TITLE OF THE INVENTION: BI-DIRECTIONAL HYDRAULIC FAN REGULATING SYSTEM FOR RADIATOR OF AGRICULTURAL VEHICLE

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the radiator of an agricultural vehicle. Particularly, the present invention relates to a regulating system to control the fan deployed for cooling the radiator of an agricultural vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a time-based reversible hydraulic system employed to control the radiator fan of an agricultural vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the transition from local consumption to global consumption, it is necessary to scale up production to meet the increased demand. In the present day scenario, increased supply in agriculture, as in other fields has been met by mechanizing the agricultural process. Introduction of agricultural vehicles such as tractors and combined harvesters has resulted in dramatic increase in the quantity of harvest in the agricultural industry. It is a known fact that, a combine harvester integrates three separate agricultural operations, namely reaping, threshing and winnowing into a single agricultural vehicle thereby introducing a lot of ease into the harvesting operation.

However, due to the external temperature and also the long duration of the harvesting operation, the engine of an agricultural vehicle gets heated. Unlike other vehicles of their kind, agricultural vehicles are required to travel on road as well as within agricultural fields. Therefore, structurally, agricultural vehicles such as combine harvesters have two radiators, namely a primary radiator and a secondary radiator, wherein both the primary radiator and the secondary radiator are cooled by their respective fans. These radiators are used to reduce the temperature of the engine coolant which is used to cool the engine. The primary radiator functions when the agricultural vehicle such as, combine harvester plies on both roads and fields (during harvesting), and the secondary radiator functions only when the agricultural vehicle is employed for harvesting.

The threshing process or grain separation process produces lots of dust during harvesting. The generated dust deposits on the fins of the secondary radiator, and the secondary radiator gets choked partially/fully. As a result, the engine coolant does not cool in the secondary radiator and gets cooled only in the primary radiator. Since one of the radiators is dysfunctional, the engine gets overheated slowly. After a certain period of time, due to overheating, the engine will stop functioning resulting in stoppage of the agricultural vehicle. For proper working of the engine, the deposited dust on the secondary radiator fins has to be removed. This process is time consuming and cumbersome.

Moreover, though the primary radiator is not exposed to the environment like the secondary radiator, there is a possibility that it may also get choked in the long run. As a result, the primary radiator may also need to be cleaned (the time intervals between cleaning may be longer when compared to the secondary radiator). This process may be expensive, time consuming, and cumbersome as well. There is therefore, a need in the art for a system comprising only one radiator, said system capable of automatically removing dust which is deposited on the fins of the radiator in an agricultural vehicle during harvesting of grains.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

The present invention as embodied by the bi-directional hydraulic fan regulating system for radiator of agricultural vehicle succinctly fulfils the above-mentioned need(s) in the art. The present invention has objective(s) arising as a result of the above-mentioned need(s), said objective(s) being enumerated below. Inasmuch as the objective(s) of the present invention are enumerated, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, the enumerated objective(s) are not exhaustive of the present invention in its entirety, and are enclosed solely for the purpose of illustration. Further, the present invention encloses within its scope and purview, any structural alternative(s) and/or any functional equivalent(s) even though, such structural altemative(s) and/or any functional equivalent(s) are not mentioned explicitly herein or elsewhere, in the present disclosure. The present invention therefore encompasses also, any improvisation(s)/ modification(s) applied to the structural alternative(s)/functional altemative(s) within its scope and purview. The present invention may be embodied in other specific form(s) without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof.

An objective of the present invention is to provide a bi-directional fan regulating system, which eliminates the need for having two different radiators in an agricultural vehicle, said fan regulating system capable of automatically removing dust which is deposited on the fins of the radiator in an agricultural vehicle during harvesting of grains. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a bi-directional fan regulating system for removing dust from the fins of the radiator in an agricultural vehicle, which automatically sucks air and exhausts the dust deposited on the radiator fins during harvesting. Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a bi-directional fan regulating system for removing dust from the fins of the radiator, that eliminates the need to remove dust mechanically and thus saves time and money, in addition to eliminating the burden on the user. Still another objective of the present invention is to provide a bi-directional fan regulating system for removing dust from the fins of the radiator, that increases the life and efficiency of the engine by keeping the engine at a moderate temperatures while working.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention as embodied by a bi-directional hydraulic control system for regulating the fan of the secondary radiator in an agricultural vehicle, helps in sucking air and exhausting of dust deposited on fins of the secondary radiator, said dust generated during harvesting of grains in the field. The objectives of the present invention are, as broadly enumerated in the above-mentioned paragraph of the present disclosure. However, it would be perfectly clear to a person skilled in the art that, inasmuch as the objectives have been enumerated in the above-mentioned paragraph, such objectives are only indicative of the scope and general coverage of the present invention.

This statement of enumerated objectives should be considered as merely indicative, and is no way restrictive of the scope and ambit of the present invention in its entirety. Not only the enumerated objectives should be considered as indicative of the scope and ambit of the present invention, in addition, any combination, variation, functional equivalent and/or any structural alternative should also construed to be within the broad scope of the present invention even though, such a scope of the present invention has not been explicitly stated herein and elsewhere in the present disclosure.

In the above-mentioned context, the present invention discloses a regulating system for the control of the direction of fan rotation as well as, the duration for which the fan rotates, said fan conventionally employed for cooling the radiator. Conventionally, the fan rotates unidirectionally by a mechanical / Belt drive (D) as it serves only one purpose i.e. radiator cooling. However, the present invention discloses a regulating system that regulates the rotation of the fan to be bidirectional so that the radiator fins are cooled by air when the fan rotates in a first direction and the dust deposited on the radiator fins is exhausted during the rotation of the fan in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. In order to achieve this bidirectional rotation, the present invention discloses an engine driven pump that is used to drive a hydraulic fan driving unit which is in turn coupled to the fan. The reversing of the fan rotation direction is performed for a specific duration through a direction controller implemented as a solenoid controlled directional control valve. Further, the duration is regulated through a timer control, so that the dust deposited on the radiator fins is exhausted during the rotation of the fan in the second direction for a certain duration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The description of the present invention in conjunction with the drawings, illustrating its application(s), explain in detail, the working of the present invention. It will be amply clear to a person skilled in the art, that the application as disclosed in the drawings are merely illustrative of the scope of the present invention and not exhaustive of the scope of the present invention, in its entirety.

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the conventional cooling system for the engine of an agricultural vehicle such as, a combine harvester.

Figures 2(a) and 2(b) show block diagrams depicting two different embodiments of the cooling system in accordance with the present invention for the engine of an agricultural vehicle such as, a combine harvester inclusive of the module enabling timing and direction control (TDC).

Figure 3 shows the circuit equivalent of the module (TDC) being shown in one embodiment

Figure 4 shows the circuit equivalent of the module (TDC) in another embodiment

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Due to the external temperature and also the long duration of the harvesting operation, the engine of an agricultural vehicle gets heated quickly and requires to be cooled. Unlike other vehicles of their kind, agricultural vehicles are required to travel on road as well as within agricultural fields. Therefore, structurally, agricultural vehicles such as combine harvesters have two radiators, namely a primary radiator and a secondary radiator, wherein both the primary radiator and the secondary radiator are cooled by their respective fans. In this regard, Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the conventional cooling system for the engine of an agricultural vehicle. The primary radiator (PR) and the secondary radiator (SR) are used for cooling an engine (E). To cool down the engine (E), a coolant is passed through the engine block, where it absorbs heat from the engine (E). The hot coolant is then fed into the inlet tank of the secondary radiator (SR) and distributed across the radiator core. As the coolant circulates through the radiator tubes on its way to the opposite tank, it gets cooled. Again the same coolant enters into the primary radiator (PR) and gets cooled again. The cold coolant is then fed back to the engine (E), and the cycle repeats itself. As it circulates through the tubes, the coolant transfers its heat to the tubes which, in turn, transfer the heat to the fins that are lodged between each row of tubes. The fins then release the heat to the ambient air. Fins are used to greatly increase the contact surface of the tubes to the air, thus increasing the exchange efficiency. During harvesting, dust is deposited on the fins of the secondary radiator (SR) and this subsequently leads to dysfunctioning of the engine (E). The dust has to be removed externally by repairs and maintenance which may be expensive and cumbersome.

Figure 2(a) shows a block diagram of the cooling system for the engine (E) of an agricultural vehicle with the improvisations pertaining to dust removal via direction and time control of fan blades (FB) as implemented in the present invention. The block diagram includes a module enabling timing and direction control (TDC) comprising a time controller (T) and a direction controller (SFD). Two possible embodiments of the circuit equivalent of the timing and direction control module are shown in Figures 3 and 4 (denoted by reference numeral 14). Optionally, the disclosed system may also have two radiators as is conventionally known in the art (Fig 2(b)). As depicted in Figure 3, one embodiment of the circuit equivalent of the timing and direction control module (14) comprises: A pressure relief valve (4) connected to a hydraulic line between the hydraulic pump (2) and forward/reverse solenoid valve (5); an electronic control module (12) that is connected to the forward/reverse solenoid valve (5); and one or more check valves (3) that are positioned wherever necessary as per requirements.

Accordingly, a system for regulating a fan (7) connected to a radiator (8) comprises: an engine (1); a hydraulic pump (2) connected to the engine (1); a suction filter (11) connected to the hydraulic pump (2); a sump (10) that is connected to both the suction filter (11) and a return filter (9); a module enabling direction and time control (14); a pressure relief valve (4) incorporated in the module enabling direction & time Control (14) a motor (6) comprising at least two ports (13a and 13b), wherein the ports (13a and 13b) are connected to the direction controller (5); the fan (7) that is connected to the motor (6); the radiator (8) that is associated with the fan (7); and one or more check valves (3). During a first period of time, the direction of rotation of the fan (7) is conventional; the speed of the fan (7) gradually increases and reaches a maximum where it plateaus. Then, the forward/reverse solenoid valve (5) is electronically actuated through the electronic control module (12) and changes the direction of rotation of the fan (7) for a second period of time. During this period, the speed of the fan (7) decreases to zero, rises in the opposite direction and reaches a maximum where it plateaus, (the cycle continues). The first period of time is preferably in the range of 20 to 40 minutes, while the second period of time is preferably in the range of two seconds to five minutes.

An alternate embodiment of the system is depicted in Figure 4. In addition to all the components depicted in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the module enabling timing and direction control (14) further comprises a bypass solenoid valve (15) that is connected to the electronic control module (12). Actuation of the bypass solenoid valve (15) makes the fan (7) remain idle for a third period of time. At a fourth period of time before the bypass solenoid valve (15) is switched off, the forward/reverse solenoid valve (5) is actuated. Then, the fan (7) functions as described above, wherein the direction of rotation of the fan (7) is changed for a second period of time. During the second period of time, the speed of the fan (7) gradually increases in the changed direction, reaches a maximum where it plateaus and then gradually decreases until it reaches zero. At a fifth period of time before the forward/reverse solenoid valve (15) is switched off, the bypass solenoid valve is actuated (and the cycle continues). The third period of time, the fourth period of time, and the fifth period of time are preferably in the range of two seconds to 2 minutes.
Though only a solenoid valve has been described for direction control, other forms of achieving direction control as is conventionally known in the state of the art, will also fall within the scope and purview of the present invention. Similarly, though only an electronic control module has been described for achieving time control, other forms of achieving direction control as is conventionally known in the state of the art, will also fall within the scope and purview of the present invention. Other alternate circuit connections/arrangements may also be used for achieving the same result. The first period of time, second period of time, third period of time, fourth period of time, and fifth period of time may be adjusted to suit a user's requirements. Further, the disclosed system, in addition to being fitted on new agricultural vehicles may also be fitted on previously purchased tractors as well (capable of being retrofitted).

ADVANTAGES

The below-mentioned advantage(s) arising out of the application in conjunction with the enclosed drawing(s) are merely indicative and are not to be considered as exhaustive of the entire advantage(s) arising by the deployment of the present invention. It will be amply clear to persons skilled in the art that, any primary advantage(s) arising out of the present invention as against the problem(s) in the conventional arrangements are to be construed to be well within the scope and purview of the present invention. Further, any secondary advantage(s) arising as a result of the primary advantage(s) are also to be construed to be well within the scope and purview of the present invention. The bi-directional system for regulating the fan of the radiator sucks air and exhausts dust deposited on the secondary radiator fins during harvesting and thus helps prevent the choking of the radiator as well as engine overheating. This not only increases the life of the engine but also the performance of the harvesting process and the speed of the work. There is no need for mechanical dust remover. Further, the system comprises only one radiator instead of two. Thus, the disclosed system saves time, money and eliminates the burden on the user. r-r

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

1- Engine

2- Hydraulic Pump

3- Check Valve (s)

4- Pressure Relief Valve

5- Direction Controller

6- Motor 7-Fan

8- Radiator

9- Return Filter 10-Sump

11-Suction Filter

12- Electronic Control Module

13a and 13b- Plurality of Motor Ports

14- Module Enabling Direction and Time Control

15- Bypass Solenoid Valve

We claim;

1. A system for controlling the direction of rotation and time of rotation of a fan (7) connected to a radiator (8) in an agricultural vehicle, comprising: an engine (1); a hydraulic pump (2) connected to the engine (1); a suction filter (11) connected to the hydraulic pump (2); a sump (10) that is connected to both the suction filter (11) and a return filter (9); a module enabling direction and time control (14) comprising: a direction controller (5); a time controller (12); wherein the time controller (12) is connected to the direction controller (5) a pressure relief valve (4) and one or more check valves (3); a motor (6) comprising at least two ports (13a and 13b), wherein the ports (13a and 13b) are connected to the direction controller (5); the fan (7) that is connected to the motor (6); and the radiator (8) that is associated with the fan (7).

2. A system for controlling the direction of rotation and time of rotation of a fan (7) connected to a radiator (8) in an agricultural vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the agricultural vehicle is a combine harvester.

3. A system for controlling the direction of rotation and time of rotation of a fan (7) connected to a radiator (8) in an agricultural vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the direction controller (5) is a forward/reverse solenoid valve.

4. A system for controlling the direction of rotation and time of rotation of a fan (7) connected to a radiator (8) in an agricultural vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the time controller (12) is an electronic control module.

5. A system for controlling the direction of rotation and time of rotation of a fan (7) connected to a radiator (8) in an agricultural vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the module enabling time and direction control (14) further comprises a bypass solenoid valve (15) that is connected to the electronic control module (12).

6. A system for controlling the direction of rotation and time of rotation of a fan (7) connected to a radiator (8) in an agricultural vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system can be retrofitted onto the agricultural vehicle.

7. A system for controlling the direction of rotation and time of rotation of a fan (7) connected to a radiator (8) in an agricultural vehicle as claimed in claim 1 and claim 5, wherein the forward/reverse solenoid valve (5) is actuated after a first period of time, said actuation causing a reversal in the direction of rotation of the fan (7) for a second time period.
8. A system for controlling the direction of rotation and time of rotation of a fan (7) connected to a radiator (8) in an agricultural vehicle as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first period of time is in the range of 20 minutes to 40 minutes.

9. A system for controlling the direction of rotation and time of rotation of a fan (7) connected to a radiator (8) in an agricultural vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second period of time is in the range of two seconds to five minutes.

10. A system for controlling the direction of rotation and time of rotation of a fan (7) connected to a radiator (8) in an agricultural vehicle as claimed in claim 7, wherein the fan (7) remains idle for a third period of time when the bypass solenoid valve (15) is actuated.

11. A system for controlling the direction of rotation and time of rotation of a fan (7) connected to a radiator (8) in an agricultural vehicle as claimed in claim 10, wherein the third period of time is in the range of two seconds to two minutes.

12. A system for controlling the direction of rotation and time of rotation of a fan (7) connected to a radiator (8) in an agricultural vehicle as claimed in claim 10, wherein the forward/reverse solenoid valve (5) is actuated at a fourth period of time before the bypass solenoid valve (15) is switched off.

13. A system for controlling the direction of rotation and time of rotation of a fan (7) connected to a radiator (8) in an agricultural vehicle as claimed in claim 12, wherein the fourth period of time is in the range of two seconds to 2 minutes.

14. A system for controlling the direction of rotation and time of rotation of a fan (7) connected to a radiator (8) in an agricultural vehicle as claimed in claim 12, wherein the bypass solenoid valve (15) is actuated at a fifth period of time before the forward/reverse solenoid valve (5) is switched off. 15. A system for controlling the direction of rotation and time of rotation of a fan (7) connected to a radiator (8) in an agricultural vehicle as claimed in claim 14, wherein the fifth period of time is in the range of two seconds to two minutes.