DE102008041236A1 - Drive device operating method for multiple-fan arrangement of passenger motor vehicle, involves operating electric motors in operating mode, where operating mode is scheduled starting from total output of multiple-fan arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves operating an electric motor i.e. electronically commutated (EC) motor (11), in an operating mode, where the operating mode is scheduled upto a total output of a multiple-fan arrangement, which corresponds to a desired power. The electric motor and another electric motor i.e. pulse width modulation (PWM) controlled direct current (DC) motor (12), are operated in another operating mode, where the latter operating mode is scheduled starting from a total output of the multiple-fan arrangement, which corresponds to another desired power. An independent claim is also included for a drive device for driving two fans.

Description

The The present invention relates to a method for operating a Drive device for a multiple fan arrangement, in particular for use in a motor vehicle. The present The invention further relates to such a drive device and a Multiple fan assembly.

Also at low speeds of a motor vehicle, for example in a high-speed driving in low gears, must sometimes provided by the engine high power , causing the internal temperature of the internal combustion engine strong increases. For cooling the internal combustion engine has a motor vehicle typically a radiator or grille, especially at low speeds and high power of the internal combustion engine provide a very high cooling capacity got to.

to Support for cooling typically becomes an electrically operated radiator fan - often also referred to as fan or fan - used, which is designed to provide a cooling airflow through to guide the cooler. Such fans are about it also for cooling an air condenser of an air conditioner used in a motor vehicle. The present invention as well its underlying problem will be referred to below on radiator fan for cooling cooling water or oil fluids of an internal combustion engine explained in more detail, without the invention, however to restrict that.

In general, so far in a motor vehicle usually a single, so-called single fan was used, the z. B. is arranged immediately before or after the grille. Such fans are designed for a given power to make the appropriate cooling. The larger the provided, so-called target performance of the radiator fan, the larger are generally the diameters of the blades of this radiator fan. In passenger vehicles to achieve a particularly low-power form and thus for the lowest possible c _W value of the front portion of the hood, under which the radiator is arranged with the associated fan, running flatter and flatter. Therefore, there is very often not enough space available for high-performance fans. For this reason, instead of a single fan for cooling increasingly two juxtaposed fan used, which are then each made smaller. In this case, the two fans together as possible to the same air flow rate as when only a single radiator fan is used in a conventional manner. Such an arrangement is also referred to as a double fan or tandem fan. These two fans of a double fan are typically arranged in a so-called double fan module.

To the Driving these fans are z. B. electric drives, d. H. Electric motors and especially DC motors used.

at Coolers in a motor vehicle are increasingly in need of an exact temperature setting of the liquid to be cooled adjust. To improve the temperature management of internal combustion engines are therefore increasingly speed-controlled via the electric motors Fan used. These electric motors can z. B. as so-called electronically commutated DC motors, hereafter referred to as EC motors, or as classic Commutator motors with upstream PWM control, below short referred to as DC motors, be formed.

EC motors have the advantage of significantly over DC motors higher robustness against extreme environmental conditions, such as they prevail in particular in the engine compartment of a motor vehicle. About that In addition, they have a very long life and a short overall length, especially in the very narrow space in the area before or after The grille is of great advantage. In difference For this purpose, PWM-controlled DC motors have a much simpler Control on, making this type of DC motors more cost-effective as EC motors. However, DC motors have due to their Commutator brush system has the disadvantage that due the commutator brushes only one compared to EC motors much lower life is feasible. Also, this is Type of engines less suitable under extreme environmental conditions, as in the motor vehicle sector, to be operated. Due to the commutator brushes and commutator bars, DC motors are also larger, what the installation of such electric motors in a space-critical Area made difficult.

The two radiator fans in a double fan module So far, either two DC motors or two EC motors driven.

For applications of two DC motors can z. B. a single PWM control electronics are used to control both DC motors. The DE 10 2006 050 147 A1 describes a device in which two DC motors are each driven by a generated by a microprocessor PWM clock signal.

In the event that the double fan module is equipped with two EC motors, each of these EC motors requires its own control electronics, which makes the entire double fan module but more expensive.

Just to solve the problem of limited space availability, is sometimes tried, a combination of EC motors and DC motors use. The advantage is that here the air flow rate and thus the cooling capacity via the EC motor adjustable are. However, this also means one for each engine own control electronics required, so here the cost advantage opposite a double fan module, which either is equipped with two EC motors or with two DC motors, negligible is low.

The The object underlying the present invention is that an improved control with regard to temperature management a multi-fan module equipped with different motors to realize.

According to the invention this object by a method having the features of the claim 1 and / or by a drive device with the features of Patent claim 12 and / or by a multiple fan arrangement solved with the features of claim 20.

The multi-fan arrangement according to the invention has at least two electric motors for driving the plurality of fans, of which at least one, and in particular the more powerful electric motor, is infinitely variable in its speed. The other electric motor is only switched on and off and thus digitally switchable. The idea underlying the present invention consists in the fact that the at least two electric motors are not constantly operated in parallel. Rather, two operating modes are provided here:
In the first operating mode, in which z. B. only a small power consumption is used, the more powerful, variable speed electric motor is always activated. This speed-controlled electric motor can be infinitely adjusted to the desired power, which is required by the respective associated fan for a given air flow rate. The other electric motor remains switched off in this case. In the second operating mode, the second electric motor is added and immediately delivers its full nominal power. In this case, the first, speed-controlled electric motor is shut down accordingly and only gradually increased again with stronger power requirements from the multiple fan assembly. In this way, the operating point of the multiple fan arrangement, ie the air flow rate to be provided by this multiple fan arrangement, can be adjusted variably and according to need.

Especially to the problem of limited space availability in the To solve engine compartment of a motor vehicle, is always again tried a combination of a so-called EC motor for the more powerful fan and a classic Commutator motor for the less powerful fan to be used in a double fan arrangement. The special Advantage of the present invention is also that two with regard to their control very different electric motors, z. As an EC motor on the one hand and a DC motor on the other hand, by be controlled the same control device. This is by it possible that the control device for the less powerful DC motor is much easier to realize than conventional Solutions.

Of the special advantage is also that the entire fan assembly over Both electric motors continuously and thus continuously from one minimum power consumption up to the maximum power consumption can be raised and thus continuously variable speed, although one of the electric motors only on and off and so that is not speed controllable.

Of the particular advantage of integrating this very simple input and output Power off functionality for the lower performing Electric motor in the control of the more powerful electric motor is that the switching losses negligible are and therefore much less cooling surface is needed as in the integration of a conventional controller or Control for the less powerful electric motor. Also the surface needed on the PCB for the control electronics is significantly reduced because the less powerful electric motor here by the same Control device can be controlled as the more powerful Electric motor. In particular, the underperforming Electric motor, for example, by a modulated control signal be controlled. This is a lower control electronics required as with a complete PWM control this less powerful electric motor.

advantageous Refinements and developments of the invention will become apparent the dependent claims and from the description in synopsis with the figures of the drawing.

Preferably, the second electric motor is completely switched off in the first operating mode and the first electric motor is speed-controlled as a function of the desired total power of the multiple fan arrangement. In the second operating mode, the second electric motor is preferably fully switched on and the first electric motor is controlled such that it provides a power that the desired total power minus the second target power, that of the second Elek tromotor provided maximum target power corresponds.

Of the Time when switching from the first to the second operating mode and vice versa denotes a switching point. This switching point is located between a lower operating point, which of the second desired power of the second electric motor, and an upper operating point, which of the first nominal power and thus the power of the first Electric motor corresponds. Preferably, however, is located this switching point in the immediate vicinity of the first target power. This has the advantage that the more powerful electric motor for a maximum period of time compared to the lower performing one Electric motor is operated. This is advantageous because this is more powerful Electric motor has a significantly longer life, as the lifetime critical, typically with Commutator brushes equipped second DC electric motor.

Preferably In the switching point, the power of the first electric motor is transmitted Speed control around the second setpoint power, d. H. around the second Electric motor maximum power provided, reduced. This is possible because the first electric motor is stepless is speed controllable and thus stepless both high and down mobile is. This also results in a transition from the first to the second operating mode and vice versa a continuous Operating mode such that for all operating points always the desired target power either from the first electric motor alone or optionally by connecting the second electric motor provided by both electric motors. This can be done very fast.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment is the switching point variably adjustable. In particular, the switching point can be adjust according to the given conditions. For example the switching point can be determined by the current parameters of the first or second electric motor, the fan, the temperature, the desired cooling capacity of the radiator an internal combustion engine, the operating point of the internal combustion engine and the like.

In In a preferred embodiment, the effectiveness of the measured first and second electric motor. The switching point is then depending on these measured efficiencies set. This is an operating point setting on the Basis of the effectiveness of the two electric motors by characteristic curve measurement. The effectiveness is defined here from the mechanical Power divided by the electrical power. The mechanical Performance results from the product of the torque and the rotational frequency, whereas the electric power is from the Product of current and voltage result.

In an embodiment is a binding and / or a complete blockage of the fans of the multiple fan assembly and / or the respective associated electric motors measured or otherwise as determined. The switching point is then dependent from the determined binding and / or determined Blockade set. In this way, the operation can be adapt the fan to the respective conditions. For example, can It happens that only one of the electric motors is functional whereas the other electric motor is restricted or is not functional at all. In this case can through the measure just mentioned is, so to speak, an emergency program be installed to at least the best possible operation and thus to produce the best possible cooling performance.

The Driving strategy according to the invention has the advantage that's the more powerful electric motor that typically also has the higher life, based on the total Lifespan of the vehicle also runs most of the time. The less powerful electric motor with the corresponding lower life expectancy, which z. B. by the commutator brushes is conditional, only serves to cover power peaks and will therefore much less often turned on.

In In a particularly preferred embodiment, the switching point is such adapted that the second electric motor, the z. B. in terms its life is limited, maximum over whose half life is switched on. By this measure ensures that the second electric motor also over the entire vehicle life is functional remains, over the dimensioning by means of half Lifespan ensures that a certain security for the service life is guaranteed.

In In a preferred embodiment, the switching point is set in such a way that that the second electric motor at the latest after a predetermined Time in which he was turned off, turned on again becomes. In this way, an undesirable, so-called Rust penetration of the carbon brushes prevented.

typically, the first electric motor is an EC motor and the second electric motor a DC motor, such as a PWM controlled DC motor. The EC engine provides the more powerful and longer lasting Main engine and the DC motor the weaker, rather Restricted in its life auxiliary engine.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention Drive device is the controller as program-controlled Device, in particular as a microcontroller or microprocessor formed. This control device is thus able to handle the Driver circuit to drive both the DC motor and over a specially implemented in the controller PWM module and the controllable circuit to turn the DC motor on and off. On This way can be a very simple and above all also cost-effective control of both electric motors Provide drive device.

In In a likewise preferred embodiment, the control device, the driver circuit, possibly existing current and / or voltage measuring devices Component of a single semiconductor chip. Preferably located also the controllable switching device on this semiconductor chip. At least the elements are mounted on a control board when mounted.

In a likewise particularly preferred embodiment of the invention Multiple fan arrangement is this modular. A such modular multi-fan arrangement has a common housing, the so-called housing frame, on, in which the first and / or the second fan arranged are.

Especially it is preferred if in the housing of the multiple fan arrangement between the two fans a completely sealing Sealing wall is provided and arranged, thereby to some extent unwanted turbulence caused by the two fans to avoid generated airflow.

The above embodiments and refinements of the invention leave to combine with each other in any way.

The The present invention is described below with reference to the schematic Figures of the drawing specified embodiments explained in more detail. It shows:

1 a first, general embodiment of the drive device according to the invention for a double fan module;

2A - 2C Diagrams for the power consumption of the main engine and the auxiliary engine of the drive device according to the invention for the representation of different drive strategies;

3 A second embodiment of the drive device according to the invention for a double fan module;

4 a third, particularly preferred embodiment of the drive device according to the invention for a double fan module;

5 A fourth embodiment of the drive device according to the invention for a double fan module, wherein the main motor and the auxiliary motor of the two fans are arranged in a common housing frame.

In the figures of the drawing sing the same and functionally identical elements and features - unless otherwise stated is - provided with the same reference numerals.

1 shows a first, general embodiment of the fan assembly according to the invention. In 1 is with reference numerals 10 a drive device referred to, as z. B. for a so-called double fan module, so a fan module with two fans arranged therein, is usable. This double fan module and thus also the corresponding drive device 10 are suitable for use for cooling the internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. The drive device 10 has two electric motors 11 . 12 and an electronic control system.

The first electric motor 11 is as a so-called, electrically commutated electric motor (EC motor) 11 formed while the second electric motor 12 as a classic commutator motor (DC motor) 12 is trained. It is assumed that the EC motor 11 the more powerful engine 11 and the DC motor 12 the less powerful engine 12 denotes the power here, the electric power of these motors and thus with these electric motors 11 . 12 can be realized realizable air flow rate of the corresponding fan.

The drive device 10 also has two supply connections 13 . 14 and an input / output port 15 on. At the first supply connection 13 is a first, for example, positive supply potential VBB, whereas at the second supply terminal 14 a second Ver supply potential GND, for example, the potential of the reference ground GND, is applied. Thus falls between the supply connections 13 . 14 a DC voltage UB = VBB - GND. The input / output port 15 forms a communication interface, via which control and data signals XS in the drive device 10 can be coupled in and / or out.

The drive device 10 also has a program-controlled control device as part of the control electronics 16 , a driver circuit 17 and a controllable switching device 18 on. In the present embodiment is ange ange taken that the control device 16 as a microcontroller 16 is formed and the control of both the driver circuit 17 as well as the controllable switching device 18 serves. The control device 16 is on the supply side between the supply connections 13 . 14 arranged. In addition, the control device 16 with the input / output port 15 connected. via this input / output port 15 are externally in the drive device 10 coupled control signals XS of the control device 16 fed. The control device 16 serves to control the operation of the two electric motors 11 . 12 , For this purpose, the control device 16 on the output side and thus on the control side via a first control line 19 with the driver circuit 17 connected. This driver circuit 17 is also on the supply side between the supply connections 13 . 14 arranged. The driver circuit 17 can z. B. as a multi-phase, for example, three-phase motor with bridge switch, be designed as a two-phase motor with full bridge or the like. The control device 16 generates control signals XS1 for the driver circuit 17 , so the driver circuit 17 the EC motor 11 via appropriate current-carrying lines 20 can drive in a known manner. Depending on the control of the control device 16 and thus the driver circuit 17 can be a defined speed of the EC motor 11 and thus realize a defined air flow rate of the associated fan. This EC engine 11 is thus via the control device 16 and the driver circuit 17 continuously variable speed controlled.

To control the operation of the DC motor 12 is the controller 16 via a control line 21 with the control terminal of the controllable switching device 18 connected. This controllable switching device 18 can z. B. be designed as a relay, power MOSFET, IGBT, JFET or the like. This controllable switching device is arranged between the first and second supply potential VBB, GND, wherein between the load output of the controllable switching device 18 and the second supply potential 14 the DC motor 12 is provided. For controlling the controllable switching device, the control device 16 a PWM output 22 on, over the one of a PWM module 36 the control device 16 generated PWM control signal XS2 is coupled out. By switching the controllable switching device on and off 18 by means of one of the control device 16 provided control signal XS2 becomes the DC motor 12 supplied with the supply voltage UB and thus switched on and off.

The operation of the drive device according to the invention will be described below 10 based on three diagrams of 2A to 2C explained in more detail. The three diagrams in the 2A to 2C show the power consumption of acting as the main engine EC motor 11 and the DC motor acting as a slave motor 12 the drive device according to the invention 10 out 1 for the representation of different driving strategies.

It is assumed that the double fan module, which by the drive device 10 is designed for a maximum power consumption of 600 watts. The more powerful EC motor 11 has a maximum power consumption of 400 watts, which is infinitely adjustable, and the less powerful DC motor 12 achieves a power of 200 watts. The less powerful DC motor 12 can only be switched on and off.

In the diagrams of 2A to 2C the dotted line indicates the characteristic curve and thus the output power of the EC motor 11 , the dotted line indicates the characteristic of the DC motor 12 and the solid line indicates the characteristic curve of the entire double fan module resulting from the two characteristics mentioned, which is the sum of the EC motor 11 and DC motor 12 delivered services. The abscissa here denotes the desired value PS of the power output in watts and the ordinate denotes the actual value PI of the power output in watts. On the ordinate are each operating points PSO, PSU and PSM for the corresponding switching points, in which the DC motor 12 is added, specified.

In the embodiment in 2A will initially only the EC engine 11 used and up to powers of 400 watts. In this case, the EC engine 11 via the control device 16 and the driver circuit 17 infinitely ramped up. Has the EC motor 11 its maximum power consumption of 400 watts is reached, in the upper switching point PSO the DC motor 12 switched on. The DC motor 12 delivers in this case immediately his maximum power of 200 watts. In the same way, in the upper switching point PSO the EC motor 12 initially reduced to half of its maximum power consumption, ie to 200 watts. This shutdown corresponds to the power of the DC motor. For larger nominal powers, the performance of the DC motor 12 used. As the power demand continues to increase, the EC motor becomes increasingly popular 11 increased from 200 watts to its maximum power of 400 watts. so that the total module then has a maximum power consumption of 600 watts.

In the second embodiment in the 2 B becomes the more powerful EC motor 11 initially up to the lower switching time PSU, ie up to a power consumption of 200 watts, high hazards. At this switching point PSU is the less powerful DC motor 12 switched on and the more powerful DC motor 11 completely reduced. If the power requirement continues to increase, the DC motor remains 12 fully on and the EC motor 11 is continuously and gradually increased up to its maximum power consumption of 400 watts, so that at this time the total fan module has a maximum power consumption of 600 watts.

Typically and ideally, the switching point is at which the DC motor 12 is switched in the area PSM between the upper and the lower switching point PSO, PSU. Such a case is in the 2C shown. Outside the range between the switching points PSU, PSO, ie above the switching point PSO and below the lower switching point PSU, no continuous power control over the entire power range of the entire fan module is possible.

3 shows a second embodiment of the drive device according to the invention 10 for a double fan module. In contrast to the first, general embodiment in 1 here has the drive device 10 also means for current measurement. For the current measurement is z. B. a shunt resistor 30 provided in one between the supply connection 13 and a tap 31 provided supply line 32 is switched. About this shunt resistor 30 can be a current measurement for the EC motor 11 and the DC motor 12 carry out. However, this current measurement is not for the two motors 11 . 12 separated possible. Should be a current measurement for each of the motors 11 . 12 Separately required would be two separate shunt resistors 33 . 34 conceivable (in 3 shown in dashed lines). For example, the shunt resistor would 33 for current measurement of the EC motor 11 between the tap 31 and the driver circuit 17 switched, whereas the shunt resistor 34 for a current measurement of the DC motor 12 between the tap 31 and the controllable switching device 18 is switched.

For a voltage measurement over the motors 11 . 12 declining operating voltages would be analogously a measuring resistor parallel to these motors 11 . 12 switch (in 3 not shown).

In addition, or alternatively, this current and / or voltage measurement can of course also via the control device 16 by means of a z. B. implemented in the microcontroller measuring element 35 respectively.

4 shows a third, particularly preferred embodiment of the drive device according to the invention 10 for a double fan module. The drive device 10 here again shows the two engines 11 . 12 and a control device 40 on. In contrast to the two embodiments in the 1 and 3 here is the control device 40 in the form of a dedicated control electronics 40 educated. This control electronics 40 includes the as a microcontroller 16 trained control device 16 , This control electronics 40 further includes an input / output terminal 15 and the controllable circuit 16 arranged input / output module 41 on. This input / output module 41 includes a PWM input for coupling and routing PWM control signals to the microcontroller 16 , Furthermore, this input / output module has 41 an error output 43 on, for example, by the microcontroller 16 Provided error information from the control electronics 40 can be decoupled, which can then be further evaluated externally, for example in an external controller or a corresponding controller.

In contrast to the first two embodiments in the 1 and 3 has the control electronics 40 also a power supply device 44 on which input side with the supply connection 14 and a power supply connection 45 connected is.

The controllable switching device 18 as well as the driver circuit 17 are part of the control electronics here 40 , However, it would also be conceivable that in particular the controllable switching device 18 that z. B. is designed here as a power MOSFET, as an external switch between the DC motor 12 and the control electronics 40 is arranged and only via the microcontroller 16 is driven with a control signal XS2.

Furthermore, the control electronics includes 40 in a known manner a device for measuring voltage 46 , which is designed to be one on the control electronics 40 determine falling voltage and derived information to the microcontroller 16 to provide. Furthermore, two devices for current measurement 47 . 48 provided, the device 47 for current measurement of the operating current in the first motor 11 and the device 48 for current measurement of the operating current in the second motor 12 is provided. Depending on this current measurement, the devices generate 47 . 48 a current measurement signal, which the microcontroller 16 is provided for the evaluation of the determined current values.

The two engines 11 . 12 serve in a known manner to drive a corresponding fan for cooling, for example, a radiator or a Air conditioning of a motor vehicle. The control electronics 40 can be z. B. in the housing of the main engine 11 be associated with integrated fan or be designed as an external control device. In the case of an externally formed controller, this z. B. be provided on or next to a frame of the double fan module. Under a frame here is a housing to understand, which serves on the one hand, the attachment of the fan to the heat sink and on the other hand defines a corresponding flow contour for the air flow generated by the fans.

5 shows a fourth embodiment of the drive device according to the invention for a double fan module 58 in which the main engine 11 and the sub engine 12 the two fans of the double fan module 58 are arranged in a housing frame, here with reference numerals 50 is designated. In the left area of the housing frame 50 is the EC motor 11 as well as the radiator fan driven by it 51 shown. In the right area of the housing frame 50 is the DC motor 12 and the radiator fan driven thereby 52 shown. The two radiator fans 51 . 52 are via appropriate fasteners 53 on the housing frame 50 attached. The housing frame 50 also has four attachment tabs at its edge regions 56 on, over which the housing frame 50 For example, it can be attached to a specially designed radiator grille.

To power the two motors 11 . 12 are each supply lines 54 intended. In the wiring, in which the supply lines 54 can also have data and / or control lines 19 . 21 to control the operation of the two motors 11 . 12 be provided. The supply lines 54 as well as the data and / or control lines 54 are with a control board 55 connected. This control board 55 includes, among other things, the control electronics 40 how they z. B. also in the embodiment in 4 is shown. This control board 55 is preferably within the housing frame 50 arranged and can z. B. include the controller for controlling the radiator fan function. The control board 55 thus takes a control function of the operation of the two motors 11 . 12 and therefore the engines 11 . 12 associated fan 51 . 52 was.

It is particularly preferred if between the two fans 51 . 52 a completely sealed sealing wall 57 is provided and arranged, thereby to some extent undesirable turbulence of the two fans 51 . 52 to avoid generated airflow. By using such a sealing wall 57 be the two fans 51 . 52 the double fan module on the inside between radiator and airfoil of the housing frame 50 decoupled from the pressure, resulting in an overall higher efficiency of the two fans 51 . 52 leads. This is z. B. by a in the housing frame 50 injected sealing contour between the two fans 51 . 52 realized. If such a sealing contour were dispensed with, the flow path would create a short circuit of the flows to the side facing away from the cooler and the flow air would not be drawn through the cooler as desired. Overall, this would lead to a significant reduction in effectiveness.

Although the present invention above based on preferred embodiments was explained, it is not limited to but can be modified in any way without departing from the subject matter of the present invention.

So For example, let the invention not be a double fan module with two fans and their associated electric motors limited, but can be on any Expanding variety of fans.

The Moreover, the invention is not exclusive on the cooling of a cooler for one Internal combustion engine limited, but can be expand here to any cooling devices. About that addition, the invention is of course also for the Cooling of air conditioning systems is an advantage.

In addition, it goes without saying that in particular in the embodiments of the 1 . 3 and 4 . 5 illustrated circuit elements and functional elements also changed in a corresponding manner and may be replaced by functionally identical elements, provided that the basic operation is maintained. Thus, the invention is not necessarily limited to the design of the controllable switching device as a power MOSFET, IGBT, J-FET, relays and the like, but can be used in all controllable switching devices. Also, the driver circuit is not necessarily limited to a bridge circuit, but can be applied to other driver circuits, the z. B. as half bridge, full bridge and the like, expand. Of course, any programmable device such as a microcontroller, microprocessor, PLD, FPGA, and the like may be used as the controller. This control device should only be able to control the driver circuit and the controllable switching device accordingly, wherein a PWM control is not necessarily required for driving the controllable circuit. The control could be here in other ways, for example by an amplitude modulation or the like, realize.

The In particular, the invention is not exclusive to one Fan assembly limited with a DC motor and an EC motor. Rather, the invention would be in all applications can be used, in which a first motor in its speed infinitely is adjustable and the other motor is digitally switchable, d. H. can only be switched on and off. Also, the DC motor does not have to necessarily represent the more powerful engine. Rather, both engines can use the same power exhibit. Under certain circumstances, it would also be conceivable though not so beneficial when the EC motor is the least powerful Engine represents.

About that In addition, the invention is not necessarily on a double fan module limited. Rather, the invention is also suitable for such Cases where the two fans and thus the these associated electric motors depending Weil in different Frames are arranged. It would also be possible using a double fan module one more than two Fan (modular) fan assembly and use. The modular design of the fan assembly would have In addition, the advantage that the individual fans in total can be made smaller and, above all, in one single housing frame can be arranged.

10

driving device

11

Electric motor, EC motor, main engine

12

Electric motor, DC motor, auxiliary motor

13 14

supply connections

15

Input / output terminal

16

Controller, microcontroller

17

driver circuit

18

controllable Switching device, MOSFET

19

control line

20

current carrying cables

21

control line

22

PWM output

30

Shunt resistor

31

tap

32

supply line

33 34

Shunt resistors

35

measuring element

36

PWM device, PWM module

40

control electronics

41

Input / output module

43

error output

44

Power supply means

45

Power connector

46

contraption for voltage measurement

47 48

devices for current measurement

50

Gehäusezarge

51 52

radiator fan

53

fasteners

54

supply line

55

circuit board

56

mounting tabs

57

cut-off wall

58

Double fan module, Multiple fan arrangement

XS, XS1, XS2

control signals

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 102006050147 A1 [0009]

Claims (22)

Method for operating a drive device ( 10 ) for a multiple fan arrangement ( 58 ), in particular for use in a motor vehicle, which has a speed-variably adjustable first electric motor ( 11 ) with a first nominal power and a second electric motor which can be switched on and off ( 12 ) with a second setpoint power, which is lower than the first setpoint power, with a first operating mode in which only the first electric motor ( 11 ), wherein the first operating mode is at least up to a total power of the multiple fan assembly ( 58 ), which corresponds to the second setpoint power, is provided, with a second operating mode, in which the first and the second electric motor ( 11 . 12 ), wherein the second operating mode latest from a total power of the multiple fan assembly ( 58 ) corresponding to the first target power is provided. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the first operating mode of the second electric motor ( 12 ) is switched off and the first electric motor ( 11 ) is speed controlled depending on the desired overall performance. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the second operating mode the second electric motor ( 12 ) is fully switched on and the first electric motor ( 11 ) is speed controlled so that it provides a power that corresponds to the desired total power minus the second target power. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a switching point at which of the first is switched to the second operating mode and vice versa, between a lower operating point (PSU), which corresponds to the second setpoint power, and an upper operating point (PSO), the first target power corresponds, preferably in the range of the first setpoint power PSO, lies. A method according to claim 4, characterized in that in the switching point, the power of the first electric motor ( 11 ) is reduced by speed control by the second target power. Method according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the switching point variably adjustable is. Method according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the efficiencies of the first and the second electric motor ( 11 . 12 ) and that the switching point is set depending on the measured efficiencies. Method according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that a binding and / or a complete blockage of fans of the multiple fan arrangement ( 58 ) and / or the respective associated electric motors ( 11 . 12 ) and that the switching point is set as a function of the determined stiffness and / or blockage. Method according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the switching point is adapted such that the second electric motor ( 12 ) is turned on for a maximum of half its service life. Method according to one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the switching point is set such that the second electric motor ( 12 ) is turned on again after a predetermined period of time in which it was turned off continuously. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first electric motor ( 11 ) an EC motor ( 11 ) and the second electric motor ( 12 ) a DC motor ( 12 ), for example a PWM-controlled DC motor ( 12 ), designated. Drive device ( 10 ) for driving at least two fans ( 51 . 52 ), especially the fan ( 51 . 52 ) of a multi-fan arrangement ( 58 ) for a motor vehicle, with at least one first electric motor ( 11 ), which is controlled by a controllable driver circuit ( 17 ) is infinitely variable speed, with at least one second electric motor ( 12 ), which has a controllable switching device ( 18 ) is switched on and off, with a control device ( 16 ), the operation of the first electric motor ( 11 ) via the controllable driver circuit ( 17 ) and the operation of the second electric motor ( 12 ) via the controllable switching device ( 18 ) in accordance with a method according to any one of claims 1-11 controls. Drive device according to claim 12, characterized in that the first electric motor ( 11 ) an EC motor ( 11 ) and the second electric motor ( 12 ) a DC motor ( 12 ), for example a PWM-controlled DC motor ( 12 ), designated. Drive device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the EC motor ( 11 ) the more powerful main engine ( 11 ) and the DC motor ( 12 ) the less powerful secondary engine ( 12 ). Drive device according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the driver circuit ( 17 ) is designed as a bridge circuit, in particular as a power bridge, half bridge or full bridge. Drive device according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the controllable switching device ( 18 ) a circuit breaker ( 18 ), in particular a power MOSFET, JFET, IGBT or a relay. Drive device according to one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the control device ( 16 ) a PWM module for PWM control of the second electric motor ( 12 ) associated controllable switching device ( 18 ) having. Drive device according to one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that the control device ( 16 ) as a program-controlled device ( 16 ), in particular as a microcontroller or microprocessor is formed. Drive device according to one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that the control device ( 16 ), the driver circuit ( 17 ), Current and / or voltage measuring devices ( 46 - 48 ) of the control device ( 16 ) and / or the controllable switching device ( 18 ) Are part of a single semiconductor chip. Multiple fan arrangement ( 58 ), in particular for use in a motor vehicle, with at least one first fan ( 51 ) powered by an EC motor ( 11 ), with at least one second fan ( 52 ) powered by a DC motor ( 12 ) is driven by a drive device ( 10 ) according to any one of claims 12-19, which by means of the first and second fans ( 51 . 52 ) associated DC motor ( 11 ) or EC motor ( 12 ) is used to control the operation of the first and second fan. Multiple fan arrangement according to claim 20, characterized in that the multiple fan arrangement ( 58 ) is modular and that a common housing ( 50 ) is provided, in which the first and the second fan ( 51 . 52 ) are arranged. Multiple fan arrangement according to one of claims 20 or 21, characterized in that inside the housing ( 50 ) between the first fan ( 51 ) and the second fan ( 52 ) a completely sealing wall ( 57 ) is provided.