Heat exchange – With vehicle feature
Reexamination Certificate
1997-12-02
2001-10-09
Ford, John K. (Department: 3743)
Heat exchange
With vehicle feature
C165S067000, C165S069000, C165S149000, C165S051000, C165S122000, C180S068100, C180S068400
Reexamination Certificate
active
06298906
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a work machine, and more particularly to an apparatus for securing and sealing a radiator to an engine cowling of a work machine.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A work machine, such as a wheel or track skidder, typically includes a radiator assembly for cooling a liquid, such as engine coolant. The radiator assembly includes a radiator which is typically secured to a forward portion of the work machine thereby allowing air to be directed through the radiator's heat exchanger core, including the coils and fins associated therewith, during operation of the work machine.
Generally, a lower portion of the radiator is bolted or otherwise secured directly to the chassis of the work machine, whereas an upper portion of the radiator is bolted or otherwise secured to a body panel or the like associated with work machine. Thereafter, a number of mud flaps or the like are positioned around the periphery of the radiator in order to direct air toward the radiator's heat exchanger core.
However, radiator assemblies which have heretofore been designed have a number of drawbacks associated therewith. For example, by bolting the lower portion of the radiator directly to the chassis, vibrations or loads exerted on the chassis as the work machine is operated or otherwise advanced across rough terrain are transmitted through the chassis and to the radiator. Moreover, by also bolting the upper portion of the radiator to a body panel associated with the work machine, such vibrations or loads transmitted from the chassis cause twisting and torquing of the radiator thereby potentially reducing the useful life of the radiator. It should be appreciated that such twisting or torquing of the radiator is the result of transferring loads or vibrations to the radiator when the lower portion of the radiator is bolted to a first structure (i.e. the chassis), while the upper portion of the radiator is bolted to a second, separate structure (i.e. the body panel associated with the work machine).
Moreover, use of mud flaps around the periphery of the radiator may allow a portion of the flow of air advancing into the front of the work machine to bypass the radiator's heat exchanger core. In particular, a relatively air tight seal is not created between the mud flaps and the radiator thereby allowing air to leak around or otherwise bypass contact with the radiator's heat exchanger core.
What is needed therefore is an apparatus for securing and sealing a radiator to an engine cowling of a work machine which overcomes one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a radiator assembly of a work machine. The radiator assembly includes an engine cowling defining an interior surface. The engine cowling has a mounting flange secured to the interior surface. The mounting flange extends completely around the interior surface so as to define a central passage therethrough. The assembly includes a radiator secured to the mounting flange. The radiator assembly also includes (i) a heat exchange assembly, and (ii) a sealing surface which is configured to define an air flow access opening through which a flow of air is advanced so as to contact the heat exchange assembly. The radiator assembly further includes a sealing member interposed between the mounting flange and the sealing surface. The sealing member completely surrounds the access opening whereby an air-tight seal is formed between the radiator and the engine cowling when the radiator is secured to the mounting flange.
In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a radiator assembly of a work machine. The radiator assembly includes an engine cowling defining an interior surface. The engine cowling has a mounting flange secured to the interior surface. The mounting flange extends completely around the interior surface so as to define a central passage therethrough. The engine cowling includes a left lateral side structure, a right lateral side structure, and a top structure which are configured to define a radiator chamber. The mounting flange is secured to each of the left lateral side structure, the right lateral side structure, and the top structure. Each of the left lateral side structure and the right lateral side structure is fastened to a chassis of the work machine. The assembly also includes a radiator secured to the mounting flange. The radiator assembly also includes (i) a heat exchange assembly, (ii) a sealing surface which is configured to define an air flow access opening through which a flow of air is advanced so as to contact the heat exchange assembly, and (iii) a frame member which defines the sealing surface thereon. The frame member is secured to the heat exchange assembly. The radiator assembly further includes a sealing member interposed between the mounting flange and the sealing surface. The sealing member completely surrounds the access opening whereby an air-tight seal is formed between the radiator and the engine cowling when the radiator is secured to the mounting flange.
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Caterpillar Inc.
Ford John K.
Maginot Addison & Moore
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