| 摘要 |
<p>In the operation of construction vehicles, the reduction of the noise associated with their operation has become a primary concern. A major source of the noise created by the operation of a vehicle resides with the engine and associated components utilized to power the vehicle. While these components have been encased in enclosures comprised of sound suppression material and restricted openings through which noise may escape, a severe problem has been created in obtaining proper airflow into the enclosure for adequate cooling of the surface temperatures of the components as well as the cooling systems for the fluids that circulate internally through the drive train components. Additionally, the temperature rise experienced within a tightly sealed engine enclosure can exceed the allowable maximum temperatures of components such as microprocessors. The ventilation apparatus (51) of the present invention provides an airflow control system that is designed to minimize noise while providing adequate airflow both during engine operation and after engine shutdown. The enclosure (24) that is devided into first and second compartments (26, 28). The first compartment (26) houses the drive train components (14) and the second compartment (28) houses the fluid cooling apparatus (30). The first compartment (26) is provided with at least one air communicating means (52) to transfer ambient air from outside the enclosure through a circuitous air passageway (54) lined with sound absorptive material (60, 62). The air passageway (54) is formed in at least one of the walls that forms the first compartment (26) so that it may be critically positioned with respect to the more heat sensitive components (14) housed within the enclosure (24) yet maximizing the efficient use of available space. A plurality of blowers (78) may be included in the air passageway (54) to selectively direct the flow of air toward selected portions of the first compartment (26).</p> |
