EP2236788A1 - Cooling device for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The apparatus (1) has a heat exchanger i.e. radiator (2), allowing air to pass through. An axial fan (4) has a circumferential ring (6) that is associated with a stationary baffle ring (7), where the axial fan is provided behind the heat exchanger in a direction (L) of air flow. A motion compensating element (8) having a sealing function is provided between the stationary baffle ring and a fan shroud (3) that is positioned adjacent to the heat exchanger. The motion compensating element forms a snap-on connection with an attachment section (7a) by a tensioning device or a tension band.

Description

The invention relates to a cooling device for a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine according to the preamble of claim 1.

Cooling devices for motor vehicles are used primarily for cooling the internal combustion engine, but optionally also for cooling a refrigerant circuit for an air conditioning system. The cooling device therefore generally comprises a plurality of heat exchangers, for. B. a coolant radiator, a charge air cooler, an oil cooler and a condenser for cooling the refrigerant of the air conditioner. The cooling device is further associated with a fan, preferably an axial fan with a fan cover. For larger vehicles, the fan is driven directly by the engine via the crankshaft or a belt drive and is thus arranged fixed to the engine. By contrast, the heat exchangers, in particular the coolant coolers, are arranged fixed to the vehicle, as is the fan cover connected to the heat exchanger (s). The resulting relative movements between the radiator or fan cowling on the one hand and the fan on the other hand are compensated by a motion compensation element, also called compensating element for short, wherein the compensating element simultaneously performs a sealing function.

Such a cooling device was characterized by the DE 33 04 297 C2 the applicant known. The designed as an axial fan fan has a jacket or guide ring, which is firmly connected to the blade tips and with revolves around the fan. The shroud protrudes with its upstream, protruding end in an inlet nozzle, which is arranged like the fan motor fixed. Between a fan hood connected to a cooler fixed to the vehicle and the inlet nozzle, a motion compensation element in the form of an elastic lip is arranged, whereby relative movements are compensated.

By the DE 10 2007 031 462 A1 the applicant has disclosed a further cooling device for a motor vehicle, wherein between a coolant radiator and a fan cowl a motion compensation element is arranged, whereby the fan cowl receives a streamlined contour, ie without interruptions and sharp deflections.

By the DE 10 2006 047 236 A1 the Applicant has an axial fan with a recessed shroud and upstream guide ring is known, which in addition to aerodynamic advantages has the advantage of a small axial depth, which is of particular importance in today's vehicles due to the limited installation space.

By the EP 0 746 689 B1 was an electric motor driven by an axial fan, known as an electric fan, known, the axial fan has a fixed to the blade tips shroud and in a fan cowl or a Zargenring rotates. The encircling fan casing forms, with the stationary frame ring, an annular gap through which recirculating air flows against the main flow in the fan. On Zargenring are arranged in the region of the annular gap in the axial direction, approximately radially inwardly projecting guide surfaces, which should counteract a twist of the recirculation flow.

Based on this prior art, it is an object of the invention to improve a cooling device of the type mentioned in that a streamlined connection of the guide ring to the fan cover created and a squat as possible axial design and high air flow capacity can be achieved.

The object of the invention is solved by the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

According to the invention at least one motion compensation element is provided between the guide ring and the fan cover, which seals the relatively movable parts, namely on the one hand the motor-fixed guide ring and on the other hand, the vehicle-fixed fan cover against each other, so that the entire, the heat exchanger enforcing air is supplied to the fan. This prevents leakage due to the relative movements. Due to the arrangement of the compensating element at the downstream end of the fan cowl, this can be streamlined, d. H. run without interruptions - this reduces the pressure drop of the air flow in the fan guard and increases the fan power. In addition, the benefits associated with the known fan (shroud ring and upstream guide ring), in particular its shortened axial design are maintained.

According to advantageous embodiments, the compensation element can be fastened either on the guide ring or on the fan cover - it then rests sealingly on either the fan cover or the guide ring. In one case, therefore, a fastening function on the guide ring and a sealing function on the fan guard are provided, while in the other case a fastening function on the fan guard and a sealing function on the guide ring are to be represented. Both variants can have their advantages.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the fan cover on its rear wall on an annular sealing surface on which rests the compensating element and exerts a sealing function. The sealing surface is preferably formed as a flat surface, which also results in a short axial construction.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the compensation element has an annular sealing lip, which bears against the annular sealing surface with an elastic residual stress. The latter results from the fact that the sealing lip is elastically deformed during installation.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the guide ring is formed in cross-section approximately C-shaped, wherein the radially inner C-legs form the guide ring and the more radially outer leg a mounting portion. At the attachment portion, the compensation element can be attached in various ways, for. B, by clamping, by a snap connection or by a strap.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the reading, including its attachment portion is arranged substantially flush with the air inlet level of the fan. Thus, the advantage of a short axial construction is achieved, wherein the compensation element connects directly and without significant increase in the axial depth of the guide ring. It is thus created a streamlined, low-loss transition from the fan guard in the guide ring or in the fan.

According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the guide ring is formed as an inlet nozzle, in which the front, in the flow direction recessed portion of the shroud protrudes. This achieves a further stabilization of the air flow in the blade tip region.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the guide ring on struts, which preferably engage the attachment portion of the guide ring, are supported relative to the engine block of the internal combustion engine. Due to the motor-fixed arrangement of the guide ring and the fan, a minimal gap and thus increased fan power can be realized.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the axial fan downstream of a Nachleitapparat, which is preferably integrated into the struts for holding the guide ring. Such a Nachleitapparat is in the DE 10 2006 037 628 A1 the applicant described in detail. With the Nachleitapparat the efficiency of the fan can be improved and the lateral outflow of the fan flow are made loss-less.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the guide ring in the region of a 180 ° -Umlenkspaltes axially extending, radially projecting guide surfaces, which cause an axial alignment of the swirling recirculation flow. This achieves the advantage that the recirculation flow entering the main flow of the fan is largely free of twist. This reduces flow losses and noise.

It is advantageous that the guide ring is supported by struts on the block of the internal combustion engine.

It is advantageous that the axial fan a Nachleitapparat is connected downstream.

Fig. 1

eine Kühlvorrichtung im Halbschnitt, umfassend einen Kühlmittelkühler, eine Lüfterhaube und einen Lüfter,

Fig. 2

den Lüfter gemäß Fig. 1 mit abgewandeltem Ausgleichselement,

Fig. 3

eine weitere Ausführungsform des Ausgleichselementes,

Fig. 4

eine weitere Ausführungsform des Ausgleichselementes,

Fig. 5

eine Abwandlung des Ausgleichselementes,

Fig. 6

eine erste Befestigungsform des Leitringes,

Fig. 7

eine zweite Befestigungsform des Leitringes,

Fig. 8

einen Lüfter mit nachgeschaltetem Nachleitapparat,

Fig. 8a

einen Teilschnitt in der Ebene VIIIa-VIIIa.

Fig. 8b

einen Teilschnitt in der Ebene VIIIb-VIIIb,

Fig. 9

einen abgewandelten Leitring ohne Lüfter,

Fig. 10

einen Lüfter ohne Leitring,

Fig. 11

eine vergrößerte Darstellung von Leitring und Lüfter gemäß Fig. 9 und Fig. 10,

Fig. 12

eine Teilansicht in axialer Richtung auf den Leitring gemäß Fig. 9 und

Fig. 13

eine weitere Ausführungsform eines Lüfters mit vorgezogenem Mantelring.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in more detail below, wherein from the drawing and / or the description further features and / or advantages may result. Show it

Fig. 1

a cooling device in half section, comprising a coolant radiator, a fan cowl and a fan,

Fig. 2

the fan according to Fig. 1 with modified compensation element,

Fig. 3

a further embodiment of the compensating element,

Fig. 4

a further embodiment of the compensating element,

Fig. 5

a modification of the compensating element,

Fig. 6

a first attachment form of the guide ring,

Fig. 7

a second form of attachment of the guide ring,

Fig. 8

a fan with downstream Nachleitapparat,

Fig. 8a

a partial section in the plane VIIIa-VIIIa.

Fig. 8b

a partial section in the plane VIIIb-VIIIb,

Fig. 9

a modified guide ring without fan,

Fig. 10

a fan without a guide ring,

Fig. 11

an enlarged view of the guide ring and fan according to FIGS. 9 and 10 .

Fig. 12

a partial view in the axial direction of the guide ring according to Fig. 9 and

Fig. 13

another embodiment of a fan with an advancing shroud.

Fig. 1 shows in a half section, a cooling device 1, which comprises a coolant radiator 2, a fan cowl 3 and a fan 4, which is driven via a fluid friction clutch 5 by an internal combustion engine, not shown, of a motor vehicle, preferably via the crankshaft. The fan 4 is therefore mounted motor-fixed, ie it performs the same movements as the engine. By contrast, the coolant cooler 2 is supported on a vehicle frame (not shown in the vehicle) - this also applies to the fan cover 3, which is fixedly connected to the coolant radiator 2. Relative movements therefore occur between the fan cowl 3 and the guide ring 7. The coolant radiator 2 can by further, not shown heat exchanger, for. As intercooler, oil cooler or a condenser for a vehicle air conditioning system to be added to a cooling module. The air flow direction is indicated by an arrow L, ie the fan 4 is arranged sucking. The basic design of the fan 4 corresponds to the construction, as in the aforementioned DE 10 2006 047 236 A1 the applicant is described and illustrated. Thereafter, the fan 4 is formed as an axial fan and has a circumferential outer ring 6, which is associated with a guide ring 7. For further details of the fan 4 with shroud 6 and guide ring 7 reference is made to the aforementioned document of the Applicant, the contents of which is fully incorporated into the disclosure of the present application.

Between the guide ring 7 and the fan cowl 3 according to the invention a motion compensation element 8, hereinafter referred to as compensation element, arranged, which compensates for the relative movements between the fan cowl 3 and guide ring 7 and at the same time causes a seal. The guide ring 7, which is connected to the internal combustion engine in a manner not shown here (motor-fixed arrangement), is approximately C-shaped in cross-section and has a radially outside of the shroud 6 arranged mounting portion 7 a, in which an end of the compensating element 8 is clamped and is held with it. The other end of the compensation element 8 is formed as a sealing lip 8 a, which rests against the fan cover 3. The latter has an air passage opening 3a, which is encompassed by an annular sealing surface 3b on which the sealing lip abuts 8a and thus - in the presence of relative movements - can slide in the radial direction. Likewise, relative movements in the axial direction are possible without the elastically fitting sealing lip 8a lifting off the sealing surface 3b. This arrangement of the compensation element 8 results in a streamlined transition from the inside of the fan cowl 3 in the guide ring 7 and thus in the fan 4. In addition, an axially compact design is achieved.

Fig. 2 shows a modification of the compensating element and the guide ring, wherein like parts with the same reference numerals as in Fig. 1 are designated. The fan cowl 3 is here only partially, ie essentially shown with its sealing surface 3b. A guide ring 9 is also C-shaped in cross-section, but has a substantially radially extending mounting portion 9a, in which a compensation element 10 is clamped. The latter has an elastically deformable sealing lip 10a, which sealingly abuts against the sealing surface 3b of the fan cowl 3, even when relative movements occur.

Fig . 3 shows a further embodiment of a guide ring 11 with compensating element 12. The guide ring 11 is again formed in cross-section C-shaped and has an outer cylindrical mounting portion 11a, which is covered by the compensation element 12 in the manner of a snap connection. The made of an elastic material, for. B. rubber-made compensating element 12 can thus be clipped onto the mounting portion 11 a and then rests with the sealing lip 12 a on the sealing surface 3 b.

Fig . 4 shows a further embodiment of a guide ring 13 and a compensating element 14. The guide ring 13 has a cylindrical attachment portion 13a, on which the compensation element 14 is pushed and secured by a clamping band 15 on the guide ring 13. The compensation element 14 has a sealing lip 14a, which bears against the planar sealing surface 3b.

The above-described embodiments of the guide rings 7, 9, 11, 13 are each characterized by a C-shaped cross section, in which the upstream part of the shroud 6 protrudes, resulting in the well-known from the above-mentioned prior art effect of an inlet nozzle , A secondary air flow is sucked from the outside, deflected by 180 ° and fed to the blade tip area. This results in a further stabilization of the fan flow. By appropriate design and aerodynamic refinement of the effect of the inlet nozzle can be amplified.

Fig . 5 shows a modification of the invention for a fan 16 with a shroud 17, which is associated with a guide ring 18. The substantially cylindrically shaped guide ring 18 is followed by an annular sealing flange 19 via a radius r. At the inner region of the fan cowl 3, an elastically formed annular compensating element 20 is fastened, which abuts against the outside of the sealing flange 19. The compensating element 20 allows relative movements in the radial and axial direction and is characterized by a particularly compact construction in the axial direction.

Fig. 6 shows a further embodiment of the invention with a fan 21, a shroud 22 and a guide ring 23 which overlaps in the axial direction with the shroud 22. In axial extension against the direction of air flow, a mounting portion 23a connects to the guide ring 23, to which on the one hand a compensation element 24 and on the other hand a strut 25 are attached. By means of the strut 25 - and other, not shown, distributed over the circumference struts - the guide ring 23 can be attached to the engine block, not shown, so that the fan 21 and guide ring 23 are both arranged fixed to the engine. Thus, a minimal gap between the guide ring 23 and the shroud 22 can be realized. This also applies to the previous embodiments.

Fig. 7 shows a further attachment possibility of the strut 25 to a guide ring 26, which the embodiment according to Fig. 1 corresponds, the guide ring 26 is C-shaped in cross-section and optionally formed as an inlet nozzle and has a mounting portion 26 a, on which the strut 25 engages. This is one - especially in comparison to Fig. 6 - Achieved shortened axial design.

Fig. 8 shows a development of the invention with a fan 27, the C-shaped guide ring 26 and strut 25, which according to the embodiment Fig. 7 correspond. In the air flow direction behind the fan 27, a Nachleitapparat 28 is disposed in the radially outer region, which is attached to the struts 25 and integrated with these, Such a Nachleitapparat 28 is in the DE 10 2006 037 628 A1 the Applicant described in detail and shown: it is in the air flow direction behind the axial fan substantially in the radial direction extending flow guide elements, which influence the exiting Lüfferströmung.

Fig. 8a shows a section in the plane Villa-Vllla by a flow guide 28a of the Nachleitapparates 28, the direction of rotation of the fan 27 is indicated by an arrow U.

Fig. 8b shows a section through the flow guide 28a in the plane VIIIb-VIIIb. The direction of rotation of the fan is indicated by an arrow U. The design and arrangement of the flow guide elements 28a of the Nachleitapparates 28 results in a delay of the fan outlet flow, combined with a pressure recovery.

Fig. 9 shows a further embodiment of a guide ring 30, on which a Bewegungsaausgleichselement 31 is arranged to seal against a fan cowl 32 partially shown. The guide ring 30 has on its inside axially extending, radially inwardly projecting guide surfaces in the form of ribs 30a.

Fig. 10 shows an axial fan 33 with a shroud 34, which has a free upstream end ring 34a.

Fig. 11 shows the assembly and the interaction of the guide ring 30 according to Fig. 9 and the fan 33 according to Fig. 10 in an enlarged view. The approximately C-shaped guide ring 30 forms with the ring end 34a of the shroud 34 has a circumferential gap 35 with a 180 ° deflection. The flow entering the circumferential gap 35, a recirculation flow, is indicated by an arrow E and the air flow emerging from the circumferential gap 35 is indicated by an arrow A. The main flow through the fan 33 is shown by an arrow S. The recirculation flow is thus deflected in the circumferential gap 35 by 180 °. The incoming recirculation flow according to arrow E applies to the approximately axially extending and approximately radially projecting from the guide ring 30 guide surfaces 30 a, which align the tapped flow in the axial direction, ie eliminate the circumferential component of the recirculation flow or at least reduce significantly. It is thus achieved that the recirculation flow exiting from the circumferential gap 35 enters the main flow S as far as possible without swirling as indicated by arrow A, whereby flow losses in this area are avoided. The efficiency of the fan is thus improved.

Fig. 12 shows a view in the axial direction according to the arrows XII-XII in Fig. 9 , It can be seen from the outer part of the guide ring 30a in the radial direction inwardly projecting guide surfaces 30a, which align the recirculation flow axially.

Fig. 13 shows a modified fan 36 with a shroud 37, which has a free, inflow-side ring end 37a, which projects beyond the leading edge 36a of the fan blades. This fan 36 can also be combined with the guide ring 30 and the guide surfaces 30a. In this case results in a smaller circumferential gap than in the embodiment according to Fig. 10 respectively. Fig. 11 , For this purpose, the fan 33, in conjunction with the guide ring 30 which terminates approximately flush, has a smaller axial depth and is thus optimized for bauratim.

Claims (15)

Cooling device for a Krafffahrzeug with an internal combustion engine, comprising at least one in the air flow direction (L) behind the at least one heat exchanger (2) arranged axial fan (4) with at least one air flow in heat exchanger (2) with a peripheral shroud (6), which is a stationary arranged guide ring (7) is assigned, as well as with the at least one heat exchanger (2) adjoining the fan cowl (3), characterized in that between the line (7, 9, 11, 13, 18, 23, 26) and the at least a fan cowl (3) at least one motion compensation element (8, 10, 12, 14, 20, 24) is arranged with sealing function. Cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the Bewegungsausgleicilselement (8, 10, 12, 14, 24) attached to the line (7, 9, 11, 13, 23) and sealingly against the fan cover (3). Cooling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the movement compensation element (20) attached to the fan cowl (3) and on the line (18) or on the guide ring (8) fixed sealing flange (19). Cooling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fan cowl (3) has a rear wall with an annular sealing surface (3b). Cooling device according to claim 4, characterized in that the Bewegungssusgereichselement (8, 9, 12, 14) has an annular sealing lip (8a, 10a, 12a, 14a), which rests against the annular sealing surface (3b). Cooling device according to one of claims 1, 2, 4 or 5, characterized in that the guide ring (7, 9, 11, 13, 26) cross-sectionally approximately C-shaped and an attachment portion (7a, 9a, 11a, 13a, 26a ) having. Cooling device according to claim 6, characterized in that the fastening portion (7a, 9a) is formed as a clamping portion. Cooling device according to one of claims 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that the movement compensation element (12) forms a snap connection with the fastening portion (11a). Cooling device according to one of claims 1, 2, 4, 5 or 6, characterized in that the movement compensation element (14) on the attachment portion (13a) by a clamping device, in particular a clamping band (15) is held. Cooling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide ring (7, 9, 11, 13, 26) is substantially flush with the air inlet plane of the fan (4). Cooling device according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the guide ring (7, 9, 11, 13, 26) is designed as an inlet nozzle into which a front portion of the jacket ring (6) protrudes. Cooling device according to claim 13, characterized in that the Nachleitapparat (28) in the struts (25) is integrated. Cooling device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the movement compensation element as an annular, elastic sealing element (8, 10, 12, 14, 20, 24) is formed. Cooling device according to one of claims 6 to 15, characterized in that the guide ring (30), respectively the inlet nozzle with the front annular end (34a, 37a) of the shroud (34, 37) forms a 180 ° -Umlenkspalt (35) and that at the guide ring or the inlet nozzle (30) in the region of the deflection gap (35) radially or approximately radially extending guide surfaces (30a), in particular ribs are arranged. Cooling device according to claim 16, characterized in that the guide ring (30) respectively the inlet nozzle has a radially outer and a radially inner annular surface and in that the guide surfaces (30a) project from the outer annular surface inwardly.

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