EP1537329B1 - Device for igniting an air-fuel-mixture in an internal combustion engine by means of a high frequency electric energy source - Google Patents

Device for igniting an air-fuel-mixture in an internal combustion engine by means of a high frequency electric energy source Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1537329B1
EP1537329B1 EP03790742A EP03790742A EP1537329B1 EP 1537329 B1 EP1537329 B1 EP 1537329B1 EP 03790742 A EP03790742 A EP 03790742A EP 03790742 A EP03790742 A EP 03790742A EP 1537329 B1 EP1537329 B1 EP 1537329B1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
waveguide structure
internal combustion
air
coaxial waveguide
combustion engine
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1537329A1 (en
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Ewald Schmidt
Michael Thiel
Juergen Hasch
Hans-Oliver Ruoss
Klaus Linkenheil
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Robert Bosch GmbH
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Robert Bosch GmbH
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
    • F02P23/00—Other ignition
    • F02P23/04—Other physical ignition means, e.g. using laser rays
    • F02P23/045—Other physical ignition means, e.g. using laser rays using electromagnetic microwaves
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
    • F02P9/00—Electric spark ignition control, not otherwise provided for
    • F02P9/002—Control of spark intensity, intensifying, lengthening, suppression
    • F02P9/007—Control of spark intensity, intensifying, lengthening, suppression by supplementary electrical discharge in the pre-ionised electrode interspace of the sparking plug, e.g. plasma jet ignition

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a device for igniting an air-fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine by means of a high-frequency power source according to the preamble of the main claim.
  • spark plug is a common part of internal combustion engines for motor vehicles.
  • the spark plug is inductively supplied by means of an ignition coil with a sufficiently high electrical voltage, so that a spark on End of the spark plug in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine forms to initiate the combustion of the air-fuel mixture.
  • a plasma at the end of an RF resonator is known as a spark plug for igniting an air-fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine. It is further apparent from this that the end of a coaxial waveguide structure of the RF resonator is designed as a firing pin and the freestanding plasma in the air-fuel mixture is produced therefrom by a field structure projecting into the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine.
  • an ignition device in which the ignition of such an air-fuel mixture is made in an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle using a coaxial line resonator.
  • the ignition coil is replaced by a sufficiently strong microwave source, for example a combination of a high-frequency generator and an amplifier.
  • a geometrically optimized coaxial line resonator sets the required field for the ignition field strength at the open end of the candle-like line resonator and between the electrodes of the candle forms an ignitable plasma path with the flashover.
  • Such high-frequency ignition is also described in the article "SAE-Paper 970071, Investigating a Radio Frequency Plasma Ignitor for Possible Internal Combustion Engine Use". Even with this high-frequency or microwave ignition, a high voltage is generated by means of a low-impedance feed at the so-called hot end of a ⁇ / 4 line of an RF line resonator without a conventional ignition coil.
  • the invention relates to a device for igniting an air-fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine by means of a high-frequency electrical energy source, with a coaxial waveguide structure, in which the high-frequency electrical energy can be coupled and with one end into the respective combustion chamber of a cylinder of the internal combustion engine protrudes, wherein at this end by a high voltage potential, a microwave plasma can be generated.
  • the one end of the coaxial waveguide structure is designed so that at a pending voltage potential through a protruding into the combustion chamber field structure a free-standing plasma in the air-fuel mixture between the protruding from the waveguide structure a predetermined amount inner conductor and the outer conductor of the waveguide structure can be generated. In this plasma cloud standing free around the end of the projecting inner conductor, no flashover occurs between the electrodes, so that no ion current flows.
  • the inventive design of the end of the coaxial waveguide structure is advantageously carried out according to the features of the characterizing part of claim 1, wherein the one end of the coaxial waveguide structure in the combustion chamber contains a seal of dielectric material between the outer conductor and the coaxial inner conductor, which is at least is provided in the axial direction of a sudden and / or sliding cross-sectional change, which results in an optimal field structure for generating a free-standing plasma.
  • the coaxial waveguide structure is designed such that for a given effective wavelength ⁇ eff of the coupled high-frequency oscillation, a line resonator approximately according to the relationship (2n + 1) * ⁇ eff / 4 with n ⁇ O results and the high-frequency oscillation, for example by a capacitive, inductive, mixed or an aperture coupling is coupled.
  • the effective wavelength ⁇ eff is determined essentially by the shape of the end of the protruding innline, by the sealing of the dielectric or by the shape of the entire line resonator.
  • the field strength required for the ignition in the combustion chamber thus sets at the open end of the largely spark plug-like resonator in its shape.
  • the main advantages of such a high-frequency spark plug over the conventional use of a spark plug are mainly a cost and weight savings by the possibility of miniaturization.
  • the achieved in the proposed device extensive heat value freedom also allows a reduction in the variety of types and thus also a cost savings.
  • the decoupled electrical signal is further processed in an evaluation circuit, with the e.g. a diagnosis of the arrangement, a regulation of the high-frequency energy source and / or a control of predetermined operating functions can be effected.
  • This controllability due to the possibility of combustion diagnostics and thus the optimization of the engine control results in less wear of the structures acting as ignition electrodes and, moreover, also a controlled burning off of impurities, e.g. of soot, possible.
  • the coaxial resonator is realized as a cylinder with a constant, circular cross-section over the length, the result is a conventional sealing of the open end of the resonator or the separation of the volume of the resonator from the combustion chamber, depending on the material and the geometric configuration, in particular Thickness of the seal, a significant field distortion or field attenuation at one end at the top of the inner conductor and an increase in the power requirement to achieve the required ignition field strength.
  • the power requirement is significantly reduced as compared with a resonator having a constant circular cross-section over the length, i. possibly even below the level of a resonator without sealing.
  • the Appendence of the free-standing plasma according to the main claim allows.
  • the plasma is in this case only at one electrode, i. formed at the end of the protruding inner conductor, as a freestanding cloud and it forms, as mentioned above, no adverse spark gap between two electrodes out.
  • the seal can advantageously be mounted in a recess of the outer conductor, which has an abrupt increase in cross-sectional enlargement.
  • the inner contour of the outer conductor and the outer contour of the inner conductor can advantageously be correspondingly changed in their cross section in predetermined regions.
  • the main advantages of this arrangement according to the invention are an optimal separation of the volume of the resonator to the combustion chamber, possibly with simultaneous sealing effect, and a reduction of the RF power necessary for ignition.
  • the inventive concept is advantageously suitable for subsequent integration in existing combustion engines.
  • a compact ignition unit it is possible for a compact ignition unit to be formed by arranging a free-running oscillator circuit and the coaxial waveguide in a common housing, wherein an oscillating circuit can also be connected downstream of the free-running oscillator circuit.
  • the free-running oscillator circuit and / or the downstream amplifier circuit are preferably constructed as a semiconductor integrated circuit with SiC or GaN devices.
  • the main advantages of such a compact design of a high-frequency ignition unit are in particular the possibility of reducing the size, e.g. from a thread size M14 to M10 and the resulting cost and weight savings, since the actual candle and the ignition coil is saved.
  • conventional spark plugs can not be reduced to the extent that new small-sized ignition and valve systems can be realized on an internal combustion engine, in particular a high-compression internal combustion engine.
  • a better EMC behavior in the integration of these components in the coaxial geometry of the device can be achieved.
  • the ignition timing and the ignition duration can be set in a simple manner variable.
  • the freestanding plasma can be positively influenced, in particular by influencing the flame size, as mentioned above, whereby an increase in ignition safety in lean mixtures and in a direct gasoline injection (BDE) is achieved.
  • oscillator circuit for the applications described, it should be noted that these are not only to be interpreted as a single operating state, but at least two basic operating states, namely the unlit and the ignited state, can occur. Furthermore, the transition region between these states and additional influencing parameters such as temperature, soot occupancy and other operating parameters can have a lasting effect on the resonance and impedance behavior of the RF resonator. With conventional structures, this often results in only a fraction of the available power being coupled into the resonator. The remaining portion is reflected and may load or destroy the used power semiconductor device in the oscillator circuit; if necessary, an ignition can be completely prevented.
  • the invention can be ensured by a suitable, compact design freely oscillating oscillator circuit in each operating state in a simple manner that a sufficient proportion of available RF power is coupled into the resonator.
  • the use of new high-temperature semiconductor technologies, such as SiC or GaN particularly advantageous because they are characterized by a good frequency response f T even at high temperatures, eg> 200 ° C, by a high power density and a high integration density.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an apparatus for high-frequency ignition of an air-fuel mixture shown in an internal combustion engine having components of a so-called high-frequency spark plug 1.
  • RF generator 2 and possibly also dispensable amplifier 3 available, which generate the high-frequency oscillations as a microwave source.
  • Schematically here is an inductive coupling 4 of the high-frequency oscillations in a constructed as ⁇ eff / 4 resonator 5 coaxial waveguide structure as an integral part of the high-frequency spark plug 1 shown.
  • the coaxial resonator 5 consists of an outer conductor 6 and an inner conductor 7, wherein the one so-called open or hot end 8 of the resonator 5 with the inner conductor 7, here as compared to the outer conductor 6 insulated firing pin 7a, causes the ignition.
  • the other so-called cold combustion chamber distal end 9 of the resonator 5 is a short circuit.
  • the dielectric 10 between the outer conductor 6 and an inner conductor 7 consists essentially of air or of a suitable non-conductive material. Only for sealing the open end 8 of the resonator 5 to the combustion chamber, a seal 11 is present.
  • the seal 11 is also made of a non-conductive material which withstands the temperatures in the combustion chamber, e.g. Ceramics. In this case, the dielectric properties of the filling material 10 or of the seal 11 with the dimensions of the resonator 5 determine.
  • FIG. 2 refers to.
  • the effect of a field distortion or field weakening at the tip of the inner conductor 7 or firing pin 7a caused by the open end 8 becomes the cross section of a seal 20 after FIG. 2 varies in the region of the open end 8 of the resonator 5.
  • the inner contour of the outer conductor 6 and the outer contour of the inner conductor 7, 7a may be changed correspondingly in predetermined areas in their cross section.
  • FIG. 3 are principal components of a high-frequency ignition unit 30 can be seen as a block diagram. This contains in detail an RF ignition unit 31, as they are based on the Figures 1 and 2 has been described. Furthermore, a frequency-determining, free-running oscillator 32 using power transistors based on high-temperature suitable semiconductor RF technologies, such as high temperature suitable SiC or GaN devices, and a coupling 33 for the RF oscillations of the oscillator 32 in the igniter 31 is present. Operating fluctuations in the frequency can be taken into account by a suitable, known per se structure of the oscillator 32.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Ignition Installations For Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)
  • Spark Plugs (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for igniting an air-fuel-mixture in an internal combustion engine by means of a high frequency electric energy source. Said device comprises a coaxial waveguide structure (5) into which the high frequency electric energy can be injected and which projects with an end thereof into the respective combustion chamber of a cylinder of the internal combustion engine. One end of the coaxial waveguide structure (5) is embodied as an igniter pin (7a) such that when a voltage potential occurs as a result of rapid and/or gradual cross-section modifications (21) of the inner (7) and/or outer conductor (6), a field structure (22) protruding into the internal combustion chamber and a free-standing plasma in the air-fuel-mixture can be produced on the inner conductor (7, 7a) protruding from the waveguide structure.

Description

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zum Zünden eines Luft-Kraftstoff-Gemischs in einem Verbrennungsmotor mittels einer hochfrequenten Energiequelle nach dem Oberbegriff des Hauptanspruchs.The invention relates to a device for igniting an air-fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine by means of a high-frequency power source according to the preamble of the main claim.

Die Zündung eines solchen Luft-Kraftstoff-Gemischs mit Hilfe einer sogenannten Zündkerze stellt einen üblichen Bestandteil von Verbrennungsmotoren für Kraftfahrzeuge dar. Bei diesen heute eingesetzten Zündsystemen wird die Zündkerze induktiv mittels einer Zündspule mit einer genügend hohen elektrischen Spannung versorgt, so dass sich ein Zündfunke am Ende der Zündkerze im Brennraum des Verbrennungsmotors herausbildet um die Verbrennung des Luft-Kraftstoff-Gemischs einzuleiten.The ignition of such an air-fuel mixture by means of a so-called spark plug is a common part of internal combustion engines for motor vehicles. In these ignition systems used today, the spark plug is inductively supplied by means of an ignition coil with a sufficiently high electrical voltage, so that a spark on End of the spark plug in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine forms to initiate the combustion of the air-fuel mixture.

Beim Betrieb dieser herkömmlichen Zündkerze können Spannungen bis über dreißig Kilovolt auftreten, wobei durch den Verbrennungsprozess Rückstände, wie Ruß, Öl oder Kohle sowie Asche aus Kraftstoff und Öl auftreten, die unter bestimmten thermischen Bedingungen elektrisch leitend sind. Es dürfen jedoch bei diesen hohen Spannungen keine Über- oder Durchschläge am Isolator der Zündkerze auftreten, so dass der elektrische Widerstand des Isolators auch bei den auftretenden hohen Temperaturen während der Lebensdauer der Zündkerze sich nicht verändern sollte.When operating this conventional spark plug, voltages up to more than thirty kilovolts may occur, with residues such as soot, oil or coal and ash from fuel and oil, which are electrically conductive under certain thermal conditions, due to the combustion process. However, at these high voltages no over or breakdowns on the insulator of the spark plug occur, so that the electrical resistance of the insulator should not change even at the high temperatures occurring during the life of the spark plug.

Aus der US-A-5 361 737 ist bekannt, dass ein Plasma am Ende eines HF-Resonators als Zündkerze zum Zünden eines Luft-Kraftstoff-Gemisches in einem Verbrennungsmotor bekannt. Es ist hieraus weiterhin zu entnehmen, dass das Ende einer koaxialen Wellenleiterstruktur des HF-Resonators als Zündstift ausgebildet ist und hieran durch eine in den Brennraum des Verbrennungsmotors hineinragende Feldstruktur das freistehende Plasma im Luft-Kraftstoff-Gemisch erzeugt wird.From the US-A-5,361,737 It is known that a plasma at the end of an RF resonator is known as a spark plug for igniting an air-fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine. It is further apparent from this that the end of a coaxial waveguide structure of the RF resonator is designed as a firing pin and the freestanding plasma in the air-fuel mixture is produced therefrom by a field structure projecting into the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine.

Es ist auch noch beispielsweise aus der DE 198 52 652 A1 eine Zündvorrichtung bekannt, bei der die Zündung eines solchen Luft-Kraftstoff-Gemischs in einem Verbrennungsmotor eines Kraftfahrzeuges unter Verwendung eines koaxialen Leitungsresonators vorgenommen wird. Hierbei wird die Zündspule durch eine genügend starke Mikrowellenquelle, z.B. eine Kombination aus einem Hochfrequenzgenerator und einem Verstärker, ersetzt. Mit einem geometrisch optimierten koaxialen Leitungsresonator stellt sich dann die für die Zündung erforderliche Feldstärke am offenen Ende des kerzenähnlichen Leitungsresonators ein und zwischen den Elektroden der Kerze bildet sich mit dem Spannungsüberschlag eine zündfähige Plasmastrecke heraus.It is also still for example from the DE 198 52 652 A1 an ignition device is known in which the ignition of such an air-fuel mixture is made in an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle using a coaxial line resonator. In this case, the ignition coil is replaced by a sufficiently strong microwave source, for example a combination of a high-frequency generator and an amplifier. With a geometrically optimized coaxial line resonator then sets the required field for the ignition field strength at the open end of the candle-like line resonator and between the electrodes of the candle forms an ignitable plasma path with the flashover.

Eine solche Hochfrequenzzündung ist auch in dem Aufsatz "SAE-Paper 970071, Investigatinon of a Radio Frequency Plasma Ignitor for Possible Internal Combustion Engine Use" beschrieben. Auch bei dieser Hochfrequenz- bzw. Mikrowellenzündung wird ohne eine übliche Zündspule eine Hochspannung mittels einer niederohmigen Einspeisung am sogenannten heißen Ende einer λ/4-Leitung eines HF-Leitungsresonators erzeugt.Such high-frequency ignition is also described in the article "SAE-Paper 970071, Investigating a Radio Frequency Plasma Ignitor for Possible Internal Combustion Engine Use". Even with this high-frequency or microwave ignition, a high voltage is generated by means of a low-impedance feed at the so-called hot end of a λ / 4 line of an RF line resonator without a conventional ignition coil.

Vorteile der ErfindungAdvantages of the invention

Die Erfindung geht aus von einer Vorrichtung zum Zünden eines Luft-Kraftstoff-Gemischs in einem Verbrennungsmotor mittels einer hochfrequenten elektrischen Energiequelle, mit einer koaxialen Wellenleiterstruktur, in die die hochfrequente elektrische Energie einkoppelbar ist und die mit einem Ende in den jeweiligen Brennraum eines Zylinders des Verbrennungsmotors hineinragt, wobei an diesem Ende durch ein hohes Spannungspotential ein Mikrowellenplasma erzeugbar ist. Das eine Ende der koaxialen Wellenleiterstruktur ist so ausgebildet, dass bei einem anstehenden Spannungspotential durch eine in den Brennraum hineinragende Feldstruktur ein freistehendes Plasma im Luft-Kraftstoff-Gemisch zwischen dem aus der Wellenleiterstruktur einen vorgegebenen Betrag herausragenden Innenleiter und dem Außenleiter der Wellenleiterstruktur erzeugbar ist. In dieser um das Ende des herausragenden Innenleiters herum freistehenden Plasmawolke, findet kein Überschlag zwischen den Elektroden statt, so dass auch kein Ionenstrom fließt.The invention relates to a device for igniting an air-fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine by means of a high-frequency electrical energy source, with a coaxial waveguide structure, in which the high-frequency electrical energy can be coupled and with one end into the respective combustion chamber of a cylinder of the internal combustion engine protrudes, wherein at this end by a high voltage potential, a microwave plasma can be generated. The one end of the coaxial waveguide structure is designed so that at a pending voltage potential through a protruding into the combustion chamber field structure a free-standing plasma in the air-fuel mixture between the protruding from the waveguide structure a predetermined amount inner conductor and the outer conductor of the waveguide structure can be generated. In this plasma cloud standing free around the end of the projecting inner conductor, no flashover occurs between the electrodes, so that no ion current flows.

Die erfindungsgemäße Ausgestaltung des Endes der koaxialen Wellenleiterstruktur wird in vorteilhafter Weise gemäß der Merkmale des Kennzeichens des Anspruchs 1 vorgenommen, bei dem das eine Ende der koaxialen Wellenleiterstruktur im Brennraum eine Abdichtung aus dielektrischem Material zwischen dem Außenleiter und dem koaxialen Innenleiter enthält, die derart mit mindestens einer in axialer Richtung sprunghaften und/oder gleitenden Querschnittsänderung versehen ist, das sich eine optimale Feldstruktur zur Erzeugung eines freistehenden Plasmas ergibt.The inventive design of the end of the coaxial waveguide structure is advantageously carried out according to the features of the characterizing part of claim 1, wherein the one end of the coaxial waveguide structure in the combustion chamber contains a seal of dielectric material between the outer conductor and the coaxial inner conductor, which is at least is provided in the axial direction of a sudden and / or sliding cross-sectional change, which results in an optimal field structure for generating a free-standing plasma.

Die koaxiale Wellenleiterstruktur ist dabei so ausgebildet, dass sich für eine vorgegebene effektive Wellenlänge λeff der eingekoppelten hochfrequenten Schwingung ein Leitungsresonator in etwa nach der Beziehung (2n+1)* λeff/4 mit n ≥ O ergibt und die hochfrequente Schwingung beispielsweise durch eine kapazitive, induktive, gemischte oder eine Aperturkopplung eingekoppelt wird. Die effektive Wellenlänge λeff wird dabei im wesentlichen durch die Formgebung des Endes des herausragenden Innleiters, durch die Abdichtung des Dielektrikums bzw. durch die Formgebung des gesamten Leitungsresonators bestimmt.The coaxial waveguide structure is designed such that for a given effective wavelength λ eff of the coupled high-frequency oscillation, a line resonator approximately according to the relationship (2n + 1) * λ eff / 4 with n ≥ O results and the high-frequency oscillation, for example by a capacitive, inductive, mixed or an aperture coupling is coupled. The effective wavelength λ eff is determined essentially by the shape of the end of the protruding innline, by the sealing of the dielectric or by the shape of the entire line resonator.

Bei der erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform stellt sich die für die Zündung im Brennraum erforderliche Feldstärke damit am offenen Ende des in seiner Form weitgehend zündkerzenähnlichen Resonators ein. Die wesentlichen Vorteile einer solchen Hochfrequenzzündkerze gegenüber der herkömmlichen Verwendung einer Zündkerze sind vor allem eine Kosten- und Gewichtseinsparung durch die Möglichkeit zur Miniaturisierung. Die bei der vorgeschlagenen Vorrichtung erreichte weitgehende Wärmewertfreiheit ermöglicht zudem eine Reduzierung der Typenvielfalt und damit ebenfalls eine Kosteneinsparung.In the embodiment according to the invention, the field strength required for the ignition in the combustion chamber thus sets at the open end of the largely spark plug-like resonator in its shape. The main advantages of such a high-frequency spark plug over the conventional use of a spark plug are mainly a cost and weight savings by the possibility of miniaturization. The achieved in the proposed device extensive heat value freedom also allows a reduction in the variety of types and thus also a cost savings.

Dadurch, dass hier auf einfache Weise bevorzugt im Oszillator, eventuell aber auch an sonstigen Bereichen des koaxialen Wellenleiters, ein elektrisches Mess- oder Steuersignal auskoppelbar ist, das von den physikalischen Größen des freistehenden Plasma im Luft-Kraftstoff-Gemisch abhängig ist, wird prinzipiell eine Einstellbarkeit der Flammgröße ermöglicht, womit ein vergrößertes Zündvolumen im Vergleich zur herkömmlichen Zündkerze und eine gute Einleitung der Flammfront in den Brennraum erreichbar ist. Dies führt zu einer Erhöhung der Zündsicherheit insbesondere bei Magergemischmotoren und bei einer Benzin-Direkt-Einspritzung.The fact that here in a simple manner preferably in the oscillator, but possibly also on other areas of the coaxial waveguide, an electrical measurement or control signal can be decoupled, which is dependent on the physical quantities of free-standing plasma in the air-fuel mixture, is in principle a Adjustability of the flame size allows, so that an increased ignition volume compared to the conventional spark plug and a good introduction of the flame front can be achieved in the combustion chamber. This leads to an increase in the ignition safety, especially in lean burn engines and in a direct injection gasoline.

Ferner sind zusätzliche Freiheitsgrade durch die Steuerbarkeit der Brenndauer aufgrund der Möglichkeit der Ableitung auskoppelbarer Steuersignale vorhanden. Das ausgekoppelte elektrische Signal ist in einer Auswerteschaltung weiterverarbeitbar, mit der z.B. eine Diagnose der Anordnung, eine Regelung der hochfrequenten Energiequelle und/oder eine Steuerung vorgegebener Betriebsfunktionen bewirkbar ist. Diese Steuerbarkeit aufgrund der Möglichkeit der Verbrennungsdiagnostik und damit der Optimierung der Motorsteuerung führt zu einem geringeren Verschleiß der als Zündelektroden wirkenden Strukturen und es ist außerdem auch ein gesteuertes Abbrennen von Verunreinigungen, z.B. von Ruß, möglich.Furthermore, additional degrees of freedom are provided by the controllability of the burning time due to the possibility of deriving extractable control signals. The decoupled electrical signal is further processed in an evaluation circuit, with the e.g. a diagnosis of the arrangement, a regulation of the high-frequency energy source and / or a control of predetermined operating functions can be effected. This controllability due to the possibility of combustion diagnostics and thus the optimization of the engine control results in less wear of the structures acting as ignition electrodes and, moreover, also a controlled burning off of impurities, e.g. of soot, possible.

Wenn der koaxiale Resonator als Zylinder mit über der Länge konstantem, kreisförmigen Querschnitt realisiert wird, so entsteht durch eine herkömmliche Abdichtung des offenen Endes des Resonators bzw. der Abtrennung des Volumens des Resonators vom Brennraum, in Abhängigkeit vom Material und der geometrischen Gestaltung, insbesondere der Dicke der Abdichtung, eine deutliche Feldverzerrung bzw. Feldabschwächung am einen Ende an der Spitze des Innenleiters und eine Erhöhung des Leistungsbedarfs zum Erreichen der erforderlichen Zündfeldstärke.If the coaxial resonator is realized as a cylinder with a constant, circular cross-section over the length, the result is a conventional sealing of the open end of the resonator or the separation of the volume of the resonator from the combustion chamber, depending on the material and the geometric configuration, in particular Thickness of the seal, a significant field distortion or field attenuation at one end at the top of the inner conductor and an increase in the power requirement to achieve the required ignition field strength.

Erfindungsgemäß wird in vorteilhafter Weise durch eine geeignete Variierung des Querschnitts des koaxialen Resonators der Leistungsbedarf deutlich gegenüber einem Resonator mit über der Länge konstantem, kreisförmigen Querschnitt gesenkt, d.h. eventuell sogar unter das Niveau eines Resonators ohne Abdichtung.Advantageously, according to the present invention, by suitably varying the cross-section of the coaxial resonator, the power requirement is significantly reduced as compared with a resonator having a constant circular cross-section over the length, i. possibly even below the level of a resonator without sealing.

Hierzu enthält vorzugsweise das eine Ende der koaxialen Wellenleiterstruktur im Brennraum eine Abdichtung aus dielektrischem Material zwischen dem Außenleiter und dem koaxialen Innenleiter, die derart mit mindestens einer in axialer Richtung sprunghaften und/oder gleitenden Querschnittsänderung versehen ist, dass sich eine optimale Feldstruktur ergibt, die die Entstehung des freistehenden Plasmas nach dem Hauptanspruch ermöglicht. Das Plasma wird hierbei nur an einer Elektrode, d.h. am Ende des herausragenden Innenleiters, als freistehende Wolke ausgebildet und es bildet sich, wie zuvor erwähnt, keine nachteilige Funkenstrecke zwischen zwei Elektroden heraus.For this purpose, preferably contains one end of the coaxial waveguide structure in the combustion chamber, a seal of dielectric material between the outer conductor and the coaxial inner conductor, which is provided with at least one axially and / or sliding cross-sectional change, that results in an optimal field structure, the Emergence of the free-standing plasma according to the main claim allows. The plasma is in this case only at one electrode, i. formed at the end of the protruding inner conductor, as a freestanding cloud and it forms, as mentioned above, no adverse spark gap between two electrodes out.

Insbesondere kann vorteilhaft die Abdichtung in einer Ausnehmung des Außenleiters angebracht werden, die eine zum einen Ende hin sprunghafte Querschnittsvergrößerung aufweist. Im Bereich des einen Endes können darüber hinaus in vorteilhafter Weise die innere Kontur des Außenleiters und die äußere Kontur des Innenleiters in vorgegebenen Bereichen in ihrem Querschnitt korrespondierend verändert werden.In particular, the seal can advantageously be mounted in a recess of the outer conductor, which has an abrupt increase in cross-sectional enlargement. In addition, in the region of the one end, the inner contour of the outer conductor and the outer contour of the inner conductor can advantageously be correspondingly changed in their cross section in predetermined regions.

Die wesentlichen Vorteile dieser erfindungsgemäßen Anordnung sind eine optimale Abtrennung des Volumens des Resonators zum Brennraum, ggf. mit gleichzeitiger dichtender Wirkung, und eine Reduzierung der zur Zündung notwendigen HF-Leistung. Das erfinderische Konzept ist dabei vorteilhaft geeignet für eine nachträgliche Integration in bereits existierende Verbrennungsmotoren.The main advantages of this arrangement according to the invention are an optimal separation of the volume of the resonator to the combustion chamber, possibly with simultaneous sealing effect, and a reduction of the RF power necessary for ignition. The inventive concept is advantageously suitable for subsequent integration in existing combustion engines.

Gemäß einer besonders vorteilhaften Ausführungsform ist es möglich, dass eine kompakte Zündeinheit dadurch gebildet werden kann, dass in einem gemeinsamen Gehäuse eine freischwingende Oszillatorschaltung und der koaxiale Wellenleiter angeordnet wird, wobei der freischwingenden Oszillatorschaltung auch eine Verstärkerschaltung nachgeschaltet werden kann. Die freischwingende Oszillatorschaltung und/oder die nachgeschaltete Verstärkerschaltung werden bevorzugt als eine integrierte Halbleiterschaltung mit SiC oder GaN Bauelementen aufgebaut.According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, it is possible for a compact ignition unit to be formed by arranging a free-running oscillator circuit and the coaxial waveguide in a common housing, wherein an oscillating circuit can also be connected downstream of the free-running oscillator circuit. The free-running oscillator circuit and / or the downstream amplifier circuit are preferably constructed as a semiconductor integrated circuit with SiC or GaN devices.

Die wesentlichen Vorteile eines solchen kompakten Aufbaus einer Hochfrequenz-Zündeinheit sind insbesondere die Möglichkeit einer Reduzierung der Baugröße, z.B. von einer Gewindegröße M14 auf M10 und die damit erreichbare Kosten- und Gewichtseinsparung, da die eigentliche Kerze und die Zündspule eingespart wird. Herkömmliche Zündkerzen können aus physikalischen Gründen nicht in dem Maße verkleinert werden, dass hiermit neue kleinbauende Zünd- und Ventilsysteme an einem, insbesondere auch hochverdichtenden Verbrennungsmotor realisiert werden können. Auch ist ein besseres EMV-Verhalten bei der Integration dieser Bauelemente in die koaxiale Geometrie der Vorrichtung erreichbar.The main advantages of such a compact design of a high-frequency ignition unit are in particular the possibility of reducing the size, e.g. from a thread size M14 to M10 and the resulting cost and weight savings, since the actual candle and the ignition coil is saved. For reasons of physical nature, conventional spark plugs can not be reduced to the extent that new small-sized ignition and valve systems can be realized on an internal combustion engine, in particular a high-compression internal combustion engine. Also, a better EMC behavior in the integration of these components in the coaxial geometry of the device can be achieved.

Insbesondere auch in Kombination mit der oben erwähnten Steuerbarkeit des Zündverhaltens durch die Verarbeitung eines auskoppelbaren Signals können der Zündzeitpunkt und die Zünddauer auf einfache Weise variabel eingestellt werden. Das freistehende Plasma kann insbesondere durch eine Beeinflussung der Flammgröße, wie oben erwähnt, positiv beeinflusst werden, wodurch eine Erhöhung der Zündsicherheit bei Magergemischen und bei einer Benzin-Direkt-Einspritzung (BDE) erreicht ist.In particular, in combination with the above-mentioned controllability of the ignition behavior by the processing of a decoupled signal, the ignition timing and the ignition duration can be set in a simple manner variable. The freestanding plasma can be positively influenced, in particular by influencing the flame size, as mentioned above, whereby an increase in ignition safety in lean mixtures and in a direct gasoline injection (BDE) is achieved.

Beim Aufbau von Oszillatorschaltung für die beschriebenen Anwendungen ist zu berücksichtigen, dass diese nicht nur auf einen einzigen Betriebszustand auszulegen sind, sondern es können mindestens zwei grundlegende Betriebszustände, nämlich der ungezündete und der gezündete Zustand, auftreten. Weiterhin kann auch der Übergangsbereich zwischen diesen Zuständen und zusätzliche Einflussparameter wie Temperatur, Rußbelegung sowie weitere Betriebsparameter sich nachhaltig auf das Resonanz- und Impedanzverhalten des HF-Resonators auswirken. Dies hat bei herkömmlichen Aufbauten häufig zur Folge, dass nur noch ein Bruchteil der zur Verfügung stehenden Leistung in den Resonator eingekoppelt wird. Der restliche Anteil wird reflektiert und belastet oder zerstört unter Umständen das verwendete Leistungshalbleiterbauelement in der Oszillatorschaltung; ggf. kann auch eine Zündung komplett verhindert werden.When constructing oscillator circuit for the applications described, it should be noted that these are not only to be interpreted as a single operating state, but at least two basic operating states, namely the unlit and the ignited state, can occur. Furthermore, the transition region between these states and additional influencing parameters such as temperature, soot occupancy and other operating parameters can have a lasting effect on the resonance and impedance behavior of the RF resonator. With conventional structures, this often results in only a fraction of the available power being coupled into the resonator. The remaining portion is reflected and may load or destroy the used power semiconductor device in the oscillator circuit; if necessary, an ignition can be completely prevented.

Erfindungsgemäß kann durch eine geeignete, kompakt aufgebaute frei schwingende Oszillatorschaltung in jedem Betriebszustand auf einfache Weise gewährleistet werden, dass ein ausreichender Anteil verfügbarer HF-Leistung in den Resonator eingekoppelt wird. Zum Aufbau des erfindungsgemäßen Oszillators in unmittelbarer Motornähe ist dabei der Einsatz neuer hochtemperaturtauglicher Halbleitertechnologien, z.B. SiC oder GaN, besonders vorteilhaft, da sich diese durch ein gutes Frequenzverhalten fT auch bei hohen Temperaturen, z.B.> 200°C, durch eine hohe Leistungsdichte und eine hohe Integrationsdichte auszeichnen.According to the invention can be ensured by a suitable, compact design freely oscillating oscillator circuit in each operating state in a simple manner that a sufficient proportion of available RF power is coupled into the resonator. For the construction of the oscillator according to the invention in the immediate vicinity of the engine, the use of new high-temperature semiconductor technologies, such as SiC or GaN, particularly advantageous because they are characterized by a good frequency response f T even at high temperatures, eg> 200 ° C, by a high power density and a high integration density.

Zeichnungdrawing

Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung werden anhand der Zeichnung erläutert. Es zeigen:

  • Figur 1 eine prinzipielle Ansicht einer Vorrichtung zum hochfrequenten Zünden eines Luft-Kraftstoff-Gemischs in einem Verbrennungsmotor mit einer koaxialen Wellenleiterstruktur als Resonator,
  • Figur 2 eine erfindungsgemäße Ausgestaltung des in den Brennraum des Verbrennungsmotors hineinragenden Endes des Resonators mit einer Ansicht der Feldlinien des in den Brennraum des Verbrennungsmotors hineinragenden Endes des Resonators und
  • Figur 3 ein Blockschaltbild einer Zündeinheit mit einem freischwingenden Oszillator, einem Resonator und einer Einkopplung der hochfrequenten Schwingungen in den Resonator.
Embodiments of the invention will be explained with reference to the drawing. Show it:
  • FIG. 1 a schematic view of an apparatus for high-frequency ignition of an air-fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine having a coaxial waveguide structure as a resonator,
  • FIG. 2 an inventive embodiment of the protruding into the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine end of the resonator with a view of the field lines of the protruding into the combustion chamber of the engine end of the resonator and
  • FIG. 3 a block diagram of an ignition unit with a free-running oscillator, a resonator and a coupling of the high-frequency oscillations in the resonator.

Beschreibung der AusführungsbeispieleDescription of the embodiments

In Figur 1 ist eine Prinzipansicht einer Vorrichtung zum hochfrequenten Zünden eines Luft-Kraftstoff-Gemischs in einem Verbrennungsmotor gezeigt, die Bestandteile einer sogenannten Hochfrequenzzündkerze 1 aufweist. Es sind hier im einzelnen ein HF-Generator 2 und ein eventuell auch verzichtbarer Verstärker 3 vorhanden, die als Mikrowellenquelle die hochfrequenten Schwingungen erzeugen. Schematisch ist hier eine induktive Einkopplung 4 der hochfrequenten Schwingungen in eine als λeff/4-Resonator 5 aufgebaute koaxiale Wellenleiterstruktur als wesentlicher Bestandteil der Hochfrequenzzündkerze 1 gezeigt.In FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an apparatus for high-frequency ignition of an air-fuel mixture shown in an internal combustion engine having components of a so-called high-frequency spark plug 1. There are here in detail an RF generator 2 and possibly also dispensable amplifier 3 available, which generate the high-frequency oscillations as a microwave source. Schematically here is an inductive coupling 4 of the high-frequency oscillations in a constructed as λ eff / 4 resonator 5 coaxial waveguide structure as an integral part of the high-frequency spark plug 1 shown.

Der koaxiale Resonator 5 besteht aus einem Außenleiter 6 und einem Innenleiter 7, wobei das eine sogenannte offene oder heiße Ende 8 des Resonators 5 mit dem Innenleiter 7, hier als gegenüber dem Außenleiter 6 isolierten Zündstift 7a, die Zündung bewirkt. Für die hochfrequenten Schwingungen stellt das andere sogenannte kalte brennraumferne Ende 9 des Resonators 5 einen Kurzschluss dar. Das Dielektrikum 10 zwischen dem Außenleiter 6 und einem Innenleiter 7 besteht im wesentlichen aus Luft oder aus einem geeigneten nichtleitenden Material. Lediglich zur Abdichtung des offenen Endes 8 des Resonators 5 zum Brennraum ist eine Dichtung 11 vorhanden. Die Dichtung 11 besteht auch aus einem nichtleitendem Material, das den Temperaturen im Brennraum standhält, z.B. Keramik. Dabei bestimmen die dielektrischen Eigenschaften des Füllmaterials 10 bzw. der Abdichtung 11 mit die Abmessungen des Resonators 5.The coaxial resonator 5 consists of an outer conductor 6 and an inner conductor 7, wherein the one so-called open or hot end 8 of the resonator 5 with the inner conductor 7, here as compared to the outer conductor 6 insulated firing pin 7a, causes the ignition. For the high-frequency oscillations, the other so-called cold combustion chamber distal end 9 of the resonator 5 is a short circuit. The dielectric 10 between the outer conductor 6 and an inner conductor 7 consists essentially of air or of a suitable non-conductive material. Only for sealing the open end 8 of the resonator 5 to the combustion chamber, a seal 11 is present. The seal 11 is also made of a non-conductive material which withstands the temperatures in the combustion chamber, e.g. Ceramics. In this case, the dielectric properties of the filling material 10 or of the seal 11 with the dimensions of the resonator 5 determine.

Bei dieser Hochfrequenzzündkerze 1 wird das Prinzip der Feldüberhöhung in einem koaxialen Resonator 5 der Länge (2n+1)* λeff/4 mit n > O genutzt. Das durch eine genügend starke Mikrowellenquelle als Generator 2 und eventuell dem Verstärker 3 erzeugte hochfrequente Signal wird durch die Einkopplung 4, z.B. induktiv, kapazitiv, aus beiden gemischt oder durch eine Aperturkopplung in den Resonator 5 eingespeist. Durch die Ausbildung eines Spannungsknotens am Kurzschluss 9 und eines Spannungsbauchs am einen offenen Ende 8 ergibt sich hier am Zündstift 7a eine Feldüberhöhung, die zu dem in der Beschreibungseinleitung erwähnten freistehenden Plasma führt.In this high frequency spark plug 1, the principle of field enhancement in a coaxial resonator 5 of length (2n + 1) * λ eff / 4 with n> O is used. The high-frequency signal generated by a sufficiently strong microwave source as a generator 2 and possibly the amplifier 3 is mixed by the coupling 4, for example, inductive, capacitive, of the two or fed through an aperture coupling in the resonator 5. By forming a voltage node at the short circuit 9 and a voltage bulge at one open end 8 results here at the firing pin 7a field elevation, which leads to the mentioned in the introduction of free-standing plasma.

Die wesentlichen Bestandteile der Erfindung sind aus Figur 2 zu entnehmen. Zur Kompensation des durch die Abdichtung 11 nach der Figur 1 des offenen Endes 8 verursachten Effekts einer Feldverzerrung bzw. Feldabschwächung an der Spitze des Innenleiters 7 bzw. Zündstift 7a wird der Querschnitt einer Dichtung 20 nach der Figur 2 im Bereich des offenen Endes 8 des Resonators 5 variiert. Diese erfolgt z.B. durch Querschnittssprünge 21 bzw. auch durch gleitende Formgebungen, Taperung oder dergleichen. Beispielsweise können die innere Kontur des Außenleiters 6 und die äußere Kontur des Innenleiters 7, 7a in vorgegebenen Bereichen in ihrem Querschnitt korrespondierend verändert sein.The essential components of the invention are made FIG. 2 refer to. To compensate for the through the seal 11 after the FIG. 1 The effect of a field distortion or field weakening at the tip of the inner conductor 7 or firing pin 7a caused by the open end 8 becomes the cross section of a seal 20 after FIG. 2 varies in the region of the open end 8 of the resonator 5. This takes place, for example, by cross-sectional jumps 21 and also by sliding shapes, Taperung or the like. For example, the inner contour of the outer conductor 6 and the outer contour of the inner conductor 7, 7a may be changed correspondingly in predetermined areas in their cross section.

Die Bestimmung der geometrischen Abmessungen des einen Endes 8 des Resonators 5 im Detail hängt dabei von den System- und Materialparametern der gesamten Vorrichtung ab. In der Figur 2 sind zusätzlich noch Feldlinien 22 angedeutet, die zeigen sollen, wie eine optimale geometrische Gestaltung der Abdichtung 20 zu einer Feldlinienverteilung führt, die ein freistehendes Plasma gemäß der Erfindung optimal ermöglicht.The determination of the geometric dimensions of the one end 8 of the resonator 5 in detail depends on the system and material parameters of the entire device. In the FIG. 2 In addition, field lines 22 are indicated, which are intended to show how an optimal geometric design of the seal 20 leads to a field line distribution, which optimally enables a free-standing plasma according to the invention.

Aus Figur 3 sind prinzipielle Bestandteile einer Hochfrequenz-zündeinheit 30 als Blockschaltbild zu entnehmen. Diese enthält im einzelnen eine HF-Zündeinheit 31, wie sie anhand der Figuren 1 und 2 beschrieben worden ist. Weiterhin ist ein frequenzbestimmender, freischwingender Oszillator 32 unter Verwendung von Leistungstransistoren auf der Basis von hochtemperaturtauglichen HF-Halbleitertechnologien, z.B. hochtemperaturtaugliche SiC oder GaN Bauelemente, und eine Einkopplung 33 für die HF-Schwingungen des Oszillators 32 in die Zündvorrichtung 31 vorhanden. Betriebsbedingte Schwankungen in der Frequenz können dabei durch einen geeigneten, an sich bekannten Aufbau des Oszillator 32 berücksichtigt werden.Out FIG. 3 are principal components of a high-frequency ignition unit 30 can be seen as a block diagram. This contains in detail an RF ignition unit 31, as they are based on the Figures 1 and 2 has been described. Furthermore, a frequency-determining, free-running oscillator 32 using power transistors based on high-temperature suitable semiconductor RF technologies, such as high temperature suitable SiC or GaN devices, and a coupling 33 for the RF oscillations of the oscillator 32 in the igniter 31 is present. Operating fluctuations in the frequency can be taken into account by a suitable, known per se structure of the oscillator 32.

Claims (9)

  1. Apparatus for igniting an air/fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine by means of a radio-frequency electrical energy source, having
    - a coaxial waveguide structure (5) into which the radio-frequency electrical energy can be coupled and which projects into the respective combustion space of a cylinder of the internal combustion engine by way of one end,
    - it being possible for a microwave plasma to be generated at this end by a high voltage potential, and
    - the one end of the coaxial waveguide structure (5) being in the form of an ignition pin (7a) such that, when a voltage potential is applied through a field structure (22) which projects into the combustion space, a free-standing plasma can be generated in the air/fuel mixture at the internal conductor (7, 7a), which projects out of the waveguide structure by a prespecified amount, of the waveguide structure (5), characterized in that
    - the one end of the coaxial waveguide structure (5) contains, in the combustion space, a seal (20), which is composed of dielectric material, between the external conductor (6) and the coaxial internal conductor (7), the said seal being provided with at least one change (21) in cross section, which is abrupt and/or gradual in the axial direction, in such a way that an optimum field structure (22) for generating a free-standing plasma is produced.
  2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterized in that
    - the coaxial waveguide structure (5) is formed such that a line resonator approximately of the formula (2n+1) *λeff/4, where n≥ 0, is produced for a prespecified effective wavelength (λeff) of the coupled-in radio-frequency oscillation, and in that the radio-frequency oscillation can be coupled in by a capacitive, inductive, mixed or aperture coupling.
  3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that
    - the seal (20) is fitted in a recess of the external conductor (6), which seal has a portion (21) of abruptly enlarged cross section at one end.
  4. Apparatus according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that
    - in the region of one end of the waveguide structure (5), the cross section of the inner contour of the external conductor (6) and the outer contour of the internal conductor (7) is changed in a correspondingly gradual and/or abrupt manner in prespecified regions.
  5. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
    - an electrical signal can be coupled out at the oscillator (2; 32) or at the coaxial waveguide (5), the said signal being dependent on the physical variables of the free-standing plasma in the air/fuel mixture.
  6. Apparatus according to Claim 5, characterized in that
    - the coupled-out electrical signal can be further processed in an evaluation circuit which can diagnose the apparatus, control the radio-frequency energy source and/or control prespecified operating functions.
  7. Apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
    - a compact ignition unit (30) is formed, this ignition unit having a freely oscillating oscillator circuit (32), further components (31, 33) and the coaxial waveguide (5) in a common housing.
  8. Apparatus according to Claim 7, characterized in that
    - an amplifier circuit (3) is connected downstream of the freely oscillating oscillator circuit (2; 32).
  9. Apparatus according to Claim 6 or 7, characterized in that
    - the freely oscillating oscillator circuit (2; 32) and/or the downstream amplifier circuit (3) are/is constructed as an integrated semiconductor circuit with SiC or GaN components.
EP03790742A 2002-08-28 2003-08-25 Device for igniting an air-fuel-mixture in an internal combustion engine by means of a high frequency electric energy source Expired - Lifetime EP1537329B1 (en)

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DE10239410A DE10239410B4 (en) 2002-08-28 2002-08-28 Device for igniting an air-fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine
DE10239410 2002-08-28
PCT/DE2003/002828 WO2004020820A1 (en) 2002-08-28 2003-08-25 Device for igniting an air-fuel-mixture in an internal combustion engine by means of a high frequency electric energy source

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JP4404770B2 (en) 2010-01-27
US20060048732A1 (en) 2006-03-09
DE10239410A1 (en) 2004-03-18
EP1537329A1 (en) 2005-06-08
JP2005536684A (en) 2005-12-02

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