EP2126342A2 - Control of a plurality of plug coils via a single power stage - Google Patents

Control of a plurality of plug coils via a single power stage

Info

Publication number
EP2126342A2
EP2126342A2 EP08762152A EP08762152A EP2126342A2 EP 2126342 A2 EP2126342 A2 EP 2126342A2 EP 08762152 A EP08762152 A EP 08762152A EP 08762152 A EP08762152 A EP 08762152A EP 2126342 A2 EP2126342 A2 EP 2126342A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
coil
frequency
candle
control
plug
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP08762152A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
André AGNERAY
Clément Nouvel
Xavier Jaffrezic
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Renault SAS
Original Assignee
Renault SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Renault SAS filed Critical Renault SAS
Publication of EP2126342A2 publication Critical patent/EP2126342A2/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
    • F02P9/00—Electric spark ignition control, not otherwise provided for
    • F02P9/002—Control of spark intensity, intensifying, lengthening, suppression
    • F02P9/007—Control of spark intensity, intensifying, lengthening, suppression by supplementary electrical discharge in the pre-ionised electrode interspace of the sparking plug, e.g. plasma jet ignition
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
    • F02P9/00—Electric spark ignition control, not otherwise provided for
    • 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
    • F02P17/00—Testing of ignition installations, e.g. in combination with adjusting; Testing of ignition timing in compression-ignition engines
    • F02P17/12—Testing characteristics of the spark, ignition voltage or current
    • 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
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D2400/00—Control systems adapted for specific engine types; Special features of engine control systems not otherwise provided for; Power supply, connectors or cabling for engine control systems
    • F02D2400/22—Connectors or cables specially adapted for engine management applications
    • 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 present invention relates generally to systems for generating plasma between two electrodes of a spark plug, used in particular for radiofrequency ignition control of a gaseous mixture in combustion chambers of an internal combustion engine.
  • plasma generation circuits incorporating coils-candles are used to generate multi-filament discharges between their electrodes, to initiate the combustion of the mixture in the chambers of combustion of the engine.
  • the multi-spark plug is described in detail in the following patent applications filed in the name of the applicant FR 03-10766, FR 03-10767 and FR 03-10768.
  • Such a coil-plug is conventionally modeled by a resonator 1, whose resonant frequency F c is greater than 1 MHz, typically close to 5 MHz.
  • the resonator comprises in series a resistor R, an inductance L and a capacitance C. Ignition electrodes 10 and 12 of the coil-plug are connected across the capacitor C.
  • the resonator When the resonator is powered by a high voltage at its resonant frequency f c (1 / (2 ⁇ y / L * C), the amplitude across the capacitor C is amplified, making it possible to develop multi-filament discharges between the capacitors.
  • candle electrodes over distances of the order of one centimeter, at high pressure and for peak voltages below 20 kV. These are called branched sparks, insofar as they involve the simultaneous generation of at least several lines or ionization path in a given volume, their branches being moreover omnidirectional.
  • the control of the supply of such a spark plug requires the use of a supply circuit, capable of generating voltage pulses, typically of the order of 100 ns, which can reach amplitudes of the order of 1 kV, at a frequency intended to be very close to the resonance frequency of the radiofrequency resonator of the coil-candle.
  • a supply circuit capable of generating voltage pulses, typically of the order of 100 ns, which can reach amplitudes of the order of 1 kV, at a frequency intended to be very close to the resonance frequency of the radiofrequency resonator of the coil-candle.
  • Such a power supply circuit is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2. It conventionally implements a so-called "Class E power amplifier” assembly. This type of DC / AC converter makes it possible to create the voltage pulses with the aforementioned characteristics.
  • the amplifier 2 comprises a MOSFET transistor of power M, used as a switch for controlling the commutations across the resonator 1.
  • a control device 5 generates and applies a control signal Vl to a control frequency on the gate of the power MOSFET M, via a control stage 3 represented schematically.
  • a control signal Vl In order to control the production of sparks between the electrodes of the coil-plug connected at the output of the amplifier when its resonator 1 is excited via the control signal Vl, the latter is not permanent but is present under the form of control pulse trains at the control frequency.
  • a parallel resonant circuit 4 is connected between an intermediate voltage source Vinter and the drain of the transistor M.
  • This circuit 4 comprises an inductance Lp in parallel with a capacitance Cp.
  • the parallel resonator transforms the intermediate voltage Vinter into an amplified voltage Va (illustrated in FIG. 5), corresponding to the intermediate voltage multiplied by the overvoltage coefficient of the parallel resonator.
  • This amplified voltage is supplied on the drain of the transistor M, which is also connected to the input of the resonator 1.
  • the transistor M therefore acts as a switch and applies (respectively blocks) the voltage Va to the input of the resonator 1 when the control signal Vl is in the high logic state (respectively low).
  • the transistor M thus imposes a switching frequency, determined by the control signal Vl, which is sought to make as close as possible to the resonant frequency of the coil-plug connected at the output (typically 5MHz), in order to maintain and maximize the energy transfer between the parallel resonator 4 and the series 1 resonator forming the coil-candle.
  • the output voltage Va previously mentioned, multiplied by the overvoltage coefficient of the resonator series 1.
  • each combustion chamber is equipped with a coil-candle as described above to initiate, on command, combustion.
  • the present invention aims to overcome this disadvantage, by allowing to control a plurality of coils-candles through the same and single amplification channel.
  • the subject of the invention is a device for generating plasma, characterized in that it comprises: a power supply circuit, comprising a switch controlled by a control signal for applying an intermediate voltage to a output of the power supply circuit at a frequency defined by the control signal, - a plurality of plasma generation spark plug coils arranged in parallel on the output of the supply circuit via connectors, each connector being adapted to be detachably connected to a corresponding coil-plug and comprising means adapted to shift the resonant frequency of said coil-plug, so that each coil-plug has a distinct resonant frequency, a control device of the circuit supply, determining the frequency of the control signal among one of the resonance frequencies of the coil-candles, so as to control selectively the candle coils according to the control frequency used.
  • each plasma-generating coil-coil comprises a resonator having a frequency greater than 1 MHz and comprising two electrodes, the resonator being able to generate a plasma between the two electrodes when a high voltage level is applied to the output of the supply circuit.
  • the connectors are assembled together by one and the same connecting piece.
  • the connecting piece comprises polarizing means for attaching it to the plurality of bobbins uniquely.
  • the means adapted to shift the resonance frequency of a coil-plug comprise means for modifying the inductance value of the coil-plug, located in the immediate vicinity thereof.
  • the means for modifying the inductance value of the spark plug coil comprise a winding, positioned directly in contact with a winding of the spark plug coil.
  • the winding of the modification means is arranged around an element made of magnetic material.
  • the winding of the modification means is surrounded at least in part by a magnetic material element.
  • the means for modifying the inductance value of the spark plug coil comprise a magnetic material element positioned directly against a winding of the spark plug coil.
  • the element of magnetic material surrounds at least a portion of the end of the coil of the spark plug.
  • the element made of magnetic material comprises a central core inserted in the winding of the coil-candle.
  • the magnetic material comprises ferrite.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an electric model used for the resonator modeling a plasma generation coil-spark plug
  • Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a device for generating a high voltage integrating an amplifier, used for the supply and control of a spark plug coil
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a complete diagram of a radiofrequency ignition according to the invention, comprising 4 bobbins arranged in parallel at the output of a single power supply stage;
  • FIGS. 4a to 4c illustrate various embodiments of means for shifting the resonant frequency of each coil-plug, designed to be integrated with the connection means of the coil-plugs;
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the connection means
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary implementation of the control of the ignition according to the invention.
  • the present invention proposes to control a plurality of bobbins-candles, using a single amplification path, in other words by using a single power supply circuit of the class E power amplifier type as previously described in FIG. 2, for selectively supplying the plurality of connected spark-ignition coils in parallel at the output of this supply circuit unique.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates such an architecture, in which the single power supply circuit 2 is used, according to the invention, to control separately 4 (and by extension N) coils-candles, respectively BB1, BB2, BB3 and BB4, connected in parallel to the output of the power supply circuit via connection means.
  • connection means consist of a plurality of connectors 20, each being adapted to be detachably connected to a corresponding coil-plug of the plurality of spark plugs.
  • each of the plasma generating spark plugs has a resonance frequency of its own well separated from the others. This is indeed to avoid overlapping frequency resonance frequency areas resonators forming each coil-candle and thus to overcome the problems of multiple simultaneous ignitions.
  • each coil-candle preferably having a resonance frequency identical for reasons of efficiency of the industrial process of producing these candles in particular, the present invention provides to include at each connector 20 means adapted to shift, in a predetermined manner, the resonance frequency of the corresponding coil-plug, so that each coil-plug has a distinct resonance frequency.
  • the frequency distribution of the coils-candles thus produced must be such that the difference in resonance frequency between the coils-candles is preferably greater than the bandwidth of each resonator. For example, a difference greater than twice the bandwidth of the resonator will be chosen.
  • Figure 4a illustrates the connector 20 of the coil-candle BBl. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the latter and is formed by two conductors 21 and 22, necessary for the command.
  • Each connector 20 then incorporates means 23 adapted to shift in a predetermined manner the resonant frequency of the corresponding coil-plug, so that the resonant frequencies offset from the set of coils-candles then satisfy the principles defined above, to to know that the resonance frequencies of each coil-candle are shifted relative to each other by a value preferably greater than twice the bandwidth of each coil-candle.
  • the means 23 adapted to shift the resonant frequency of the coil-candle corresponding include means for changing the inductance value of the coil-candle, intended to be located in close proximity thereto.
  • these means for modifying the inductance value of the coil-plug comprise an element
  • the inductance of the spool-plug sees its modified value as a function of the magnetic material coupled directly to its winding and, more particularly, according to the nature of the material and the geometry of the element attached to the winding.
  • the element 30 of magnetic material comprises a central core 32, intended to be inserted into the coil L of the coil-candle.
  • the element 30 of magnetic material is configured to surround at least a portion of the end of the coil L of the coil-candle. This configuration also has the advantage of improving the overvoltage coefficient of the spark plug.
  • the connector 20 incorporates a coil, in place of the ferrite type magnetic element.
  • the coil thus integrated in the connector is intended to be positioned directly in contact with the winding of the coil-candle. The coupling between the two coils then greatly improves the frequency offset.
  • the connector 20 incorporates both a coil 34 and a member 36 of magnetic material, for example of the ferrite type, intended to be positioned directly in contact with the coil-candle.
  • the coil 34 is then arranged around the magnetic element 36, which can also be configured to surround at least part of said coil.
  • the solutions presented above therefore consist in adding to the connector 20 of each coil-candle, an element (ferrite and / or coil) directly against the coil-candle in order to modify its resonance frequency, so as to arrive at the result that each coil-plug connected in parallel at the output of the single supply circuit, then has a resonant frequency of its own, shifted relative to each other as explained above.
  • the connectors 20 are assembled together by a single connecting piece 26, which is preferably rigid, then acting as a single connector, to which the aforementioned frequency shift elements are integrated. way to shift the frequency of the coil-candle of each cylinder in a predetermined manner.
  • Such a single connector in addition to allowing a minimization of the number of parts and thus an optimization of the manufacturing process, can also be fixed on the motor reliably, so as to ensure good mechanical resistance to vibration, unlike connectors distinct classically used.
  • the single connector connecting piece 26 comprises polarization means 27 for fixing it to the plurality of single-chip coils.
  • control device then knows in advance the correspondence between the order of the control frequencies of the different coil-candles and the order of the cylinders. This correspondence is stored in the control device.
  • the control method of the single power supply circuit must then take into account the frequency adapted to the channel to be controlled for each ignition.
  • the control device upon receipt of an ignition request, the control device is firstly able to determine the cylinder to be controlled, numbered from 1 to 4 in the order of disposition on engine. Each cylinder number is therefore associated with the resonance frequency, respectively F1, F2, F3 and F4, specific to the coil-candle to be controlled.
  • the control device then comprises a module determining the frequency of the control signal to be generated, among these frequencies F1, F2, F3 and F4, as a function of the number of the cylinder to be ignited and the previously stored correspondence.
  • control device applies the control signal to said frequency on an output interface intended to control the switch M.
  • the selective power transfer to the coil-candle to be controlled for the ignition is then naturally managed by the control frequency used for this ignition.
  • the determination of the resonant frequencies to be obtained at the output of the single supply circuit can be controlled by tabulation or servocontrol methods as described in the French patent applications filed in the name of the applicant FR 05-127669 and FR 05-12770.
  • control device may be provided with an interface for receiving engine operating parameter measurement signals (engine oil temperature, engine torque, engine speed, ignition angle, air temperature). inlet, pressure in the combustion chamber, etc.) and / or power supply operating parameter measurement signals, as well as a particular memory module storing relationships between measurement signals and the frequency of a control signal to be generated.
  • engine operating parameter measurement signals engine oil temperature, engine torque, engine speed, ignition angle, air temperature
  • power supply operating parameter measurement signals as well as a particular memory module storing relationships between measurement signals and the frequency of a control signal to be generated.
  • the controller determines the frequency of a control signal to be generated based on received measurements on the receiving interface and relationships stored in the memory module.

Abstract

The invention relates to a plasma generating device characterised in that it comprises: a supply circuit (2) including a switch (M) controlled by a control signal (V1) for applying an intermediate voltage (Vinter) on an output of the control circuit at a frequency defined by the control signal; a plurality of plasma-generating plug coils (BB1, BB2, BB3, BB4) arranged in parallel on said output via connectors (20), each connector being adapted to be removably connected to a corresponding plug coil and including means (23) adapted for offsetting the resonance frequency of said plug coil so that each plug coil has a distinct resonance frequency; a control device (5) of the supply circuit, that determines the control frequency from the resonance frequencies of the plug coils in order to selectively control the plug coils according to the control frequency used.

Description

PILOTAGE D'UNE PLURALITE DE BOBINES BOUGIES VIA UN UNIQUEPILOTAGE OF A PLURALITY OF CANDLE COILS VIA A UNIQUE
ETAGE DE PUISSANCEPOWER STAGE
La présente invention concerne, de façon générale, les systèmes de génération de plasma entre deux électrodes d'une bougie, utilises notamment pour l'allumage radiofréquence commande d'un mélange gazeux dans des chambres de combustion d'un moteur a combustion interne . Pour une telle application à l'allumage automobile à génération de plasma, des circuits de génération de plasma intégrant des bobines-bougies sont utilisées pour générer des décharges multi-filamentaires entre leurs électrodes, permettant d'initier la combustion du mélange dans les chambres de combustion du moteur. La bougie multi étincelles est décrite en détail dans les demandes de brevet suivantes déposées au nom de la demanderesse FR 03-10766, FR 03-10767 et FR 03-10768.The present invention relates generally to systems for generating plasma between two electrodes of a spark plug, used in particular for radiofrequency ignition control of a gaseous mixture in combustion chambers of an internal combustion engine. For such an application to automotive ignition plasma generation, plasma generation circuits incorporating coils-candles are used to generate multi-filament discharges between their electrodes, to initiate the combustion of the mixture in the chambers of combustion of the engine. The multi-spark plug is described in detail in the following patent applications filed in the name of the applicant FR 03-10766, FR 03-10767 and FR 03-10768.
Une telle bobine-bougie est classiquement modélisée par un résonateur 1, dont la fréquence de résonance Fc est supérieure à 1 MHz, typiquement voisine de 5 MHz. Le résonateur comprend en série une résistance R, une inductance L et une capacité C. Des électrodes d'allumage 10 et 12 de la bobine-bougie sont connectées aux bornes de la capacité C.Such a coil-plug is conventionally modeled by a resonator 1, whose resonant frequency F c is greater than 1 MHz, typically close to 5 MHz. The resonator comprises in series a resistor R, an inductance L and a capacitance C. Ignition electrodes 10 and 12 of the coil-plug are connected across the capacitor C.
Lorsque le résonateur est alimenté par une haute tension à sa fréquence de résonance fc ( 1 / (2π y/L * C ) , l'amplitude aux bornes de la capacité C est amplifiée, permettant de développer des décharges multi- filamentaires entre les électrodes de la bougie, sur des distances de l'ordre du centimètre, à forte pression et pour des tensions de crête inférieures à 20 kV. On parle alors d'étincelles ramifiées, dans la mesure où elles impliquent la génération simultanée d'au moins plusieurs lignes ou chemin d' ionisation dans un volume donné, leurs ramifications étant en outre omnidirectionnelles .When the resonator is powered by a high voltage at its resonant frequency f c (1 / (2π y / L * C), the amplitude across the capacitor C is amplified, making it possible to develop multi-filament discharges between the capacitors. candle electrodes, over distances of the order of one centimeter, at high pressure and for peak voltages below 20 kV. These are called branched sparks, insofar as they involve the simultaneous generation of at least several lines or ionization path in a given volume, their branches being moreover omnidirectional.
Le pilotage de l'alimentation d'une telle bobine- bougie nécessite l'utilisation d'un circuit d'alimentation, capable de générer des impulsions de tension, typiquement de l'ordre de 100 ns, pouvant atteindre des amplitudes de l'ordre de 1 kV, à une fréquence prévue pour être très proche de la fréquence de résonance du résonateur radiofréquence de la bobine- bougie. Plus la différence entre la fréquence de résonance du résonateur et la fréquence de fonctionnement du générateur est réduite, plus le coefficient de surtension du résonateur (rapport entre l'amplitude de sa tension de sortie et sa tension d'entrée) est élevé.The control of the supply of such a spark plug requires the use of a supply circuit, capable of generating voltage pulses, typically of the order of 100 ns, which can reach amplitudes of the order of 1 kV, at a frequency intended to be very close to the resonance frequency of the radiofrequency resonator of the coil-candle. The greater the difference between the resonance frequency of the resonator and the operating frequency of the generator, the higher the resonator overvoltage coefficient (ratio between the amplitude of its output voltage and its input voltage) is high.
Un tel circuit d'alimentation, détaillé par ailleurs dans la demande de brevet FR 03-10767, est représenté schématiquement à la figure 2. Il met classiquement en œuvre un montage dit « amplificateur de puissance Classe E ». Ce type de convertisseur DC/AC permet de créer les impulsions de tension avec les caractéristiques précitées. Selon le mode de réalisation de la figure 2, l'amplificateur 2 comprend un transistor MOSFET de puissance M, utilisé comme interrupteur pour commander les commutations aux bornes du résonateur 1.Such a power supply circuit, furthermore detailed in the patent application FR 03-10767, is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2. It conventionally implements a so-called "Class E power amplifier" assembly. This type of DC / AC converter makes it possible to create the voltage pulses with the aforementioned characteristics. According to the embodiment of FIG. 2, the amplifier 2 comprises a MOSFET transistor of power M, used as a switch for controlling the commutations across the resonator 1.
Ainsi, un dispositif de commande 5 génère et applique un signal de commande Vl à une fréquence de commande sur la grille du MOSFET de puissance M, par l'intermédiaire d'un étage de commande 3 représenté schématiquement . Afin de contrôler la production d'étincelles entre les électrodes de la bobine-bougie connectée en sortie de l'amplificateur lorsque son résonateur 1 est excité par l'intermédiaire du signal de commande Vl, ce dernier n'est pas permanent mais est présent sous la forme de trains d' impulsions de commande à la fréquence de commande.Thus, a control device 5 generates and applies a control signal Vl to a control frequency on the gate of the power MOSFET M, via a control stage 3 represented schematically. In order to control the production of sparks between the electrodes of the coil-plug connected at the output of the amplifier when its resonator 1 is excited via the control signal Vl, the latter is not permanent but is present under the form of control pulse trains at the control frequency.
Comme décrit dans la demande de brevet EP-A- 1 515 594, un circuit résonant parallèle 4 est connecté entre une source de tension intermédiaire Vinter et le drain du transistor M. Ce circuit 4 comprend une inductance Lp en parallèle avec une capacité Cp.As described in the patent application EP-A-1 515 594, a parallel resonant circuit 4 is connected between an intermediate voltage source Vinter and the drain of the transistor M. This circuit 4 comprises an inductance Lp in parallel with a capacitance Cp.
A proximité de sa fréquence de résonance, le résonateur parallèle transforme la tension intermédiaire Vinter en une tension amplifiée Va (illustrée à la figure 5), correspondant à la tension intermédiaire multipliée par le coefficient de surtension du résonateur parallèle. Cette tension amplifiée est fournie sur le drain du transistor M relié par ailleurs à l'entrée du résonateur 1.In the vicinity of its resonance frequency, the parallel resonator transforms the intermediate voltage Vinter into an amplified voltage Va (illustrated in FIG. 5), corresponding to the intermediate voltage multiplied by the overvoltage coefficient of the parallel resonator. This amplified voltage is supplied on the drain of the transistor M, which is also connected to the input of the resonator 1.
Le transistor M agit donc comme un interrupteur et applique (respectivement bloque) la tension Va à l'entrée du résonateur 1 lorsque le signal de commande Vl est à l'état logique haut (respectivement bas). Le transistor M impose ainsi une fréquence de commutation, déterminée par le signal de commande Vl, que l'on cherche à rendre la plus proche possible de la fréquence de résonance de la bobine-bougie connectée en sortie (typiquement 5MHz), afin d'entretenir et de maximiser le transfert d'énergie entre le résonateur parallèle 4 et le résonateur série 1 formant la bobine-bougie. A la fréquence de résonance de la bobine-bougie, on retrouve alors aux bornes de la capacité C du résonateur série 1, soit aux bornes des électrodes de la bougie, la tension de sortie Va précédemment évoquée, multipliée par le coefficient de surtension du résonateur série 1.The transistor M therefore acts as a switch and applies (respectively blocks) the voltage Va to the input of the resonator 1 when the control signal Vl is in the high logic state (respectively low). The transistor M thus imposes a switching frequency, determined by the control signal Vl, which is sought to make as close as possible to the resonant frequency of the coil-plug connected at the output (typically 5MHz), in order to maintain and maximize the energy transfer between the parallel resonator 4 and the series 1 resonator forming the coil-candle. At the resonance frequency of the coil-plug, then found across the capacitor C of the series resonator 1, either across the electrodes of the spark plug, the output voltage Va previously mentioned, multiplied by the overvoltage coefficient of the resonator series 1.
Cette phase de transfert d'énergie de l'étage de puissance formée par l'amplificateur vers le résonateur de la bobine-bougie doit être réalisée à la fréquence de résonance du résonateur, pour assurer un bon rendement. En effet, si le transistor M impose une fréquence de commutation différente de la fréquence de résonance de la bobine-bougie, le transfert d'énergie se dégrade, du fait de l'étroitesse de la bande passante du résonateur série utilisé pour la bobine bougie. Dans une application à l'allumage automobile à génération de plasma, chaque chambre de combustion est équipée d'une bobine-bougie comme décrite précédemment afin d'initier, sur commande, la combustion.This phase of energy transfer from the power stage formed by the amplifier to the resonator of the coil-plug must be performed at the resonance frequency of the resonator, to ensure a good performance. Indeed, if the transistor M imposes a different switching frequency of the resonant frequency of the coil-candle, the energy transfer is degraded, because of the narrow bandwidth of the series resonator used for the candle coil . In an automotive ignition application plasma generation, each combustion chamber is equipped with a coil-candle as described above to initiate, on command, combustion.
En conséquence, pour les moteurs 4 cylindres par exemple, il faut pouvoir disposer de quatre circuits d'alimentation du type amplificateur classe E, comme décrits précédemment en référence à la figure 2, pour alimenter et piloter respectivement les quatre bobines- bougies . Une telle configuration reposant donc sur autant de voies d'amplification qu'il y a de bobines-bougies à commander limite alors le potentiel de développement de ce type d'allumage automobile par génération de plasma, d'une part à cause de l'encombrement provoqué par cette installation sous le capot moteur, mais également, à cause du coût d' installation, qui peut se révéler inabordable pour envisager d'installer ce type d'allumage sur des véhicules de série.Consequently, for 4-cylinder engines, for example, it is necessary to have four power supply circuits of the class E amplifier type, as previously described with reference to FIG. 2, for respectively supplying and driving the four spark-plugs. Such a configuration thus relying on as many amplification channels as there are spark plugs to be controlled limits the development potential of this type of automotive ignition by plasma generation, on the one hand because of the congestion caused by this installation under the bonnet, but also because of the cost of installation, which can be unaffordable to consider installing this type of ignition on standard vehicles.
La présente invention vise à remédier à cet inconvénient, en permettant de commander une pluralité de bobines-bougies par l'intermédiaire d'une même et unique voie d'amplification.The present invention aims to overcome this disadvantage, by allowing to control a plurality of coils-candles through the same and single amplification channel.
Avec cet objectif en vue, l'invention a pour objet un dispositif de génération de plasma, caractérisé en ce qu' il comprend : - un circuit d'alimentation, comprenant un interrupteur commandé par un signal de commande pour appliquer une tension intermédiaire sur une sortie du circuit d'alimentation à une fréquence définie par le signal de commande, - une pluralité de bobines-bougies de génération de plasma, disposées en parallèle sur la sortie du circuit d'alimentation par l'intermédiaire de connecteurs, chaque connecteur étant adapté pour être relié de manière amovible à une bobine-bougie correspondante et comprenant des moyens adaptés à décaler la fréquence de résonance de ladite bobine-bougie, de sorte que chaque bobine-bougie présente une fréquence de résonance distincte, un dispositif de commande du circuit d'alimentation, déterminant la fréquence du signal de commande parmi l'une des fréquences de résonance des bobines-bougies, de façon à commander sélectivement les bobines-bougies selon la fréquence de commande utilisée.With this object in view, the subject of the invention is a device for generating plasma, characterized in that it comprises: a power supply circuit, comprising a switch controlled by a control signal for applying an intermediate voltage to a output of the power supply circuit at a frequency defined by the control signal, - a plurality of plasma generation spark plug coils arranged in parallel on the output of the supply circuit via connectors, each connector being adapted to be detachably connected to a corresponding coil-plug and comprising means adapted to shift the resonant frequency of said coil-plug, so that each coil-plug has a distinct resonant frequency, a control device of the circuit supply, determining the frequency of the control signal among one of the resonance frequencies of the coil-candles, so as to control selectively the candle coils according to the control frequency used.
Avantageusement, chaque bobine-bougie de génération de plasma comprend un résonateur présentant une fréquence supérieure à 1 MHz et comprenant deux électrodes, le résonateur étant apte à générer un plasma entre les deux électrodes lorsqu'un niveau haute tension est appliqué sur la sortie du circuit d'alimentation.Advantageously, each plasma-generating coil-coil comprises a resonator having a frequency greater than 1 MHz and comprising two electrodes, the resonator being able to generate a plasma between the two electrodes when a high voltage level is applied to the output of the supply circuit.
Selon un mode de réalisation, les connecteurs sont assemblés entre eux par une même pièce de liaison. De préférence, la pièce de liaison comprend des moyens de détrompage permettant de la fixer sur la pluralité de bobines-bougies de façon unique.According to one embodiment, the connectors are assembled together by one and the same connecting piece. Preferably, the connecting piece comprises polarizing means for attaching it to the plurality of bobbins uniquely.
Avantageusement, les moyens adaptés à décaler la fréquence de résonance d'une bobine-bougie comprennent des moyens de modification de la valeur d' inductance de la bobine-bougie, situés à proximité immédiate de celle- ci .Advantageously, the means adapted to shift the resonance frequency of a coil-plug comprise means for modifying the inductance value of the coil-plug, located in the immediate vicinity thereof.
Selon un mode de réalisation, les moyens de modification de la valeur d' inductance de la bobine- bougie comprennent un bobinage, positionné directement au contact d'un bobinage de la bobine-bougie.According to one embodiment, the means for modifying the inductance value of the spark plug coil comprise a winding, positioned directly in contact with a winding of the spark plug coil.
De préférence, le bobinage des moyens de modification est disposé autour d'un élément en matériau magnétique . De préférence, le bobinage des moyens de modification est entouré au moins en partie par un élément en matériau magnétique.Preferably, the winding of the modification means is arranged around an element made of magnetic material. Preferably, the winding of the modification means is surrounded at least in part by a magnetic material element.
Selon un autre mode de réalisation, les moyens de modification de la valeur d' inductance de la bobine- bougie comprennent un élément en matériau magnétique positionné directement contre un bobinage de la bobine- bougie .According to another embodiment, the means for modifying the inductance value of the spark plug coil comprise a magnetic material element positioned directly against a winding of the spark plug coil.
De préférence, l'élément en matériau magnétique entoure au moins une partie de l'extrémité du bobinage de la bobine-bougie. De préférence, l'élément en matériau magnétique comprend un noyau central inséré dans le bobinage de la bobine-bougie .Preferably, the element of magnetic material surrounds at least a portion of the end of the coil of the spark plug. Preferably, the element made of magnetic material comprises a central core inserted in the winding of the coil-candle.
Selon un mode de réalisation, le matériau magnétique comprend de la ferrite.According to one embodiment, the magnetic material comprises ferrite.
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de la présente invention apparaîtront plus clairement à la lecture de la description suivante donnée à titre d'exemple illustratif et non limitatif et faite en référence aux figures annexées dans lesquelles :Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge more clearly on reading the following description given by way of illustrative and nonlimiting example and with reference to the appended figures in which:
- la figure 1 est un schéma illustrant un modèle électrique utilisé pour le résonateur modélisant une bobine-bougie de génération de plasma; la figure 2 est un schéma illustrant un dispositif de génération d'une haute tension intégrant un amplificateur, utilisé pour l'alimentation et la commande d'une bobine bougie; la figure 3 illustre un schéma complet d'un allumage radiofréquence selon l'invention, comprenant 4 bougies-bobines disposées en parallèle en sortie d'un étage d'alimentation unique ;FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an electric model used for the resonator modeling a plasma generation coil-spark plug; Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a device for generating a high voltage integrating an amplifier, used for the supply and control of a spark plug coil; FIG. 3 illustrates a complete diagram of a radiofrequency ignition according to the invention, comprising 4 bobbins arranged in parallel at the output of a single power supply stage;
- les figures 4a à 4c illustrent différents mode de réalisation de moyens de décalage de la fréquence de résonance de chaque bobine-bougie, prévus pour être intégrés aux moyens de connexion des bobines-bougies ;FIGS. 4a to 4c illustrate various embodiments of means for shifting the resonant frequency of each coil-plug, designed to be integrated with the connection means of the coil-plugs;
- la figure 5 illustre un mode de réalisation des moyens de connexion ;FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the connection means;
- la figure 6 illustre un organigramme d'un exemple de mise en œuvre de la commande de l'allumage selon 1' invention .FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary implementation of the control of the ignition according to the invention.
La présente invention propose de commander une pluralité de bobines-bougies, en utilisant une unique voie d'amplification, autrement dit en utilisant un unique circuit d'alimentation du type amplificateur de puissance classe E comme décrit précédemment à la figure 2, pour alimenter sélectivement la pluralité de bobines- bougies connectées en parallèle en sortie de ce circuit d'alimentation unique.The present invention proposes to control a plurality of bobbins-candles, using a single amplification path, in other words by using a single power supply circuit of the class E power amplifier type as previously described in FIG. 2, for selectively supplying the plurality of connected spark-ignition coils in parallel at the output of this supply circuit unique.
La figure 3 illustre une telle architecture, dans laquelle le circuit d'alimentation 2 unique est utilisé, selon l'invention, pour commander séparément 4 (et par extension N) bobines-bougies, respectivement BBl, BB2, BB3 et BB4, connectées en parallèle sur la sortie du circuit d'alimentation par l'intermédiaire de moyens de connexion .FIG. 3 illustrates such an architecture, in which the single power supply circuit 2 is used, according to the invention, to control separately 4 (and by extension N) coils-candles, respectively BB1, BB2, BB3 and BB4, connected in parallel to the output of the power supply circuit via connection means.
Classiquement, les moyens de connexion sont constitués d'une pluralité de connecteurs 20, chacun étant adapté pour être relié de manière amovible à une bobine-bougie correspondante de la pluralité de bobines- bougies .Conventionally, the connection means consist of a plurality of connectors 20, each being adapted to be detachably connected to a corresponding coil-plug of the plurality of spark plugs.
La condition pour permettre de commander de façon indépendante la pluralité de bobines-bougies par l'intermédiaire de l'unique circuit d'alimentation est que chacune des bobines-bougies de génération de plasma présente une fréquence de résonance propre bien séparée des autres. Il s'agit en effet d'éviter les superpositions des domaines fréquentiels de résonance des résonateurs formant chaque bobine-bougie et ainsi de s'affranchir des problèmes de multiples allumages simultanés .The condition for independently controlling the plurality of spark plugs through the single power supply circuit is that each of the plasma generating spark plugs has a resonance frequency of its own well separated from the others. This is indeed to avoid overlapping frequency resonance frequency areas resonators forming each coil-candle and thus to overcome the problems of multiple simultaneous ignitions.
Or, chaque bobine-bougie présentant de préférence une fréquence de résonance identique pour des raisons d'efficacité du processus industriel de production de ces bougies notamment, la présente invention prévoit d'inclure à chaque connecteur 20 des moyens adaptés à décaler, de façon prédéterminée, la fréquence de résonance de la bobine-bougie correspondante, de sorte que chaque bobine-bougie présente une fréquence de résonance distincte.However, each coil-candle preferably having a resonance frequency identical for reasons of efficiency of the industrial process of producing these candles in particular, the present invention provides to include at each connector 20 means adapted to shift, in a predetermined manner, the resonance frequency of the corresponding coil-plug, so that each coil-plug has a distinct resonance frequency.
La répartition en fréquence des bobines-bougies ainsi réalisée doit être telle que l'écart de fréquence de résonance entre les bobines-bougies soit, de préférence, supérieure à la bande passante de chaque résonateur. On choisira par exemple un écart supérieur à deux fois la bande passante du résonateur.The frequency distribution of the coils-candles thus produced must be such that the difference in resonance frequency between the coils-candles is preferably greater than the bandwidth of each resonator. For example, a difference greater than twice the bandwidth of the resonator will be chosen.
Une telle répartition des fréquences de résonance des bobines-bougies permet alors de mutualiser l'étage unique d'alimentation, et rend possible de commander séparément les 4 bobines-bougies à partir du seul circuit d'alimentation 2, offrant ainsi des gains en coût et en volume importants pour le système d'allumage.Such a distribution of the resonant frequencies of the coils-candles then allows pooling the single stage of supply, and makes it possible to order separately the 4 coils-candles from the only power supply circuit 2, thus offering cost savings and in volume important for the ignition system.
La figure 4a illustre le connecteur 20 de la bobine-bougie BBl. Il est situé à proximité immédiate de cette dernière et est formé par deux conducteurs 21 et 22, nécessaires à la commande.Figure 4a illustrates the connector 20 of the coil-candle BBl. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the latter and is formed by two conductors 21 and 22, necessary for the command.
Chaque connecteur 20 intègre alors des moyens 23 adaptés à décaler de façon prédéterminée la fréquence de résonance de la bobine-bougie correspondante, de sorte que les fréquences de résonance décalées de l'ensemble des bobines-bougies satisfont alors aux principes définis plus haut, à savoir que les fréquences de résonance de chaque bobine-bougie sont décalées les unes par rapport aux autres d'une valeur de préférence supérieure à deux fois la bande passante de chaque bobine-bougie.Each connector 20 then incorporates means 23 adapted to shift in a predetermined manner the resonant frequency of the corresponding coil-plug, so that the resonant frequencies offset from the set of coils-candles then satisfy the principles defined above, to to know that the resonance frequencies of each coil-candle are shifted relative to each other by a value preferably greater than twice the bandwidth of each coil-candle.
Plus précisément, les moyens 23 adaptés à décaler la fréquence de résonance de la bobine-bougie correspondante, comprennent des moyens de modification de la valeur d'inductance de la bobine-bougie, prévus pour être situés à proximité immédiate de celle-ci.More specifically, the means 23 adapted to shift the resonant frequency of the coil-candle corresponding, include means for changing the inductance value of the coil-candle, intended to be located in close proximity thereto.
Selon un premier mode de réalisation décrit à la figure 4a, ces moyens de modification de la valeur d' inductance de la bobine-bougie comprennent un élémentAccording to a first embodiment described in FIG. 4a, these means for modifying the inductance value of the coil-plug comprise an element
30 en matériau magnétique, prévu pour être positionné directement contre un bobinage L de la bobine-bougie.30 of magnetic material, intended to be positioned directly against a winding L of the coil-candle.
L' inductance de la bobine-bougie voit sa valeur modifiée en fonction du matériau magnétique couplé directement à son bobinage et, plus particulièrement, en fonction de la nature du matériau et de la géométrie de l'élément accolé au bobinage.The inductance of the spool-plug sees its modified value as a function of the magnetic material coupled directly to its winding and, more particularly, according to the nature of the material and the geometry of the element attached to the winding.
On pourra, à titre d'exemple, utiliser un matériau magnétique de type ferrite.By way of example, it will be possible to use a magnetic material of ferrite type.
Selon un deuxième mode de réalisation représenté à la figure 4b, l'élément 30 en matériau magnétique comprend un noyau central 32, prévu pour être inséré dans le bobinage L de la bobine-bougie. Selon une variante, l'élément 30 en matériau magnétique est configuré de sorte à entourer au moins une partie de l'extrémité du bobinage L de la bobine-bougie. Cette configuration présente également l'avantage d'améliorer le coefficient de surtension de la bobine- bougie.According to a second embodiment shown in Figure 4b, the element 30 of magnetic material comprises a central core 32, intended to be inserted into the coil L of the coil-candle. Alternatively, the element 30 of magnetic material is configured to surround at least a portion of the end of the coil L of the coil-candle. This configuration also has the advantage of improving the overvoltage coefficient of the spark plug.
On constate cependant que pour répartir les fréquences de résonance des bobines-bougies comme souhaité, il faut pour certains cas, utiliser une ferrite de longueur allant jusqu'à un tiers du bobinage, ce qui peut poser des problèmes d' isolation ou de couplage capacitif entre la ferrite et le bobinage. Aussi, selon une alternative, le connecteur 20 intègre un bobinage, en lieu et place de l'élément magnétique de type ferrite. Le bobinage ainsi intégré au connecteur est prévu pour être positionné directement au contact du bobinage de la bobine-bougie. Le couplage entre les deux bobinages améliore alors grandement le décalage en fréquence.However, it is noted that in order to distribute the resonance frequencies of the spark-coils as desired, it is necessary in certain cases to use a ferrite with a length of up to one-third of the winding, which can cause problems of isolation or capacitive coupling. between ferrite and winding. Also, according to an alternative, the connector 20 incorporates a coil, in place of the ferrite type magnetic element. The coil thus integrated in the connector is intended to be positioned directly in contact with the winding of the coil-candle. The coupling between the two coils then greatly improves the frequency offset.
Selon une autre alternative, représentée à la figure 4c, le connecteur 20 intègre à la fois un bobinage 34 et un élément 36 en matériau magnétique, par exemple de type ferrite, prévus pour être positionnés directement au contact de la bobine-bougie. Le bobinage 34 est alors disposé autour de l'élément magnétique 36, lequel peut en outre être configuré de manière à entourer au moins en partie ledit bobinage.According to another alternative, shown in Figure 4c, the connector 20 incorporates both a coil 34 and a member 36 of magnetic material, for example of the ferrite type, intended to be positioned directly in contact with the coil-candle. The coil 34 is then arranged around the magnetic element 36, which can also be configured to surround at least part of said coil.
Les solutions présentées ci-dessus consistent donc à ajouter au connecteur 20 de chaque bobine-bougie, un élément (ferrite et/ou bobinage) directement contre la bobine-bougie afin de modifier sa fréquence de résonance, de sorte à arriver au résultat que chaque bobine-bougie connectée en parallèle en sortie du circuit d'alimentation unique, présente alors une fréquence de résonance qui lui est propre, décalée les unes par rapport aux autres comme expliqué précédemment. Selon un mode de réalisation particulier décrit à la figure 5, les connecteurs 20 sont assemblés entre eux par une même pièce de liaison 26, de préférence rigide, faisant alors office de connecteur unique, auquel les éléments de décalage en fréquence susmentionnés sont intégrés, de façon à décaler la fréquence de la bobine- bougie de chaque cylindre de façon prédéterminée. Un tel connecteur unique, en plus de permettre une minimisation du nombre de pièces et donc une optimisation du processus de fabrication, peut en outre être fixé sur le moteur de façon fiable, de façon à garantir une bonne résistance mécanique aux vibrations, contrairement aux connecteurs distincts classiquement utilisés.The solutions presented above therefore consist in adding to the connector 20 of each coil-candle, an element (ferrite and / or coil) directly against the coil-candle in order to modify its resonance frequency, so as to arrive at the result that each coil-plug connected in parallel at the output of the single supply circuit, then has a resonant frequency of its own, shifted relative to each other as explained above. According to a particular embodiment described in FIG. 5, the connectors 20 are assembled together by a single connecting piece 26, which is preferably rigid, then acting as a single connector, to which the aforementioned frequency shift elements are integrated. way to shift the frequency of the coil-candle of each cylinder in a predetermined manner. Such a single connector, in addition to allowing a minimization of the number of parts and thus an optimization of the manufacturing process, can also be fixed on the motor reliably, so as to ensure good mechanical resistance to vibration, unlike connectors distinct classically used.
Avantageusement, la pièce de liaison formant connecteur unique 26, comprend des moyens de détrompage 27, permettant de la fixer sur la pluralité de bobines- bougies de façon unique.Advantageously, the single connector connecting piece 26 comprises polarization means 27 for fixing it to the plurality of single-chip coils.
Il est ainsi possible de positionner dans le connecteur unique 26, l'élément 23 générant le décalage en fréquence le plus faible (voire nul) sur le cylindre n°l par exemple et d'augmenter le décalage en fréquence progressivement jusqu'au cylindre n°4 par exemple.It is thus possible to position in the single connector 26, the element 23 generating the lowest (or zero) frequency offset on the cylinder No. 1 for example and to increase the frequency shift progressively to the cylinder n ° 4 for example.
Dans une telle configuration, le dispositif de commande connaît alors d'avance la correspondance entre l'ordre des fréquences de commande des différentes bobines-bougies et l'ordre des cylindres. Cette correspondance est mémorisée dans le dispositif de commande .In such a configuration, the control device then knows in advance the correspondence between the order of the control frequencies of the different coil-candles and the order of the cylinders. This correspondence is stored in the control device.
Le procédé de commande de l'unique circuit d'alimentation doit alors tenir compte de la fréquence adaptée à la voie à commander pour chaque allumage. Selon l'exemple de la figure 6, à la réception d'une demande d'allumage, le dispositif de commande est tout d'abord à même de déterminer le cylindre à commander, numéroté de 1 à 4 dans l'ordre de disposition sur le moteur. A chaque numéro de cylindre est donc associée la fréquence de résonance, respectivement Fl, F2, F3 et F4, propre à la bobine-bougie devant être commandée . Le dispositif de commande comprend alors un module déterminant la fréquence du signal de commande à générer, parmi ces fréquences Fl, F2, F3 et F4, en fonction du numéro de cylindre à allumer et de la correspondance préalablement mémorisée.The control method of the single power supply circuit must then take into account the frequency adapted to the channel to be controlled for each ignition. According to the example of FIG. 6, upon receipt of an ignition request, the control device is firstly able to determine the cylinder to be controlled, numbered from 1 to 4 in the order of disposition on engine. Each cylinder number is therefore associated with the resonance frequency, respectively F1, F2, F3 and F4, specific to the coil-candle to be controlled. The control device then comprises a module determining the frequency of the control signal to be generated, among these frequencies F1, F2, F3 and F4, as a function of the number of the cylinder to be ignited and the previously stored correspondence.
Une fois la fréquence de commande déterminée, le dispositif de commande applique le signal de commande à ladite fréquence sur une interface de sortie, destiné à la commande de l'interrupteur M. Le transfert de puissance sélectif vers bobine- bougie à commander pour l'allumage est alors naturellement géré par la fréquence de commande utilisée pour cet allumage.Once the control frequency has been determined, the control device applies the control signal to said frequency on an output interface intended to control the switch M. The selective power transfer to the coil-candle to be controlled for the ignition is then naturally managed by the control frequency used for this ignition.
Selon un mode de réalisation particulier, la détermination des fréquences de résonance à obtenir en sortie du circuit d'alimentation unique peut être maîtrisée par des méthodes de tabulation ou d'asservissement comme décrites dans les demandes de brevet français déposées au nom de la demanderesse FR 05- 127669 et FR 05-12770.According to a particular embodiment, the determination of the resonant frequencies to be obtained at the output of the single supply circuit can be controlled by tabulation or servocontrol methods as described in the French patent applications filed in the name of the applicant FR 05-127669 and FR 05-12770.
Par exemple, le dispositif de commande peut être doté d'une interface de réception de signaux de mesures de paramètres de fonctionnement du moteur (température d'huile moteur, couple moteur, régime moteur, angle d'allumage, température de l'air d'admission, pression dans la chambre de combustion, etc.) et/ou de signaux de mesures de paramètres de fonctionnement de l'alimentation, ainsi que d'un module mémoire particulier mémorisant des relations entre des signaux de mesures et la fréquence d'un signal de commande à générer. Le dispositif de commande détermine alors la fréquence d'un signal de commande à générer en fonction de signaux de mesures reçus sur l'interface de réception et des relations mémorisées dans le module de mémoire.For example, the control device may be provided with an interface for receiving engine operating parameter measurement signals (engine oil temperature, engine torque, engine speed, ignition angle, air temperature). inlet, pressure in the combustion chamber, etc.) and / or power supply operating parameter measurement signals, as well as a particular memory module storing relationships between measurement signals and the frequency of a control signal to be generated. The controller then determines the frequency of a control signal to be generated based on received measurements on the receiving interface and relationships stored in the memory module.
D'autres applications que la réalisation d'un allumage commandé de moteur à combustion peuvent être envisagées sans pour autant sortir du cadre de la présente invention, telles que la réalisation d'un allumage dans un filtre à particule, ou d'un allumage de décontamination dans un système de climatisation. Other applications than the achievement of a controlled ignition of combustion engine can be envisaged without departing from the scope of the present invention, such as the realization of ignition in a particle filter, or ignition of decontamination in an air conditioning system.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Dispositif de génération de plasma, caractérisé en ce qu' il comprend : un circuit d'alimentation (2), comprenant un interrupteur (M) commandé par un signal de commande (Vl) pour appliquer une tension intermédiaire (Vinter) sur une sortie du circuit d'alimentation à une fréquence définie par le signal de commande,Plasma generation device, characterized in that it comprises: a supply circuit (2), comprising a switch (M) controlled by a control signal (Vl) for applying an intermediate voltage (Vinter) to a output of the power supply circuit at a frequency defined by the control signal,
- une pluralité de bobines-bougies (BBl, BB2, BB3, BB4) de génération de plasma, disposées en parallèle sur la sortie du circuit d'alimentation par l'intermédiaire de connecteurs (20), chaque connecteur (20) étant adapté pour être relié de manière amovible à une bobine-bougie correspondante et comprenant des moyens (23) adaptés à décaler la fréquence de résonance de ladite bobine- bougie, de sorte que chaque bobine-bougie présente une fréquence de résonance distincte, un dispositif de commande (5) du circuit d'alimentation, déterminant la fréquence du signal de commande parmi l'une des fréquences de résonance des bobines-bougies, de façon à commander sélectivement les bobines-bougies selon la fréquence de commande utilisée.a plurality of plasma generation coils-candles (BB1, BB2, BB3, BB4) arranged in parallel on the output of the supply circuit via connectors (20), each connector (20) being adapted to being detachably connected to a corresponding coil-plug and comprising means (23) adapted to shift the resonant frequency of said spark-coil, so that each spark-coil has a distinct resonance frequency, a control device ( 5) of the power supply circuit, determining the frequency of the control signal among one of the resonance frequencies of the coils-plugs, so as to selectively control the coils-candles according to the control frequency used.
2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que chaque bobine-bougie de génération de plasma comprend un résonateur (1) présentant une fréquence supérieure à 1 MHz et comprenant deux électrodes, le résonateur étant apte à générer un plasma entre les deux électrodes lorsqu'un niveau haute tension est appliqué sur la sortie du circuit d'alimentation. 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that each plasma-generating coil-candle comprises a resonator (1) having a frequency greater than 1 MHz and comprising two electrodes, the resonator being able to generate a plasma between the two electrodes when a high voltage level is applied to the output of the supply circuit.
3. Dispositif selon la revendication 1 ou 2, caractérisé en ce que les connecteurs (20) sont assemblés entre eux par une même pièce de liaison (26) . 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connectors (20) are assembled together by the same connecting piece (26).
4. Dispositif selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que la pièce de liaison comprend des moyens de détrompage (27) permettant de la fixer sur la pluralité de bobines-bougies de façon unique. 4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the connecting piece comprises keying means (27) for fixing it to the plurality of single-coil candles.
5. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les moyens (23) adaptés à décaler la fréquence de résonance d'une bobine-bougie comprennent des moyens de modification de la valeur d' inductance de la bobine- bougie, situés à proximité immédiate de celle-ci.5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means (23) adapted to shift the resonant frequency of a coil-plug comprise means for modifying the inductance value of the coil-candle , located in the immediate vicinity of this one.
6. Dispositif selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de modification de la valeur d' inductance de la bobine-bougie comprennent un bobinage6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the means for modifying the inductance value of the coil-plug comprise a winding
(34), positionné directement au contact d'un bobinage (L) de la bobine-bougie.(34), positioned directly in contact with a coil (L) of the coil-candle.
7. Dispositif selon la revendication 6, caractérisé en ce que le bobinage (34) des moyens de modification est disposé autour d'un élément (36) en matériau magnétique.7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the coil (34) of the modification means is arranged around a member (36) of magnetic material.
8. Dispositif selon la revendication 6 ou 7, caractérisé en ce que le bobinage (34) des moyens de modification est entouré au moins en partie par un élément (36) en matériau magnétique.8. Device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the coil (34) of the modifying means is surrounded at least in part by a member (36) of magnetic material.
9. Dispositif selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que les moyens de modification de la valeur d' inductance de la bobine-bougie comprennent un élément (30) en matériau magnétique positionné directement contre un bobinage (L) de la bobine-bougie.9. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the means for modifying the inductance value of the coil-plug comprise a member (30) of magnetic material positioned directly against a coil (L) of the coil-candle.
10. Dispositif selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que l'élément (30) en matériau magnétique entoure au moins une partie de l'extrémité du bobinage de la bobine-bougie. 11 Dispositif selon les revendications 9 ou 10, caractérisé en ce que l'élément (30) en matériau magnétique comprend un noyau central (32) inséré dans le bobinage de la bobine-bougie. 12. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 7 à 11, caractérisé en ce que le matériau magnétique comprend de la ferrite. 10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the element (30) of magnetic material surrounds at least a portion of the winding end of the coil-candle. 11 Device according to claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the element (30) of magnetic material comprises a central core (32) inserted into the winding of the coil-candle. 12. Device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that the magnetic material comprises ferrite.
EP08762152A 2007-03-01 2008-02-25 Control of a plurality of plug coils via a single power stage Withdrawn EP2126342A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0701500A FR2913299B1 (en) 2007-03-01 2007-03-01 PILOTAGE OF A PLURALITY OF CANDLE COILS VIA A SINGLE POWER STAGE.
PCT/FR2008/050311 WO2008113956A2 (en) 2007-03-01 2008-02-25 Control of a plurality of plug coils via a single power stage

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2126342A2 true EP2126342A2 (en) 2009-12-02

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US (1) US8646429B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2126342A2 (en)
JP (1) JP2010520400A (en)
KR (1) KR20090115946A (en)
CN (1) CN101627206B (en)
BR (1) BRPI0808177A2 (en)
FR (1) FR2913299B1 (en)
RU (1) RU2009136348A (en)
WO (1) WO2008113956A2 (en)

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Publication number Publication date
WO2008113956A3 (en) 2008-11-06
FR2913299A1 (en) 2008-09-05
CN101627206A (en) 2010-01-13
JP2010520400A (en) 2010-06-10
US8646429B2 (en) 2014-02-11
KR20090115946A (en) 2009-11-10
BRPI0808177A2 (en) 2014-08-05
FR2913299B1 (en) 2009-04-17
US20100313841A1 (en) 2010-12-16
CN101627206B (en) 2012-02-22
WO2008113956A2 (en) 2008-09-25
RU2009136348A (en) 2011-04-10

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