COOLING FAN MODULE FOR A MOTOR VEHICLE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a cooling fan module according to the preamble of the independent claim. State of the art

[0002] Component mounts are already known from the prior art. These are generally attached to body components. To provide a sufficiently stable connection, such component mounts have stiffening elements in the connection area to the body, such as additional metal mounting components.

[0003] Devices in which pump units are attached to a radiator fan frame have become known through FR 2 965 297 A1 and US 6 016 774 A.

[0004] US 2014 / 299735 A1, DE 10 2014 208395 A1, DE 10 2014 224978 A1 and WO 2020 / 083495 A1 show pump units which are mounted in a unit holder by means of different decoupling elements, which is attached, for example, directly to the motor vehicle. Disclosure of the invention Advantages of the invention

[0005] The invention relates to a radiator fan module for a vehicle, comprising a radiator frame and an assembly module attached to the radiator frame, comprising an elastic assembly holder and an assembly received in the assembly holder, wherein the assembly holder has an inner recess enclosing the assembly.

[0006] It is proposed that the radiator frame has a spreading element designed to spread the inner recess of the unit holder.

[0007] The radiator fan module according to the invention, with the features of the independent claim, has the advantage that the unit can be mounted in the vehicle in a particularly cost-optimized and space-saving manner. At the same time, due to the radial gap created by the spreading design between the unit holder and the unit, vibrations between the unit and the radiator shroud can be advantageously reduced, thus reducing noise transmission.

[0008] A unit of the type under discussion here can be, in particular, a pump, most preferably a cooling circuit pump. The unit holder is preferably designed to accommodate the unit. Preferably, the unit is inserted into the unit holder. Most 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 outside the spreading sections.

[0009] A radiator fan module of the type discussed here can be used, for example, to cool engine components in a vehicle. Typically, such a radiator fan module has a fan wheel mounted in the radiator shroud, in addition to the shroud itself.

[0010] Within the scope of the present invention, a spreading element can be understood as a means suitable for transmitting such a large spreading force to the aggregate holder that the aggregate holder detaches locally from the aggregate and, at the same time, sufficient surface pressure for fastening to the aggregate outside the spreading sections can be provided. Within the scope of the present invention, a spreading element can, in particular, be understood as a guide element designed to transmit this spreading force to the aggregate holder. Preferably, the spreading element is designed as a combination of an inclined guide element and a locking element.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spreading element expands the aggregate holder in a spreading section such that a radial gap is formed between the inner recess of the aggregate holder and the aggregate. Preferably, the radial gap has a size of at least 0.2 mm. Preferably, in the spreading section, the inner recess of the aggregate holder and the aggregate, in particular a lateral surface of the aggregate, are spaced apart from each other.

[0012] According to the invention, the radiator frame comprises a first guide element and a second guide element, which is connected to the first guide element. According to the invention, the guide elements each interact positively with a corresponding fastening element of the component holder. Particularly preferably, the guide element engages positively with the fastening element. Particularly preferably, the guide element can be inserted into the fastening element. According to the invention, each guide element has an expanding element section. According to the invention, the expanding element sections are designed to deform the inner recess in a corresponding expanding section.

[0013] Within the scope of the present invention, a fastening element is understood to be an element designed to form a pair of contact surfaces with the guide element during the mounting of the unit holder to the radiator frame, thereby restricting the degree of freedom of the unit holder. The guide element is thus designed, by virtue of its shape, to form a direct pair of contact surfaces with the fastening element. Preferably, the guide element is received by the fastening element. Such a positive-locking connection allows for easy insertion or sliding of the unit holder. Mounting and dismounting of the unit are thus significantly simplified. Preferably, the guide elements are arranged at intervals from one another on the radiator frame. Preferably, the guide elements are spaced apart from one another such that the unit can be positioned between the guide elements.The distance between the guide elements is therefore preferably greater than the assembly diameter. Preferably, the radiator fan module has exactly two guide elements. The flexible assembly holder can thus be advantageously suspended between the guide elements and requires no additional stiffening elements, such as metal brackets. The assembly process of the assembly holder in the vehicle can therefore be advantageously reduced by at least one step: the installation of the stiffening element. It is conceivable that a wide variety of customer-specific assembly holders could correspond to a predefined design of the guide elements, so that assemblies of various performance classes could be mounted on the radiator shroud.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the inner recess of the aggregate holder, in the assembled state, lies outside the spreader sections essentially completely, and in particular in full contact with the aggregate.

[0015] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the inner recess has a substantially cylindrical contour before being mounted on the guide elements of the radiator frame, wherein the spreading element sections are designed to pull the inner recess radially outwards from the cylindrical contour in the respective spreading section. This is preferably achieved by a combination of the spreading angle and the spreading hooks. Preferably, the spreading element sections are designed to apply a first spreading force and a second spreading force to the unit holder, wherein the spreading force vectors of the spreading forces are preferably oriented substantially opposite to each other.

[0016] An advantageous further development of the invention provides that the fastening elements of the aggregate holder are arranged on a radial outer side of the aggregate holder, in particular essentially diametrically opposite each other.

[0017] Preferably, the spreading sections each cover a circumferential angle of the essentially cylindrical inner recess between 35° and 85°, particularly between 50° and 70°, and most preferably between essentially 60°. In the remaining area of ​​the circumference, the inner recess preferably makes contact with the assembly. In this way, it can be ensured that both noise damping and the fastening function are guaranteed.

[0018] Preferably, the radius of the spreading sections in the assembled state differs from the radius of the inner recess in the unassembled state. Preferably, after assembly to the guide elements of the radiator frame, the inner recess has a non-circular, in particular a substantially oval, contour due to the bulging of the spreading sections.

[0019] According to a particularly cost-effective and easy-to-assemble embodiment of the invention, the spreading element sections have spreading hooks designed to transmit the spreading force to the aggregate holder. It is also conceivable that the spreading element sections are designed as spreading hooks, in particular as locking hooks, wherein the fastening elements each have a receptacle for the spreading hooks. A particularly stable connection can preferably be provided by designing the receptacle as a stop surface in the respective fastening element.

[0020] A particularly stable, easy-to-manufacture device can preferably be provided by forming the aggregate holder, including the fastening elements, in one piece and / or by forming the guide elements and the respective spreading element section in one piece.

[0021] Preferably, the radial gap, i.e., the radial distance between the assembly and the inner recess of the assembly holder of the respective spreading section, decreases with increasing distance from the point of force application of the spreading element section on the assembly holder. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spreading section is essentially crescent-shaped.

[0022] An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the guide elements are arranged inclined towards the unit on the radiator frame, in particular at an angle of spread between 1° and 20°, preferably between 2° and 15°, and most preferably between 3° and 10° to the normal of the radiator frame surface. This angle of spread allows the unit holder to be opened particularly easily during insertion. Preferably, the guide elements are integrally formed on the radiator frame.

[0023] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the aggregate holder is formed in one piece from an elastomer. Preferably, the aggregate holder consists of an elastomer, in particular an elastomer.

[0024] An advantageous embodiment of the invention further provides that the guide elements are arranged in a radially outer edge region of the cooler frame. Drawings

[0025] The drawings show exemplary embodiments of the radiator fan module and the unit holder, which are explained in more detail in the following description. They show Figure 1 a section of a perspective view of a cooling fan module with a clamped unit, Figure 2 a section of a perspective view of a cooling fan module, which is shown without the unit for improved illustration, Figure 3a a component holder before mounting on a radiator frame, Figure 3b a component holder before mounting on a radiator frame

[0026] Fig. 1Figure 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 covers substantially the air passage area of ​​the radiator. The radiator fan module 10 is usually arranged on the rear side of the radiator (as viewed in the direction of airflow), but in other cases it can also be arranged in front of the air inlet area of ​​the radiator (as viewed in the direction of airflow).

[0027] The radiator fan module 10 has a radiator shroud 12, which is preferably provided with suitable fastening elements for attaching it, and thus the radiator fan module, to a radiator or the body of a vehicle. The radiator shroud 12 preferably has a substantially closed shroud cover 14. The radiator shroud 12 also preferably has a substantially circular blower opening 18. Preferably, the shroud cover 14 covers the area of ​​the radiator shroud 12 outside the blower opening 18 to prevent air from passing through, so that air passing through the air passage area of ​​a radiator flows substantially, preferably completely, through the blower opening 18 and thus through a fan wheel 26. Preferably, the radiator shroud 12 has struts that serve to support a blower motor (not shown here), in particular an electric motor, in the opening 18 of the shroud.The electric motor is preferably connected to a fan or blower wheel, which has fan blades that are preferably connected to each other centrally via a fan hub.

[0028] The cooler frame 12 is preferably made primarily of plastic and can, for example, be manufactured by injection molding. A unit module 100 is attached to the cooler frame 12, in particular to the frame cover 14. The unit module 100 comprises an elastic unit holder 101 with a unit 102 accommodated in the unit holder 101. The unit 102 can, in particular, be a pump, especially preferably a cooling circuit pump. The unit holder 101 is preferably designed as an elastomer holder and preferably consists entirely of an elastomer.

[0029] Figure 1Figure 1 shows an embodiment in which the unit 102 is designed as a pump. The pump 102 is arranged and mounted in a unit holder 101. For the purpose of attaching the unit to the radiator frame 12, the unit holder 101 has a first mounting element 32a and a second mounting element 32b. The mounting elements 32a and 32b each interact with a guide element 34a and 34b of the radiator frame 12, respectively. Preferably, the guide elements 34a and 34b engage positively with the mounting elements 32a and 32b.

[0030] Pump 102, for example, has a pump pressure port. Depending on the corresponding connection point on the vehicle, the pump pressure port must be mounted at a specific angle relative to the radiator shroud 12. Pump 102 is used as an example of a vehicle component.

[0031] As in Figure 1As can be clearly seen, the guide elements 34a, 34b of the radiator frame 12 are spaced apart from one another. The unit holder 101 is suspended between the guide elements 34a, 34b by means of the fastening elements 32a, 32b in a two-sided clamping arrangement. 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. Preferably, the guide elements 32 are arranged in a radially outer edge region of the radiator frame 12. Preferably, the guide elements 32a, 32b are arranged as far away from the fan hub as possible on the radiator frame 12. Preferably, the guide elements 32a, 32b are arranged in a connection area of ​​the radiator frame 12 on the vehicle.

[0032] According to the in Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the guide elements 34a, 34b are spaced further apart from each other in the connection area than the width of the assembly 102, so that the assembly 102 can be clamped centrally between the guide elements. The assembly holder has an internal recess 104. The internal recess 104 is preferably arranged opposite the radial outer surface 106. The internal recess 15 is preferably the inner surface of the assembly holder 101 that faces the assembly 102. The internal recess 104 preferably makes contact with the assembly 102 over a substantial circumferential area of ​​the assembly 102.

[0033] The radiator frame 12 now has a spreading element 15, which is designed to spread the inner receptacle 104 of the unit holder 101. The spreading element 15 preferably spreads the unit holder 101 in a spreading section such that a radial gap is formed between the inner receptacle 104 of the unit holder 101 and the unit 102. In other words, in the spreading section 17a, 17b, the inner receptacle is pulled away from the unit 102 such that the inner receptacle 104 no longer makes contact with the outer surface of the unit 102 in this section. This radial gap can particularly advantageously dampen vibrations and oscillations between the unit and the radiator frame and thus act as a damping and noise decoupling element.

[0034] Figure 2Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the unit holder 101 in a position mounted on the radiator frame 12. For clearer visibility of the spreading element sections 15a, 15b, as well as the spreading sections 17a, 17b, the following is shown in Figure 1: Figure 2 The unit 102 is not shown. The cooler frame 12 preferably has a first guide element 34a and a second guide element 34b. The guide elements 34a and 34b preferably project beyond the contour of the cover surface 14 of the cooler frame 12. In the assembled state, the unit 102 is arranged centrally between the guide elements 34a and 34b. To attach the unit holder 101 to the cooler frame 12, it is provided that each fastening element 34a and 34b interacts with a corresponding guide element 34a and 34b.

[0035] Preferably, the guide elements 34a, 34b extend beyond the contour of the cooler frame plane. The guide elements 34a, 34b are preferably designed as projections. Preferably, each guide element 34a, 34b has an insertion slot 200a, 200b. Preferably, the guide elements 34a, 34b are designed as essentially thin-walled projections. The insertion slot 200a, 200b is preferably open on one side so that the corresponding fastening element 32a, 32b can be inserted from the opening side.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the guide elements 34a, 34b are each inclined towards the assembly 102 on the cooler frame 12. According to the Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the guide elements are each arranged at an angle of spread α between 1° and 20°, preferably between 2° and 15°, and particularly preferably between 3° and 10°, to the normal 204a, 204b of the cooler frame surface. According to an advantageous further development of the invention, the insertion slots 200a, 200b have the same angle of spread α. Due to the angle of spread α, the unit holder 102 is pulled locally radially outwards during clamping, so that the corresponding spreading sections 17a, 17b are formed.

[0037] According to the in Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the guide elements 34a, 34b each have a spreading element section 15a, 15b of the spreading element 15. The spreading element sections 15a, 15b are preferably designed as spreading lugs or locking lugs. By inserting the guide element 34a, 34b at the spreading angle α, the pair of contact surfaces between the spreading lug and a corresponding receptacle 201a, 201b formed on the fastening element 322a, 32b allows the inner receptacle 104 to be locally released from the assembly such that a radial gap is created in the corresponding spreading section 17a, 17b between the inner receptacle 104 of the assembly holder and the minimally spaced outer surface of the assembly 102. This spreading section 17a, 17b significantly influences the damping and decoupling behavior.In other words, the spreading element 15 is able to locally release the inner receptacle 104 from the assembly over a relatively small area without negatively affecting the fastening function between the assembly holder and the assembly.

[0038] The guide elements 34a, 34b are preferably formed in one piece with the cooler frame 12. The connecting elements 35a, 35b are preferably injection-molded to the frame cover 14 using an injection molding process.

[0039] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the outer surface of the assembly 102 and the inner receptacle 104 are spaced apart from each other in the spreading section 17a, 17b of the inner receptacle 104. Preferably, this distance is between 0.5 and a few millimeters. The inner receptacle 104 of the assembly holder 101 is deformed, in particular elastically deformed, by the respective spreading element sections 15a, 15b in a first spreading section 17a and a second spreading section 17b. Outside the spreading sections 17a, 17b, the inner receptacle is in contact with the outer outer surface of the assembly 102.

[0040] Preferably, the first spreading element section 15a and the second spreading element section 15b each exert a first spreading force F1 and a second spreading force F2 on the aggregate holder 101. Preferably, the spreading force vectors of the spreading forces F1 and F2 are oriented essentially oppositely to each other. As in Figure 2As can be seen, according to an advantageous embodiment, the fastening elements 32a, 32b are each arranged on an outer surface 106 of the aggregate holder. Preferably, the fastening elements 32a, 32b are essentially opposite each other. Preferably, the aggregate holder 101, comprising the fastening elements 32a, 32b, is formed in one piece.

[0041] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the spreading sections 17a, 17b each cover a circumferential angle φa, φb between 35° and 85°, particularly between 50° and 70°, and most preferably substantially 60°, of the inner recess 104. In this way, a sufficiently large damping effect can be provided while simultaneously securing the mounting of the assembly in the assembly holder. Due to the expansion of the assembly holder by the spreading element 15, the inner recess of the assembly holder 101 has a non-circular contour in the assembled state. Preferably, the contour is partially oval. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the radius R2a, R2b of the spreading sections 17a, 17b in the assembled state differs from the radius R1 of the inner recess 104 to the center point.

[0042] Figure 3a shows an aggregate holder 101 before mounting it on the radiator frame 12, Figure 3bAfter assembly. Before assembly, the inner recess 104 is cylindrical and preferably has an inner radius R1. The fastening elements 32a, 32b are arranged on the radial outer side of the unit holder 191. Each fastening element 32a, 32b preferably has an insertion slot 200a, 200b into which the guide element 34a, 34b, arranged on the radiator frame 12, is inserted. The guide elements 34a, 34b project beyond the contour of the radiator frame plane. As in Figure 3aAs can be clearly seen, the guide elements 34a, 34b have an angle of spread αa, αb with respect to the normal 204a, 204b of the cooler frame surface. Preferably, both angles of spread αa, αb are essentially equal. Preferably, the angle of spread is between 1° and 20°, preferably between 2° and 15°, and particularly preferably between 3° and 10°. When the guide element 34a, 34b is inserted into the corresponding inclined insertion slot 200a, 200b, the unit holder is pulled radially outwards in the area of ​​the fastening element 32a, 32b such that the spreading sections 17a, 17b are created within which the inner receptacle 104 no longer makes contact with the unit 100 to be fastened. The guide elements 32a, 32b preferably have a locking lug or locking hook at their distal end.Preferably, this locking hook rests against a receptacle 201a, 201b of the fastening element 32a, 32b in the assembled state, so that a pair of effective surfaces can be provided for the transmission of the spreading forces to the inner receptacle 104.

[0043] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the receptacles 201a, 201b are designed as stop surfaces in the fastening element 32a, 32b. The locking hooks preferably engage in a form-fitting manner in the receptacle 201a, 201b, which is designed as an undercut.

[0044] Figure 3b Figure 1 shows the aggregate holder 101 and the guide elements 34a, 34b in a mounted position. As shown in Figure 3bAs can be clearly seen, a spreading force F1, F2 is transmitted to the aggregate holder 101 via the guide elements 34a, 34b. The spreading sections 17a, 17b each form a circumferential angle αa, αb between 35° and 85°, particularly between 50° and 70°, and most preferably substantially 60°, of the inner receptacle 104. In the area of ​​the spreading sections 17a, 17b, the aggregate holder 101 and the aggregate 102 are spaced apart from each other. Outside the spreading sections 17a, 17b, the inner receptacle 104 is in contact with the aggregate 102 in the assembled state.

[0045] By pulling apart the aggregate holder 102 using the spreading elements 15a, 15b, the inner recess 104 of the aggregate holder 101 has a non-circular contour in the assembled state. Preferably, the contour is oval in sections. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the radius R2a, R2b of the spreading sections 17a, 17b differs from the radius R1 of the inner recess 104 to the center point in the assembled state.

Claims

1. Cooler-fan module (10) for a vehicle, having a cooler shroud (12) and a unit module (100) which is fastened to the cooler shroud (10), said unit module having an elastic unit holder (101) and a unit (102) which is accommodated in the unit holder (101), wherein the unit holder (101) has an inner receptacle (104) surrounding the unit (102), characterized in that the cooler shroud (12) has a spreading element (15, 15a, 15b) which is configured to spread the inner receptacle (104) of the unit holder (101), wherein the cooler shroud (12) has a first guide element (34a) and a second guide element (34b), which is spaced apart from the first guide element (34a), wherein the guide elements (34a, 34b) respectively interact in a form-fitting manner with a first fastening element (32a) and a second fastening element (32b) of the unit holder (101), wherein the guide elements (34a, 34b) respectively have a first spreading-element section (15a) and a second spreading-element section (15b) of the spreading element (15), and wherein the inner receptacle (104) of the unit holder (101) is configured so as to be deformed by the spreading-element sections (15a, 15b) in a first spreading section (17a) and in a second spreading section (17b).

2. Cooler-fan module (10) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the spreading element (15, 15a, 15b) spreads the unit holder (101) in a spreading section (17a, 17b) in such a way that a radial gap is formed between the inner receptacle (104) of the unit holder (101) and the unit (102).

3. Cooler-fan module (10) according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the spreading section (17a, 17b), the inner receptacle (104) of the unit holder (101) and the unit (102), in particular a lateral surface of the unit (102), are configured so as to be spaced apart from one another.

4. Cooler-fan module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner receptacle (104) abuts substantially completely against the unit (102) outside the spreading sections (17a, 17b).

5. Cooler-fan module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, prior to the mounting on the guide elements (34a, 34b) of the cooler shroud (12), the inner receptacle (104) has a substantially cylindrical contour, wherein the spreading-element sections (15a, 15b) are configured such that, in the respective spreading sections (17a, 17b), the inner receptacle is pulled radially outwards from the cylindrical contour.

6. Cooler-fan module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first spreading-element section (15a) and the second spreading-element section (15b) respectively apply a first spreading force (F1) and a second spreading force (F2) to the unit holder (101), wherein the spreading-force vectors of the spreading forces (F1, F2) are oriented oppositely in relation to one another.

7. Cooler-fan module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening elements (32a, 32b) of the unit holder (102) are arranged, in particular diametrically oppositely, on a radial outer side (106) of the unit holder (102).

8. Cooler-fan module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that that the spreading sections (17a, 17b) respectively cover a circumferential angle (φa, φb) of between 35° and 85°, in particular of between 50° and 70°, particularly preferably of substantially 60°.

9. Cooler-fan module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radius (R2a, R2b) of the spreading sections (17a, 17b) in the mounted state differs from the radius (R1) of the inner receptacle (104) in the non-mounted state.

10. Cooler-fan module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, after the mounting on the guide elements (34a, 34b) of the cooler shroud (12), the inner receptacle (104) has a non-round, in particular substantially oval, contour.

11. Cooler-fan module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spreading-element sections (15a, 15b) are in the form of spreading hooks, in particular latching hooks, wherein in particular the fastening elements (32a, 32b) respectively have a receptacle (201a, 201b) for the spreading hooks.

12. Cooler-fan module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receptacle (201a, 201b) is in the form of a stop surface in the respective fastening element (32a, 32b).

13. Cooler-fan module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the unit holder (101), having the fastening elements (32a, 32b), is formed in one piece, and / or in that the guide elements (34a, 34b) and the respective spreading-element sections (15a, 15b) are formed in one piece.

14. Cooler-fan module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide elements (34a, 34b) are arranged on the cooler shroud (12) so as to be inclined in the direction of the unit (102), in particular at a spreading angle (α) of between 1° and 20°, preferably of between 2° and 15°, particularly preferably of between 3° and 10°, to the cooler-shroud surface normal (204a, 204b).

15. Cooler-fan module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide elements (32) are arranged in a radially outer peripheral region of the cooler shroud (12).