Pre-combustion chamber ignition device, control method of pre-combustion chamber ignition device and vehicle

By designing a pre-combustion chamber ignition device and using the spark plug assembly and actuator to switch the discharge position between different positions, the problems of difficult cold start and unstable idling of traditional gasoline engines are solved, ensuring the engine's performance in various operating conditions and gas flow performance.

CN116447059BActive Publication Date: 2025-09-09CHINA FAW CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202310452747.X
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-04-24
Publication Date
2025-09-09
Estimated Expiration
2043-04-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional gasoline engines have problems with cold starting and unstable idling when using a pre-combustion chamber. The layout of the auxiliary spark plug leads to space occupation and impaired valve flow performance.

Method used

A pre-combustion chamber ignition device is designed, including a spark plug assembly, a pre-combustion chamber electrode, and an actuator. The actuator drives the spark plug center electrode to move between different positions, switching the discharge position to adapt to different working conditions, avoiding space occupation by the auxiliary spark plug, and ensuring gas flow performance.

Benefits of technology

It achieves stable ignition and combustion under different working conditions, reduces space occupation, and ensures the engine's performance in various working conditions and gas flow performance.

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Abstract

The embodiments of the present invention disclose a pre-combustion chamber ignition device, a control method for the pre-combustion chamber ignition device, and a vehicle. The pre-combustion chamber ignition device includes: a spark plug assembly, the spark plug assembly includes a spark plug center electrode, a center electrode insulator, and a spark plug side electrode located on the peripheral side of the spark plug center electrode; a pre-combustion chamber electrode, the pre-combustion chamber electrode is arranged outside the first end of the pre-combustion chamber; an actuating mechanism, the actuating mechanism is used to drive the spark plug center electrode to move between a first position and a second position; when the spark plug center electrode is in the first position, the spark plug center electrode partially passes through the bottom spray hole at the first end of the pre-combustion chamber. When the spark plug center electrode is in the second position, the spark plug center electrode is away from the first end of the pre-combustion chamber. The embodiments of the present invention avoid many problems caused by auxiliary spark plugs, ensure the performance of the engine in various working conditions, reduce space occupancy, and ensure the gas flow performance of the engine.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to engine technology, and more particularly to a pre-combustion chamber ignition device, a control method for the pre-combustion chamber ignition device, and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, traditional internal combustion engines have been constantly challenged by fuel consumption and emissions regulations, as well as the development of new energy sources. Gasoline engines utilize precombustion chambers, enabling rapid, stable, and multi-point combustion, compensating for the combustion shortcomings of technologies like the Miller cycle and lean burn. Their combined use significantly reduces pumping, combustion, and heat transfer losses. With the continuous improvement of effective thermal efficiency targets, the research and application of precombustion chambers in gasoline engines has become increasingly widespread, and they are considered one of the most promising technologies for future gasoline engines.

[0003] Currently, gasoline engines operating with a pre-combustion chamber often experience cold-start difficulties and unstable idling (both cold-start and idling require late combustion. At this point, the pre-combustion chamber's ignition capability is poor and cyclic variability is large due to factors such as the delayed ignition angle, small pre-combustion chamber space, and downward piston movement). This necessitates the addition of an auxiliary spark plug. Placing the auxiliary spark plug in the center of the cylinder head takes up space for the valves and pre-combustion chamber, requiring a smaller intake and exhaust valve size but sacrificing flow performance. Placing the auxiliary spark plug on the side of the cylinder head also results in poor cold-start and idling performance, with significant cyclic variability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a pre-combustion chamber ignition device, a control method for the pre-combustion chamber ignition device, and a vehicle, so as to avoid many problems caused by auxiliary spark plugs, ensure the performance of various engine operating conditions, reduce space occupation, and ensure the gas flow performance of the engine.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a pre-combustion chamber ignition device, comprising:

[0006] A spark plug assembly disposed in a cavity of a pre-combustion chamber, the spark plug assembly comprising a spark plug center electrode, a center electrode insulator covering a portion of a circumference of the spark plug center electrode, and a spark plug side electrode located at a circumference of the spark plug center electrode;

[0007] a pre-combustion chamber electrode, the pre-combustion chamber electrode being disposed outside the first end of the pre-combustion chamber;

[0008] An actuating mechanism, wherein the actuating mechanism is used to drive the spark plug center electrode to move between a first position and a second position; when the spark plug center electrode is in the first position, the spark plug center electrode partially passes through the bottom spray hole at the first end of the pre-combustion chamber, the spark plug center electrode and the pre-combustion chamber electrode are separated by a first discharge distance, and the spark plug center electrode and the spark plug side electrode are separated by the center electrode insulator; when the spark plug center electrode is in the second position, the spark plug center electrode is away from the first end of the pre-combustion chamber, and the spark plug center electrode and the spark plug side electrode are separated by a second discharge distance.

[0009] Optionally, the spark plug assembly further includes a spark plug housing, which is sleeved on the outside of at least a portion of the spark plug center electrode, and the spark plug housing is movably connected to the inner side wall of the pre-combustion chamber.

[0010] Optionally, the pre-combustion chamber electrode is fixedly connected to the spark plug housing.

[0011] Optionally, a spark plug insulator is provided between the spark plug housing and the spark plug center electrode.

[0012] Optionally, the spark plug insulator is made of ceramic material.

[0013] Optionally, the spark plug housing is connected to the inner side wall of the pre-combustion chamber via threads.

[0014] Optionally, the pre-combustion chamber electrode is connected to the outside of the first end cavity of the pre-combustion chamber; the pre-combustion chamber electrode is located on an extended trajectory of the movement trajectory of the spark plug center electrode from the second position to the first position; or, the pre-combustion chamber electrode is located at any position on the circumferential side of the spark plug center electrode when the spark plug center electrode is in the first position.

[0015] Optionally, the actuating mechanism includes a solenoid valve.

[0016] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a method for controlling a pre-combustion chamber ignition device, which is used to control any of the above-mentioned pre-combustion chamber ignition devices, comprising:

[0017] Obtain engine operating conditions;

[0018] If the engine is in a cold start or idle condition, the spark plug center electrode is placed in the first position; if the engine is in a normal condition, the spark plug center electrode is placed in the second position.

[0019] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a vehicle comprising any one of the above-mentioned combustion chamber ignition devices.

[0020] A pre-combustion chamber ignition device provided in an embodiment of the present invention includes: a spark plug assembly disposed within a cavity of a pre-combustion chamber, the spark plug assembly comprising a spark plug center electrode, a center electrode insulator covering a portion of the spark plug center electrode, and a spark plug side electrode located around the spark plug center electrode; a pre-combustion chamber electrode disposed outside a first end of the pre-combustion chamber; and an actuating mechanism configured to drive the spark plug center electrode to move between a first position and a second position; when the spark plug center electrode is in the first position, the spark plug center electrode partially passes through a bottom nozzle hole at the first end of the pre-combustion chamber, a first discharge distance separates the spark plug center electrode from the pre-combustion chamber electrode, and the center electrode insulator separates the spark plug center electrode from the spark plug side electrode; when the spark plug center electrode is in the second position, the spark plug center electrode is away from the first end of the pre-combustion chamber, and a second discharge distance separates the spark plug center electrode from the spark plug side electrode. By driving the spark plug's center electrode between a first and second position through an actuating mechanism, the spark plug's discharge position can be switched between near the spark plug's side electrode and near the pre-combustion chamber electrode, adapting to different engine operating conditions. This avoids the many problems associated with auxiliary spark plugs, ensuring engine performance under various operating conditions while reducing space usage and ensuring engine gas flow performance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a pre-combustion chamber ignition device in a first mode provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of a pre-combustion chamber ignition device in a second mode provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of another pre-combustion chamber ignition device in a first mode provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of another pre-combustion chamber ignition device in a second mode provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 A flow chart of a method for controlling a pre-combustion chamber ignition device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. It will be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are intended only to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. It should also be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings only illustrate portions relevant to the present invention, not all structures.

[0027] The terms used in the embodiments of the present invention are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. It should be noted that the directional words such as "upper", "lower", "left", and "right" described in the embodiments of the present invention are described based on the angles shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be understood as limitations on the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, in the context, it is also necessary to understand that when it is mentioned that an element is formed "on" or "under" another element, it can not only be formed directly "on" or "under" another element, but can also be formed indirectly "on" or "under" another element through an intermediate element. The terms "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and do not indicate any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a pre-combustion chamber ignition device in a first mode provided by an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of a pre-combustion chamber ignition device in a second mode provided by an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of another pre-combustion chamber ignition device in a first mode provided by an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of another pre-combustion chamber ignition device in the second mode provided by an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to Figures 1 to 4 The embodiment of the present invention provides a pre-combustion chamber ignition device, comprising:

[0029] A spark plug assembly 1 is disposed in a cavity of a pre-combustion chamber and includes a spark plug center electrode 11, a center electrode insulator 12 covering a portion of the spark plug center electrode 11, and a spark plug side electrode 13 located at a position on the spark plug center electrode 11;

[0030] The pre-combustion chamber electrode 21 is arranged outside the first end of the pre-combustion chamber 2;

[0031] Actuating mechanism 3 is used to drive the spark plug center electrode 11 to move between a first position and a second position. When the spark plug center electrode 11 is in the first position, the spark plug center electrode 11 partially passes through the bottom nozzle hole 22 at the first end of the pre-combustion chamber 2. The spark plug center electrode 11 and the pre-combustion chamber electrode 21 are separated by a first discharge distance. The spark plug center electrode 11 and the spark plug side electrode 13 are separated by the center electrode insulator 12, which is the first mode. When the spark plug center electrode 11 is in the second position, the spark plug center electrode 11 is away from the first end of the pre-combustion chamber 2. The spark plug center electrode 11 and the spark plug side electrode 13 are separated by a second discharge distance, which is the second mode.

[0032] The spark plug assembly 1 includes the necessary structures for spark plug ignition. The spark plug center electrode 11 can be cylindrical, and a center electrode insulator 12 can be disposed around a portion of the cylindrical spark plug center electrode 11. When the spark plug center electrode 11 descends and reaches the first position, the center electrode insulator 12 provides insulation, preventing discharge between the spark plug center electrode 11 and the spark plug side electrode 13. This allows discharge to occur only between the spark plug center electrode 11 and the pre-combustion chamber electrode 21. In other embodiments, the spark plug assembly 1 may further include a spark plug housing 14, which is sleeved around at least a portion of the spark plug center electrode 11 and movably connected to the inner wall of the pre-combustion chamber 2. Placing the spark plug assembly 1 in the pre-combustion chamber 2 via the spark plug housing 14 facilitates replacement of the spark plug assembly 1. Furthermore, the spark plug housing 14 is connected to the inner wall of the pre-combustion chamber 2 via threads 141. Therefore, when replacing the spark plug assembly 1, the spark plug assembly 1 can be screwed in or out, making replacement of the spark plug assembly 1 more convenient. Optionally, the pre-chamber electrode 21 is fixedly connected to the spark plug housing 14. This facilitates replacement of the pre-chamber electrode 21 when the spark plug assembly 1 is replaced. In other embodiments, a spark plug insulator 15 may be provided between the spark plug housing 14 and the spark plug center electrode 11. The spark plug insulator 15 may be made of ceramic. Ceramics have excellent insulation properties, hardness, and heat resistance, making them particularly suitable. The upper end of the spark plug center electrode 11 can be connected to the center electrode terminal 111, which can be connected to a wire nut in any suitable manner to connect to high voltage electricity. The spark plug center electrode 11, coated with the center electrode insulator 12, is embedded in the spark plug insulator 15 in a gap-sliding manner. Driven by the actuating mechanism 3, it can move axially up and down. The spark plug insulator 15 is embedded in the spark plug housing 14, and the relative positions of the two are fixed. The spark plug side electrode 13 is located at the lower end of the spark plug housing 14 and is capable of forming an electric spark with the spark plug center electrode 11 when the spark plug center electrode 11 moves to the second position. The pre-combustion chamber 2 includes a pre-combustion chamber body 23. The pre-combustion chamber body 23 is provided with a pre-combustion chamber side nozzle 24, a pre-combustion chamber bottom nozzle 22, and a pre-combustion chamber electrode 21. The pre-combustion chamber side nozzle 24 and the pre-combustion chamber bottom nozzle 22 are connected to the main combustion chamber, consistent with a conventional pre-combustion chamber engine. In other embodiments, the pre-combustion chamber electrode 21 may be located within the main combustion chamber outside the first end of the pre-combustion chamber 2 and is capable of forming an electric spark with the spark plug center electrode 11 when the spark plug center electrode 11 is in the first position. The pre-combustion chamber electrode 21 is located on an extension of the trajectory of the spark plug center electrode 11 moving from the second position to the first position; alternatively, the pre-combustion chamber electrode 21 may be located at any position around the spark plug center electrode 11 when the spark plug center electrode 11 is in the first position.In other words, when the pre-chamber electrode 21 is in the first position of the spark plug center electrode 11, it is feasible to position the pre-chamber electrode 21 directly below the spark plug center electrode 11 or to the side of the lower end of the spark plug center electrode 11. In actual implementation, this can be determined based on actual needs. The actuator 3 can be any device capable of moving and securing the spark plug center electrode 11 to the first and second positions. The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the specific structure of the actuator 3. Exemplarily, the actuator 3 includes a solenoid valve 31, which switches between the engaged and disengaged states by controlling the power on and off of the solenoid valve 31. The solenoid valve 31 is connected to the spark plug center electrode 11, so that when the solenoid valve 31 switches state, it drives the spark plug center electrode 11 to move between the first and second positions. The first discharge distance and the second discharge distance can be determined based on actual needs. In this embodiment of the present invention, the spark plug center electrode 11 is driven between a first position and a second position by an actuator 3, allowing the spark plug's discharge position to switch between near the spark plug side electrode 13 and near the pre-combustion chamber electrode 21, thereby adapting to different engine operating conditions. This avoids the many problems associated with auxiliary spark plugs, ensuring engine performance under various operating conditions while reducing space usage and ensuring engine gas flow performance.

[0033] Figure 5 A method flow chart of a method for controlling a pre-combustion chamber ignition device according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. Figure 5 The embodiment of the present invention further provides a control method for a pre-combustion chamber ignition device, which is used to control any of the above-mentioned pre-combustion chamber ignition devices, comprising:

[0034] S1: Obtain engine operating conditions;

[0035] S2: If the engine is in a cold start or idle condition, the spark plug center electrode 11 is placed in the first position; if the engine is in a normal condition, the spark plug center electrode 11 is placed in the second position.

[0036] During engine cold start and idle conditions, the actuator 3 moves the spark plug center electrode 11 to the lower end. At this time, the spark plug side electrode 13 cooperates with the center electrode insulator 12, preventing ignition in the pre-combustion chamber. Instead, the spark plug center electrode 11 and the pre-combustion chamber electrode 21 generate an electric spark, achieving stable ignition and relatively late combustion in the manner of traditional engine spark ignition. Under normal engine operating conditions, that is, conditions other than cold start or idle conditions, the actuator 3 moves the spark plug center electrode 11 to the upper end. At this time, the spark plug center electrode 11 and the spark plug side electrode 13 generate an electric spark, achieving relatively early and rapid combustion in the manner of pre-combustion chamber ignition. By distinguishing the engine operating conditions, the ignition position can be selected in a targeted manner.

[0037] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a vehicle comprising any one of the above-mentioned pre-combustion chamber ignition devices.

[0038] Among them, since the vehicle provided by the embodiment of the present invention includes the pre-combustion chamber ignition device provided by any embodiment of the present invention, it has corresponding beneficial effects.

[0039] Note that the above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and that various obvious changes, readjustments, combinations, and substitutions are possible for those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pre-combustion chamber ignition device, characterized in that: include: A spark plug assembly disposed in a cavity of a pre-combustion chamber, the spark plug assembly comprising a spark plug center electrode, a center electrode insulator covering a portion of a circumference of the spark plug center electrode, and a spark plug side electrode located at a circumference of the spark plug center electrode; a pre-combustion chamber electrode, the pre-combustion chamber electrode being disposed outside the first end of the pre-combustion chamber; An actuating mechanism, wherein the actuating mechanism is used to drive the spark plug center electrode to move between a first position and a second position; when the spark plug center electrode is in the first position, the spark plug center electrode partially passes through the bottom spray hole at the first end of the pre-combustion chamber, the spark plug center electrode and the pre-combustion chamber electrode are separated by a first discharge distance, and the spark plug center electrode and the spark plug side electrode are separated by the center electrode insulator; when the spark plug center electrode is in the second position, the spark plug center electrode is away from the first end of the pre-combustion chamber, and the spark plug center electrode and the spark plug side electrode are separated by a second discharge distance.

2. The pre-combustion chamber ignition device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spark plug assembly further includes a spark plug housing, which is sleeved on the outside of at least a portion of the spark plug center electrode and is threadedly connected to the inner side wall of the pre-combustion chamber.

3. The pre-combustion chamber ignition device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The spark plug side electrode is fixedly connected to the spark plug housing.

4. The pre-combustion chamber ignition device according to claim 3, characterized in that: A spark plug insulator is provided between the spark plug shell and the spark plug center electrode.

5. The pre-combustion chamber ignition device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The spark plug insulator is made of ceramic material.

6. The pre-combustion chamber ignition device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The spark plug housing is connected to the inner side wall of the pre-combustion chamber via threads.

7. The pre-combustion chamber ignition device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pre-combustion chamber electrode is connected to the outside of the first end cavity of the pre-combustion chamber; the pre-combustion chamber electrode is located on an extended trajectory of the movement trajectory of the spark plug center electrode from the second position to the first position; or, the pre-combustion chamber electrode is located at any position on the circumferential side of the spark plug center electrode when the spark plug center electrode is in the first position.

8. The pre-combustion chamber ignition device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The actuating mechanism includes a solenoid valve.

9. A control method for a pre-combustion chamber ignition device, characterized in that: A device for controlling the ignition of a pre-combustion chamber according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: Obtain engine operating conditions; If the engine is in a cold start or idle condition, the spark plug center electrode is placed in the first position; if the engine is in a condition other than a cold start or idle condition, the spark plug center electrode is placed in the second position.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: It comprises the pre-combustion chamber ignition device according to any one of claims 1-8.