Module carrier for various heat exchangers for a motor vehicle engine

#The present invention relates to a module carrier for various, multiple, different heat exchangers for a motor vehicle engine.

#A module carrier of this general type is disclosed by DE 198 31 256 A1. There, in a crossmember which is part of the front area of a motor vehicle, a U-shaped area is provided, and into this U-shaped area is inserted a rectangular frame, which consists in particular of plastic and is inserted in a form-fitting manner. This frame has an upwardly open U-shaped part, into which a cooler and a condenser can be inserted in the manner of drawers. These two inserted parts are then held in the frame by a top plate, which also holds the frame in the U-shaped area of the crossmember. The frame projects forward in the direction of travel beyond the inserted heat exchangers and forms an air guide frame. This configuration makes the arrangement of a closed insertion frame necessary and is therefore relatively complicated.

#DE-U 91 14 734 discloses a module carrier in which a supporting frame injection-molded in one piece from plastic is provided for two fans driven by an electric motor. A bracket projects in an L shape on one side, and on this bracket the coolant/air cooler can be placed at a distance from the supporting frame, and connected to the plastic frame by supporting arms, which bridge the distance between the supporting frame and the installed coolant/air cooler. A condenser can be inserted into the interspace between coolant/air cooler and supporting frame, and is at the same time held by the supporting arms of the bracket. In addition, possible mounts for an oil cooler and for a fan shroud are also provided there. This known module carrier certainly simplifies the installation and removal of the various elements, even in the case of a repair, but because of its relatively complicated construction, it is very expensive.

#The invention is illustrated in the drawings by using an exemplary embodiment and will be explained below. In the drawings:

#FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective exploded view illustrating the module carrier according to the invention with its individual parts;

#FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the module carrier in the assembled state according to FIG. 1, but without the upper cover support in place;

#According to the present invention, a module carrier of the type described above is provided with a closure part that is constructed as a stable carrier, which connects the side parts to the supporting frame and is also provided with holding devices for an oil cooler.

#This configuration brings with it the significant advantage that a supporting frame is produced that can be inserted directly into the vehicle and is not bound to a corresponding previous construction. All the individual components present in the module carrier can be pulled out upwardly in a simple manner after the upper crossmember, which forms a kind of cover, has been loosened. Thus, during the removal or installation of one of the parts of the cooler module, firstly, the supporting frame remains in the vehicle and, secondly, the other parts can remain completely untouched. The coolant circuit, refrigerant circuit and oil circuits, if oil coolers are present, are independent of one another, so that even when a fluid system has to be interrupted in the event of service, for example, the coolant circuit for the coolant/air cooler and the other fluid systems remain untouched, for example, the refrigerant and oil circuits.

#This configuration brings with it the further advantage that the geometry of the vertically projecting side parts in the area of the coolant/air cooler and of the air-conditioning condenser can be configured in such a way that a labyrinth system is formed, which prevents air flowing around the two heat exchangers, both in and counter to the direction of travel. Furthermore, the heat exchanger components are sealed off all around against leaking air.