DE69915764T2 - Fan housing and air inlet assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A far shroud and air intake arrangement for use adjacent a vehicle radiator and around an engine cooling far has a rectangularly shaped hollow body of a predetermined depth and a front face, a rear face, a top wall, a bottom wall, oppositely disposed side walls, at least one opening formed through the body with a cylindrical wall therearound defining a primary air flow passage for directing cooling air across the vehicle radiator and an engine air conduit formed within the hollow body between the front and rear faces to direct air from the atmosphere to an air induction system for the engine. <IMAGE>

Description

The This invention relates generally to automotive radiator fan housing, and more particularly to such Casing, which are blow-molded and include hollow chambers that serve as a reservoir for liquids, for example coolant and / or window or headlight cleaning fluid, the Blow molded radiator fan housing continues an engine air intake passage for the supply of ambient air to the air intake system of a motor vehicle includes, its radiator through the airflow passing through the radiator fan housing chilled becomes.

The US Pat. No. 5,649,587, assigned to the assignee of the present Invention has been transferred and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety a blow molded fan housing and a container arrangement, wherein a hollow body serves to a main air passage through the fan housing for cooling to define a connected to the assembly cooler. The hollow body comprises Furthermore, chambers that serve as a reservoir for coolant, cleaning fluid and serve the same.

The above fan housing with A container assembly is advantageous in that the need for separate fasteners for the Blower housing and the molded chambers deleted. Especially it is desirable that the liquid container immediately be formed in a blowing process with.

It is an extra Requirement for internal combustion engines with coolers to dissipate heat from a coolant, that circulates through the engine that this is an air intake system to connect to the atmosphere via a Include air filter. In the past, such systems required separate mounting arrangements for an air inlet element for Installation in the front engine compartment and continue to guide the Inlet air to the engine, the course in some engine designs the cooling air, the above the cooler guided must be impaired can.

US Pat. No. 2,197,503 relates to motor vehicles with internal combustion engines, and more particularly to the arrangement of the air inlet of the air filter for the internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. US 2,197,503 discloses the location of the air intake at a location at the forward end of the motor vehicle relatively close to the engine blower so that it is above the normal course of the dust-laden air flow passing through the blowers through the radiator opening and chiller core. This arrangement comprises a semicircular depressed recess formed in one side of the longitudinal center of the water tank in which an air passage is secured.

Of the Invention is based on the object, an improved compact and effective blow molded Kühlerbläsegehäuse with an integral engine air intake passage for guiding atmospheric Provide air to the air intake system of an internal combustion engine, with a coolant flows through which is due to an air flow through a fan housing for guide of cooling air through a cooler is conditioned.

Of the Invention is further based on the object, a one-piece Fan housing arrangement with a fluid chamber and an associated engine air intake passage to the leadership from coolant to Engine for cooling of the engine and to the leadership of air into the engine intake system for mixing with fuel and to provide combustion within the engine.

A Another object of the invention is a compact, a part Blower housing with Air inlet and liquid container arrangement in which the need for fasteners and Handling of the individual components within the motor vehicle is reduced.

A Another object of the invention is to provide a combination blower housing and To provide an engine air intake unit for use in the vicinity of a vehicle radiator, due to the flow of air through a blower housing to guide air over one Radiator is conditioned.

Another object of the invention is to provide a combination radiator fan and engine air intake unit for use in the vicinity of a vehicle radiator and an engine air intake manifold assembly and one or more fans comprising a body of predetermined depth, an end face facing the front of a vehicle near the radiator is a back side spaced apart from the front, an upper wall and a lower wall spaced therefrom, oppositely disposed side walls, and at least one inner wall defining a primary air opening through the body of appropriate size to provide airflow through the radiator for cooling frost protection or other fluids passing therethrough, the body defining at least one engine air intake passage extending rearwardly through the body from the end face thereof, the air intake passage having an inlet end which forms an inlet opening arranged near the end face, which communicates with the atmosphere, and has an outlet end which is spaced from the inlet end and for connection to the inlet Air intake system of the engine is formed.

It Another object of the invention is to provide such an arrangement, their body having a single air inlet channel.

Yet Another object of the invention is to provide such an arrangement in which the air intake ducts are spaced apart from each other the periphery of the body are arranged.

Yet Another object of the invention is to provide such an arrangement to provide, in which three air inlet ducts are provided.

A Another object of the invention is to provide an arrangement their bodies off blow-molded plastic.

Of the Another object of the invention is to provide an arrangement at the body by a gas-assisted plastic injection was produced.

One Feature of the invention is to provide an arrangement of the above objects, the one device for noise suppression of Engine intake air downstream the air inlet end, wherein the device for noise reduction in one piece with the body is formed and communicates with the air inlet duct.

One Another feature of the invention is such a device for noise reduction form as a resonator, which is fully within the dimensions of the aforementioned body is included.

One still another feature of the invention is to provide a resonator which is configured as a quarter wave tube.

Yet Another object of the invention is to provide a chamber within of the body provide, which is formed as an air filter housing integral with the body is and between the inlet and outlet end of the engine air duct is arranged, wherein the air filter housing for receiving an air filter for filtering the passed out Air is formed.

These and other goals and benefits The invention will be described with reference to the following drawings and the associated Description visible.

Short description the drawings

1 Fig. 12 is a perspective view of an engine air intake system and engine coolant system in conjunction with an embodiment of the radiator fan with air intake assembly according to the invention;

2 FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the radiator fan with air intake assembly in the engine air intake system and radiator cooling system incorporated in FIG 1 is shown;

3 shows an enlarged partial section along the lines 3-3 in 2 seen in the direction of the arrows;

4 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention in a schematic relationship with the air intake system and radiator cooling system of an internal combustion engine;

5 shows an enlarged perspective view of the radiator fan and the air inlet assembly in the in 4 represented system;

6 shows a perspective view of a fan housing and an air inlet assembly and an air filter housing embodiment according to the present invention;

7 shows an enlarged sectional view taken along lines 7-7 in 6 in the direction of the arrows;

8th shows an enlarged sectional view taken along lines 8-8 in FIG 6 in the direction of the arrows;

9 shows a partial perspective view of another embodiment of an air duct and an air filter according to the invention;

10 shows a sectional view taken along the line 10-10 9 seen in the direction of the arrows;

11 shows a perspective view of an air duct and a Resonatorausführungsbeispiels according to the invention;

12 shows a sectional view taken along lines 12-12 in FIG 11 seen in the direction of the arrows;

13 shows a sectional view taken along lines 13-13 in FIG 11 seen in the direction of the arrows and

14 FIG. 10 is a partial sectional view of a modified air inlet configuration for use in the embodiment of FIG 11 - 13 ,

The best Examples of execution the invention

Hereinafter reference will be made to the drawings in detail, 1 shows an internal combustion engine 10 , an associated air intake system 12 and an associated radiator coolant system 14 (Cooler).

The air intake system is exemplary and shown somewhat schematically. A channel 15 This one is at one end with an air filter 16 connected. The opposite end of the channel 15 is with an air intake manifold 18 on the engine 10 connected. An air intake duct 19 connects to the air filter 16 , The channel 15 can a silencer 20 exhibit.

The radiator coolant system 14 includes a radiator 22 outlined in outline and the usual tubes 24 . 26 has at this, between the engine and radiator connections 27 . 28 are connected to coolant between the radiator 22 and the areas of the engine to be cooled 10 respectively.

In accordance with the present invention are the air intake system 12 and the radiator coolant system 14 with a combination of blower housing and air intake unit 30 cooperatively. The blower housing and air intake unit is downstream and near the vehicle radiator 22 and upstream of the air intake system 12 comprising the air intake manifold 18 arranged. In the illustrated embodiment is a single cooling fan 32 at the unit 30 by means of suitable clamps 34 attached. If so desired, the unit 30 also include an arrangement of two cooling fans, as described in US Pat. No. 5,649,587, commonly assigned and incorporated herein by reference.

2 shows the details of the unit 30 with the blower removed, around the parts of the hollow body 36 to better show in the unit, the fluid chambers, a fan housing and an air intake duct in a unitary configuration with each other. Strictly speaking, the hollow body has 36 a predetermined depth between the front side 38 and the back 40 thereof. The face 38 is configured so that it faces the front of the vehicle and is located near the rear surface of the radiator, as best of all 1 is apparent.

As will be explained in more detail below, has the hollow body 36 a configuration suitable for manufacture by blow molding using techniques such as described in US Patent No. 5,037,289, the hollow double-walled construction being obtainable by use of molds comprising male and female mold halves with pinch points the pinch points form welded regions in the hollow body to form various regions therein to form separate chambers, as more fully described in US Pat. No. 5,649,587. Alternatively, the hollow portions of the hollow body can be made by using a gas assisted injection molding method.

In the illustrated arrangement, the hollow body between the front side 38 and the back 40 , an upper wall 42 , a lower wall spaced therefrom 44 , opposite side walls 46 . 48 and at least one inner fan housing wall 50 formed, which is a primary air opening 52 through the body 36 defined, which is such that an air flow through the radiator for cooling an antifreeze or other coolant can be passed therethrough. In addition, the body points 36 an engine air intake passage 54 up, backwards through the body 36 from the front side 38 to the back 40 is guided. The engine air intake duct 54 has an inlet end 56 which is an inlet opening 56a near the front 38 and in conjunction with the atmosphere forms. The engine air intake duct 54 further includes an outlet end 35 which is from the inlet end 56 is spaced. The outlet end 58 includes a bellows thereon for connection to an inlet tube 19 in the air intake system 12 of the motor 10 is trained.

Flanges or noses 62 are on one edge of each sidewall 46 and 48 formed. The flanges 62 include spaced apart mounting holes 64 used to hold fasteners 66 are trained to the body 36 on the radiator 12 fasten the vehicle, as in 1 is shown.

A pair of filler neck 68 and 70 are at spaced locations on the top wall 42 designed, for communication with corresponding fluid chambers 72 and 74 that are inside the hollow body 36 near and around the cylindrical wall 50 are formed around, as will be explained below. A pair of removable lids 76 . 78 are each on the filler neck 68 and 70 arranged.

Like this best 3 it is apparent in the upper surface 42 a vertically extending recess 80 formed between the side walls 82 . 84 between the liquid chamber 72 and one side of the air intake duct 54 the side walls 82 . 84 forms. The vertical well 86 in the upper area 42 forms pages walls 88 . 90 between the liquid chamber 74 and one side of the air intake duct 54 , A pair of wells 91 . 92 is between the bottom wall 44 and the cylindrical wall 50 provided a dividing wall 94 between the fluid chambers 72 . 74 to build.

The chamber 72 is therefore through the front and back 38 and 40 , the upper wall 42 and the side wall 48 , the bottom wall 44 , the walls 82 the depression 80 and the wall 94 enclosed. The chamber 74 is through the backs 38 and 40 , the upper wall 42 and the side wall 46 , the bottom wall 44 , the wall 88 and the depression 86 as well as the wall 94 enclosed.

As evidenced by the phantom image in 3 is shown, a blow molding machine of the aforementioned type "tacks off" T1 and T2 at different recessed locations to the chambers 72 and 74 and the air intake duct 54 to separate during the molding process.

Reference is now made to the embodiment of 4 that has a combination blower housing and air intake unit 100 shows. The blower housing and air intake unit 100 is downstream and near the vehicle radiator 22 ' and upstream of an air intake system 12 comprising an air intake manifold 20 ' arranged. In this embodiment, the intake system with the blower housing and air intake unit 100 through an adapter connection 102 connected, the various inlet branches 102 . 102b and 102c which is attached to a common distributor 102d connected to an outlet port connected to an air inlet hose 102e includes. In the illustrated embodiment, a single cooling fan 32 on the unit 100 by means of suitable clamps 34 assembled. If so desired, the unit 100 This embodiment may also be configured as a double cooling fan arrangement, as described in US Pat. No. 5,649,587. The unit 100 comprises a hollow body 36 ' predetermined depth with a front side 38 ' , which is designed so that it faces the front of the vehicle near the radiator 22 ' is aligned.

As this is best in 5 is shown in the blower for the purpose of better visualization of the components of the hollow body 36 ' is omitted, is a pair of recessed areas 104 . 106 between a side wall 108 and a cylindrical wall 110 provided to a first inlet channel 112 to build. Optionally, pairs of recessed areas 114 . 116 between a side wall 118 and the cylindrical wall 110 a second air inlet duct 120 on the hollow body 36 ' form. A pair of recessed surfaces 122 . 124 are in a bottom wall 126 trained to a third air duct 128 to build. The air channels 112 . 120 and 128 are therefore spaced from each other and the primary air passage 52 ' standing in the fan housing surface 110 is formed, arranged surrounding. The channels 112 . 120 . 128 each have an inlet end for introducing air into the air intake system 12 ' and each has an outlet end that connects to the inlet branches 102 . 102b and 102c each connected. Although three air intake ducts 112 . 120 . 128 The number of inlets and inlet branches can be shown 102 . 102b . 102c vary from one to three or more, depending on the requirements of each engine.

In the in 5 illustrated embodiment includes the blower housing and air inlet unit 100 continue a uniform coolant chamber 130 and a uniform wash liquid chamber 132 , which is separated by a common wall, which by a retracted surface 134 in the upper area 136 the blower housing and air intake unit 100 is trained. On the upper surface 136 are filler neck 137 . 138 each for the introduction of liquid in the coolant tank 130 and the washing liquid chamber 132 intended. cut 137a and 138a are on each filler neck 137 . 138 provided to allow access to the chambers for the purpose of filling and closing the filler neck after the filling process.

It is referred to in the 6 illustrated embodiment, wherein in 6 a blower housing and air intake unit 140 with a uniform hollow body 36 '' is shown.

More specifically, the hollow body has 36 a predetermined depth between a front side 38 '' and a back 40 '' thereof. The front side 38 '' is configured to face the front of the vehicle and is near the rear surfaces of the radiator 22 '' arranged as best of all 7 is apparent.

In the illustrated arrangement, the hollow body 36 '' between the front side 38 '' and the back 40 '' , an upper wall 42 '' a lower wall spaced therefrom 44 '' and opposite side walls 46 '' . 48 '' formed, wherein at least one inner fan housing wall 50 '' a primary air outlet 52 '' through the body 36 '' defined measure so that an air flow through the radiator for cooling the antifreeze or the cooling liquid can be passed therethrough. In addition, the body is 36 '' with an engine air intake passage 142 formed, wherein the engine air intake passage 142 in the body 36 '' on the retracted surfaces 143 . 145 in the upper wall 42 '' extending between the front 38 '' and the back 40 '' extends, is formed. The air intake let channel 142 extends rearward and laterally from an inlet end 144 which is an inlet opening 144 near the front 38 that communicates with the atmosphere. The air inlet duct 142 includes a pivotally hinged, blow molded door panel 146 which gives access to the canal 142 forms where one with a support rib 149 provided chamber 148 for receiving an air filter element 150 is provided. The hollow case 36 '' includes an air outlet 152 who with the chamber 148 communicates and which is designed so that it to air hoses in the embodiments of the 1 and 4 shown type can be connected to supply a filtered air flow to the air intake system of the internal combustion engine. If so desired, the unit 150 two combined into one unit liquid chambers 153 . 155 on the opposite side of the air filter housing. As in previously described embodiments, suitable filler neck 153a . 155a with closures 153b and 155b be provided.

The 9 and 10 show a partial view of an alternative air inlet air duct unit 140 '' with a uniform air filter chamber. In this embodiment, an air inlet 154 at the lower side segment of the unit 140 '' intended. This is a preferred arrangement when space and port arrangements prevent it from providing an upper air inlet, as in the embodiment of FIGS 6 to 8th is provided. In the arrangement of 9 leads the inlet 154 the air into a vertical and sideways arranged chamber 156 within the unit 140 '' , The chamber 156 is at its top by a pivotally mounted blow-molded door panel 146 '' closed, giving access to the chamber 156 granted. support ribs 158 are inside the chamber 156 arranged to an air filter element 150 '' inside the chamber 156 to position at a location below an air outlet 152 '' who with the chamber 156 communicates and connects to air hoses such as those in the 1 and 4 are shown adapted to guide a filtered air flow to the air intake system of an internal combustion engine.

Both in the embodiment according to 6 as well as after 9 is the door panel 146 . 146 '' each by an annular peripheral edge seal 147 . 147 '' hermetically sealed when passing through the door panels 146 . 146 '' molded closure elements 151 . 151 '' is locked. The closing elements 151 . 151 '' are detachable on the molded ribs 151a . 151a '' secured with undercuts, as in each case in the 6 and 9 is shown.

Another embodiment of the invention is in the 11 to 13 shown, this comprises a fan housing and air duct unit 160 with a unified resonator chamber 168 , As in the previous embodiment, the fan housing and air duct unit 160 as with a single hollow body 36 ''' provided shown.

The hollow body 36 ''' has a predetermined depth between an end face 38 ''' and a back 40 ''' , The front side 38 ''' is designed for alignment in the direction of the vehicle front and close to the rear surfaces of the radiator 22 ''' arranged as best of all 12 is apparent.

In the illustrated arrangement, as these in the 11 and 12 is shown, is the hollow body 36 ''' between the front side 38 ''' and the back 40 ''' , an upper wall 42 ''' a lower wall spaced therefrom 44 ''' and oppositely disposed side walls 46 ''' . 48 ''' shaped and at least one inner fan housing wall 50 ''' defines a primary air opening 52 ''' through the body 36 ''' whose size is such that a flow of air through the radiator 22 ''' for cooling an antifreeze or coolant can be performed. In addition, the body owns 36 ''' an engine air intake passage or pipe 162 in this at a recessed area 164 extending between the front 38 ''' and the back 40 ''' extends, is shaped. The air inlet duct 162 has an air inlet 166 , the one opening 166a forms. The inlet 166 communicates with a resonator chamber 168 on one side of the unit 160 is trained. The height of the chamber 168 may be selected to form a quarter wavelength tube by arranging a retracted surface 170 in the unit 160 at the front side 38 ''' to the lower end of the resonator chamber 158 seal. In the illustrated embodiment, the back comprises 40 ''' a pair of spaced conical wall welds 172 . 173 at spaced locations within the chamber 168 are arranged to prevent the collapse of the wall of the resonator. The wall welds 172 . 173 are within a depressed area 175 intended to stiffen the Reservoirwandung. An outlet 174 of the canal 162 is designed for connection to an inlet air hose of an air intake system of the type described above.

In this embodiment, a wall seal or a feeder 164 provided to the walls 176 . 178 ( 13 ) for the separation of the air duct passage 166a from the fluid chamber 182 to form, which can serve both as a container for windshield washer fluid and as a coolant collecting reservoir. In the embodiment of 11 to 13 become the inlet and outlet of the canal 162 formed following the blow molding by removing the ends of the blow-molded hollow parts of the hollow body, as by the phantom lines at 162b and 162c in 12 is shown. The parts 162b . 162c are preferably removed by a cutting knife. The hollow body 36 ''' includes integrally molded noses 62 ''' , which are designed for securing to an associated radiator.

Continue, as in 13 shown is an air filter 150 ''' in the molded ribs 162a used, which at four spaced locations in the air duct 162 are provided. This is for replacement or cleaning on the door 146 ''' accessible, which is attached and sealed, as described in the previous embodiments.

In another embodiment according to the invention, which in 14 is shown, the blow mold for forming the hollow body does not include the hollow parts 162b . 162c , Instead, as in the partial view of 14 is shown, a hollow body 180 formed, an opening 182 is provided in the wall and a molded tube insert 184 with a flange-shaped end 186 is with an annular connecting groove 188 (during the blow molding of the hollow body 180 can be formed) connected to the tube insert 184 on the hollow body 180 to fix. The tube insert 184 introduces intake air into a resonator chamber 168 ' that the in 12 shown corresponds. The outlet from the chamber 168 ' Can be used by a tube insert according to the use 184 be formed and fastened in a similar manner. The attachment of the tube insert to the hollow body is to be understood, by way of example only and in spirit, that a plethora of connections may serve the same purpose, including lasers or ultrasonic welds, bayonet closures, expandable barbs, screw caps, and the like.

industrial applicability

It It should be apparent that the invention has a compact fan housing container and Engine intake air structure provides the need for space and fasteners for a plurality of separate components in the already overfull engine compartment of a modern automobile. This will be considerable Cost savings because the manufacture and assembly of various Parts in connection with systems under the hood no longer is required, with this before unused areas used of the blower housing become.

In addition, can by the invention a unified structure or standard structure provided by many different new car designs unimpaired is. In particular, the shape of the liquid chambers, air inlet ducts, air filter chambers, Resonator chambers and the like do not have to be reconstructed each time be when the fenders, trunks and other interior parts of the motor vehicle in at least some of the change new vehicle models. About that in addition, the one-piece molded washer fluid tank or Headlight washing fluid tank one greater capacity than that previously used separate container.

Finally is the structure obtained is extremely stiff, both axially and radially, and through those in the containers contained liquid steamed, causing the vibration and agitation of the blower housing by the rotating Propeller is reduced, whereby a possible annoying noise source is contained.

Claims (14)

A one-piece fan housing and air intake assembly for use near a vehicle radiator and an air intake manifold assembly and one or more fans, the assembly including a body (10). 36 ) predetermined depth, an end face ( 38 ), which faces the front of a vehicle near the radiator, a rear side spaced apart from the front ( 40 ), an upper wall ( 42 ) and a lower wall spaced therefrom ( 44 ), oppositely disposed side walls ( 46 . 48 ) and at least one inner wall ( 50 ), which has an opening ( 52 ) by the body of appropriate size to ensure airflow through the radiator ( 22 ), where the body ( 36 ) at least one air inlet duct ( 54 ), which moves backwards through the body ( 36 ) from its front side ( 38 ), wherein the air inlet duct ( 54 ) has an inlet end which is near the end face ( 38 ) inlet opening ( 56 ) and an outlet end ( 58 ) extending from the inlet end ( 56 ) and configured to communicate with the intake manifold assembly ( 18 ) communicates. A one-piece fan housing and air intake assembly according to claim 1, characterized by further comprising means for reducing airflow-induced noise downstream of the inlet end (10). 56 ), wherein the device for noise reduction ( 20 ) is formed integrally with the body and with the air inlet channel ( 54 ) communicates. One-piece fan housing and air inlet arrangement according to claim 2, characterized in that that the device for noise reduction is designed as a resonator. One-piece fan housing and Air intake arrangement according to claim 3, characterized in that the resonator is designed as a quarter wave tube. One-piece fan housing and air inlet arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that this an air filter housing ( 148 ), which is formed integrally with the body and which is arranged between the inlet and outlet ends, wherein the air filter housing ( 148 ) for receiving an air filter ( 150 ) is designed for filtering air conducted therethrough. One-piece fan housing and air inlet arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the air inlet duct ( 54 ) on the upper wall ( 42 ) is arranged. One-piece fan housing and air inlet arrangement according to claim 6, characterized in that an air inlet duct ( 54 ) is provided. A one-piece fan housing and air inlet duct assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that more than one air inlet duct is provided, wherein the air inlet ducts at a distance over the circumference of the body ( 36 ) are arranged. One-piece fan housing and air inlet arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that three air inlet ducts ( 112 . 120 . 128 ) are provided. One-piece fan housing and air inlet duct arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the body ( 36 ) was made of blow-molded plastic. One-piece fan housing and air inlet arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the body ( 36 ) was obtained by gas pressure assisted injection molding of plastic. One-piece fan housing and air inlet arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body ( 36 ) is formed as a rectangular shaped hollow body whose inner wall as a cylindrical wall ( 110 ), which forms the fan housing, is formed, that the body has at least one recess which in at least one of the front or back sides ( 38 . 40 ) is provided to a wall for the separation of the hollow body ( 36 ) into two separate hollow openings; wherein one of the openings is formed as a liquid chamber, the other as an air inlet channel with an inlet and outlet end. One-piece fan housing and air inlet arrangement according to claim 12, characterized in that the wall for separating the hollow body ( 36 ) two different openings with respect to the cylindrical wall ( 110 ). One-piece fan housing and Air intake arrangement according to claim 12, characterized in that this two openings each with cylindrical walls around it, which form spaced apart fan housings, which to the leadership an airflow from two fans serve.