Method and apparatus for forcibly cooling components of an automotive vehicle prior to emission tesing

• US 5,441,099 A
• Filed: 08/23/1993
• Issued: 08/15/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 08/23/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Motor Company
• Inventors: Yasso, Adel K.
• Primary Examiner(s): Yeung, James C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): O'CONNOR, DANIEL
• Application Number:
  US08/110,236
• Time in Patent Office: 722 Days
• Field of Search: 165/41, 165/96, 165/100, 165/101, 165/139, 123/41.31, 123/41.09, 123/41.10, 123/41.11, 123/41.12, 123/41.48, 123/41.49, 123/41.51
• US Class Current: 165/41
• CPC Class Codes: F01M 5/002 Cooling
• CPC Class Codes: F01M 5/007 Thermostatic control
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 1/06 Arrangements for cooling other engine or machine parts
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 2007/143 using restrictions
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 2025/08 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 2025/40 Oil temperature
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 2050/06 using liquid-to-liquid heat exchangers
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 2060/04 Lubricant cooler
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 3/20 Cooling circuits not specific to a single part of engine or machine F01P3/22 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F01P 7/16 by thermostatic control
• CPC Class Codes: G01M 15/102 by monitoring exhaust gases

Abstract

An apparatus for forcibly cooling selected components of a vehicle includes a heat exchanger separate from the engine, a pump for circulating the engine oil and engine coolant between the engine and the heat exchanger at a predetermined flow rate, and a variable valve for controlling the flow rate between the engine and heat exchanger. A blower forces and directs air at the components. A controller connected to a thermocouple controls the operation of the blower, pump and a variable valve. The components are cooled in a controlled manner.

Claims

1. An apparatus for cooling selected components of a vehicle including an engine from a first temperature to a second temperature, said vehicle including engine oil and engine coolant operatively associated therewith, said apparatus comprising:

a heat exchanger separate from said engine;

circulating means for circulating said engine oil and engine coolant between said engine and said heat exchanger at a predetermined flow rate;

variable valve means for controlling said flow rate between said engine and heat exchanger;

blower means for forcing and directing air at said components;

feedback means for providing a temperature signal from said engine oil, engine coolant and said components; and

control means, connected to said feedback means, for controlling the operation of said blower means and circulation means, said control means connected to said variable valve means, whereby said component is cooled in a controlled manner to a second temperature.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said selected components include a transmission and an exhaust system.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said circulating means comprises a first circulating means for circulating said engine oil and a second circulating means for circulating said engine coolant.

4. An apparatus according to claims 1, wherein said blower means comprises a diffuser means for directing air in a predetermined direction.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said diffuser means is directed at a driveline of said vehicle.

6. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said diffuser directed at a fuel tank of said vehicle.

7. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein an exhaust gas removal system is connected to said exhaust system for drawing ambient air into said engine and through said exhaust system whereby further cooling is provided for the engine and said exhaust system.

8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said variable valve means is operative to be fully opened at 200°

F. and closed at ambient 75°

F.