Adapter device for attaching a cooling fan to a motor and cooling fan module for an automotive cooling system

An adapter device for attaching a cooling fan to a motor in a cooling fan module for an automotive cooling system, the adapter device comprising:

• a stub for substantially rigid connection with a rotor of the motor, wherein the stub is a member that is separate from the rotor and is configured to be inserted and fixed in a central aperture or opening of the rotor, wherein an outer surface of the stub is configured to engage with the rotor for rigid connection therewith;
• a flange member provided at an end region of the stub and extending radially outwardly therefrom for attachment of a cooling fan thereto, wherein the flange member has a plurality of elements for effecting attachment of the cooling fan thereto;
• and
• a multi-part construction including a first part with a first cavity or recess at the end region of the stub, and a second part with a second cavity or recess at an opposite end region of the stub,
• wherein at least one of the first and the second cavity or recess is configured to accommodate a first or a second bearing which supports the rotor for rotation about an axis, wherein the at least one of the first and the second cavity or recess is formed in or adjacent to the stub,
• wherein the first cavity or recess is formed at the end region of the stub for accommodating the first bearing, and the second cavity or recess is formed at the opposite end region of the stub for accommodating the second bearing.

A cooling fan module for an automotive cooling system, comprising:

• a cooling fan having a hub and a plurality of fan blades extending from the hub;
• a motor for driving the cooling fan, the motor having a rotor mounted or supported for rotation about an axis on a fixed shaft or axle of the motor, wherein the rotor is spaced by a small air-gap from a surrounding stator, which comprises a series of separate windings or coils in an annular arrangement about the rotor;
• and
• an adapter device, separate from the rotor, comprising a connection member for rotationally fixed connection with the rotor of the motor about the axis, and an attachment member provided at an end region of the connection member for attaching the cooling fan thereto,
• wherein the adapter device has a multi-part structure comprising a first part with a first cavity or recess at the end region of the connection member adjacent to the attachment member, and a second part with a second cavity or recess at an opposite end region of the connection member;
• wherein the connection member is inserted into a central aperture or opening of the rotor and a surface of the connection member engages with the rotor such that the adapter device is rotationally fixed thereto, and wherein the hub of the cooling fan is attached to the attachment member of the adapter device,
• wherein the connection member comprises a stub which is fixed to a rotor body proximate to or about the rotational axis of the rotor, and wherein the adapter device accommodates at least one first or second bearing upon which the rotor is supported for rotation about the axis,
• wherein the adapter device accommodates the at least one first or second bearing in the first and second cavity or recess, formed in or adjacent to the connection member,
• wherein the adapter device accommodates the first bearing in the first cavity or recess formed at the end region of the connection member, and the second bearing in the second cavity or recess formed at the opposite end region of the connection member.