Device for injecting cleaning agent into an engine combustion chamber

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1000) for injecting cleaning product into a combustion chamber, comprising a tool (100) that can be operated by a single user, positioned in place of an ignition coil and a spark plug, having a sealing surface (10) that can be mounted against a seat under the clamping force of a fastening element (90) on the engine, this tool (100) having a body (50) having, at a first end (1), a connecting element (2) cooperating in a complementary and sealing manner with a container (200) containing a cleaning product, this connecting element (2) having an inlet orifice (3) of a main channel (5) of the tool body (50) to at least one outlet orifice (6), which has at a second end (7) on the engine side an injection nozzle (8), the fastening element (90) being mounted away from the spark plug thread of the cylinder and not aligned with the seat and the thread.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for injecting cleaning product into a combustion chamber of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine comprising on the one hand a spark plug housing with a spark plug seat and a spark plug thread, and on the other hand an engine ignition coil housing and a coil mounting comprising a threaded housing or a stud, said device comprising at least one tool that can be operated by a single user and arranged to be positioned in said ignition coil housing and in said spark plug housing of the same cylinder, said tool comprising a sealing surface arranged to be mounted in support of said spark plug seat and to resist a predetermined pressure, under a clamping force applied, when said tool is positioned in support of said spark plug seat, by means of at least one support element comprising at least one mounting element on the engine cooperating with said engine coil mounting.

[0002] The invention also relates to an internal combustion heat engine comprising an aftermarket batch including such a device.

[0003] The invention relates to the field of maintenance of internal combustion engines, and to the tooling for the treatment and cleaning of the combustion chamber and peripheral components (pistons, rings, valves, cylinders, and the like).

[0004] To improve the performance of an internal combustion engine, it is beneficial to clean the combustion chambers, pistons, and especially their piston rings. This type of operation is carried out as an aftermarket service, without specialized equipment, using an aerosol spray, and is particularly inconvenient. There is a significant health risk due to the toxicity of the product, as well as the resulting spray and fumes, requiring operators to wear full protective equipment.

[0005] The procedure is delicate and requires two operators, either to screw a flexible hose fitting onto the spark plug threads when possible, or to plug the spark plug housing openings during all or part of the cleaning cycle. This work requires appropriate personal protective equipment and incurs disposal or recycling costs for this equipment.

[0006] The invention seeks to solve several problems: health problems concerning operators (fumes, projections, possible contact with the product), the large number of handling of contaminated product, the need to work with at least two operators involved during the injection of product, and the other phases of the cleaning cycle (motor rotation, maceration), the cost of protective equipment and its disposal, the cost of the disposal of all the materials soiled during the operation (rags, plugs, protections).

[0007] The objective of the present invention is to overcome these drawbacks by providing a tool for injecting cleaning product into a combustion chamber and ensuring a seal during all or part of the cleaning process (in particular, during cranking and maceration). This tool reduces the number of personnel required during engine cleaning, avoids direct contact with the injected product, and limits the number of manipulations required during the engine piston ring cleaning procedure.

[0008] Adding such a tool to one or more cylinders ensures a tight seal during injection and prevents any direct contact between personnel and the injected product during the cleaning operation on the piston rings.

[0009] To achieve this objective, the invention proposes a device for injecting cleaning product into a combustion chamber of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine comprising, on the one hand, a spark plug housing with a spark plug seat and a spark plug thread, and on the other hand, an engine ignition coil housing and a coil mounting comprising a threaded housing or a stud or a bore or other mounting system, said device comprising at least one tool that can be operated by a single user and arranged to be positioned in said ignition coil housing and in said spark plug housing of the same cylinder, said tool comprising a sealing surface arranged to be mounted against said spark plug seat and to withstand a predetermined pressure, under a tightening force applied, when said tool is positioned against said spark plug seat,by means of at least one support element comprising at least one fastening element on the motor cooperating with said motor coil fastening.

[0010] According to the invention, said at least one tool comprises a rigid tool body which includes, at a first end, a connecting element arranged to cooperate in a complementary and sealed manner with a container containing a cleaning product, said connecting element having an inlet orifice arranged to channel said cleaning product inside said tool body in at least one main channel to at least one outlet orifice, which includes at a second end on the engine side an injection nozzle, and said at least one fixing element is mounted distant from the spark plug thread of said cylinder and offset from the common axis of said spark plug seat and said spark plug thread.

[0011] Thanks to this invention, an after-sales technician can single-handedly remove the ignition coil and spark plug from the same cylinder, easily replace them with a rigid, easy-to-handle tool, position this tool securely against the spark plug seat, and rigidly fix it to the engine, ensuring a tight seal and pressure resistance. The cleaning product's entirely internal path within the tool protects the operator from any contact. The injection nozzle allows the cleaning product to be sprayed precisely where needed. By eliminating the need for the spark plug threads, the tool can be designed with an awkward shape, compatible with available access points.

[0012] Advantageously, said at least one fastening element is arranged to exert a clamping force on said tool on the engine in a direction parallel, or substantially parallel, to said common axis of said spark plug seat and said spark plug thread, and comprises a guiding bore guiding, or a screw arranged to cooperate with said threaded housing of said coil fixing for clamping said tool on the engine, or a stud of said coil fixing, said fastening element then comprising a nut arranged to cooperate with said stud for clamping said tool on the engine.

[0013] The mounting system provided on the engine for the ignition coil is thus advantageously used to ensure excellent positioning and pressure retention of the cleaning product injection tool.

[0014] Advantageously, the connection between said joining element and said container is made with a quick-release snap-fit ​​assembly or any other mounting device ensuring the sealing of the connection during the installation or removal of said device.

[0015] This configuration is perfectly suited for use with a pressurized container, and guarantees both safety and speed of assembly. The cleaning product circulates in a closed loop until it reaches the injection nozzle.

[0016] Advantageously, said connecting element is removable from said tool body by a screw connection, and is a socket adapted to a particular model of said cleaning product container.

[0017] Thus, the same tool can be used in cooperation with containers from different suppliers.

[0018] Advantageously, the said injection nozzle is removable from the said body by a screw connection.

[0019] This nozzle can therefore be best adapted to cleaning the cylinder in question.

[0020] Advantageously, said injection nozzle is metallic, and comprises a plurality of outlet orifices, diverging in a substantially conical manner.

[0021] This configuration is well suited for cleaning up a segmentation.

[0022] Advantageously, the diameter of said main channel is between 1.8 mm and 2.2 mm, but this channel can be stepped and have diameters of different sizes.

[0023] Pressure losses are thus limited, and the diameter of the tool body can be reduced, in order to lighten the tool and make it easier to handle.

[0024] Advantageously, said tool includes an expansion vessel, connected to said main channel by a discharge channel, said expansion vessel having a lower chamber connected to said discharge channel, and which is separated by a membrane from an upper chamber which exerts a counter-pressure on said membrane.

[0025] Thus, it is possible to handle any backflow of cleaning product without endangering the operator; and to maintain an identical quantity of product in the cylinders by reinjecting any product potentially ejected from the combustion chamber, while avoiding the risk of hydraulic compression.

[0026] Advantageously, said device comprises at least one said cleaning product container paired with said junction element of said tool at their interface.

[0027] Implementing this system is therefore extremely easy.

[0028] The invention further relates to a fleet comprising at least one internal combustion engine and comprising an aftermarket lot including such a device.

[0029] Thus, maintenance is greatly facilitated in the network over which this fleet of internal combustion engines is spread.

[0030] The invention will be further detailed by describing non-limiting embodiments, and based on the accompanying figures illustrating variants of the invention, in which: [ Fig.1 ] schematically illustrates a tool, operable by a single user, included in the cleaning product injection device, in its operating position; a detail shows, in the upper part, a connecting element arranged to cooperate in a complementary and airtight manner with a container holding a cleaning product; Fig.2 ] schematically illustrates the tool of [ Fig.1 assembled to a cleaning product container to form this device; Fig.3 ] schematically illustrates the tool of [ Fig.2 ], featuring a plurality of injection nozzles at its lower part, visible in a detail in the lower right, and equipped with an expansion tank to cope with product backflow; two other details on the left illustrate two alternative sealing surfaces arranged to be mounted against a spark plug seat; Fig.4 ] schematically illustrates, in a top view, the tool of [ Fig.1 ], inserted into a motor orifice represented by a circle in bold dashed line, awaiting the cleaning product container; [ Fig.5 ] schematically illustrates a fleet of internal combustion engines, one of which includes an aftermarket batch comprising a device according to [ Fig.2 ].

[0031] The invention relates to a device 1000 for injecting cleaning product into a combustion chamber of a cylinder of a thermal engine comprising on the one hand a spark plug housing with a spark plug seat and a spark plug thread, and on the other hand an engine ignition coil housing and a coil mounting comprising a threaded housing or a stud or a bore or other mounting system, in particular for a thermal engine.

[0032] Such a cleaning product is designed to dissolve and remove the accumulation of residues (oil, carbon, fuel, or other) on the pistons, piston rings, cylinder bore, and combustion chamber. This accumulation of residues is detrimental to the performance of the internal combustion engine, increasing fuel consumption, causing engine misfires, and increasing CO2 and NOx emissions, and of course, accelerating engine wear. Often, it is an aerosol cleaner, a fuel additive, a valve cleaner, a carburetor cleaner, or a direct injection cleaner. Spraying according to prior art required two operators to wear goggles, gloves, a face mask, and appropriate protective clothing.

[0033] Device 1000 includes at least one tool 100 that can be operated by a single user, and arranged to be positioned in place of an engine ignition coil, using an identical fixing, in an ignition coil housing and in a spark plug housing of the same cylinder.

[0034] This tool 100 has a sealing surface 10, which is arranged to be mounted in support on such a spark plug seat, and to withstand a predetermined pressure, in particular and not limited to about 20 bar, under a clamping force exerted, when the tool 100 is positioned in support on said spark plug seat, by means of at least one support element 9, which comprises the tool 100, comprising at least one fixing element 90 on the engine cooperating with the engine coil fixing, under a clamping force exerted by this support element 9.

[0035] This sealing surface 10 may include, in particular, a compression gauge type sealing gasket.

[0036] According to the invention, this at least one tool 100 comprises a rigid tool body 50 which includes, at a first end 1, a connecting element 2 which is arranged to cooperate in a complementary and sealed manner with a container 200 containing a cleaning product.

[0037] This connecting element 2 has an inlet orifice 3 arranged to channel the cleaning product inside the tool body 50 into at least one main channel 5 to at least one outlet orifice 6, which has at a second end 7 on the engine side an injection nozzle 8.

[0038] And this at least one fixing element 90 is mounted away from the spark plug thread of the cylinder, and exerts a clamping force along a first axis D1 offset from a second axis D2 common to the spark plug seat and the spark plug thread.

[0039] More specifically, tool 100 has a unique tool body 50, the shape and dimensions of which depend on access to the spark plug seat and combustion chamber.

[0040] More specifically, and without limitation, the connecting element 2 includes a retaining element, such as a groove 4, or a flange, or the like, depending on the interface of the container holding the cleaning product. Advantageously, the connection between the connecting element 2 and the container is made in a similar manner to that between a tire sealant valve and a tire valve, with a quick-release snap-on assembly; of course, any other arrangement remains possible.

[0041] In one particular variant, the connecting element 2 is removable from the body 50, for example by a screw connection, the important point being that the connection is designed to withstand a predetermined pressure, for example of approximately 20 bar. Thus, the connecting element 2 can be a socket adapted to a particular model of cleaning product container.

[0042] This connecting element 2, in particular a pneumatic valve type nozzle, allows for the proper flow of the injected product, and sealing during the engine rotation phases, and also prevents the product from returning when the nozzle is unclipped from the container, in particular an aerosol can.

[0043] The body 50 thus comprises at least one main channel 5, continuous from the inlet orifice 3 to at least one outlet orifice 6, which is comprised at the second end 7 on the engine side, in particular lower, of the injection nozzle 8. In a particular variant, this injection nozzle 8 is removable from the body 50, for example by a screw connection, arranged to withstand a predetermined pressure, in particular 20 bar.

[0044] More specifically, the injection nozzle 8 is metallic and has a plurality of outlet orifices 6, notably diverging in a substantially conical manner, as seen in [ Fig.3 More specifically, the outlet ports 6 are equidistant.

[0045] The main channel 5 is sized to ensure proper flow of the injected product and to minimize pressure losses. For a tool intended for an internal combustion engine, the diameter of the main channel 5 is preferably between 1 mm and 3 mm, specifically between 1.8 mm and 2.2 mm, but this channel can be stepped with diameters of varying sizes.

[0046] It is important to ensure a firm and airtight seal of the tool 100 against the engine. To this end, the tool 100 includes at least one support element 9, which in turn includes at least one mounting element 90 for the engine. This at least one mounting element 90 is arranged to exert a clamping force on the tool 100 against the engine in a first direction parallel D1, or substantially parallel, but not necessarily coinciding, with the second direction D2 common to the spark plug seat and the spark plug thread.

[0047] This 90 fixing element is mounted away from the spark plug thread of the cylinder, and not aligned with the relevant spark plug seat and spark plug thread.

[0048] More specifically, the fastening element 90 includes a guide bore 91 guiding either a screw 92 arranged to cooperate with a threaded housing of a coil fixing for clamping the tool on the motor, or a stud of a coil fixing, the fastening element 90 then including a nut arranged to cooperate with this stud for clamping the tool on the motor.

[0049] In the non-limiting example illustrated in [ Fig.1 The support element 9 comprises an arm 95 substantially radial with respect to the body 50, and the fastening element 90 comprises a guide bore 91 for a screw 92 (in particular, the existing coil fastening screw) intended to be fixed directly to the coil mounting on the engine. Tightening this screw tends to push the tool body 50 into its housing and to press and hold the sealing surface 10 against the corresponding spark plug seat on the engine. Preferably, the fastening element 90 corresponds to that of the ignition coil, which the tool 100 according to the invention replaces during the cleaning operation. It is naturally possible to add another holding point if the existing support proves insufficient during engine rotation.

[0050] The combination of the support element 9 and the sealing surface 10 ensures perfect injection of the cleaning product, without using the spark plug threads, thus guaranteeing perfect cleanliness. Tightening the support element 9 on the engine is essential for the proper implementation of the invention, as it ensures that the sealing surface 10 is properly supported on its seat.

[0051] It is understood that using spark plug threads would only be feasible with a rigid, straight tool, but access in an engine is generally not straight. This explains the angled configuration of many ignition coils, incompatible with screwing due to insufficient clearance. This also explains why prior art involved using aerosols or flexible hoses, which are incompatible with the pressure and cleanliness requirements.

[0052] In a particular embodiment specific to the type of engine concerned, the body 50 is bent into two parts 11 and 12 as in the examples of [Fig.1] à [Fig.4], In other versions it may still be curved, or in several assembled parts.

[0053] In a particular embodiment, the support element 9 is symmetrical with respect to a first plane P1, and the body 50 is symmetrical with respect to a second plane P2, intersecting the first plane P1, as seen in the example of [ Fig.4 ].

[0054] [ Fig.3 [ ] illustrates an advantageous embodiment of the invention, arranged to deal with a backflow of cleaning product during engine operation. To this end, the tool 100 includes an expansion vessel 13, connected to the main channel 5 by a discharge channel 131. This expansion vessel 13 has a lower chamber 132 connected to the discharge channel 131, and which is separated by a diaphragm 133 from an upper chamber 134. Preferably, the upper chamber 134 exerts a counter-pressure on the diaphragm 133, either mechanically, for example by a spring, or hydraulically or pneumatically by means of an accumulator, a compressor, or other means.This safe expansion vessel 13 allows, when the piston is at top dead center with all valves closed, and when the volume of injected cleaning product is greater than the volume of the combustion chamber, on the one hand to avoid hydraulic compression during the engine rotation phases, and on the other hand to keep an identical quantity injected into the cylinders.

[0055] Of course, one tool is needed per cylinder (and preferably each one equipped with an expansion tank). The low unit cost of the tools allows for equipping any after-sales service at minimal expense.

[0056] In one variant, the device 1000 comprises at least one tool 100, and at least one container 200 of cleaning product matched with the junction element 2 of the tool 100 at their interface, as seen in [ Fig.2 ].

[0057] The invention also relates to a fleet of 3000 comprising at least one internal combustion engine 2000 comprising an after-sales lot comprising such a device 1000.

[0058] It is understood that the invention is applicable to both a stationary heat engine and a heat engine mounted on a motor vehicle, ship, or aircraft.

[0059] More specifically, the fleet of 3000 includes at least one motor vehicle with at least one internal combustion engine 2000, and one after-sales lot with such a device 1000.

[0060] In summary, the invention, through the use of a simple and inexpensive tool, makes it possible to limit health risks (emission and projection of the product), the number of people involved, the operation can now be carried out safely by a single operator in a very ergonomic way, and the number of manipulations is greatly reduced.

[0061] It is therefore easier to trigger an after-sales operation at a reasonable cost to reduce excessive oil consumption, which is always linked to poor engine performance, and to allow the user of internal combustion engines to reduce their consumption.

Claims

1. Device (1000) for injecting cleaning product into a combustion chamber of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine comprising, on the one hand, a spark plug housing with a spark plug seat and a spark plug thread, and on the other hand, an engine ignition coil housing and a coil mounting comprising a threaded housing or a stud or a bore or other mounting system, said device (1000) comprising at least one tool (100) operable by a single user and arranged to be positioned in said ignition coil housing and in said spark plug housing of the same cylinder, said tool (100) comprising a sealing surface (10) arranged to be mounted against said spark plug seat and to withstand a predetermined pressure, under an applied tightening force, when said tool (100) is positioned against said spark plug seat,by means of at least one support element (9) comprising at least one fastening element (90) on the motor cooperating with said motor coil fastening, characterized in that said at least one tool (100) comprises a rigid tool body (50) which includes, at a first end (1), a connecting element (2) arranged to cooperate in a complementary and leak-proof manner with a container (200) containing a cleaning product, said connecting element (2) having an inlet orifice (3) arranged to channel said cleaning product inside said tool body (50) in at least one main channel (5) to at least one outlet orifice (6), which includes at a second end (7) on the engine side an injection nozzle (8), and in that said at least one fixing element (90) is mounted away from the spark plug thread of said cylinder and offset from the common axis of said spark plug seat and said spark plug thread.

2. Device (1000) according to claim 1 characterized in that said at least one fastening element (90) is arranged to exert on said tool (100) a clamping force on the engine in a direction parallel, or substantially parallel, to said common axis of said spark plug seat and said spark plug thread, and includes a guiding bore (91) guiding, or a screw (92) arranged to cooperate with said threaded housing of said coil fixing for clamping said tool on the engine, or a stud of said coil fixing said fastening element (90) then including a nut arranged to cooperate with said stud for clamping said tool on the engine.

3. Device (1000) according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in thatthe connection between said connecting element (2) and said container (200) is made with a quick-release snap-fit ​​assembly or any other mounting device ensuring the sealing of the connection during the installation or removal of said device.

4. Device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that said connecting element (2) is removable from said tool body (50) by a screw connection, and is a socket adapted to a particular model of said container (200) of cleaning product.

5. Device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that said injection nozzle (8) is removable from said body (50) by a screw connection.

6. Device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that said injection nozzle (8) is metallic, and comprises a plurality of outlet orifices (6), diverging in a substantially conical manner.

7. Device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that the diameter of said main channel (5) is between 1.8 mm and 2.2 mm.

8. Device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 characterized in that said tool (100) includes an expansion vessel (13), connected to said main channel (5) by a discharge channel (131), said expansion vessel (13) having a lower chamber (132) connected to said discharge channel (131), and which is separated by a membrane (133) from an upper chamber (134) which exerts a counter-pressure on said membrane (133).

9. Device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 characterized in that said device (1000) includes at least one said container (200) of cleaning product paired with said connecting element (2) of said tool (100) at their interface.

10. Fleet (3000) comprising at least one internal combustion heat engine (2000) comprising an after-sales lot comprising a device (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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