CN1230609C - Mount for connecting automotive fan motor to housing - Google Patents

Abstract

The motor of an automotive cooling fan system is attached to a housing by either bayonet mount, screw mount, or axial-snap features on both motor and housing, as well as a cradle structure on the housing.

Description

Automobile engine cooling fan assembly and assembly method thereof

Background of the invention

The invention concerns the problem of fastening a drive motor to an engine cooling fan system.

These systems consist of a fan attached to a motor which is attached to a motor mount in the fan housing which holds it in place and operates the motor/fan assembly along with the heat exchanger. There are various considerations regarding the fixing of the motor to the motor mount structure. For maintenance purposes, the mounting should be easy to disassemble, eg with hand tools. The installation also withstands many hours of vibration and temperature cycling without loosening or rattling between the motor and motor mount structure. Furthermore, the installation must function efficiently despite process variations in mass-produced parts.

Many existing fastening systems use metal fastening elements, such as screws, bolts, nuts, and rivets, to meet these requirements. Such fixtures increase production costs and also increase the part count. In markets with increasing quality requirements, fixtures can also be a cause of failures, some of which are difficult to detect. A common measure is to ensure that components are not shipped with fasteners that could be lost, misselected, or improperly secured. Ultimately such fixings are supplied with replacement parts to ensure the integrity of the repair.

Contents of the invention

We have discovered a motor mount assembly, particularly for a vehicle engine-cooling fan motor, which allows the motor to be mounted and held in place by the motor mount structure without the need for additional fasteners, able to withstand the rigorous demands faced by vehicle motor mounting systems.

A feature of the invention is that it is an assembly in which the motor includes a plurality of connecting members (eg joints) integral with the motor. The motor mount is integral to at least one portion of the fan housing, and the mount includes a plurality of notches that are sized and shaped to receive and engage the motor through the combined axial and rotational movement of the motor relative to the motor mount. connection components. In some cases, the connecting member is a radially extending nipple, and the motor mounting recess in the housing is sized, shaped and positioned to receive the nipple as a pin mount. On the other hand, the connecting member of the motor may also contain threads, which cooperate with the motor mounting notch to form a screw mounting seat.

Preferably, the motor mounting seat also has a radial elastic support, which supports the motor so as to apply a radial force to the motor. For ease of assembly, the motor can rotate relative to the radial elastic support and move axially. Another feature of the present invention is that it may contain a plurality of rigid members (such as rigid ribs) for limiting the radial movement of the motor. The rigid member (or at least one of them) may be distinct from or integral to the radial elastic support. In one embodiment where the rigid member is combined with a radial elastic support, the radial elastic support at least partially comprises a surface extending from the rigid rib in a generally circumferential The location contacts the outer surface of the motor, creating an interference fit.

Fan housings typically contain members that extend generally radially inward and support the motor mount, such as stators or arms. The housing often includes a structure that surrounds the fan, controls air circulation, and supports radially extending members that It also supports the motor mount. The housing usually contains an air guide structure for guiding the airflow between the air heat exchanger and the fan. Typically, the motor mount and/or radial mount support, and/or the structure extending around the fan, and/or the air guiding structure are all injection molded plastic, most commonly a separate part.

The connecting members of the motor are usually metallic. The connecting member may be integral with the motor flux ring, motor housing or end cap.

The connecting member (such as a joint) can be of different sizes to fit the motor mount notch when the motor is inserted into the motor mount, and the notch is just sized and shaped to lock the position of the motor. Another method of locating the motor is to utilize joint and motor mount notches that are unevenly spaced around the circumference of the motor.

One or more resilient pins on the motor mount prevent rotation of the motor after it has rotated into position. Preferably the coupling member and motor mount notches are shaped to allow the direction of torque applied to the motor by the fan in operation to be engaged by rotation.

The motor mount notch can also be sized and shaped to allow the motor to slide into the motor mount when the motor is mounted from the front (ie, the fan side of the motor mount). In this case, the motor mount structure may be provided with a heat and splash shield. On the other hand, the motor mount recess is also sized and shaped to allow the motor to be mounted from behind. In this case, the motor mount is usually provided with an opening so that the front of the motor protrudes through the opening when the motor is in place.

Another feature of the present invention is to assemble the above-mentioned motor/fan assembly in the following way, that is, the motor is axially slid into the mounting seat and twisted, and the integral motor mounting joint is fastened in the motor mounting seat.

Another feature of the invention is an assembly wherein the motor mount has at least one rebound latch that deflects the motor when it is axially inserted and moves into position after insertion in which the latch restrains the movement of the motor. move. The motor has at least one fitting that mates with the pin. In fact, a spring lock can lock the motor.

Many of the preferred components described above can also be used in the second aspect of the present invention: a) radial elastic support for supporting the motor and applying radial force to the motor, while the motor can move axially relative to the elastic support; b ) Configure multiple rigid members (such as ribs) to limit the radial movement of the motor. In some cases, the rigid members are integrated with the radial elastic support; c) For different parts of the housing (motor mount, mount Radial supports, fan perimeter shrouds, and/or air-guiding structures), using one-time injection molded plastic parts.

The motor accessories that match the pin are preferably: a) the edge of the motor flux ring or a joint integrated with the motor; b) the edge of the motor housing or one or more joints integrated with the motor housing; c) ( In the case of a motor provided with an end cap enclosing the edge of the motor case) the edge of the end cap; d) one or more joints integral with the motor end cap; and/or e) one or more holes in the motor case . These motor accessories are configured to prevent rotation of the motor housing. If the motor is mounted from the front, the motor mounting structure may be provided with a splash and heat shield. And when the motor is mounted from the rear, the front of the motor can extend through the opening in the motor mounting structure.

To assemble the second embodiment described above, the motor is inserted into the motor mounting structure until it contacts the axial stop. At this point, the shaft pin engages with a piece on the motor, completing the axial retention.

Pin mount, screw mount, or axial lap mount allow for easy assembly. Brackets may be required to provide rigidity, durability and robustness to meet manufacturing tolerances. For example, the flexible region of such bracket members is sized to provide a press fit with the motor body within manufacturing tolerances. Its function is to maintain a tight fit between the motor and the motor mounting structure within the range of dimensional deviations that exist in the production of both the motor and the motor mounting structure. Their flexibility also allows the motor to be engaged with limited force, allowing manual disassembly for maintenance. The rigid area of such a support member is dimensioned to allow a small clearance between the motor and the motor mounting structure within a range of dimensional deviations. While they do not maintain tight contact with the motor, they function to limit movement of the motor within the motor mounting structure when the assembly is subjected to shock and vibration. This, in turn, limits the stress and erosion of the elastic regions of the support member and the notch in the motor mount described above.

The above-mentioned elasticity can also be achieved by flexibility in the mounting structure rather than in the particular bracket.

The inner surface of the standoff may need to be sloped for ease of injection molding. The mounting structure of the motor can be designed such that the support member rotates during the insertion of the motor so that the contact surface is substantially parallel to the outer contour of the motor. This rotation causes the flexible portion (eg, side) of the motor mounting structure to twist circumferentially.

All of the above are interchangeable, especially if the motor has molded components. In such a case, the pins and flexible and rigid guides could be located on the motor assembly, while the nipples, holes and other fittings would cooperate with the pins, and the guide surfaces could be located on the motor mounting structure.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 - Partial sectional view of the assembled cooling fan, drive motor and fan housing,

Figure 2 - Cross section of fan hub, drive motor and motor mount

Figure 3 - Perspective View of Motor and Motor Mount

Figure 4 - Perspective view of motor mount with motor removed

Figure 5 - Partial sectional view of fan, drive motor and motor mount showing radial flex support extending forward of pin assembly

Figure 6 - Partial front view showing the threaded mounting interface between the connecting member and the motor mounting structure

Figure 7 - Front view of the motor with connections integrated with the motor housing and located at the rear of the motor

Figure 8 - Front view of a motor with connectors integrated with the end cap and located at the rear of the motor

Figure 9 - Front view of motor with connection members of different sizes and shapes

Figure 10 - Front view of the motor with connection members arranged unevenly around the motor circumference

Figure 11, 12, 13 and 14 - Partial cross-sectional front view of the motor and the axial lap fitting of the motor mounting seat

Figure 15 - Partial Sectional View of Front Mount Motor and Motor Mount Showing Axial Lap Fittings and Integral Heat and Splash Shield

Figure 16 - Partial sectional view of the motor and motor mount showing some axial lap fittings integrated with the motor instead of the motor mounting structure

Figure 17 - Partial sectional view of motor mount showing shaft support

Figure 18 - Partial cross-sectional view of the motor mount showing the angled bracket and mounted motor

Description of preferred embodiments

The cooling fan drive motor 10 in FIG. 1 has a shaft 11 for driving a cooling fan 15 . The fan drive motor 10 is mounted within a motor mounting structure 2 which is connected to a housing 21 by a stator or arm 20 . The housing is used to position the fan/motor assembly relative to the heat exchanger 22 and to direct air between the heat exchanger and the fan.

FIG. 2 shows the motor mounting structure 2 and the motor 10 in detail. One or more connecting members (or joints) 1 project radially from the motor housing. This connector can also be seen from the pre-assembled position in Figure 3. Such joints can be formed from one piece of the motor housing. For example, they could be part of the flux loop of the motor in Figs. 1-3.

FIG. 2 shows how the joint 1 is locked in a recess comprising a forward axial surface 3 and a rearward axial surface 4 . The radial surface 5 centers the motor within the mounting ring.

Figure 4 shows the resilient structures 6, which bear against the cylindrical surface of the motor. This support structure has a flexible zone 7 relative to the motor mounting structure 2 . There is also a rigid region 8 with respect to the motor mounting structure 2 . Such support elements 6, 7, 8 can also be seen from FIGS. 2 and 3 etc. FIG.

In Figure 4, the flexible zone 7 is machined so that it lies within the junction of the two parts on a shaft radius which is smaller than the outer radius of the motor. These areas should bend outward when the motor is inserted into the motor mounting structure. This press fit should be strictly within the manufacturing tolerances of the plastic motor mounting structure and the mating area on the motor.

The rigid areas 8 are machined so that they lie within the joint of the two parts on a radius of the shaft which is greater than the outer radius of the motor. This creates a loose fit that is strictly within most or all of the allowable manufacturing tolerances in the area of the motor and bracket member.

The circumferential pin 9 is shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 . When joint 1 is rotated to the stopper in the above-mentioned recess, this bolt just bites joint. The latch is deflected radially. Alternative latch configurations may deflect in the axial direction.

Another preferred embodiment is shown in FIG. 5 , where the supporting member 6 extends in the opposite axial direction to that of FIGS. 1-4 . The axial and radial braking surfaces 3 , 4 , 5 on the motor mounting structure can be machined in another way, since the shaping of the motor mounting structure is taken into account. However, the described component types shown in Figures 1 to 4 are generally used for the configuration of Figure 5, and the components introduced in the above two embodiments can be applied to many design variations, such as: the direction of motor access, the bracket and the twist The relative axial position of the lock piece, and the axial direction in which the support piece protrudes from the motor mounting structure.

In Fig. 6 the joint 1 is inclined. These mate with the sloped faces in the recesses of the motor mount to form the screw mount. This makes the assembly both axially rigid and compact.

In FIG. 7 the radial joint 1 on the motor is part of the main housing of the motor. In Figure 8, the joint is formed from the end cap. Both solutions are contrasted with Figure 2, where the joint is formed from the motor flux loop.

In FIG. 11 , the locking notches are replaced by axial retaining members 31 and 32 and latches 33 . In this case, the pins snap into the flux ring 40 of the motor 10 instead of jamming with the radial joint. Some of the axial retention members 32 are resilient so that they maintain a tight fit within manufacturing tolerances. The remaining members 31 are rigid. These components are designed as clearance fits. If the elastic member 32 cannot provide sufficient strength and durability, another rigid member 31 is added. Compared to the engagement force required to bite the pin 33, this is mainly dependent on the motor weight.

In Figure 12, the pin 33 fits into a hole in the motor housing. In Figure 13, the pins engage the housing rim or end cap. In Fig. 14, the pins cooperate with joints formed within the flux ring. As in the pin fittings described above, this joint can also be formed from the motor housing or end cap.

Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 15 . The motor is accessed from the front so that a heat and splash shield 40 can be formed for the motor mounting structure to protect the motor back plate from radiant heat and salt water spray. Rigid support member 8 ribs, designed to contact the folding back plate of the motor. The flexible support member 7 is shown on the opposite side of the section. As for the embodiments in Figures 11 to 14, the locking notches are replaced with axial retaining members 31 and 32 and latches 33 . In this case, the folded backplane is gripped by pins rather than radial joints. Some of the axial retention members 32 are resilient so they maintain a tight fit within manufacturing tolerances. The remaining members 31 are rigid. They are designed in this way to achieve a looser fit than the elastic member 32.

In Figure 16. The retaining member 32 and the latch 33 are located on the motor. A single injection molded part consists of the end cap and/or brush holder, and one or more retention members and latches. In this case, the pin bites into the motor mount 2. Certain axial retention members 32 may be resilient so that they maintain a tight fit within manufacturing tolerances.

In Fig. 17, the support member 6 is mounted at an angle. This is to give a slope for injection molding. The motor mounting structure 2 provides a flexible side connected to the supporting member. The angled surface can also improve the assembly process of the motor within the motor mounting structure by providing initial orientation and controlled engagement force.

FIG. 18 shows the motor mount from FIG. 17 with the motor mounted. The bracket has been rotated parallel to the outer contour of the motor. The flexible sides connecting these standoffs have been twisted.

Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (33)

1. automobile engine cooling fan assembly comprises:

A) fan;

B) motor of the described fan of a driving;

C) shell that contains motor mount, motor is installed on this seat;

D) resilient latch, so that motor drive shaft allows deflection when inserting, and moves into place after inserting, this position is shifted out in the motion of latch restriction motor on this position;

E) at least one accessory that matches with described latch,

Described latch is connected to above-mentioned b) and one of member c), and the accessory that described and described latch cooperates is connected to b) and c) another of member.

2. assembly as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that described latch is connected to member c) and the accessory that cooperates with described latch be connected to member b).

3. assembly as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that described latch is connected to member b) and the accessory that cooperates with described latch be connected to member c).

4. by the described assembly of claim 1, it is characterized in that: motor mount comprises that also radial elastic supports, and this supports the rest motor, so that apply radial force to motor, but and the motor relative resilient supports and can move axially.

5. by the described assembly of claim 4, it is characterized in that: assembly also comprises a plurality of rigid members that motor moves radially that are positioned to limit.

6. by the described assembly of claim 5, it is characterized in that: it is as a whole to have at least a rigid member and at least one radial elastic to support.

7. by the described assembly of claim 4, it is characterized in that: the rest member with respect to motor casing at angle, and was fixed on the flex section of motor mount before assembling, made it promptly do circumference after assembling and reversed, so cradling element is just more parallel with the said motor housing.

8. by claim 1 or 2 described assemblies, it is characterized in that: motor component is a metal, and latch is plastics.

9. by claim 1 or 2 described assemblies, it is characterized in that: motor component is plastics, and latch is plastics.

10. by the described assembly of claim 3, it is characterized in that: the latch on the motor is plastics, and motor mount is plastics.

11. by the described assembly of claim 6, it is characterized in that: rigid member is the rigidity rib, and radial elastic supports and comprises that a plurality of surfaces, these surfaces extend from rib, and contacts so that press fit and motor are surperficial.

12. by the described assembly of claim 1, it is characterized in that: motor mount also contains axial elasticity to be supported, and this support applies axial force to motor.

13. by the described assembly of claim 3, it is characterized in that: motor comprises that also axial elasticity supports, and this support applies axial force to motor mount.

14. by the described assembly of claim 1, it is characterized in that: shell comprises member, this member extends radially inwardly usually, and supports motor mount.

15. by the described assembly of claim 14, it is characterized in that: shell also comprises shroud structure, this structure stretches around fan, and supports radial members.

16. by the described assembly of claim 14, it is characterized in that: shell also comprises air guide structure, the air-flow between this structure heat exchanging device and the fan leads.

17. by the described assembly of claim 14, it is characterized in that: motor mount and radial members are single injection-molded plastic part.

18. by claim 15 or 16 described assemblies, it is characterized in that: motor mount, radial members and the structure of extending around fan are single injection-molded plastic part.

19. by the described assembly of claim 2, it is characterized in that: motor comprises a flux ring, and the motor accessory that cooperates with described latch is the edge of described flux ring.

20. by the described assembly of claim 2, it is characterized in that: the motor accessory that matches with described latch is the edge of motor.

21. by the described assembly of claim 2, it is characterized in that: motor comprises a flux ring, and with motor accessory that described latch matches be the radial tab that forms one with above-mentioned flux ring.

22. by the described assembly of claim 2, it is characterized in that: motor contains an external casing, at least one joint constitutes integral body with this housing, and with motor accessory that described latch matches be described joint.

23. by the described assembly of claim 2, it is characterized in that: motor contains an external casing and an end cap, and described end cap is enclosed on the shell rim, and with motor accessory that described latch matches be the edge of described end shield.

24. by the described assembly of claim 2, it is characterized in that: motor contains an end cap, at least one joint constitutes integral body with this end cap, and with motor accessory that above-mentioned latch matches be described joint.

25. by the described assembly of claim 2, it is characterized in that: motor contains an external casing, makes a call to a hole on the housing at least, and with motor accessory that described latch matches be described hole.

26. by the described assembly of claim 2, it is characterized in that: the motor accessory is configured to prevent the rotation of motor casing.

27. by the described assembly of claim 3, it is characterized in that: the motor mount accessory is configured to prevent the motor casing rotation.

28. by the described assembly of claim 1, it is characterized in that: motor is installed from the front.

29. by the described assembly of claim 28, it is characterized in that: motor mount also comprises a guard shield.

30. by the described assembly of claim 1, it is characterized in that: motor is installed from behind.

31. by the described assembly of claim 30, it is characterized in that: the front portion of motor extends through the opening on the motor mount.

32. one kind makes motor engage the method for assembling by the described assembly of claim 1 with motor mount by the motor that endwisely slips.

33., it is characterized in that: do not use the fastening piece that separates with motor and shell by the described method of claim 32.

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