EP0822337B1 - Mounting device for electric fan, particularly a miniature fan - Google Patents

Abstract

The holding device (4) holds an electric fan (1) on a wall (2). It has at least one holding part (10) defining on one side the fan fitting plane (12), with at least one insertion element perpendicular to the fitting plate and fitted positively or non-positively in an assembly hole (16) in the fan. There is also at least one fixing element (22), in the form of a pin (14), extending in a roughly perpendicular direction towards the support element and spaced away from the holding part. This fixes through a hole (20) in the wall.

Description

The present invention relates to a holding device for holding an electric fan, in particular Small fan according to the generic term of claim 1.

Fan or its fan housing in connection with of the present invention have at least two, but usually four through mounting holes with a course parallel to the fan axis. The fan housing often has - in an axial view seen - a rectangular or square contour, being A continuous mounting hole is arranged in each corner area is. Here, it is known to use bracket elements for mounting to use. One angle leg each attached to the fan by screws while the other Angle legs on the mounting wall usually also is screwed tight. For screw fastening on the fan side insert nuts or So-called sheet metal nuts are arranged in which the fastening screws intervention.

DE 37 31 574 A1 is a fastening element in the form known a U-shaped bracket. This bracket has two Legs each with an internal thread (nut) Screw opening. This fastener can only be used for fans whose housing at least two spaced apart in the area of the mounting holes Have flanges with each mounting hole practical consists of two aligned partial holes in the flanges. The U-shaped bracket is thus between the flanges used that one in the area of each partial hole two screw holes is arranged. The bracket is so resilient that it jams between the flanges is held.

A holding device with the features of The preamble of claim 1 is from Kekas D.H. et all "Snap-Together Cooling Fan Assembly", IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, Vol. 22, No. 6 known.

The present invention has for its object a To create a holding device with which the mounting bracket of a fan is significantly simplified.

According to the invention this is achieved with a holding device according to claim 1, in particular in that the fastening element lies in the contact plane of the holding part.

The invention thus advantageously eliminates any Screw connection, because the holding part according to the invention needs with its plug element only in the respective Mounting hole to be inserted. This makes it suitable the invention also for through mounting holes. Through a suitable design of the plug element a good force and / or form fit for sufficient mounting can be achieved. For this purpose, it is advantageous if that Plug element has barb-like, elastic holding tongues, that when inserted in the hole wall of the mounting hole claw that a subsequent pulling out is almost impossible. A good and safe claw is mainly used in plastic Fan housings reached, but the invention is suitable basically also for metal housings. In both cases but it is advantageous if the holding part according to the invention itself made of metal, preferably sheet metal.

For mounting on or on the mounting wall only needs the pin or (flat) plug-like fastening element passed through a hole in the mounting wall and then on suitable way to be fixed. This fixation can in simplest case due to plastic deformation, e.g. by bending and / or entangling the fastener on the opposite side of the fan Assembly wall done. This is a positive Attachment reached. It is also possible to use the fastener to connect with the assembly wall, especially to solder or glue.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention the holding device from two - in particular identical - Holding parts, which are arranged in certain areas of the fan housing on its two faces attached via preferably two plug elements become. Each points to the mounting on the mounting wall Holding element preferably also two fasteners on. There are thus a total of four fastening elements present in corresponding holes in the mounting wall are insertable. This execution leads to a very secure and firm bracket.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the Holding parts - in addition to their mechanical holding function - advantageously at the same time for electrical Connection of the fan. The two holding parts consist of an electrically conductive material, especially sheet metal, while the fan housing an electrically insulating material (plastic), a short circuit between the live Exclude holding parts. The electrical connection is made preferably directly to a mounting wall Acting circuit board by inserting the fasteners of the holding parts with corresponding conductor tracks to be soldered. This can be done easily in one Solder bath, if necessary together with the soldering further electronic components. The fan then needs only to be electrically connected with the holding parts. For this purpose, each holding part preferably has at least one electrical connection element on which a supply conductor (Connecting wire) of the fan can be connected. This Embodiment also simplifies the electrical connection of the fan considerably. The supply managers can already after attaching the two holding parts to their connecting elements be connected. Below is at the mechanical connection of the holding parts to the circuit board at the same time - in just one step - even that electrical connection made. this leads to a serious simplification of the assembly of the fan, i.e. the mechanical bracket and the electrical connection. The fan forms together with the invention Holding parts a pre-assembled unit that - analog to other (electronic) components - to populate the PCB can be handled very easily.

Further advantageous design features of the invention are in the subclaims and the following description contain.

Fig. 1

eine teilgeschnittene Vorderansicht eines mit der erfindungsgemäßen Haltevorrichtung an einer Montagewandung gehalterten Lüfters,

Fig. 2

einen Teilschnitt in der Ebene II-II in Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

einen Teilschnitt längs der Linie III-III in Fig. 1,

Fig. 4

einen entsprechenden Teilschnitt in der Ebene IV-IV gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 4a

eine Teildarstellung entsprechend Fig. 4 in einer Ausführungsvariante,

Fig. 5

eine Vorderansicht eines Halteteils gemäß der Erfindung,

Fig. 6

eine Seitenansicht in Pfeilrichtung VI gemäß Fig.5,

Fig. 7

eine Draufsicht in Pfeilrichtung VII gemäß Fig.5,

Fig. 8

in starker Vergrößerung eine Vorderansicht, Seitenansicht sowie Draufsicht zur Einzelheit X gemäß Fig. 5 und 6,

Fig. 9

ebenfalls in starker Vergrößerung eine Vorderansicht und eine Seitenansicht zur Einzelheit Y gemäß Fig. 5 und 6,

Fig. 10

eine Vorderansicht des Halteteils analog zu Fig. 5, jedoch in einer alternativen Ausführungsform,

Fig. 11

eine vergrößerte Teil-Seitenansicht in Pfeilrichtung XI gemäß Fig. 10,

Fig. 12

eine vergrößerte Teilansicht in Pfeilrichtung XII gemäß Fig. 10,

Fig. 13

einen vergrößerten Schnitt längs der Linie XIII-XIII in Fig. 10 und

Fig. 14

einen Schnitt längs der Linie XIV-XIV in Fig.10.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing figures. Show:

Fig. 1

2 shows a partially sectioned front view of a fan held with the holding device according to the invention on a mounting wall,

Fig. 2

2 shows a partial section in the plane II-II in FIG. 1,

Fig. 3

2 shows a partial section along the line III-III in FIG. 1,

Fig. 4

a corresponding partial section in the plane IV-IV of FIG. 1,

Fig. 4a

4 in a variant,

Fig. 5

a front view of a holding part according to the invention,

Fig. 6

3 shows a side view in the direction of arrow VI according to FIG. 5,

Fig. 7

3 shows a plan view in the direction of arrow VII according to FIG. 5,

Fig. 8

in large enlargement a front view, side view and top view of detail X according to FIGS. 5 and 6,

Fig. 9

likewise in high magnification a front view and a side view of detail Y according to FIGS. 5 and 6,

Fig. 10

6 shows a front view of the holding part analogous to FIG. 5, but in an alternative embodiment,

Fig. 11

6 shows an enlarged partial side view in the direction of the arrow XI according to FIG. 10,

Fig. 12

10 shows an enlarged partial view in the direction of arrow XII according to FIG. 10,

Fig. 13

an enlarged section along the line XIII-XIII in Fig. 10 and

Fig. 14

a section along the line XIV-XIV in Fig.10.

The same in the different figures of the drawing Parts always have the same reference numerals and are therefore usually only described once.

As can be seen from Fig. 1, is to be attached a fan 1 on a mounting wall 2 according to the invention Holding device 4 is provided. With the fan 1, the is shown greatly enlarged in Fig. 1, it is especially a mini fan, whose fan housing 6 for example a square contour with an edge length of approx. 40 x 40 mm. However, the invention by no means limited to this. It can also be like shown - by an axial fan, but alternatively also act as a radial fan.

In the illustrated preferred embodiment of the invention the holding device 4 consists of two advantageously identical holding parts 10.Each holding part 10 is essentially flat and defines one-sided with a part of its surface a fan system level 12. The holding part 10 preferably has in this area two projecting approximately perpendicular to the contact plane 12 Plug-in elements 14, which are and / or in a form-fitting manner in each case in a mounting hole 16 of the Fan 1 or the fan housing 6 can be inserted. each Mounting hole 16 extends parallel to the fan axis 18, which also applies accordingly to the plug elements 14. Consequently, the holding parts 10 are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the fan axis 18 and to the mounting wall 2 Levels. 2, 4 and 4a extend the Plug elements 14 of the two holding parts 10 each from opposite End faces of the fan 1 in the mounting holes 16th

Each holding part 10 also preferably has two pin-like, in an approximately perpendicular to the plug elements 14 Alignment and facing away from the holding part 10 protruding, for attachment through a hole 20 each Mounting wall 2 feasible fasteners 22.

Because of the configuration described, the fan 1 About the holding device 4 of the invention Mounting wall 2 attachable that its fan axis 18th runs parallel to the plane of the mounting wall 2.

As can be seen in particular from the representations in FIGS 9 on the one hand and FIGS. 10 to 14 on the other hand each holding part 10 preferably as a one-piece stamped and bent part made of sheet metal. This leads to a very inexpensive to manufacture, since the manufacture in only a stamping and bending process is possible. This is especially true in In view of this, an advantage that such fans and thus also with the holding parts 10 for mass articles is.

5 and 10, the holding part 10 preferably has one elongated, essentially rectangular surface shape, wherein the plug elements 14 on the one, upper longitudinal edge 24 and the fasteners on the other, lower longitudinal edge 26 and here in particular on the narrow sides 28 adjacent corner areas are arranged. In the area of upper longitudinal edge 24 can - as shown - an arcuate, center-symmetrical recess 30 for adaptation be formed on the fan flow area (cf. see Fig. 1).

As can also be seen from FIGS. 5 and 10, this shows Holding part 10 on its lower longitudinal edge 26 at least one, but preferably two each adjacent to the fasteners 22 arranged support elements 32. This Support elements 32 arrive after the fastening elements have been inserted 22 in the holes 20 of the mounting wall 2 to rest on the mounting wall 2; thus they form practically support feet (see Fig. 1).

As best seen in the enlarged view in FIG. 8 can be seen, each plug element 14 has two elastic, barb-like retaining tongues 34, which after insertion of the plug element 14 in the respective mounting hole 16 of the fan 1 in the hole wall of the mounting hole 16 dig. In the preferred embodiment of the holding part 10 as a stamped and bent part, each plug element is U-shaped Cross section with an upper U-web wall 36 and formed two side U-leg walls 38, wherein the holding tongues 34 from the two leg walls 38 punched out and diagonally outwards and back towards the investment level 12 are bent. The web wall 36 is in one piece via a bent connecting section 40 with the upper longitudinal edge 24 of the flat part of the holding part 10 connected.

1, 5 and 10, each fastener 22nd preferably as a punched out narrow strip of material formed, this strip of material expediently lies in the plane of the holding part 10.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the Holding parts 10 also for the electrical connection of the Fan 1. On the one hand, there is an electrically conductive Connection between the holding parts 10 and conductor tracks a circuit board forming the mounting wall 2 about the fasteners 22 by this after Perform soldered through the holes 20 to the conductor tracks become. On the other hand, each holding part 10 has at least a connecting element 42 for electrical connection a supply conductor 44 of the fan 1 (see Fig. 3). Each connection element 42 is in one Surface area of the holding part 10 arranged in the assembled State - see in particular Fig. 4 - a distance A and thus a space 46 between the fan 1, the Assembly wall 2 and the two opposite holding parts 10 defined. Each connection element is expedient 42 in one piece from the material of the holding part 10, especially formed by punching and bending and preferably extends away from the fan system side in the open space 46.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 9, the holding part has 10 as a connecting element 42 at least one clamping cutting connector 48, but preferably two in parallel, spaced apart clamping cutting connector 48. The is an arrangement in pairs of two clamping cutting connectors 48 advantageous in so far as a connecting conductor insertable into both clamping cutting connectors 48 at the same time which makes good electrical contacting (high contact reliability) and also a good position and direction fixation of the connecting conductor 44 is reached. How to 9, each clamp cutting connector 48 in a narrowing insertion slot in a known manner 50 for the connecting conductor 44. When inserting the conductor is perpendicular to its longitudinal extension Isolation separated, so that a metallic contact of the conductor is done without the isolation entirely need to remove.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 10 to 14 the holding part has a connection element 42 on the one hand Solder tail or solder eyelet 52 and on the other hand additionally one Crimp connector 54 on. 11 is the solder tab 52 also punched out of the holding part 10 and bent through 90 °. It has an elongated hole 56 in particular Perform the connecting conductor 44 on. 12 the crimp connector 54 consists of a holding portion 54a for the isolation of the connecting conductor 44 and from a Contact section 54b for a stripped end of the connecting conductor 44th

The exemplary embodiments of the connection elements 42 can be in any combination and number be applied. The user then has the option of choose a connection type that suits him.

2, 4 and 4a, it is regarding the electrical Connection of the fan 1 essential that the two pairs facing each other in the same mounting hole 16 engaging plug elements 14 each over a distance B are spaced apart. This distance B must be at least as large as sufficient electrical Isolation between those on different electrical Potential plug elements 14 is guaranteed. For this purpose, each plug element 14 has one from the fan system level 12 from measured insertion length, which in any case significantly smaller than half the total length of the respective mounting hole 16 must be.

Depending on the version of the motor driving fan 1 the holding parts 10 according to the invention can also be connected serve the existing motor windings.

Claims (16)

1. Retaining device (4) for retention of an electric fan (1), in particular a miniature fan, on a mounting wall (2), with at least one essentially flat retaining part (10) defining a fan supporting plane (12) on one side, and with at least one plug-in element (14) which protrudes from the retaining part (10) roughly perpendicular to the supporting plane (12) and can be plugged into a mounting hole (16) of the fan (1) for retention in a force-locking and/or form-locking manner, characterised in that apart from this at least one pin-like fastening element (22) is provided which lies in the supporting plane (12) of the retaining part (10), protrudes from the retaining part (10) in a direction roughly perpendicular to the plug-in element (14) and can be guided through a hole (20) of the mounting wall (2) for fastening.
2. Retaining device according to claim 1, characterised in that the retaining part (10) takes the form of a one-piece stamped bent part made of sheet metal.
3. Retaining device according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the retaining part (10) exhibits two plug-in elements (14) which are parallel with respect to their plug-in axis and are arranged with a fan-specific hole spacing of two mounting holes (16) of the fan (1).
4. Retaining device according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the retaining part (10) exhibits two parallel fastening elements (22) which are spaced relative to one another.
5. Retaining device according to claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the retaining part (10) exhibits an elongated, essentially rectangular areal form, with the plug-in elements (14) arranged on one longitudinal edge (24) and the fastening elements (22) arranged on the other opposite longitudinal edge (26) and in particular in the side areas adjoining the narrow sides (28).
6. Retaining device according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that for connection with the mounting wall (2) after passage through its hole (20), the or each fastening element (22) can be deformed plastically and/or fixed in a material-locking manner, in particular soldered.
7. Retaining device according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the or each plug-in element (24) exhibits at least one, preferably two elastic barb-like retaining tongues (34) for gripping in the wall of the mounting hole (16) of the fan (1).
8. Retaining device according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the or each fastening element (22) in the form of a stamped narrow strip of material lies in the plane of the retaining part (10).
9. Retaining device according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the retaining part (10) is made of an electrically conducting material and exhibits at least one connecting element (42) for electrical connection of a supply conductor (44) of the fan (1).
10. Retaining device according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the retaining part (10) in the form of a connecting element (42) exhibits at least one clamping connector (48) and/or at least one solder tag (52) and/or at least one crimp connector (54).
11. Retaining device according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the or each connecting element (42) is arranged in an areal region of the retaining part (10) which in the mounted state defines a gap (A) between the fan (1) and the mounting wall (2).
12. Retaining device according to one or more of claims 9 to 11, characterised in that the or each connecting element (42) is formed in one piece from the material of the retaining part (10) and preferably extends away from the fan supporting side.
13. Retaining device according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that two - in particular identical - retaining parts (10) are provided for arrangement on opposite sides of the fan (1).
14. Retaining device according to claim 13, characterised in that the two retaining parts (10) can be connected electrically by means of their fastening elements (22) with conductor paths of a circuit board forming the mounting wall (2).
15. Retaining device according to claim 13 or 14, characterised in that the plug-in elements (14) of the two retaining parts (10), preferably lying opposite one another in each case in pairs and engaging in the same mounting hole (16) of the fan (1), exhibit a plug-in length which, measured from the fan supporting plane (12), is less than half the overall length of the respective mounting hole (16).
16. Fan (1), in particular miniature electric fan for cooling electronic components, with a fan housing (6) which exhibits mounting holes (16) running roughly parallel with the fan axis (18) and in particular is made of plastic, characterised by a retaining device (4) according to one or more of the preceding claims.

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