Vehicle and system and method for controlling air movement using a fan of the vehicle

Abstract

A vehicle, a system, and a method for controlling air movement through the vehicle using a fan of the vehicle are provided. The vehicle includes a fan mounted to the vehicle and configured to move air at a fan end of the vehicle; an object detector mounted at the fan end of the vehicle and configured to detect an object within a detection distance from the fan end of the vehicle; and a controller configured to control actuation of the fan based on detection of the object within the detection distance at the fan end of the vehicle.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The vehicle may be operated in a forward mode, in which the vehicle travels in a direction generally facing the operator, and in a reverse mode, in which the vehicle travels in a direction generally opposite to the direction the operator is facing. The vehicle may be operated in both forward and reverse modes at a work location, including but not limited to a work site having one or more objects, including a pile of objects, a stack of objects, a Block Object , a collection of objects, or other large number of objects. Additionally, the vehicle may include a radiator, cooler, and / or other one or more heat exchangers and one or more fans that move air through or around the one or more heat exchangers to cool one or more fluids in the engine, motor, or other components of the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0002] Various aspects of examples of the disclosure are set out in the claims.

[0003] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle includes: a fan mounted to the vehicle and configured to move air at a fan end of the vehicle; an object detector mounted at the fan end of the vehicle and configured to detect an object within a detection distance from the fan end of the vehicle; and a controller configured to control actuation of the fan based on detection of the object within the detection distance at the fan end of the vehicle.

[0004] The fan may be configured to move air from the fan end of the vehicle in an outward direction and in an inward direction opposite the outward direction. The controller may be configured to control actuation of the fan to limit the movement of air in the inward direction based on detection of an object within a detection range at the fan end of the vehicle. The controller may also be configured to control the speed of the fan based on detection of an object within a detection range at the fan end of the vehicle. The controller may also be configured to control the speed of the fan based on detection of an object within a detection range at the fan end of the vehicle. The controller may also be configured to control the pitch angle of the fan blades based on detection of an object within a detection range at the fan end of the vehicle. The object detector may also be configured to determine an object distance from the fan end of the vehicle within the detection range, and the controller may be configured to control actuation of the fan in proportion to the object distance from the fan end of the vehicle. The vehicle may be configured to operate in one of a forward travel direction and a reverse travel direction opposite the forward travel direction. The fan can be configured to cause air to move in an outward direction from the fan end of the vehicle and in an inward direction opposite to the outward direction into the vehicle at the fan end, and the controller can be configured to control actuation of the fan to limit the movement of air in the inward direction based on detection of an object within a detection distance at the fan end of the vehicle and operation of the vehicle in a travel direction state opposite to the inward direction.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a system for controlling air movement through a vehicle using a fan of the vehicle includes: an object detector configured to detect an object within a detection distance from the vehicle; and a controller configured to control actuation of the fan based on detection of the object within the detection distance.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for controlling air movement through a vehicle using a fan of a vehicle includes: moving the vehicle toward an object; detecting the object within a detection distance at a fan end of the vehicle; and controlling actuation of the fan based on the detection of the object within the detection distance at the fan end of the vehicle.

[0007] The above and other features will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The detailed description of the drawings is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1 A vehicle and a system for controlling air movement through the vehicle using a fan of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown;

[0010] Figure 2 shows fan speed with respect to temperature and detection conditions of objects within a detection distance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0011] Figure 3 A method of controlling air movement through a vehicle using a fan of the vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0012] Like reference numerals are used to represent like elements throughout the several drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] By referring to the accompanying drawings Figures 1 to 3 to understand at least one embodiment of the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0014] Now refer to Figure 1 , showing a vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 Also shown is a system 12 for controlling the movement of air through the vehicle 10 using a fan 14 of the vehicle 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the vehicle 10 is a front-end loader or similar construction vehicle having the fan 14 located at a fan end 16 of the vehicle 10 and a front work implement 32 located at a non-fan end 22 of the vehicle 10 opposite the fan end 16 of the vehicle 10. In other embodiments not shown, the vehicle 10 is another type of vehicle configured for on-road or off-road use, including but not limited to agricultural vehicles, construction vehicles, forestry vehicles, or utility vehicles. Furthermore, although Figure 1 1 and 2. Fan end 16 is shown as the rear end of vehicle 10, but in certain embodiments, fan 14 is located at the front end of vehicle 10 such that fan end 16 is the front end or the end having front end work tool 32. As described herein, the front end and rear end of vehicle 10 are relative to the direction of travel of vehicle 10 as controlled by an operator. Figure 1 The vehicle 10 includes a plurality of ground engaging members 40 , which may include, but are not limited to, wheels, tracks, or other devices for enabling the vehicle 10 to travel.

[0015] The fan 14 of the illustrated embodiment is mounted to the vehicle 10 at a fan end 16 in the vehicle 10 and is configured to move air in an inward direction 18 relative to the vehicle 10 and / or to move air from the fan end 16 away from the vehicle 10 in an outward direction 20 opposite the inward direction 18. In alternative embodiments not shown, the fan 14 is located outside the vehicle 10 and is configured to move air in the inward direction 18 and / or the outward direction 20. The fan 14 is configured to move or circulate air through a flow path 26 defined by a first flow path end 28 and at least one second flow path end 30. In the illustrated embodiment, because the flow path 26 is split in the vehicle 10, the second flow path end 30 includes two end portions 30, such as a first end portion 28 and a second end portion 30. Figure 1One or more grilles or screens 24 are located at one or more first flow path ends 28 and / or second flow path ends 30. In other embodiments not shown, one or more fans 14 may be located at one or more second flow path ends 30 or at another location at the fan end 16 of the vehicle 10. Additionally, the flow path 26 may extend through and / or terminate at other portions of the vehicle 10.

[0016] Figure 1 The illustrated vehicle 10 and system 12 include an object detector 42 mounted at the fan end 16 of the vehicle 10. The object detector 42 detects or is configured to detect one or more objects 44 within a detection distance 46 from the fan end 16 of the vehicle 10. The one or more objects 44 include debris, leaves, mulch or other organic material, waste or paper material, or any other material that can move with the movement of air as the air moves in the inward direction 18. In alternative embodiments, not shown, the object detector 42 is not located at the fan end 16 but is located on a separate portion of the vehicle 10, on a separate structure or vehicle, or at another location capable of determining that one or more objects 44 are within the detection distance 46.

[0017] In an embodiment, object detector 42 is a radar sensor, but it should be understood that object detector 42 may include one or more lasers, sonar, infrared devices, or other sensors or systems capable of detecting objects 44 within detection distance 46. Furthermore, object detector 42 may include two or more sensors, with one or more of the sensors being mounted on and / or remote from vehicle 10.

[0018] Figure 1 The vehicle 10 and system 12 shown in the figure also include a controller 48 that controls or is configured to control the actuation of the fan 14 based on the detection of one or more objects 44 within the detection distance 46 at the fan end 16 of the vehicle 10. The controller 48 of each embodiment is located at any position of the vehicle 10 or at any position remote from or separate from the vehicle 10. As used herein, the term "object" in both the singular and plural forms may include one or more objects. As a non-limiting example, the objects 44 described herein may include a pile of debris and each piece of debris, respectively. Similarly, in such a non-limiting example, these fragments may be referred to as objects 44.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, the object detector 42 of an embodiment determines or is configured to determine an object distance 60 of an object 44 from the fan end 16 of the vehicle 10 within the detection distance 46. In certain embodiments, the object distance 60 includes a plurality of regions A, B, C, and D. Figure 1As shown, region D represents the maximum object distance 60 of an object 44 from the fan end 16 of the vehicle 10 within the detection range 46, region A represents the minimum object distance 60, and regions B and C represent intermediate object distances 60. In the illustrated embodiment, the object 44 is detected at region B. Therefore, the controller 48 and / or object detector 42 determines the object distance 60 as the distance represented by region B. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the object detector 42 determines the object distance 60 based on other methods or any other number of regions or ranges, or any other configuration of regions or ranges. In certain embodiments, and as described in further detail below, the controller 48 is further configured to control the actuation of the fan 14 in proportion to the object distance 60 of one or more objects 44 from the fan end 16 of the vehicle 10. In a non-limiting illustrative example, the controller 48 reduces the speed of the fan 14 as one or more objects 44 are sensed closer to the fan end 16 of the vehicle 10.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, controller 48 is configured to control actuation of fan 14 to prevent, reduce the duration of, or otherwise limit the movement of air in inward direction 18 based on detection of object 44 within detection distance 46 at fan end 16 of vehicle 10. In one embodiment, fan 14 operates normally to move air in outward direction 20, but rarely, occasionally, or frequently reverses the direction of rotation or otherwise changes operation to move air in inward direction 18, such as to clear debris or objects from one or more screens 24 or a heat exchanger or other components in flow path 26. In such an embodiment, if object detector 42 detects object 44 within detection distance 46, controller 48 does not reverse the direction of rotation or otherwise move air in inward direction 18 while detecting object 44 within detection distance 46. Such prohibition or limitation by controller 48 will reduce or prevent one or more objects 44 from entering flow path 26, prevent one or more objects 44 from moving toward one or more screens 24, and / or limit the amount by which one or more objects 44 enter flow path 26 or move toward one or more screens 24.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, controller 48 is configured to control the speed of fan 14 based on the detection of one or more objects 44 within a detection distance 46 at fan end 16 of vehicle 10, for example, when fan 14 is operating to move air in an inward direction 18. Similarly, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, controller 48 is configured to control the pitch of the blades of fan 14 based on the detection of one or more objects 44 within a detection distance 46 at fan end 16 of vehicle 10, for example, when fan 14 is operating to move air in an inward direction 18. In one or more additional embodiments not shown, fan 14 includes a plurality of fans 14 configured in parallel or in series. In an embodiment, controller 48 is configured to control activation or deactivation or otherwise adjust one or more of the plurality of fans 14 to vary the amount of air moving into flow path 26 in an inward direction 18 based on the detection of one or more objects 44 within a detection distance 46 at fan end 16 of vehicle 10.

[0022] Figure 2 A graph 52 is shown of fan speed 62 of fan 14 when object 44 is detected within detection distance 46 for temperature values ​​50. Controller 48 of an embodiment controls activation of fan 14 when object 44 is detected based on fan speed 62 for temperature values ​​50. Temperature values ​​50 of graph 52 reference a fluid temperature range from a minimum (0) to a maximum (10) in a radiator, cooler, heat exchanger, or other component (not shown) in flow path 26 having a coolant or other fluid affected by the movement of air through fan 14. Fan speed 62 of graph 52 is reflected as a percentage of the full speed of fan 14. Line 64 indicates that object 44 was detected in region A, line 66 indicates that object 44 was detected in region B, line 68 indicates that object 44 was detected in region C, and line 70 indicates that object 44 was detected in region D. In the illustrated embodiment, fan speed 62 does not drop below 25% of full speed, but in other embodiments not shown, fan speed 62 may drop to any point including 0%. As shown, maximum fan speed 62 is 100% for detecting object 44 in zone D, 75% for detecting object 44 in zone C, 50% for detecting object 44 in zone B, and 25% for detecting object 44 in zone A. It should be understood that fan speed 62, the number, size, and shape of zones, the temperature ranges and values, and the curvature of line 64 to line 70 may vary based on a variety of considerations, including, but not limited to, the type of objects in the area of ​​travel, the configuration and size of vehicle 10, the configuration and performance of one or more fans 14 of vehicle 10, and any heat exchangers or other vehicle components found or used in flow path 26.

[0023] Reference again Figure 1 In a given embodiment, the vehicle 10 is configured to operate in a forward direction of travel 80 or in a reverse direction of travel 82 opposite to the forward direction of travel 80. The fan 14 of the illustrated embodiment is configured to move air in an outward direction 20 that is the same direction as the reverse direction of travel 82, and in an inward direction 18 that is the same direction as the forward direction of travel 80. In such an embodiment, the controller 48 is configured to control actuation of the fan 14 to inhibit, reduce the amount or duration of, or otherwise limit the movement of air in the inward direction 18 based on the detection of one or more objects 44 within the detection distance 46 at the fan end 16 of the vehicle 10 and the operation of the vehicle 10 in the reverse direction of travel 82 or in the reverse direction of travel 82, according to any of the actuation steps described herein (e.g., limiting direction of movement, reducing fan speed). Operation of the vehicle 10 in a particular travel direction state refers to the actual direction of movement or transmission state of the vehicle 10 (e.g., the transmission of the vehicle 10 is in reverse gear). A non-limiting example of such control based on detection of one or more objects 44 can be shown in the following diagram.

[0024]

[0025]

[0026] As described above for non-limiting examples, if the vehicle 10 is in the forward direction of travel state, operation of the fan 14 of one embodiment continues as normal until an object 44 is detected within zone A. However, if the vehicle 10 is in the reverse direction of travel state, operation of the fan 14 continues as normal until an object 44 is detected within either zone A or zone B.

[0027] It should be understood that any one or more of the actuation steps and / or control inputs described in the various embodiments herein may be combined in particular embodiments to prevent or limit the movement of air in the inward direction 18. In a non-limiting illustrative example, the controller 48 is configured to control actuation of the fan 14 by controlling the speed of the fan 14 when a first condition is met based on detection of one or more objects 44 within the detection distance 46 and inhibiting further actuation of the fan 14 to move air in the inward direction 18 when another condition is met.

[0028] Now refer to Figure 3, a method 100 for controlling air movement through the vehicle 10 using the fan 14 of the vehicle 10 is shown. The method 100 includes, at step 110, moving the vehicle 10 toward the object 44. The method 100 of the illustrated embodiment includes, at step 112, detecting the object 44 within the detection distance 46 at the fan end 16 of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the method 100 may include determining an object distance of the object 44 from the fan end 16 of the vehicle 10 within the detection distance 46. The method 100 includes, at step 114, controlling actuation of the fan 14 based on the detection of the object 44 within the detection distance 46 at the fan end 16 of the vehicle 10.

[0029] In further embodiments, method 100 further includes determining an object distance 60 of object 44 from fan end 16 of vehicle 10 within detection distance 46, and controlling actuation of fan 14 in proportion to object distance 60 of object 44 from fan end 16 of vehicle 10. In further embodiments, method 100 further includes using fan 14 to move air in an outward direction 20 from fan end 16 of vehicle 10 and in an inward direction 18 opposite to outward direction 20 into fan end 16 of vehicle 10, and limiting or inhibiting movement of air in inward direction 18 based on detection of object 44 within detection distance 46 at fan end 16 of vehicle 10. In further embodiments, method 100 further includes controlling a speed of fan 14 based on detection of object 44 within detection distance 46 at fan end 16 of vehicle 10. In further embodiments, method 100 further includes controlling a blade pitch angle of fan 14 based on detection of object 44 within detection distance 46 at fan end 16 of vehicle 10. In further embodiments, method 100 may further include operating vehicle 10 in the forward direction of travel 80 or in the reverse direction of travel 82 and, based on detection of an object 44 within the detection distance 46 at the fan end 16 of vehicle 10 and operation of vehicle 10 in the reverse direction of travel 82 , prohibiting, reducing the amount or duration of, or limiting the movement of air at fan end 16 into vehicle 10 .

[0030] Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the appended claims, it should be understood that the vehicle 10, system 12, and method 100 of the disclosed embodiments prevent or reduce the likelihood of one or more objects 44 entering the flow path 26, prevent or reduce the likelihood of one or more objects 44 moving toward one or more screens 24, and / or limit the amount of object 44 entering the flow path 26 or moving toward one or more screens 24. As a result, air flow through the flow path 26 is maintained and / or maximized, thereby improving the performance, efficiency, and life of any heat exchangers or other components in the flow path 26. Furthermore, the vehicle 10, system 12, and method 100 allow for such selective actuation during detection of one or more objects 44 while maintaining a controlled volume of air flow to provide sufficient air in the flow path 26 for uninterrupted operation of the vehicle 10 and system 12.

[0031] As used herein, “for example” is used to list examples in a non-exhaustive manner and has the same meaning as alternative illustrative phrases such as “including,” “including but not limited to,” and “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, an arrangement of elements separated by a conjunction (e.g., “and”) and modified by the phrases “one or more of,” “at least one of,” or “at least,” or similar phrases indicates a configuration or arrangement that may include the listed individual elements or any combination of these elements, unless otherwise limited or modified. For example, “at least one of A, B, and C” and “one or more of A, B, and C” respectively mean that there may be only A, only B, only C, or any combination of two or more of A, B, and C (A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B, and C). As used herein, the singular expressions “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In addition, “include,” “comprising,” and similar phrases are intended to specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0032] Although the present disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such illustration and description are not restrictive, and it should be understood that the one or more illustrative embodiments shown and described, as well as all changes and modifications that fall within the spirit of the present disclosure, are intended to be protected. Alternative embodiments of the present disclosure may not include all of the features described, but may still benefit from at least some of the advantages of these features. Those skilled in the art may design embodiments that incorporate one or more features of the present disclosure and fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: a fan mounted to the vehicle and configured to move air at a fan end of the vehicle; an object detector mounted at the fan end of the vehicle and configured to determine an object distance of an object located outside the vehicle within a detection distance from the fan end of the vehicle; as well as a controller configured to control actuation of the fan to limit or inhibit movement of air in an inward direction toward the vehicle interior based on detection of the object within the detection distance at the fan end of the vehicle and in proportion to the object distance from the fan end of the vehicle.

2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The fan is configured to move air from the fan end of the vehicle in an outward direction toward an exterior of the vehicle and in an inward direction opposite the outward direction, and wherein the controller is configured to control actuation of the fan to limit movement of air in the inward direction based on detection of the object within the detection distance at the fan end of the vehicle and in proportion to the object distance from the fan end of the vehicle.

3. The vehicle according to claim 2, wherein: The controller is further configured to control a speed of the fan based on detecting the object within the detection distance at the fan end of the vehicle.

4. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The controller is configured to control a speed of the fan based on detecting the object within the detection distance at the fan end of the vehicle.

5. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The controller is configured to control a blade pitch angle of the fan based on detection of the object within the detection distance at the fan end of the vehicle.

6. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein The vehicle is configured to operate in a travel direction state of one of a forward travel direction and a reverse travel direction opposite to the forward travel direction, wherein the fan is configured to cause air to move from the fan end of the vehicle in an outward direction toward the outside of the vehicle and into the vehicle in an inward direction opposite to the outward direction at the fan end, and wherein the controller is configured to control actuation of the fan to limit the movement of air in the inward direction based on detection of the object within the detection distance at the fan end of the vehicle and operation of the vehicle in the travel direction state opposite to the inward direction.

7. A method of controlling air movement through a vehicle using a fan of the vehicle, the method comprising: moving the vehicle toward an object located outside the vehicle; detecting the object located outside the vehicle within a detection distance at a fan end of the vehicle; determining an object distance of the object from the fan end of the vehicle within the detection distance; as well as Actuation of the fan is controlled to restrict or inhibit movement of air in an inward direction toward a vehicle interior based on detecting the object within the detection distance at the fan end of the vehicle and in proportion to the object distance from the fan end of the vehicle.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: moving air from the fan end of the vehicle in an outward direction toward an exterior of the vehicle and into the fan end of the vehicle in the inward direction opposite the outward direction using the fan; as well as Movement of air in the inward direction is restricted based on detecting the object within the detection distance at the fan end of the vehicle.

9. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: The speed of the fan is controlled based on detecting the object within the detection distance at the fan end of the vehicle.

10. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: A blade pitch angle of the fan is controlled based on detection of the object within the detection distance at the fan end of the vehicle.

11. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: operating the vehicle in one of a forward direction of travel and a reverse direction of travel; as well as Air movement into the vehicle at the fan end is restricted based on detection of the object within the detection distance at the fan end of the vehicle and operation of the vehicle in the reverse direction of travel.

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