JP7832018B2 - Carrier and cooling module for carrier - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a carrier that uses a fan to cool multiple cooling devices by passing air through them, and to a cooling module for the carrier.

Traditionally, heavy loads have been transported using carriers in steel mills, shipyards, and collection points. These carriers move by using the driving force generated by the engine to rotate the wheels, and by adjusting the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic fluid to steer the wheels. To improve fuel efficiency and component durability, carriers are equipped with multiple cooling devices, such as a radiator to cool the engine's circulating coolant, an oil cooler to cool the hydraulic fluid, and an intercooler to cool the engine's intake air, positioned in front of a fan that generates an airflow drawing in air from outside the vehicle. Air passes through these devices during operation to cool them (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-96414

When multiple cooling devices are arranged in parallel in front of a fan, gaps are formed between the cooling devices. When the fan is driven and creates airflow, the air passes through the cooling devices in order, starting from the frontmost one. In parallel-arranged cooling devices, there are gaps between the front and rear cooling devices. Therefore, air heated by heat exchange with the front cooling devices circulates around the rear cooling devices and stagnates in the gaps. This stagnation reduces the airflow to cool the cooling devices and increases the temperature of the air passing through them. Consequently, conventional carriers had poor cooling efficiency for the cooling devices.

This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a technology that can efficiently cool each cooling device in a carrier that cools multiple cooling devices by passing air through them.

One aspect of the present invention is a carrier comprising (1) a fan that generates an airflow for taking in outside air, and a plurality of cooling devices that are cooled by heat exchange with the air taken in by the fan, wherein the plurality of cooling devices are arranged in parallel in front of the fan, with gaps between adjacent cooling devices, and each cooling device has a rectifier member that guides the outside air into the gaps, and a suppression member that prevents air from flowing into the gaps from outside the rectifier member.

In the carrier configuration described above, when the fan generates an airflow drawing in outside air, this air passes through multiple cooling devices arranged in parallel in front of the fan, cooling them. At this time, a rectifier guides a portion of the air drawn in from the fan into a gap between the multiple cooling devices, preventing it from passing through the cooling devices in front. The gap is prevented from receiving air from outside the rectifier by a suppression section. Therefore, the air drawn in from the fan easily passes through the cooling devices without stagnating in the gap. Furthermore, the air guided into the gap by the rectifier is at a lower temperature than the air that has passed through the cooling devices, as it has not passed through the cooling devices in front. In other words, the air that has passed through a cooling device is cooled in the gap before passing through the next cooling device. Therefore, the carrier configuration described above promotes the passage of air through each cooling device and suppresses the rise in ambient temperature around the cooling devices, thus efficiently cooling each cooling device.

(2) In the carrier described in (1), the adjacent cooling devices preferably have an upper end of the cooling device located on the fan side that protrudes above the upper end of the cooling device located on the opposite side of the fan, and the airflow straightening member preferably has an opening that opens toward the upstream side of the airflow, and an inclined portion that is inclined in accordance with the upper end positions of the plurality of cooling devices, forming a guide path between the plurality of cooling devices that guides the air flowing into the opening into the gap.

In the carrier configuration described above, the inclined section is tilted to correspond to the upper end positions of multiple cooling devices. This narrows the cross-sectional area of the guide path between the cooling devices and the inclined section, thereby suppressing a decrease in the airflow velocity of the guide path and guiding the outside air entering the opening to the cooling device adjacent to the fan.

(3) In the carrier described in (2), the gap comprises a first gap provided between the first cooling device and the second cooling device, and a second gap provided between the second cooling device and the third cooling device. Preferably, the suppression portion has the upper edge portion of the peripheral edges of the first and second gaps open to communicate with the guide path, and the remaining portion is closed by an airflow rectifier or sealing member.

In the carrier configuration described above, the upper edges of both the first and second gaps are connected to guideways provided above them, and the remaining edges are sealed by airflow rectifiers or sealing members. Therefore, the structure of the restraining section can be made simple and compact.

Another aspect of the present invention is (4) a carrier cooling module mounted on a carrier, characterized in that cooling devices that are cooled by heat exchange with air are arranged in parallel with gaps between them, and the module includes an airflow guide member that guides air taken in from outside the carrier into the gap, and a suppression member that suppresses the inflow of air into the gap from outside the airflow guide member.

Therefore, according to the present invention, in a carrier that cools multiple cooling devices by passing air through them, it is possible to provide a technology that can efficiently cool each cooling device.

This is a side view of a carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a magnified view (front view) of the engine compartment. This is a left side view of Figure 2. This is a top view of Figure 2. This is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 2. This is an external perspective view of the cooling module for the carrier. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view. This is a perspective view of the airflow control component. This is a conceptual diagram illustrating airflow.

Below, a carrier and a cooling module for a carrier according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment discloses a carrier for transporting heavy objects in, for example, steel mills, shipyards, and collection points, in which an air-cooled cooling device is arranged in parallel in front of a fan.

<Outline of Carrier 1>
Figure 1 is a side view of the carrier 1. The carrier 1 has a driver's seat 3 at the longitudinal front end of the cargo bed 2. Below the cargo bed 2, there are multiple running gears 6, each having multiple wheels. The running gears 6 are equipped with hydraulic motors 7 that provide rotational driving force to the wheels, or pneumatic brakes 8 that brake the wheels. Each running gear 6 is equipped with a steering cylinder (not shown). The carrier 1 can be steered independently by the running gears 6, allowing it to move diagonally and sideways. The hydraulic motors 7 and the steering cylinders (not shown) are operated by hydraulic fluid whose hydraulic pressure is regulated by a hydraulic system (not shown). An engine room 5 housing the engine 4 is provided at the longitudinal rear end of the cargo bed 2.

Figure 2 is an enlarged view (front view) of the engine room 5. Figure 3 is a left side view of Figure 2. Figure 4 is a top view of Figure 2. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 2. In Figures 1 to 5, for clarity, the fan 11, module 20, and airflow rectifier 41 are shown with solid lines, while the cargo bed 2 and engine room 5 are simplified and shown with dashed lines. Furthermore, in Figure 5, for clarity, the cooling devices are simplified and the hatching of components is omitted.

The engine compartment 5 has a ventilation opening 5a that opens to the side of the vehicle. Between the engine 4 and the ventilation opening 5a, the engine compartment 5 has a fan 11, a carrier cooling module 20 (hereinafter referred to as "module 20"), and an airflow rectifier 41.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the fan 11 is positioned opposite the vent 5a and connected to the engine 4. The fan 11 is rotationally driven by the engine 4 and generates an airflow that draws in outside air through the vent 5a.

As shown in Figures 2, 3, and 4, module 20 is an integrated unit in which an intercooler 21, an oil cooler 22, and a radiator 23 are arranged in parallel. Module 20 is mounted to the bottom 5b of the engine compartment 5 via a pair of legs 30, 30, with the fan 11 and radiator 23 facing each other (air flowing in from the vent 5a passes through the intercooler 21, oil cooler 22, and radiator 23 in that order). As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the fan 11 is rotatably housed in a fan housing 29 provided in the radiator 23 of module 20.

The intercooler 21 is an air-cooled cooling device that cools the intake air of the engine 4 by exchanging heat with air. The oil cooler 22 is an air-cooled cooling device that cools the hydraulic fluid by exchanging heat with air. The radiator 23 is an air-cooled cooling device that cools the engine coolant by exchanging heat with air.

As shown in Figure 5, module 20 has a first gap S1 between the intercooler 21 and the oil cooler 22, and a second gap S2 between the oil cooler 22 and the radiator 23. Details of module 20 will be described later.

Furthermore, the intercooler 21, oil cooler 22, and radiator 23 are examples of "multiple cooling devices." Also, the intercooler 21 is an example of a "first cooling device," the oil cooler 22 is an example of a "second cooling device," and the radiator 23 is an example of a "third cooling device." Additionally, the intercooler 21, oil cooler 22, and radiator 23 are examples of "adjacent cooling devices."

As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the airflow rectifier 41 is attached to the module 20 to guide the air drawn in from outside the vehicle by the fan 11 into the first gap S1 and the second gap S2. Details of the airflow rectifier 41 will be described later.

Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 to 5, the peripheral edge of the first gap S1 is sealed at the left and right edges and the lower edge by a pair of mounting brackets 28, 28 (described later) and an air rectifier 41, thereby suppressing the inflow of air from outside the air rectifier 41. Similarly, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the peripheral edge of the second gap S2 is sealed at the left and right edges and the lower edge by a sealing member 26 (described later), thereby suppressing the inflow of air from outside the air rectifier 41. Note that the pair of mounting brackets 28, 28, the air rectifier 41, and the sealing member 26 are examples of "suppression components."

<Configuration of Module 20>
Figure 6 is an external perspective view of module 20. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of Figure 6. Note that in Figures 6 and 7, some components have been omitted or their shapes simplified for clarity.

As shown in Figure 6, the intercooler 21, oil cooler 22, and radiator 23 each have a thin, rectangular parallelepiped-shaped portion. The intercooler 21, oil cooler 22, and radiator 23 each have a flow path (not shown) through which the cooling target (intake air, hydraulic oil, coolant) flows, and heat dissipation fins (not shown) that exchange heat with air. The cooling target is cooled by heat exchange with air passing along the heat dissipation fins (not shown) from the front surfaces 21a, 22a, 23a to the back surfaces 21b, 22b, 23b.

The oil cooler 22 and radiator 23 are set to have approximately the same width (length in the left-right direction). The intercooler 21 is set to be narrower than the oil cooler 22. The intercooler 21, oil cooler 22, and radiator 23 are set to increase in overall height in that order.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the oil cooler 22 is positioned with its rear surface 22b facing the front surface 23a of the radiator 23, and its lower end is roughly aligned with the lower end of the radiator 23. Its upper end is fixed to the front surface 23a of the radiator 23 using a fitting 24. Similarly, the lower end of the oil cooler 22 is fixed to the front surface 23a of the radiator 23 using a fitting (not shown). Therefore, the upper end of the radiator 23 protrudes above the upper end of the oil cooler 22.

A second gap S2, roughly rectangular in shape, is provided between the oil cooler 22 and the radiator 23. The left and right edges and the lower edge of the second gap S2 are sealed by sealing members 26a, 26b, and 26c, respectively. However, the upper edge of the second gap S2 is not sealed.

A guide plate 27 is fixed to the front surface 23a of the radiator 23. The guide plate 27 has approximately the same length as the width of the radiator 23, and its cross-sectional shape, when cut perpendicular to its length, is arc-shaped. The guide plate 27 is positioned along the upper edge of the second gap S2 to guide air into the second gap S2.

The intercooler 21 is positioned with its rear surface (the side facing the fan 11) 21b facing the front surface (the side facing the fan 11) 22a of the oil cooler 22, and its lower end is roughly aligned with the lower end of the oil cooler 22. Its left and right ends are fixed to the oil cooler 22 and radiator 23 using a pair of mounting brackets 28, 28. Therefore, the upper end of the oil cooler 22 protrudes above the upper end of the intercooler 21. A roughly rectangular gap S1 is provided between the intercooler 21 and the oil cooler 22.

<Configuration of the airflow rectifier 41>
Figure 8 is an external perspective view of the airflow rectifier 41. The airflow rectifier 41 comprises a first cover portion 42 and a second cover portion 43.

The first cover section 42 is assembled in a box shape from an upper plate member 423, a lower member 424, upper side plates 425 and 426, intermediate side plates 427 and 428, and lower side plates 429 and 430. A rectangular opening 42a is provided in the portion facing the intercooler 21. The lower member 424 is formed in a U-shape in cross-section, and the lower end of the intercooler 21 is positioned without contact. The upper plate member 423 and the lower member 424 are bolted to the frame side forming the engine room 5. The upper end of the intermediate side plate 427 and the upper side plate 425 are overlapped and fixed with bolts V. The lower end of the intermediate side plate 427 and the lower side plate 429 are overlapped and fixed to the lower member 424 with bolts V. Similarly, the upper side plate 426, intermediate side plate 428, and lower side plate 430 are also fixed.

The second cover section 43 has a front plate 431 joined to the front edge of the upper cover plate 432, and side cover plates 433 and 434 joined to the left and right side edges of the upper cover plate 432. The front plate 431 is inclined to correspond to the upper end positions of the intercooler 21, oil cooler 22, and radiator 23. The front plate 431 is an example of an "inclined section." The side cover plates 433 and 434 are formed in a trapezoidal shape to cover the upper sides of the radiator 23, oil cooler 22, and intercooler 21. Dustproof rubber 45 is bonded to the second cover section 43 along the rear edge of the upper cover plate 432 and the rear edges of the side cover plates 433 and 434.

Figure 9 is a conceptual diagram showing the airflow. The airflow straightening member 41 is positioned so that the lower end of the intercooler 21 is not in contact with the lower member 424, and the air flowing into the opening 42a hits the entire front surface 21a of the intercooler 21. Since the intercooler 21 is positioned slightly behind the opening 42a, a clearance 54 is provided between the opening 42a and the front surface 21a of the intercooler 21.

The upper plate member 423 is fixed to the upper side plates 425 and 426 so as to be positioned above the intercooler 21 with a clearance 52. The opening 42a (see Figure 8) extends above the upper end of the front surface 21a of the intercooler 21.

The first gap S1 has its left and right edges blocked by the upper side plates 425, 426, intermediate side plates 427, 428, and lower side plates 429, 430 of the air rectifier 41, and its lower edge blocked by the lower member 424 of the air rectifier 41, thereby preventing air from flowing into the first gap S1 from outside the air rectifier 41. On the other hand, the upper edge of the first gap S1 is open to the clearance 54, allowing air to flow in through the opening 42a.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the second cover portion 43 is fixed to the radiator 23 with bolts V using a pair of mounting plates 44, 44, with the dustproof rubber 45 (45a, 45b, 45c) in contact with the front surface 23a of the radiator 23.

As shown in Figure 9, the lower edge of the front plate 431 of the second cover portion 43 is close to the upper plate member 423 of the first cover portion 42. The front plate 431 provides a clearance 51 between the oil cooler 22 and the radiator 23, guiding air from the opening 42a into the clearance 52 to the upper part of the radiator 23.

The clearances 51 and 52 constitute a guide path 50 that directs a portion of the air flowing into the opening 42a into the first gap S1 and the second gap S2. Because the front plate 431 is inclined, the cross-sectional area of the guide path 50 is narrowed between the front plate 431 and the oil cooler 22, allowing the flow velocity to be accelerated.

(Explanation of cooling operation)
Next, the cooling operation of the carrier 1 will be explained. When the carrier 1 is driven by the engine 4, the fan 11 is rotated by the engine 4, generating an airflow that draws in air from outside the vehicle through the vent 5a. The carrier 1 travels slowly, for example, at a speed of about 10 km/h. Therefore, even though the vent 5a opens to the side of the carrier 1, the rotational drive of the fan 11 alone is sufficient to generate an airflow that draws in air from outside the vehicle.

As shown in Figure 9, when the fan 11 rotates, outside air flows into the opening 42a of the airflow rectifier 41, as indicated by arrow X1 in the figure. The air flowing into the opening 42a passes through the intercooler 21, oil cooler 22, and radiator 23, as indicated by arrows X2, X3, and X4 in the figure. The intercooler 21, oil cooler 22, and radiator 23 exchange heat with the air flowing in from the opening 42a and are cooled.

Furthermore, as shown by X11 in the figure, the air flowing into the opening 42a is also supplied to the clearance 52. This air, as shown by arrows X12 and X13 in the figure, strikes the front surface 22a of the oil cooler 22 and is divided into the first gap S1 and the clearance 51.

The first gap S1 is sealed at its side and lower edges by a pair of mounting brackets 28, 28 and an airflow rectifier 41, except for the upper edge which communicates with the guideway 50. Therefore, air heated by passing through the intercooler 21 is less likely to leak to the outside. At the same time, the structure also makes it difficult for outside air to flow in from the side and lower edges of the first gap S1. As a result, the air that has passed through the intercooler 21 does not remain in the first gap S1, but flows smoothly through the oil cooler 22 to the second gap S2, as shown by arrow X3 in the figure.

Furthermore, as shown by arrow X2 in the figure, the warm air supplied to the first gap S1 after passing through the intercooler 21 merges with the air flowing into the first gap from the clearance 52, as shown by arrow X12 in the figure, and is cooled. This suppresses the temperature rise within the first gap S1.

Therefore, compared to when the airflow rectifier 41 is not present, the oil cooler 22 receives a greater airflow and the temperature of the air cooling it is suppressed, resulting in more efficient cooling.

As shown by arrow X13 in the figure, air is supplied to clearance 51 from clearance 52. As shown by arrow X14 in the figure, a portion of this air is guided by the guide plate 27 and directed into the second gap S2. Then, as shown by X15 in the figure, the remaining air is guided to the upper part of the radiator 23 by the front plate 431 of the second cover portion 43, and passes through the radiator 23 as shown by arrow X16 in the figure.

Furthermore, since a portion of the air flowing into the opening 42a is guided to the first gap S1 and the second gap S2, the amount of air supplied to the clearance 51 is reduced accordingly. However, because the front plate 431 is inclined, the cross-sectional area of the guide path 50 narrows between the oil cooler 22 and the front plate 431. Therefore, the air supplied to the clearance 51 has its flow velocity accelerated in the narrowed portion of the guide path 50 and is guided to the upper part of the radiator 23, thereby cooling the upper part of the radiator 23.

The second gap S2 is sealed at its left and right edges and lower edge by the sealing member 26, preventing air from flowing in from outside the airflow rectifier 41. Simultaneously, because the structure also prevents outside air from flowing in from the left and right edges and lower edge of the second gap S2, the air supplied from the oil cooler 22 to the second gap S2 does not remain stagnant in the second gap S2. Instead, as shown by arrow X4 in the figure, it passes through the radiator 23 and is discharged outside the module 20.

Furthermore, as shown by arrow X3 in the figure, the warm air supplied to the second gap S2 after passing through the oil cooler 22 merges with the air flowing into the second gap S2 from the clearance 51, as shown by arrow X14 in the figure, and is cooled. This suppresses the rise in temperature within the second gap S2 (i.e., the temperature of the air cooling the radiator 23).

Therefore, the radiator 23 receives a larger volume of cooling air and the temperature of the cooling air is suppressed compared to when the airflow rectifier 41 and sealing member 26 are not present, resulting in more efficient cooling.

(summary)
As described above, in this embodiment of the carrier 1, when the fan 11 generates an airflow that takes in outside air, that air passes through the intercooler 21, oil cooler 22, and radiator 23, which are arranged in parallel in front of the fan 11, and cools them. At this time, the air straightening member 41 guides a portion of the air taken in from the fan 11 into the first gap S1 and the second gap S2 provided between the intercooler 21, oil cooler 22, and radiator 23, without passing through the intercooler 21 or oil cooler 22. The first gap S1 and the second gap S2 are protected from air inflow from outside the air straightening member 41 by a pair of mounting brackets 28, the upper side plates 425, 426, intermediate side plates 427, 428, lower side plates 429, 430, lower member 424, and sealing member 26 of the air straightening member 41. Therefore, the air taken in from the fan 11 does not stagnate in the first gap S1 and the second gap S2, but instead easily passes through the intercooler 21, oil cooler 22, and radiator 23. Also, the air guided into the first gap S1 and the second gap S2 by the air straightening member 41 does not pass through the intercooler 21 and oil cooler 22 as described above, and is therefore at a lower temperature than the air that has passed through the intercooler 21 and oil cooler 22. In other words, the air that has passed through the intercooler 21 and oil cooler 22 is cooled in the first gap S1 and the second gap S2 before passing through the oil cooler 22 and radiator 23. Thus, the carrier 1 of this embodiment promotes the passage of air through the intercooler 21, oil cooler 22, and radiator 23, and suppresses the rise in ambient temperature around the intercooler 21, oil cooler 22, and radiator 23, so that the intercooler 21, oil cooler 22, and radiator 23 can be cooled efficiently.

Furthermore, in this configuration, the carrier 1 has a front plate 431 that is inclined to correspond to the upper end positions of the intercooler 21, oil cooler 22, and radiator 23. This narrows the cross-sectional area of the guide path 50 between the oil cooler 22 and the front plate 431, thereby suppressing a decrease in the airflow velocity of the guide path 50 and guiding the outside air flowing into the opening 42a to the radiator 23 adjacent to the fan 11.

Furthermore, in this embodiment of the carrier 1, the upper edges of both the first gap S1 and the second gap S2 are connected to the guideway 50 provided above them, and the left and right edges and the lower edge of the peripheral portion are sealed by a pair of mounting brackets 28, the upper side plates 425, 426, intermediate side plates 427, 428, lower member 424, and sealing member 26 of the airflow rectifier 41. Therefore, the structure of the restraining section can be made simple and compact.

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be applied in various ways. For example, the carrier 1 may have driver's seats at the front and rear of the cargo bed 2. Also, the use of the carrier 1 may differ from that of the above embodiments. The airflow rectifier 41 may not be attached to the module 20, but rather to the bottom 5b of the engine room 5.

The number and types of cooling devices constituting module 20 are not limited to the above embodiment. For example, if a hydraulic circuit is not provided, the oil cooler 22 may be omitted. Also, for example, if a battery is provided, the battery's capacitor may be further incorporated into module 20 as a cooling device. Furthermore, for example, the multiple cooling devices constituting module 20 may be of the same type.

The shape of the cooling devices and the shape of the gaps between multiple cooling devices may differ from those in the above embodiment. If the cooling devices are arranged in parallel, the upper end of the rear cooling device does not need to protrude above the upper end of the front cooling device.

The airflow rectifier 41 may be composed of a single component rather than multiple parts. The opening 42a may differ from the above configuration. However, by making the opening 42a the same shape as the front surface 21a of the intercooler 21, outside air can be supplied to the entire front surface 21a, thereby increasing cooling efficiency. The guide path 50 may be provided in a different location, such as to the side, rather than above the cooling device.

The front plate 431 does not need to be inclined according to the upper end positions of the intercooler 21, oil cooler 22, and radiator 23.

1 Carrier 11 Fan 21 Intercooler 21 Oil cooler 23 Radiator 26 Seal member 28 Mounting bracket 41 Air rectifier member 424 Lower members 425, 426 Upper side plates 427, 428 Intermediate side plates 429, 423 Lower side plate S1 First gap S2 Second gap

Claims (4)

A carrier comprising a fan that generates an airflow to take in outside air, and a plurality of cooling devices that are cooled by heat exchange with the air taken in by the fan,
The plurality of cooling devices are arranged side by side facing each other in front of the fan, with gaps between adjacent cooling devices.
An induction path that guides the outside air into the gap from a part of the peripheral edge of the gap without passing it through the multiple cooling devices,
A suppression part that prevents air from flowing into the gap from the remaining part of the peripheral edge of the gap,
Having
A carrier characterized by the following. In the carrier described in claim 1,
The adjacent cooling device has an upper end that protrudes above the upper end of the cooling device located on the fan side than the upper end of the cooling device located on the opposite side of the fan.
It has an air rectifier member having an opening and an inclined portion,
The opening is open toward the upstream side of the airflow,
The inclined portion is inclined to correspond to the upper end positions of the plurality of cooling devices, and the guide path that guides the air flowing into the opening into the gap is formed between the plurality of cooling devices.
A carrier characterized by the following. In the carrier described in claim 1 or claim 2,
The gap comprises a first gap provided between the first cooling device and the second cooling device, and a second gap provided between the second cooling device and the third cooling device.
The guideway communicates with the gap via the upper edge portion of the peripheral edge of the first gap and the second gap,
The suppressing portion closes the side edge portion and the lower edge portion of the peripheral edges of the first gap and the second gap.
A carrier characterized by the following. A carrier cooling module mounted on a carrier,
Multiple cooling devices, which are cooled by exchanging heat with air, are arranged side by side facing each other with gaps in between.
A guide path that directs the air taken in from outside the carrier into the gap from a part of the peripheral edge of the gap without passing through the multiple cooling devices,
The gap has a suppression portion that prevents air from flowing into the gap from the remaining portion of the peripheral edge of the gap.
A carrier cooling module featuring the following characteristics.