Fan module for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a fan module (1) for a motor vehicle, having a fan frame (4) and a fastening device (12) for holding the fan frame (4) in the motor vehicle, wherein the fan frame (4) has at least one joining element (10) with an integrated threaded bushing (13), and the fastening device (12) has a retaining element (12b), which can be mounted on the vehicle, and an elastic decoupling element (12c) and a machine screw (12a) which passes through the retaining element (12b) and the decoupling element (12c) and is screwed releasably into the frame-side threaded bushing (13).

Description

[0001] Fan module for a motor vehicle

[0002] The invention relates to a fan module for a motor vehicle, comprising a fan shroud for a fan and / or for a heat exchanger, as well as a fastening device for mounting the fan shroud in the motor vehicle. A motor vehicle is understood in particular to include an electric vehicle with an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery, as well as a hybrid vehicle with an internal combustion engine and an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery.

[0003] In a motor vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine, the drivetrain typically contains an internal combustion engine that requires cooling. Since heat radiation and convection are insufficient to cool the engine, this cooling process is typically supported by a cooling airflow generated by the airstream as the vehicle moves, as well as by a fan (radiator fan). The interposition of a cooling system in the form of a fluid cooling circuit is common, with a heat exchanger (radiator) exposed to the airflow and the airflow of the fan. A mixture of water, antifreeze, and corrosion inhibitor is typically used as a coolant to maintain the operating temperature of the internal combustion engine and to operate an air conditioning system.

[0004] The coolant, which is typically conducted in pipes incorporated into the radiator core or cooling package of a radiator, must in turn be cooled. For this purpose, cooling air flows over cooling fins that exchange heat with the coolant. Since the airstream serving as cooling air is normally not sufficient for cooling, especially at low vehicle speeds, the radiator fan usually has a fan wheel, usually driven by an electric motor, which has a conveying element for air in the form of a paddle wheel or propeller. Such a fan wheel is rotatably arranged within a fan wheel recess in the form of a through-opening in a fan shroud of the radiator fan. The fan wheel is typically arranged behind the radiator core or cooling package of the radiator (heat exchanger) in the direction of travel.With the help of the fan wheel of the radiator fan, also known as the fan module, the air is drawn through the radiator core and directed toward the combustion engine. If, in addition to the radiator core, a condenser core of an air conditioning system is present, the condenser core is usually positioned upstream of the radiator core in the direction of the airflow.

[0005] Electrically or electric-powered or drivable motor vehicles, such as electric or hybrid vehicles, typically include an electric motor as the electric drive system, which can drive one or both vehicle axles. To supply electrical energy, the electric motor is typically coupled to an on-board, rechargeable (high-voltage) battery (accumulator) as an electrical energy storage device. So-called rapid charging modes are often desired, in which the on-board battery is charged within the shortest possible time.

[0006] During such rapid charging, comparatively high currents occur, which subsequently cause the battery temperature to rise during the charging process. Since the battery is usually charged while the vehicle is stationary, the radiator fan can generate an airflow that cools the battery. A fan module used in such vehicles, which includes a fan, a cooler (radiator), and a condenser for an air conditioning circuit, is also known as a CRFM (Condenser Radiator Fan Module).

[0007] The following information regarding the spatial directions is given in a coordinate system of the motor vehicle (vehicle coordinate system), with the abscissa axis (X-axis, X-direction) oriented along the vehicle's longitudinal direction and the ordinate axis (Y-axis, Y-direction) oriented along the vehicle's transverse direction, and the applicate axis (Z-axis, Z-direction) oriented along the vehicle height.

[0008] It is desirable that such a fan module in the vehicle can be disassembled and reassembled several times over its service life, for example, ten times. It should be noted that the fan module should not be disassembled in the initial assembly direction, i.e., in the X-direction oriented in the direction of travel relative to the vehicle's coordinate system. The reason for this is that front-facing components of the vehicle should not be disassembled for such disassembly or assembly of the fan module.

[0009] The invention is based on the object of providing a fan module that is particularly suitable for assembly and disassembly in a motor vehicle, in particular for an electric or hybrid vehicle. In particular, disassembly and assembly of the fan module – relative to the vehicle coordinate system – in the Z-direction or in the ZX-direction should be enabled. Furthermore, the use of self-tapping plastic screws, especially on decoupling elements between the fan module and the vehicle body, should be avoided.

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims (subclaims).

[0011] The fan module is intended and configured for a motor vehicle, in particular for an electric or hybrid vehicle. The fan module expediently comprises a fan and at least one heat exchanger, in particular a cooler (radiator) and / or a condenser for an air conditioning system. For example, the fan module is a CRFM (Condenser Radiator Fan Module). The fan module can comprise both a cooler and a condenser, or as a heat exchanger, only the cooler or only the condenser. The fan module has a fan shroud with at least one joining element and a fastening device for holding the fan shroud in the motor vehicle, in particular on a vehicle and / or body part of the motor vehicle.Suitably, two pairs of identical joining elements are provided in the upper and lower corner areas of the fan shroud in the direction of the vehicle height (Z direction in the vehicle coordinate system), wherein the upper and lower joining elements are or can be expediently different.

[0012] The joining element is preferably designed as a, in particular dome-shaped, frame pin with an integrated threaded bushing. The joining element is preferably molded onto the fan frame as an overmolding of the threaded bushing or formed from the frame material thereof. The joining element with integrated threaded bushing expediently projects beyond the fan frame or protrudes from its fan plane. In other words, the overmolded threaded bushing projects axially beyond the fan frame with respect to a fan axis. The threaded bushing is suitably designed as a threaded sleeve with a metric (internal) thread. The joining element is suitably arranged in a corner region, in particular the lower corner region, of the fan frame.

[0013] The joining element suitably has a support surface that at least partially surrounds the threaded bushing as a support for an elastic or elastically deformable decoupling element of a fastening device. The support surface of the joining element is expediently designed to run at an angle to the fan axis. This enables an inclined or slanted arrangement of the fan module in the motor vehicle. In other words, with such an arrangement, the fan axis of the fan module, when assembled in the motor vehicle, is inclined or slanted, for example, relative to a vehicle longitudinal axis (X direction in the vehicle coordinate system). An angle between the fan module and the vehicle longitudinal axis is, for example, between greater than 0° and less than or equal to 60°, for example (50 ± 5)°.The fastening device comprises a holding element mounted or mountable on the vehicle side and the elastic decoupling element as well as a machine screw which passes through the holding element and the decoupling element and is detachably screwed or screwable into the threaded bushing of the frame-side joining element.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment, the retaining element has at least one fastening opening with a screw sleeve seated therein. During assembly, a metric screw (machine screw) is screwed or can be screwed (screwed) into this opening, which penetrates a mounting opening in a body or vehicle part of the motor vehicle in order to releasably fasten the retaining element to or in the vehicle or to connect it to a vehicle or body part.

[0015] The threaded bushing is suitably a metallic sleeve or a machine component designed in the manner of a screw nut with a metric internal thread which is designed with the external thread of the machine screw to produce a fixed and detachable screw connection, wherein the threaded bushing is anchored in a rotationally fixed manner in the frame-side joining element.

[0016] The decoupling element is preferably an elastomer (rubber element). The decoupling element suitably comprises a hollow cylindrical shaft portion received in a through-opening of the retaining element and a collar portion projecting circumferentially beyond said shaft portion, with which the decoupling element rests against the frame-side joining element. The collar portion is expediently mushroom-shaped with a preferably structured, in particular convex, surface.

[0017] The fastening device suitably comprises a rigid support sleeve. This encloses the machine screw on the shaft side and extends through the retaining element and the decoupling element. The preferably metallic support sleeve absorbs the axial screwing force when the machine screw is screwed into the threaded bushing and prevents deformation or unintentional compression of the elastic decoupling element.

[0018] In an advantageous development, the fastening device comprises an intermediate sleeve penetrating the decoupling element with a support collar resting against the holding element or against the edge of a through-opening in the holding element. The intermediate sleeve, which is preferably made of a glass-fiber-reinforced plastic, encloses the support sleeve within the through-opening of the holding element and is in turn enclosed by the hollow-cylindrical shaft section of the elastic decoupling element. The intermediate sleeve serves in particular to prevent or reduce radial play—relative to the longitudinal axis of the machine screw—between the support sleeve and the decoupling element in the holding element or within its through-opening.

[0019] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. In the drawings:

[0020] Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a fan module with a fan frame and with an electric motor-driven fan as well as with a heat exchanger and with a fastening device for mounting in a motor vehicle,

[0021] Fig. 2 in a top view (rear view) the fan module with for a

[0022] Plug connection on the fan frame provided (upper) fastening device and with lower fastening device provided for a screw connection of the fan frame,

[0023] Fig. 3 the fan module in a side view with a view of the upper and lower fastening device,

[0024] Fig. 4 in an exploded view the (lower) fastening device with a holding element and with a decoupling element as well as with a mounting element and with a support and / or intermediate sleeve, Fig. 5 a detail in a perspective view of the (lower) joining element with a screw sleeve for the machine screw, and

[0025] Fig. 6 and 7 show sections of the fastening device screwed to the (lower) joining element in different views or representations.

[0026] Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0027] Figures 1 to 3 show a fan module 1 in an exploded view and in a top view and side view, respectively. The fan module 1 comprises a fan 2 and a cooler (radiator) and / or a condenser as heat exchanger 3. According to the exemplary embodiment shown here, the fan module 1 is a CRFM. The fan module 1 is intended and configured to have both a cooler and a condenser as heat exchanger 3. Such a CRFM can also have only the cooler or the condenser as heat exchanger 3. The other heat exchanger 3 is then mounted as fan module 1 during final assembly to form the CRFM. The fan module 1 is intended and configured in particular for an electric or hybrid vehicle. Figure 2 shows the fan module 1 viewed from the (rear) side facing away from the heat exchanger 3.

[0028] The fan module 1 comprises a fan shroud 4 for the fan 2 or for the respective heat exchanger 3. The box-like fan shroud 4 in the exemplary embodiment is rectangular with an upper transverse or shroud strut 4a and a lower transverse or shroud strut 4a parallel to this, as well as with lateral longitudinal struts 4b. The transverse struts 4a of the box-like fan shroud 4 in the exemplary embodiment are oriented in the vehicle's transverse direction (Y direction in the vehicle coordinate system), and the parallel longitudinal struts 4b are inclined in the direction of the vehicle height (Z direction in the vehicle coordinate system) or to the vehicle's longitudinal direction (X direction in the vehicle coordinate system). The fan shroud 4 has a circular fan wheel recess 4c between the struts 4a, 4b, in the center of which a motor mount 4e is provided, held by struts 4d.An electric motor 5 is arranged therein, which drives a fan wheel 6 with sickled fan blades 6a, which are connected at the blade ends by an outer ring 6b. The fan axis (rotational axis) A of the fan 2 can run parallel to or at an angle to the vehicle's longitudinal direction (X-direction in the vehicle coordinate system).

[0029] In the exemplary embodiment, the fan module 1, when installed within the vehicle, is arranged rotated or tilted about an axis running transversely to the fan axis A or in the Y direction. The fan axis A is oriented to the X direction at an angle of, for example, (45 ± 5)°.

[0030] In the exemplary embodiment, the fan shroud 4 of the fan module 1 has two joining elements 7 projecting upwards (in the Z direction) in the upper corner regions on the upper cross strut 4a. Each joining element 7 is designed in a bracket-like manner, forming a preferably rectangular plug-in opening 8 that runs in the direction of travel (X direction in the vehicle coordinate system) or parallel to the fan axis A. The fan module 1 has a number of fastening devices 9 corresponding to the number of upper joining elements 7 for releasably holding the fan shroud 4 and thus the fan module 1 in the motor vehicle, in particular on a vehicle or body component (not shown).

[0031] A joining element 10, in particular a pair of such joining elements 10, is provided in the lower corner regions of the fan shroud 4 in the direction of the vehicle height (Z direction in the vehicle coordinate system). The joining element 10 is formed as a dome-like pin on the fan shroud 4. The shroud-side joining element 10 projects axially upwards from the fan shroud 4 in the X direction or relative to the fan axis A. In other words, the joining element 10 projects beyond the transverse struts 4a and the longitudinal struts 4b of the box-like fan shroud 4 in the X direction. The joining element 10 forms a contact or support surface 11 for a (lower) fastening device 12. In the exemplary embodiment, the support surface 11 is inclined or inclined relative to the fan axis A, for example by an angle of approximately 50°.The fastening device 12 has a machine screw (screw, screw bolt) 12a with a metric external thread that corresponds to a metric internal thread of a threaded bushing (screw sleeve, screw nut) 13 that is firmly connected to the respective joining element 10 to produce a detachable screw connection (Fig. 5).

[0032] The (lower) fastening device 12 has a holding element 12b, which is fastened, in particular screw-fastened, to the vehicle or body. The fastening device 12 also has a decoupling element 12c joined to the holding element 12b. In the assembled state, the machine screw 12a passes through this element and the holding element 12b.

[0033] Fig. 4 shows the fastening device 12 in an exploded view. The holding element 12b and the machine screw 12a as well as the decoupling element 12c, which is made of an elastically deformable plastic (elastomer), can be seen. The holding element 12b, which is preferably made of a glass fiber reinforced plastic, has a through-opening 14 in a base body that is ring-shaped or disc-shaped in the exemplary embodiment. Joining tabs or collar sections with a fastening opening are formed on these, into which screw sleeves 15, preferably with a metric internal thread, are inserted. Corresponding screws (not shown) with a metric external thread serve, in a screw connection with the screw sleeves 15, to hold the holding element 12b and thus the fastening device 12 comprising this and the decoupling element 12c, to a vehicle or body part, for example to a retaining bracket in the motor vehicle.

[0034] The decoupling element 12c has a hollow cylindrical shaft portion 16 received in the through-opening 14 of the holding element 12 and a collar portion 17 projecting circumferentially beyond the shaft portion. As can be seen from Figures 5 and 6, the collar portion 17 of the decoupling element 12c is designed in a ring-like or mushroom-shaped manner with a structured surface. With the collar portion 17, the decoupling element 12c rests against the frame-side joining element 10 or against its support surface 11 surrounding the threaded bushing 13.

[0035] The fastening device 12 has a rigid support sleeve 18, particularly made of a metal (steel). This sleeve encloses the machine screw 12a on the shaft side and extends through the support sleeve 18 and the retaining element 12b as well as the decoupling element 12c. The support sleeve 18 absorbs the axial forces (axial screw force) when the machine screw 12a is screwed into the threaded bushing 13 on the frame side and defines a maximum deformation of the elastic decoupling element 12c.

[0036] The fastening device 12 has an intermediate sleeve 19, which is preferably made of a glass-fiber-reinforced plastic. The intermediate sleeve 19 has a hollow cylindrical shaft 19a and an annular disc-like head or support collar 19b. Within the through-opening 14 of the holding element 12b, the intermediate sleeve 19, with its hollow cylindrical shaft 19a, encloses the support sleeve 18 and is in turn enclosed by the hollow cylindrical shaft portion 16 of the elastic decoupling element 12c.

[0037] As can be seen in Fig. 7, in the assembled state of the fastening device 12, the support collar 19b of the intermediate sleeve 19 rests against the edge of the through-hole 14 of the holding element 12b. The screw of the machine screw 12a rests against the support collar 19b of the intermediate sleeve 19 or is supported against it. The intermediate sleeve 19 prevents or compensates for unwanted (radial) play between the support sleeve 18 and the decoupling element 12c within the through-hole 14 of the holding element 12b.

[0038] In the assembled state of the fastening device 12, the support sleeve 18 and the intermediate sleeve 19 as well as the decoupling element 12c or its shaft section 16 and the holding element 12b are arranged coaxially to one another with respect to the longitudinal axis of the machine screw 12a, wherein preferably only the collar section 17 of the decoupling element 12c projects axially beyond the holding element 12b or projects axially beyond it.

[0039] In summary, the invention relates to a fan module 1 with a fan frame 4 and with a fastening device 9 for holding the fan frame 4 in a motor vehicle, wherein the fan frame 4 has a joining element 10 with an integrated threaded bushing 13 and the fastening device 12 has a holding element 12b that can be mounted on the vehicle side and also an elastic decoupling element 12c and a machine screw 12a that passes through the holding element 12b and the decoupling element 12c and is detachably screwed into the threaded bushing 13 on the frame side.

[0040] The claimed invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. Rather, other variants of the invention can also be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art within the scope of the disclosed claims without departing from the subject matter of the claimed invention. In particular, all individual features described in connection with the various exemplary embodiments can also be combined in other ways within the scope of the disclosed claims without departing from the subject matter of the claimed invention.

[0041] List of reference symbols

[0042] 1 fan module

[0043] 2 fans

[0044] 3 heat exchangers

[0045] 4 fan shroud

[0046] 4a Cross / frame brace

[0047] 4b Longitudinal strut

[0048] 4c Fan wheel recess

[0049] 4d strut

[0050] 4th engine mount

[0051] 5 Electric motor

[0052] 6 Fan wheel

[0053] 6a Fan blade

[0054] 6b Outer ring

[0055] 7 (upper) joining element

[0056] 8 plug-in opening

[0057] 9 (upper) fastening device

[0058] 10 (lower) joining element

[0059] 11 Support / contact surface

[0060] 12 (lower) fastening device

[0061] 12a machine screw

[0062] 12b Holding element

[0063] 12c Decoupling element

[0064] 13 Threaded bushing

[0065] 14 passage opening

[0066] 15 screw sleeve

[0067] 16 Shaft section

[0068] 17 Collar section

[0069] 18 Support sleeve

[0070] 19 Intermediate sleeve

[0071] 19a shaft

[0072] 19b Head / Support collar A Fan axis

Claims

Claims 1. Fan module (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a fan frame (4) for a fan (2) and / or for a heat exchanger (3) and a fastening device (12) for holding the fan frame (4) in the motor vehicle, - wherein the fan frame (4) has at least one joining element (10) with an integrated threaded bushing (13), and - wherein the fastening device (12) has a holding element (12b) mounted or mountable on the vehicle side and an elastic decoupling element (12c) as well as a machine screw (12a) which passes through the holding element (12b) and the decoupling element (12c) and is detachably screwed or screwable into the threaded bushing (13) of the frame-side joining element (10).

2. Fan module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the joining element (10) is formed as an overmolding of the threaded bushing (13) onto the fan frame (4).

3. Fan module (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the joining element (10) of the fan frame (4) protrudes upwards, in particular in a dome-like manner.

4. Fan module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the joining element (10) has a support surface (11) which at least partially surrounds the threaded bushing (13) and against which the decoupling element (12c) rests.

5. Fan module (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that that the support surface (11) of the joining element (10) is designed to run at an angle to a fan axis (A).

6. Fan module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the fastening device (12) has a rigid support sleeve (18) which passes through the holding element (12b) and the decoupling element (12c) and surrounds the machine screw (12a) on the shaft side.

7. Fan module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the fastening device (12) has an intermediate sleeve (19) passing through the decoupling element (12c) with a support collar (19b) resting on the holding element (12b).

8. Fan module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the holding element (12b) has at least one screw sleeve (15), in particular seated in a fastening opening.

9. Fan module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the decoupling element (12c) has a through opening (14) of the holding element (12b) and a collar section (17) projecting beyond the latter on the circumference, with which the decoupling element (12c) bears against the frame-side joining element (10).

10. Fan module (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the frame-side joining element (10) is arranged in a, in particular lower, corner region of the fan frame (4).

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