Fan arrangement for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a fan assembly (20) for a motor vehicle (2), comprising a fan (22) that includes an electric motor (24) with a radially projecting tab (48), and an annular motor mount (34) that has a guide slot (50) extending to a mounting position (52). A bayonet connection (46) is formed by means of the tab (48) and the guide slot (50), by means of which the electric motor (24) is attached to the motor mount (34). The mounting position (52) has a pin (72) that is guided through an opening (80) in the tab (48) and hot-stitched. The invention further relates to a radiator module (14) for a motor vehicle (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fan assembly for a motor vehicle, comprising a fan with an electric motor and an annular motor mount. The invention further relates to a radiator module for a motor vehicle.

[0002] Motor vehicles with an internal combustion engine generate considerable heat during operation. A cooling circuit with a coolant is used to maintain the engine's operating temperature. If the vehicle has an electric motor for propulsion, a high-voltage energy storage device is charged and discharged during operation, which also generates waste heat, requiring cooling of the high-voltage energy storage device. A coolant is used to maintain its operating temperature, which in turn requires cooling. Alternatively, especially if the high-voltage energy storage device needs to be cooled, a refrigerant from a refrigeration circuit is used. A corresponding refrigeration circuit is also used for temperature control of the vehicle's interior. During operation of the refrigeration circuit, the refrigerant used must be cooled.

[0003] To cool the coolant / refrigerant, a radiator exposed to airflow is typically used. This radiator has a core with several pipes through which the coolant / refrigerant flows, and which are thermally contacted with fins or similar elements that are exposed to the airflow. Thus, the excess heat from the coolant / refrigerant is dissipated to the airflow via the pipes and fins.

[0004] To ensure sufficient airflow through the radiator core when the vehicle is stationary, a fan is typically used. This fan has a fan wheel, driven, for example, by an electric motor, which creates an airflow. To direct the airflow through the radiator core, a fan shroud is usually employed. This shroud covers the radiator core, with one or more openings through which the air can pass. The fan wheel is located within one of these openings.

[0005] To enable a relatively simple drive of the fan wheel using the electric motor, it is necessary to position the motor primarily above the opening. A ring-shaped motor mount is typically used for this purpose. This mount is positioned above the opening and held in place by several struts attached to the edge of the opening. Usually, the motor mount and struts are integral with the other components of the fan housing, which is manufactured as a single piece using a plastic injection molding process.

[0006] The electric motor is typically attached to the motor mount using several screws. This ensures a secure connection while still allowing for replacement, for example, in case of a defect. However, the screws increase assembly time and complicate automated manufacturing. The number of required components also increases, complicating inventory management. Furthermore, material costs and weight are higher. Additionally, a locking mechanism is necessary to prevent the screws from loosening unintentionally, for example, due to vibration during operation. This adds further complexity.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of providing a particularly suitable fan arrangement for a motor vehicle and a particularly suitable cooling module for a motor vehicle, wherein assembly is advantageously simplified and / or manufacturing costs are reduced.

[0008] With regard to the fan arrangement, this problem is solved according to the invention by the features of claim 1, and with regard to the cooling module by the features of claim 10. Advantageous further developments and embodiments are the subject of the respective dependent claims.

[0009] The fan assembly is suitable, and in particular designed and configured, for mounting on a motor vehicle or at least for forming a component of the motor vehicle in its mounted state. The motor vehicle is suitably land-based and preferably multi-track. It is suitably possible to position the motor vehicle essentially freely, particularly on a roadway. For this purpose, the motor vehicle expediently has appropriate wheels. In summary, it is preferably possible to position the motor vehicle on land essentially independently of other conditions. In other words, the motor vehicle is suitably not rail-guided. Preferably, the motor vehicle is a passenger car or a commercial vehicle, such as a truck or bus.

[0010] The fan assembly includes a fan that incorporates an electric motor. The electric motor is, for example, a brushed commutator motor or, advantageously, a brushless motor. A brushless direct current (BLDC) motor is particularly preferred. The electric motor preferably comprises a stator and a rotor, the rotor being rotatably mounted about the stator around an axis of rotation, which thus corresponds to the axis of rotation of the electric motor. The electric motor is designed such that when current is applied to the electric motor, a rotating magnetic field is generated, causing the rotor to rotate relative to the stator. Preferably, the electric motor includes a housing that at least partially surrounds and thus protects the stator.

[0011] The rotor suitably drives a fan wheel of the fan, which is attached to the rotor, for example directly or indirectly. Preferably, the fan wheel is rotatably mounted on the rotor so that the axis of rotation of the fan wheel corresponds to the axis of rotation of the electric motor.

[0012] The fan wheel preferably has a hub through which the axis of rotation passes and which is attached to the rotor. Several fan blades are suitably attached to the hub, extending radially outwards from the hub with respect to the axis of rotation of the electric motor and, for example, being crescent-shaped. The fan blades are angled so that an airflow is generated when the rotor rotates and the fan wheel rotates as a result. In other words, the fan is designed and configured to generate an airflow when the electric motor is energized by means of the fan wheel.

[0013] The fan assembly further comprises a motor mount, which is ring-shaped. Advantageously, the motor mount is arranged concentrically to the axis of rotation of the electric motor. In particular, the motor mount lies in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The motor mount is preferably made of plastic and is particularly a single piece. Preferably, the motor mount is part of a fan shroud and is attached to a base body or other components of the fan shroud. For this purpose, one or more struts are advantageously attached to the outside of the motor mount, preferably molded onto it. The fan shroud suitably has a substantially round opening, which is concentric to the axis of rotation and by means of which the motor mount is surrounded, at least radially. The struts hold the motor mount inside the opening, in which the fan wheel is advantageously arranged in the assembled state.

[0014] The electric motor is advantageously mounted in the motor mount. In other words, at least part of the electric motor is enclosed by the motor mount and rests against it, for example, on the inside. Perhaps only the end face of the electric motor rests within the motor mount, or the electric motor protrudes at least partially through the motor mount. Thus, the electric motor is stabilized relatively comprehensively by the motor mount. Advantageously, the motor mount rests against the motor housing, preventing any movement of the electric motor relative to the motor mount. Furthermore, the housing prevents damage to the motor even under high forces acting between the electric motor and the motor mount.

[0015] The electric motor has a radially projecting tab, which is, in particular, part of the housing. The tab extends at least partially in a radial direction with respect to the axis of rotation of the electric motor and projects radially beyond other components of the electric motor. In other words, the tab forms the part of the electric motor that is furthest from the axis of rotation, for example, locally or preferably globally. The tab is, for example, rectangular or triangular. In particular, the tab is trapezoidal. Suitablely, the tab is essentially planar and / or arranged in a plane that is, in particular, perpendicular to the axis of rotation.

[0016] The motor mount has a guide slot that extends to a mounting position. The mounting position is formed by the motor mount and, in particular, represents the end of the guide slot. The other end of the guide slot, however, is open. Preferably, the guide slot extends in different directions and is, in particular, angled. Advantageously, the slot initially extends parallel to the axis of rotation, at least at the open end. In the area of ​​the mounting positions, the guide slot is advantageously essentially perpendicular to the axis of rotation and, advantageously, in a tangential direction.

[0017] A bayonet connection is formed by means of the tab and the guide slot. The electric motor is attached to the motor mount via this bayonet connection. Specifically, the tab and / or the guide slot are designed such that the bayonet connection between the electric motor and the motor mount is formed. For this purpose, the tab is inserted into the guide slot and is preferably located at the mounting position. To establish the bayonet connection, the tab is expediently first inserted into the guide slot and moved axially. Subsequently, the electric motor, and thus also the tab, is rotated at least slightly about its axis of rotation, so that the tab is moved tangentially until it reaches the mounting position.

[0018] In summary, the tab and the guide slot interact and are designed in such a way that the bayonet connection is formed. Due to the design of the guide slot, movement of the electric motor relative to the motor mount in the axial direction (also known as the axial direction, which is parallel to the axis of rotation) is no longer possible and is appropriately restricted by the contour of the guide slot. Thus, after the tab has been moved to the mounting position, only a reverse movement is permitted, namely in the tangential direction, followed by movement in the axial direction, so that the electric motor is detached from the motor mount.

[0019] The mounting position features a pin that passes through an opening in the tab. In other words, the tab has the opening within which the pin is seated. For example, an interference fit or, more advantageously, a clearance fit is formed between the pin and the opening, thus reducing the force required for assembly. Advantageously, the pin is an integral part of the motor mount and is formed onto it. The motor mount is preferably formed as a single piece. The pin is advantageously axially oriented, and after a tangential movement of the tab, i.e., the rotation of the electric motor during assembly, the tab is positioned onto the pin by means of a (slight) axial movement, particularly opposite to the insertion direction of the tab into the guide slot, so that the pin is seated in the opening. The pin is hot-stitched.In particular, the end of the pin that passes through the opening is plastically deformed. Preferably, due to hot riveting, the cross-section of the pin is enlarged at its end, thus preventing the tab from detaching from the pin. In other words, non-destructive removal of the pin from the opening is not possible.

[0020] The bayonet connection allows for relatively quick and easy mounting of the electric motor to the motor mount, without the need for any particularly expensive tools. This process can also be automated, thus reducing manufacturing time and costs. Because the pin is hot-stitched, the tabs cannot be moved back into position after they are finally in place, preventing the bayonet connection from loosening. This results in a relatively robust attachment of the electric motor to the motor mount.

[0021] No additional components are required, and hot riveting simply requires heating a punch which is pressed against the free end of the pin after it has been guided through the tab. This only requires deformation of a small part of the motor mount, thus reducing the overall effort. Furthermore, only minimal forces act on the elastically deformed part due to the bayonet connection, which lowers the requirements for hot riveting. Therefore, comparatively high manufacturing tolerances can be used, while still achieving sufficient deformation to prevent the tab from subsequently detaching.

[0022] In summary, the pin and the free end deformed by hot riveting primarily absorb radial and tangential forces, such as those generated by the electric motor. The comparatively large axial forces, on the other hand, are distributed over a relatively large area of ​​the tab, which bears flat against the mounting surface, particularly against a step formed there. This large-area distribution prevents damage and consequently increases robustness. Specifically, the tab sits flush against the motor mount, preferably the step, and is therefore held without play between the mount and the widened / deformed end of the pin. This completely prevents any movement of the electric motor that could otherwise lead to damage due to acceleration.The formation of unwanted noises is also prevented.

[0023] For example, the pin is made from solid material. This provides a comparatively large amount of material for hot riveting and increases robustness. However, a hollow cylindrical pin is particularly preferred, especially one with a blind hole that is open at the end opposite the mounting position or at least any step. This reduces material requirements. It also simplifies the production of the motor mount, particularly if it is manufactured as an injection-molded plastic part. This prevents the pin from warping when demolding. Furthermore, this design facilitates end deformation of the pin during hot riveting, as less material needs to be heated and deformed. Specifically, during hot riveting, the edge of the pin is bent / deformed outwards, resulting in a rosette-shaped end.For example, the punch used for hot riveting has a central mandrel that is inserted into the hollow cylindrical pin so that the punch is properly aligned, which facilitates assembly.

[0024] For example, the cross-section of the pin is round, particularly circular / annular if the pin is hollow cylindrical. This simplifies manufacturing. Alternatively, the cross-section of the pin is elliptical. In this case, the extended dimension is arranged particularly in the tangential direction with respect to the axis of rotation. Due to the elliptical shape, the surface area of ​​the pin is increased. This evens out and / or effectively absorbs the force acting on the pin via the tab. Preferably, the cross-section of the pin is enlarged in the direction in which the primary securing effect is required. The extension is suitably increased in the tangential direction, which increases the stiffness in this direction without requiring an increased installation space in the radial direction.This reduces the size and / or weight of the fan assembly.

[0025] For example, the cross-section of the pin is essentially constant. However, it is particularly preferred that the pin is conical, and the cross-section at the free end is smaller than in the area of ​​the pin located, in particular, in the area of ​​any step. As a result, insertion of the pin into the opening is facilitated, and the further movement of the electric motor, and thus of the tab, in the axial direction aligns and centers the tab. In other words, self-centering / self-alignment essentially occurs. Therefore, for example, a visual inspection of the tab's arrangement in the mounting position is not required, thus simplifying assembly.

[0026] For example, the mounting position is closed, except for the guide slot. However, it is particularly preferred that the mounting position is arranged in an open receptacle. This allows for visual inspection of the tab and the pin, thus improving quality control. It also provides a comparatively larger space for hot-stitching the pin, which simplifies the process. Furthermore, less material is required for the motor mount, reducing manufacturing costs and weight. Preferably, the receptacle is open in the axial direction. Thus, the receptacle is open at one end face of the motor mount. For example, the opening of the receptacle faces the electric motor, specifically the side where the majority of the electric motor is located.Preferably, however, this is located on the side of the motor mount facing away from the electric motor, or at least on the side facing away from any fan wheel. This prevents foreign particles from entering the receptacle when the fan wheel is operating. Furthermore, due to the operation of the fan wheel, the forces act axially in the direction of the fan wheel. Thus, despite the opening in the receptacle, a comparatively stable and secure contact of the tab with the motor mount is ensured, especially with regard to any step that expediently forms the bottom of the receptacle.

[0027] For example, the tab can be removed and / or positioned through the opening of the recess. However, a limiting rib preferably projects into the receptacle, by means of which the tab is at least partially covered. Here, the limiting rib is advantageously arranged in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The tab is located, particularly in the axial direction, between the limiting rib and the bottom of the receptacle, especially any step. Thus, removal of the tabs through the opening of the receptacle is prevented. Furthermore, the limiting rib acts as a stop for the tab during assembly, which facilitates installation.

[0028] For example, a stabilizing rib is attached to the motor mount, bearing against the edge of the tab. Advantageously, the stabilizing rib is integrally formed with the motor mount and preferably integral with it. The stabilizing rib is particularly plate-like in design and preferably arranged in a plane parallel to the axial direction. This reduces weight and prevents unwanted deformation during the manufacturing of the motor mount. The stabilizing rib guides the tab during assembly, ensuring that the opening is positioned correctly on the pin. For this purpose, the stabilizing rib is chamfered or curved, for example. Alternatively, or in combination, the stabilizing rib acts as a stop for the tab in the tangential direction.During operation, the stabilizing rib also absorbs radial and / or tangential forces, further increasing robustness. Advantageously, several such stabilizing ribs are present, which further enhances robustness. It is also possible to select comparatively large manufacturing tolerances, ensuring that the tab rests against at least one of the stabilizing ribs. Preferably, a receptacle is provided, which in particular has a surrounding edge. The stabilizing rib is specifically arranged on this edge. Thus, the surrounding edge is also stabilized by the stabilizing rib, improving mechanical integrity.

[0029] For example, the motor mount, with the exception of the guide slot and / or any receptacle, is made from a solid material. This increases its robustness. However, it is particularly preferred that the motor mount is at least partially recessed, thus reducing material costs and weight. The motor mount preferably has an inner wall and an outer wall, which define its radial boundaries. Recesses are advantageously provided in the radial direction between the inner and outer walls, which are suitably arranged concentrically to the axis of rotation. The inner and outer walls are suitably connected at one end, particularly in the axial direction. Thus, the motor mount has a substantially U-shaped cross-section in a plane parallel to and passing through the axis of rotation.As a result, manufacturing is simplified, and warping or other unwanted deformation is avoided during demolding, especially if the motor mount is designed as an injection-molded plastic part. Preferably, the inner and outer walls are connected by several structural ribs, which are integrally formed with and extend between the respective inner and outer walls. Advantageously, these ribs extend radially with respect to the axis of rotation, thus reducing material requirements. Preferably, the structural ribs are essentially plate-like, which simplifies manufacturing and reduces weight. The structural ribs improve torsional stiffness and thus increase robustness, while maintaining a comparatively low weight for the motor mount. In particular, the structural ribs are divided into several pairs.This makes it possible to specifically improve the structural integrity of the motor mount. Therefore, preferably at least one of the structural ribs is located in the area of ​​the mounting position.

[0030] For example, the electric motor has only a single tab and the motor mount only a single guide slot. This reduces complexity and manufacturing costs, simplifying the design. However, several such tabs and / or guide slots are particularly preferred, corresponding to the bayonet connection. Advantageously, one tab is inserted into each of the guide slots. Consequently, the bayonet connection is comparatively stable, and tilting of the electric motor relative to the motor mount is prevented. For example, only one of the tabs has the opening and the pin, thus preventing the electric motor from rotating relative to the motor mount. However, it is particularly preferred that each tab has the corresponding opening, and each guide slot terminates at its respective mounting position, which each has a pin.Each pin is guided through its corresponding opening and hot-stitched. This creates a relatively stable anti-rotation device.

[0031] Advantageously, the mounting tabs and guide slots are identical in design to their respective mounting positions. Thus, the electric motor also has multiple mounting tabs. For example, between two and ten such tabs / guide slots are present. These are suitably arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to the axis of rotation, so that the same angle is formed between each adjacent mounting tab / mounting position. This allows, in particular, the mounting of the electric motor in different positions. Preferably, fewer than five such mounting tabs / mounting positions are present, and expediently exactly three, with an angle between 100° and 140° formed between each adjacent mounting tab / mounting position. In this way, there is no overdetermination of the electric motor's position relative to the motor holder, but tilting of the electric motor relative to the motor holder is reliably prevented.For example, an angle of 120° is formed between each adjacent mounting tab / position with respect to the axis of rotation. Alternatively, at least two of the angles deviate from 120°, so that the electric motor can only be mounted in a single orientation relative to the motor holder. This ensures, in particular, that any connecting cable of the electric motor is always in a specific position.

[0032] The cooling module is for a motor vehicle and is therefore preferably an integral part of the vehicle when installed. Thus, the cooling module is suitable, specifically designed and configured, to be mounted on other components of the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle is preferably a land-based vehicle and, for example, a passenger car. Alternatively, the motor vehicle is a commercial vehicle, such as a truck or a bus.

[0033] In its installed state, the cooling module primarily serves to cool a fluid, particularly a coolant, which is circulated through the module during operation. The coolant is, for example, a refrigerant or a cooling fluid. Thus, the cooling module is, for instance, a component of a cooling circuit or a refrigerant circuit. For example, the coolant is used to cool the internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. If the cooling module is part of the refrigerant circuit, it is primarily used to cool the vehicle's energy storage devices, preferably batteries. Alternatively, the cooling module can be used to regulate the temperature of the vehicle's interior. In each case, the refrigerant circuit preferably includes an evaporator and / or a compressor.

[0034] The cooling module includes a fan shroud, which is suitably designed as an injection-molded part. In particular, the fan shroud is a single piece and / or made of plastic. The cooling module further comprises a fan assembly with a fan, which expediently includes a fan wheel. The fan is designed with an electric motor, so that the fan wheel is driven by an electric motor of the fan. In particular, the fan wheel is an axial fan wheel, so that when the fan wheel is operated, air is moved along its axis of rotation. The electric motor is, for example, a brushed commutator motor or, more preferably, a brushless DC motor (BLDC).The fan assembly further comprises an annular motor mount with a guide slot extending to a mounting position. The tab and the guide slot form a bayonet connection by means of which the electric motor is attached to the motor mount. The mounting position features a pin that passes through an opening in the tab and is hot-stitched.

[0035] The motor mount is provided by the fan shroud and is therefore, in particular, an integral part of the fan shroud. Consequently, the fan is attached to the fan shroud. Thus, the fan is stabilized by the fan shroud. In particular, the fan wheel is rotatably mounted relative to the fan shroud. The fan shroud suitably has an opening within which the fan wheel is preferably arranged. Advantageously, the motor mount is arranged within the opening or at least above the opening, both of which are suitably concentric to the axis of rotation of the electric motor, which is preferably the same as the axis of rotation of the fan wheel. For this purpose, several struts are provided in the fan shroud by means of which the motor mount is attached to the edge of the opening.

[0036] Preferably, the cooling module also includes a cooling core, which in particular has several pipes, for example made of metal, and which expediently extend between two so-called water tanks. The cooling core suitably includes several fins that bear against the outside of the pipes and are thermally contacted with them. In particular, the fan is arranged such that, during operation, air is drawn or blown through the cooling core, depending on the direction of rotation of the fan wheel. In this way, it is possible to increase or create an airflow through the cooling core, especially when there is no airflow from driving, for example, when the vehicle is stationary. The fan shroud directs the air flowing through the cooling core, and the formation of leakage air during fan operation, which would lead to a reduction in efficiency, is avoided.

[0037] Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with such a cooling module / fan arrangement.

[0038] The advantages and further developments mentioned in connection with the fan arrangement can also be applied analogously to the radiator module / the motor vehicle and to each other, and vice versa.

[0039] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 schematically a motor vehicle comprising a radiator module with a fan arrangement, Fig. 2, Fig. 3. From different perspectives, the fan assembly, which includes a motor mount and an electric motor, is attached to each other by means of a bayonet connection. Fig. 4. Perspective section showing a guide slot of the motor holder extending to a mounting position, which is associated with the bayonet connection, Fig. 5, Fig. 6. In perspective or in a sectional view, a tab of the electric motor arranged at the mounting position, which has an opening through which a pin of the motor holder is guided, and Fig. 7, Fig. 8. The hot-stitched tenon is shown in perspective or in a sectional view.

[0040] Corresponding parts are marked with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0041] In Fig. Figure 1 schematically simplifies the representation of a motor vehicle 2 in the form of a passenger car. The motor vehicle 2 has several wheels 4, which rest on a road surface (not shown) and are attached to a body 6 of the motor vehicle 2 by means of a chassis. The motor vehicle 2 includes a cooling element 8, which is, for example, designed as an internal combustion engine, by means of which at least some of the wheels 4 are driven. If the motor vehicle 2 is purely electric, the cooling element 8 is, for example, an energy storage device. In another alternative, the cooling element 8 is a component of an air conditioning system.

[0042] Depending on the design of the element 8 to be cooled, it is a component of a cooling circuit or refrigeration circuit 10, which has several lines 12 connecting the element 8 to a cooling module 14. Within these lines 12, depending on the design of the cooling circuit / refrigeration circuit 10, a coolant or refrigerant is conveyed from the element 8 to the cooling module 14, by means of which the element 8 is cooled. For this purpose, the cooling module 14 is fluidically connected to the lines 12. The cooling module 14 has a radiator core 16, which is arranged essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. A fan shroud 18, which covers the radiator core 16 and is attached to it, is located behind the radiator core 16 in the direction of travel.

[0043] The air passing through the radiator core 16 is directed by means of the fan shroud 18, thus increasing efficiency. When the vehicle 2 is in motion, the airflow is used to cool the radiator core 16.

[0044] To ensure sufficient airflow through the radiator core 16 even when the vehicle 2 is stationary, a fan assembly 20 is provided. This assembly comprises a fan 22 with an electric motor 24 and a fan wheel 26 driven by the motor. The fan wheel 26 is directly attached to the electric motor 24, so that the axis of rotation of the fan wheel 26 corresponds to the axis of rotation 28 of the electric motor 24. The axis of rotation 28, which defines an axial direction 30, is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and the fan wheel 26 is perpendicular to this axis and located in a circular opening 32 of the fan housing 18. By operating the fan 22, it is thus possible to generate an airflow so that air is drawn through the radiator core 16 even when the vehicle 2 is stationary.

[0045] To stabilize the fan wheel 26 in the opening 32 of the fan housing 18, a motor mount 34 of the fan assembly 20 is provided. The motor mount 34, which is a component of the fan housing 18, is ring-shaped and arranged in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation 28 and concentric to the axis of rotation 28. The motor mount 34 is slightly offset in the axial direction 30 with respect to the opening 32 and is held there by several struts 36 of the fan housing 18. The struts 36, the motor mount 34, and the other components of the fan housing 18 are integrally formed, and the complete fan housing 18 is manufactured as a single injection-molded plastic part. In summary, the motor mount 34 is provided by means of the fan housing 18.

[0046] In Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows the fan assembly 20 in perspective, which has the ring-shaped motor mount 34 made of plastic. In this figure, Fig. 2 the one facing the fan wheel 26 and in Fig. Figure 3 shows the end face facing away from the fan wheel. The electric motor 24 is partially inserted into the annular motor holder 34 at its end face. A cylindrical or cup-shaped housing 38 of the electric motor 24 rests against the inside of the motor holder 34, so that the electric motor 24 is inserted into the motor holder 34.

[0047] A stator 40 of the electric motor 24, comprising several electrical coils 42, is enclosed by a sheet-metal housing 38. A rotor 44 is circumferentially surrounded by the stator 40 and is also arranged concentrically to the axis of rotation 28. The rotor 44 is rotatably mounted about the axis of rotation 28 by means of bearings (not shown). The rotor 44 has several permanent magnets, and the electric motor 24 is a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor. The fan wheel 26 is mechanically attached directly to the rotor 44.

[0048] The electric motor 24 is attached to the motor mount 34 by means of a bayonet connection 46. Three tabs 48 of the electric motor 34 are associated with the bayonet connection 46. These tabs are essentially trapezoidal and arranged in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation 28. The tabs 48 are integrally formed with the housing 38 by means of a corresponding punched-out area of ​​the sheet metal. The tabs 48 are positioned at a greater distance from the axis of rotation 28 than the remaining components of the electric motor 24. Three guide slots 50, formed by the motor mount 34, are also associated with the bayonet connection 46. Each guide slot 50 extends to a mounting position 52, which thus represents the end of the respective guide slot 50. One of the tabs 48 is arranged in each guide slot 50, specifically at the respective mounting position 52.In summary, the electric motor 34 has three radially projecting tabs 48 and the ring-shaped motor holder 34 has three guide slots 50.

[0049] The tabs 48 / mounting positions 52 are arranged rotationally symmetrically with respect to the axis of rotation 28, such that an angle of 120° is formed between each adjacent tab 48 / mounting positions 52. Between two of the tabs 48 / mounting positions 52, a recess 54 is provided on the end face of the motor holder 34 facing the fan wheel 26. This recess extends radially, i.e., perpendicular to the axis of rotation 28. In the assembled state, a connecting cable 56 of the electric motor 24 rests in this recess.

[0050] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of one of the guide slots 50, which ends in the respective mounting position 52. The mounting position 52 is located in a receptacle 58, which is designed as a cylindrical blind hole and is inserted into the end face of the motor mount 34 facing away from the fan wheel 26. The receptacle 58 is at least partially bounded by a hollow cylindrical surround 60. The surround 60 runs between an inner wall 62 and an outer wall 64 of the motor mount 34, both of which are designed as hollow cylinders and arranged concentrically to the axis of rotation 28. The outer wall 64 surrounds the inner wall 62, forming a gap.The ends of the inner wall 62 and the outer wall 64 facing the fan wheel 26 in the axial direction 30 are connected by means of an annular and radially extending web 66 forming the end face, so that the motor holder 34 has a mostly u-shaped cross-section with respect to a section plane that is parallel to and encompasses the axis of rotation 28.

[0051] The inner wall 62 and the outer wall 64 are connected by means of several radially extending structural ribs 68. These structural ribs 68 are located in the area of ​​the guide slots 50, so that the mechanical integrity of the motor mount 34 is not impaired.

[0052] The guide slot 50 begins on the end face facing the fan wheel 26 and initially extends axially to approximately half the length of the motor mount 34 in the axial direction 30. The guide slot 50 then bends and runs tangentially with respect to the axis of rotation 28 to the mounting position 52. Due to the open receptacle 58, a substantially Z-shaped cross-section is formed in the tangential direction. In summary, the mounting position 52 is thus located within the open receptacle 58.

[0053] The mounting position 52 has a circular step 70, which lies in a radial plane, and to which a hollow cylindrical pin 72 is integrally formed. The pin 72 extends in the axial direction 30 and is formed centrally on the circular step 70, by means of which the mounting position 52 is partially limited on the side facing the fan wheel 26. The pin 72 does not have a constant cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction 30, but is conical. The cross-section decreases with increasing distance from the step 70. The cross-section of the pin 72 is also slightly elliptical. In a variant not shown in detail, however, the cross-section of the pin 72 is round.

[0054] From the rim 60 to the step 70, several ribs 74 and a stabilizing rib 76 run along the base of the recess 58. This stabilizing rib is essentially plate-like and has an increased extent, namely along the entire length of the rim 60 in the axial direction 30. At the end of the recess 58 opposite the step 70, an essentially triangular limiting rib 78 is formed on the rim 60. This limiting rib 78 is also plate-like but is arranged in a radial plane. Thus, the limiting rib 78 projects into the recess 58.

[0055] For assembly, each tab 48 is inserted axially 30 from the end face facing the fan wheel 26 into its respective guide slot 50 until, due to the angle of the guide slot 50, movement is only possible in the tangential direction. The complete electric motor 24 is then rotated with respect to the axis of rotation 28, so that the tabs 48 are moved into their respective receptacles 58 until they abut the corresponding stabilizing rib 76. The limiting ribs 78, which cover the respective tabs 48, prevent the tabs 48 from moving out on the opposite end face.

[0056] Following this, the electric motor 24 is moved again in the axial direction 30, but now towards the fan wheel 26. The tabs 48 slide along the respective associated stabilizing rib 76, which are chamfered and inclined. The stabilizing ribs 76 are designed such that an opening 80 of the respective tab 48 is placed onto the pin 72 of the respective mounting position 52.

[0057] Due to the conical shape of the pin 72, a gap is initially formed between the pin 72 and the edge of the opening 80, which is closed when the tab 48 rests flush against the step 70, as shown in Fig. 5 perspective and in Fig. Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view. The stabilizing rib 76 is attached to the edge of the respective tab 48. The bayonet connection 46 is then completed.

[0058] To secure the bayonet connection 46, the pin 72 is subsequently hot-stitched using a punch (not shown in detail), so that a rim 82 of the pin 72 opposite the step 70 is bent outwards in a rosette shape and overlaps the rim of the opening 80, as shown in Fig. 5 perspective and in Fig. Figure 6 shows a sectional view. Consequently, non-destructive removal of the tabs 48 from the pins 72 is no longer possible. Thus, movement of the tabs 48, and therefore also of the electric motor 26, relative to the motor holder 34 is completely prevented. During hot riveting, a central mandrel of the punch used is immersed in the central recess of the pin 72, ensuring proper centering.

[0059] In summary, each mounting position 52 thus has the respective pin 72, which is guided through the opening 80 of the associated tab 48 and hot-stitched. Therefore, no additional components are required to create and secure the attachment of the electric motor 24 to the motor holder 34, and the securing can be carried out from the side opposite the fan wheel 26, which, in conjunction with the open receptacle 58, provides a comparatively large amount of space. Thus, the assembly is relatively easy to carry out.

[0060] The invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. Rather, other variants of the invention can also be derived by a person skilled in the art without departing from the subject matter of the invention. In particular, all individual features described in connection with the embodiment can also be combined with one another in other ways without departing from the subject matter of the invention. Reference symbol list 2 motor vehicles 4-wheeler 6 Bodywork 8. Element to be cooled 10 Cooling circuit / refrigeration circuit 12 Line 14 Cooling module 16 Cooling core 18 fan shroud 20 fan arrangement 22 fans 24 Electric motor 26 fan wheel 28 Rotation axis 30 Axial direction 32 Opening of the fan frame 34 Motor mounts 36 Strut 38 cases 40 Stator 42 electrical coil 44 Rotor 46 Bayonet connection 48 tab 50 guide slots 52 Mounting position 54 In-depth study 56 connection cables 58 recording 60 border 62 Interior wall 64 Exterior wall 66 Bridge 68 structural rib Level 70 72 cones 74 rib 76 stabilizing rib 78 Boundary rib 80 opening 82 Rand

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