WO1999015821A1

WO1999015821A1 - Fluid flow monitoring in a system for cleaning engine and transmission chambers

Info

Publication number: WO1999015821A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/019925
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erik F. Waelput; Michael F. Bouissiere
Original assignee: Krupp Bilstein Of America
Priority date: 1997-09-25
Filing date: 1998-09-24
Publication date: 1999-04-01
Also published as: AU9504798A

Abstract

A fluid monitoring system eliminates internal combustion chamber or transmission of an engine (10) overfills due to operator negligence or component failure.

Description

FLUID FLOW MONITORING IN A SYSTEM FOR CLEANING ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION CHAMBERS

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to a method and apparatus for cleaning the internal portions of internal combustion engines. In particular these are engines of automotive gasoline powered and diesel powered vehicles. Lubrication chambers and the transmissions of internal engines collect debris and residue which impairs engine performance. The lubricant which reduces friction in the moving engine parts eventually becomes contaminated with sludge, tar and other chemical contaminants which are produced during the operation of the engine and which are entrained in the lubricant. Also, small particulate of metal become worn away from the operating parts of the engine and are carried in the lubricant. These contaminants reduce engine performance.

Various prior systems have existed for cleaning the interior, operating components of internal combustion engines. These conventional systems typically employ a cleaning fluid which is maintained in a reservoir. The reservoir is connected to a pump. The engine cleaning system is provided with an inlet supply line leading from the pump and connected to one of the crankcase openings with which the internal combustion is equipped.

Virtually all internal combustion engines have an opening which is adapted to receive a removable oil filter cartridge, and an oil pan drain plug opening. When the engine is to be cleaned the oil filter is removed, and the inlet supply line leading from the cleaning fluid pump is typically connected to the oil filter opening. Also the crank case drain plug is removed and a cleaning fluid withdrawal line is connected to the drain plug opening in the crankcase pan. Once the cleaning fluid has been circulated through the engine block, it is returned by the pump to the reservoir. These are further described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,383,481 and 5,460,656. Their contents are incorporated by reference herein.

In the conventional engine cleaning systems the cleaning liquid employed is flushed through the chamber being the engine block of an internal combustion engine or a transmission of an internal combustion engine, filtered and returned to the reservoir.

A fluid flow monitoring system is needed to eliminate internal combustion engine or transmission overfills due to operator negligence or component failure. Both cause internal combustion engine/transmission damage and fluid spillage, which is environmentally not acceptable.

SUMMARY The present invention provides a system in which the cleaning fluid employed for cleaning internal combustion engine chambers such as the lubrication chamber or transmission chamber is protected from overfill.

According to the invention a fluid flow monitoring apparatus for operation with a system for regulating liquid flow between a reservoir and chamber comprises a first conduit means for connecting a reservoir through pump means with the chamber, the reservoir being for containing liquid for pumping selectively into the chamber. There is a second conduit means for selectively directing fluid from the chamber to the reservoir thereby to selectively permit fluid to exit the chamber and enter the reservoir. There is means for monitoring the liquid inflow selectively in at least one of the conduit into the chamber or outflow in the conduit from a chamber, the chamber being for holding a predetermined amount of fluid. There are means for comparing selectively the inflow or the outflow in the respective conduit.

A valve regulates selectively the inflow or the outflow in the respective conduit whereby any difference in the inflow or outflow is determined by the comparing means. The comparing means is directed to operate the valve thereby to regulate the respective inflow or outflow through the respective conduit and thereby monitor the liquid volume in the chamber to a substantially predetermined limit. In some cases the fluid flow monitoring apparatus regulates liquid flow between a chamber and reservoir. There are means for comparing the liquid level in the reservoir relative to a predetermined level. This permits monitoring of the liquid volume in the chamber to a substantially predetermined limit.

In other cases the fluid flow monitoring apparatus has means for comparing the liquid weight in the reservoir relative to a predetermined level, and monitors the liquid volume in the chamber to a substantially predetermined limit.

This system monitors the fluid flow from the engine flush machine to the internal combustion engine or transmission. It also monitors the return flow from the internal combustion engine or transmission to the engine flush machine. The fluid flow monitoring system ensures that only a regulated amount of fluid enters into the internal combustion engine or transmission at any given time. In the event that the fluid flow is interrupted or fluctuated, the fluid flow monitoring system can automatically shut down the engine flushing machine, or decrease the flow to and from the internal combustion engine or transmission. This can eliminate the potential danger of overfilling the internal combustion engine or transmission. The fluid flow monitoring system also enables time rate of flow to be continuously adjusted.

There is provided apparatus and a method for cleaning the interiors of internal combustion engines in which a cleaning fluid is cyclically drawn from a reservoir by a pump, flushed through the block or transmission of the internal combustion engine, and returned to the reservoir by the pump. The improvement resides in the provision of a flow monitoring system.

The invention is now described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view of the operating components of the engine cleaning machine with a flow monitoring system, and showing the connection to an engine or transmission.

DESCRIPTION

The cleaning apparatus is generally for cleaning the interiors, such a lubrication chamber or transmission chamber of internal combustion engines 10. The apparatus is formed generally in the shape of a console. The cleaning machine console can be pushed to the side of an automotive vehicle into close proximity thereto for the purpose of cleaning the interior of the internal combustion engine 10 of the vehicle. The internal combustion engine 10 is of conventional design and has an engine block that includes a conventional lubricating oil filter opening 12, which normally is formed by an annular outer ring within which there are various ports or openings to accommodate oil flow. At the center of the oil filter opening 12 there is typically a hollow, externally threaded nipple which forms a central axial duct to accommodate oil flow. The oil filter opening 12 is adapted to receive a removable, replaceable oil filter cartridge which is secured by threaded engagement with the central axial nipple and which forms a liquid tight seal with the outer, annular ring. The engine 10 also includes a conventional internally threaded oil drain opening 14, usually at the bottom of the oil pan. The oil drain opening 14 accommodates an externally threaded drain plug. The drain plug is normally removed when lubricating oil in the engine 10 is changed. The operating components of the cleaning apparatus are indicated diagrammatically in Fig. 1. A first reservoir tank is indicated at 21 and a second, separate reservoir tank is depicted at 22. The first reservoir 21 has a twelve gallon capacity and the second reservoir 22 has a twelve gallon capacity as well. Each of the reservoir tanks 21 and 22 contains a volume of liquid cleaning fluid designed to remove residual combustion deposits from the internal passageways and internal operating components of the internal combustion engine 10.

The cleaning apparatus employs separate supply and return cleaning fluid conduits connected to each of the cleaning fluid reservoirs 21 and 22. The supply conduit from the reservoir 21 is indicated at 50 and the return conduit for the reservoir 21 is indicated at 52. Similarly, the supply conduit from the reservoir 22 is indicated at 54 while the return conduit for the reservoir 22 is indicated at 56.

The cleaning apparatus also includes a tank selection valve 58 which connects with conduits 50 and 54. The tank selection valve 58 has an outlet supply port 60 and selector solenoid 62. The outlet supply port 60 is adapted for communication a pressure pump 29. There is a second selector valve 64 for connection with return conduits 52 and 56. The valve 64 is also connected with solenoid 62, and the return conduit 66 from the engine 10.

Each tank selection valves 58 and 64 has an internal gating means for alternatively coupling the cleaning fluid supply and return conduits of each of the cleaning fluid reservoirs 21 and 22, to the exclusion of those of the other, to the outlet supply port 60 and the inlet return port 66, respectively. The tank selection valves 58 and 64 may be spool valves wherein a spool having internal ducts may be shifted longitudinally within a casing to connect the supply and return cleaning fluid conduits of either the first reservoir 21 or the second reservoir 22 through to the supply and return ports. When the spool of the tank selection valves 58 and 64 is shifted longitudinally to the opposite position, different valve ports are blocked while the different valve inlet ports are connected through an internal flow passageway to the outlet supply port. The tank selection valves 58 and 64 are operated under the control of display and operation control unit by means of a cycle controller and a control lines 67 and 68 that lead to an internal solenoid 62 with the tank selection valves 58 and 64. The fluid selection valves 58 and 64 are each operable to alternatively gate their respective inlet ports and cleaning fluid inlet ports to their respective fluid outlet ports. That is, the fluid inlet selection valves 58 and 64 are operated under the control of a cycle controller indicated PLC 90 to alternatively open a passageway between either the inlet port or the inlet port to the fluid outlet port.

The cleaning apparatus also includes the pump 29 which may be operated by compressed air, although an electronically operated pump could be employed instead. The pump 29 can be a double diaphragm pneumatic pump. An engine inlet supply line 70 is connected from the fluid dispensing outlet 72 of the pump 29 and leads to the engine filter coupling opening 12.

A filter cartridge 74 is coupled in line in the engine outlet supply line 76 between a second suction pump 32 and the outlet 14 from the engine 10 to the pump 32. The filters 74a and 74b serves to filter out harmful particles that might be entrained in the liquid cleaning fluid returned from the internal combustion engine 10 or transmission, and which might damage the system.

There are also filters 78 and 80 respectively in each of the lines 50 and 54. Each pump 29 and 32 respectively is operated through a respective solenoid 82 and 84 which is activated by compressed air and operated by a control panel. A vacuum brake facility 100 is also provided in line 60 for activation as necessary.

Each of the reservoirs 21 and 22 is also equipped with a level sensor, indicated diagrammatically at 27 and 28, respectively. When the cleaning fluid reservoir level sensor 27 for the first reservoir tank 21 indicates that the liquid level of cleaning fluid in the tank 21 is too low, it provides a control signal output on a control line. If a signal appears on control line, a signal is generated by the display and operation controller to the cycle controller. The cycle controller then closes solenoids 82, which shuts off power to the pump 29. This alerts the operator that the respective reservoir tank is low on cleaning fluid and that the cleaning fluid should be replenished. To commence operation of the system, lubricant is drained from the engine

10 through the hoses on the hose reel. An adapter is connected to the engine filter coupling opening 12, while an adapter is connected to the engine drain plug opening 14. Operation of the system is then commenced.

The fluid flow monitoring apparatus regulates liquid flow between the reservoirs 21 and 22 and this chamber or chambers in engine 10. There are flow monitors 92 and 94 for comparing selectively the inflow or the outflow in the respective conduits 60 and 66.

The valves 58 and 64 operate with monitors 92 and 94 for regulating selectively the inflow or the outflow in the respective conduit. Any difference in the inflow or outflow is determined by comparing means on the PLC 90. The comparing means is directed to operate the respective valves 82 and 84 to facilitate the selection of the fluid reservoir to be used for gas or diesel or transmission cleaning.

A predetermined departure from the predetermined level adjusts flow selectively into or from the chamber thereby to maintain the substantially predetermined level. Alternatively a predetermined departure from the predetermined level shuts down the flow selectively into or from the chamber.

The monitoring means 92 and/or 94 transmits electrical signals to the comparator means in the PLC 90 such that the comparator means can thereby compare signals with predetermined counts data in the comparator.

The fluid flow monitoring apparatus preferably includes flow meters 92 and 94 in each of the input and the output conduits 60 and 66 respectively. Alternatively, the fluid flow monitoring apparatus can have only a single flow meter in only one of the input or the output conduit. The flow is measured in relation to a predetermined time period. The flow is measured after a predetermined time period of operation of the pump moving fluid between the respective reservoirs 21 and 22 and the chamber. Also, the flow is measured after a predetermined time period of operation of the pumps 29 and/or 32 moving fluid between the reservoirs 21 and 22 and the chamber in the engine 10. The invented system monitors the fluid flow from the engine flush machine to the internal combustion chamber or transmission of the engine 10. It also monitors the return flow from the internal combustion chamber or transmission to the engine flush machine. The fluid flow monitoring system ensures that only a regulated amount of fluid enters into the internal combustion chamber or transmission at any given time. In the event that the fluid flow is interrupted or fluctuated, the fluid flow monitoring system can automatically shut down the engine flushing machine, or decrease the flow to and from the internal combustion chamber or transmission. This can eliminate the potential danger of overfilling the internal combustion chamber or transmission. The fluid flow monitoring system also enables time rate of flow to be continuously adjusted. These methods of monitoring are all controlled by a set of programming steps in the controller PLC 90.

The fluid flow system has four methods to monitor and control the rate of fluid flow in and out of the internal combustion chamber or transmission.

FIRST METHOD

A flow meter 94, which transmits an electrical pulse that is translated into a high-speed counter on the PLC 90. The meter is used on the return line 66 to monitor the fluid flow returning to the engine flushing machine.

The programming steps would be as follows:

FLUSH CYCLE

A. NO RECOVERY ALARM

During the flush cycle, the flow meter 94 monitors and measures the amount of fluid recovered from the internal combustion engine or transmission and samples every predetermined number of seconds. This is compared to a predetermined value (A) which is established by extensive testing. This value (A) is the minimum amount of fluid to be recovered. If the sample value drops below value (A) an alarm will sound and automatically shut down the machine and display the problem and a help screen will guide the operator through the steps necessary to correct the problem. B. LOW RECOVERY ALARM

Also during the first predetermined number of seconds of the flush cycle, the flow meter 94 monitors and measures the amount of fluid recovered from the internal combustion engine or transmission where a sample value (B) is established. All incoming measurements that are received every predetermined number of seconds. This is compared with value (B). If the new measurements decreased below a predetermined amount (C) an alarm will sound and automatically shut down the machine and display the problem and a help screen will guide the operator through the steps necessary to correct the problem C. RECOVERY During the first recovery portion of the flushing cycle if the measurement received every predetermined number of seconds falls bellow a predetermined amount (D) the machine automatically shortens its current cycle and moves to the next step in the cycle.

During the second recovery portion of the flushing cycle if the measurement received every predetermined number of seconds falls below a predetermined amount (D) the machine automatically ends the cycle in predetermined number of seconds

SECOND METHOD Two flow meters 92 and 94 transmit respectively an electrical pulse that is fed and translated into a high-speed counter on the PLC 90 and are used as follows. One flow meter 92 is used on the pressure (outgoing) line 60 to monitor the fluid flow leaving the engine flushing machine. A second flow meter 94 is used on the recovery line 66 to monitor the fluid flow returning to the engine flushing machine. The programming steps are as follows:

FLUSH CYCLE During the flushing cycle the values produced from flow meter 92 are constantly being compared by the PLC 90 to the values produced by the flow meter 94. If the values between flow meter 94 and flow meter 92 differ more than a predetermined value (E), the machine will regulate the flow of fluid to the internal combustion engine or transmission by turning the pressure pump 72 on and off until the values are equal again.

THIRD METHOD Weight-sensing devices 96 and 98, such as a scale, are used underneath the reservoir tank, and transmit electrical analog signals through a converter into an electrical pulse. This is translated to a high speed counter on the PLC 90. These methods will function (when one or multiple reservoirs 21 and 22 are used) to monitor the fluid flow by the fluctuation in the weight of the respective fluid reservoirs 21 and 22. The programming steps would be as follows:

FLUSH CYCLE A. The first step in the flushing cycle is to store the value (F) produced from weight sensing device 96 or 98. This value is constantly compared and monitored by the PLC 90 every predetermined number of seconds. A sample value is taken during the flushing cycle. If the value (F) falls below a predetermined amount (G), the flow of fluid to the internal combustion engine or transmission is stopped by turning the pressure pump 29 off for predetermined number of seconds allowing the flow of fluid from the internal combustion engine or transmission to be recovered by the recovery pump 32 to the reservoirs 21 or 22 until the value (F) is reached.

If value (F) is not reached within the predetermined number of seconds allowed, a LOW RECOVERY ALARM will sound. The machine will display the problem, and a help screen will guide the operator through the steps necessary to correct the problem. This alarm will stay in effect until either the problem is resolved or the (F) value is reached.

B. RECOVERY During the recovery cycle the sample value (G) is constantly compared and monitored by the PLC 90 every predetermined number of seconds with value (F).

When sample value (G) is equal to value (F) a timer is set to insure recovery pump

32 continues to operate for predetermined number of seconds to insure the filter

74b is dry and environmentally safe for disposal.

FOURTH METHOD

The fluid level monitoring devices 27 and 28 are used to monitor the fluid flow by the fluctuation in the fluid level. The devices transmit electrical analog signals through a converter into an electrical pulse. This is translated to a high speed counter on the PLC 90 is used within the reservoir tanks. These methods will function (when one or multiple reservoirs are used) to monitor the fluid flow by the fluctuation in the fluid level in the respective reservoirs 21 and 22. The programming steps would be as follows:

FLUSH CYCLE

The first step in the flushing cycle is to store the value (F) produced from the level sensing devices 27 or 28. This value is constantly compared and monitored by the PLC 90. Every predetermined number of seconds a sample value is taken during the flushing cycle. If the value (F) falls below a predetermined amount (G), the flow of fluid to the internal combustion engine or transmission is stopped by turning the pressure pump 29 off for predetermined number of seconds allowing the flow of fluid from the internal combustion engine or transmission to be recovered by the recovery pump 32 to the reservoirs 21 or 22 until the value (F) is reached.

If value (F) is not reached within the predetermined number of seconds allowed a LOW RECOVERY ALARM will sound, the machine will display the problem, and a help screen will guide the operator through the steps necessary to correct the problem. This alarm will stay in effect until either the problem is resolved or the (F) value is reached. RECOVERY During the recovery cycle the sample value (G) is constantly being compared and monitored by the PLC 90 every predetermined number of seconds with value (F). When sample value (G) is equal to value (F) a timer is set to insure recovery pump 32 continues to operate for predetermined number of seconds to insure the filter 74b is dry and environmentally safe for disposal. General

Numerous variations and modifications of the invention will become apparent to those familiar with internal combustion engine cleaning equipment and procedures.

The scope of the invention should not be construed as limited to the specific embodiment depicted and implementation of the method described herein.

Claims

1. A fluid flow monitoring apparatus for operation with a system for regulating liquid flow between a reservoir and chamber comprising: first conduit means for connecting a reservoir through pump means with the chamber, the reservoir being for containing liquid for pumping selectively into the chamber, and second conduit means for selectively directing fluid from the chamber to the reservoir thereby to selectively permit fluid to exit the chamber and enter the reservoir; means for monitoring the liquid inflow selectively in at least one of the conduit into the chamber or outflow in the conduit from a chamber, the chamber being for holding a predetermined amount of fluid; means for comparing selectively the inflow or the outflow in the respective conduit; and a valve for regulating selectively the inflow or the outflow in the respective conduit whereby any difference in the inflow or outflow is determined by the comparing means , the comparing means being directed to operate the valve thereby to regulate the respective inflow or outflow through the respective conduit and thereby monitor the liquid volume in the chamber to a substantially predetermined limit.

2. The fluid flow monitoring apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein a predetermined departure from the predetermined level adjusts flow selectively into or from the chamber thereby to maintain the substantially predetermined level.

3. The fluid flow monitoring apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein a predetermined departure from the predetermined level shuts down the flow selectively into or from the chamber.

4. The fluid flow monitoring apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the monitoring means transmits electrical signals to the comparator means such that the comparator means can thereby compare signals with predetermined counts data in the comparator.

5. The fluid flow monitoring apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein there is a flow meter in each of the input and the output conduit.

6. The fluid flow monitoring apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein there is a flow meter in only one of the input or the output conduit.

7. The fluid flow monitoring apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the flow is measured in relation to a predetermined time period.

8. The fluid flow monitoring apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the flow is measured after a predetermined time period of operation of the pump moving fluid between the reservoir and chamber.

9. The fluid flow monitoring apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the flow is measured after a predetermined time period of operation of the pump moving fluid between the reservoir and chamber.

10. A fluid flow monitoring apparatus for operation with a system for regulating liquid flow between a chamber and reservoir comprising: first conduit means for connecting a reservoir through pump means with the chamber, the reservoir being for containing liquid for pumping selectively into the chamber, and second conduit means for selectively directing fluid from the chamber to the reservoir thereby to selectively permit fluid to exit the chamber and enter the reservoir; means for monitoring the liquid level in the reservoir and thereby regulating the amount of fluid delivered to a chamber, the chamber being for holding a predetermined amount of fluid; means for comparing the liquid level in the reservoir relative to a predetermined level; and a valve for regulating selectively the inflow or the outflow in the respective conduit whereby any difference from the predetermined level is determined by the comparing means , the comparing means being directed to operate the valve thereby to regulate the respective inflow or outflow through the respective conduit and thereby monitor the liquid volume in the chamber to a substantially predetermined limit.

11. A fluid flow monitoring apparatus for operation with a system for regulating liquid flow between a chamber and reservoir comprising: first conduit means for connecting a reservoir through pump means with the chamber, the reservoir being for containing liquid for pumping selectively into the chamber, and second conduit means for selectively directing fluid from the chamber to the reservoir thereby to selectively permit fluid to exit the chamber and enter the reservoir; means for monitoring the liquid weight in the reservoir and thereby regulating the amount of fluid delivered to a chamber, the chamber being for holding a predetermined amount of fluid; means for comparing the liquid weight in the reservoir relative to a predetermined level; and a valve for regulating selectively the inflow or the outflow in the respective conduit whereby any difference from the predetermined level is determined by the comparing means , the comparing means being directed to operate the valve thereby to regulate the respective inflow or outflow through the respective conduit and thereby monitor the liquid volume in the chamber to a substantially predetermined limit.

12. A fluid flow monitoring apparatus for operation with a system for regulating liquid flow into and from a chamber comprising: first conduit means for connecting a reservoir through pump means with the chamber, the reservoir being for containing liquid for pumping selectively into the chamber, and second conduit means for selectively directing fluid from the chamber to the reservoir thereby to selectively permit fluid to exit the chamber and enter the reservoir; means for monitoring the liquid inflow selectively in at least one of the conduit into the chamber or outflow in the conduit from a chamber, the chamber being for holding a predetermined amount of fluid; means for monitoring the liquid weight in the reservoir and thereby regulating the amount of fluid delivered to a chamber; means for monitoring the liquid level in the reservoir and thereby regulating the amount of fluid delivered to a chamber; means for comparing selectively at least one of the inflow or the outflow in the respective conduit, the liquid level or liquid weight; and a valve for regulating selectively the inflow or the outflow in the respective conduit whereby any difference in the inflow or outflow is determined by the comparing means , the comparing means being directed to operate the valve thereby to regulate the respective inflow or outflow through the respective conduit and thereby monitor the liquid volume in the chamber to a substantially predetermined limit.