Abstract:
A radiator arrangement is provided for a work vehicle. The radiator arrangement includes a radiator and a guiding axle that is seated in a first guide element. In order to provide a cleaning position of the radiator with improved accessibility for maintenance purposes, the radiator arrangement is configured such that the guiding axle is radially displaceable relative to the first guide element in a guideway of the first guide element. This allows the radiator to be moved from an operating position to a cleaning position by displacing the guiding axle relative to the first guide element in a direction that is generally radial to the guiding axle.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The invention relates to a radiator arrangement for a work vehicle, including at least one radiator or condenser configured to facilitate access for cleaning. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   Agricultural work vehicles, in particular towing tractors or wheeled loaders such as telescopic loaders, today include increasingly high-tech and powerful refrigeration units. The provision of powerful refrigeration units requires increased cooling capacity. Tight installation conditions, in particular in the region of the engine compartment, also necessitate a compact design. In order to be able to provide a high level of cooling capacity and a compact design, radiator arrangements are frequently arranged in a modular design, in which several individual radiators or condensers are disposed closely together in rows. As referred to above and below, the term radiator refers to any conventional radiators, condensers or similar heat exchange devices. 
   Due to the rough work environment of agricultural work vehicles, the radiators become dirty and lose efficiency, making it necessary to clean them at regular intervals. In order to clean radiators arranged in modules, the individual radiators have to be exposed to enable access to any covered surfaces of the radiators. In work vehicles where this activity has to be performed frequently, the use of various swivel devices for the individual radiators is common. Radiator arrangements therefore typically comprise one or more pivot axles, about which the individual radiators can pivot. This solution requires a relatively large pivot angle to ensure easy access to the covered surfaces of the radiators. The relatively large pivoting angle in turn necessitates that the pivoting vehicle radiators are not obstructed by other components in the engine compartment, or that such other components may first have to be removed. Yet, even with a relatively large pivoting angle, access in the area of the swivel axis is frequently very limited. In order to facilitate relatively large pivot angles for the radiators, it is necessary to route connecting lines accordingly, leading to complex and costly designs. 
   It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a radiator arrangement of the kind described above which overcomes the disadvantages associated with existing radiator arrangements. 
   SUMMARY 
   According to the present invention, a radiator arrangement is provided with a guiding axle radially displaceable relative to a first guide element in a guideway. A radiator can be moved from an operating position to a cleaning position by displacing the guiding axle relative to the first guide element. By displacing the swivel axis radially to the guiding axle about a path that is specified by the guideway, an open space is created, which allows easy access for cleaning and maintenance between surfaces of opposed radiators as well as other components in the engine compartment. The displacement of the swivel axis allows the entire radiator to be moved away from an adjacent radiator or other components in the engine compartment. Compared to existing solutions, this offers the advantage that pivoting about the guiding axle with relatively large pivoting angles is not required to grant access to the covered surfaces. 
   Regardless of where they are connected to the radiator, hoses, lines, tubes and the like mounted to the radiator only have to be routed short distances and require only slightly more length. This is advantageous in tight and compact installation conditions, for example, when several radiators or other vehicle components are combined. As a result, this reduces the cost of the radiator arrangement. 
   In an additional embodiment, the radiator is mounted pivotably about the guiding axle so that a pivoting motion of the radiator about the swivel axis can be added to provide an even more convenient cleaning position of the radiator. This requires only a small pivot angle to allow access to the covered surfaces of the radiators. The radiator can then be moved from the operating position to the cleaning position by displacing the guiding axle and by a pivoting motion about the guiding axle. 
   The radiator arrangement can also be provided with a support element, to which both the radiator and other components are mounted. It is conceivable to configure the support element as a fastening frame or to use individual stationary parts or other components of the radiator arrangement as support elements. The components do not have to be mounted on the fastening frame, but can be connected to each other in a kind of modular design, in which the individual fastened components together form a supporting frame, without utilizing the fastening frame. The first guide element for example can be fastened directly to an engine block functioning as a support element or to another component in the engine compartment. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the first guide element is fastened to the support element, wherein the first guide element may also be fastened to another component in the modular design. In this embodiment, the guiding axle is fastened to the radiator so that the guiding axle together with the radiator can be displaced radially relative to the first guide element. 
   In an alternative example, the guiding axle is fastened to the support element, for example, to a fastening frame. The first guide element is then attached to the radiator so that the guiding axle can be displaced radially relative to the first guide element together with the radiator. Here as well, the guiding axle may be fastened to other support elements or components instead of to a fastening frame. 
   The guideway configured in the first guide element includes at least one indentation, in which the guiding axle can engage. The indentation may represent an impression, in which the guiding axle is conducted and fixed through contact with it, wherein the indentation or impression can be provided in the guideway substantially upward or downward depending on the arrangement of the guiding axle and the first guide element. When displacing the guiding axle together with the radiator relative to the first guide element, the indentation should be downward so that the guiding axle rests in the indentation as a result of the weight of the radiator. Of course other solutions are also conceivable which allow the guiding axle to be fixed in the guideway. For example it may be fixed by means of interlocking teeth, threads or a tight fit between the first guide element and the guiding axle. 
   In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the guideway includes first and second indentations at opposing ends of the guideway. These indentations define the final position of the guiding axle in the guideway, and the indentations securely restrain the radiator in either the operating or cleaning positions. Should the radiator arrangement according to the present invention be configured such that the first guide element can be displaced together with the radiator, it is suitable to configure the indentations upward so that the guiding axle can engage or lock in the guideway as a result of the weight of the radiator. 
   In another embodiment, a retaining bolt is provided mounted displaceably along a guideway configured in a second guide element. The retaining bolt serves to support the radiator in order to limit a swiveling motion or displacement of the radiator and to additionally support the radiator. The fact that the retaining bolt is guided in a guideway of the second guide element limits the pivoting angle to which the radiator can pivot and holds the radiator when in the cleaning position. 
   The second guide element is preferably mounted pivotably so that it is possible to lower or fold in the second guide element in the operating position of the radiator. 
   The guideway can likewise be provided with one or more indentations, in which the retaining bolt can engage or rest. This way the radiator can be locked or fixed or engaged in the cleaning position or operating position, similarly as set forth above. 
   The arrangement of the second guide element and the retaining bolt can be implemented in various ways, as already explained in the description of the arrangement of the first guide element and the guiding axle. For example, the second guide element can be fastened to a stationary part, such as another support element or another component of the radiator arrangement, and the retaining bolt can be fastened to the radiator or also vice versa. 
   In order to secure the pivoting second guide element, a fastening means is provided, which attaches a pivoting end of the second guide element to the support element on the radiator. Such fastening can be achieved, for example, by means of a screw, bolt or a tensioning device. The radiator is pivoted into the cleaning position by folding out the second guide element so that the radiator is held in the cleaning position. By fastening the second guide element to prevent pivoting, this also prevents the radiator from moving. 
   Additionally, the radiator can also be secured against moving by providing a fastening means between the radiator and support element. This may be implemented, by a tab detachably connected to the radiator and the support element. Such a connection may be provided, for example, by means of a screw, bolt, or a tensioning device. 
   In another embodiment of the invention, the radiator arrangement includes a plurality of radiators, which are arranged in rows, wherein at least a first radiator at least partially covers a second radiator in the operating position. It is also conceivable to have other components in the engine compartment provided with the above-mentioned guide elements and guiding axles in order to enable other components in the engine compartment to be displaced or pivoted in a cleaning position in a similar fashion. A radiator arrangement for example may be also comprise two or more radiators, which comprise such guide elements and guiding axles. 
   Radiator arrangements are preferably used in work vehicles, in particular in agricultural work vehicles, such as towing tractors, wheeled loaders or harvesters. It is, however, also conceivable to use radiator arrangements in other work vehicles, for example in forestry equipment or in construction equipment. 
   Further objects, features and advantages of this invention will become readily apparent to persons skilled in the art after a review of the following description, with reference to the drawings and claims that are appended to and form a part of this specification. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention as well as further advantages and advantageous developments and embodiments will be described and explained in more detail hereinafter with reference to the embodiment that is schematically illustrated in the figures, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of a work vehicle including a radiator arrangement according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of a radiator arrangement according to the present invention in an operating position; and 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of a radiator arrangement according to the present invention in a cleaning position. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 1  shows a work vehicle  10  in the form of a telescopic loader. The work vehicle  10  comprises a chassis  12 , a boom  14  to which a tool  16  is connected, a cabin  18 , and front and rear axles  20 ,  22  including wheels  24 ,  26 . The work vehicle  10  furthermore comprises an engine compartment  28 , including an engine  32 , and other components (not shown) required for the operation of the work vehicle  10 . Within the engine compartment  28 , a radiator arrangement  30 , configured according to the present invention, is connected to and supported by the chassis  12  of the work vehicle  10 . 
     FIGS. 2 and 3  more clearly show the radiator arrangement  30  with  FIG. 2  illustrating the radiator arrangement  30  in an operating position. The radiator arrangement  30  includes a base module  38 , a first radiator  34  and a second radiator  36 . The first radiator  34  and the second radiator  36  are arranged in rows in a single module. As mentioned previously, the term radiator refers to any conventional radiator, condenser, or similar heat exchange device. 
   The first radiator  34  includes a first cooling surface  40  facing the second radiator  36 . The second radiator  36  includes a second cooling surface  48  facing the first radiator  34 . The second radiator  36  is also connected to air conditioning units (not shown) or the engine  32  of the work vehicle  10 , by means of hoses  50  and connecting lines  52 . 
   The first and second radiators  34 ,  36  are mutually connected by means of a support element  54 . The support element  54  is configured as a rectangular piece of sheet metal, which extends cross the entire width of the second radiator  36  and is mounted to the first radiator surface  40  on a vertical lateral surface  56  by means of, fasteners, for example, screws  58 . A first guide element  62  is coupled to a horizontal lateral surface  60  of the support element  54 . The first guide element  62  is configured as a sheet metal tab which includes a guideway  64 . The first guide element  62  and the support element  54  may be located on either side or both sides of the second radiator  36 . 
   The second radiator  36  also includes a connecting piece  66  coupled to the bottom and side of the second radiator  36  by means of screws  68  or other fastening means. A guiding axle  70  extends from the connecting piece  66  which is firmly connected to the second radiator  36 . The connecting piece  66  therefore serves to couple the guiding axle  70  to the second radiator  36 . The connecting piece  66  is included on both sides of the second radiator  36 . The guiding axle  70  may be configured as a guide pin, mounted to the connecting piece  66  in an outward direction, or as a continuous axle, extending across the entire width of the second radiator  36 , and through the connecting pieces  66  on either side. 
   The guiding axle  70  extends on either side of the second radiator  36  through the guideway  64  of the first guide element  62 . This permits the second radiator  36  to be displaced or moved along the guideway  64  and includes pivot about the guiding axle  70 . The guideway  64  includes first and second indentations  72 ,  74  at either end extending substantially downward. The guiding axle  70  engages the indentations  72 ,  74  by the weight of the second radiator  36 . This places the guiding axle  20  into one of two restrained positions associated with the first and second indentations  72 ,  47 . 
   In the position illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the guiding axle  70  and the second radiator  36  are in an operating position (i.e. the position in which the radiator arrangement  30  functions during operation of the work vehicle  10 ). In the operating position shown, the guiding axle  70  is disposed in the first indentation  72 . Should the radiator arrangement  30  need cleaning position for maintenance purposes, the second radiator  36  can be moved into a cleaning position by lifting the guiding axle  70  out of the first indentation  72 , moving the guiding axle  70  along the guideway  64 , relative to the first guide element  62 , and lowering the guiding axle  70  into the second indentation  74  (see  FIG. 3 ). 
   Additionally, the second radiator  36  can be pivoted about the guiding axle  70 , forming an opening angle between the second radiator  36  and the first radiator  34 . The opening angle may be adjusted, further increasing the accessibility of the radiator surfaces  40 ,  48 . The angle of the second radiator  36  is limited by a lateral retaining bolt  76  connected to the second radiator  36  and configured to engage a second guide element  78 . 
   The second guide element  78  is configured, for example, as a sheet-metal arm, which includes a guideway  80 , in which the retaining bolt  76  may move. The second guide element  78  is connected at one end by means of a pivot connection  82  to a retaining piece  84  mounted to the first radiator surface  40 . On the opposite end of the second guide element  78  an upwardly extending indentation  86  is provided in the guideway  80 . The indentation  86  is a restraining feature similar to the indentations  72 ,  74  of the first guide element  62 . By pivoting the second radiator  36 , the retaining bolt  76  is moved along the guideway  80  of the second guide element  78 . The weight of the second radiator  36  moves it downward, so that the retaining bolt  76  reaches the indentation  86  and locks the second radiator  36  in the cleaning position. 
   To release and pivot the second radiator  36  back into the operating position, the second guide element  78  only requires slight lifting to move the retaining bolt  76  from the indentation  86  in the guideway  80 . When the second radiator  36  is pivoted into the operating position, the retaining bolt  76  pushes the second guide element  78  around the pivot connection  82  toward a vertical position. Displacing the guiding axle  70  from the second indentation  74  (cleaning position, see  FIG. 3 ) into the first indentation  72  (operating position, see  FIG. 2 ), the second guide element  78  is returned to its starting position in a vertical orientation parallel to the first radiator surface  40  (see  FIG. 2 ). 
   To prevent unwanted movement of the second radiator  36 , which may result, for example, from vibrations or sudden accelerations of the work vehicle  10 , the second guide element  78  is provided with a first fastener  88  usually in the form of quick-release device. The first fastener  88  is designed such that the second guide element  78  resting on the first radiator surface  40  is connected detachably to the first radiator  34 , fastening it in its starting position (i.e. vertically, see  FIG. 2 ). By fastening the second guide element  78  in its starting position, the second guide element  78  cannot pivot, and as a consequence the retaining bolt  76  cannot be displaced along the guideway  80 . The radiator arrangement  30  is additionally secured with a second fastener  90 . The second fastener  90  is likewise designed as a quick-release device and detachably connects a retaining piece  92  fastened to the top of the second radiator  36 , to the first radiator surface  40  of the first radiator  34 . The radiator arrangement  30  or the second radiator  36  can only be moved from the operating position in the cleaning position when both fasteners  88 ,  90  have been released. 
   While the present invention has been described solely based on one embodiment, many varied alternatives, modifications and variations that are covered by the invention will become apparent to a person skilled in the art from the above specification, as well as the drawings. For example, the second guide element  78  can be designed as a stationary, non-pivoting guide element comprising a circular arc-like guideway. Additionally, the support element  54  can be configured not as a single part, but instead as part of a fastening frame, which supports the entire radiator arrangement  30  or only the first or second radiator. 
   As a person skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the above description is meant as an illustration of implementation of the principles this invention. This description is not intended to limit the scope or application of this invention in that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change, without departing from spirit of this invention, as defined in the following claims.