Internal combustion engine cleaning apparatus and operating method thereof

Abstract

Engine cleaning apparatus (1) comprising aa cleaning fluid generating hydraulic system (6) provided with an electrolysis device (8) comprising a container (11) containing an electrolytic solution comprising a solvent and an electrolyte, and an electrolytic cell (9) for generating the cleaning fluid. The apparatus comprises, furthermore, an electronic weighing device (13) measuring the weight of the container (11), and an electronic control system (7) determining the level / quantity of the electrolytic solution contained in the container (11) based on the weight.

Description

[0001] " INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE CLEANING APPARATUS AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF"

[0002] Cross-Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This patent application claims priority from Italian patent application no . 102023000018138 filed on September 4 , 2023 , the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference .

[0004] Technical Field

[0005] The present invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning an internal combustion engine , and the operating method thereof .

[0006] As is known, internal combustion engines are subj ect , during fuel combustion, to the internal deposition of carbon-based residues generally indicated as "carbon deposits" , which over time tend to accumulate inside the engine forming encrustations that negatively af fect the combustion ef ficiency of the engine , the performance of the engine and gas emissions of the same .

[0007] For this purpose , engine cleaning apparatuses have been designed, which are generally used in workshops to perform so- called decarboni zation cycles ( removal of carbon deposits ) , during which an oxyhydrogen-based cleaning fluid is inj ected into the inside of the engine .

[0008] During the decarboni zation cycle , the cleaning fluid passes through the ducts and / or the internal chambers of the vehicle engine and causes a decomposition of the carbon deposit particles that are burned and / or expelled from the engine , making the latter decarboni zed, namely, clean .

[0009] The above-mentioned apparatuses are provided with an electrolytic cell that contains an electrolytic solution comprising water and an electrolyte and performs , during the cleaning cycle , an electrolysis process to generate the oxyhydrogen to be inj ected into the engine . Correct operation of the above-mentioned apparatuses requires the use of systems that determine the quantity of the electrolytic solution so as to quickly identi fy an exhausted condition of the same in order to signal to the operator the need for a refill .

[0010] There is therefore a need in the internal combustion engine cleaning field to provide the above-mentioned apparatuses with systems that are able to measure in a simple , inexpensive , and precise manner the quantity of the electrolytic solution used in an engine cleaning apparatus of the type described above for the production of oxyhydrogen .

[0011] Description of the Invention

[0012] The obj ect of the present invention is therefore to provide an engine cleaning apparatus that satis fies at least the aforementioned need .

[0013] In accordance with this obj ect , according to the present invention, an engine cleaning apparatus is obtained and the operating method thereof is provided, as defined in the respective independent claims and preferably, but not necessarily, in any of the dependent claims thereof .

[0014] The claims describe preferred embodiments of the present invention and form an integral part of the present description .

[0015] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] The present invention will now be described with reference to the attached drawings , which illustrate a non-limiting embodiment thereof , wherein :

[0017] - Figure 1 shows an engine cleaning apparatus , with parts removed for clarity and parts illustrated schematically, obtained according to the dictates of the present invention,

[0018] - Figure 2 is a block diagram of an engine cleaning apparatus obtained according to the dictates of the present invention,

[0019] - Figures from 3 to 6 are perspective views of a possible exemplary embodiment of an engine cleaning apparatus , with parts removed for clarity, obtained according to the dictates of the present invention,

[0020] - Figure 7 is a block diagram of an engine cleaning apparatus made according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention .

[0021] Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

[0022] With reference to Figure 1 , number 1 denotes as a whole an engine cleaning apparatus . The apparatus 1 is configured to clean the inside of one or more engines 2 by using a cleaning fluid FP so as to remove carbon-based residues or encrustations or carbon deposits from the engine 2 ( engine decarboni zation) .

[0023] According to the present invention, the engine 2 is an internal combustion engine , namely, a thermal / endothermic engine of a vehicle 3 . The thermal / endothermic engine is widely known and will not be further described except to speci fy that it is structured to be powered, in its normal use , through inlet ducts / openings by a fuel ( gasoline , diesel , gas , or the like ) and by a comburent ( air, or similar ) .

[0024] The apparatus 1 is an independent machine separate from the vehicle 3 , namely, it is not comprised in and is not mounted on the vehicle 3 .

[0025] The apparatus 1 is configured so as to perform at least one cleaning cycle . During a cleaning cycle , the apparatus 1 generates a cleaning fluid FP and inj ects the same in a controlled manner into the engine 2 , preferably into the combustion chamber of the engine 2 .

[0026] Conveniently, the apparatus 1 is configured to inj ect the cleaning fluid FP into the engine 2 so that it comes into contact with at least : the components arranged in the combustion chamber, the components arranged between the combustion chamber and each gas exhaust duct . Conveniently, the apparatus 1 inj ects the cleaning fluid FP into the engine 2 so that it comes into contact with at least the following components of the engine 2 : the pistons , the valves , and the inj ector tips .

[0027] The engine cleaning apparatus 1 according to the present invention is conveniently a workshop equipment , namely, it is configured so as to be used preferably in a workshop to clean the engine 2 when the vehicle is in a pre-established maintenance condition . The pre-established maintenance condition can preferably provide that : the vehicle 3 is stationary, the engine 2 is on and has a given temperature ( a "hot" engine ) .

[0028] The vehicle 3 is widely known and will not be further described except to speci fy that it can comprise , for example , a motor vehicle ( as shown in Figure 1 ) , a motorcycle , or any similar vehicle that is provided with an internal combustion engine ( truck or coach, etc . ) .

[0029] It is however known that in addition or alternatively, according to the present invention, the engine cleaning apparatus must not be considered limited to the cleaning of motor vehicle engines but also finds application for cleaning internal combustion engines installed in vehicles corresponding to boats , airplanes (piston engines ) .

[0030] The engine cleaning apparatus obtained according to the present invention could also be conveniently used to perform the cleaning of internal combustion engines installed in power generation units provided with uninterruptible power supplies or any system comprising an internal combustion engine .

[0031] The apparatus 1 is adapted to perform one or more cleaning cycles during which it inj ects a cleaning fluid FP into the internal combustion engine 2 . According to the present invention, the cleaning fluid FP is substantially in a gaseous state and comprises oxyhydrogen HHO, namely, a gaseous mixture of hydrogen and oxygen .

[0032] In the example shown in Figure 1 , the apparatus 1 comprises a casing or boxed frame 4 , for example having a parallelepiped shape , and at least one inj ection duct 5 , which is hydraulically connected / coupled to the engine 2 so as to inj ect the cleaning fluid FP into the same . The inj ection duct 5 can comprise a flexible tube that extends outside the boxed frame 4 , and is structured to have on one end a connector structured to be hydraulically coupled in an eas ily separable manner to the engine 2 ( for example to the intake or inj ection inlet openings or ducts of the combustion chamber - not illustrated) .

[0033] The apparatus 1 comprises a generating hydraulic system, hereinafter referred to as hydraul ic system 6 , which is adapted to generate the cleaning fluid FP and to inj ect the same in a controlled manner into the engine 2 through the duct 5 . The apparatus 1 comprises , furthermore , an electronic control system 7 which is configured to operate the hydraulic system 6 so as to control the quantity / flow rate of the cleaning fluid FP inj ected into the engine 2 during a cleaning cycle , and / or the duration of the cycle itsel f .

[0034] According to the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the hydraulic system 6 is preferably arranged inside the frame 4 and is hydraulically connected to the duct 5 to supply the latter with the cleaning fluid FP .

[0035] The electronic control system 7 can comprise one or more electrical control units / modules (not illustrated) and / or electronic circuits configured to implement control programs to supervise the operation of the apparatus 1 . The electronic control system 7 can be electrically connected to a control panel 27 to receive commands given by the operator . In the example illustrated in Figure 1 , the control panel 27 is comprised in the apparatus 1 . The operator commands can be processed by the electronic control system 7 to conf igure / set the cleaning cycle so as to define the characteristics thereof , for example the flow rate of the cleaning fluid FP and / or the duration of the cycle itsel f .

[0036] With reference to Figure 2 , the hydraulic system 6 is provided with an electrolysis device 8 . The electrolysis device 8 comprises at least one electrolytic cell 9 provided with electrodes 10 ( at least two ) , which are immersed in an electrolytic solution ML . In use , the electrolytic cell 9 subj ects the electrolytic solution ML to an electrolysis process ( known and therefore not described) to generate oxyhydrogen .

[0037] The electrolytic solution ML is substantially (predominantly) in a liquid state and is formed by a solvent Ml and an electrolyte M2 . The solvent Ml can comprise water in a liquid state , conveniently deminerali zed water . The electrolyte M2 can comprise a solution in a substantially liquid state having a predetermined concentration of salt compounds . The salt compounds can conveniently be based on hydroxide , potassium hydroxide (KOH) , sodium hydroxide (NaOH) . The concentration of electrolyte M2 in the electrolytic solution ML can be comprised in a predetermined concentration range , preferably it can have a predetermined value . The concentration range or the predetermined value can be determined by the electronic control system 7 so as to ensure correct / ef f icient operation of the electrolytic cell 9 .

[0038] With reference to Figure 2 , the apparatus 1 comprises a vessel or container 11 that comprises the electrolytic solution ML . In the embodiment shown in Figure 2 , the container 11 is formed by a single body (monoblock) formed by the electrolytic cell 9 and by a tank 12 containing the electrolytic solution ML . The electrolytic cell 9 can be arranged / comprised in the tank 12 so that the electrodes 10 are immersed in the electrolytic solution ML inside the tank 12 .

[0039] With reference to Figures 1 - 6 , the apparatus 1 comprises a weighing device 13 , which is configured to measure the weight Pl of the container 11 ( of the single body) .

[0040] The electronic control system 7 is configured to determine a first control quantity based on the weight Pl .

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment , the first control quantity can be indicative of the level LI and / or the quantity of the electrolytic solution ML contained in the container 11 .

[0042] The electronic control system 7 can be configured to determine a first condition ( low quantity condition of the electrolytic solution) which indicates the need to refill the container 11 based on the first control quantity .

[0043] It is understood that the level can correspond to the height of the electrolytic solution ML in the container 11 with respect to a reference element , for example the lower base of the same . It is also understood that the quantity can correspond to a volume ( denoted with Hl ) ( for example measured in litres ) of the electrolytic solution ML in the container 11 .

[0044] The technical ef fect obtained by the use of the weighing device 13 is to determine instant by instant , with high precision, the level and / or the quantity of the electrolytic solution ML contained in the container 11 in a simple and inexpensive manner . Furthermore , it is possible to measure the level and / or the quantity indirectly without any contact with the electrolytic solution ML . By not having components that are in contact with the saline compounds of the electrolytic solution ML, the exposure of the apparatus 1 to deterioration that would require periodic maintenance with related costs is reduced . With reference to Figures 1 and 2 , the apparatus 1 comprises , furthermore , a hydraulic refill system 14 . In the example illustrated in Figure 2 , the hydraulic refill system 14 comprises the electrolyte and / or the solvent (water ) and is hydraulically connected to the hydraulic system 6 so as to selectively supply it with the electrolyte and / or the solvent (water ) so as to refill it / them, on command, into the container 11 .

[0045] Conveniently, the electronic control system 7 is configured, furthermore , to control the hydraulic refill system 14 so as to automatically control the quantity of electrolyte M2 and / or the quantity of solvent Ml supplied to the container 11 based on the first control quantity ( level or quantity) .

[0046] In the example illustrated, the hydraulic refill system 14 comprises a refill tank 15 which contains a solvent corresponding to the solvent Ml , preferably water .

[0047] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2 , the hydraulic refill system 14 comprises , furthermore , a pumping circuit 16 , provided with one or more electrically operated pumps that are controlled by the electronic control system 7 to inj ect the solvent Ml in a controlled manner into the container 11 of the electrolysis device 8 .

[0048] According to the embodiment shown in Figure 2 , the apparatus 1 can preferably comprise , furthermore , a weighing device 18 configured to measure the weight P2 of the refill tank 15 .

[0049] The electronic control system 7 can be configured, furthermore , to determine a second control quantity indicative of the level L2 and / or quantity H2 of the solvent Ml contained in the refill tank 15 based on the weight P2 measured by the weighing device 18 . The electronic control system 7 can be configured, furthermore , to control the pumping circuit 16 so as to control the refilling of the solvent Ml into the refill tank 15 in the container 11 , based on the first quantity and / or the second quantity .

[0050] For example , the electronic control system 7 can control the pumping circuit 16 so as to automatically control the quantity of solvent Ml that is taken from the refill tank 15 and refilled into the container 11 , based on the first control quantity, and / or based on the second control quantity .

[0051] For example , the electronic control system 7 can be configured so as to turn on the pumping circuit 16 when the first quantity is less than or equal to a first pre-established threshold ( first level ) and turn of f the pumping circuit 16 when the first quantity is greater than or equal to a second pre-established threshold ( second level greater than the first level ) .

[0052] The electronic control system 7 can be configured, furthermore , so as to turn on the pumping circuit 16 when the first quantity is less than or equal to the first pre-established threshold ( first level ) and refill a pre-established quantity of solvent Ml into the container 11 based on the second quantity .

[0053] The electronic control system 7 can be configured, furthermore , to determine a second condition ( exhaustion or low quantity condition of the solvent ) which indicates the need to refill the refill tank 15 based on the second control variable .

[0054] The electronic control system 7 can communicate , furthermore , by means of the control panel 27 a message or signal that indicates to the operator the need to refill the container 11 and / or the refil l tank 15 by adding solvent when it determines the first condition and the second condition, respectively .

[0055] With reference to Figure 2 , the hydraulic refill system 14 can preferably comprise , furthermore , a refill tank 20 containing the electrolyte M2 . Conveniently, the refill tank 20 can be coupled to the circuit of the hydraulic refill system 14 in an easily replaceable , removable , separable manner . Conveniently, the refill tank 20 can comprise a replaceable electrolyte refill bottle or cartridge . Preferably, the electrolyte refill cartridge is hydraulically coupled to the circuit of the hydraulic refill system 14 in an easily removable / separable manner so that it can be replaced, when an exhaustion state of electrolyte occurs , by another electrolyte refill cartridge containing a pre-established quantity of electrolyte . The refill tank 20 can contain a concentration of electrolyte M2 higher than the aforementioned pre-established concentration .

[0056] The refill hydraulic system 14 can comprise , furthermore , a pumping circuit 17 which is provided with one or more electrically driven pumps and is controlled by the electronic control system 7 to regulate the quantity of electrolyte M2 that is taken from the refill tank 20 and refilled into the electrolysis device 8 of the hydraulic system 6 .

[0057] With reference to the attached figures , the apparatus 1 can conveniently but not necessarily comprise , furthermore , a weighing device 21 configured to measure the weight P3 of the refill tank 20 . The electronic control system 7 can be configured to determine a third control quantity indicative of the level / quantity of the electrolyte M2 contained in the refill tank 20 based on the weight P3 .

[0058] The electronic control system 7 is configured to control , furthermore , the refill hydraulic system so as to control the quantity of electrolyte M2 which i s refilled into the container 11 based on said third control quantity .

[0059] The electronic control system 7 is configured to automatically determine , furthermore , an exhaustion condition of the electrolyte in said refill tank 20 based on said third control quantity .

[0060] The weighing devices 13 , 18 and 21 can comprise , for example , electronic scales or electronic refill cells or similar electronic instruments .

[0061] The operating method of the apparatus 1 described above comprises the step of determining, by means of the electronic control system 7 , the first control quantity indicative of the level / quantity of the electrolytic solution ML contained in the container 11 based on the weight Pl .

[0062] The method preferably comprises the step of determining, by means of the electronic control system 7 , the second control quantity indicative of the level / quantity of the solvent Ml contained in the refill tank 15 based on the weight P2 .

[0063] The method preferably comprises the step of determining, by means of the electronic control system 7 , the third control quantity indicative of the level / quantity of electrolyte M2 contained in the refill tank 20 based on the weight P3 .

[0064] The method comprises , furthermore , the step of controlling, by means of the electronic control system 7 , the refill hydraulic system 14 so as to selectively refill the solvent Ml into the container 11 of the generating hydraulic system 6 based on the first control quantity and / or the second control quantity .

[0065] The method comprises , furthermore , the step of controlling, by means of the electronic control system 7 , the refill hydraulic system 14 so as to selectively refill the electrolyte M2 into the container 11 of the generating hydraulic system 6 based on the first control quantity and / or the third control quantity .

[0066] The method comprises , furthermore , the step of determining, by means of the electronic control system 7 , a low quantity or exhaustion condition of electrolytic solution ML in the container 11 based on the first control quantity .

[0067] The method comprises , furthermore , the step of determining, by means of the electronic control system 7 , a low quantity or exhaustion condition of the solvent Ml in the re fill tank 15 based on the second control quantity .

[0068] The method comprises , furthermore , the step of determining, by means of the electronic control system 7 , an exhaustion condition of the electrolyte M2 in the refill tank 20 based on the third control quantity .

[0069] The block diagram shown in Figure 7 relates to an apparatus 30 that is similar to the apparatus 1 , and whose component parts will be identi fied, where possible , with the same reference numbers that distinguish corresponding parts of the cleaning apparatus 1 .

[0070] The apparatus 30 also di f fers from the apparatus 1 in that the container 11 is formed by two separate tanks , one of which contains the electrolytic cell 9 and performs the electrolysis process for generating oxyhydrogen, while the other tank, indicated in the following as the supply tank, is configured to receive , and contain the electrolytic solution ML and inj ect the same into the tank containing the electrolytic cell . The two tanks are connected to one another by means of a pumping circuit 34 which is provided with at least one electric pump, configured to supply ( ref ill / feed) the electrolytic solution ML contained in the supply tank to the tank containing the electrolytic cell 9.

[0071] The refill tank is hydraulically connected, furthermore , to the hydraulic refill system 14 by means of the pumping circuits 16 and 17 . The weighing device 13 measures the weight Pl of the supply tank ( indicated with 11 ) .

[0072] The apparatus 30 also di f fers from the apparatus 1 in that it preferably comprises an electronic weighing device 32 which measures the weight P4 of the tank containing the electrolytic cell 9 . The weighing device 32 comprise for example an electronic scale or an electronic refill cell or the l ike . In this embodiment , the first quantity determined by the electronic control system 7 based on the weight Pl is indicative of the level and / or quantity / volume of the electrolytic solution ML contained in the supply tank 11 . The electronic control system 7 is configured to control the hydraulic refill system 14 so as to control the quantity of solvent Ml that is refilled into the supply tank 11 based on the first control quantity and / or the second control quantity .

[0073] The electronic control system 7 is configured, furthermore , to determine a fourth quantity indicative of the level and / or quantity / volume of the electrolytic solution ML contained in the tank containing the electrolytic cell 9 based on the weight P4 .

[0074] The electronic control system 7 is configured, furthermore , to control the pumping circuit 34 so as to control the quantity of electrolytic solution that is refilled from the supply tank 11 into the electrolytic cell 9 based on the first and / or fourth control quantity .

Claims

CLAIMS1. An engine cleaning apparatus (1) configured to inject an oxyhydrogen-based cleaning fluid into an internal combustion engine (2) so as to clean said combustion engine (2) from carbonbased residues, said engine cleaning apparatus comprises: a cleaning fluid generating hydraulic system (6) which is provided with an electrolysis device (8) comprising a container (11) containing an electrolytic solution comprising a solvent and an electrolyte, and an electrolytic cell (9) which is configured so as to subject said electrolytic solution to an electrolysis process to generate the oxyhydrogen of the cleaning fluid, a first electronic weighing device (13) configured to measure the weight of said container (11) , an electronic control system (7) that is configured so as to determine a first control quantity indicative of the level / quantity of the electrolytic solution contained in said container (11) based on the weight measured by said first electronic weighing device (13) .

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a hydraulic refill system (14) , which contains the electrolyte and / or solvent and is hydraulically connected to the cleaning fluid generating hydraulic system (6) , said hydraulic refill system (14) being configured to selectively supply the electrolyte and / or solvent to the cleaning fluid generating hydraulic system (6) , the electronic control system (7) being configured to control said hydraulic refill system (14) to automatically and selectively refill the electrolyte and / or solvent into said cleaning fluid generating hydraulic system (6) based on said first control quantity.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein theelectronic control system (7) is configured to automatically determine an exhausted condition or a low quantity condition of the electrolytic solution in said container (11) based on said first control quantity.

4. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said hydraulic refill system (14) comprises a first tank (12) containing the solvent, said apparatus (1) further comprising a second electronic weighing device (18) configured to measure the weight of said first tank ( 12 ) , said electronic control system (7) is configured to determine a second control quantity indicative of the level / quantity of solvent in the first tank (12) based on the weight measured by the second electronic weighing device (18) .

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said electronic control system (7) is configured to automatically determine an exhausted condition of the solvent in the first tank (12) based on said second control quantity.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said electronic control system (7) is configured to control the hydraulic refill system (14) so as to control the quantity of solvent being refilled into said container (11) based on said first and / or said second control quantity.

7. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said hydraulic refill system (14) comprises at least a second tank (20) that contains said electrolyte and is hydraulically connected to said cleaning fluid generating hydraulic system (6) .

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said second tank (20) comprises an electrolyte refill cartridge that is hydraulically coupled to said hydraulic refill system (14) inan easily removable / separable manner so that it can be replaced, when exhausted, by another electrolyte refill cartridge having a predetermined quantity of electrolyte.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, comprising a third weighing device (21) configured to measure the weight of said second tank (20) , said electronic control system (7) being configured to determine a third control quantity indicative of the level / quantity of the electrolyte in said second tank (20) based on the weight measured by said third electronic weighing device (21) .

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said electronic control system (7) is configured to control said cleaning fluid hydraulic refill system so as to control the quantity of electrolyte being refilled into said container (11) based on said first control quantity and / or said third control quantity.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the electronic control system (7) is configured so as to automatically determine an exhausted condition of the electrolyte in the second tank (20) based on said third control quantity .

12. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said container (11) is formed by a single body comprising a tank containing said electrolytic solution, and said electrolytic cell (9) which is associated with the tank so as to be at least partially immersed in said electrolytic solution of the tank, said first electronic weighing device (13) is configured to measure the weight of said single body.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims from 1 to 11, wherein said container (11) comprises a tank that contains saidelectrolytic cell (9) and a supply tank that is distinct from said other tank and is configured to supply the electrolytic solution to said electrolytic cell (9) , said first electronic weighing device (13) being configured so as to measure the weight of said supply tank.

14. A method for operating an engine cleaning apparatus (1) configured to inject an oxyhydrogen-based cleaning fluid into an internal combustion engine (2) so as to clean said engine (2) from carbon-based residues, wherein said engine cleaning apparatus comprises: a cleaning fluid generating hydraulic system (6) that is provided with a container (11) containing an electrolytic solution comprising a solvent and an electrolyte, and an electrolytic cell (9) which is configured to subject said electrolytic solution to an electrolysis process so as to generate said oxyhydrogen, a first electronic weighing device (13) configured to measure the weight of said container (11) , said method comprising the step of determining by means of an electronic control system (7) , a first control quantity indicative of the level / quantity of said electrolytic solution in said container (11) based on said weight measured by said first electronic weighing device (13) .

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the apparatus further comprises a hydraulic refill system (14) , which contains the electrolyte and / or solvent and is hydraulically connected to said cleaning fluid generating hydraulic system (6) and is configured to supply the electrolyte and / or solvent to said cleaning fluid generating hydraulic system (6) , the method comprises the step of controlling by means of said electronic control system (7) , said hydraulic refill system (14) so as to selectively refill the electrolyte and / or solvent into said cleaning fluid generating hydraulic system (6) based on said first control quantity.

16. The method according to claim 15, comprising the step of determining, by means of said electronic control system (7) , an exhausted condition or a low quantity condition of the electrolytic solution in said container (11) based on said first control quantity.

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