EP1444434B1 - Ignition system and method for an internal combustion engine comprising microwave sources - Google Patents

Ignition system and method for an internal combustion engine comprising microwave sources Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1444434B1
EP1444434B1 EP02764604A EP02764604A EP1444434B1 EP 1444434 B1 EP1444434 B1 EP 1444434B1 EP 02764604 A EP02764604 A EP 02764604A EP 02764604 A EP02764604 A EP 02764604A EP 1444434 B1 EP1444434 B1 EP 1444434B1
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Prior art keywords
frequency
combustion chamber
ignition
ignition system
coupling elements
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1444434A1 (en
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Ottmar Stiegler
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Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
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Bayerische Motoren Werke AG
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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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an ignition system for an internal combustion engine with at least two provided in the combustion chamber high-frequency coupling elements, in particular microwave coupling elements, which are fed by a high-frequency power source, in particular a microwave generator. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for igniting a located in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine at least locally ignitable fuel-air mixture with an ignition system according to the invention. For technical reasons, reference is made, for example, to DE 196 38 787 A1.
  • In-series spark-ignition internal combustion engines are nowadays generally equipped with a high-voltage ignition system, with which acting as ignition sources spark plugs, which protrude into the engine combustion chambers, operated.
  • spark plugs which protrude into the engine combustion chambers, operated.
  • only a single spark plug is located in the combustion chamber, thus determining the location of the start of ignition or the start of combustion of ignitable air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. It must therefore be ensured that at the desired ignition always ignitable mixture between the two electrodes of the spark plug, which can be problematic especially in working with direct fuel injection internal combustion engines.
  • the object of the present invention is to disclose improvements in this regard with regard to an ignition system for an internal combustion engine which operates with high-frequency coupling elements, in particular microwave injection elements.
  • the solution to this problem is characterized in that at least two high-frequency coupling elements or microwave coupling elements are provided in the combustion chamber and that the required igniter energy is generated in the combustion chamber by superimposing the radio frequency waves emitted by the coupling elements and wherein the phase shift between at least two of different high frequency Coupling elements emitted high frequency waves is changeable.
  • interference is thus generated in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine with the high-frequency waves emitted by said coupling elements, in particular microwaves, by means of which the required ignition energy is provided.
  • microwave injection elements in the following the special term "microwave” is used only representative of the general shape of a "high frequency wave"
  • the waves from the wave theory can fundamentally exist between the waves emitted by these injection elements known interference phenomena occur.
  • the freedom with respect to the location of those places where there is sufficient ignition energy for the ignition by providing at least one second microwave coupling element and thus the occurrence of interference phenomena or overlays between the two (or more) coupling elements emitted waves considerably increased.
  • more than one high-frequency coupling element or microwave coupling element is required in order to use the said interference effects can; By no means is this limited to exactly two coupling elements.
  • phase shift between at least two high-frequency waves or microwaves or the like emitted by different high-frequency coupling elements is variable.
  • the local position of those points where interferences or the amplitude-increasing superimpositions between the waves emitted by the different coupling elements occur in the combustion chamber can be selectively influenced or changed.
  • An inventive method for igniting a located in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine at least locally ignitable fuel-air mixture with an ignition system according to the present invention is thus characterized in that preferably by varying the phase shift between at least two of different high-frequency coupling elements in the combustion chamber emitted high-frequency waves Location of the ignition in the combustion chamber can be targeted.
  • emitted microwaves and the amplitude and / or the frequency of at least one of the emitted microwaves or high frequency waves can be changed and thus selectively adjustable.
  • the ignition method according to the invention so that the required ignition energy is provided at several locations of the combustion chamber and / or at several times at one or more locations.
  • the frequency of the microwave can be adapted to the dimension or geometry of the combustion chamber. If an integer multiple of this adjusted frequency is used, multiple ignitions are also possible according to microwave theory or multiple ignition locations can be generated.
  • a corresponding ignition system according to the invention for an internal combustion engine a preferred exemplary embodiment for this purpose is shown in highly abstracted form in the enclosed schematic diagram. It is also shown how an inventive ignition system on an internal combustion engine with multiple combustion chambers, especially on a multi-cylinder reciprocating internal combustion engine, can be designed.
  • the reference numeral 1 denotes a combustion chamber of a four-cylinder reciprocating internal combustion engine, in which a fuel-air mixture to be burned therein is introduced in the usual way.
  • This fuel-air mixture is externally ignited by means of an ignition system according to the invention at a desired time by ignition energy is introduced into the combustion chamber 1.
  • This is done via high-frequency waves, in particular microwaves, which are delivered from here two coupling elements f 1 and f 2 in the combustion chamber 1.
  • microwaves in particular microwaves
  • the microwaves are generated by a single frequency and amplitude controllable microwave generator a with a frequency of 2.4 gigahertz or higher or a multiple of this frequency in the power range of about 100 watts.
  • the microwave signal emitted by the microwave generator a splits into a first direct and a second controlled by a controllable phase shifter c path and is in each path through a high-frequency distributor d or e to the individual combustion chambers the internal combustion engine distributed. There, these microwave signals are fed by first and second coupling elements f 1 , f 2 in the individual combustion chambers 1.
  • a connecting line leads to a first distributor designated by the letter d, from which further three unillustrated connecting lines branch off from the points indicated by the numbers 2, 3, 4, which lead to further first coupling elements three other combustion chambers, not shown here are assigned to the internal combustion engine.
  • a connecting line to a second designated by the letter e distributor branch off from the other three unillustrated connection lines from the designated by the numerals 2, 3, 4 points, the other second coupling elements the said another three combustion chambers lead.
  • Each distributor d or e is supplied with the necessary energy for activating the coupling elements f 1 and f 2 via a further line which leads from the distributor d or e to a (here single) attenuator b.
  • This is preceded by (via a suitable line) a designated by the letter a microwave generator (generally a high-frequency power source).
  • This microwave generator a like the attenuator b, the distributors d and e, and a phase shifter c which will be explained below, are controlled as desired by an electronic control unit "ECU".
  • phase shifter which is provided in the leading from the attenuator b to the distributor e connecting line. If, as here, the two microwave injection elements f 1 and f 2 of a combustion chamber 1 are supplied by a common microwave generator a as a high-frequency power source, then a desired phase shift between the microwaves emitted by the two injection elements f 1 and f 2 can be achieved with this phase shifter c (or in general high frequency waves) are set.
  • phase shifter c no constant phase shift is set in this phase shifter c, but this phase shift should be variable, i. be freely selectable, which is figuratively represented by the "adjustment arrow" in the registered Greek letter ⁇ , which symbolizes a phase shift.
  • this phase shift ⁇ is set in accordance with the command signals issued by the ECU.
  • the ignition energy required for ignition of the ignitable air-fuel mixture encountered there can be targeted at one or more points in the combustion chamber to be provided.
  • the frequency f in the Microwave generator a generated microwaves are varied, which is figuratively represented by the "adjustment arrow" in the registered in the microwave generator a letter f, which symbolizes the frequency of the emitted high-frequency waves.
  • the amplitude A of the input to the coupling elements f 1 and f 2 microwaves or high frequency waves are varied, which figurlich by the "adjustment arrow" in the attenuator b registered letter A, the amplitude of the Microwave or high frequency waves symbolized, is shown.
  • the ignition system described thus offers a variety of variations, with the help of which the respective requirements in the combustion chamber 1 and in the combustion chambers 1 of the internal combustion engine at the respectively desired locations at the respective desired times needed for an ignition of at least locally present ignitable mixture Ignition energy can be provided, and it is - as already mentioned - also possible to provide this required ignition energy at several locations in the combustion chamber at the same time or at different times.
  • the ignition energy in the combustion chamber 1 can be provided along a curve or a three-dimensional field, wherein it should also be pointed out that this as well as a large number of further details may well be deviating from the above explanations without departing from the content of the claims.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Zündsystem für eine Brennkraftmaschine mit zumindest zwei im Brennraum vorgesehenen Hochfrequenz-Einkoppelelementen, insbesondere Mikrowellen-Einkoppelelementen, die von einer Hochfrequenz-Energiequelle, insbesondere einem Mikrowellengenerator gespeist werden. Ferner betrifft die Erfindung ein Verfahren zum Zünden eines in einem Brennraum einer Brennkraftmaschine befindlichen zumindest lokal zündfähigen Kraftstoff-Luftgemisches mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Zündsystem. Zum technischen Umfeld wird beispielshalber auf die DE 196 38 787 A1 verwiesen.The invention relates to an ignition system for an internal combustion engine with at least two provided in the combustion chamber high-frequency coupling elements, in particular microwave coupling elements, which are fed by a high-frequency power source, in particular a microwave generator. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for igniting a located in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine at least locally ignitable fuel-air mixture with an ignition system according to the invention. For technical reasons, reference is made, for example, to DE 196 38 787 A1.

In Serie befindliche fremdgezündete Brennkraftmaschinen sind heutzutage praktisch generell mit einer Hochspannungszündanlage ausgerüstet, mit der als Zündquellen fungierende Zündkerzen, die in die Brennkraftmaschinen-Brennräume hineinragen, betrieben werden. Zumeist befindet sich im Brennraum nur eine einzige Zündkerze, durch die somit der Ort des Zündbeginns oder Verbrennungsbeginns von zündfähigem Luft-Kraftstoffgemisch im Brennraum festgelegt ist. Es muss also dafür Sorge getragen werden, dass sich zum gewünschten Zündzeitpunkt stets zündfähiges Gemisch zwischen den beiden Elektroden der Zündkerze befindet, was insbesondere bei mit Kraftstoff-Direkteinspritzung arbeitenden Brennkraftmaschinen problematisch sein kann.In-series spark-ignition internal combustion engines are nowadays generally equipped with a high-voltage ignition system, with which acting as ignition sources spark plugs, which protrude into the engine combustion chambers, operated. In most cases, only a single spark plug is located in the combustion chamber, thus determining the location of the start of ignition or the start of combustion of ignitable air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. It must therefore be ensured that at the desired ignition always ignitable mixture between the two electrodes of the spark plug, which can be problematic especially in working with direct fuel injection internal combustion engines.

Nachdem Hochspannungs-Zündanlagen zwar die benötigte Zündenergie sicher bereit stellen können, jedoch hinsichtlich der elektromagnetischen Verträglichkeit von Kraftfahrzeugen nicht einfach zu beherrschen sind, werden in jüngster Zeit auch mikrowellentechnische Zündeinrichtungen für Brennkraftmaschinen untersucht. Neben der DE 198 02 745 C2 zeigt die eingangs bereits genannte DE 196 38 787 A1 hierfür ein Beispiel. Dabei wird als Energiequelle eine Hochfrequenzenergiequelle eingesetzt, mittels derer hochfrequente Energiewellen, insbesondere Mikrowellen in den Brennkraftmaschinen-Brennraum eingekoppelt werden. Die letztgenannte Schrift schlägt hierfür verschiedene Formgebungen für das in den Brennraum hineinragende Mikrowellen-Einkoppelelement, das dort allgemein als Zündmittel mit einem Koppelstrukturbereich bezeichnet ist, vor, und erläutert, dass der - wie üblich - von metallischen Teilen umschlossene Brennraum einen Hohlraumresonator für die Mikrowellen bildet.Although high-voltage ignition systems can provide the required ignition energy safely, but are not easy to control in terms of the electromagnetic compatibility of motor vehicles, also microwave technology ignition devices for internal combustion engines are being investigated in recent times. In addition to DE 198 02 745 C2, the already mentioned above DE 196 38 787 A1 shows an example of this. In this case, a high-frequency energy source is used as an energy source, by means of which high-frequency energy waves, in particular microwaves are coupled into the engine combustion chamber. The latter document proposes different shapes for the projecting into the combustion chamber microwave injection element, which is generally referred to there as an ignition means with a coupling structure region, and explains that - as usual - enclosed by metallic parts combustion chamber forms a cavity resonator for the microwaves ,

Zwar ist man bei der Verwendung von hochenergetischen Hochfrequenzwellen als Energie-"Quelle" für die Zündenergie im Brennraum nicht mehr darauf angewiesen, dass exakt an einer einzigen Stelle im Brennraum (nämlich zwischen den bislang üblichen Zündkerzen-Elektroden) ein zündfähiges Gemisch vorliegt, jedoch ist auch bei der Verwendung eines einzigen Hochfrequenz-Einkoppelelements im Brennraum der Bereich, an dem ausreichende Zündenergie vorliegt, beschränkt und nur durch Variation der vom Einkoppelelement abgegebenen elektrischen Feldstärke veränderbar.Although it is no longer dependent on the use of high-energy high-frequency waves as an energy "source" for the ignition in the combustion chamber that exactly at a single point in the combustion chamber (namely between the usual spark plug electrodes) an ignitable mixture is present, however Even with the use of a single high-frequency coupling element in the combustion chamber, the region at which sufficient ignition energy is present, limited and changeable only by varying the electric field strength emitted by the coupling element.

An einem mit Hochfrequenz-Einkoppelelementen, insbesondere Mikrowellen-Einkoppelelementen arbeitenden Zündsystem für eine Brennkraftmaschine diesbezüglich Verbesserungen aufzuzeigen, ist Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung.The object of the present invention is to disclose improvements in this regard with regard to an ignition system for an internal combustion engine which operates with high-frequency coupling elements, in particular microwave injection elements.

Die Lösung dieser Aufgabe ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zumindest zwei Hochfrequenz-Einkoppelelemente bzw. Mikrowellen-Einkoppelelemente im Brennraum vorgesehen sind und dass die erforderliche Zünderenergie im Brennraum durch Überlagerung der von den Einkoppelelementen abgegebenen Hochfrequenzwellen erzeugt wird und wobei die Phasenverschiebung zwischen zumindest zwei von unterschiedlichen Hochfrequenz-Einkoppelelementen ausgesendeten Hochfrequenzwellen veränderbar ist. In anderen Worten ausgedrückt werden somit im Brennraum der Brennkraftmaschine mit den von besagten Einkoppelelementen ausgesendeten Hochfrequenzwellen, insbesondere Mikrowellen, Interferenzen erzeugt, durch welche die erforderliche Zündenergie bereitgestellt wird.The solution to this problem is characterized in that at least two high-frequency coupling elements or microwave coupling elements are provided in the combustion chamber and that the required igniter energy is generated in the combustion chamber by superimposing the radio frequency waves emitted by the coupling elements and wherein the phase shift between at least two of different high frequency Coupling elements emitted high frequency waves is changeable. In other words, interference is thus generated in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine with the high-frequency waves emitted by said coupling elements, in particular microwaves, by means of which the required ignition energy is provided.

Wenn erfindungsgemäß zumindest zwei Mikrowellen-Einkoppelelemente (im folgenden wird der spezielle Begriff "Mikrowelle" nur stellvertretend für die allgemeine Form einer "Hochfrequenzwelle" verwendet) im Brennraum einer Brennkraftmaschine vorgesehen sind, so können zwischen den von diesen Einkoppelelementen ausgesandten Wellen die aus der Wellentheorie grundsätzlich bekannten Interferenzerscheinungen auftreten. Neben gegenseitigen örtlichen Auslöschungen gibt es dabei auch Orte mit aufgrund von Überlagerungen deutlich verstärkter Amplitude und somit deutlich höherer Energie, an denen dann äußerst willig eine Zündung von dort anzutreffendem zündfähigen Gemisch erfolgen kann. Die Freiheiten hinsichtlich der Lage derjenigen Orte, an denen eine für die Zündung ausreichende Zündenergie vorliegt, werden durch Vorsehen zumindest eines zweiten Mikrowellen-Einkoppelelements und somit dem Auftreten von Interferenzerscheinungen bzw. Überlagerungen zwischen den von den beiden (oder noch mehreren) Einkoppelelementen ausgesandten Wellen erheblich gesteigert. Dabei sei nochmals ausdrücklich erwähnt, dass mehr als ein Hochfrequenz-Einkoppelelement bzw. Mikrowellen-Einkoppelelement erforderlich ist, um die genannten Interferenzeffekte nutzen zu können; keineswegs ist man hierbei auf exakt zwei Einkoppelelemente beschränkt.If, according to the invention, at least two microwave injection elements (in the following the special term "microwave" is used only representative of the general shape of a "high frequency wave") are provided in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, then the waves from the wave theory can fundamentally exist between the waves emitted by these injection elements known interference phenomena occur. In addition to mutual local extinctions, there are also places with clearly amplified amplitude due to superimpositions and thus significantly higher energy at which an ignition of the ignitable mixture occurring there can then take place extremely willing. The freedom with respect to the location of those places where there is sufficient ignition energy for the ignition, by providing at least one second microwave coupling element and thus the occurrence of interference phenomena or overlays between the two (or more) coupling elements emitted waves considerably increased. It should be expressly mentioned again that more than one high-frequency coupling element or microwave coupling element is required in order to use the said interference effects can; By no means is this limited to exactly two coupling elements.

Besondere Vorteile ergeben sich dadurch, dass die Phasenverschiebung zwischen zumindest zwei von unterschiedlichen Hochfrequenz-Einkoppelelementen ausgesendeten Hochfrequenzwellen bzw. Mikrowellen oder dgl. veränderbar ist. Damit ist auch die Ortslage derjenigen Stellen, an denen im Brennraum Interferenzen bzw. die Amplitude steigernde Überlagerungen zwischen den von den unterschiedlichen Einkoppelelementen ausgesandten Wellen auftreten, gezielt beeinflussbar bzw. veränderbar. Durch Wahl einer geeigneten Phasenverschiebung zwischen den verschiedenen Mikrowellen oder dgl. kann somit festgelegt werden, an welchen Stellen im Brennraum durch Interferenzerscheinungen eine ausreichend hohe Zündenergie vorliegt. Diese Stellen können dann gezielt dorthin gelegt werden, wo die Wahrscheinlichkeit für das Antreffen von zündfähigem Kraftstoff-Luftgemisch am höchsten ist.Particular advantages result from the fact that the phase shift between at least two high-frequency waves or microwaves or the like emitted by different high-frequency coupling elements is variable. Thus, the local position of those points where interferences or the amplitude-increasing superimpositions between the waves emitted by the different coupling elements occur in the combustion chamber can be selectively influenced or changed. By choosing a suitable phase shift between the different microwaves or the like. It can thus be determined at which points in the combustion chamber by interference phenomena a sufficiently high ignition energy is present. These locations can then be targeted where the likelihood of meeting an ignitable fuel-air mixture is highest.

In diesem Zusammenhang sei auf die dem Fachmann für Brennkraftmaschinen bekannte Tatsache hingewiesen, dass die Stellen, an denen in einem Brennkraftmaschinen-Brennraum zündfähiges Gemisch vorliegt bzw. vorliegen kann, sehr stark vom jeweiligen Betriebspunkt der Brennkraftmaschine abhängen können. Je nachdem mit welcher Drehzahl und in welchem Lastpunkt die Brennkraftmaschine betrieben wird, kann die Lage des jeweils günstigsten Zündortes jeweils unterschiedlich sein. Dieser äußerst komplexen Randbedingung kann nun dadurch entgegengekommen werden, dass der Ort, an dem die für eine erfolgreiche Zündung benötigte Zündenergie bereitgestellt wird, auf den hinsichtlich der Gemisch-Verteilung im Brennraum günstigsten Zündort hin angepasst wird. Dass damit eine verbesserte Verbrennung des Kraftstoff-Luftgemisches im Brennkraftmaschinen-Brennraum erzielt werden kann, liegt auf der Hand. Eine verbesserte Verbrennung wiederum hat beträchtliche Vorteile hinsichtlich des Wirkungsgrades bzw. Kraftstoffverbrauchs sowie hinsichtlich der Emissionen (insbesondere von CO2) zur Folge.In this connection, reference is made to the fact known to those skilled in the art of internal combustion engines that the locations where or in an internal combustion engine combustion chamber ignitable mixture is or may be present, can depend very much on the respective operating point of the internal combustion engine. Depending on which speed and at which load point the internal combustion engine is operated, the location of the most favorable ignition location can each be different. This extremely complex boundary condition can now be accommodated by adapting the location at which the ignition energy required for a successful ignition is adjusted to the ignition location which is the most favorable with regard to the mixture distribution in the combustion chamber. That thus an improved combustion of the fuel-air mixture in the internal combustion engine combustion chamber can be achieved, is obvious. In turn, improved combustion has significant advantages in terms of fuel efficiency and emissions (especially CO 2 ).

Ein erfindungsgemäßes Verfahren zum Zünden eines in einem Brennraum einer Brennkraftmaschine befindlichen zumindest lokal zündfähigen Kraftstoff-Luftgemisches mit einem Zündsystem gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung zeichnet sich somit dadurch aus, dass bevorzugt durch Variation der Phasenverschiebung zwischen zumindest zwei von unterschiedlichen Hochfrequenz-Einkoppelelementen im Brennraum ausgesendeten Hochfrequenzwellen der Ort der Zündung im Brennraum gezielt eingestellt werden kann.An inventive method for igniting a located in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine at least locally ignitable fuel-air mixture with an ignition system according to the present invention is thus characterized in that preferably by varying the phase shift between at least two of different high-frequency coupling elements in the combustion chamber emitted high-frequency waves Location of the ignition in the combustion chamber can be targeted.

Neben der oder zusätzlich zur Variation der Phasenverschiebung zwischen zumindest zwei von unterschiedlichen Mikrowellen-Quellen oder dgl. im Brennraum ausgesendeten Mikrowellen kann auch die Amplitude und/oder die Frequenz zumindest einer der ausgesendeten Mikrowellen bzw. Hochfrequenzwellen veränderbar und somit gezielt einstellbar sein. Insbesondere damit ist es auch möglich, das erfindungsgemäße Zündverfahren so einzustellen, dass die benötigte Zündenergie an mehreren Orten des Brennraums und/oder zu mehreren Zeitpunkten an einem oder mehreren Orten bereitgestellt wird. Zur optimalen Einkoppelung der notwendigen Zündenergie kann dabei die Frequenz der Mikrowelle auf die Abmessung bzw. Geometrie des Brennraums hin angepasst werden. Bei Verwendung eines ganzzahligen Vielfachen dieser angepassten Frequenz sind gemäß der Mikrowellentheorie auch Mehrfach-Zündungen möglich bzw. können mehrere Zündorte erzeugt werden.In addition to or in addition to the variation of the phase shift between at least two of microwave sources or the like. In the combustion chamber emitted microwaves and the amplitude and / or the frequency of at least one of the emitted microwaves or high frequency waves can be changed and thus selectively adjustable. In particular, it is thus also possible to set the ignition method according to the invention so that the required ignition energy is provided at several locations of the combustion chamber and / or at several times at one or more locations. For optimum coupling of the necessary ignition energy, the frequency of the microwave can be adapted to the dimension or geometry of the combustion chamber. If an integer multiple of this adjusted frequency is used, multiple ignitions are also possible according to microwave theory or multiple ignition locations can be generated.

Was die Gestaltung einer entsprechenden, erfindungsgemäßen Zündanlage für eine Brennkraftmaschine betrifft, so ist ein bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel hierfür in der beigefügten Prinzipskizze stark abstrahiert dargestellt. Dabei ist gleichzeitig dargestellt, wie ein erfindungsgemäßes Zündsystem an einer Brennkraftmaschine mit mehreren Brennräumen, speziell an einer mehrzylindrigen Hubkolben-Brennkraftmaschine, gestaltet sein kann.As regards the design of a corresponding ignition system according to the invention for an internal combustion engine, a preferred exemplary embodiment for this purpose is shown in highly abstracted form in the enclosed schematic diagram. It is also shown how an inventive ignition system on an internal combustion engine with multiple combustion chambers, especially on a multi-cylinder reciprocating internal combustion engine, can be designed.

In der einzigen Figur ist mit der Bezugsziffer 1 ein Brennraum einer vierzylindrigen Hubkolben-Brennkraftmaschine bezeichnet, in den auf übliche Weise ein darin zu verbrennendes Kraftstoff-Luftgemisch eingeleitet wird. Dieses Kraftstoff-Luftgemisch wird mittels eines erfindungsgemäßen Zündsystems zu einem gewünschten Zeitpunkt fremdgezündet, indem Zündenergie in den Brennraum 1 eingeführt wird. Dies erfolgt über Hochfrequenzwellen, insbesondere Mikrowellen, die von hier zwei Einkoppelelementen f1 bzw. f2 in den Brennraum 1 abgegeben werden. Wie weiter oben ausführlich erläutert wurde, treten zwischen den abgesandten Mikrowellen im Brennraum 1 Interferenzerscheinungen bzw. Überlagerungen auf, wobei dann an denjenigen Orten, wo eine Energieverstärkung stattfindet, eine ausreichende Zündenergie zur Zündung eines dort vorliegenden zündfähigen Gemisches bereit gestellt wird.In the single figure, the reference numeral 1 denotes a combustion chamber of a four-cylinder reciprocating internal combustion engine, in which a fuel-air mixture to be burned therein is introduced in the usual way. This fuel-air mixture is externally ignited by means of an ignition system according to the invention at a desired time by ignition energy is introduced into the combustion chamber 1. This is done via high-frequency waves, in particular microwaves, which are delivered from here two coupling elements f 1 and f 2 in the combustion chamber 1. As was explained in detail above, occur between the emitted microwaves in the combustion chamber 1 interference phenomena or overlays, then at those places where an energy gain takes place, sufficient ignition energy to ignite a flammable mixture present there is provided.

Erzeugt werden die Mikrowellen (bzw. allg. Hochfrequenzwellen) von einem hier einzigen in Frequenz und Amplitude regelbaren Mikrowellengenerator a mit einer Frequenz von 2,4 Gigahertz oder höher bzw. einem Vielfachen dieser Frequenz im Leistungsbereich von ca. 100 Watt. Beim im folgenden noch näher beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiel teilt sich das vom Mikrowellengenerator a abgegebene Mikrowellen-Signal in einen ersten direkten und einen zweiten durch einen regelbaren Phasenschieber c geregelten Pfad auf und wird in jedem Pfad durch einen Hochfrequenz-Verteiler d bzw. e auf die einzelnen Brennräume der Brennkraftmaschine verteilt. Dort werden diese Mikrowellen-Signale durch erste und zweite Einkoppelelemente f1, f2 in die einzelnen Brennräume 1 eingespeist.The microwaves (or general high-frequency waves) are generated by a single frequency and amplitude controllable microwave generator a with a frequency of 2.4 gigahertz or higher or a multiple of this frequency in the power range of about 100 watts. In the embodiment to be described in more detail below, the microwave signal emitted by the microwave generator a splits into a first direct and a second controlled by a controllable phase shifter c path and is in each path through a high-frequency distributor d or e to the individual combustion chambers the internal combustion engine distributed. There, these microwave signals are fed by first and second coupling elements f 1 , f 2 in the individual combustion chambers 1.

Vom Brennraum 1 zum (hier einzigen) Mikrowellengenerator a zurückgehend wird nun dieses bevorzugte Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Zündsystems detailliert erläutert:From the combustion chamber 1 to the (here single) microwave generator a going back this preferred embodiment of an ignition system according to the invention will now be explained in detail:

Vom ersten Einkoppelelement f1 des Brennraums 1 führt eine Verbindungsleitung zu einem ersten mit dem Buchstaben d bezeichneten Verteiler, von dem weitere drei nicht dargestellte Verbindungsleitungen von den mit den Ziffern 2, 3, 4 bezeichneten Stellen abzweigen, die zu weiteren ersten Einkoppelelementen führen, die drei weiteren hier nicht dargestellten Brennräumen der Brennkraftmaschine zugeordnet sind. In vergleichbarer Weise führt vom zweiten Einkoppelelement f2 des Brennraums 1 eine Verbindungsleitung zu einem zweiten mit dem Buchstaben e bezeichneten Verteiler, von dem weitere drei nicht dargestellte Verbindungsleitungen von den mit den Ziffern 2, 3, 4 bezeichneten Stellen abzweigen, die zu weiteren zweiten Einkoppelelementen der genannten weiteren drei Brennräume führen.From the first coupling element f 1 of the combustion chamber 1, a connecting line leads to a first distributor designated by the letter d, from which further three unillustrated connecting lines branch off from the points indicated by the numbers 2, 3, 4, which lead to further first coupling elements three other combustion chambers, not shown here are assigned to the internal combustion engine. In a comparable manner leads from the second coupling element f 2 of the combustion chamber 1, a connecting line to a second designated by the letter e distributor, branch off from the other three unillustrated connection lines from the designated by the numerals 2, 3, 4 points, the other second coupling elements the said another three combustion chambers lead.

Mit der notwendigen Energie zur Aktivierung der Einkoppelelemente f1 bzw. f2 versorgt wird jeder Verteiler d bzw. e über eine weitere Leitung, die vom Verteiler d bzw. e zu einem (hier einzigen) Dämpfungsglied b führt. Diesem ist (über eine geeignete Leitung) ein mit dem Buchstaben a bezeichneter Mikrowellengenerator (allgemein eine Hochfrequenz-Energiequelle) vorgeschaltet. Dieser Mikrowellengenerator a wird ebenso wie das Dämpfungsglied b, die Verteiler d und e sowie ein im folgenden noch erläuterter Phasenschieber c von einer elektronischen Steuereinheit "ECU" wie gewünscht angesteuert.Each distributor d or e is supplied with the necessary energy for activating the coupling elements f 1 and f 2 via a further line which leads from the distributor d or e to a (here single) attenuator b. This is preceded by (via a suitable line) a designated by the letter a microwave generator (generally a high-frequency power source). This microwave generator a, like the attenuator b, the distributors d and e, and a phase shifter c which will be explained below, are controlled as desired by an electronic control unit "ECU".

Soeben erwähnt wurde ein mit dem Buchstaben c bezeichneter Phasenschieber, der in der vom Dämpfungsglied b zum Verteiler e führenden Verbindungsleitung vorgesehen ist. Wenn wie hier die beiden Mikrowellen-Einkoppelelemente f1 und f2 eines Brennraumes 1 von einem gemeinsamen Mikrowellengenerator a als Hochfrequenz-Energiequelle versorgt werden, so kann mit diesem Phasenschieber c eine gewünschte Phasenverschiebung zwischen den von den beiden Einkoppelelementen f1 und f2 abgegebenen Mikrowellen (bzw. allgemein Hochfrequenzwellen) eingestellt werden.Just mentioned was a designated by the letter c phase shifter, which is provided in the leading from the attenuator b to the distributor e connecting line. If, as here, the two microwave injection elements f 1 and f 2 of a combustion chamber 1 are supplied by a common microwave generator a as a high-frequency power source, then a desired phase shift between the microwaves emitted by the two injection elements f 1 and f 2 can be achieved with this phase shifter c (or in general high frequency waves) are set.

Bevorzugt wird dabei in diesem Phasenschieber c keine konstante Phasenverschiebung eingestellt, sondern diese Phasenverschiebung soll variabel, d.h. frei wählbar sein, was figürlich durch den "Verstellpfeil" im eingetragenen griechischen Buchstaben ϕ, der eine Phasenverschiebung symbolisiert, dargestellt ist. Im Phasenschieber c eingestellt wird diese Phasenverschiebung ϕ dabei entsprechend den von der ECU abgegebenen Kommandosignalen.Preferably, no constant phase shift is set in this phase shifter c, but this phase shift should be variable, i. be freely selectable, which is figuratively represented by the "adjustment arrow" in the registered Greek letter φ, which symbolizes a phase shift. In phase shifter c, this phase shift φ is set in accordance with the command signals issued by the ECU.

Wie weiter oben ausführlich erläutert wurde kann mit Einstellung einer geeigneten Phasenverschiebung zwischen den von den hier beiden Einkoppelelementen f1 und f2 abgegebenen Mikrowellen gezielt an einer oder mehreren Stelle(n) im Brennraum die für eine Zündung des dort anzutreffenden zündfähigen Luft-Kraftstoffgemisches benötigte Zündenergie bereit gestellt werden.As has been explained in detail above, with the setting of a suitable phase shift between the microwaves emitted by the two coupling elements f 1 and f 2 , the ignition energy required for ignition of the ignitable air-fuel mixture encountered there can be targeted at one or more points in the combustion chamber to be provided.

Von der elektronischen Steuereinheit ECU wird jedoch nicht nur die Phasenverschiebung ϕ sowie der Zeitpunkt, zu welchem Mikrowellen von den Einkoppelelementen f1 und f2 eines bestimmten der hier vier Brennräume abgegeben werden, vorgegeben, sondern es kann entsprechend deren Kommandosignalen zusätzlich die Frequenz f der im Mikrowellengenerator a erzeugten Mikrowellen variiert werden, was figürlich durch den "Verstellpfeil" im in den Mikrowellengenerator a eingetragenen Buchstaben f, der die Frequenz der abgegebenen Hochfrequenzwellen symbolisiert, dargestellt ist. Ferner kann entsprechend den Kommandosignalen der elektronischen Steuereinheit ECU zusätzlich die Amplitude A der an die Einkoppelelemente f1 und f2 abgegebenen Mikrowellen bzw. Hochfrequenzwellen variiert werden, was figürlich durch den "Verstellpfeil" im in das Dämpfungsglied b eingetragenen Buchstaben A, der die Amplitude der Mikrowellen bzw. Hochfrequenzwellen symbolisiert, dargestellt ist.Of the electronic control unit ECU, however, not only the phase shift φ and the time at which microwaves are delivered from the coupling elements f 1 and f 2 of a particular of the four combustion chambers here, but it can additionally according to their command signals, the frequency f in the Microwave generator a generated microwaves are varied, which is figuratively represented by the "adjustment arrow" in the registered in the microwave generator a letter f, which symbolizes the frequency of the emitted high-frequency waves. Further, according to the command signals of the electronic control unit ECU additionally the amplitude A of the input to the coupling elements f 1 and f 2 microwaves or high frequency waves are varied, which figurlich by the "adjustment arrow" in the attenuator b registered letter A, the amplitude of the Microwave or high frequency waves symbolized, is shown.

Das beschriebene Zündsystem bietet somit eine Vielzahl von Variabilitäten, mit Hilfe derer den jeweiligen Anforderungen entsprechend im Brennraum 1 bzw. in den Brennräumen 1 der Brennkraftmaschine an den jeweils gewünschten Stellen zu den jeweils gewünschten Zeitpunkten die für eine Zündung des darin zumindest lokal vorhandenen zündfähigen Gemisches benötigte Zündenergie bereit gestellt werden kann, wobei es - wie bereits erwähnt - auch möglich ist, diese benötigte Zündenergie an mehreren Orten im Brennraum gleichzeitig oder zu verschiedenen Zeitpunkten zur Verfügung zu stellen. So kann die Zündenergie im Brennraum 1 bspw. längs einer Kurve oder eines dreidimensionalen Feldes bereitgestellt werden, wobei noch darauf hingewiesen sei, dass dies sowie eine Vielzahl weiterer Details durchaus abweichend von obigen Erläuterungen gestaltet sein kann, ohne den Inhalt der Patentansprüche zu verlassen.The ignition system described thus offers a variety of variations, with the help of which the respective requirements in the combustion chamber 1 and in the combustion chambers 1 of the internal combustion engine at the respectively desired locations at the respective desired times needed for an ignition of at least locally present ignitable mixture Ignition energy can be provided, and it is - as already mentioned - also possible to provide this required ignition energy at several locations in the combustion chamber at the same time or at different times. For example, the ignition energy in the combustion chamber 1 can be provided along a curve or a three-dimensional field, wherein it should also be pointed out that this as well as a large number of further details may well be deviating from the above explanations without departing from the content of the claims.

Claims (9)

  1. An ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprising at least two high-frequency coupling elements (f1, f2) in a combustion chamber (1) and supplied by a high-frequency energy source, wherein the required ignition energy is generated in the combustion chamber (1) by superimposition of the high-frequency waves delivered by the high-frequency coupling elements (f1, f2), also comprising means (c) which can vary the phase shift (p) between at least two high-frequency waves transmitted by different high-frequency coupling elements (f1, f2).
  2. An ignition system according to claim 1, characterised in that the amplitude (A) of at least one of the transmitted high-frequency waves is variable.
  3. An ignition system according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the frequency (f) of at least one of the transmitted high-frequency waves is variable.
  4. An ignition system according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a microwave generator (a) capable of varying the frequency, a downstream damping element (b) for amplitude variation and an adjoining branch connection to two high-frequency coupling elements, especially microwave coupling elements (f1, f2), projecting into the engine combustion chamber (1), wherein a phase shifter (c) for producing a phase shift (p) is provided in at least one branch.
  5. An ignition system according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one distributor (d, e) is provided on a number of combustion chambers of the engine.
  6. An ignition system according to claim 5, characterised in that a distributor (d, e) on the plurality of combustion chambers is provided in each branch associated with a group of coupling elements (f1, f2), each formed by a respective coupling element (1, 2) for a combustion chamber (1).
  7. A method of igniting an at least locally ignitable fuel-air mixture in a combustion chamber of an engine, using an ignition system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the place of ignition in the combustion chamber is adjusted in controlled manner by varying at least one of the said parameters.
  8. A method according to claim 7, characterised in that the required ignition energy is provided at a number of places and/or a number of times.
  9. A method according to claim 8, characterised in that the ignition energy in the combustion chamber (1) is provided along a curve or a three-dimensional field.
EP02764604A 2001-11-16 2002-06-29 Ignition system and method for an internal combustion engine comprising microwave sources Expired - Lifetime EP1444434B1 (en)

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DE10156410 2001-11-16
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PCT/EP2002/007202 WO2003042533A1 (en) 2001-11-16 2002-06-29 Ignition system and method for an internal combustion engine comprising microwave sources

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DE102009016665A1 (en) 2009-03-31 2010-10-07 Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft Combustion engine has inlet and outlet valve, in which fuel-air-mixture is ignited by microwave radiation in order to drive piston, where cylinder head and piston base form roof-shaped combustion chamber
DE102009016668A1 (en) 2009-03-31 2010-10-07 Dr.Ing.H.C.F.Porsche Aktiengesellschaft Combustion method for spark ignition combustion engine, involves filling cylinder fully for all load conditions of engine, where filling of cylinder has relatively high proportion of residual gas

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WO2015025913A1 (en) * 2013-08-21 2015-02-26 イマジニアリング株式会社 Ignition system for internal combustion engine, and internal combustion engine
EP2881579B1 (en) 2013-12-04 2019-03-27 NXP USA, Inc. Rf power amplification and distribution systems, plasma ignition systems, and methods of operation therefor
WO2016108283A1 (en) * 2014-12-29 2016-07-07 イマジニアリング株式会社 Ignition system, and internal combustion engine
EP3064764B1 (en) * 2015-03-03 2020-09-02 MWI Micro Wave Ignition AG Microwave ignition plug for coupling microwave energy

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DE102009016665A1 (en) 2009-03-31 2010-10-07 Dr. Ing. H.C. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft Combustion engine has inlet and outlet valve, in which fuel-air-mixture is ignited by microwave radiation in order to drive piston, where cylinder head and piston base form roof-shaped combustion chamber
DE102009016668A1 (en) 2009-03-31 2010-10-07 Dr.Ing.H.C.F.Porsche Aktiengesellschaft Combustion method for spark ignition combustion engine, involves filling cylinder fully for all load conditions of engine, where filling of cylinder has relatively high proportion of residual gas
DE102009016668B4 (en) * 2009-03-31 2020-04-02 Mwi Micro Wave Ignition Ag Combustion process for a spark ignition internal combustion engine

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