Spark plug device, vehicle having the same, and spark plug installation angle adjustment method

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of spark plug technology, and discloses a spark plug device, a vehicle having the same, and a method for adjusting the spark plug installation angle. The spark plug device includes a spark plug assembly and an adjustment assembly. The spark plug assembly includes a spark plug and a side electrode, with the side electrode fixedly connected to the spark plug. The side electrode includes a connecting portion and a bent portion. The connecting portion is connected to the side of the spark plug and extends along the axial direction of the spark plug. The bent portion bends towards the axis of the spark plug and extends radially along the spark plug. The adjustment assembly includes a driving member capable of driving the spark plug to rotate around its axis so that the side electrode faces a preset angle. When the side electrode faces the preset angle, the bent portion is always parallel to the gas flow direction in the burner. The spark plug device and spark plug installation angle adjustment method of this invention can adjust the orientation of the spark plug's side electrode in real time to match different engine operating conditions, which is beneficial for optimizing the in-cylinder combustion quality and improving the thermal efficiency of the vehicle's engine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of spark plug technology, and more particularly to spark plug devices, vehicles having the same, and methods for adjusting the spark plug installation angle. Background Technology

[0002] Spark plugs are crucial components of a gasoline engine's ignition system. They introduce high-voltage electricity into the combustion chamber, causing it to jump across the electrode gap and generate a spark, thus igniting the combustible mixture in the cylinder. The ionization of the spark plug occurs between the center electrode and the side electrode. The orientation of the side electrode significantly impacts the quality of combustion in the cylinder, which in turn affects engine thermal efficiency. Engine operating conditions are complex, and different conditions require different side electrode orientations. Currently, the side electrode of a spark plug is welded to the spark plug housing; once the spark plug is tightened, its orientation is fixed and cannot be changed, making it impossible to adaptively adjust to different engine operating conditions to optimize combustion quality. Some spark plugs use specially manufactured threads, controlling the initial thread angle between the spark plug and the cylinder mounting hole to orient the side electrode to a predetermined position after tightening. However, this orientation control structure has low adjustment precision, large angle errors, and cannot adjust the side electrode orientation according to the real-time operating conditions of the cylinder. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The first objective of this invention is to provide a spark plug that allows for real-time adjustment of the orientation of the side electrode to match different engine operating conditions, thereby optimizing the in-cylinder combustion quality and improving the engine's thermal efficiency.

[0004] To achieve this objective, the present invention employs the following technical solution:

[0005] Provide spark plug assembly, including:

[0006] A spark plug assembly, comprising a spark plug and a side electrode, the side electrode being fixedly connected to the spark plug, the side electrode comprising a connecting portion and a bent portion, the connecting portion being connected to the side of the spark plug and extending along the axial direction of the spark plug, the bent portion being bent toward the axis of the spark plug and extending radially along the spark plug.

[0007] An adjustment assembly includes a drive member capable of driving the spark plug to rotate around the axis so that the side electrode faces a preset angle. When the side electrode faces the preset angle, the curved portion is always parallel to the flow direction of the gas inside the burner.

[0008] In one embodiment, the driving element is a servo motor, the adjustment assembly further includes a transmission mechanism, the output shaft of the driving element and the axis are parallel to each other, and the driving element drives the spark plug via the transmission mechanism.

[0009] In one embodiment, the transmission mechanism includes a driving wheel and a driven wheel. The driving wheel is fixedly connected to the output shaft, and the driven wheel is fitted around the spark plug. The driving wheel is drivenly connected to the driven wheel.

[0010] In one embodiment, the spark plug assembly further includes an angle detection component for detecting the orientation of the side electrode, the angle detection component being communicatively connected to the adjustment component.

[0011] In one embodiment, the angle detection component includes a detection element and a magnetic element, the magnetic element being connected to the side electrode, and the detection element being used to detect the magnetic field strength of the magnetic element.

[0012] In one embodiment, the spark plug assembly further includes a sealing gasket fitted onto the spark plug for sealing the connection between the spark plug and the cylinder.

[0013] The second objective of this invention is to provide a vehicle having a spark plug device that allows for real-time adjustment of the orientation of the side electrodes to match different engine operating conditions, optimize the in-cylinder combustion quality, and improve the engine's thermal efficiency.

[0014] To achieve this objective, the second aspect of the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0015] A vehicle is provided, including a spark plug assembly as described above, the vehicle further including a cylinder, the spark plug assembly being detachably connected to the cylinder.

[0016] The third objective of this invention is to provide a spark plug installation angle adjustment method, which is used to adjust the installation angle of the above-mentioned spark plug device according to different engine operating conditions, optimize the in-cylinder combustion quality, and improve the thermal efficiency of the engine.

[0017] To achieve this objective, the third aspect of the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0018] A method for adjusting the installation angle of a spark plug is provided for adjusting the installation angle of a spark plug device as described above, including the following steps:

[0019] Step S1: The electronic control unit (ECU) reads the engine parameters and determines the preset angle of the spark plug device by combining them with the spark plug angle MAP.

[0020] Step S2: Adjust the component's movement. The drive unit drives the spark plug to rotate, so that the side electrode faces the preset angle.

[0021] In one embodiment, the following step is included after step S2:

[0022] Step S3: Detect the actual angle of the spark plug device. If the actual angle is equal to the preset angle, the step ends; if the actual angle is not equal to the preset angle, proceed to step S4.

[0023] Step S4: The electronic control unit controls the adjustment component to operate, and the driving component drives the spark plug to rotate so that the side electrode faces the preset angle.

[0024] Step S5: Repeat step S3 until the actual angle equals the preset angle.

[0025] In one embodiment, in step S1, the engine parameters include engine speed and / or engine torque and / or engine coolant temperature and / or engine oil temperature.

[0026] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0027] The spark plug device provided by this invention includes a side electrode of the spark plug assembly comprising a connecting portion and a bent portion. The connecting portion is connected to the side of the spark plug and extends along the axial direction of the spark plug, while the bent portion bends towards the axis of the spark plug and extends radially along the spark plug. The driving component of the adjusting assembly can drive the spark plug to rotate around its axis so that the side electrode faces a preset angle. The bent portion of the side electrode is always parallel to the flow direction of the combustible gas flow within the burner, that is, the side electrode always maintains a minimum cross-sectional area facing the incoming flow direction of the combustible gas flow. The side electrode protrudes from the spark plug, significantly influencing the flow rate of combustible gas within the burner, which in turn affects the combustion speed and consequently the engine's thermal efficiency. When the curved portion is parallel to the flow direction of combustible gas within the burner, the side electrode faces the incoming flow direction of the combustible gas with the smallest cross-sectional area, minimizing its impact on the flow rate and thus improving the combustion speed in the cylinder. This allows the engine to maintain consistently high thermal efficiency. Furthermore, the adjustment components can be activated at any time, providing real-time adjustment of the side electrode's orientation with high precision and minimal error, adapting to different engine operating conditions.

[0028] The vehicle provided by the present invention has the above-mentioned spark plug device. The adjusting component of the spark plug device can drive the spark plug to rotate around the axis, so that the side electrode always faces the incoming direction of the combustible gas flow with the smallest cross-sectional area, reducing the flow resistance to the combustible gas flow in the burner, increasing the combustion speed of the cylinder, and keeping the vehicle's engine at a high thermal efficiency.

[0029] The spark plug installation angle adjustment method provided by this invention is used to adjust the installation angle of the above-mentioned spark plug device. It reads engine parameters from the electronic control unit (ECU) to confirm the preset angle of the spark plug device in real time, and adjusts the side electrode to face the preset angle through the adjustment component. The curved part of the side electrode is always parallel to the flow direction of the combustible gas flow in the burner, which meets the requirements of actual working conditions, reduces the flow resistance of the combustible gas flow in the burner, improves the combustion speed of the cylinder, and keeps the vehicle engine at a high thermal efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the spark plug device provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the spark plug installation angle adjustment method provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] In the picture:

[0033] 1. Spark plug assembly; 11. Spark plug; 12. Side electrode; 121. Connecting part; 122. Bending part; 13. Sealing gasket;

[0034] 2. Adjustment component; 21. Drive component; 211. Output shaft; 22. Transmission mechanism; 221. Drive wheel; 222. Driven wheel;

[0035] 100. Combustible gas flow. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0037] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0038] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0039] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0040] The inventors discovered through long-term research that the orientation of the side electrode 12 of the spark plug 11 has a significant impact on the flow rate of the combustible gas flow 100 in the burner. A higher flow rate of the combustible gas flow 100 is beneficial for increasing the combustion speed, thereby improving the engine's thermal efficiency. However, engine operating conditions are complex, and the flow direction of the combustible gas flow 100 in the burner varies, influenced by multiple parameters such as engine speed, engine torque, engine coolant temperature, and engine oil temperature. Therefore, the side electrode 12 of the spark plug 11 creates significant resistance to the flow direction of the combustible gas flow 100. In existing spark plugs, the side electrode is welded to the spark plug housing, and once the spark plug is tightened, the orientation of the side electrode is fixed and cannot be changed, making it impossible to adaptively adjust to different engine operating conditions to optimize combustion quality. Therefore, to solve the above problems, embodiments of the present invention provide a spark plug device, a vehicle having the same, and a method for adjusting the spark plug installation angle.

[0041] like Figure 1As shown, this embodiment of the invention first provides a spark plug device, which includes a spark plug assembly 1 and an adjustment assembly 2. The spark plug assembly 1 includes a spark plug 11 and a side electrode 12. The side electrode 12 is fixedly connected to the spark plug 11 and includes a connecting portion 121 and a bent portion 122. The connecting portion 121 is connected to the side of the spark plug 11 and extends along the axial direction of the spark plug 11. The bent portion 122 bends towards the axis of the spark plug 11 and extends radially along the spark plug 11. The adjustment assembly 2 includes a driving member 21, which can drive the spark plug 11 to rotate around its axis so that the side electrode 12 faces a preset angle. When the side electrode 12 faces the preset angle, the bent portion 122 is always parallel to the flow direction of the combustible gas flow 100 in the burner, that is, the side electrode 12 always faces the incoming flow direction of the combustible gas flow 100 with the minimum cross-sectional area. Figure 1 As shown, the side electrode 12 protrudes from the spark plug 11, significantly affecting the flow rate of the combustible gas flow 100 in the burner, thus influencing the combustion speed and consequently the engine's thermal efficiency. When the curved portion 122 is parallel to the flow direction of the combustible gas flow 100 in the burner, the side electrode 12 faces the incoming flow direction of the combustible gas flow 100 with the smallest cross-sectional area, minimizing its impact on the flow rate of the combustible gas flow 100. This is beneficial for increasing the combustion speed in the cylinder, allowing the engine to maintain a consistently high thermal efficiency. Furthermore, the adjustment component 2 can be activated at any time, allowing for real-time adjustment of the side electrode 12's orientation with high precision and minimal error, thus matching different engine operating conditions.

[0042] It should be noted that the installation position of the adjustment component 2 can be selected according to the specific structure and spatial location of the engine, and this embodiment does not impose specific restrictions.

[0043] In one embodiment, the driving component 21 is a servo motor, and the adjustment assembly 2 further includes a transmission mechanism 22. The output shaft 211 of the driving component 21 is parallel to the axis, and the driving component 21 drives the spark plug 11 via the transmission mechanism 22. The servo motor has high control precision and high motion precision, realizing precise positioning and motion control, which is beneficial to improving the accuracy of the orientation angle of the side electrode 12.

[0044] Specifically, the transmission mechanism 22 includes a driving wheel 221 and a driven wheel 222. The driving wheel 221 is fixedly connected to the output shaft 211, and the driven wheel 222 is fitted onto the spark plug 11. The driving wheel 221 is driven by the driven wheel 222. The driving wheel 221 and the driven wheel 222 can be directly meshed for transmission, or they can be connected by transmission gears, pulleys, etc. The specific design can be selected according to the space inside the cylinder, and this embodiment does not impose specific limitations.

[0045] In one embodiment, the spark plug assembly further includes an angle detection component for detecting the orientation of the side electrode 12. The angle detection component is communicatively connected to the adjustment component 2. The angle detection component detects the orientation of the side electrode 12 in real time and feeds the data back to the adjustment component 2, allowing the adjustment component 2 to correct and adjust the angle of the side electrode 12 based on the real-time angle. Therefore, the feedback generated by the angle detection component enables the adjustment component 2 to operate in a closed-loop manner, further improving the accuracy of the orientation of the side electrode 12.

[0046] Specifically, the angle detection component includes a detection element and a magnetic element. The magnetic element is connected to the side electrode 12, and the detection element is used to detect the magnetic field strength of the magnetic element. The detection element can be a detection instrument, which determines the distance between itself and the magnetic element by sensing changes in the magnetic field strength of the magnetic element, and then calculates the orientation of the side electrode 12. The calculation result is accurate, and it does not require disassembly of the cylinder head. It can be detected in real time during driving, which facilitates real-time adjustment of the orientation of the side electrode 12.

[0047] The specific structure and detection principle of the angle detection component are existing technologies in this field, and will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0048] In one embodiment, the spark plug assembly 1 further includes a sealing gasket 13, which is fitted onto the spark plug 11 and seals the connection between the spark plug 11 and the cylinder. The sealing gasket 13 reduces torque attenuation caused by the rotation of the spark plug 11, prevents the spark plug 11 from loosening, and increases the sealing performance at the connection between the spark plug 11 and the cylinder. The sealing gasket 13 may be made of high-elasticity rubber.

[0049] The present invention also provides a vehicle having the above-described spark plug device. The vehicle further includes a cylinder, and the spark plug device is detachably connected to the cylinder. The adjusting component 2 of the spark plug device can drive the spark plug 11 to rotate around its axis, so that the side electrode 12 always faces the incoming direction of the combustible gas flow 100 with the smallest cross-sectional area, reducing the flow velocity resistance to the combustible gas flow 100 in the burner, increasing the combustion speed of the cylinder, and ensuring that the vehicle's engine always maintains a high thermal efficiency.

[0050] Finally, this invention also provides a method for adjusting the spark plug installation angle, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the method for adjusting the installation angle of the spark plug device described above includes the following steps:

[0051] Step S1: The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) reads the engine parameters and determines the preset angle of the spark plug device by combining the spark plug angle MAP diagram.

[0052] Step S2: Adjust component 2 to rotate, drive component 21 drives spark plug 11 to rotate, so that side electrode 12 faces a preset angle.

[0053] The spark plug installation angle adjustment method provided in this embodiment of the invention uses engine parameters read by the electronic control unit (ECU) to confirm the preset angle of the spark plug device in real time, and adjusts the side electrode 12 to face the preset angle through the adjustment component 2. The curved part 122 of the side electrode 12 is always parallel to the flow direction of the combustible gas flow 100 in the burner, which meets the requirements of actual working conditions, reduces the flow velocity resistance of the combustible gas flow 100 in the burner, improves the combustion speed of the cylinder, and keeps the vehicle engine at a high thermal efficiency.

[0054] The structure and control principle of the electronic control unit (ECU) are existing technologies in this field, and will not be described in detail here.

[0055] Optionally, the following steps may be included after step S2:

[0056] Step S3: Detect the actual angle of the spark plug device. If the actual angle is equal to the preset angle, the step ends; if the actual angle is not equal to the preset angle, proceed to step S4.

[0057] Step S4: The electronic control unit controls the adjustment component 2 to operate, and the drive component 21 drives the spark plug 11 to rotate, so that the side electrode 12 faces the preset angle.

[0058] Step S5: Repeat step S3 until the actual angle equals the preset angle.

[0059] Through the above steps, the adjustment component 2 can operate in a closed loop, continuously adjusting the orientation of the side electrode 12 in real time, thereby further improving the accuracy of the orientation of the side electrode 12.

[0060] Optionally, in step S1, the engine parameters include engine speed and / or engine torque and / or engine coolant temperature and / or engine oil temperature. An angle map of the spark plug 11 is drawn based on the aforementioned engine speed, engine torque, engine coolant temperature, and engine oil temperature. That is, the angles corresponding to different engine speeds, engine torques, engine coolant temperatures, and engine oil temperatures are established based on multiple tests and simulations, so that the orientation of the side electrode 12 matches the actual operating conditions.

[0061] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A spark plug device, characterized by include: Spark plug assembly (1), the spark plug assembly (1) includes a spark plug (11) and a side electrode (12), the side electrode (12) is fixedly connected to the spark plug (11), the side electrode (12) includes a connecting part (121) and a bending part (122), the connecting part (121) is connected to the side of the spark plug (11) and extends along the axial direction of the spark plug (11), the bending part (122) bends toward the axis of the spark plug (11) and extends radially along the spark plug (11); Adjustment component (2), the adjustment component (2) includes a drive member (21), the drive member (21) is capable of driving the spark plug (11) to rotate around the axis so that the side electrode (12) is oriented toward a preset angle. When the side electrode (12) is oriented toward the preset angle, the curved portion (122) is always parallel to the flow direction of the combustible gas flow (100) in the burner. The driving component (21) is a servo motor, and the adjustment component (2) also includes a transmission mechanism (22). The output shaft (211) of the driving component (21) and the axis are parallel to each other. The driving component (21) drives the spark plug (11) through the transmission mechanism (22). The transmission mechanism (22) includes a drive wheel (221) and a driven wheel (222). The drive wheel (221) is fixedly connected to the output shaft (211), and the driven wheel (222) is fitted onto the spark plug (11). The drive wheel (221) is drivenly connected to the driven wheel (222). The spark plug device also includes an angle detection component, which is used to detect the orientation of the side electrode (12) and is communicatively connected to the adjustment component (2). The angle detection component includes a detection element and a magnetic element. The magnetic element is connected to the side electrode (12), and the detection element is used to detect the magnetic field strength of the magnetic element.

2. The spark plug apparatus of claim 1, wherein The spark plug assembly (1) also includes a sealing gasket (13), which is fitted onto the spark plug (11) and is used to seal the connection between the spark plug (11) and the cylinder.

3. Vehicle, characterized in that The vehicle includes a spark plug assembly as described in any one of claims 1-2, and further includes a cylinder to which the spark plug assembly is detachably connected.

4. A method of spark plug installation angle adjustment, characterized by, For adjusting the installation angle of the spark plug device as described in any one of claims 1-2, the following steps are included: Step S1: The electronic control unit (ECU) reads the engine parameters and determines the preset angle of the spark plug device by combining the spark plug (11) angle MAP diagram; Step S2: The adjustment component (2) operates, and the driving component (21) drives the spark plug (11) to rotate, so that the side electrode (12) faces the preset angle; Step S3: Detect the actual angle of the spark plug device. If the actual angle is equal to the preset angle, the step ends; if the actual angle is not equal to the preset angle, proceed to step S4. Step S4: The electronic control unit (ECU) reads the engine parameters and determines the preset angle of the spark plug device by combining the spark plug (11) angle MAP. The electronic control unit controls the adjustment component (2) to operate, and the drive component (21) drives the spark plug (11) to rotate so that the side electrode (12) faces the preset angle. Step S5: Repeat step S3 until the actual angle equals the preset angle.

5. The spark plug mounting angle adjustment method according to claim 4, characterized by, In step S1, the engine parameters include engine speed and / or engine torque and / or engine coolant temperature and / or engine oil temperature.

Images