WO2012045674A2

WO2012045674A2 - Cooling module

Info

Publication number: WO2012045674A2
Application number: PCT/EP2011/067111
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bernd Galyga; Richard Vogt; Thomas Helming
Original assignee: Robert Bosch Gmbh
Priority date: 2010-10-08
Filing date: 2011-09-30
Publication date: 2012-04-12
Also published as: DE102010042225A1; WO2012045674A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooling module for a motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of coolers and a fan unit (140), wherein the plurality of coolers comprises at least one first and a second cooler (111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132). The fan unit (140) comprises an impeller (141) and a drive device (142) for driving the impeller (141), wherein the drive device (142) of the fan unit (140) is arranged in an area between the first and second coolers (111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132).

Description

description

title

Cooling module The present invention relates to a cooling module for a motor vehicle.

State of the art

Automotive cooling modules typically include a water cooler and an axial fan. The radiator of a cooling module is used to cool a coolant, which is used in a water cooling for heat dissipation in a vehicle drive. For this purpose, the radiator is flowed through by the relevant coolant (usually water with additives). Also, the radiator or a part of the radiator flows through the heat dissipation from an air flow, which can be caused by the airstream when the vehicle is moving. If the airflow is insufficient, for example when the vehicle is traveling slowly or stationary, the air flow is generated using the fan of the cooling module. The fan has an impeller with blades and drive means for driving the impeller. About a so-called frame, the fan or its drive relative to the

Radiator held in position.

Radiator and fan are arranged in conventional cooling modules usually seen in the direction of travel one behind the other. This applies both to embodiments in which the lateral dimensions of the radiator and the fan are substantially identical, as well as to embodiments with significantly different dimensions of these components.

Depending on the application, a cooling module can also be extended with additional coolers. This includes, for example, an oil cooler for a transmission or a power steering, a condenser for an air conditioning system, and a charge air cooler with charged motors. Such coolers are usually arranged in the direction of travel before or after the above-mentioned components, or alternatively also above or next to each other.

The sequential arrangement of components of a cooling module described above is associated with disadvantages such as in particular a large thickness or depth. The depth of a cooling module is at least as large as the sum of the depth of the radiator and the axial length of the axial blower, plus a required air-handling view distance between these two components. In addition, the arrangement of the axial fan seen in the direction of travel behind the water cooler has the consequence that the drive device of the fan is exposed to the (waste) heat of the cooler and thus to an increased ambient temperature. Among other things, this has a negative effect on the power output and the lifetime of the blower drive.

Disclosure of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved cooling module for a motor vehicle, in which the above-mentioned disadvantages can be avoided.

This object is achieved by a cooling module according to claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, a cooling module for a motor vehicle is proposed, which has a plurality of coolers and a fan device. The plurality of coolers includes at least first and second coolers. The fan device comprises an impeller and a drive device for driving the impeller. It is provided that the drive device of the fan device is arranged in a region between the first and second radiator.

The configuration of the cooling module with the drive device arranged between the coolers offers the possibility of reducing the overall depth of the cooling module. adorn. In this way, for example, the relevant motor vehicle can be realized with a shorter front end, which can reduce damage in the event of an accident, as well as an insurance or insurance. Improve hull rating of the motor vehicle. Also, the ambient temperature for the drive device of the fan device can be reduced, and as a result, the power yield and life of the drive device can be improved. Furthermore, additional degrees of freedom for inlet and outlet elements of the radiator can be provided.

The area between the first and second radiator may also be provided for the space-saving accommodation of additional components. This includes components of a cooling system such as an electronic drive device for the drive device of the fan, a cooling water reservoir, (thermostat) valves, ram air valves, closure mechanisms for the coolers, etc. Other components such as a front end are also possible -Radar an ACC system (Adaptive Cruise Control), a camera of an infrared system, other liquid containers, etc. Furthermore, also constructive measures such as the provision of fasteners, the integration of a hood lock, a mechanical stabilization, etc. for the area between the coolers come into consideration. In addition, the cooling module can comprise more than two (ie first and second) radiators, which for example can also be arranged in the region between the first and the second radiator, or also in front of or behind it. Due to the arrangement of the drive device of the fan device between the first and second radiator can be dispensed with a complex attachment of the drive means using a strut frame member or with a frame, or the drive means can be mounted within the space, which assembly and Cost advantages. In this regard, according to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the drive device of the fan device is attached to the first and second radiator in the area of opposite edges of the first and second radiators. In a further preferred embodiment, the cooling module has a connecting element, via which the first and second radiators are connected to one another. are bound. As a result, the two radiators (at least) mechanically connected to each other, whereby the cooling module can be given a corresponding stability.

In addition to achieving a mechanical coupling, the connecting element according to a further preferred embodiment is adapted to allow a flow of coolant between the first and second radiator. In this way, results in a simple structural design of the cooling module, and can reduce the effort for radiator mounting.

In a further preferred embodiment, the drive device of the fan device is attached to the connecting element. Such a configuration is also associated with assembly and cost benefits.

A (further) cost savings can be achieved according to a further preferred embodiment, characterized in that the first and second radiator have the same structure or are designed as a construction symmetrical equal parts.

In a further preferred embodiment, the first and second radiator have an L-shaped contour. This makes it possible to optimize the available radiator surface.

In a further preferred embodiment, the cooling module has a frame part surrounding the impeller, which is fastened to the first and second radiator. Such a frame part, which may be annular, for example, can be used to improve the air flow or flow through the radiator. Since an attachment of the drive device as described above in other ways than by means of a frame part or a frame can be made, the frame part can be configured substantially to an optimal air flow out.

The first and second coolers of the cooling module can be used in different ways. According to a preferred embodiment it is provided that the first and second radiator are each water radiator for a water cooling system for cooling an engine of the motor vehicle. Here are the two "Partial cooler" via the above-mentioned connection element "hydraulically" coupled to each other.

In an alternative preferred embodiment, the first radiator is a water radiator for a water cooling system for cooling an engine of the motor vehicle, whereas the second radiator is a component of another cooling system. The second radiator may be, for example, an oil cooler for a transmission or a power steering, a charge air cooler or a condenser for an air conditioner.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. Show it:

Figure 1 is a schematic side sectional view of a cooling module;

Figure 2 is a schematic front view of the cooling module of Figure 1;

Figures 3 and 4 is a schematic front and a schematic rear view of an embodiment of a cooling module;

Figure 5 is a schematic rear view of another embodiment of a cooling module;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic rear view of a further embodiment of a cooling module;

Figure 7 is a schematic front view of another embodiment of a cooling module; and

Figure 8 is a schematic rear view of another embodiment of a cooling module.

Figures 1 and 2 show a schematic side sectional view and a schematic front view of components of a cooling module. The cooling module has two separate radiator segments or radiators 11, 112, hereinafter also referred to as the first ("lower") radiator 11 and second ("upper") radiator 12, and a fan device 140. The fan device 140 um- includes an impeller 141 provided with paddles and a drive means 142 connected to the impeller 141 via a drive shaft. Via the drive means 142, which is in the form of an electric motor, the impeller 141 may be rotated, thereby promote the airfoils of the impeller 141 air and consequently an air flow through the cooler serving as a heat exchanger 1 11, 1 12 is generated.

The two coolers 11 1, 12 of the cooling module, which may be formed essentially of a metallic material, are used together, for example, as "partial coolers" in a water cooling circuit for cooling a vehicle drive (in particular an internal combustion engine) has a common construction with a plurality of pipelines for carrying out a coolant (for example water with additives) and cooling fins, so that they will not be discussed further in this respect be formed, which is associated with a cost savings.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the radiators 11, 12 has substantially the shape of a cuboid with two opposite rectangular (main) sides 105, 106 and associated edge sides (including an edge side 107). Via the sides 105, 106 or a part thereof, the air conveyed by the fan device 140 can flow through the coolers 11 1, 112. In order to allow an inflow or outflow of the coolant into or from the coolers 11 1, 112, the two coolers 11 1, 112 are provided at the edge with corresponding connections or pipe connections 15, 16, as in FIG. 2 is shown. The terminals 1 15, 1 16 may be formed of metal and / or plastic.

The first and second radiator 1 11, 1 12 of the cooling module are arranged at a distance from each other, whereby an intermediate region between opposite edge sides 107 of the radiator 1 11, 1 12 is available, which can be used as additional space. In the illustrated cooling module, this is provided for the drive device 142 of the fan device 140. The drive device 142 is in the middle in the supervision (see FIG. 2) in the intermediate position. between the edge sides 107 of the two radiators 11 1, 112 arranged. The impeller 141 connected to the drive device 142 and driven by the drive device 142 in this case covers part of the main or. Ventilation sides 106 of the radiator 11 1, 1 12th

The drive device 142 or its housing can, as indicated in Figure 1, seen in the longitudinal or axial direction offset from the first and second radiator 1 11, 1 12 be arranged and on the sides 106 of the two radiator 11 1, 1 12th protrude. Alternatively, however, other arrangements are conceivable (for example, no protrusion of the drive means 142, protruding the drive means 142 on the sides 105 of the radiator 11 1, 1 12), which also of the respective dimensions or depths of the radiator 1 11, 112 and the drive means 142 can depend. Due to the arrangement of the drive device 142 of the fan device 140 between the first and second radiator 1 11, 1 12, the cooling module may have a relatively small overall depth. This makes it possible to realize a vehicle provided with such a cooling module motor vehicle with a (relatively) short front end, which can reduce damage in the event of an accident, and possibly an insurance or hull classification of the motor vehicle can be improved. Also, the drive means 142 (substantially) the influence of waste heat of the radiator 1 11, 1 12 withdrawn, which has a favorable effect on the power output and life of the drive means 142. The design of the cooling module with spaced apart and forming a gap radiators 1 11, 1 12 further allows additional degrees of freedom for inlet and outlet elements of the radiator 11 1, 1 12 are available, as clearly shown by the terminals 115, 116 becomes.

The arrangement of the drive means 142 between the first and second radiator 1 11, 1 12 further allows for attachment of the drive means

142 with the help of an elaborate frame construction. The drive means 142 can therefore be easily mounted within or in the region of the gap, resulting in assembly and cost advantages. Possible details are described below. In order to improve the air flow or flow through the radiator 11, 12, a frame part 150 enclosing the impeller 141 or a ring 150 is nevertheless provided in the cooling module, as shown in FIG. Since an attachment of the drive device 142, as explained above, is not undertaken with such a frame part 150, the frame part 150 can have a relatively simple construction and, in particular, be substantially designed with respect to an optimal air guidance. The frame part 150 is in this case attached to the two coolers 11 1, 112.

As shown in FIG. 2, each of the coolers 11, 12 has a connection 115 and two connections 116. The ports 16 which are provided in the region of the ends of the opposite edge sides 107 can be used to connect the two coolers 11 1, 112 both mechanically and hydraulically (ie for allowing a coolant flow from one to the other radiator 11 1, 112), as will be described in more detail below. In such a connection, the radiator 11 1, 112, the other and each arranged on the same (edge) side of the cooling module ports 1 15 serve as "main connections", via which the inlet and outlet of the coolant to or from the cooling module is possible.

Based on the following figures, possible embodiments of a cooling module will be described, which are based on the basic structure of a cooling module explained with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. It should be understood that reference is made to the foregoing with respect to previously described details relating to like or consistent components, possible advantages, and so forth.

Figures 3 and 4 show a schematic front and a schematic rear view of an embodiment of a cooling module, which comprises a Figures 1 and 2 corresponding arrangement of a first and second radiator 1 11, 1 12 and a fan device 140. The cooling module of Figures 3 and 4 additionally has two connecting elements 160 for connecting the two radiators 11 1, 1 12, which are arranged on the opposite terminals 1 16 of the radiator 1 11, 1 12 and enclose them. The connecting elements 160, which are designed in the form of, for example, tubular connecting pieces of, for example, plastic, enable both a mechanical as well as a hydraulic connection of the two radiators 1 11, 1 12, so that the cooling module with the two radiators 1 11, 1 12 can be used in a water cooling circuit for cooling a vehicle drive. The realized via the connecting elements 160 mechanical and hydraulic coupling of the radiator 1 11, 1 12 allows a relatively simple construction of the cooling module. Also, the effort for cooler mounting can be reduced.

As further illustrated in FIG. 4, the drive device 142 of the fan device 140 arranged in the intermediate space between the coolers 11 1, 112 is located directly on the coolers 11, 12 in the area of the opposite edges 107 of the two coolers 11, 12 attached. For illustration, two attachment points 170 on the main sides 105 of the radiators 11 1, 112 in the region of their edges 107 are indicated in FIG. In this case, conventional types of fastening and means, such as screwing, sticking, clamping, hooking, latching, etc. come into consideration. In this regard, correspondingly formed fastening sections, fastening structures, retaining structures, retaining seats, etc. may be provided both on the radiators 11, 12 and on the drive device 142 (or their housing).

FIG. 5 shows a schematic rear view of a further embodiment of a cooling module. In this cooling module, two connecting elements 161 are provided instead of the above-described connecting elements 160. These have both tubular and on the terminals 1 16 of the radiator 11 1, 1 12 arranged portions for the mechanical and hydraulic connection thereof, as well as in the direction of the drive means 142 extending plate tenförmige portions on which the drive means 142 is attached. For illustration, corresponding attachment points 170 are again indicated in FIG. Such a configuration is also associated with assembly and cost benefits.

Instead of using in a cooling module radiator 11 1, 112 with the shape of a cuboid or a rectangular contour, it is also possible to use coolers with a different geometry. By way of illustration, FIG. 6 shows a schematic rear view of a further embodiment of a cooling module, which has a first and a second Radiator 121, 122 each having an L-shaped contour. The two coolers 121, 122 can again be designed as structurally symmetrical identical parts. Furthermore, the two coolers 121, 122 are matched to one another and arranged relative to one another such that, as shown in FIG. 6, a gap is formed between opposite edges of the coolers 121, 122, in which a drive device 142 of a fan device 140 can be received. The L-shaped configuration of the radiator 121, 122 hereby offers the possibility to optimize the available radiator surface. As further illustrated in FIG. 6, the drive device 142 can be fastened, for example, to four fastening points 170 on the two L-shaped coolers 121, 122 or on their main sides 105.

In the cooling module of Figure 6 also connecting elements 162 for mechanically and hydraulically connecting the radiator 121, 122 are provided. The connecting elements 162 may be arranged on associated and not shown connections of the coolers 121, 122. Furthermore, each of the coolers 121, 122 each has a connection 15, via which the inlet and outlet of a coolant to or from the cooling module is made possible. In the cooling module, the two ports 1 15 are arranged on opposite (edge) sides.

Instead of using two coolers of a cooling module as described above as "part coolers" in a common cooling system, there is alternatively the possibility of using the coolers for different cooling systems or cooling circuits.

To illustrate, Figure 7 shows a schematic front view of another embodiment of a cooling module with two parallelepiped or rectangular radiators 131, 132, which may be formed again as identical parts, and between which a drive means 142 of a fan device 140 is arranged. Each of the two coolers 131, 132 has in each case two connections 1 15 arranged on opposite edge sides, via which the inlet and outlet of a corresponding coolant into or from the coolers 131, 132 is made possible. For example, the first radiator 131 may be provided for a water cooling system for cooling a vehicle drive, whereas the second radiator 132 is used in another cooling system. The second cooler 132 may be, for example, an oil cooler for a transmission or a power steering, a charge air cooler or a condenser for an air conditioning system.

In addition, the two coolers 131, 132 have fastening elements 117 at the ends of the opposite edge sides 107, on which connection elements 163 for mechanical connection of the two coolers 131, 132 are arranged. The fastening elements 1 17 can be designed, for example, as (solid) pin-shaped elements which can be inserted into the connecting elements 163 or into corresponding recesses on the connecting elements 163.

In an alternative embodiment, it can also be at the fasteners 1 17 to further redundant hydraulic connections, which are shut down due to the non-demand. For this purpose, the connecting elements 163 can only for receiving the elements 117, and without one of the elements

117. Alternatively, the elements 117 designed as connections can also be closed in other ways.

In the cooling module of FIG. 7, the drive device 142 can be fastened directly to the radiator segments 131, 132, comparable to FIG. It is also possible to form the connecting elements 163 according to the connecting elements 161 shown in Figure 5 with extending in the direction of the drive means 142 plate-shaped sections, to which the drive means 142 is attached.

In addition to a drive device 142 of a fan device 140, other components or devices can also be accommodated in a space-efficient manner ("parting line") between coolers (not shown), including components of a cooling system, such as an electronic drive device for the drive device 142, a cooling water reservoir,

(Thermostatic) valves, ram air valves, shutter mechanisms for the radiator (sunblind), etc. Other components may also be considered, such as an ACC front-end radar, an infrared system camera, other fluid containers, etc. Furthermore Constructive measures such as the provision of fasteners, the in- Tegration of a hood lock, a mechanical stabilization, etc. come into consideration for the area between the radiators.

A cooling module can also comprise more than two coolers, wherein such additional coolers can likewise be arranged in an intermediate region between two coolers, or in the longitudinal direction before / after other coolers. To illustrate the first-mentioned variant, FIG. 8 shows a schematic rear view of a further embodiment of a cooling module. The cooling module has four cuboid or rectangular radiators 131, 132, 133, 134. The two larger or longer radiators 131, 132 (corresponding to a contour

FIG. 7) are arranged at a distance from one another in such a way that there is a gap between the coolers 131, 132, in which a drive device 142 of a fan device 140 is arranged centrally as well as the two smaller or shorter coolers 133, 134 laterally thereto. The four coolers 131, 132, 133, 134 are interconnected (mechanically) via respective fasteners 164. The drive device 142 is fastened to each of the four coolers 131, 132, 133, 134 in the area of the intermediate space, as indicated in FIG. 8 on the basis of the four fastening points 170.

Each of the coolers 131, 132, 133, 134, which can be used for different cooling systems (for example, water cooling, oil cooling, charge air cooling, air conditioning), each having two ports 1 15 for the inlet and outlet of an associated coolant. In the case of the two coolers 131, 132, the two connections 115 (corresponding to FIG. 7) are arranged on opposite edge sides, and in the case of the two other coolers 133, 134 on the same edge side.

The embodiments explained with reference to the figures represent preferred or exemplary embodiments of the invention. Instead of the described

Embodiments further embodiments are conceivable, which may include further combinations and / or modifications of described features. In particular, there is the possibility that coolers of a cooling module have shapes and geometries other than those shown. Coolers can also be used ren arrangements and / or numbers of terminals (inlet and outlet) can be realized, or also provided connections at other locations or sides of the radiators. In the same way, there is also the possibility here to shut down unneeded hydraulic connections, without affecting the function of the structure, or merely to prevent their hydraulic property (ie allowing a coolant transport) with appropriate measures. The use of other numbers and forms also relates in a corresponding manner to connecting elements which are provided for the mechanical and / or hydraulic connection of coolers of a cooling module.

Other shapes are also conceivable for blades of an impeller of a fan (for example, sickle-shaped blades). Also, an impeller may be provided which has a circular and the blades connecting edge or mantle.

A further possible modification is that a drive device provided between coolers of a fan device (viewed in the top view) is offset instead of being arranged centrally in a gap. There is also the possibility of realizing a cooling module with a different number of coolers, all or only part of the coolers (i.e., at least two coolers) being arranged relative to one another such that a space is provided for receiving a drive device of a fan device.

In addition, it should be noted that cooling modules may also include other than the components shown and described or elements. This includes, for example, a frame which is arranged around (two or more) coolers, in order to better fix the coolers in a desired arrangement if necessary.

Claims

claims

A cooling module for a motor vehicle, comprising a plurality of radiators and a fan device (140), wherein the plurality of radiators comprises at least a first and a second radiator (111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132), wherein the fan device ( 140) comprises an impeller (141) and a drive device (142) for driving the impeller (141), and wherein the drive device (142) of the fan device (140) is arranged in a region between the first and second radiators (111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132) is arranged.

2. Cooling module according to claim 1,

wherein the drive means (142) of the fan device (140) in the region of opposite edges (107) of the first and second radiator (111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132) on the first and second radiator (111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132) is attached.

3. Cooling module according to one of the preceding claims,

further comprising a connecting element (160, 161, 162, 163), via which the first and second radiator (111, 112, 121, 122, 131, 132) are interconnected.

4. Cooling module according to claim 3,

wherein the connecting member (160, 161, 162) is adapted to allow a flow of coolant between the first and second radiator (111, 112, 121, 122).

5. Cooling module according to one of claims 3 or 4,

wherein the drive means (142) of the fan device (140) is attached to the connector (161).

6. Cooling module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second radiator (1 11, 1 12, 121, 122, 131, 132) have the same structure.

7. Cooling module according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the first and second radiators (121, 122) have an L-shaped contour.

8. Cooling module according to one of the preceding claims,

further comprising a frame part (150) enclosing the impeller (141) and attached to the first and second radiators (11, 12, 121, 122, 131, 132).

9. Cooling module according to one of the preceding claims,

wherein the first and second coolers (11 1, 112, 121, 122) are each water coolers for a water cooling system for cooling an engine of the motor vehicle.

10. Cooling module according to one of claims 1 to 8,

wherein the first radiator (131) is a water radiator for a water cooling system for cooling an engine of the motor vehicle and the second radiator (132) is a component for another cooling system.