GB770647A - Improvements relating to air inlets in self-propelled vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

770,647. Motor vehicles. JENSEN MOTORS, Ltd. Oct. 14, 1954 [Oct. 14, 1953], No. 28243/53. Class 79(3). [Also in Group XIII] In an engine-driven vehicle having a housing 13 for the engine (not shown) and radiator 11 with a forwardly facing aperture of greater width than height a closure member 28 for the aperture is pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis. As shown the housing 13 has an apertured front cowling 17, the aperture having an ornamental bezel ring 37 and inwardly turned flanges 29 and its height and width being in the ratio of about 1 to 3. Pivoted to the flanges by stubs 30 is the closure member 28 having an approximately C or D section. Pivotal movement of the member 28 is controlled through a Bowden cable 40 from the driver's station, a spring 45 urging the member open against a stop 35 and the cable 40 being associated with positive or other abutment means to restrain such opening. The member 28 is so shaped that until it has turned through 45 degrees from the closed position the lower portion of the aperture in the cowling 17 is not open. In a modification, Fig. 5 (not shown), pivotal movement of the closure member is controlled thermostatically. In a further modification the pivotal axis of the closure member is arranged below the centre of air pressure of the member and spring urged into its closed position whereby the member is opened by movement of the vehicle. Alternatively the pivotal movement can be controlled by the difference of air pressure on the forward and reverse sides of the closure member, the difference being caused by rotation of the enginedriven radiator fan. Further the thermostatic or air pressure control may be subject to an overriding manually operable control means. The air passing through the aperture may pass to the engine either through or around the radiator and be exhausted from the housing through lateral openings and an opening at the upper rear end thereof, the latter opening counteracting the formation of frost or ice on the windscreen. The radiator may be provided with a blind or the like. The invention may be applicable to a vehicle having gas turbine engine, the closure member further serving the function of preventing the ingress of foreign bodies and undesirable weather conditions to the gas turbine air intake, and in controlling inlet air for turbine speed regulation. According to the Provisional Specification ducts or air directing members may be provided behind the closure member to deliver air to the radiator, engine and front brakes.