Air filter cleaning equipment for internal combustion engines

Abstract

The invention is a filter cleaning system (10) having a filter assembly (100) containing at least one air inlet end (111) for taking air by suction from the external environment to supply air to the internal combustion engines (20), at least one air transfer end (113) for conveying the received air to the engine (20) and at least one air filter (112) provided between said air transfer end (113) and said air inlet end (111) to filter the received air. Accordingly, it is characterized in that said filter assembly (100) comprises a cleaning end (114); comprises a compressor (120) pneumatically associated with said cleaning end (114) by means of a pneumatic circuit (160) to provide air flow from the cleaning end (114) outwardly from the air inlet end (111) to cause the particles in the filter to be separated from the filter, when a switching element (164) is triggered; comprises a pressure sensor (130) for measuring the pressure of the air transferred to the engine (20); comprises a control unit (140) configured to trigger said switching element (164) in the event that the pressure measurements received from said pressure sensor (130) are found to exceed a cleaning threshold value.

Description

[0001] AIR FILTER CLEANING EQUIPMENT FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to an automatic air filter cleaning equipment for internal combustion engines. In particular, the invention relates to an automatic cleaning equipment for the air filter in the engines of vehicles such as construction machines and tractors used in areas where dust particles that cause the air filter to fill up are dense.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] In order to ensure the movement of the piston in the cylinder-piston assemblies in internal combustion engines, the fuel injected into the cylinder must be burned. An ignition system and air are needed for the combustion of the fuel injected into the cylinder.

[0006] The air needed for combustion in the cylinder is supplied from the atmosphere. For this reason, the characteristics of the atmosphere in the environment where the engine operates are highly important.

[0007] The pressure, humidity, and temperature values of the air in the atmosphere are of great importance for the efficiency, power, torque, and exhaust emissions of engines. One of the characteristics of atmospheric air is the dust concentration, measured as the mass of dust (in grams or milligrams) in 1 m3. The concentration of dust in the air can vary depending on many factors. In addition, when the dust concentration in the air increases, if it is given to the engine without good filtering, it causes scratches and abrasions on the cylinder-piston assembly in the engine. Due to this wear on the cylinders, the engine's performance decreases, and fuel and oil consumption increases. This increases both operating costs and the level of harmful gases discharged from the exhaust into the environment. In addition, the service life of the engine is shortened and requires a comprehensive overhaul (renewal process) after a while. Engine overhaul is a very expensive and time-consuming process.

[0008] Since tractors and construction equipment are operated in areas with high dust concentrations, the air filter should be checked / cleaned at frequent intervals. As the dust concentration increases, the piston, piston rings, and cylinder liner wear out first. As a result of this wear, the compression pressure decreases, leading to a reduction in engine power. Modern automobile engines use single-stage filters made of pleated filter paper to clean the intake air. Trucks, construction equipment, and military vehicles (tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers) operating at higher dust concentrations in the air are usually equipped with two-stage filters. Abrasive dust particles entering the engine also cause wear of crankshaft journals and bearings when they mix indirectly with lubricating oil from the combustion area.

[0009] Recently, many companies have been working on air inlet systems to provide engine performance and filtration efficiency, maximum dust holding capacity, and maximum service intervals. In addition, the content of pollutants in the air sucked in by engines, especially abrasive substances that can cause engine wear, is also a subject of research. Due to the large amount of air involved in the combustion process in the internal combustion engine, the harmful gases emitted from the exhaust after fuel combustion also depend on the quality of the air used. Air is of different sizes, minerals, and roughness and contains a large number of impurities.

[0010] Air intake filters used in the tractor sector are generally cleaned during periodic maintenance or after the warning light illuminates at 65mbar, the user has to clean the filter by their own means and replace it if it is very bad. However, in agricultural areas, it is quite problematic for the user to perform the cleaning process if the air filter warning light comes on when the tractor is plowing the field. In addition, since the agricultural areas are outside the city, taking the tractor to the service center will cause a huge waste of time. This is undesirable and the clogged air filter should be cleaned as soon as possible.

[0011] Consequently, all the above-mentioned problems have made it necessary to make an innovation in the related technical field.

[0012] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to an automatic cleaning system for an air filter, which eliminates the above-mentioned disadvantages and brings new advantages to the relevant technical field.

[0014] An object of the invention is to provide a filter cleaning system for internal combustion engines, which will prevent the air pressure supplied to the engine from decreasing as a result of the filter assembly being full and the dust particles that can damage the engine in the air supplied to the engine by suction for the occurrence of combustion in internal combustion engines being retained by a filter assembly.

[0015] A further object of the invention is to provide air filter cleaning equipment for internal combustion engines to prevent the air filter assembly from filling up, which can occur in vehicles with internal combustion engines operated in areas where the concentration of dust in the air is high, such as construction machinery and tractors.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to provide a system for gradually notifying the user of the air filter assembly fill rate in vehicles with internal combustion engines.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to eliminate the need for the user to clean the air filter of vehicles such as construction machines and tractors by their own means when the air filter assembly is full.

[0018] In order to achieve all the above-mentioned objects and those that will emerge from the detailed description below, the present invention is a filter cleaning system having a filter assembly comprising at least one air inlet end for suctioning air from the external environment for transferring air to internal combustion engines, at least one air transfer end for conveying the received air to the engine and at least one air filter provided between said air transfer end and said air inlet end to filter the received air. Accordingly, said filter assembly comprises a cleaning end; comprises a compressor pneumatically associated with said cleaning end by means of a pneumatic circuit to ensure, when a switching element is triggered, the particles in the filter are removed from the filter by providing air flow from the cleaning end outwardly from the air inlet end; comprises a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the air transferred to the engine; comprises a control unit configured to trigger said switching element in the event that pressure measurements received from said pressure sensor are detected to exceed a cleaning threshold value. Thus, when the filter assembly reaches a certain level of full rate with particles in the air, the control unit enables the pneumatic circuit to be operated by means of the switching element and thus the filter assembly is automatically cleaned of particles.

[0019] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a user interface associated with the control unit, the control unit is configured to enable the user interface to operate such that it indicates the first type of warning in the event that the pressure measurement received from the pressure sensor exceeds a warning threshold value. Thus, it enables the user to be informed about the fill rate of the filter assembly present in the vehicle having an internal combustion engine with dust particles and about the depressurization of the air supplied to the engine.

[0020] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the control unit is configured to enable the user interface to operate to indicate the second type of warning in the event that the pressure measurement received from the pressure sensor exceeds a cleaning threshold value. Thus, it enables the user to be informed about the fill rate of the filter assembly present in the vehicle having the internal combustion engine with dust particles and about the depressurization of the air supplied to the engine.

[0021] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the control unit is configured to enable the user interface to operate to indicate the third type of warning in the event that the pressure measurement received from the pressure sensor exceeds a failure threshold value. Thus, it enables the user to be informed about the fill rate of the filter assembly present in the vehicle having an internal combustion engine with dust particles and about the depressurization of the air supplied to the engine.

[0022] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the control unit is configured to stop the engine in the event that the failure threshold value is exceeded. Thus, it is ensured that the power, efficiency, torque, and fuel performance decrease and possible damages to the internal combustion engine are prevented.

[0023] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a cleaning activation switch for manual operation of the switching element in the event of a failure. Thus, it enables the user to manually operate the air filter.

[0024] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that said user interface comprises light sources that emit different colored light for each warning. Thus, it enables the user to differentiate between the types of warnings.

[0025] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that said pneumatic circuit comprises an air tank to which the compressor supplies an air inlet, and an air discharge valve associated with said air tank; said switching element is provided in the form of a valve between the air tank and the cleaning end. Thus, in the event of a failure in the air tank, the pressurized air in the air tank can be safely discharged. Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that said control unit is an electronic control element of said valve. Thus, the filter cleaning system is controlled based on the electrical information coming from the pressure sensor.

[0026] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that said pneumatic circuit comprises a distribution element that allows the airflow to be conveyed to the cleaning end by separating it into at least two channels. Thus, the dust particles accumulated on the air filter are removed homogeneously.

[0027] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that said distribution element comprises three channels connected to the cleaning end. Thus, the dust particles accumulated on the air filter are removed homogeneously.

[0028] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a connection element for connecting the cleaning end and the distribution element in a form compatible with the cleaning end and the distribution element. Thus, a suitable medium is provided for transferring the compressed air into the air tank.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0030] Figure 1 shows a representative view of an exemplary embodiment of the pneumatic circuit diagram of the invention.

[0031] Figure 2a shows a representative view of the filter assembly and airflow when the filter cleaning system is inactive.

[0032] Figure 2b shows a representative view of the filter assembly and airflow when the filter cleaning system is active.

[0033] Figure 3 shows a representative view of an example embodiment of the invention.

[0034] Figure 4 shows a representative view of an example embodiment of the control circuit diagram of the invention.

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In this detailed description, the subject matter of the invention is described with non-limiting examples for merely a better understanding of the subject.

[0036] The invention relates to a filter cleaning system (10) for removing dust particles from a filter assembly (100) for removing dust particles from the air transferred to the engine (20) for combustion in the engine (20) in vehicles having an internal combustion engine.

[0037] Referring to Figure 1 , the present invention comprises a filter assembly (100) through which air to enter the internal combustion engine (20) providing movement in vehicles, an air filter (112) positioned in the filter assembly (100) to retain dust particles contained in the air, a compressor (120) to supply compressed air for cleaning the air filter (112), and a control unit (140).

[0038] Referring to Figure 1 , the present invention comprises a filter assembly (100) comprising an air inlet end (111) for the inlet of air to be transferred to the engine, an air filter (112) for removing dust particles from the air, an air transfer end (113) for transferring the filtered air to the engine, and a cleaning end for inlet of compressed air for cleaning the air filter (112).

[0039] Referring to Figure 1 , the present invention relates to a filter assembly (100) through which air to be transferred to an internal combustion engine passes, a control unit (140) associated with a pressure sensor (130) for measuring the pressure of the air in the filter assembly (100) contained in the filter assembly (100), a distribution element controlled by the control unit (140) for transferring compressed air the cleaning end (114) for cleaning the air filter (112); a pneumatic circuit (160) comprising an air tank (162) for storing compressed air, a compressor (120) for supplying the compressed air in the air tank (162), and an air line (161) through which the air is transferred.

[0040] Referring to Figure 1 , the pneumatic circuit (160) comprises a control unit (140) between the air tank (162) and the filter assembly (100), a distribution element (165) between the control unit (140) and the filter assembly (100), and a switching element (164) between the control unit (140) and the distribution element (165) triggered by the control unit (140).

[0041] Referring to Figure 1 , the pneumatic circuit (160) comprises an air discharge valve (163) for storing the air at a certain pressure in the air tank (162) and for releasing the compressed air in event of a possible failure. Referring to Figure 1 , the pneumatic circuit (160) comprises a pressure indicator for reading the pressure in the air tank (162).

[0042] Referring to Figure 1 , the present invention comprises a pressure sensor (130) for measuring the air pressure in the filter assembly (100), a control unit (140) associated with the pressure sensor (130), and a user interface (150). Thus, the filter cleaning system (10) is operated based on the value in the pressure sensor (130) and the user is informed about the fullness of the air filter (112).

[0043] Referring to Figure 1 , the present invention provides that when the value at the pressure sensor (130) reaches a certain level, the compressed air supplied by the air compressor (120) is supplied to the filter assembly (100) in the opposite direction to the air entering the air inlet end (111), thereby ejecting the dust particles accumulated on the air filter (112).

[0044] As a basic principle, for the combustion to be carried out in the cylinder-piston assembly inside the engine, the air entering the filter assembly (100) from the air inlet end (111) passes through the air filter (112) and is transferred to the engine (20) from the air transfer end (112). As a result of the air filter (112) being filled with dust particles, the pressure of the air transferred to the engine decreases. The pressure decrease in the air transferred to the engine (20) causes a decrease in parameters such as power, efficiency, torque, and fuel performance in the engine. For this reason, the present invention aims to ensure that the air filter (112) is cleaned of dust particles by operating the filter cleaning system (10) when the air filter (112) reaches a certain fill rate.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the invention, the air passing through the filter assembly (100) is stored in the air tank (162) by means of the air compressor (120). Thus, in the event of operation of the filter cleaning system (10), the compressed air to be supplied to the filter assembly (100) from the cleaning end (114) to the air inlet end (111) is readily stored.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, compressed air supplied for cleaning the air filter (112) enters the cleaning end (114) of the filter assembly (100). Thus, dust particles accumulated at the air inlet end (111 ) of the air filter (112) are removed from the air inlet end (111).

[0047] According to an embodiment of the invention, the pressure sensor (130) positioned in the filter assembly (100) measures the pressure of the air supplied to the engine. According to a present embodiment of the invention, the pressure sensor (130) positioned in the filter assembly (100) is associated with the control unit (140) for triggering the operation of the filter cleaning system (10).

[0048] According to an embodiment of the invention, the control unit (140) associated with the pressure sensor (130) operates the pneumatic circuit (160) by triggering the switching element based on the information received from the pressure sensor (130). Thus, the filter assembly (100), which has reached a certain filling rate, is purified from dust particles.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pneumatic circuit (160) ejects compressed air stored in the air tank (162) into the filter assembly (100) via the distribution element by triggering the control unit (140).

[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the switching element triggered by the control unit can be triggered manually by means of a switch at the request of the user. Thus, the user does not need to remove the air filter from the vehicle to clean the air filter at any time.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said switch means may be a button placed on the vehicle. Thus, the user performs the air filter cleaning operation by pressing said button at any time.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the distribution element directs compressed air from the air tank (162) to the cleaning end (114) of the filter assembly (100) through at least two channels, preferably three channels. Thus, the dust particles accumulated on the air filter (112) are homogeneously removed.

[0053] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (140) has a warning threshold value at a pressure decrease level such that the engine is not damaged.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user interface (150) is configured to provide the first type of warning to the user when the value obtained from the pressure sensor (130) reaches a warning threshold value. Thus, the user is informed about the air filter (112) which has reached a certain level of fullness.

[0055] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (140) has a cleaning threshold value at a pressure decrease level such that the engine is not damaged. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user interface (150) is configured to provide a second type of warning to the user when the value obtained from the pressure sensor (130) reaches a cleaning threshold value. Thus, the user is informed about the air filter (112) which has reached a certain level of fullness and the filter cleaning system (10) is activated to remove dust particles from the air filter (112).

[0056] According to a present embodiment of the invention, the control unit (140) has a failure threshold value at a pressure decrease level at which there is a risk of damage to the engine.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user interface (150) is configured to provide a third type of warning to the user when the value obtained from the pressure sensor (130) reaches a failure threshold value. Thus, the user is informed about the air filter (112) which has reached a certain level of fullness and the engine is stopped in order to prevent possible damage to the engine.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the user interface (150) has light sources that emit green light for the first type of warning, yellow light for the second type of warning, and red light for the third type of warning. This enables the user to distinguish the warning type.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a 21 mbar decrease in the pressure of the air transferred to the engine (20) is set as a warning threshold value.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a 40mbar decrease in the pressure of the air transferred to the engine (20) is set as a cleaning threshold value.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a 65mbar decrease in the pressure of the air transferred to the engine (20) is set as a failure threshold value.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the air line (161) is a cylindrical pipe capable of transferring compressed air at a pressure of at least 10 bar, preferably 20-40 bar. Sealing elements are used at the points where these pipes are connected to the pneumatic circuit (160) elements. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the air tank (162) is a storage tank having a volume of at least 10 liters, preferably 50 liters, and capable of holding compressed air in the range of at least 10 bar, preferably 20-40 bar.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the compressor (120) is positioned between the filter assembly (100) and the air tank (162). In this way, the compressor (120) is enabled to transfer the air cleaned from dust particles passing through the air filter (112) to the air tank (162).

[0064] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the switching element (164) is an electrically controlled pneumatic valve. Said switching element (164) switches the ejecting of compressed air from the air tank (162) into the filter assembly (100) based on an electrical signal received from the control unit (140).

[0065] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the air discharge valve (163) is a safety valve. Said safety valve reduces the pressure in the air tank (162) by opening its valve when the air pressure in the air tank (162) exceeds a certain value.

[0066] The protection scope of the invention is set out in the annexed claims and cannot be strictly limited to those described in this detailed description for illustrative purposes. It is clear that those skilled in the art can come up with similar embodiments in the light of the foregoing without departing from the main theme of the invention.

[0067] REFERENCE NUMBERS GIVEN IN FIGURES

[0068] 10 Filter cleaning system

[0069] 100 Filter assembly

[0070] 111 Air inlet end

[0071] 112 Air filter

[0072] 113 Air transfer end

[0073] 114 Cleaning end

[0074] 120 Compressor

[0075] 130 Pressure sensor

[0076] 140 Control unit

[0077] 150 User interface

[0078] 160 Pneumatic circuit

[0079] 161 Air line

[0080] 162 Air tank

[0081] 163 Air discharge valve

[0082] 164 Switching element

[0083] 165 Distribution element

[0084] 166 Pressure indicator

[0085] 20 Engine

Claims

CLAIMS A filter cleaning system (10) having a filter assembly (100) containing at least one air inlet end (111) for taking air by suction from the external environment to supply air to the internal combustion engines (20), at least one air transfer end (113) for conveying the received air to the engine (20) and at least one air filter (112) provided between said air transfer end (113) and said air inlet end (111 ) to filter the received air, characterized in that said filter assembly (100) comprises a cleaning end (114); comprises a compressor (120) pneumatically associated with said cleaning end (114) by means of a pneumatic circuit (160) to provide air flow from the cleaning end (114) outwardly from the air inlet end (111 ) to cause the particles in the filter to be separated from the filter, when a switching element (164) is triggered; comprises a pressure sensor (130) for measuring the pressure of the air transferred to the engine (20); comprises a control unit (140) configured to trigger said switching element (164) in the event that the pressure measurements received from said pressure sensor (130) are found to exceed a cleaning threshold value. A filter cleaning system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a user interface (150) associated with the control unit (140), wherein the control unit (140) is configured to enable the user interface (150) to operate to indicate the first type of warning in the event that the pressure measurement received from the pressure sensor (130) exceeds a warning threshold value. A filter cleaning system (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit (140) is configured to enable the user interface (150) to operate to indicate the second type of warning in the event that the pressure measurement received from the pressure sensor (130) exceeds a cleaning threshold value. A filter cleaning system (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the control unit (140) is configured to enable the user interface (150) to operate to indicate the third type of warning in the event that the pressure measurement received from the pressure sensor (130) exceeds a failure threshold value. A filter cleaning system (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the control unit (140) is configured to stop the engine (20) in the event that the failure threshold value is exceeded.A filter cleaning system (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a cleaning activation switch to enable manual operation of the switching element(164) in the event of a failure. A filter cleaning system (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that said user interface (150) comprises light sources emitting different colored light for each warning. A filter cleaning system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said pneumatic circuit (160) comprises an air tank (162) to which the compressor (120) supplies air inlet, an air discharge valve (163) associated with said air tank (162); said switching element (164) being provided in the form of a valve between the air tank (162) and the cleaning end (114). A filter cleaning system (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that said control unit (140) is an electronic control element of said valve. A filter cleaning system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said pneumatic circuit (160) comprises a distribution element (165) for conveying the airflow to the cleaning end (114) by separating it into at least two channels. A filter cleaning system (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that said distribution element (165) comprises three channels connected to said cleaning end (114). A filter cleaning system (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a connection element to connect the cleaning end (114) and the distribution element(165) in a form compatible with the cleaning end (114) and the distribution element (165).

Images