Slot adapter for cleaning heat exchanger system and machine using same

Abstract

A machine having a heat exchanger system includes a heat exchanger guard including first and second sidewalls. The first sidewall is adjacent a core of the heat exchanger system. A first slot adapter is positioned over an opening formed in the first sidewall. The first slot adapter is vertically oriented and includes a first slot opening for receiving a compressed air cleaning wand therethrough. A cover is fixedly attached to the first slot adapter and is movable between an open position and a closed position.

1 . A machine having a heat exchanger system, comprising:
 a heat exchanger guard including first and second sidewalls, wherein the first sidewall is adjacent a core of the heat exchanger system;   a first slot adapter positioned over an opening formed in the first sidewall, wherein the first slot adapter is vertically oriented and includes a first slot opening for receiving a compressed air cleaning wand therethrough; and   a cover fixedly attached to the first slot adapter and movable between an open position and a closed position.   
   
   
       2 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the first slot opening is sized to prevent entry of hands through the first slot opening. 
   
   
       3 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the first slot adapter further includes a guide member extending from the first sidewall toward the core for restricting movement of the compressed air cleaning wand. 
   
   
       4 . The machine of  claim 3 , further including a fan, wherein the guide member guides the compressed air cleaning wand away from the fan. 
   
   
       5 . The machine of  claim 1 , further including a second slot adapter positioned over an opening formed in the second sidewall, wherein the second slot adapter is vertically oriented and includes a second slot opening for receiving a compressed air cleaning wand therethrough. 
   
   
       6 . The machine of  claim 1 , further including a second slot adapter positioned over a second opening formed in the first sidewall, wherein the second slot adapter is vertically oriented and includes a second slot opening for receiving a compressed air cleaning wand therethrough. 
   
   
       7 . The machine of  claim 6 , wherein the first slot adapter and the second slot adapter are vertically aligned. 
   
   
       8 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the heat exchanger system includes at least one of a water cooler, a hydraulic oil cooler, and an air to air aftercooler. 
   
   
       9 . The machine of  claim 8 , wherein the heat exchanger system includes a water cooler, a hydraulic oil cooler, and an air to air aftercooler. 
   
   
       10 . The machine of  claim 9 , wherein the water cooler, hydraulic oil cooler, and air to air aftercooler occupy a common plane. 
   
   
       11 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the machine is a waste handling track type tractor. 
   
   
       12 . A method of cleaning a core of a heat exchanger system of a machine, comprising:
 shutting off an engine of the machine;   moving a cover of a first slot adapter to an open position, wherein the first slot adapter includes an elongated opening therethrough;   inserting a compressed air cleaning wand through the first slot adapter opening; and   moving debris away from the core with pressurized air introduced through the compressed air cleaning wand.   
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , further including:
 moving a cover of a second slot adapter to an open position, wherein the second slot adapter includes an elongated opening therethrough;   inserting a compressed air cleaning wand through the second slot adapter opening; and   moving debris away from the core with pressurized air introduced through the compressed air cleaning wand.   
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , further including:
 moving the compressed air cleaning wand inserted through the first slot adapter to position a nozzle of the wand adjacent top portions of a surface of the core; and   moving the compressed air cleaning wand inserted through the second slot adapter to position a nozzle of the wand adjacent bottom portions of the surface of the core.   
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 12 , further including guiding the compressed air cleaning wand with a guide member of the first slot adapter. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the pivoting step further includes loosening a threaded fastener on an end of the cover. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 12 , further including pivoting the cover of the first slot adapter to a closed position. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 12 , further including sizing the first slot adapter opening to prevent entry of hands through the first slot adapter opening. 
   
   
       19 . A slot adapter for use with a machine having a heat exchanger system, comprising:
 a plate having an opening therethrough, wherein the plate is positioned over an opening in a sidewall of a heat exchanger guard;   wherein the plate opening is sized for receiving a compressed air cleaning wand therethrough and is further sized to prevent entry of hands through the plate opening;   a guide member extending from the plate for guiding the compressed air cleaning wand; and   a cover fixedly attached to the slot adapter and pivotable at a first end thereof between an open position and a closed position.   
   
   
       20 . The slot adapter of  claim 19 , further including a threaded fastener positioned at a second end of the cover for restricting movement of the cover.