in an automotive vehicle

TECHN ICAL DOMAIN

The invention concerns a device for injecting a cleaning liquid for an air intake circuit for an automotive vehicle.

STATE OF THE ART

Methods are known for cleaning the air intake circuit of an automotive vehicle by injection of a liquid into this circuit, with the vehicle's motor operating such that the outside air sucked in by the circuit ensures the circulation of the cleaning liquid within the circuit. For this to occur, a hose line between the outlet of an exchanger and an air intake conduit is usually removed and the cleaning liquid is injected directly into the air intake conduit.

At present, there are two techniques for injecting cleaning liquid into an air intake circuit.

The first technique consists of using a canister containing a pressurized cleaning liquid (like an aerosol spray can). The canister is equipped with a pulverization nozzle that is activated manually and which is connected to a flexible straw that is designed to be fitted into the intake conduit.

Another technique consists of using a tank that is designed to hold the cleaning liquid and to be connected to a compressor or a pump. The tank is connected to one end of a flexible tube whose other end is equipped with a device for injecting cleaning liquid.

The injection devices that are currently available have some drawbacks. For example, a Venturi injection device is known, and which must be equipped with a flask in the shape of a flat disk, whose outer diameter must be greater than the internal diameter of the intake conduit. The flask is designed to be supported by the peripheral edge of the conduit (after the abovementioned radiator hose has been removed), by extending into a plane that is perpendicular to the axis of this conduit, and is held in this position thanks to the suction generated by the air intake into the conduit. One problem that could be solved by the present invention is to simplify this technology by limiting the number of parts and the risk of improper installation of the device.

Another problem that the invention proposes to solve is the precise positioning of the device, and keeping the device in position, inside the conduit.

Another problem is to ensure that the liquid is properly injected into the conduit and is not at risk of leaking, since the liquid used is relatively corrosive and likely to corrode parts of the vehicle's motor.

Another problem is associated with the type of injection control used (continuous or impulse) and of the injection flow rate of the liquid, which is not always possible or precise with current techniques.

Another significant problem encountered when cleaning the air intake is associated with the risk that the cleaning liquid will penetrate into the combustion chamber, which could cause serious damage or even an engine breakdown, due to the fact that the liquid cannot be compressed inside the combustion chamber. For this reason, the cleaning operation requires the presence of a qualified technician to continuously monitor the cleaning process. This could be due to a poor (quality of) injection of the liquid, or to injection of too great a quantity of liquid into the air intake circuit.

Finally, another problem with modern direct injection engines (both gasoline and diesei), is associated with the fact that carbon deposits on intake valves were identified as being one of the primary causes of engine malfunction, since they reduce performance and increase emission of polluting gases. This may be due to the fact that the injected cleaning liquids have trouble reaching the intake valves located at the far end of the intake manifolds.

The present invention offers a solution to at least some of these problems, which is simple, efficient and economical. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention proposes a device for injecting a cleaning liquid for an air intake circuit of an automotive vehicle, consisting of a means of pulverization of a liquid connected, on the one hand, to an air intake port, and to a cleaning liquid supply port, [and] distinguished by the fact that it is generally tapered in shape, of which the smaller-diameter end is configured so that it fits into an air intake conduit and comprises the said means of pulverization, and whose larger- diameter end is configured so that it remains outside of the said conduit and comprises the said ports.

From this, it can be understood that all that needs to be done is to fit the device, at its smaller-diameter end, inside the conduit, so that the device is positioned correctly. Because of its tapered shape, the device can be adapted to conduits of varying diameters, which is advantageous. For example, in the case where the conduit has a diameter of between 3 and 10mm inclusive, the ends of the device, have, respectively, diameters less than 3mm and greater than 10mm, in order to ensure that, when it is in the mounted position, the smaller-diameter end is engaged inside the conduit and the larger-diameter end is outside of the conduit. In this position, the pulverization nozzle is located inside the conduit and not just at its inlet, which is advantageous for optimizing the injection of liquid into the conduit and avoid loss of liquid during the injection process.

The vehicle's engine may be of any type, and in particular diesel or gasoline-powered.

The device according to the invention may consist of one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately or in combination with each other:

- the device comprises a metal body that is largely cylindrical in shape and surrounded by a tapered sleeve made of plastic material,

- the means of pulverization and the said ports are mounted on the said body,

- the body comprises internal conduits for connecting the nozzle to these ports, - the body comprises, at one axial end, an external annular flange that is axially positioned on the said sleeve,

- the body comprises, at the said smaller-diameter end, a first orifice or housing fitting for a pulverization nozzle, which is connected to the said intake port, and a second air passage orifice that is connected to the said air intake port,

- the sleeve is made of elastomer,

- the body is made of aluminum,

- the smaller-diameter end has a diameter that is between 20 and 60 mm, and preferably between 30 and 50mm, and the larger-diameter end has a diameter of between 70 and 120mm, and preferably between 80 and 100mm,

- the said air intake port comprises, or is equipped with, an air flow adjustment valve and/or a purge valve,

- the said intake port comprises, or is equipped with, a connection to a flexible hose,

The present invention also concerns a mobile cleaning cart for an air intake circuit of an automotive vehicle, consisting of:

- a primary tank designed to contain a cleaning liquid for the air intake circuit,

- a first pump whose liquid inlet is connected to a tank and of which one liquid outlet is connected to one end of a flexible hose, whose opposite end is connected to a device such as the one described above, and

- a means of control of the pump, whose purpose is to regulate the injection and flow rate of the liquid by the device.

The cart may consist, among other things, of the following:

- a second tank designed to hold a cleaning liquid for a particulate filter,

- a second pump whose liquid inlet is connected to the second tank and whose liquid outlet is connected to one end of a second flexible hose. with the said means of control being connected to the said second pump for the purpose of activating it.

The cart may include, among other things, of the following:

- a third tank designed to hold a cleaning liquid for a fuel injection circuit, with the said first and third tanks being connected to the inlet of the said first pump, respectively, by first and second solenoid valves controlled by the said means of control, and with the outlet of the first pump being connected, respectively, by third and fourth solenoid valves controlled by the means of control, respectively, at the aforementioned end of the said first flexible hose and at one end of a third flexible hose, and

a fourth flexible hose, one end of which is connected to the said third tank.

The said fourth tube may be connected, at its end opposite the tank, to a connection unit inside which a filter has been installed.

The cart may consist, among other things, of the following:

- electrical cables for connecting the pump and the means of control to a vehicle battery, and/or

- a means for displaying information, and/or

- a means of adjustment connected to the said or which are part of the said means of control.

The or each tank may consist of a body consisting of:

- at an upper end, two necks of different diameters of which a first one is configured to enable the tank to be filled, and of which a second is configured to make it possible to install a liquid level sensor in the tank,

- at a lower end, a recess that is shaped so that it can accommodate a sensor, in particular for water detection, with the said recess being in fluid communication with the liquid outlet connecting unit. The present invention also concerns a multi-function mobile cleaning cart for an automotive vehicle engine, comprising one or more of the following characteristics:

- a primary tank designed to hold a cleaning liquid for the air intake circuit,

- a first pump, whose liquid inlet is connected to the tank and of which one liquid outlet is connected to one end of a flexible hose, whose opposite end is connected to a device as described above, and

- a means of control of the first pump that regulates the injection and flow rate of the liquid,

- a second tank designed to hold a cleaning liquid for a particulate filter,

- a second pump, of which a liquid inlet is connected to the second tank and of which a liquid outlet is connected to one end of a second flexible hose,

- a means of control of the said second pump, used to activate it,

- a third tank designed to hold a cleaning liquid for a fuel injection circuit,

- with the said first and third tanks being connected to the inlet of the said first pump, respectively, through the first and second solenoid valves controlled by the said means of control, and the outlet of the first pump being connected, respectively, by a third and a fourth solenoid valves controlled by the means of control, respectively, to the abovementioned end of the said first flexible hose and to one end of a third flexible hose,

- a fourth flexible hose, one end of which is connected to the said third tank,

- electrical cables for connecting the pump and a means of control to a vehicle battery,

- a means of displaying information,

- a means of adjustment, connected to or part of the said means of control

- the said fourth tube may be connected, at its opposite end, to the tank at a connection in which a filter is installed, and/or

- the or each tank may include a body that has:

- at an upper end, two necks of different diameters, of which a first one is configured so that the tank can be filled, and of which a second is configured to make it possible to install a liquid level sensor in the tank,

- at a lower end, a recess that is shaped to accommodate a sensor, in particular for water detection, with the said recess being in fluid communication with an outlet connecting unit.

The present invention also concerns a tank for a mobile cleaning cart, consisting of body that features:

- at an upper end, two necks of different diameters, of which a first is configured so that the tank can be filled, and of which a second is configured to make it possible to install a liquid level sensor in the tank,

- at a lower end, a recess that is shaped to accommodate a sensor, in particular for water detection, with the said recess being in fluid communication with an outlet connecting cap unit.

The tank according to the invention may include one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately or in combination with each other:

- the body is made all in one piece, preferably made of plastic material, for example by injection-molding,

- the necks are of different heights, with the second neck being higher than the first neck,

- the necks comprise external screw threads for the tank's sealing stoppers,

- The end cap unit is generally L-shaped. The body of the tank may be made with parts that are cut out. At least one of the tank necks may, for example, be initially closed and comprise a line of weakness along which a cutout is intended to be made. The line of weakness may be generally circular in shape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The invention will be better understood, and other details, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly in the following description, which is given as a non-limiting example and which refers to the attached drawings, in which:

- figure 1 a is a schematic perspective view of a mobile cleaning cart according to the invention,

- figure 1 b is a very schematic view of the cart in figure 1 a as well as its accessories,

- figure 2a is a schematic perspective view of an injection device according to the invention,

- figures 2b and 2c are schematic perspective views of the ends of the device in figure 2a,

- figure 2d is an exploded schematic perspective view of the device in figure 2a,

- figure 3 is a very schematic axial section view of the device in figure 2a installed in a vehicle's air intake conduit,

- figure 4 is a very schematic axial section view of a pulverization nozzle for a device according to the invention,

- figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a tank that can be used in the cart in figures 1 a and 1 b,

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows a mobile cleaning cart, in particular for an air intake circuit for an automotive vehicle. As will be seen below, this cart also makes it possible to clean the fuel circuit, the turbo and the particulate filter (FAP) of the vehicle. Cart 1 0 is equipped with casters 12, four in number in the example shown, so that an operator may move it easily to the vicinity of the vehicle to be cleaned, for example in a maintenance workshop.

Cart 1 0 consists essentially of the following:

- A primary means of cleaning of an air intake circuit,

- A second means of cleaning a particulate filter, and

- A third means of cleaning of a fuel injection circuit and a turbo.

The first means of cleaning includes:

- A first tank 14 designed to hold cleaning liquid (for example Air Intake Cleaner product marketed by the Wynn's® Company), for example of a capacity of one or two liters or more, and equipped with a stopper 16 for closing its filling orifice, and

- A first pump 18 of which a liquid inlet 18a is connected to the first tank 14 and of which a liquid outlet 18b is connected to one end of a flexible tube 20 of which the other end is connected to an injection device 22 such as the one shown in figures 2a through 2d and 3.

In the example shown, inlet 1 8a of pump 1 8 is connected by a solenoid valve E1 to an outlet 14a of tank 14. Outlet 18b of pump 18 is connected by a pressure sensor P and a solenoid valve E2 to the aforementioned end of tube 20.

Pump 1 8 is preferably a high-pressure pump, able to increase the pressure of the liquid coming out of the pump to a pressure greater than 5 bars, preferably greater than 10 bars, and for example 12 bars.

The second means of cleaning consist of:

- A second tank 24 designed to contain cleaning liquid (for example the Diesel Particulate Filter Cleaner product or the Diesel Particulate Filter Regenerator product, which are marketed by the Wynn's® Company), for example with a capacity of one or two liters or more, and equipped with a stopper 26 for closing its filling orifice, and

- a second pump 28 of which a liquid inlet 28a is connected to an outlet 24a of tank 24 and of which a liquid outlet 28b is connected to one end of a flexible tube 30.

The third means of cleaning consist of:

- a third tank 34 designed to be filled with cleaning liquid (for example the Injection System Purge product or the Diesel System Purge product, which are marketed by the Wynn's® Company, or a turbo cleaning product), for example with a capacity of one or two liters or more, and equipped with a closing stopper 36 in its filling orifice, and

- the first pump 1 8.

In the example shown, inlet 1 8a of pump 1 8 is connected by a solenoid valve E3 to an outlet 34a of tank 34. Outlet 18b of pump 18 is connected by the pressure sensor P and a solenoid valve E4 to the end of a flexible tube 40.

Tank 34 also comprises an inlet 34b that is connected to one end of another flexible tube 50.

Flexible tubes 20, 30, 40, 50 preferably include, at each of their ends, a means M for quick connection, for example, an elastic interlocking and/or snap- fit type. The end of tube 50, which is opposite tank 34, may also be equipped with a filter F which is preferably integrated into the connecting means M. The purpose of this filter F is to limit or even avoid polluting tank 34 with particles coming from the vehicle's injection circuit. Filter F is, for example, designed to capture particles of size greater than or equal to 25μιτι. The filter can, for example, be of the sintered type.

Tanks 14, 24, 34 must each be associated with a level sensor N to detect the level of liquid in the tank. Sensors N and P, solenoid valves E1 , E2, E3 and E4 and pumps 18, 28 are connected to means of control C, which comprises, in particular, an electronic board. In the example shown, the means of control C are designed to receive their electrical power supply from the vehicle's battery, through the use of electrical cables R equipped at their ends with clamps (such as an alligator clip) or similar and which are opposite to means of control C. As a variation, the cart could include a rechargeable battery for supplying electric power from its power supply means C.

The means of control C includes adjustment or winding buttons B (for example for choosing options), switches I, etc. The cart also includes a means of display T such as a screen configured to enable data to be displayed. Means C and T may be located on a front and/or upper surface of the cart, which is called the control panel.

From now on we shall refer to figures 2a through 2d and 3, which illustrate one manner of embodiment of the abovementioned device 22.

Device 22 comprises a means of pulverization of liquid 52 which is connected, on the one hand, to an air intake port 56 and [on the other hand] to a cleaning liquid supply port 54. Device 22 is generally tapered in shape, and whose smaller diameter end 22a is configured so that it fits into the air intake conduit K (figure 3) and comprises the means of pulverization 52, and of which the larger- diameter end 22b is configured so that it remains outside the conduit and comprises ports 54 and 56.

Device 22 comprises a metal body 58 that is largely cylindrical (about axis A) and surrounded by a tapered sleeve 60 made of plastic. The means 52 and ports 54 and 56 are fitted onto body 58, which comprises internal conduits 62 and 64 which are for connecting the means 52 to these ports.

In the example shown, the means of pulverization consists of a liquid pulverization nozzle 52a, and at least one air passage orifice 52b that is designed to drive and accelerate the liquid by Venturi effect. The pulverization nozzle makes it possible to pulverize a fog consisting of a multitude of micrometric droplets.

As can be better seen in figure 3, nozzle 52a is connected to port 54 by a primary internal conduit 62, and orifice 52b is connected to port 56 by a second internal conduit 64.

Orifice 52b discharges onto a flat transverse surface at the end of body 58. Nozzle 52a is placed and fastened, for example by screwing on, into a housing 66 in body 58 that discharges onto the aforementioned surface.

Body 58, has, at its axial end that features means 52, an external annular flange 68 for axial positioning of sleeve 60 (figure 3).

Intake port 56 is equipped with an air flow rate adjustment valve 70 and/or a purge valve 72. Power port 54 comprises, or is equipped with, a means of connection M of the same type as those mentioned above and which is designed to fit, preferably by elastic interlocking and/or clicking into place, with the additional means M of flexible tube 20.

Sleeve 60 comprises an internal axial bore of a diameter that is largely equal to or slightly greater than the outside diameter of body 58, so that it can be mounted onto this latter merely by fitting it in, and an external tapered surface. The tapered surface extends over the entire axial dimension of sleeve 60 in the example shown. The smaller-diameter end of sleeve 60 is designed to fit by axial pressing with the abovementioned flange 68 of body 58. In this installation position, the greater-diameter end of sleeve 60, and in particular its transverse end surface, is largely aligned with the transverse surface of the end of the body comprising ports 54 and 56.

Sleeve 60 is preferably made of elastomer. Body 58 may be made of aluminum.

As an example, one end 22a has a diameter of between 20 and 60 mm, and preferably between 30 and 50mm , and end 22b has a diameter of between 70 and 120mm, and preferably between 80 and 100mm. The transverse dimensions of device 22 make it possible to fit it into conduits K of different internal diameters, for example between 40 and 90mm.

Figure 3 shows the installation position of device 22 in a conduit K, where end 22a of the device is engaged in the conduit, through an inlet in it, for example after a radiator hose has been dismantled. In this position, device 22 is engaged up to its sleeve, and in particular this latter's tapered surface, is supported axially on the peripheral edge 74 of the inlet of conduit K.

Figure 3 clearly shows the fact that means 52 are located in front (axially shifted) of the inlet to conduit K, which is advantageous as explained in the preceding (the liquid can be injected more closely to the air intake valve).

During the cleaning operation for the air intake circuit of an automotive vehicle, an operator moves cart 10 close to the vehicle and opens its lid to access the vehicle's engine. He may, for example dismantle the connecting radiator hose at the outlet of the exchanger to intake air conduit K and engage device 22 in this conduit, as illustrated in figure 3, after connecting the device to flexible tube 20. Advantageously, the device is located as close as possible to the air intake valve, just after the air mass sensor. Electrical cables R are connected to the terminals of the vehicle's battery and cart 1 0 is started up. Cleaning liquid, specifically designed to clean the air intake circuit of a vehicle, is poured into the tank 14. The vehicle's engine is started up so that atmospheric air is sucked in by conduit K and accelerated by passing through port 56 and conduit 64 of device 22, as a function of the flow rate adjusted by valve 70, which makes it possible to increase or decrease the volume of air in order to ensure that the engine operates properly without any knocking. A cleaning step is then initiated by the operator, for example through the use of the cart's means of control C, in order to activate pump 18 and solenoid valves E1 and E2 and inject cleaning liquid through nozzle 52a of the device. Pump 18 is preferably controlled so that device 22 is supplied with pulses of liquid. The flow of air ejected by orifice 52b is adjusted to optimize the pulverization of the liquid in the conduit and promote its flow in the intake circuit. Pulverizing the cleaning liquid into fine droplets through nozzle 52a combined with the Venturi effect by ejection of air through orifice 52b optimizes the injection of the liquid without producing condensate or leaks. The liquid may be injected at a rate of six pulses per minute (at a pre-determined safety volume) and the duration of treatment may be around 1 hour. The operator may adjust the injection using valve 70 to optimize the cleaning process. Testing has shown that chattering and knocking of the motor are eliminated and that the operator does not need to continuously monitor the cleaning process. The position of the device and the abovementioned combination (fine pulverization and Venturi effect) enables the liquid to reach the intake valves that are a feature of most vehicles. At the end of the cleaning cycle, at the end of which a certain quantity of cleaning liquid has been injected into the intake circuit, the level sensor N in tank 14 sends a signal to means of control C to stop the cleaning process (i.e. to stop pump 18). The operator may shut off the vehicle's motor and put away the cart's various accessories (tube 20, device 22, etc.). Purge valve 72 of device 22 may be used to balance out the pressure inside the conduit with the atmospheric pressure, and thus facilitate removing device 22 from conduit K. The cleaning liquid is eliminated naturally during the vehicle's next operating cycle.

When a particulate filter is being cleaned, the operator may dismantle the upstream conduit connected to the vehicle's temperature sensor and connect flexible tube 30 to it using a means of connection M which can be, here for example, of a needle type. Electrical cables R are connected to the terminals of the vehicle's battery and cart 10 is started up. A first cleaning liquid, specifically designed for cleaning the particulate filter, is poured into tank 24. Cleaning is started by the operator, through the use of means of control C of the cart, so as to activate pump 28 and inject the cleaning liquid into the abovementioned conduit. The vehicle's motor is started up. A second liquid, for rinsing or regeneration, is poured into tank 24, with the motor running. At the end of each cycle, at the end of which a certain quantity of liquid has been injected into the intake circuit, the level N sensor in tank 24 sends a signal to the means of control C in order to stop the corresponding cycle (i.e. to stop pump 28). The operator may then shut off the vehicle's motor and put away the cart's various accessories (tube 30, etc.).

While the cleaning operation of a fuel injection circuit and a turbo is taking place, the operator labels the motor fuel intake and return lines, for example upstream of the fuel filter, and disconnects them. The operator connects tube 40 in the place of the intake conduit, and tube 50 in the place of the return conduit. The two conduits, left free, are connected together by a bypass (shunt). Electrical cables R are connected to the terminals of the vehicle's battery and cart 10 is started up. One or more cleaning liquids, specifically designed for cleaning the injection circuit and/or the turbo, are poured sequentially (i.e. one after the other) into tank 34. The vehicle's motor is started up. A cleaning step is then initiated by the operator, through the use of the cart's means of control C, in order to activate pump 18 and solenoid valves E3 and E4 and inject cleaning liquid into the injection circuit, which then returns through tube 50 into tank 34 (in a closed circuit). When the cleaning cycle has been completed, at the end of a predetermined period of time, the operator may shut off the vehicle's engine and put away the cart's various accessories (tubes 30, 40, etc.).

Figure 4 is one example of embodiment of a pulverization nozzle 52a that may be used in the device according to the invention. In the example shown, nozzle 52a comprises a screw threading in the housing 66 of the body. Traditionally, nozzle 52a consists of a rear end 52aa for connecting to conduit 52, and an opposite front end 52ab, through which the liquid is ejected. Here, this front end features a ring O that features a narrow central orifice and which has a tapered rear surface on which rests a front surface of a cylindrical plug S, a surface that is largely spherical, hemispherical or tapered, which is tightened axially against ring O. Plug S is lodged with some play into a cylindrical bore in the body of the nozzle so that the liquid can flow around it. The liquid is guided from the rear end 52aa to the front end 52ab by flowing, in particular around plug S, between the plug and ring O, then through the orifice in ring O. The liquid is then pulverized in an ejection cone of a specific angle.

Figure 5 shows a manner of embodiment of a tank 14, 24, 34, which may be used in cart 10 for the storage of each of the different cleaning liquids.

The tank has a storage volume of 1 or 2L for example.

In the example shown, there is a body that is generally parallelepipedal in shape, and which has, at its upper end, two necks 80, 82 that are largely cylindrical and of different diameters. Neck 80 of smaller diameter is open at its free end and includes an external screw threading on stopper 16, 26, 36. Neck 82 of greater diameter is initially closed at its free end and is perforated or cut out to enable a sensor to be mounted at level N inside the tank. To do this, the neck may include, on an upper transverse surface, a peripheral line of weakness 90 for cutting out and removing a disk of material in the free end of the neck. Neck 82 may also include an external threading for screwing on a stopper (not shown). Necks 80, 82 are of different heights, with neck 82 being the higher one in this case.

The body of the tank has, at its lower end, a connecting spout 84 that defines the aforementioned outlets 14a, 24a, 34a of the tank. Here spout 84 has an overall L shape. At the bottom of the tank, in the region of this spout 84, a reinforcing fitting 86 is provided with a water sensor 88. Tank 24 is not necessarily designed to be equipped with this sensor 88. The two other tanks 14 and 34 are advantageously equipped with such sensors 88, which are connected to control means C. The cleaning liquid contained in tank 24 is generally water-based, whereas those contained in tanks 14, 34 contain a solvent other than water. The function of sensors 88 present in tanks 14, 34 is to emit a signal to control means C (which may alert the operator with an audible or visible alarm, through the display screen T for example) when an inappropriate liquid, which is water-based, is poured into these tanks.

The cart described above is thus multi-functional or multi-use in nature, because it may be used to clean multiple parts of the motor of an automotive vehicle.