WO2025078497A1 - Fan module for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a fan module (2) for a motor vehicle. The fan module comprises a frame (10) for a fan (4), and/or for a heat exchanger (8, 6), the frame (10) having an extension (14) extending in the transverse direction (q) of the frame. Furthermore, the fan module (2) comprises a mounting element (16) with a fastening portion (18) for the extension (14) and with a supporting portion (20) for a bearing shell (24) of a holder (26) on the motor vehicle, wherein a hook (22) for joining to the bearing shell (24) is arranged on the supporting portion (20) of the mounting element (16).

Description

Description

Fan module for a motor vehicle

The invention relates to a fan module for a motor vehicle, with a frame for a fan and/or for a heat exchanger.

In motor vehicles, a fan module with a heat exchanger is typically used. Such a fan module, which includes a fan and a radiator, is also called a radiator fan module. A fan module, which includes a fan, a radiator, and a condenser for an air conditioning circuit, is also called a CRFM (Condenser/Radiator/Fan/Module).

During assembly in the vehicle, the fan module is joined, in particular screwed or clipped, to a counter-bearing of the vehicle. For example, the fan module is elastically mounted using a decoupling element.

In some motor vehicles, however, the installation space for the fan module is comparatively small, making installation difficult and/or some areas of the installation space for attaching the fan module to the counter bearing are not accessible with a tool.

The invention is based on the object of facilitating the assembly of the fan module.

This object is achieved according to the invention by a fan module having the features of claim 1. Furthermore, this object is achieved according to the invention by a holder having the features of claim 8 and by a Method with the features of claim 10. Advantageous further developments and refinements are the subject of the subclaims. The statements made in connection with the fan module also apply mutatis mutandis to the mounting and the method, and vice versa.

The fan module is intended and configured for a motor vehicle. It expediently comprises a fan and at least one heat exchanger, i.e., a cooler (radiator) and/or a condenser for an air conditioning system. For example, the fan module is a CRFM (Condenser/Radiator/Fan/Module). For example, the fan module is intended and configured to comprise both a cooler and a condenser, and/or—for example, for delivery purposes—the fan module comprises only the cooler or the condenser as a heat exchanger.

The fan module comprises a frame for the fan and/or for the heat exchanger(s). The fan and/or the heat exchanger(s) are expediently attached to the frame. The frame has a (mounting) extension which extends in a frame transverse direction, also referred to as the module transverse direction. The extension is arranged in particular on a side wall of the frame and projects upwards in the frame transverse direction. The frame transverse direction is expediently oriented perpendicular to a fan axis (rotational axis) of the fan and/or, when the fan module is mounted in the vehicle, parallel to a vehicle transverse direction. For example, when the fan module is mounted in a motor vehicle, the fan axis is inclined relative to a vehicle longitudinal axis. An angle between the fan module and the vehicle longitudinal axis is, for example, between 0° and 60°.

The fan module further comprises a mounting element having a fastening section for the extension. The mounting element is expediently arranged on the extension, in particular fastened thereto, for example, placed thereon in the transverse direction of the frame. Furthermore, the mounting element comprises a support section, also referred to as a bearing section, for a bearing shell of a bracket of the motor vehicle. The support section is provided for and designed to be inserted into the bearing shell of the bracket. In particular, the bearing shell supports the retaining element in the assembled state (with the fan module arranged thereon); in other words, when the fan module is mounted on the bracket, the support section rests on and/or in the bearing shell.

A hook is arranged on the support section of the mounting element; in particular, the hook is molded onto the support section. The hook is provided and configured for joining to the bearing shell, in particular in the manner of a bayonet lock. During assembly, the hook is guided through a passage in the bearing shell so that it protrudes through the passage. The mounting element is then rotated, in particular about an axis parallel to the transverse direction of the frame, so that in the (final) assembly state of the fan module on the bracket, the hook forms a rear grip with the bearing shell.

A particularly advantageous feature is the hook on the mounting element, which allows tool-free joining of the fan module to the bracket. This results in an easier installation process, especially in relatively small installation spaces.

The mounting element is expediently monolithic, i.e. formed in one piece, and/or designed as an injection-molded part.

According to a preferred embodiment, the mounting element is formed from or comprises an elastomer. This advantageously prevents or at least reduces structure-borne sound transmission from the fan module to the motor vehicle. In other words, the mounting element also serves to decouple the fan module from a sound transmission perspective. The mounting element is therefore also referred to as a decoupling element.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the fan module, the mounting element is rotationally fixed, in other words rotationally fixed, in particular with respect to a rotation about an axis parallel to the transverse direction of the frame, held on the extension. For this purpose, the mounting element has, for example, on its side facing the extension, a pin- or dome-like nose which extends transversely to the direction of rotation and is received in a corresponding receptacle in the extension. For example, the receptacle is groove-like and extends in the transverse direction of the frame, so that when the mounting element is placed on the extension, the nose is also inserted into the receptacle. Due to the rotationally fixed connection of the mounting element and the extension, the entire fan module can be rotated in a comparatively simple manner during assembly in order to rotate the mounting element in order to create the rear grip of the hook with the bearing shell, so that separate handling of just the mounting element is not necessary.

According to a suitable embodiment, the hook extends in a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction of the frame. In other words, the hook has (only) one axis of curvature oriented parallel to the transverse direction of the frame. This advantageously reduces the installation space in the transverse direction of the frame.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the support section of the mounting element is curved in an arc shape, preferably in a circular arc shape. In particular, the support section, which rests on the bearing shell in the assembled state, is cylindrical or semi-cylindrical, with the cylinder axis oriented parallel to the transverse direction of the frame. Such a shape advantageously facilitates rotation of the mounting element in the bearing shell.

According to an advantageous embodiment, a guide structure protrudes from the support section, which is in particular cylindrical or semi-cylindrical. In particular, the guide structure protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the transverse direction of the frame to the surface of the support section. For example, the guide structure is pin-shaped or dome-shaped, but suitably the guide structure forms a type of tongue and groove for a groove-shaped depression in the bearing shell or for a recess in the bearing shell, wherein the guide structure and/or, in the assembled state, the depression or the recess in the bearing shell are in a The plane extends perpendicular to the transverse direction of the frame. The guide structure thus serves to guide the assembly device for its rotation during assembly.

When assembled, the mounting element is fixed in the bearing shell with respect to the transverse direction of the frame. In particular, the frame is mounted in a floating manner, meaning that the frame is held in the mounting element in a direction perpendicular to the transverse direction of the frame. The frame is preferably movable relative to the mounting element mounted in the bearing shell in and/or against the transverse direction of the frame.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the mounting element comprises a buffer. This buffer protrudes upwards in or opposite to the transverse direction of the frame. In particular, the buffer protrudes upwards from the support section and, in the assembled state, extends toward the frame, in particular toward its side wall. The buffer is expediently designed such that it projects beyond the bearing shell toward the frame in the transverse direction of the frame. The buffer thus serves as a stop for the frame.

A further aspect of the invention relates to the mount for the motor vehicle. The mount comprises the bearing shell, which forms a receptacle for the mounting element and/or for the extension of the fan module in one of the variants described above. The mount expediently further comprises a support, in particular a strut, which is attached to the bearing shell and which can be mounted on the motor vehicle, in particular on its body.

The bearing shell thus comprises a receiving space for the mounting element. The bearing shell is expediently open in a vertical direction, which is suitably oriented perpendicular to the transverse direction of the frame when the fan module is mounted on the bracket, so that the mounting element can be inserted into the bearing shell. Furthermore, the bearing shell, in particular its shell wall delimiting the receiving space, has a passage for the hook. In particular, the passage is formed in a section of the shell wall. which limits the receptacle in the opposite direction to the vertical direction. For example, the feedthrough is designed as a hole.

In a practical embodiment, a bearing surface of the bearing shell, i.e., the (inner) side of the shell wall facing the mounting element in the assembled state, is curved in an arcuate manner. Particularly suitable, the bearing shell forms a semi-cylindrical receiving space. For this purpose, the shell wall is curved to resemble the surface of a half cylinder.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for mounting a fan module, which is designed in one of the (fan module) variants shown above, on a holder, which is designed in one of the (holder) variants shown above.

For example, the mounting element is arranged on the extension, in particular plugged onto it.

According to the method, the mounting element of the fan module is inserted into the holder, namely into the bearing shell, in a direction perpendicular to the transverse direction of the frame, in particular counter to the vertical direction of the bearing shell. The hook of the mounting device is guided through the opening in the bearing shell, so that the hook protrudes through the opening. Thus, the support section of the mounting element is arranged on the inside of the shell wall, and the free end of the hook is arranged on an outside of the shell wall. In particular, the mounting element rests with its support section on the bearing shell, i.e., is supported by it.

Subsequently, the mounting element, particularly together with the remaining fan module, is rotated about a (rotational) axis parallel to the transverse direction of the frame. In particular, the central axis of the cylindrical or semi-cylindrical mounting element is used as this rotational axis. By rotating, the hook is adjusted in such a way that it now forms a rear grip with the shell wall. In other words, the shell wall is between the free end of the hook and the support section of the mounting element. In particular, the mounting element is connected to the bracket in the manner of a bayonet lock. In summary, the fan module is attached to the bracket simply by inserting it and then turning it. Therefore, no tools are required.

An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. In the drawings:

Fig. 1a shows a schematic side view of a fan module, the frame of which has an extension, wherein a mounting element is attached to the extension, and wherein the mounting element has a hook for forming a bayonet lock with a bearing shell,

Fig. 1 b schematically shows the fan module in a front view

Fig. 2 on an enlarged scale the mounting element attached to the extension,

Fig. 3 in perspective view the mounting element,

Fig. 4 the fan module in a side view, wherein the mounting element is accommodated in a bearing shell of a bracket for a motor vehicle,

Fig. 5 in a side view the bracket with the mounting element accommodated in its bearing shell,

Fig. 6 in a sectional view of the fan module joined to the bracket with the section plane A-A according to Fig. 5,

Fig. 7 in a sectional view of the fan module joined to the bracket with the cutting plane BB according to Fig. 5, Fig. 8 shows a perspective and section view of the holder, the bearing shell of which has a recess for a guide structure of the mounting element, and

Fig. 9 in an enlarged scale and in a perspective view the holder with the mounting element accommodated in its bearing shell, wherein the mounting element has a buffer for the frame, which projects beyond the bearing shell in relation to the frame transverse direction towards a side wall of the frame.

Corresponding parts and sizes are always provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

Fig. 1a schematically shows a side view of a fan module 2. This comprises a fan 4 and a cooler 6 (radiator 6) and/or a condenser 8 as a heat exchanger. According to the exemplary embodiment shown here, the fan module is a CRFM. The fan module is therefore intended and configured to have both a cooler 6 and a condenser 8. Depending on a customer requirement or for a delivery, such a CRFM can have only the cooler 6 or the condenser 8 as a heat exchanger. The other heat exchanger is then mounted in the CRFM for final assembly.

The fan module 2 further comprises a frame 10 for the fan 4 and/or for the respective heat exchanger. A (mounting) extension 14 is arranged on a side wall 12 of the frame 10, which protrudes from this side wall 12 in a transverse direction q of the frame. The transverse direction q of the frame is oriented perpendicular to a (rotational axis) fan axis A of the fan 4.

A mounting element 16 of the fan module 2, made of an elastomer, is attached to the extension 14. The mounting element can be seen in comparative detail in Figures 2 and 3. It has a substantially circular or sleeve-like first section, the Fastening section 18 which encompasses the extension 14. Furthermore, the mounting element 16 comprises a support section 20 on which a hook 22 is arranged, here molded. The hook extends in a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction q of the frame. In other words, the hook 22 extends from the support section 20 to its free end, wherein the hook 22 spans a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction q of the frame. The support section 20 is provided so that it is supported on a bearing shell 24 of a holder 26. The support section and the fastening section are connected to one another by means of struts 30.

The support section 20 is curved in an arcuate manner. The support section is convex with respect to the extension 14. In particular, the support section 20 is designed in the form of a hollow half-cylinder, see in particular Figures 2 and 6. Thus, the support section has a circular-arc-shaped cross-section (with a cutting plane perpendicular to the transverse direction q of the frame). Thus, the radial outer surface of the support section forms the lateral surface of a half-cylinder. The central axis is parallel to the transverse direction q of the frame.

Furthermore, the fan module 2 comprises a further mounting element 28, by means of which the fan module 2 can be mounted in a motor vehicle, for example, screwed or clipped. The further mounting elements are preferably also made of an elastomer for decoupling structure-borne sound transmission.

As can be seen in particular in Fig. 1 b, the fan module 2 has on both sides with respect to the transverse direction q of the frame an extension 14 with a mounting element 16 fastened thereto as well as a further mounting element 28. The fan module 2 is therefore intended to be fastened to the motor vehicle at a total of four points, namely twice using the holder 26 of the motor vehicle and twice using the further mounting elements 28 on a counter bearing of the motor vehicle (not shown in detail). Figures 2 to 7 show a specific embodiment of the fan module 2 and its mounting element 16. As can be seen particularly in Fig. 3, the extension 14 has a groove-like receptacle 32 extending in the transverse direction q of the frame. To ensure that the extension is held in a rotationally secure manner, a pin- or dome-shaped nose of the mounting element is received in the receptacle, which protrudes from the fastening section 18 into the receptacle 32. In summary, the mounting element 16 is held on the extension 14 in a rotationally fixed manner, i.e., rotationally fixed.

As can be seen particularly in Figures 2 and 3, a guide structure 34 protrudes from the support section 20. The guide structure 34 is designed in the manner of a tongue and groove or in the manner of a spring and is provided for a groove-like or bead-like depression 48—or, according to an alternative not shown in more detail, for a recess—in the bearing shell. The guide structure 34 spans a plane that is perpendicular to the frame transverse direction q. In the assembled state, the guide structure 34 is received in the depression 48 or in the recess of the bearing shell 24. In other words, the guide structure 34 projects into the depression 48 in the assembled state. Consequently, the mounting element 16 is guided during a rotation process of the fan module 2 about a rotation axis that expediently corresponds to the central axis of the cylindrical support section 20.

Figures 4 to 7 show an assembly state in which the fan module 2 is mounted on the bracket 26. For the purpose of better visibility, the fan module 2 is shown only in detail in the area of the extension 14. Figure 8 shows the bracket 26 without the mounting element 16 and without the frame 10.

The holder 26 comprises the bearing shell 24. This comprises a shell wall 36 with a circular arc in cross-section. Thus, the shell wall 36 is curved according to the shell of a half cylinder. The support surface 38 of the bearing shell 24 facing the mounting element 16 in the assembled state (inner side) is thus designed such that it has a contact surface 38 with the support section 20. of the mounting element 16 has a corresponding shape, see in particular Figures 6 and 7. Thus, the bearing shell 24 forms a semi-cylindrical receiving space.

Due to the circular arc-shaped design of both the shell wall 26 and the support section 20, rotation of the mounting element in the bearing shell 24, in particular around the common central axis as the axis of rotation, is comparatively easy.

The bearing shell 24 is open in the (bearing shell) vertical direction h, which, when the fan module 2 is mounted on the bracket 26, is oriented perpendicular to the transverse direction q of the frame. The corresponding shell opening is designated by reference numeral 40 in Figures 6 and 7. Thus, during assembly, the mounting element 16 can be inserted into the bearing shell 24 in a direction opposite to the vertical direction h.

The hook 22 is received in a passage 42 of the shell wall 36. The hook 22 extends through the passage 42, see Fig. 6.

The bearing shell 24 comprises a cover 44, which delimits the receiving space formed by the bearing shell 24 in the transverse direction q of the frame. The cover 44 prevents adjustment of the fan module 2 in the transverse direction of the frame and serves as a guide when inserting the mounting element 16 into the bearing shell 24 during assembly.

The bearing shell 24 is joined to a support 46, for example, designed as a strut. The support 46 is intended to be joined to the motor vehicle, in particular to its body, or to form part of the body.

In the assembled state, the mounting element 16 is fixed in the bearing shell 24 with respect to the transverse direction q of the frame. According to the exemplary embodiment shown here, the frame 10 is mounted in a floating manner, i.e. the frame 10 is supported in a direction perpendicular to the transverse direction q of the frame by means of the mounting element 16 and the The frame 10 is held by a bracket 26. In and/or against the frame transverse direction q, the frame 10 is at least displaceable against the mounting element 16 mounted in the bearing shell 26.

As can be seen in particular in Fig. 2, the mounting element 16 comprises a buffer 50 which projects upwards in the transverse direction q of the frame. In particular, the buffer 50 projects upwards above the support section 20. In other words, the buffer extends further in the transverse direction q of the frame than the support section 20 and/or the fastening section 18. As can be seen in particular in Fig. 9, the buffer 50 extends towards the side wall 12 of the frame 10 in the assembled state. The buffer 50 projects beyond the bearing shell 24 with respect to the transverse direction q of the frame towards the side wall 12 of the frame 10, so that the buffer 50 formed from an elastomer forms a damping stop for the frame 10.

In one method for mounting the fan module to the bracket, first and if necessary, the heat exchanger(s) is attached to the fan module 2.

Subsequently, the fan module 2 and thus its mounting element 16 are adjusted in a direction perpendicular to the frame transverse direction q, here opposite the vertical direction h, towards the bearing shell, so that the mounting element 16 is inserted into the bearing shell 24 in a direction opposite the vertical direction h. The fan module 2 is oriented such that, during this insertion, the hook 22 of the mounting element 16 is passed through the passage 42 of the bearing shell 24 opposite the vertical direction h. Following this step, the hook 22 thus extends through the passage 42 of the bearing shell 24.

Subsequently, the fan module 2 and thus the mounting element 16 are rotated about an axis parallel to the transverse direction q of the frame, in particular about the central axis of the support section 20. The direction of rotation is represented in Fig. 6 by an arrow with the reference symbol d. The rotation takes place in such a way that the free end of the hook 22 is displaced under the shell wall 36. Thus, due to the rotation, the hook 22 forms a rear grip with the Shell wall 36. After assembly, the fan module is tilted against the vertical direction h due to the rotation.

The fan module 2 is then conveniently attached to a corresponding counter bearing using the additional mounting elements 28.

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

List of reference symbols

2 fan module

4 fans

6 cooler/radiator

8 Capacitor

10 frame

12 Side wall of the frame

14 Extension

16 Mounting element

18 Fastening section

20 support section

22 hooks / bayonet hooks

24 bearing shell

26 Bracket

28 additional mounting element

30 strut

32 recordings

34 Management structure

36 shell wall

38 contact surface

40 shell opening

42 Implementation

44 Cover

46 carriers

48 Deepening

50 buffers

A Fan axis d Direction of rotation for installation h Vertical direction q Cross direction of frame

Claims

Claims 1. Fan module (2) for a motor vehicle, comprising a frame (10) for a fan (4) and/or for a heat exchanger (8, 6), wherein the frame (10) has an extension (14) extending in the transverse direction (q) of the frame, and a mounting element (16) with a fastening section (18) for the extension (14) and with a support section (20) for a bearing shell (24) of a holder (26) of the motor vehicle, wherein a hook (22) for joining to the bearing shell (24) is arranged on the support section (20) of the mounting element (16). 2. Fan module (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting element (16) is formed from or comprises an elastomer for reducing structure-borne sound transmission. 3. Fan module (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the mounting element (16) is held rotationally fixed on the extension (14). 4. Fan module (2) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the hook (22) extends in a plane perpendicular to the transverse direction (q) of the frame. 5. Fan module (2) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the support section (20) of the mounting element (16) is curved in an arc shape, in particular in a circular arc shape. 6. Fan module (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that a guide structure (34) protrudes from the support section (20). 7. Fan module (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the mounting element (16) has a buffer (50) for the frame (10) which projects upwards in or against the frame transverse direction (q). 8. A holder (26) for a motor vehicle, comprising a bearing shell (24) for the mounting element (16) of a fan module (2) designed according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the bearing shell (24) has a passage (42) for the hook (22) of the mounting element (16). 9. Holder (26) according to claim 8, characterized in that a support surface (38) of the bearing shell (24) for the mounting element is curved in an arcuate manner. 10. A method for mounting a fan module (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7 on a holder according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the mounting element (16) of the fan module (2) is introduced into the holder (26) in a direction perpendicular to the transverse direction (q) of the frame, so that the hook (22) extends through the passage (42) of the bearing shell (24), and wherein the mounting element (16) of the fan module (2) is rotated about an axis parallel to the transverse direction (q) of the frame.