Fan for a Motor Vehicle

Abstract

A fan for a motor vehicle with a fan wheel that can rotate about a rotational axis is provided. The fan wheel has an outer ring, an inner ring, and at least one blade. The blade has a first section connected to the outer ring, and a second section connected to the inner ring. The first section is at a first angle between 70° and 110° to the outer ring, and a second angle other than zero to the second section of the blade.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from German Patent Application No. 10 2024 129 866.9, filed on Oct. 15, 2024, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0002] The invention relates to a fan for a motor vehicle that has a fan wheel, and a motor vehicle with such a fan.

[0003] A fan can be used in a motor vehicle to convey air from a fresh air intake—e.g. the grille at the front—to the engine compartment. These fans normally comprise a fan wheel and a frame for the fan wheel. Turbulence in the airflow generated by the fan can create noises and have a negative impact on the fan's performance.

[0004] The object of the invention is to therefore create a better, or at least different, fan design that overcomes the disadvantages specified above.

[0005] This object is achieved with the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0006] The fan obtained with the invention is intended and designed for a motor vehicle. It comprises a fan wheel that rotates about an axis, which has an outer ring and an inner ring. The outer ring encircles the rotational axis, at a distance thereto, and is radially outside the inner ring. The inner ring encircles the rotational axis, at a distance thereto, and is radially inside the outer ring. The outer ring has a first surface, which encircles and is parallel to the rotational axis, and lies opposite the inner ring. The inner ring has a second surface, which encircles and is parallel to the rotational axis, and lies opposite the outer ring. The fan wheel has at least one blade, which has a first section and a second section. The first section of each blade is connected to the first surface on the outer ring, and the second section is connected to the second surface on the inner ring.

[0007] In a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis, the first section of each blade is at a first angle to the first surface on the outer ring, and at a second angle to the second section of the blade. The first angle is between 70° and 110°. The second angle is other than zero, and the two sections of each blade transition to one another at a kink. The second angle can be between 25° and 55°.

[0008] The first section of each blade in the fan obtained with the invention is at nearly 90° to the first surface on the outer ring. This allows for the blade to be securely attached to the outer ring, and results in less noise. Furthermore, because of this robust attachment of the blade to the outer ring, there is greater freedom of design for the second section with regard to noise reduction and efficiency. Consequentially, the noise generated by the fan wheel, or the fan as a whole, can be reduced as a result of this robust attachment, and the fan' efficiency can be increased.

[0009] In one embodiment of the fan, the first section of the at least one blade can have a maximum axial extension. In other words, the axial extension of the second section can be smaller than that of the first.

[0010] In one embodiment of the fan, the axial extension of the outer ring near the first section of the blade can be smaller than the maximum axial extension of the blade. In other words, the blades can extend axially beyond the outer ring. This design of the first section of the blade allows it to be securely attached to the outer ring.

[0011] In one embodiment of the fan, the axial extension of the outer ring near the first section of a blade can be between 50% and 110% of the maximum axial extension of the blade.

[0012] In one embodiment of the fan, the radial extension of the first section of a blade can be smaller than the radial extension of the second section.

[0013] In one embodiment of the fan, the radial extension of the first section of a blade can be between 1% and 5% of the radial distance between the first surface on the outer ring and the second surface on the inner ring. The design of the first section of the blade can then be adapted to the outer ring with regard to its attachment thereto, without having a negative impact on the noisiness and efficiency of the fan.

[0014] In one embodiment of the fan, the radial extension of the second section of the blade can be between 95% and 99% of the radial distance between the first surface on the outer ring and the second surface on the inner ring. This allows for greater freedom of design for the second section regarding noise reduction and efficiency.

[0015] In one embodiment of the fan, the fan can have a support frame. In this case, the fan wheel can be rotatably mounted in the frame. The frame can surround the fan wheel outside the outer ring, thus encircling the rotational axis. There can also be an electric motor attached to the frame. This motor can be axially adjacent and connected to the fan wheel in order to power it.

[0016] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle that has a fresh air intake and the fan described above, which is downstream of the air intake. The air intake can be formed by the grille, and the fan is then designed to convey fresh air entering the grille into the engine compartment.

[0017] In the context of the present invention, the terms, “axial,”“radial,” and “circumferential” always relate to the rotational axis of the fan wheel. The term, “axial extension,” relates to an extension of something along the rotational axis of the fan wheel. The term, “radial extension,” relates to an extension of something along a radial axis at a radial orientation to the rotational axis of the fan wheel. The first and / or second section of each blade can be without kinks or creases in a plane that is perpendicular to the rotational axis. The first section of the blade can be straight, while the second section is curved. The first angle, in particular where the first section meets the first surface of the outer ring, is formed between a line along the length of the middle of the first section and a tangent to the first surface on the outer ring where it comes in contact with the first section. The second angle is defined where the first section meets the second by the lines following their lengths along the middles thereof.

[0018] Other important features and advantages of the invention can be derived from the dependent claims, the drawings, and the descriptions thereof.

[0019] It is understood that the features specified above and described below can be used not only in the given combination, but also in other combinations or in and of themselves without abandoning the framework of the present invention.

[0020] Preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, and shall be explained in greater detail below, in which the same reference symbols are used for identical, similar, and functionally identical components.

[0021] Therein, schematically:

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a fan obtained with the invention that has a fan wheel and a support frame;

[0023] FIG. 2 shows a partial view of the fan wheel for the fan obtained with the invention;

[0024] FIG. 3 shows a partial view of the fan wheel for the fan obtained with the invention at its outer ring; and

[0025] FIG. 4 shows a partial cutaway view of the fan wheel for the fan obtained with the invention at its outer ring.

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a fan 1 for a motor vehicle obtained with the invention. The fan 1 comprises a support frame 2 and a fan wheel 3. The fan wheel 3 is attached to the frame 2 such that it can rotate about a rotational axis RA. The fan 1 also has an electric motor 4 that is attached to the frame 2 and is connected to the fan wheel 3 in order to cause it to rotate. The arrow indicates the direction RR in which the fan wheel 3 can rotate. It can also rotate in the other direction.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows a partial view of the fan wheel 3 for the fan 1 obtained with the invention. The fan wheel 3 has an outer ring 5 with a first surface 6a and an inner ring 7 with a second surface 6b. The outer ring 5 and inner ring 7 encircle the rotational axis RA, with the outer ring 5 being radially outside the inner ring 7. The first surface 6a on the outer ring 5 and second surface 6b on the inner ring encircle the rotational axis RA and are parallel thereto. The surfaces 6a and 6b are opposite and at a radial distance BL to one another.

[0028] The fan wheel 3 also has numerous blades 8 between the outer ring 5 and inner ring 7, which are evenly distributed about the rotational axis RA. The blades 8 have a first section 9a and second section 9b, which transition integrally into one another. The blades 8 are composed exclusively of these two sections 9a and 9b. The first section 9a is attached to the first surface 6a on the outer ring, and the second section 9b is attached to the second surface 6b on the inner ring 7. The first sections 9a and second sections 9b of the blades 8 have no kinks at a right angle to the rotational axis RA. The first section 9a is straight, and the second section 9b of the blade 9 is curved, at a right angle to the rotational axis RA.

[0029] The first section 9a of the blade 8 has a radial extension W1, and the second section 9b has another radial extension W2. The sum of the two radial extensions W1, W2 is the entire radial extension of the blade 8, which corresponds to the distance BL between the surfaces 6a, 6b. As FIG. 3 shows, the radial extension W1 of the first section 9a of the blade 8 is substantially smaller—i.e. by multiples thereof—than the radial extension W2 of the second section 9a. In particular, the radial extension W1 of the first section 9a of the blade 8 can be between 1% and 5% of the distance BL. The extension W2 of the second section 9b of the blade 8 can thus be between 95% and 99% of this distance BL.

[0030] FIG. 3 shows a partial view of the fan wheel 3 for the fan 1 obtained with the invention at the outer ring 5. In a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis RA, the first section 9a of the blade 8 is at a first angle a to the first surface 6a of the outer ring 5. The sections 9a, 9b of the blade 8 are also at second angle b to one another. The first angle a can be between 70° and 110°, and the second angle b can be between 25% and 55%. The blade 8 can be securely attached to the outer ring 5 by the first section 9a. This advantageously reduces the noise generated in the fan 1. Because of the robust connection, there is greater freedom of design for the second section 9b regarding noise reduction and efficiency.

[0031] FIG. 4 shows a partial cutaway view of the fan wheel 3 for the fan 1 obtained with the invention at the outer ring 5. The outer ring 5 has an axial extension FRW, and the blade 8 has a maximum axial extension BB. This axial extension FRW of the outer ring 5 can be 55% to 110% of the maximum axial extension BB of the blade 8. The axial extension FRW of the outer ring 5 is smaller than the maximum axial extension of the blade 8. Furthermore, the blade 8 exhibits the maximum extension BB in the first section 9a here.

[0032] The Specification can be readily understood with reference to the following numbered paragraphs:

[0033] Numbered Paragraph 1. A fan (1) for a motor vehicle with a fan wheel (3) that rotates about a rotational axis (RA), wherein

[0034] the fan wheel (3) has a radially outside outer ring (5) at a distance to and encircling the rotational axis (RA), and a radially inside inner ring (7) at a distance to and encircling the rotational axis (RA),

[0035] the outer ring (5) has a circumferential first surface (6a) that is parallel to the rotational axis (RA) and lies opposite the inner ring (7), and the inner ring (7) has a circumferential second surface (6b) that is parallel to the rotational axis (RA) and lies opposite the outer ring (5), the fan wheel (3) has at least one blade (8) with a first section (9a) attached to the first surface (6a) on the outer ring (5) and second section (9b) that is attached to the second surface (6b) on the inner ring (7), and

[0036] the first section (9a) of the at least one blade (8) is attached to the first surface (6a) on the outer ring (5) at a first angle (a) between 70° and 110°, and at a second angle (b), other than 0, to the second section (9b) of the blade (8) in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis (RA).

[0037] Numbered Paragraph 2. The fan (1) according to Numbered Paragraph 1, characterized in that the second angle (b) is between 25° and 55°.

[0038] Numbered Paragraph 3. The fan (1) according to Numbered Paragraph 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one blade (8) has a maximum axial extension (BB) in the first section (9a).

[0039] Numbered Paragraph 4. The fan (1) according to any of the Numbered Paragraphs 1 to 3, characterized in that the axial extension (FRW) of the outer ring (5) near the first section (9a) of the at least one blade (8) is smaller than the maximum axial extension (BB) of the at least one blade (8).

[0040] Numbered Paragraph 5. The fan (1) according to any of the Numbered Paragraphs 1 to 3, characterized in that the axial extension (FRW) of the outer ring (5) near the first section (9a) of the at least one blade (8) is between 50% and 110% of the maximum axial extension (BB) of the at least one blade (8).

[0041] Numbered Paragraph 6. The fan (1) according to any of the preceding Numbered Paragraphs, characterized in that the radial extension (W1) of the first section (9a) of the at least one blade (8) is smaller than the radial extension (W2) of the second section (9b) of the at least one blade (8).

[0042] Numbered Paragraph 7. The fan (1) according to any of the preceding Numbered Paragraphs, characterized in that

[0043] the radial extension (W1) of the first section (9a) of the at least one blade (8) is between 1% and 5% of the radial distance (BL) between the first surface (6a) on the outer ring (5) and the second surface (6b) on the inner ring (7), and / or

[0044] the radial extension (W2) of the second section (9b) of the at least one blade (8) is between 95% and 99% of the radial distance (BL) between the first surface (6a) on the outer ring (5) and the second surface (6b) on the inner ring (7).

[0045] Numbered Paragraph 8. The fan (1) according to any of the preceding Numbered Paragraphs, characterized in that

[0046] the fan (1) has a support frame (2), wherein the fan wheel (3) is attached to the frame (2) such that it can rotate therein, and

[0047] the frame (2) encompasses the fan wheel (3), at least around the outer ring (5) and the rotational axis (RA).

[0048] Numbered Paragraph 9. The fan (1) according to numbered paragraph 8, characterized in that

[0049] the fan (1) has an electric motor (4) attached to the support frame (2), and

[0050] the motor (4) is axially adjacent to the fan wheel (3) and connected thereto to power it.

[0051] Numbered Paragraph 10. A motor vehicle that has a fresh air intake and a fan (1) according to any of the preceding Numbered Paragraphs, wherein the fan (1) is downstream of the fresh air intake.LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS1 far

[0053] 2 support frame

[0054] 3 fan wheel

[0055] 4 electric motor

[0056] 5 outer ring

[0057] 6a / 6b first / second surface

[0058] 7 inner ring

[0059] 8 blade

[0060] 9a / 9b first / second section

[0061] a / b first / second angle

[0062] BL distance

[0063] FRW / BB axial extension

[0064] RA rotational axis

[0065] RR rotational direction

[0066] W1 / W2 radial extension

Claims

1-10. (canceled)11. A fan for a motor vehicle with a fan wheel that rotates about a rotational axis, comprisingthe fan wheel comprising a radially outside outer ring at a distance to and encircling the rotational axis, and a radially inside inner ring at a distance to and encircling the rotational axis,the outer ring comprises a circumferential first surface that is parallel to the rotational axis and lies opposite the inner ring, and the inner ring comprises a circumferential second surface that is parallel to the rotational axis and lies opposite the outer ring,the fan wheel has at least one blade with a first section attached to the first surface on the outer ring and second section that is attached to the second surface on the inner ring, andthe first section of the at least one blade is attached to the first surface on the outer ring at a first angle (a) between 70° and 110°, and at a second angle (b), other than 0, to the second section of the blade in a plane perpendicular to the rotational axis.

12. The fan according to claim 11, wherein the second angle (b) is between 25° and 55°.

13. The fan according to claim 11, wherein the at least one blade has a maximum axial extension in the first section.

14. The fan according to claim 13, wherein the axial extension of the outer ring near the first section of the at least one blade is smaller than the maximum axial extension of the at least one blade.

15. The fan according to claim 13, characterized in that the axial extension of the outer ring near the first section of the at least one blade is between 50% and 110% of the maximum axial extension of the at least one blade.

16. The fan according to claim 11, characterized in that a radial extension of the first section of the at least one blade is smaller than a radial extension of the second section of the at least one blade.

17. The fan according to claim 11, whereina radial extension of the first section of the at least one blade is between 1% and 5% of a radial distance between the first surface on the outer ring and the second surface on the inner ring, and / ora radial extension of the second section of the at least one blade is between 95% and 99% of the radial distance between the first surface on the outer ring and the second surface on the inner ring.

18. The fan according to claim 11, whereinthe fan has a support frame, wherein the fan wheel is attached to the support frame such that it can rotate therein, andthe support frame encompasses the fan wheel, at least around the outer ring and the rotational axis.

19. The fan according to claim 18, whereinthe fan has an electric motor attached to the support frame, andthe motor is axially adjacent to the fan wheel and connected thereto to provide torque to the fan wheel.

20. A motor vehicle comprising a fresh air intake and a fan according to claim 11, wherein the fan is downstream of the fresh air intake.

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