Heat exchange – With vehicle feature
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-27
2001-01-30
Ford, John K. (Department: 3743)
Heat exchange
With vehicle feature
C165S051000, C165S140000, C165S067000, C165S916000, C165S122000, C165S124000, C123S041490
Reexamination Certificate
active
06179043
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to engine cooling systems, and more particularly to heavy vehicle engine cooling systems.
BACKGROUND ART
The operation of heavy mechanical equipment such as large tractors generates considerable heat in the engines of the equipment, which must be efficiently dissipated to prevent damage to the engine. This is generally accomplished by coolant-based radiator systems, in which a pump circulates coolant through tubes in a radiator. Air cools the tubes and, hence, the coolant is then pumped through various engine components, e.g., an engine oil cooler, to cool these components.
The air that cools the tubes is blown past the tubes by a cooling fan located either just in front of or just behind the radiator. The cooling fan in turn is rotated by a motor which, as understood herein, can be a hydraulic motor that is actuated by oil which has been pressurized by a hydraulic pump.
Regardless of the particular type of motor used, however, the present invention understands that space inside an engine compartment of a heavy vehicle is limited, particularly in the axial (fore-and-aft) dimension. To reduce the amount of space required in the axial dimension by a cooling system, many existing systems minimize the size of the motor that rotates the fan. Unfortunately, minimizing the size, at least in the axial dimension, of the cooling fan motor can result in sacrificing power and/or efficiency. In either case, the cooling capacity and reliability of the system can be reduced. Fortunately, the present invention recognizes that it is possible to provide a cooling fan of adequate size and power, while minimizing the space in the axial dimension required by the cooling system
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
A cooling system for an engine defining an axial dimension and a lateral dimension includes a radiator having at least two modules, with each module including generally linear coolant tubes that are engageable with the engine in communication therewith for cooling the engine. A cooling fan is arranged for directing air against the coolant tubes. In accordance with the present invention, a hydraulically operated motor is disposed laterally between the modules and is coupled to the cooling fan to rotate the fan. With this structure, the combined length of the radiator, motor, and fan in the axial dimension is minimized.
In a preferred embodiment, the radiator defines a central axial axis, and the motor is mounted on the axis. Desirably, at least one hydraulic oil cooler is disposed laterally between the modules above or below the motor, and the oil cooler communicates with the motor to cool the oil that actuates the motor. In a particularly preferred embodiment, upper and lower oil coolers are disposed laterally between the modules above and below the motor, respectively. The system is disclosed in combination with the engine and in further combination with a vehicle such as a tractor.
In another aspect, an engine cooling system includes at least one radiator having one or more cores. The radiator is engageable with an engine of a vehicle to communicate coolant to the engine. At least one cooling fan motor is located at least partially collaterally with the radiator, and a cooling fan is coupled to the motor to direct air against the cores to cool coolant therein.
In still another aspect, a method for cooling an engine includes pumping coolant through a radiator to the engine, and rotating a fan by means of a motor at least partially collaterally located relative to the radiator. The method also includes blowing air against the radiator with the fan.
The details of the present invention, both as to its structure and operation, can best be understood in reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts.
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Caterpillar Inc.
Ford John K.
Rogitz John L.
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