Water injection device for an internal combustion engine

Abstract

Water injection device (10) for an internal combustion engine (11), comprising a water reservoir (13), comprising a filler neck (14) for filling the water reservoir (13) with water, comprising a feed line (15) leading to the internal combustion engine (13), comprising a return line (16) leading to the water reservoir (13), comprising a conveying device (17) for supplying the water to the internal combustion engine (11) from the water reservoir (10), comprising at least one filter device (18), comprising at least one ion exchange device (20) which converts the water into deionized water, and comprising at least one decalcification device (19) which decalcifies the water, wherein the or each filter device (18) and / or the or each ion exchange device (20) and / or the or each decalcification device (18) is / are installed in the water reservoir (13) or on the Water reservoir (13) is installed.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a water injection device for an internal combustion engine.

[0002] DE 10 2015 208 477 A1 discloses a water injection device for an internal combustion engine, comprising a water reservoir, a supply line leading to the internal combustion engine, a return line leading to the water reservoir, and a conveying device. The conveying device is associated with the supply line and serves to convey the water from the water reservoir toward the internal combustion engine. The water reservoir can be filled with water via a filling line. A UV lamp for decontaminating the water is integrated into the water reservoir.

[0003] From EP 2 918 813 A1 a water injection system for an internal combustion engine is known, wherein a heater is assigned to the water reservoir in order to heat the water held in the water reservoir.

[0004] Internal combustion engines with exhaust gas turbochargers are known from DE 10 2009 046 370 B4 and EP 0 412 076 A1. In DE 10 2009 046 370 B4, water supplied to the internal combustion engine is filtered through a filter. In EP 0 412 076 A1, the water stored in a reservoir is heated via the exhaust gas flow.

[0005] Another water injection device for an internal combustion engine is known from US Pat. No. 7,216,607 B2. This device has a deionization device associated with a supply line.

[0006] DE 10 2013 003 726 A1 discloses a method for producing an additive for the combustion air of an internal combustion engine. The additive is specially treated water that is injected into the combustion air of the internal combustion engine. The water injected into the combustion air of the internal combustion engine is filtered and / or electrically treated.

[0007] DE 102015208509 A1, US 2008 / 0271702 A1 and WO 2017 / 137100 A1 disclose further prior art.

[0008] The object of the invention is to create a novel water injection device for an internal combustion engine.

[0009] This object is achieved by a water injection device for an internal combustion engine according to claim 1.

[0010] The water injection device according to the invention comprises at least one filter device and at least one ion exchange device which converts the water into deionized water, and at least one decalcification device which decalcifies the water, wherein the or each filter device and / or the or each ion exchange device and / or the or each decalcification device is preferably integrated into the water storage tank or installed on the water storage tank.

[0011] The present invention proposes a water injection device for an internal combustion engine, in which the filter device and / or the ion exchange device and / or the decalcification device are installed in the reservoir or directly on the reservoir. This allows for optimal water treatment via the water injection device with minimal installation space.

[0012] According to an advantageous further development, the filter device, the ion exchange device, and the decalcification device are all integrated into the water storage tank. When all three types of water treatment devices are integrated into the water storage tank, a particularly compact design is possible.

[0013] According to an alternative advantageous development, the respective descaling device is integrated into the water reservoir, with the respective filter device being installed on the water reservoir in the area of ​​the filler neck. Preferably, the respective filter device is integrated into the filler neck. The respective ion exchange device is preferably integrated into the water reservoir, or alternatively, into the supply line. This development of the invention also allows for a compact design of the water injection device.

[0014] According to a further advantageous development, a water quality sensor is provided which measures the water quality, wherein, depending on the measured water quality, the water can be treated by the or each filter device and / or the or each ion exchange device and / or the or each decalcification device. According to this development of the invention, the water treatment by the filter device and / or the ion exchange device and / or the decalcification device takes place depending on the measured water quality, i.e., not permanently, but only when the measured water quality requires it. This allows the respective filter device and / or the respective ion exchange device and / or the respective decalcification device to be made smaller. This also allows a particularly compact design of the water injection device to be provided.

[0015] According to a further advantageous development, a first filter device is installed on the water reservoir in the area of ​​the filler neck, wherein a second filter device is preferably integrated together with the ion exchange device and / or the descaling device into the supply line or into a branch line branching off from the supply line. The branch line can be separated from the supply line via a switchable valve, wherein the switchable valve is opened or closed depending on the water quality measured by the water quality sensor. This development is advantageous when the water injection device comprises the water quality sensor. In this case, the switching valve is opened or closed depending on the water quality measured by the water quality sensor.If the water quality is measured to be sufficiently good, the switching valve is closed to direct the water past the second filter device and / or the decalcification device and / or the ion exchanger device. However, if the water quality measured by the water quality sensor is insufficient, the switching valve is opened to direct the water to be treated through the second filter device and / or the ion exchanger device and / or the decalcification device.

[0016] Preferably, the filter device and / or the ion exchange device and / or the descaling device has a heating element for heating the respective device. This makes it possible to heat the respective water treatment device to ensure its full functionality even at low temperatures.

[0017] Preferred developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims and the following description. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail, without being limited thereto, with reference to the drawings. Herein: Fig. 1 is a highly schematic block diagram of a first water injection device according to the invention for an internal combustion engine; Fig. 2 is a highly schematic block diagram of a second water injection device according to the invention for an internal combustion engine; Fig. 3 is a highly schematic block diagram of a third water injection device according to the invention for an internal combustion engine; Fig. 4 is a highly schematic block diagram of a fourth water injection device according to the invention for an internal combustion engine; Fig. 5 is a highly schematic block diagram of a fifth water injection device according to the invention for an internal combustion engine; and Fig. 6 a highly schematic block diagram of another water injection device for an internal combustion engine.

[0018] The invention relates to a water injection device for an internal combustion engine.

[0019] Fig. 1 shows a highly schematic block diagram of a first water injection device 10 according to the invention together with an internal combustion engine 11, wherein cylinders 12 of the internal combustion engine 11 are shown.

[0020] The internal combustion engine 11 may be a supercharged internal combustion engine, in which case the internal combustion engine 11 comprises at least one exhaust gas turbocharger.

[0021] The water injection device 10 of the Fig. 1 has a water reservoir 13 in which water is stored. The water reservoir 13 has a filler neck 14 through which water can be poured into the water reservoir 13.

[0022] Furthermore, Fig. 1, a supply line 15 leading to the combustion engine 11 and a return line 16 leading to the reservoir 13. Water stored in the water reservoir 13 can be supplied to the combustion engine 11 via the supply line 15, in order to then inject the water into defined assemblies or components of the combustion engine. The water can be returned to the water reservoir 13 via the return line 16.

[0023] In Fig. 1 further shows a conveying device 17 designed as a pump, which is assigned to the feed line 15 and serves to convey the water from the water storage tank 13 in the direction of the combustion engine 11.

[0024] The water injection device 10 has at least one filter device 18, at least one decalcification device 19 and at least one ion exchange device 20. The or each filter device 18, the or each decalcification device 19 and the or each ion exchange device 20 all provide water treatment devices, which in the embodiment of the Fig. 1 are all installed in the storage tank 13, namely are integrated into the water storage tank 13.

[0025] In this case, Fig. 1, the filter device 18, the decalcification device 19 and the ion exchange device 20 are preferably combined into one module. Water, which is to be introduced into the water reservoir 13 via the filler neck 14, flows into Fig. 1 first via the filter device 18, then via the decalcification device 19 and then via the ion exchange device 20 into the interior of the water storage tank 13, in order to then be supplied as appropriately treated water to the combustion engine 11 from the water storage tank 13.

[0026] Fig. 2 shows a modification of the water injection device 10, in which the filter device 18 is not integrated into the water reservoir 13, but rather is installed directly on the water reservoir 13, specifically in the area of ​​the filler neck 14, in which the filter device 18 is preferably integrated.

[0027] In the water storage tank 13 are Fig. 2 the decalcification device 19 and the ion exchange device 20 are integrated, wherein water which is to be filled via the filler neck 14 flows first via the filter device 18, then via the decalcification device 19 and then via the ion exchange device 20, in order to then be kept ready as appropriately treated water in the water storage tank 13 and to be fed to the combustion engine 11 from the water storage tank 13.

[0028] A further embodiment of a water injection device 10 according to the invention shows Fig. 3.

[0029] In the embodiment of the Fig. 3 is in accordance with the embodiment of the Fig. 2, the filter device 18 is installed directly on the water reservoir 13 and preferably integrated into the filler neck 14. Likewise, in accordance with the embodiment of the Fig. 2 the descaling device 19 is integrated into the storage tank 13, but not adjacent to the filler neck 14, but in an area in which water is withdrawn from the water storage tank 13 via the conveying device 17 or the feed line 15.

[0030] While in Fig. 2 the water flows after filling via the filler neck 14 directly over the decalcification device 19, is in Fig. 3, it is provided that the water flows over the decalcification device 19 immediately before being drawn from the water reservoir 13. In Fig. 3, the ion exchange device 20 is integrated into the flow line 15.

[0031] The ion exchange devices 20 are water treatment devices that convert water into deionized water.

[0032] The filter devices 18 are preferably organic filter devices which remove or neutralize organic contaminants in the water such as germs, algae or even oil and grease residues.

[0033] The water is decalcified via the decalcification devices 19 so that, for example, tap water can be poured into the water reservoir 13 via the filler neck 14.

[0034] For the embodiment of the Fig. 3 shows by way of example that the water treatment devices 18, 19 and 20 can each be assigned a heating element 21, 22 or 23. Thus, in Fig. 3, a heating element 21, 22, 23 is integrated into each of the filter device 18, the decalcification device 19, and the ion exchange device 20. The respective water treatment device 18, 19, or 20 can be heated via the respective heating element 21, 22, or 23, respectively, in order to heat the respective water treatment device to an optimal operating temperature at low temperatures.

[0035] Further embodiments of water injection devices 10 according to the invention for internal combustion engines show Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6.

[0036] In the embodiment of the Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, a first filter device 18 is installed directly on the water storage tank 13, wherein this first filter device 18 is integrated into the filler neck 14.

[0037] In Fig. 4, a further, second filter device 18 is integrated together with the decalcification device 19 and the ion exchange device 20 into a branch line 24 branching off from the flow line 15, wherein the branch line 24 can be separated from the flow line 15 via a switchable valve 25.

[0038] In the embodiment of the Fig. 4, a water quality sensor 26 is assigned to the supply line 15 in order to measure the water quality of the water which is kept in the water storage tank 13 in the area of ​​the supply line 15.

[0039] Then, when the water quality measured by the water quality sensor 26 is too low, the switchable valve 25 opens and the water supplied via the flow line 15 is at least partially guided via the branch line 24 and the water treatment devices 18, 19 and 20 integrated into the branch line 24, namely via the second filter device 18, the decalcification device 19 and the ion exchange device 20. In Fig. 4, the water supplied via the branch line 24 is returned to the water reservoir 13 to adjust the water quality within the water reservoir 13. As soon as the water quality in the water reservoir 13 exceeds a limit value, the switchable valve 25 is closed. Then, when the water quality measured by the water quality sensor 16 is sufficiently good, the switchable valve 25 is closed, and the water supplied via the supply line 15 can be fed directly to the combustion engine 11.

[0040] Another example shows Fig. 5, where in the embodiment the Fig. 5 the water quality sensor 26 is integrated into the water reservoir 13. The water quality sensor 26 therefore measures in the embodiment of the Fig. 5 the water quality directly within the water storage tank 13.

[0041] Another difference in the embodiment of the Fig. 5 compared to the embodiment of the Fig. 4 is that the branch line 24, which branches off from the supply line 15 and can be separated from the supply line 15 via the switchable valve 25, is not designed as a return line into the water storage tank 13, but rather leads the water in the direction of the combustion engine 11.

[0042] When the water quality measured by the water quality sensor 26 within the water storage tank 13 is sufficiently good, the switchable valve 25 is closed and the water is fed directly to the combustion engine 11, bypassing the water treatment devices 18, 19, and 20. However, when the water quality measured by the water quality sensor 26 is not sufficiently good, the switchable valve 25 opens to direct at least a portion of the water quantity supplied via the supply line 15 via the branch line 24 and thus via the water treatment devices 18, 19, and 20 integrated into the branch line 24, thus improving the quality of the water supplied to the combustion engine 11.

[0043] A further embodiment of a water injection device 10 according to the invention shows Fig. 6. Also in the example of the Fig. 6, the water quality sensor 26 is integrated into the water storage tank 13. The second filter device 18, the decalcification device 19 and the ion exchange device 20 are integrated into the supply line 15. In the embodiment of the Fig. 6, it is provided that these water treatment devices 18, 19, and 20, integrated into the supply line 15, can be switched on and off depending on the measured value of the water quality sensor 26. In this case, it is not necessary to integrate them into a branch line.

[0044] In the embodiment of the Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, a water quality sensor 26 is therefore present, which is integrated into the water storage tank 13 or into the supply line 15 leading to the combustion engine 11 and measures the water quality.

[0045] If the water quality is sufficient, the water supplied to the water reservoir 13 can be fed to the combustion engine 11 without further water treatment. If, however, the water quality is insufficient, the water held in the water reservoir 13 undergoes further water treatment via the second filter device 18, the decalcification device 19, and the ion exchange device 20, which are integrated either into the supply line 15 or into a branch line 24. The branch line 24 can be separated from the supply line 15 via a switchable valve 25.

[0046] Also in the examples of the Fig. 4, Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 can, as in connection with the embodiment of the Fig.3, a heating element 21, 22, or 23 may be provided to increase the performance of the water treatment devices 18, 19, and 20. Such a heating element may also be positioned in the area of ​​the water quality sensor 26 to improve its measurement quality.

Claims

[1] Water injection device (10) for an internal combustion engine (11), with a water reservoir (13), with a filler neck (14) to fill the water reservoir (13) with water, with a feed line (15) leading to the combustion engine (13), with a return line (16) running to the water storage tank (13), with a conveying device (17) for supplying the water to the combustion engine (11) from the water reservoir (1o), with at least one filter device (18), with at least one ion exchange device (20) which converts the water into deionized water, and with at least one decalcification device (19) which decalcifies the water, wherein the or each filter device (18) and / or the or each ion exchange device (20) and / or the or each descaling device (18) is installed in the water storage tank (13) or on the water storage tank (13). [2] Water injection device according to claim 1, characterized by that the respective filter device (18) and / or the respective ion exchange device (19) and / or the respective decalcification device (19) is integrated into the water storage tank (13). [3] Water injection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the respective filter device (18) and the respective ion exchange device (20) and the respective decalcification device (19) are integrated into the water storage tank (13). [4] Water injection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the respective descaling device (19) is integrated into the water storage tank (13), and that the respective filter device (18) is installed on the water storage tank (13) in the area of the filler neck (14). [5] Water injection device according to claim 4, characterized by that the respective filter device (18) is integrated into the filler neck (14). [6] Water injection device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by that the respective ion exchange device (20) is integrated into the water storage tank (13). [7] Water injection device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by that the respective ion exchange device (20) is integrated into the flow line (15). [8] Water injection device according to claim 1, characterized bythat the respective filter device (18) and / or the respective ion exchange device (19) and / or the respective decalcification device (19) is installed on the water storage tank (13). [9] Water injection device according to claim 1 or 8, characterized by that a first filter device (18) is installed on the water storage tank (13) in the region of the filler neck (14), and that a second filter device (18) is integrated into the feed line (15) or into a branch line (24) branching off from the feed line (15). [10] Water injection device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by a water quality sensor (26). [11] Water injection device according to claim 10, characterized bythat the water quality sensor (26) measures the water quality and, depending on this, the water can be treated by the respective filter device (18) and / or the respective ion exchange device (19) and / or the respective decalcification device (19). [12] Water injection device according to claims 9, 10 and 11, characterized by that the second filter device (18) together with the ion exchange device (20) and / or the decalcification device (19) is integrated into the feed line (15) or into the branch line (24), wherein the branch line (24) can be separated from the feed line (15) via a switchable valve (25), and wherein the switchable valve (25) is open or closed depending on the water quality measured by the water quality sensor (26). [13] Water injection device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized bythat the filter device (18) and / or the ion exchange device (20) and / or the decalcification device (19) has a heating element (21, 22, 23) for heating the respective device. [14] Water injection device according to claim 13, characterized by that a heating element (21, 22, 23) for heating the respective device (18, 19, 20) is integrated into the filter device (18), the ion exchange device (20) and the decalcification device (19). [15] Internal combustion engine with a water injection device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 14.

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