radiator grille

Abstract

Self-cleaning radiator grille assembly (100) comprising: a cooling housing (102) with a frame (104) that can be operated in an open and / or closed position; and several waste filter units (108) forming a grill plate (106) which is held by the frame (104), each of the several Waste filter units (108) comprise at least one pair of filter lines (108-A), wherein several corrugated plates (108-B) are placed between each of the filter lines (108-A), the corrugated plates (108-B) being placed parallel to each other such that they form an inclination (108-D) so that cavities between the corrugated plates (108-B) form air passages (108-C) which open in an inclination (108-D); wherein an ambient air (M) moving in a general suction direction enters the air passages (108-C) through the cavities, thereby facilitating the removal of obstructing substances and enabling self-cleaning.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates generally to radiator grille arrangements. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A radiator grille is used to protect the radiator of a vehicle from external substances such as dust, mud, debris, etc. A radiator grille generally consists of thin slots in a metal or plastic panel that acts as a barrier against foreign objects entering the radiator.

[0003] Conventional radiator grilles incorporate a perforated handle. This handle facilitates the removal of accumulated dirt through gravity and vibration. However, the air entering the perforated grille is directed perpendicular to the grille surface, causing it to push the dirt against the surface and preventing it from moving parallel to the surface. This leads to clogging of the grille, requiring the user to clean the handle, resulting in frequent driving interruptions. Therefore, there is a need for a self-cleaning radiator grille design to avoid these interruptions.

[0004] Radiator structures with a combined grill and moving screen are also known in the art. In such arrangements, the continuously moving endless screen filters out the contaminants. The screen itself is cleaned by a moving brush at its base. Such structures are usually self-cleaning but require additional drive and energy for the continuous movement of the screen and brush. Other arrangements used for the same purpose include either a radiator fan that reverses its direction of rotation at regular intervals or a radiator fan whose blades rotate around their own axes at regular intervals. In these two arrangements, the direction of airflow through the radiator grille is reversed at regular intervals to clean the grille. These two arrangements require a control system to periodically reverse the airflow, which makes them expensive.Furthermore, the cleaning process is not continuous. Dirt accumulates on the grill, blocking it and reducing airflow to the radiator until the airflow direction reverses. Additionally, the fan blades experience regular stress reversal, and to prevent frequent blade breakage, these designs require more expensive fans.

[0005] US Patent 2,542,238 discloses a radiator grille arrangement comprising a perforated sheet for protection against the ingress of foreign matter carried by an intake airflow. The radiator grille arrangement does not include a radiator housing with a frame that can be operated in an open and / or closed position, nor does it include corrugated plates placed between pairs of filter lines. DE 43 15 163 A1 describes an insect screen for heat exchangers in motor vehicles, comprising a grid element having a plurality of grid openings and designed as a perforated sheet. The grid element is corrugated to achieve a self-cleaning effect. DE 10 2013 216 222 A1 relates to a railway vehicle radiator arrangement comprising a radiator and a separator for separating liquid or solid contaminants from a cooling airflow.DE 24 50 093 A1 relates to a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between a medium and the air. US 5 765 630 A relates to a radiator block assembly comprising angled fins that deflect airflow to fan blades. US 3 888 327 A relates to a radiator guard for protecting a vehicle radiator from branches and other objects. US 1 571 354 A relates to a radiator cover for vehicle radiators for protection against leaves or dirt.

[0006] Existing radiator grilles are either unsuitable for preventing clogging by fibers, dirt, leaves, etc., which form a fiber matrix across the radiator grille, or they prevent clogging but require additional drives, additional energy input, and are more expensive to manufacture and maintain.

[0007] In light of this, there is a need for a radiator grille that overcomes the problems associated with the current state of technology. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention provides a self-cleaning radiator grille assembly comprising a radiator housing with a frame that can be operated in an open and / or closed position; and several waste filter units forming a grill plate held by the frame, each of the several waste filter units comprising at least one pair of filter lines, several corrugated plates positioned between each of the filter lines and parallel to each other such that cavities between the corrugated plates form air passages, wherein ambient air entering the air passages facilitates the removal of clogging substances by pushing and tilting the substances downwards, thereby enabling self-cleaning.

[0009] In an advantageous aspect, the present invention offers a continuously self-cleaning radiator grille, thereby ensuring a continuous, unobstructed flow of air to the radiator.

[0010] The self-cleaning property of the present invention is advantageous in avoiding frequent machine interruptions for cleaning the radiator grille.

[0011] The radiator grille of the present invention can be used in a wide range of industrial applications such as automobiles, agricultural equipment, etc.

[0012] The radiator grille of the present invention effectively filters the fibrous and leaf material in the ambient air. Only a small proportion of dirt and clogging materials, which are of small size, can reach the radiator. These dirt and clogging materials are then sucked out by the suction force generated by the radiator fan.

[0013] The radiator grille of the present invention requires no additional drive or energy supply compared to conventional radiator fan arrangements. It requires no control system. Therefore, it is inexpensive and easy to maintain. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Reference is made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be descriptive but not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that the scope of protection of the invention is not intended to be limited to these specific embodiments. Fig. Figure 1 is an isometric view of the radiator grille arrangement (100) according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 2 is an isometric view of a waste filter unit (108) with at least two pairs of filter lines (108-A) and several corrugated plates (108-B) according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2A shows a waste filter unit (108) with at least two pairs of filter lines (108-A) and several corrugated plates (108-B) arranged one above the other, according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 3 is a sectional top view of waste filter units (108) with two guide plates (110) arranged near the waste filter unit, according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 4 is an isometric sectional view of waste filter units (108) with two guide plates (110) arranged near the waste filter unit, according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 5 is an isometric view of an upper cover (128) used to cover waste filter units (108) according to an embodiment of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EXECUTIONS OF THE INVENTION

[0015] While this invention can be implemented in many different embodiments, a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and described in detail herein, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be regarded as an exemplary representation of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the specific embodiment shown.

[0016] The subject matter will now be described with reference to the drawings, using the same reference numerals to consistently denote identical elements. For explanatory purposes, many specific details are described in the following description to facilitate a thorough understanding of the subject matter. However, it is obvious that this subject matter can be carried out without these specific details. In other examples, well-known structures are presented in diagrammatic form to facilitate the description of the invention.

[0017] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a radiator grille arrangement (100) according to an embodiment of the invention. The radiator grille arrangement (100) comprises a radiator housing (102), a grill plate (106), at least one waste filter unit (108), and at least one guide plate (110).

[0018] In one embodiment, the radiator grille assembly (100) comprises the radiator housing (102). The radiator housing (102) is a rectangular, box-shaped structure and contains the radiator (not shown). The frame (104) is mounted in the radiator housing (102) so that the frame (104) can be pivoted into an open or closed position. The frame (104) holds the grill plate (106). The grill plate (106) is composed of several waste filter units (108). Each waste filter unit (108) is covered by a guide plate (110). The guide plate (110) is a smooth, rigid sheet that is bent to fit a cross-sectional profile of the waste filter units (108). There is at least one guide plate (110) that covers each of the corresponding waste filter units (108).

[0019] The frame (104) is pivotally attached to the radiator housing (102) by means of joints (112). The joints (112) facilitate pivoting the frame (104) into the open or closed position of the radiator housing (102). The frame (104) holds the grill plate (106) by means of flexible connections (114), which secure the grill plate (106). The entire perimeter of the space between the frame (104) and the grill plate (106) is enclosed by a flexible cover (116). The flexible cover (116), together with the frame (104) and the grill plate (106), ensures that air can pass to the radiator housing (102) only through the waste filter units (108). The flexible cover (116) connects the frame (104) and the grill plate (106).

[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the multiple guide plates (110) are held together between an upper holder (118) and a lower holder (120). The guide plate (110) converges above the waste filter unit (108) when the upper holder (118) and the lower holder (120) are attached to the grill plate (106). The upper holder (118) and the lower holder (120) are attached to the grill plate (106) by spacers (122) and bolts (124).

[0021] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a waste filter unit (108) of an embodiment of the present invention. The waste filter unit (108) comprises at least one pair of filter lines (108-A) and several corrugated plates (108-B) which are positioned between the filter lines (108-A) and parallel to each other such that cavities between the corrugated plates form air passages (108-C).

[0022] In one embodiment, the corrugated plates are parallel to the filter lines.

[0023] In one embodiment, the corrugated plates (108-B) are placed one on top of the other, as shown in Fig. 2A is shown.

[0024] In one embodiment, the air passages (108-C) open together at an inclination (108-D), such that an open waste passage (108-E) is created between the at least one pair of filter lines (108-A) of each waste filter unit (108), wherein each filter line (108-A) has several corrugated plates (108-B) placed one above the other, as in Fig. 2A shown.

[0025] The function of the present invention is now achieved using Fig. 3-5 explained. Fig. Figure 3 shows two waste filter units (108) arranged so that they abut each other, as illustrated in one embodiment of the invention. A cooling fan (F) draws in ambient air. The ambient air (M) flows under the several guide vanes (110) towards the air passages (108-C). Some of the larger and heavier contaminants and clogging materials are separated in this stage. The smaller or lighter contaminants and clogging materials are pushed down the slope (108-D) primarily by the strong movement of the ambient air (M) between the guide vane (110) and the filter line (108-A). The ambient air (M) entering the air passages (108-C) has a direction of movement parallel to the air guide axis (126), so that the ambient air (M) facilitates the pushing of the contaminants and clogging materials down the slope (108-D).The contaminants and clogging materials, which are pushed down the incline (108-D), reach the open waste passage (108-E). The discharged contaminants and clogging materials fall through the open waste passage (108-E) due to gravity. Some of the remaining contaminants and clogging materials, which are very small, pass through the air passages (108-C) and move towards the cooler (not shown).

[0026] Due to the suction effect created by the radiator fan (F), small particles of dirt and obstructions that pass through the air passages (108-C) are drawn out. In addition, the grill plate (106) vibrates continuously due to engine vibration and vehicle movement. Therefore, the dirt and obstructions adhering to the grill plate (106) and all other components attached to it fall off due to gravity.

[0027] The air entering the air passages (108-C) flows in the direction of the central air passage axis (126). This ensures that contaminants and clogging materials slide easily over the slope (108-D) and facilitates the self-cleaning of the radiator grille assembly (100). Due to the slope (108-D), contaminants and clogging materials do not accumulate on the air ducts (108-C) and fall into the open waste passage (108-E) due to gravity. Therefore, the continuous movement of the ambient air (M) ensures that contaminants and clogging materials do not accumulate on the air ducts (108-C). Furthermore, [illustrates] Fig. 4 two waste filter units (108) which are arranged adjacent to one another according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Fig.Figure 5 illustrates, as an embodiment of the present invention, the upper cover (128) used to cover waste filter units (108). The waste filter units (108) are completely covered at the top by an upper cover (128), so that waste cannot enter from above. The open waste passage (108-E) of each waste filter unit (108) is open at its bottom, so that the accumulated waste can fall down due to gravity.

[0029] In the preceding detailed description of embodiments of the invention, various features of a single embodiment are grouped together for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting a desire for embodiments of the invention to require more features than are expressly disclosed. Rather, as the following description illustrates, the subject matter of the invention lies in fewer than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the following features are hereby included in the detailed description of embodiments of the invention, each feature being considered a separate embodiment.

[0030] Although some embodiments have been described, this was done for illustrative purposes, not to limit the invention. Various modifications that immediately come to mind for a person skilled in the art are within the scope of protection of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

[1] Self-cleaning radiator grille assembly (100) comprising: a cooling housing (102) with a frame (104) that can be operated in an open and / or closed position; and several waste filter units (108) forming a grill plate (106) which is held by the frame (104), each of the several Waste filter units (108) comprise at least one pair of filter lines (108-A), wherein several corrugated plates (108-B) are placed between each of the filter lines (108-A), the corrugated plates (108-B) being placed parallel to each other such that they form an inclination (108-D) so that cavities between the corrugated plates (108-B) form air passages (108-C) which open in an inclination (108-D); wherein an ambient air (M) moving in a general suction direction enters the air passages (108-C) through the cavities, thereby facilitating the removal of obstructing substances and enabling self-cleaning. [2] Radiator grille arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein the corrugated plates (108-B) are placed on top of each other. [3] Radiator grille arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein the corrugated plates (108-B) are parallel to the filter lines (108-A). [4] Radiator grill arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein the ambient air (M) entering the air passages (108-C) has a direction of movement parallel to an air passage axis (126). [5] Radiator grill arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein the inclination enables the clogging substances to be pushed towards an open waste passage (108-E) which is generated between the filter lines (108-A) of each waste filter unit (108). [6] Radiator grille arrangement (100) according to claim 1, further comprising joints (112) to facilitate pivoting the frame (104) into the open or closed position of the radiator housing (102). [7] Radiator grill arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein the frame (104) holds the grill plate (106) by means of flexible connections (114), thereby providing a support for the grill plate (106). [8] Radiator grille arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein an entire perimeter of a space between the frame (104) and the grill plate (106) is surrounded by a flexible covering (116). [9] Radiator grille arrangement (100) according to claim 8, wherein the flexible cladding (116) completely covers the flexible connections (114) from the outside and the flexible cladding (116) together with the frame (104) and the grill plate (106) ensures a passage of air to the radiator housing (102) only through the waste filter units (108). [10] Radiator grille arrangement (100) according to claim 1, wherein at least one guide plate (110) covers the waste filter unit (108). [11] Radiator grille arrangement (100) according to claim 10, wherein the guide plate (110) is held together between an upper holder (118) and a lower holder (120) such that each of the guide plates (110) converges over its corresponding waste filter unit (108) when the upper holder (118) and the lower holder (120) are attached to the grill plate (106). [12] Radiator grille arrangement (100) according to claim 10, wherein the upper holder (118) and the lower holder (120) are fastened to the grill plate (106) by spacers (122) and bolts (124).

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