal holders. The assembly process of the assembly holder in the vehicle can thus advantageously be reduced by at least one method step, the installation of the stiffening element.It is conceivable that a wide variety of customer-specific unit holders can correspond with a predefined design of the fastening areas, so that units of various performance classes can be accommodated on the radiator frame.

[0010] An advantageous development of the invention provides that the unit holder has a receiving area, in particular a receiving area that is substantially cylindrical relative to a central axis for receiving the unit, wherein the guide section is arranged on a radial outer side.

[0011] The unit can thus advantageously be inserted or pressed into the unit receptacle of the unit holder in a single insertion process. The unit holder can then be pushed or pressed into the mounting section of the radiator frame together with the pump in a further insertion process. It is also conceivable that the unit holder, without a pre-assembled unit, is pushed into the radiator frame with the radially outer guide section in a first insertion process step, and the unit is then pushed into the pre-assembled, suspended unit holder.

[0012] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the guide section has at least one first guide element and at least one second guide element, which are preferably arranged substantially diametrically opposite one another on the receiving area.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the guide elements extend substantially in a support plane spanned by the receiving area. The guide elements are preferably arranged diametrically opposite one another on the assembly support. The maximum spacing of the guide elements from one another ensures particularly stable clamping of the assembly support between the fastening areas. The force introduction points are preferably located at opposite locations. Such a radiator fan module has the advantage that it can provide a particularly low-vibration and therefore low-noise clamping of the assembly in the vehicle without the need for additional stiffening elements.

[0014] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the fastening element has at least one, preferably a plurality of fastening sections, wherein the fastening section has at least one fastening rail having at least one guide, in particular a guide gap, wherein at least one guide element for fastening the unit to the radiator frame is at least partially guided in the guide. Preferably, at least one guide element is inserted into the guide gap, in particular clamped in the guide gap.

[0015] Preferably, the fastening rails are formed as thin-walled projections on the radiator frame. Preferably, fastening sections in the vicinity of the radiator frame plane each have stiffening ribs and / or stiffening pockets. The stiffening ribs are preferably designed as tension and compression triangles.

[0016] Preferably, a tapered part, the tapered section, of the respective guide element engages in the guide gap. Radially outside the tapered section, the respective guide element preferably has a coupling element that cannot slip through the guide gap and thus forms a radial force stop.

[0017] An advantageous further development of the invention thus provides that the guide elements each have a tapered section and a coupling section designed as an undercut, wherein the tapered section is arranged in the region of the guide gap and the coupling section is arranged on the side of the connecting element facing away from the unit.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the mounting rails extend substantially perpendicular to the frame plane. A particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention further provides that the guide slots are also aligned perpendicular to the frame plane. In this way, the unit holder can be easily inserted and accessed by a simple insertion movement of the unit holder in an insertion direction perpendicular to the frame plane.

[0019] In the context of the present invention, a frame plane can be understood in particular as a plane which is spanned by the flat air cover element of the radiator frame.

[0020] A simple radial stop can be provided, in particular, by designing the guide elements in a substantially T-shape. The main extension direction of the coupling section and the tapered section are thus arranged substantially perpendicular to one another. The coupling element is preferably designed as a substantially plate-shaped cover element. The coupling element preferably has additional stiffening structures, in particular ribs. The unit holder is preferably formed in one piece.

[0021] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the guide gap is designed as a continuous gap that is essentially open on one side. Preferably, the guide gap is arranged essentially centrally on the corresponding fastening section. Preferably, the guide gap extends essentially completely through the fastening rail. In this way, the unit can be inserted as close as possible to the frame plane, so that the unit's center of gravity is positioned as close as possible to the suspension. In this way, undesired deflection movements of the unit can be advantageously prevented.

[0022] In order to securely hold the unit holder in the fastening section after insertion or suspension, according to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least one fastening element has at least one locking element, in particular a locking lug, in particular arranged at a distal end. A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention provides that the locking lug is a projection that is small relative to the gap and is arranged in the guide gap in such a way that the opening cross-section is correspondingly reduced.

[0023] It is also conceivable that the locking element is arranged outside the guide gap, provided that this is suitable for preventing the unit holder from slipping out after it has been inserted.

[0024] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the fastening element is formed integrally with the radiator frame. The fastening sections are preferably molded onto the cover element of the frame using a plastic injection molding process. The fastening section is preferably formed as a substantially thin-walled projection that extends beyond the contour of the cover element. However, it is also conceivable for the fastening section to be formed as an opening in the cover element into which the unit holder is clamped.

[0025] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the unit holder is formed as a single piece. It is preferably made of an elastomer. It is particularly preferably made of an elastomer.

[0026] An advantageous development of the invention provides for the fastening element to be arranged in a radially outer edge region of the radiator frame. Preferably, the fastening section is located only a few centimeters from the edge of the cover element of the frame. Particularly preferably, the fastening element is arranged in a suspension region of the frame in the vehicle.

[0027] According to an advantageous development of the invention, a radiator frame has a plurality of fastening elements for attaching at least one unit to the radiator frame. It is also conceivable that a unit can be a subcomponent of a thermal management module, such as a distributor plate or a tank. Drawings

[0028] The drawings show exemplary embodiments of the holding device and the elastic holder and are explained in more detail in the following description. Fig. 1 a section of a perspective view of a cooling fan module with a clamped unit, Fig. 2 an embodiment of a fastening element, Fig. 3 a section of a perspective view of a cooling fan module with a fastening element, Fig. 4 a plan view of another embodiment of a cooling fan module.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a radiator fan module 10. Such a radiator fan module 10 is attached, for example, to the radiator of a motor vehicle and preferably substantially covers the air passage surface of the radiator. The radiator fan module 10 is typically arranged on the rear side of the radiator, as seen in the direction of air flow, but can also be arranged in other cases in front of the air inlet surface of the radiator, as seen in the direction of air flow.

[0030] The radiator fan module 10 has a radiator frame 12, which is preferably provided with corresponding fastening elements in order to fasten this and thus the radiator fan module to a radiator or the body of a vehicle. The radiator frame 12 essentially consists of a closed frame cover 14. In addition, the radiator frame 12 has a fan opening 18. The frame cover 14 preferably covers the area of ​​the radiator frame 12 outside the fan opening 18 to prevent air from passing through, so that air passing through the air passage area of ​​a radiator flows essentially, preferably completely, through the fan opening 18 and thus through the fan wheel 26. The radiator frame 12 preferably has struts which serve to hold a fan motor, in particular to hold an electric motor in the opening 18 of the frame. A fan orBlower wheel which has fan blades that are centrally connected to each other via a fan hub and to the blower motor that drives the fan wheel.

[0031] The radiator frame 12 preferably consists essentially of plastic and can be manufactured, for example, using an injection molding process. A unit 100 is attached to the radiator frame 12, in particular to the frame cover 14, by means of a fastening element 31. The unit 100 can in particular be a pump, particularly preferably a cooling circuit pump. The unit 100 can also be a thermal management module. The unit 100 is held by a unit holder 102. The unit holder 102 is an elastomer holder and is preferably formed entirely from an elastomer.

[0032] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment according to which the unit 100 is designed as a pump. The pump 100 is designed according to the Fig. 1, the unit holder 102 is arranged and secured. The unit holder 102 and / or the unit preferably has a guide section 106, which interacts with the fastening element 31 of the radiator frame such that the unit holder 102 is secured to the radiator frame 12.

[0033] According to the Fig. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 1, the unit 100 is embodied, for example, as a coolant pump. The unit holder 102 has a receiving area 104, which serves to receive and hold the unit 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving area 104 is designed as an annular, preferably cylindrical opening. The receiving area 104 is adapted to an outer contour of the unit 100 to be accommodated, in this case a cylindrical pump. Depending on the shape of the unit to be mounted, the receiving area of ​​the unit holder 102 can also be designed differently accordingly.

[0034] The fastening element 31 preferably has at least a first and a second fastening section 32a, 32b. The assembly 10 is preferably arranged between the fastening sections 32a, 32b. The fastening sections 32a, 32b are arranged at a distance from one another and each interact with the guide section 106 of the assembly holder 102. The assembly holder 102 is suspended by means of the guide section 106 between the two fastening areas 33a, 33b in the sense of a two-sided clamping. Due to the two-sided clamping, additional stabilizing elements, such as stiffening elements in the elastomer holder or additional connecting elements made of a dimensionally stable material, can be omitted.

[0035] The unit holder 102 here has, for example, a substantially cylindrical receiving area 104, which is rotationally symmetrical to its central axis 34. According to the Fig. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1, the guide section 106 is arranged on the radial outer side of the receiving area 104.

[0036] The guide section 106 is formed according to the Fig. 2, the embodiment of the invention is formed by at least one first guide element 111a and one second guide element 111b. For fastening the unit holder 102 to the radiator frame 12, it is now provided that each guide element 111a, 111b interacts positively with a fastening section 32a, 32b. The guide elements 111a, 111b are preferably arranged on diametrically opposite sides of the unit holder 102. The unit holder 100 is preferably formed in one piece from an elastomer.

[0037] In Fig. 2, the fastening element 31 is according to Fig. 1. The fastening element 31 is preferably arranged in an outer edge region of the radiator frame 12. Particularly good vibration decoupling can be provided in particular by arranging the fastening sections 32a, 32b in a region close to the suspension of the radiator frame 12 in the vehicle.

[0038] The fastening sections 32a, 32b are arranged at a distance from one another. The fastening sections 32a, 32b preferably each have a fastening rail 33a, 33b. The fastening rails 33a, 33b have, according to the Fig. 2, each has a guide gap 130a, 130b. The fastening sections 32a, 32b preferably extend beyond the contour of the radiator frame plane 14. The fastening sections 32a, 32b are preferably designed as projections. The guide gap 130a, 130b is preferably designed as an insertion slot open on one side. The fastening sections 32a, 32b are preferably designed as essentially thin-walled projections. The guide gap 130a, 130b is preferably designed to be open on one side, so that the corresponding guide element 111a, 111b can be inserted from the opening side.

[0039] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the guide gap 130a, 130b is preferably formed essentially as a continuous gap. Preferably, the guide gap 130a, 130b extends at least partially, preferably essentially completely, over the height of the fastening sections 32a, 32b.

[0040] According to the Fig. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 2, at least one locking lug 150a, 150b is arranged on each of the fastening sections 32a, 32b in the region of the guide gap 130a, 130b. This locking lug 150a, 150b is designed as a small projection that extends into the guide gap 130a, 130b. The locking lugs 150a, 150b are preferably arranged at a distal end of the fastening sections 32a, 32b or of the guide gap 130a, 130b. After the unit holder 102 has been inserted into the guide gap 130a, 130b, the 150a, 150b prevent the unit holder 102 from falling out of the fastening element 31.

[0041] It is also conceivable that only one of the fastening sections 32a, 32b has a locking lug 150a, 150b. It is also conceivable that each guide gap 130a, 130b has a plurality, in particular at least two, opposing locking lugs 150a, 150b.

[0042] According to the Fig. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 2, the locking lugs 150a, 150b are each arranged on opposite sides of the guide gap 130a, 130b, so that the force introduction points are distributed symmetrically. An opposing arrangement of the locking lugs 150a, 150b, i.e., an arrangement of a first locking lug 150a of a first fastening section 32a on an upper wall of the guide gap 130a and an arrangement of a second locking lug 150b of a second fastening section 32b on a lower wall of the guide gap 130b, enables improved assembly and / or disassembly and is optimal for holding the unit holder 102 during operation, particularly when subjected to shock and / or shaking loads.

[0043] The locking lugs 150a, 150b preferably cover less than 10% of the gap height of the guide gap 130a, 130b, so that the unit holder can be inserted with appropriate assembly force.

[0044] According to the Fig. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 2, the locking lugs 150a, 150b are designed as substantially semicircular projections. However, other locking element shapes 150a, 150b are also conceivable, provided they are suitable for providing a loss-prevention feature for the unit holder.

[0045] The fastening sections 32a, 32b are preferably spaced apart from one another such that the unit 100 can be suspended between the fastening sections 32a, 32b. The fastening sections 32a, 32b are preferably formed integrally with the radiator frame 12. The fastening sections 32a, 32b are preferably injection-molded with the frame cover 14 using an injection molding process. The fastening sections 32a, 32b extend according to the Fig. 2 shown embodiment perpendicular to the frame plane.

[0046] The geometry of the locking lugs 150a, 150b according to the Fig. The embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 2 is particularly simple and cost-effective to demould in the frame, without any additional use in the injection moulding tool.

[0047] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the fastening sections 32a, 32b have reinforcing ribs 200a, 200b and / or reinforcing pockets 202a, 202b. These reinforcing ribs 200a, 200b and / or reinforcing pockets 202a, 202b can be demolded particularly easily.

[0048] A possible embodiment of the reinforcing ribs 200a, 200b provides rib elements 201a, 201a' running parallel to the fastening sections 32a, 32b, which preferably each pass through the fastening sections 32a, 32b and thus ensure a uniform distribution of the load.

[0049] Alternatively, the reinforcing ribs 200a, 200b could be arranged in the shape of a cross to achieve improved rigidity.

[0050] Furthermore, the reinforcement pockets 202a, 202b can take on various shapes to facilitate demolding while increasing structural integrity. For example, rectangular pockets can provide additional stability, while triangular pockets allow for optimal force distribution. A particularly advantageous embodiment could include integrated reinforcement pockets 202a, 202b with reinforcement ribs 200a, 200b, thereby achieving synergistic reinforcement.

[0051] These variable shapes and configurations of the reinforcing ribs 200a, 200b and pockets 202a, 202b contribute to improving the manufacturability of the fastening sections 32a, 32b, particularly through the possibility of easy demolding. The implementation of geometrically optimized rib elements 201a, 201a', 201b, 201b' and variable pocket sizes also enables customized structural optimization to meet different load requirements.

[0052] According to the Fig. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 2, a fastening section 32a, 32b each has at least one reinforcement pocket 203a, 203b located inside the unit holder 102 and at least one reinforcement pocket 203a', 203b' located outside.

[0053] According to an advantageous development of the invention, the fastening section 32a, 32b each has a stop element 220a, 220b at the base of the guide gap 130a, 130b. This concept enables simple assembly of the unit, in particular manual assembly of the unit 100 on the frame through good handling of the unit 100 with the unit holder. It is also conceivable that additional lubricants are provided in the fastening element 31 to simplify assembly of the unit 100 with the unit holder 102.

[0054] According to the Fig. 1 and Fig. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 3, the guide elements 111a, 111b each have a tapered section 122a, 122b and a coupling section 124a, 124b designed as an undercut. The tapered section 122a, 122b is dimensioned such that it can be guided in the guide gap 130a, 130b. The coupling sections 124a, 124b are each arranged on the side facing away from the unit 100. In the mounted state of the unit holder 102 on the radiator frame 12, the tapered sections 122a, 122b are arranged in the corresponding guide gaps 130a, 130b. A coupling section 124a, 124b forms together with the tapered section 122a, 122b according to the Fig. 3, the coupling portion 124a, 124b has a substantially T-shaped contour. The coupling portion 124a, 124b may have ribs 137a, 137b, 137c, which are provided for material reinforcement.

[0055] The tapered section 122a, 122b has a significantly lower overall height than the coupling section 124a, 124b. Preferably, the height of the tapered section 122a, 122b essentially corresponds to the gap height of the guide gap 130a, 130b.

[0056] According to one possible embodiment of the invention, the main extension directions of the coupling sections 124a, 124b and the tapered sections 122a, 122b are arranged substantially perpendicular to one another. The coupling section 124a, 124b preferably forms an axial stop for the tensile force applied by the unit 10.

[0057] According to the Fig. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 3, the coupling section 124a, 124b is essentially rectangular. However, other shapes are also conceivable, provided they are suitable for preventing slippage through the guide gap 130a, 130b.

[0058] During assembly of the unit holder 102 on the radiator frame 12, it is inserted with the tapered section 122a, 122b into the guide gap 130a, 130b. Preferably, both guide elements 111a, 111b are inserted essentially simultaneously, thus providing a two-sided suspension of the unit holder 102.

[0059] Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of the invention, according to which the radiator frame 12 has two fastening elements 31a, 31b for fastening at least one unit 100a, 100b to the radiator frame 12. It is also conceivable that the two fastening elements 31a, 31b are designed with an active surface coupling. It is also conceivable that the units 100a, 100b and / or the unit holders 102a, 102b are designed with an active surface coupling.

Claims

[1] Radiator fan module (10) for a vehicle, comprising a radiator frame (12), characterized by that the radiator frame (12) has at least one fastening element (31) for fastening at least one unit (100), in particular at least one cooling circuit component, preferably a thermal management module and / or at least one coolant pump to the radiator frame (12). [2] Cooling fan module (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the unit (100) is arranged, in particular fastened, in an unit holder (102), in particular an elastic unit holder (102), wherein the unit holder (102) has at least one guide section (106) which is designed to cooperate, in particular to cooperate in a form-fitting manner, with the fastening element (31) for fastening the unit (100) to the radiator frame (12). [3] Cooling fan module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the unit holder (102) has a receiving area (104), in particular a substantially cylindrical receiving area (104) for receiving the unit (100), wherein the guide section (106) is arranged on an outer side (110) of the receiving area (104). [4] Cooling fan module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the guide section (106) has at least one first guide element (111a) and at least one second guide element (111a), which are preferably arranged substantially diametrically opposite each other on the receiving area (104). [5] Cooling fan module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the fastening element (31) has at least one, preferably a plurality of fastening sections (32a, 32b), wherein the fastening section (32a, 32b) has at least one fastening rail (33a, 33b) having at least one guide, in particular a guide gap (130a, 130b), wherein at least one guide element (111a, 111b) fastening the unit (100) to the radiator frame (12) is at least partially guided in the guide. [6] Cooling fan module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one guide element (111a, 111b) is designed to be inserted into the guide gap (130a, 130b), in particular to be clamped in the guide gap (130a, 130b). [7] Cooling fan module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the fastening element (31) has at least two fastening sections (32a, 32b), wherein the unit holder (102) is clamped between the fastening elements (32a, 32b). [8] Cooling fan module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fastening rails (33a, 33b) extend substantially perpendicular to a frame plane (14). [9] Cooling fan module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the guide elements (111a, 111b) each have a tapered section (122a, 122b) and a coupling section (124a, 124b) designed as an undercut, wherein the tapered section (122a, 122b) is arranged in the region of the guide gap (130a, 130b) and the coupling section (124a, 124b) is arranged on the side facing away from the unit (100). [10] Cooling fan module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the guide elements (111a, 111b) are substantially T-shaped, wherein preferably the main extension direction of the coupling section (124a, 124b) and the tapered section (122a, 122b) are arranged substantially perpendicular to one another. [11] Cooling fan module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one fastening rail (33a, 33b) has at least one locking element (150a, 150b), in particular a locking lug, in particular a locking element (150a, 150b) arranged at a distal end for the captive locking of the unit holder (102). [12] Cooling fan module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fastening section (32a, 32b) is formed in one piece with the radiator frame (12). [13] Cooling fan module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the unit holder (102) is formed in one piece from an elastomer, in particular consists of an elastomer. [14] Cooling fan module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the fastening element (31) for connecting the unit (100) is arranged in a radially outer edge region of the radiator frame (12). [15] Cooling fan module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the radiator frame (12) has a plurality of fastening elements (31a, 31b) for fastening at least one unit (100a, 100b) to the radiator frame (12). [16] Unit holder (102) for a cooling fan module, in particular for a cooling fan module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the unit holder (102) is designed as an elastic holder, in particular as an elastomer holder, having at least one receiving area (104) for the unit (100), characterized bythat the unit holder (102) has at least one guide section (106) which is designed to cooperate with a fastening section (32) of a radiator frame (12) of the vehicle for fastening the unit (100) to the radiator frame (12).

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