A durability test device for silicon nitride ceramic spark plug and a method thereof

Abstract

The application relates to the field of testing equipment, in particular to a durability testing device suitable for a silicon nitride ceramic spark plug and a method thereof. The durability testing device suitable for the silicon nitride ceramic spark plug comprises a testing box and a fixing seat; the inside of the testing box is provided with a testing cavity, the top end of the testing box is fixed with a testing connecting end used for connecting a testing equipment to output, and the bottom end of the testing box is provided with a positioning part; the middle part of the fixing seat is provided with a fixing part used for fixing the spark plug, the bottom end of the fixing seat is connected with a linear driving equipment, and the end part of the spark plug is used for penetrating through the positioning part and being located in the testing cavity. The durability testing device suitable for the silicon nitride ceramic spark plug and the method thereof can simulate the real use environment of the spark plug to judge the service life of the spark plug, can be effectively used for pre-production testing of the spark plug, and thus the spark plug can be timely improved according to the durability structure obtained through testing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of testing equipment, and in particular to a durability testing apparatus and method for silicon nitride ceramic spark plugs. Background Technology

[0002] A spark plug is a component in a gasoline engine that uses high-voltage electricity to generate an electric spark in the cylinder. Its structure includes a housing, an insulator, a center electrode, and side electrodes. During operation, it discharges a pulse of high-voltage electricity from the high-voltage wire (spark wire), causing it to break down the air between the two electrodes of the spark plug, generating an electric spark to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder.

[0003] Because spark plugs are often used in harsh environments such as high temperature and high pressure, they are considered wear parts and need to be replaced frequently. Currently, silicon carbide ceramic material is used as the manufacturing material for spark plugs to increase their service life. Although this has improved the service life of spark plugs to some extent, the durability of spark plugs is difficult to determine under different environments due to the different properties of different materials. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a durability testing device and method for silicon nitride ceramic spark plugs to address the above-mentioned technical problems. This device and method can simulate the real-world operating environment of spark plugs to determine their service life and can be effectively used for pre-production testing of spark plugs, thereby enabling timely improvements to spark plugs based on the durability results obtained from the tests.

[0005] This invention provides a durability testing device suitable for silicon nitride ceramic spark plugs, comprising:

[0006] The test chamber has an internal test cavity. A test connection end is fixed at the top of the test chamber for connecting to test equipment for output. A positioning part is provided at the bottom of the test chamber.

[0007] The fixing seat has a fixing part in the middle for fixing the spark plug. The bottom end of the fixing seat is connected to the linear drive device so that the end of the spark plug passes through the positioning part and is located in the test cavity.

[0008] In one embodiment, the top of the fixing base is provided with a ring-shaped guide cavity, which is used to receive waste falling from the test cavity. The outer ring of the fixing part is provided with a storage cavity, which is located directly below the guide cavity and is used to store the waste in the guide cavity.

[0009] In one embodiment, a discharge component is movably engaged at the bottom of the fixed base. In a first state, the internal space of the discharge component faces the outside of the fixed base, and the discharge component seals the storage cavity. In a second state, the internal space of the discharge component faces the storage cavity, allowing waste material in the storage cavity to enter the discharge component.

[0010] In one embodiment, the test chamber includes a first fixing ring and two sealing plates; the two sealing plates are located at the upper and lower ends of the first fixing ring, respectively. The edges of the sealing plates are bent into a flat-topped conical structure and connected to the ends of the first fixing ring. Multiple test connection ends are arranged in a ring array, and the test connection ends are fixed to the outer bend of the upper sealing plate. The inner bend of the lower sealing plate is set as an arc surface, and the middle plane area of ​​the arc surface is provided with multiple guide holes in a ring array.

[0011] In one embodiment, the positioning part includes a first positioning tube and a plurality of limiting ribs. The first positioning tube is located between the plurality of material guide holes and is disposed through the sealing plate. The inner diameter of the first positioning tube is arranged in a gradually increasing manner from top to bottom. The plurality of limiting ribs are arranged at intervals along the central axis of the first positioning tube on the inner surface of the first positioning tube.

[0012] In one embodiment, the fixing base includes a fan-shaped annular plate, a first annular base plate, a second fixing ring, a second annular base plate, a fixing plate, and a second positioning tube; the outer ring of the fan-shaped annular plate is connected to the top end of the second fixing ring, the inner ring of the fan-shaped annular plate is inclined downward toward the central axis of the second fixing ring, the outer ring of the first annular base plate is connected to the inner ring of the fan-shaped annular plate, the outer ring of the second annular base plate is connected to the bottom end of the second fixing ring, the inner ring of the second annular base plate is connected to the outer ring of the fixing plate, the top end of the second positioning tube is connected to the inner ring of the first annular base plate, the bottom end of the second positioning tube passes through the fixing plate, and a plurality of positioning screws are arranged in a circular array on the bottom surface of the fixing plate.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first annular base plate has an arc-shaped cross-section with the arc facing upwards. The surface of the first annular base plate has multiple rectangular holes along the longitudinal direction, and the multiple rectangular holes are arranged in an annular array. The second positioning tube has two internal nuts installed in its internal threads for limiting the spark plug.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second annular base plate protrudes downward from the center and has an installation groove at the protruding position. An extension plate is provided on the bottom surface of the second annular base plate, and the interior of the extension plate communicates with the installation groove. The material discharge component is configured as a circular plate structure, and the material discharge component is rotatably engaged in the installation groove and the extension plate.

[0015] In one embodiment, a circular groove is provided in the middle of the discharge component, and a fan-shaped groove is provided on one side of the discharge component, with one end of the fan-shaped groove communicating with the circular groove.

[0016] The present invention also provides a durability testing method for silicon nitride ceramic spark plugs, applied to the durability testing apparatus for silicon nitride ceramic spark plugs described in any of the above embodiments, the method comprising:

[0017] Connect the output of the device to be tested to the test connection terminal on the top of the test box;

[0018] Start the linear drive device to drive the fixed seat close to the test chamber until the end of the spark plug fixed inside the fixed part passes through the positioning part and is located in the test cavity;

[0019] Different testing devices were used in sequence to change the internal environment of the test cavity. After the test was completed, the spark plug was removed for durability inspection to determine whether the spark plug was qualified for durability.

[0020] The aforementioned durability testing device and method for silicon nitride ceramic spark plugs involves first connecting the output end of the testing device to the test connection end at the top of the test chamber. Then, the linear drive device is activated to move the fixing seat closer to the test chamber until the spark plug end, fixed inside the fixing part, passes through the positioning part and is located within the test cavity. Different testing devices are then used sequentially to alter the internal environment of the test cavity, such as changing the temperature, air pressure, and impurity content. After each activation, the spark plug is placed in the test cavity for a certain period to ensure it is subjected to sufficient time in the harsh environment. During this process, the spark plug can be ignited normally. After the test is completed, the linear drive device is activated again to move the fixing seat away from the test chamber. After the spark plug is removed from the test space, it is ignited again to determine if its durability is acceptable. This device can simulate the real-world operating environment of spark plugs to determine their service life and can be effectively used for pre-production testing of spark plugs, allowing for timely improvements based on the durability results obtained from the tests. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the durability testing device provided by the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of the durability testing device provided by the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the planar structure of the durability testing device provided by the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 A cross-sectional structural diagram of the test chamber provided by the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 One of the three-dimensional structural schematic diagrams of the fixing base provided by the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 A second three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the fixing base provided by the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 A cross-sectional structural diagram of the fixing base provided by the present invention;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the material discharge component provided by the present invention.

[0030] Figure label:

[0031] 100. Test box; 110. Test cavity; 111. First fixing ring; 112. Sealing plate; 113. Arc-shaped surface; 120. Positioning part; 121. First positioning tube; 122. Limiting rib; 123. Guide hole; 200. Fixing seat; 210. Guide cavity; 211. Fan-shaped annular plate; 212. First annular base plate; 213. Rectangular hole; 220. Storage cavity; 221. Second fixing ring; 222. Second annular base plate; 223. Fixing plate; 224. Second positioning tube; 225. Mounting groove; 226. Extension plate; 230. Fixing part; 300. Test connection end; 400. Discharge component; 410. Circular groove; 420. Fan-shaped groove; 500. Positioning screw. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 8 This invention describes a durability testing apparatus and method for silicon nitride ceramic spark plugs.

[0034] In one embodiment, a durability testing device and method for silicon nitride ceramic spark plugs includes a test chamber 100 and a mounting base 200. The test chamber 100 has a test cavity 110 inside, a test connection end 300 fixed at the top of the test chamber 100 for connecting to a test device for output, and a positioning part 120 at the bottom of the test chamber 100. The mounting base 200 has a fixing part 230 in the middle for fixing the spark plug, and the bottom of the mounting base 200 is connected to a linear drive device so that the end of the spark plug passes through the positioning part 120 and is located in the test cavity 110.

[0035] Specifically, before use, first connect the output end of the test device to be used to the test connection end 300 at the top of the test chamber 100. Start the linear drive device to drive the fixing seat 200 closer to the test chamber 100 until the spark plug end fixed in the fixing part 230 passes through the positioning part 120 and is located in the test cavity 110. Use different test devices in sequence to change the internal environment of the test cavity 110, such as changing the temperature, air pressure and impurity content of the test cavity 110. After starting in sequence, place the spark plug in the test cavity 110 for a certain period of time to ensure that the spark plug is in the above-mentioned harsh environment for a sufficient time. During this process, the spark plug can be ignited normally. After the test is completed, start the linear drive device again to move the fixing seat 200 away from the test chamber 100. After the spark plug is removed from the test space, take the spark plug out of the fixing seat 200 and ignite it again to judge whether the spark plug durability is qualified.

[0036] Before using the aforementioned durability testing device for silicon nitride ceramic spark plugs, first connect the output end of the device to be tested to the test connection end 300 at the top of the test chamber 100. Start the linear drive device to drive the fixing seat 200 closer to the test chamber 100 until the end of the spark plug fixed in the fixing part 230 passes through the positioning part 120 and is located in the test cavity 110. Then, use different testing devices in sequence to change the internal environment of the test cavity 110, such as changing the temperature, air pressure and impurity content of the test cavity 110. After starting in sequence, place the spark plug in the test cavity 110 for a certain period of time to ensure that the spark plug is in the above-mentioned harsh environment for a sufficient period of time. During this process, the spark plug can be ignited normally. After the test is completed, start the linear drive device again to move the fixing seat 200 away from the test chamber 100. After the spark plug leaves the test space, take the spark plug out of the fixing seat 200 and ignite it again to determine whether the spark plug durability is qualified. This device can simulate the real-world operating environment of spark plugs to determine their lifespan. It can be effectively used for pre-production testing of spark plugs, allowing for timely improvements to the spark plugs based on the durability results obtained from the tests.

[0037] In one embodiment, the top of the fixing base 200 is provided with a guide cavity 210 in an annular structure, the guide cavity 210 is used to receive waste falling from the test cavity 110, and the outer ring of the fixing part 230 is provided with a storage cavity 220, which is located directly below the guide cavity 210 and is used to store the waste in the guide cavity 210.

[0038] Specifically, during spark plug testing, various environments are formed inside the test cavity 110, including test environments containing a lot of dust and oil. Therefore, in order to prevent dust or oil from accumulating at the bottom of the test cavity 110 and causing blockage after multiple tests, a guide cavity 210 is provided to receive the impurities that need to be discharged from the test cavity 110.

[0039] In one embodiment, a discharge component 400 is movably engaged at the bottom of the fixed base 200. In the first state, the internal space of the discharge component 400 faces the outside of the fixed base 200, and the discharge component 400 forms a seal on the storage cavity 220. In the second state, the internal space of the discharge component 400 faces the storage cavity 220, so that the waste material in the storage cavity 220 can enter the discharge component 400.

[0040] Specifically, the test chamber 100 includes a first fixing ring 111 and two sealing plates 112. The two sealing plates 112 are located at the upper and lower ends of the first fixing ring 111, respectively. The edges of the sealing plates 112 are bent into a flat-topped conical structure and connected to the end of the first fixing ring 111. Multiple test connection ends 300 are arranged in a ring array, and the test connection ends 300 are fixed to the outer bend of the upper sealing plate 112. The inner bend of the lower sealing plate 112 is set as an arc surface 113. The middle plane area of ​​the arc surface 113 is provided with multiple guide holes 123 in a ring array. Impurities passing through the guide cavity 210 will eventually accumulate in the storage cavity 220. When a certain amount is stored, the impurities in the storage cavity 220 can be quantitatively discharged by rotating the discharge component 400.

[0041] In one embodiment, the positioning part 120 includes a first positioning tube 121 and a plurality of limiting ribs 122. The first positioning tube 121 is located between a plurality of guide holes 123 and is disposed through the sealing plate 112. The inner diameter of the first positioning tube 121 is arranged in a gradually increasing manner from top to bottom. The plurality of limiting ribs 122 are arranged at intervals along the central axis of the first positioning tube 121 on the inner surface of the first positioning tube 121.

[0042] Specifically, since the spark plug end has multiple spaced-apart annular structures, in order to ensure that the internal environment of the test cavity 110 is sealed after the spark plug end is inserted into the test cavity 110, the structure of the limiting rib 122 is preferably made of fire-resistant and heat-insulating rubber material. This fire-resistant and heat-insulating rubber material is already available in the prior art, and therefore will not be specifically described in this embodiment. As the spark plug end is inserted, the contact between the inner ring of the first retaining ring 111 and the spark plug becomes tighter.

[0043] In one embodiment, the fixing base 200 includes a fan-shaped annular plate 211, a first annular base plate 212, a second fixing ring 221, a second annular base plate 222, a fixing plate 223, and a second positioning tube 224. The outer ring of the fan-shaped annular plate 211 is connected to the top end of the second fixing ring 221, and the inner ring of the fan-shaped annular plate 211 is inclined downward toward the central axis of the second fixing ring 221. The outer ring of the first annular base plate 212 is connected to the inner ring of the fan-shaped annular plate 211. The outer ring of the second annular base plate 222 is connected to the bottom end of the second fixing ring 221. The inner ring of the second annular base plate 222 is connected to the outer ring of the fixing plate 223. The top end of the second positioning tube 224 is connected to the inner ring of the first annular base plate 212. The bottom end of the second positioning tube 224 passes through the fixing plate 223. The bottom surface of the fixing plate 223 is provided with a plurality of positioning screws 500 in an annular array.

[0044] Specifically, the positioning screw 500 can be inserted into the drive end of the linear drive device. After the positioning screw 500 is inserted, the fixing seat 200 is fixed by installing a nut at the end of the positioning screw 500. The first annular base plate 212 has an arc-shaped cross-section with the arc facing upward. Multiple rectangular holes 213 are longitudinally formed on the surface of the first annular base plate 212, and the multiple rectangular holes 213 are arranged in a ring array. Two internal nuts are installed in the internal thread of the second positioning tube 224 for limiting the spark plug. The middle of the second annular base plate 222 protrudes downward, and an installation groove 225 is formed at the protruding position. An extension plate 226 is provided on the bottom surface of the second annular base plate 222. The interior of the extension plate 226 communicates with the installation groove 225. The discharge component 400 is set as a circular plate structure, and the discharge component 400 is rotatably engaged in the installation groove 225 and the extension plate 226.

[0045] In one embodiment, a circular groove 410 is provided in the middle of the discharge component 400, and a fan-shaped groove 420 is provided on one side of the discharge component 400, with one end of the fan-shaped groove 420 communicating with the circular groove 410.

[0046] Specifically, in the first state, the sector groove 420 is connected to the inside of the storage cavity 220, and the impurities at the bottom of the storage cavity 220 will fall into the sector groove 420 and the circular groove 410. In the second state, the surface of the discharge component 400 blocks the connection between the mounting groove 225 and the storage cavity 220, and the impurities in the circular groove 410 and the sector groove 420 will fall into the preset position.

[0047] In one embodiment, a durability test method applicable to a silicon nitride ceramic spark plug is applied to the durability test device for a silicon nitride ceramic spark plug in any of the above embodiments, and includes the following steps:

[0048] Connect the output end of the to-be-used test device to the test connection end at the top of the test chamber.

[0049] Start the linear driving device to drive the fixed seat close to the test chamber until the end of the spark plug fixed in the fixing part passes through the positioning part and is located in the test cavity.

[0050] Successively enable different test devices to change the internal environment of the test cavity, and take out the spark plug for durability inspection after the test is completed, so as to judge whether the durability of the spark plug is qualified.

[0051] For the above-mentioned durability test method applicable to a silicon nitride ceramic spark plug, before use, first connect the output end of the to-be-used test device to the test connection end at the top of the test chamber, start the linear driving device to drive the fixed seat close to the test chamber until the end of the spark plug fixed in the fixing part passes through the positioning part and is located in the test cavity, successively enable different test devices to change the internal environment of the test cavity, such as changing the temperature, air pressure and impurity content in the test cavity, and after starting successively, place the spark plug in the test cavity for a certain period of time to ensure that the spark plug is in the above harsh environment for a sufficient time. During this process, the spark plug can be normally ignited. After the test is completed, start the linear driving device again to move the fixed seat away from the test chamber. After the spark plug脱离测试空间后将火花塞从固定座上取出,并再次点火判断火花塞耐用性是否合格。该装置能够模拟火花塞真实使用环境对火花塞的使用寿命进行判断,能够有效用于火花塞的生产前测试,从而根据测试得到的耐用性结构对火花塞进行及时改进。

[0052] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity of description, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, it should be considered as the scope described in this specification.

[0053] The above-mentioned embodiments only represent several implementation manners of the present invention, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of the patent of the present invention. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the concept of the present invention, several deformations and improvements can still be made, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent of the present invention should be subject to the appended claims. It should be noted that there is an unclear part in your original text: "在火花塞脱离测试空间后将火花塞从固定座上取出,并再次点火判断火花塞耐用性是否合格。该装置能够模拟火花塞真实使用环境对火花塞的使用寿命进行判断,能够有效用于火花塞的生产前测试,从而根据测试得到的耐用性结构对火花塞进行及时改进。" The part "在火花塞脱离测试空间后将火花塞从固定座上取出,并再次点火判断火花塞耐用性是否合格。" is repeated and there is an unclear expression "脱离测试空间". I have translated it as accurately as possible based on the existing text. If you can clarify this part, it will be more conducive to obtaining a more accurate translation.

Claims

1. A durability testing device suitable for silicon nitride ceramic spark plugs, characterized in that, include: The test chamber has an internal test cavity. A test connection end is fixed at the top of the test chamber for connecting to test equipment for output. A positioning part is provided at the bottom of the test chamber. The fixing seat has a fixing part in the middle for fixing the spark plug. The bottom end of the fixing seat is connected to the linear drive device so that the end of the spark plug passes through the positioning part and is located in the test cavity. The top of the fixing base is provided with a ring-shaped guide cavity, which is used to receive waste materials falling from the test cavity. The outer ring of the fixing part is provided with a storage cavity, which is located directly below the guide cavity and is used to store the waste materials in the guide cavity. The bottom end of the fixed base is movably engaged with a discharge component. In the first state, the internal space of the discharge component faces the outside of the fixed base, and the discharge component seals the storage cavity. In the second state, the internal space of the discharge component faces the storage cavity, so that the waste material in the storage cavity can enter the discharge component. The fixing base includes a fan-shaped annular plate, a first annular base plate, a second fixing ring, a second annular base plate, a fixing plate, and a second positioning tube. The outer ring of the fan-shaped annular plate is connected to the top end of the second fixing ring, and the inner ring of the fan-shaped annular plate is inclined downward toward the central axis of the second fixing ring. The outer ring of the first annular base plate is connected to the inner ring of the fan-shaped annular plate. The outer ring of the second annular base plate is connected to the bottom end of the second fixing ring, and the inner ring of the second annular base plate is connected to the outer ring of the fixing plate. The top end of the second positioning tube is connected to the inner ring of the first annular base plate, and the bottom end of the second positioning tube passes through the fixing plate. The bottom surface of the fixing plate is provided with multiple positioning screws in a circular array. The second annular base plate protrudes downward from the center and has an installation groove at the protruding position. An extension plate is provided on the bottom surface of the second annular base plate, and the interior of the extension plate is connected to the installation groove. The material discharge component is configured as a circular plate structure, and the material discharge component is rotatably engaged in the installation groove and the extension plate.

2. The durability testing apparatus for silicon nitride ceramic spark plugs according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test chamber includes a first fixing ring and two sealing plates. The two sealing plates are located at the upper and lower ends of the first fixing ring, respectively. The edges of the sealing plates are bent into a flat-topped conical structure and connected to the end of the first fixing ring. Multiple test connection ends are arranged in a ring array, and the test connection ends are fixed to the outer bend of the upper sealing plate. The inner bend of the lower sealing plate is set as an arc surface, and the middle plane area of ​​the arc surface is provided with multiple material guide holes in a ring array.

3. The durability testing device for silicon nitride ceramic spark plugs according to claim 2, characterized in that, The positioning part includes a first positioning tube and a plurality of limiting ribs. The first positioning tube is located between the plurality of material guide holes and is disposed through the sealing plate. The inner diameter of the first positioning tube is arranged in a gradually increasing manner from top to bottom. The plurality of limiting ribs are arranged at intervals along the central axis of the first positioning tube on the inner surface of the first positioning tube.

4. The durability testing apparatus for silicon nitride ceramic spark plugs according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first annular base plate has an arc-shaped cross-section with the arc facing upwards. Multiple rectangular holes are formed longitudinally on the surface of the first annular base plate, and the multiple rectangular holes are arranged in a ring array. Two internal nuts are installed in the internal thread of the second positioning tube for limiting the spark plug.

5. The durability testing apparatus for silicon nitride ceramic spark plugs according to claim 4, characterized in that, The material discharge component has a circular groove in the middle and a fan-shaped groove on one side, with one end of the fan-shaped groove connected to the circular groove.

6. A durability testing method for silicon nitride ceramic spark plugs, comprising using the durability testing apparatus for silicon nitride ceramic spark plugs as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The method includes: Connect the output of the device to be tested to the test connection terminal on the top of the test box; Start the linear drive device to drive the fixed seat close to the test chamber until the end of the spark plug fixed inside the fixed part passes through the positioning part and is located in the test cavity; Different testing devices are used in sequence to change the internal environment of the test cavity, including changing the temperature, air pressure and impurity content of the test cavity. After the devices are started in sequence, the spark plug is placed in the test cavity for a certain period of time. After the test is completed, the spark plug is removed for durability inspection to determine whether the spark plug is qualified.

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