EP2971632B1 - Fan frame and fan module - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fan cowl for a plurality of fan modules. The invention further relates to a fan module.

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Although the present invention is described in terms of a fan module for a motor vehicle, it is not limited thereto, but also applicable to other technical fields.

A fan module in a motor vehicle is used for thermal management. The fan module is typically provided on a radiator to transport airflow through the radiator to provide adequate cooling, e.g. in stop-and-go traffic if there is insufficient wind.

A fan module typically has an externally driven fan or fan that promotes and compresses air mostly by means of an impeller rotating in a frame.

In order to be able to ensure optimal utilization of the radiator surface in the case of essentially rectangular or non-square-shaped coolers, so-called double fan modules are sometimes used, which have at least two fans. The structure and operation of such double fan modules z. B. in the DE 10 2004 034 733 A1 . DE 10 2008 041 236 A1 and DE 102 57 838 A1 described.

A double fan module often has a larger and a smaller fan. Furthermore, a fan frame is usually provided, in which the fans are supported side by side in a compact manner.

• Eine erste der Anmelderin bekannte Bauform sieht eine völlig offene Konstruktion des Abströmbereichs des gesamten Doppellüftermoduls vor. Damit soll die Abströmung möglichst wenig beeinflusst werden. Allerdings können sich dabei die Abströmungen der beiden Lüfter gegenseitig stören, was wiederum eine unerwünschte Geräuschentwicklung zur Folge haben kann.
• Eine andere der Anmelderin bekannte Bauform sieht ein vollständiges Umschließen des Abströmbereichs jedes einzelnen Lüfters des Doppellüftermoduls ähnlich einem Rohrlüfter vor. Durch das vollständige Umschließen wird allerdings die Luftleistung (Volumen- bzw. Massenstrom der Luft) vermindert, da die Abströmung zur Seite eingeschränkt ist.

In parallel operation with both fans increased noise development can occur with double fan modules, which is usually perceived as unpleasant for a user and thus reduces comfort. Concerning the outflow area of the fans, the Applicant is aware of two different types of construction which have different effects on noise development and air performance:

• A first of the applicant known design provides a completely open construction of the outflow region of the entire double fan module. Thus, the outflow should be influenced as little as possible. However, the outflows of the two fans can interfere with each other, which in turn can result in unwanted noise.
• Another design known to the applicant provides complete enclosure of the discharge area of each individual fan of the double fan module, similar to a pipe ventilator. By completely enclosing, however, the air power (volume or mass flow of the air) is reduced because the outflow is restricted to the side.

Another design is in DE 10 2010 024 978 A1 disclosed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Against this background, the present invention has the object to provide an improved fan cowl and an improved double fan module.

According to the invention this object is achieved by a fan cowl with the features of claim 1 and / or by a double fan module solved with the features of claim 10.

• Eine Lüfterzarge für eine Vielzahl von Lüftermodulen, insbesondere für einen Kühler eines Kraftfahrzeugs, mit einer ersten Lüfterhalterung, die einen ersten Abströmbereich aufweist, mit wenigstens einer weiteren Lüfterhalterung, die einen weiteren Abströmbereich aufweist, mit einem Zwischenbereich, der aneinander angrenzende Randbereiche der ersten und der weiteren Lüfterhalterungen miteinander verbindet, wobei im Zwischenbereich eine Abschirmvorrichtung vorgesehen ist, die den ersten und einen weiteren Abströmbereich voneinander trennt.
• Ein Lüftermodul, insbesondere Doppellüftermodul, insbesondere für einen Kühler eines Kraftfahrzeugs, mit einer Lüfterzarge, mit einem ersten in der Lüfterzarge gehalterten Lüfter, der dazu ausgebildet ist, einen ersten Luftstrom zu erzeugen, mit zumindest einem weiteren in der Lüfterzarge gehalterten Lüfter, der dazu ausgebildet ist, einen weiteren Luftstrom zu erzeugen, der in der Lüfterzarge neben der ersten Lüfter angeordnet und gehaltert ist, wobei in einem zwischen dem ersten und dem weiteren Lüfter vorgesehenen Zwischenbereich der Lüfterzarge in jeweiligen Abströmbereichen des ersten und/oder des weiteren Lüfters eine Abschirmvorrichtung zum Trennen des ersten Luftstroms von dem weiteren Luftstrom vorgesehen ist.

Accordingly, it is provided:

• A fan shroud for a plurality of fan modules, in particular for a radiator of a motor vehicle, with a first fan holder, which has a first outflow region, with at least one further fan holder, which has a further outflow region, with an intermediate region, the adjoining edge regions of the first and the connects further fan mounts together, wherein in the intermediate region a shielding device is provided which separates the first and a further outflow region from each other.
• A fan module, in particular a double fan module, in particular for a radiator of a motor vehicle, having a fan cowl, with a first fan supported in the fan cowl, which is designed to generate a first air flow, with at least one further fan supported in the fan cowl, which is designed for this purpose is to generate a further air flow, which is arranged and supported in the fan frame next to the first fan, wherein in a provided between the first and the further fan intermediate region of the fan frame in respective outflow regions of the first and / or the further fan a shielding device for separating the first air flow is provided by the further air flow.

The idea underlying the present invention is to provide a part of the fan circumference with a shielding device. This part of the fan circumference is preferably located in the discharge area, ie on the pressure side or the side facing away from the suction side of the fan cowl between the first and the other fan. By means of this shielding device influencing the flows in the outflow region of the first and of the further fan is effectively prevented or at least reduced to a minimum, whereby the noise during the simultaneous operation of the first and the other fan is significantly reduced. Furthermore, the entire remaining side surface remains free for outflow. By means of the solution according to the invention, the first and the further fan of the fan module can advantageously be operated with minimal noise and without sacrificing the air performance.

The present invention is preferably used in a double fan module. For example, according to the invention, a web region of the outlet ring of a second, small fan in the region between the first, large fan and the second fan relative to the remaining region can be increased. This web area thus forms a divider. The same may alternatively be provided in two equally large fans and / or other fans.

According to the invention, an influencing of the fan flow of the small fan by the fan flows of the large fan is avoided, without having the disadvantages of a total continuous outlet ring on the small fan. Thus, according to the invention a reduction of those tonal noises is achieved, which can otherwise be caused mainly by the small fan. This is advantageously done without too much restriction on the air flow rate, i. without additional obstruction of the outflow.

Advantageous embodiments and further developments will become apparent from the other dependent claims and from the description with reference to the figures of the drawing.

In a preferred embodiment, the shielding device is designed as a dividing wall section which can be inserted into the fan frame. This partition section or divider can thus also subsequently, that is, after the manufacture of the frame, are used in the same. For this purpose, the partition wall section or separating web can be inserted, for example, by means of a suitable fit. Optionally or additionally, it can also be glued or clipped. Thus, the partition wall section or divider can be retrofitted even with existing fan door frames. Alternatively, variants can be made with and without divider during manufacture without, for example, changing the injection molds for the fan cowl.

In an alternative embodiment, the shielding device is designed as a partition wall section formed integrally with the fan frame. Thus, the partition wall section or divider can be mitgeformt already during prototyping, in particular during injection molding, the fan cowl. The separating section therefore does not have to be mounted in an additional working step, which simplifies production.

According to a further embodiment, the partition wall section has a profiled upper edge. The upper edge represents the dividing wall section or dividing web downstream end edge. This can for example be serrated or wavy or otherwise profiled.

According to a preferred embodiment, the partition wall section extends in the intermediate region over an angle segment of 10 ° to 135 °, in particular from 30 ° to 60 °, to the first and / or further fan mount. In preferred embodiments, the angle is 40 ° to 50 °. As a reference axis while the fan axis is provided, which in the built-in Condition of the fan is located in the center of adhesion. Preferably, the partition wall section is formed in sections rounded and extends in sections arcuate along the angle segment. He forms a cylinder jacket surface section. Alternatively, however, the partition wall section can also have a different design and shape, for example with straight or angled sections. According to the invention, the partition wall section extends in the region in which the first and the further outflow regions approach each other. This avoids that flows in the outflow areas influence each other adversely.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the partition wall section extends over a circular arc distance in the range of 5 cm to 25 cm, in particular in the range of 8 cm to 15 cm, around a circumference of the first and / or further fan mount. In preferred embodiments, the circular arc distance is 10-12 cm. With circular arc distance the projected length of the partition wall section is designated, which can be measured in a circular arc section with the fan axis as the center as the length of the partition wall section. It should be noted that by shaping, such as bends or the like, this length does not have to correspond to the actual length of the partition wall section. The circular arc section is used only as a simplified measure. By virtue of the fact that the partition wall section extends over such a circular arc path around a circumference of the first and / or further support, sufficient shielding and / or separation of the first and further outflow regions is achieved.

According to a further preferred embodiment, the partition wall section is arranged between two fastening struts of the first or further fan mount. The room, which between two fastening struts is free, is referred to as a bag. The fastening struts have a certain height in the connection area to the frame. Thus arises between the attachment struts in this connection area an open space, which forms a pocket. In a preferred embodiment of this embodiment, two fastening struts are arranged such that they are each located at one end of the intermediate region of the frame. In the pocket between these attachment struts then the partition wall portion is arranged. In further embodiments, additional pockets or more pockets between fastening struts may additionally be provided with a partition wall section.

In a further preferred embodiment, the partition wall section extends to at least 50%, in particular to 70% - 100%, of an axial height of the fastening struts. The axial height is measured parallel to the fan axis and can be, for example, 2 cm to 5 cm. In particularly preferred embodiments, the height of the attachment struts is 2.5 cm to 3 cm. Thus, the partition wall portion has a sufficient height to shield the first and the further outflow area from each other.

In further preferred embodiments, the fan frame is designed as a plastic injection molded part. The entire fan frame is preferably made in one piece. However, multi-part embodiments are also conceivable.

In a preferred embodiment of a fan module, the fan cowl according to the invention is designed according to the embodiments described above.

In further preferred embodiments, the shielding device is in the outflow direction of the first and / or formed further air flow extending partition wall section. This partition section or divider preferably extends as an elevation in the axial direction of the fan. In this case, all embodiments of the fan module described with respect to the fan frame are possible.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the first fan has a larger diameter than the other fan. Thus, different operating modes of the fan module are possible. If such a fan module is designed as a double fan module, it can be operated with three different operating modes: only with the smaller fan, only with the larger fan or with both fans. In typical operation mode, the dual fan module is operated with both fans, e.g. when a relatively high cooling capacity is needed.

In further preferred embodiments, the first fan has a higher drive and / or air output than the further fan. This may be provided as an alternative or in addition to a different diameter of the fan.

The above embodiments and developments can, if appropriate, combine with each other as desired. Further possible refinements, developments and implementations of the invention also include combinations, not explicitly mentioned, of features of the invention described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments. In particular, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the present invention.

CONTENT OF THE DRAWING

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Lüfterzarge;

Fig. 2

eine detaillierte Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Lüfterzarge;

Fig. 3A, 3B

eine perspektivische Ansicht eines Ausschnitts der Lüfterzarge aus Fig. 2 mit unterschiedlichen Trennwandabschnitten;

Fig. 4A-4F

Beispiele für unterschiedlich geformte Trennwandabschnitte;

Fig. 5

eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Doppellüftermoduls.

The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments indicated in the schematic figures of the drawing. It shows:

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a fan cowl according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a detailed embodiment of a fan cowl according to the invention;

Fig. 3A, 3B

a perspective view of a section of the fan cowl Fig. 2 with different partition sections;

Figs. 4A-4F

Examples of differently shaped partition sections;

Fig. 5

a schematic representation of a double fan module according to the invention.

The accompanying figures of the drawing are intended to convey a further understanding of the embodiments of the invention. They illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain principles and concepts of the invention. Other embodiments and many of the stated advantages will become apparent with reference to the drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale to each other.

In the figures of the drawing are the same, functionally identical and same-acting elements, features and components - unless otherwise stated - each provided with the same reference numerals.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a fan frame according to the invention 1. This has a first holder 2 and a further, preferably second holder 3, which are each designed to hold a fan in the fan frame 1. The holders 2, 3 each have an edge region 6, 7 and fastening struts 10, 11. The fastening struts 10, 11 open into a retaining ring, which is designed for fastening a fan. Between the two brackets 2, 3, an intermediate region 4 is provided in the frame 1, which connects the edge regions 6, 7 with each other.

The fan frame 1 has two sides, namely a suction side and a pressure side, wherein FIG. 1 the print side shows. This is intended to ensure that a built-in brackets 2 and 3 fan exhausts the air sucked by him on this page. In the illustration, one thus looks at the respective outflow regions of the holders 2 and 3. In the intermediate region 4 between the two holders 2 and 3, a shielding device 8 is provided. This is arranged and designed such that the outflow region of the second holder 3 is shielded from the outflow region of the first holder 2.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a fan cowl 1 according to the invention, wherein the basic structure according to the description of the in FIG. 1 illustrated fan frame 1 is executed. In this embodiment, the partition wall section 8 is arranged in the region between two struts 10 and 11 of the second holder 3. The second holder 3 is designed to receive a smaller fan, while the first holder 2 is designed to accommodate a larger fan. This is in relation to FIG. 5 explained in more detail.

The second holder 3 has a center M, through which an axis of a fan, not shown, built into the holder of a fan module would extend into the plane. Relative to this axis, the partition wall section or an elevated separating web extends over an angular segment 12, which in the illustrated embodiment has an angle of 45 °. The partition wall section extends between the two struts 10 and 11 substantially over an arc of 10 cm, for example. Due to the geometry of the attachment struts, no ideal circular arc shape or cylinder jacket surface section shape is described by the partition wall section. Instead, the actual shape is provided in sections with bends or recesses for adaptation to the shape of the fastening struts 10, 11 and for attachment thereto.

FIGS. 3A and 3B each show a perspective view of a detail of a fan frame 1 according to FIG. 2 , The FIGS. 3A and 3B show different embodiments of a partition wall section. 8

In FIG. 3A the partition wall section 8 extends between the two fastening struts 10 and 11, wherein the partition wall section 8 has a height 5 which corresponds to 70% of the height of the fastening struts 10 and 11. This height is sufficient to the outflow region of the second holder 3, which in the illustration in FIGS. 3A and 3B the illustrated side of the brackets corresponds to shield sufficiently from the outflow region of the first holder 2. Thus, flows occurring in the outflow areas can not adversely affect before they reach, for example, a radiator or heat exchanger of a motor vehicle.

The area between two fastening struts, if no partition wall section is provided therein, is referred to as a pocket. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the pocket between the attachment struts 10 and 11 is filled by the partition wall portion 8. In alternative embodiments, a plurality of pockets 13 between further fastening struts of the holder 3 may be filled with a partition wall portion.

Furthermore, as an alternative to the illustrated embodiment, it would also be conceivable that the pockets of the first holder 2 are designed with a partition wall section 8. This would preferably be provided in the intermediate region 4 analogous to the illustrated embodiment.

FIG. 3B shows the same section as FIG. 3A , wherein here, however, an alternative partition wall section 8 is provided. This has a height 5, which corresponds to 100% of the height of the fastening struts 10 and 11. Thus, the partition wall portion 8 extends over the entire height of the pressure side of the fan cowl.

In the in FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrated embodiments, the partition wall portion 8 is formed in one piece with the fan cowl. The fan frame is preferably formed as an injection molded part made of plastic.

In alternative embodiments, the partition wall portion may be provided as a separate part inserted into the fan cowl. For this purpose, it can be inserted, for example, with a corresponding fit in a recess in the fan cowl. Alternatively or additionally, the partition wall section can also be clipped or glued. FIG. 4 shows various examples of a partition wall section 8. All of these illustrated partition wall sections 8 are provided as plug-partition wall sections. They have a Einsteckfortsatz 15, by means of which they can be inserted into a recess in the fan frame 1. Furthermore, lateral recesses 16 are provided, which are provided for molding and / or anchoring of the partition wall section to the fastening struts 10, 11. The FIGS. 4A, 4B and 4D to 4F each show a partition wall portion with a flat top edge 9, which only according to the shape of the intermediate portion 4 and the fastening struts 10, 11 has slight deviations from a circular arc or cylinder jacket section shape. The FIGS. 4A to 4F show the partition wall portion 8 each in a plan view of its radial inside.

The partition wall section 8 according to FIG. 4A has a height 5, which corresponds to 100% of the height of the fastening struts 10, 11. This height is for example 2.8 cm. Of course, this value may deviate significantly depending on the design and available installation space of a fan module. For example, the height 5 of the fastening struts 10, 11 is between 2 cm and 5 cm.

The partition wall section 8 according to FIG. 4B has a slightly reduced height 5 of about 95% of the height of the fastening struts 10, 11.

FIG. 4C shows an embodiment of a partition wall section 8 with profiled surface edge 9. In this embodiment, the surface edge 9 is formed wavy. Alternatively, the surface edge could also be jagged or have a contour with quadrangular recesses or another type of profiling.

Figure 4D again shows a partition wall section 8 with a flat surface edge, wherein a further reduced height 5 of 90% of the height of the fastening struts 10, 11 is provided. In Figure 4E the height 5 is reduced to 80% and in FIG. 4F the height is reduced to 70% of the height of the fixing struts 10, 11.

FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a double fan module 20. This has a fan frame 1 according to FIG. 1 on. The structure of the fan module 20 is of course the in FIG. 2 illustrated embodiment of a fan frame 1 transferable.

In the first holder 2, a first, large fan 21 is provided, the Lüfterradschaufeln 23 are arranged distributed around the entire circumference of the fan 21. In the presentation of the FIG. 5 the Lüfterradschaufeln 23 for clarity only schematically indicated in a portion of the fan circumference. In the further, preferably second holder 3, a further, preferably second, smaller fan 22 is supported, the impeller blades 24 are also indicated only schematically.

The double fan module 20 is provided for mounting on a rectangular shaped radiator or heat exchanger, which in particular has a rectangular shape with different length and width, which preferably corresponds to the rectangular shape of the frame 1. Thus, the radiator or heat exchanger can be flowed in three different operating modes with high utilization of the radiator surface with cooling air. The shielding device 8 provided in the intermediate region of the fan frame 1 in the outflow region of the fans 21, 22 separates in the operating mode with both fans 21, 22 an airflow generated by the first fan 21 in its outflow region from an airflow generated by the second fan 22 in its outflow region. Consequently the two air streams do not adversely affect because they do not get in the way due to the separation by means of the screening device 8. Furthermore, the first fan 21 preferably has a larger diameter than the second fan 22 and also has a higher drive and air power than the second fan 22.

Although the present invention has been fully described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto but is modifiable in a variety of ways.

Thus, the heights of the fastening struts and thus also the height of the partition wall section should always be adapted to the space available for the double fan module, i. the heights of the attachment struts and the partition wall section may also be (significantly) lower or (significantly) higher.

The length of the partition section may, of course, be varied depending on the dimensions of the double fan module or fan diameter, i. Also smaller and longer lengths of the partition wall section, adapted to such dimensions, are possible.

The figures are only to be understood as advantageous and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

Although the invention has been explained with reference to a double fan module with two fans, such a fan module and thus the corresponding frame can also include or record more than two fans. In that case, the invention is not limited to double fan modules, but rather the term Double fan module in the sense of multiple fan module to understand.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

shroud

2, 3

bracket

4

intermediate area

5

Height of the partition wall section

6, 7

border area

8th

Shielding device, partition wall section

9

edge surface

10, 11

mounting struts

12

angular segment

13

bag

14

Arc distance

20

(Double) fan module

21, 22

Fan

23, 24

fan impeller blade

M

Focus

Claims (11)

1. Fan housing (1) for a plurality of fan modules, in particular for a radiator of a motor vehicle,
   comprising a first fan mounting (2) which has a first flow-off region,
   comprising at least one further fan mounting (3) which has a further flow-off region,
   comprising an intermediate region (4) which interconnects mutually adjacent edge regions (6, 7) of the first and the further fan mountings (2, 3),
   characterised in that
   a shielding device (8) is provided in the intermediate region (4) and separates the first and a further flow-off region from one another, the shielding device (8) being formed as a partition wall portion (8) insertable into the fan housing (1), the partition wall portion (8) extending in the intermediate region (4) over an angle segment of 10° to 135°, in particular of 30° to 60°, around the first and/or further fan mounting (2, 3).
2. Fan housing according to claim 1,
   characterised in that
   the shielding device (8) is formed as a partition wall portion (8) formed integrally with the fan housing (1).
3. Fan housing according to any of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the partition wall portion (8) has a profiled upper edge (9).
4. Fan housing according to any of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the partition wall portion (8) extends over an arc length (14) in the range of 5 cm to 20 cm, in particular in the range of 8 cm to 15 cm, preferably in the range of 10 cm to 12 cm, around a circumference of the first and/or further mountings (2; 3).
5. Fan housing according to any of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the partition wall portion (8) is arranged between two fastening struts (10; 11) of the first or further fan mounting (2, 3).
6. Fan housing according to any of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the partition wall portion (8) extends to at least 50 %, in particular to 70 % - 100 %, of an axial height (12) of the fastening struts.
7. Fan housing according to any of the preceding claims,
   characterised in that
   the fan housing (1) is formed as a plastics material injection-moulded part.
8. Fan module (20), in particular double fan module, in particular for a radiator for a motor vehicle,
   comprising a fan housing (1),
   comprising a first fan (21) which is mounted in the fan housing (1) and formed to generate a first airflow, comprising at least one further fan (22) which is mounted in the fan housing (1) and formed to generate a further airflow, and which is arranged and mounted in the fan housing (1) alongside the first fan (21),
   characterised in that
   a shielding device (8) for separating the first airflow from the further airflow is provided in associated flow-off regions of the first and/or further fan (21, 22) in an intermediate region (4), provided between the first and the further fan (21; 22), of the fan housing (1),
   the fan housing (1) being formed as a fan housing (1) according to any of claims 1 to 7.
9. Fan module according to claim 8,
   characterised in that
   the shielding device (8) is formed as a partition wall portion (8) extending in the flow-off direction of the first and/or the further airflow.
10. Fan housing according to either claim 8 or claim 9,
    characterised in that
    the first fan (21) has a greater diameter than the further fan (22).
11. Fan housing according to any of claims 8 to 10,
    characterised in that
    the first fan (21) has a higher drive power and/or ventilation performance than the further fan (22).

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