EP2655866B1 - Laser ignition device for an internal combustion engine - Google Patents

Laser ignition device for an internal combustion engine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2655866B1
EP2655866B1 EP11776168.4A EP11776168A EP2655866B1 EP 2655866 B1 EP2655866 B1 EP 2655866B1 EP 11776168 A EP11776168 A EP 11776168A EP 2655866 B1 EP2655866 B1 EP 2655866B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
protective layer
laser
ignition device
laser ignition
combustion chamber
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EP11776168.4A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2655866A1 (en
Inventor
Martin Weinrotter
Pascal Woerner
Juergen Raimann
Joerg Engelhardt
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Robert Bosch GmbH
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Robert Bosch GmbH
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Publication of EP2655866A1 publication Critical patent/EP2655866A1/en
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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
    • 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
    • F02P13/00—Sparking plugs structurally combined with other parts of internal-combustion engines

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a laser ignition device for an internal combustion engine comprising an ignition laser with a combustion chamber window and a protective layer and a method for commissioning according to independent claims.
  • a laser ignition device for example, from the WO 2005/0066488 A1 or from the JP 2010116841 A known.
  • the ignition laser has a combustion chamber window which is transparent to the laser pulses emitted by the ignition laser.
  • a diaphragm known.
  • the combustion chamber window is not protected in the period between functional testing in production and the first commissioning of the internal combustion engine or during prolonged periods of inactivity prior to commissioning of the internal combustion engine.
  • the combustion chamber window can be contaminated by unclean work environment in the workshop, impurities in the plug shaft, condensation during the starting process of the cold engine or splash oil from the internal combustion engine. After prolonged periods of inactivity, especially particulate matter or condensation can adversely affect the service life of the combustion chamber window or even result in a malfunction of the laser ignition device.
  • the combustion chamber window of an ignition laser is effectively protected against soiling up to the first operation, which adversely affect the service life of the combustion chamber window or even result in a malfunction of the laser ignition system.
  • the combustion chamber window can be protected against condensation or splash oil by attaching the protective layer according to the invention to longer standstill phases of the internal combustion engine until it is restarted.
  • the protective layer when the laser ignition device is put into operation, the protective layer is burned by the laser pulses or at least destroyed to such an extent that the laser pulses pass unhindered into the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. As long as the protective layer is intact, soiling is deposited on the protective layer. With the first laser pulses, d. H. with the first commissioning of the internal combustion engine, the protective layer is burned and the beam path released. Any remains of the protective layer still adhering to the combustion chamber window are destroyed during operation of the internal combustion engine by the hot combustion gases in the combustion chamber and removed together with the exhaust gas from the combustion chamber.
  • the protective layer which absorbs the laser pulse.
  • the protective layer heats up strongly due to the energy transported by the laser pulse and burns thermally even at the first laser pulses. Subsequent further laser pulses then ignite the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber without energy losses.
  • the protective layer for the laser pulse is transparent.
  • the protective layer is not burned by the laser pulse but only by the incipient combustion of the fuel during operation of the internal combustion engine. This ensures that the ignition laser ignites the fuel in the combustion chamber at a first start with low energy loss and then burns the protective layer residue-free together with the fuel.
  • the protective layer consists of an absorbent material. With the absorbent material liquid, oily or pasty impurities are absorbed and burned together with the protective layer, such as cellophane paper.
  • a further embodiment provides that the protective layer consists of dirt-repellent material (for example by the so-called lotus effect). If a protective layer, for example a plastic film on the surface of which roll off liquid impurities, is used, only very small amounts of the substances deposit on it and the laser pulse allows the combustion chamber window to run its way on first operation with little energy loss.
  • the protective layer consists of an elastic material and this protective film is mounted radially biased on the ignition laser. If the ignition laser now burns a hole in the center of the film, the protective film tears due to its residual stress. The radial prestressing causes cracking from the inside to the outside and the dirt adhering to the protective film and the protective film itself are thrown outwards. As a result, the laser pulses can pass unhindered into the combustion chamber.
  • a manufacturing technology simple solution is to apply the protective layer as a liquid.
  • a liquid can simply be sprayed onto the combustion chamber window, or the combustion chamber window is wetted by immersing the ignition laser in the liquid. If a liquid with appropriate viscosity is used, it is also possible to use a Form protective layer in the aperture. Due to the surface tension of the liquid, a membrane, similar to a soap bubble, forms between the edges of the aperture. After drying or curing, the liquid then forms a protective layer with the required properties.
  • the laser ignition system according to the invention works even better when a diaphragm is arranged between the protective layer and the combustion chamber window.
  • the protective layer is disposed at a distance from the combustion chamber window, so that it is protected during the burn-off process and second, the protective layer is thereby closer to the ignition point. Because the energy density of the laser pulse at the ignition point is greatest, it ensures that the protective layer burns off quickly and without residue. The greater the distance from the ignition point, the thinner the protective layer should be.
  • a further embodiment of the laser ignition system according to the invention provides that the protective layer is arranged in an ignition point. As a result, as already explained above, the secure burning off of the protective layer is ensured.
  • a manufacturing technology simple solution is when the protective layer is curved.
  • a convex-shaped protective layer By using a convex-shaped protective layer, it is possible in a particularly simple manner to arrange the protective layer in the ignition point.
  • the protective layer when attaching or as a prefabricated component, bulged so that a vertex is in the ignition point of the laser pulse. This results in the advantages listed above.
  • the protective layer is integrated into a pre-chamber cap.
  • an antechamber cap is screwed or welded frontally at one, the combustion chamber end facing the laser ignition device, which forms a kind of prechamber in which the fuel-air mixture is ignited.
  • the ignition point is thus within the pre-chamber cap and it is a relatively simple solution to integrate the protective layer in the pre-chamber cap and thus to arrange directly in the ignition point. Since in the ignition point the energy density of the laser pulse at largest, burns the protective layer according to the invention with commissioning safely.
  • An internal combustion engine carries in FIG. 1 the reference numeral 10.
  • the internal combustion engine 10 comprises a plurality of cylinders, of which only one is represented by the reference numeral 12 in the figure.
  • a combustion chamber 14 of the cylinder 12 is limited by a piston 16.
  • Fuel enters the combustion chamber 14 directly through an injector 18, which is connected to a fuel supply device 20. Or is in an intake (not shown) with the air premixed.
  • the fuel-air mixture 22 is ignited in the combustion chamber 14 by means of a laser pulse 24 in an ignition point ZP.
  • the laser pulse 24 is emitted by an ignition laser 26 into the combustion chamber 14.
  • the ignition laser 26 is fed via a light guide device 28 from a pumping light source 30.
  • a controller 32 controls, among other things, the pumping light source 30 and the injector 18.
  • FIG. 2 shows a schematic longitudinal section through the combustion chamber 14 facing the end of the ignition laser 26.
  • a housing 34 of the ignition laser 26 is made in two parts. It comprises an inner sleeve 36 and an outer sleeve 38.
  • the outer sleeve 38 has a termination 40 at its end facing the combustion chamber 14.
  • the end 40 serves to press a combustion chamber window 42 against the inner sleeve 36 and so inner 44 of the inner sleeve 36 and the components (not shown) of the ignition 26, such as a Auslenk- or focusing optics or a laser-active solid against which To seal the combustion chamber 14.
  • the outer sleeve 38 is provided with an internal thread which cooperates with a corresponding external thread on the inner sleeve 36.
  • the threaded connection consisting of internal thread and external thread is indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral 46.
  • the focusing optics focuses the laser pulse 24 to an ignition point ZP.
  • the contour of the focused laser pulse 24 is indicated by conical dot-dashed envelope lines 50. These envelope lines 50 exit from the combustion chamber window 42 and intersect at the ignition point ZP.
  • the outer sleeve 38 has an aperture 52 on the front side. This can be conical or cylindrical. A cone angle or a diameter of the diaphragm 52 is chosen so that it corresponds approximately to a cone angle or a diameter of the laser pulse 24.
  • a protective layer 54 or membrane is attached to the front side of the outer sleeve 38 so that it closes the aperture 52 until a first start of the ignition 26 and thus protects the underlying combustion chamber window 42 from deposits and contamination.
  • the protective layer 54 may be made of paper, Plastic, metal or rubber. It is also conceivable application of an oily or pasty liquid, which forms a protective layer directly on the combustion chamber window 42 and is burned away by the first laser pulse 24 or combustion of the fuel-air mixture 22.
  • FIG. 3 is a section of the combustion chamber 14 facing the end of the laser ignition device according to the invention shown in longitudinal section.
  • the section shows the combustion chamber window 42 with the end 40 of the outer sleeve 38 arranged in front of it.
  • the aperture 52 is inserted in the end 40.
  • the envelope lines 50 of the laser pulse 24 pass through the aperture 52 from the outer sleeve 38 and intersect at the ignition point ZP.
  • the protective layer 54 according to the invention has a curvature, so that a vertex SP of the protective layer 54 lies in the ignition point ZP.
  • the arched protective layer 54 can be applied as a prefabricated component or only be formed accordingly during application. For attachment offers in both cases, an adhesive method, for example with superglue.
  • FIG. 4 A further embodiment of the laser ignition device according to the invention is in FIG. 4 shown.
  • the drawing shows a longitudinal section through a Vorschzündlaser 56.
  • This includes, like the embodiments of the ignition laser 26 described above, a combustion chamber window 42 and a termination 40 in which a diaphragm 52 is arranged so that the laser pulse 24, indicated by its envelope lines 50, to the ignition point ZP focused can pass through.
  • the prechamber laser spark plug 56 has an end cap 58. This is arranged so that together with the end face of the ignition laser 24 facing the combustion chamber, it forms an antechamber 59 which encloses the ignition point ZP.
  • end cap 58 In the end cap 58 recesses 60 are arranged, which allow a gas exchange of the pre-chamber 59 with the combustion chamber 14.
  • the end cap 58 is screwed or welded onto the outer sleeve 38 of the ignition laser 26.
  • the protective layer 54 is disposed in the end cap 58 to form a plane between termination 40 and the recesses 60 on which the ignition point ZP lies.

Description

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Laserzündeinrichtung für eine Brennkraftmaschine umfassend einen Zündlaser mit einem Brennraumfenster sowie eine Schutzschicht und ein Verfahren zur Inbetriebnahme nach nebengeordneten Patentansprüchen. Eine Laserzündeinrichtung, ist beispielsweise aus der WO 2005/0066488 A1 oder aus der JP 2010116841 A bekannt.The invention relates to a laser ignition device for an internal combustion engine comprising an ignition laser with a combustion chamber window and a protective layer and a method for commissioning according to independent claims. A laser ignition device, for example, from the WO 2005/0066488 A1 or from the JP 2010116841 A known.

Der Zündlaser weist ein Brennraumfenster auf, welches transparent für die von dem Zündlaser emittierten Laserimpulse ist. Zum Schutz des Brennraumfensters vor Verunreinigungen oder Beschädigung während des Betriebs der Brennkraftmaschine ist aus der WO 2010/057904 eine Blende bekannt.The ignition laser has a combustion chamber window which is transparent to the laser pulses emitted by the ignition laser. To protect the combustion chamber window from contamination or damage during operation of the internal combustion engine is from the WO 2010/057904 a diaphragm known.

Nicht geschützt ist das Brennraumfenster dagegen im Zeitraum zwischen Funktionsprüfung in der Fertigung und der ersten Inbetriebnahme der Brennkraftmaschine oder während längerer Stillstandsphasen vor Inbetriebnahme der Brennkraftmaschine. Bei der Montage des Neuteils kann durch unsaubere Arbeitsumgebung in der Werkstatt, Verunreinigungen im Kerzenschacht, Kondenswasserbildung beim Anlassvorgang des kalten Motors oder Spritzöl aus der Brennkraftmaschine das Brennraumfenster verschmutzt werden. Nach längeren Stillstandsphasen kann vor allem Partikelbefall oder Kondenswasserbildung die Standzeit des Brennraumfensters negativ beeinflussen oder sogar eine Fehlfunktion der Laserzündeinrichtung zur Folge haben.In contrast, the combustion chamber window is not protected in the period between functional testing in production and the first commissioning of the internal combustion engine or during prolonged periods of inactivity prior to commissioning of the internal combustion engine. During assembly of the new part, the combustion chamber window can be contaminated by unclean work environment in the workshop, impurities in the plug shaft, condensation during the starting process of the cold engine or splash oil from the internal combustion engine. After prolonged periods of inactivity, especially particulate matter or condensation can adversely affect the service life of the combustion chamber window or even result in a malfunction of the laser ignition device.

Offenbarung der ErfindungDisclosure of the invention

Das der Erfindung zugrunde liegende Problem wird durch eine Laserzündeinrichtung nach Anspruch 1 und eine Schutzschicht nach Anspruch 13 gelöst sowie ein Verfahren zur Inbetriebnahme der Laserzündeinrichtung nach Anspruch 15. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen sind in Unteransprüchen angegeben. Für die Erfindung wichtige Merkmale finden sich ferner in der nachfolgenden Beschreibung und in den Zeichnungen, wobei die Merkmale sowohl in Alleinstellung als auch in unterschiedlichen Kombinationen für die Erfindung wichtig sein können, ohne dass hierauf nochmals explizit hingewiesen wird.The problem underlying the invention is achieved by a laser ignition device according to claim 1 and a protective layer according to claim 13 and a method for starting the laser ignition device according to claim 15. Advantageous developments are specified in subclaims. Features which are important for the invention can also be found in the following description and in the drawings, wherein the features, both alone and in different combinations, can be important for the invention, without being explicitly referred to again.

Durch die Erfindung wird das Brennraumfenster eines Zündlasers bis zum ersten Betrieb wirksam gegen Verschmutzungen geschützt, die die Standzeit des Brennraumfensters negativ beeinflussen oder sogar eine Fehlfunktion des Laserzündsystems zur Folge haben. Außerdem kann das Brennraumfenster durch Anbringen der erfindungsgemäßen Schutzschicht vor längeren Stillstandsphasen der Brennkraftmaschine bis zu einer Wiederinbetriebnahme vor Kondenswasser oder Spritzöl geschützt werden.By means of the invention, the combustion chamber window of an ignition laser is effectively protected against soiling up to the first operation, which adversely affect the service life of the combustion chamber window or even result in a malfunction of the laser ignition system. In addition, the combustion chamber window can be protected against condensation or splash oil by attaching the protective layer according to the invention to longer standstill phases of the internal combustion engine until it is restarted.

Erfindungsgemäß ist es vorgesehen, dass die Schutzschicht bei einer Inbetriebnahme der Laserzündeinrichtung durch die Laserimpulse verbrannt oder zumindest soweit zerstört wird, dass die Laserimpulse ungehindert in den Brennraum der Brennkraftmaschine gelangen. Solange die Schutzschicht intakt ist, lagern sich Verschmutzungen auf der Schutzschicht ab. Mit den ersten Laserimpulsen, d. h. mit der ersten Inbetriebnahme der Brennkraftmaschine, wird die Schutzschicht verbrannt und der Strahlengang freigegeben. Eventuell noch am Brennraumfenster anhaftende Reste der Schutzschicht werden während des Betriebs der Brennkraftmaschine durch die heißen Verbrennungsgase im Brennraum zerstört und zusammen mit dem Abgas aus dem Brennraum entfernt.According to the invention, when the laser ignition device is put into operation, the protective layer is burned by the laser pulses or at least destroyed to such an extent that the laser pulses pass unhindered into the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. As long as the protective layer is intact, soiling is deposited on the protective layer. With the first laser pulses, d. H. with the first commissioning of the internal combustion engine, the protective layer is burned and the beam path released. Any remains of the protective layer still adhering to the combustion chamber window are destroyed during operation of the internal combustion engine by the hot combustion gases in the combustion chamber and removed together with the exhaust gas from the combustion chamber.

Weiterhin wird vorgeschlagen, eine Schutzschicht zu verwenden, die den Laserimpuls absorbiert. Dadurch erhitzt sich die Schutzschicht durch die mit dem Laserimpuls transportierte Energie stark und verbrennt schon bei den ersten Laserimpulsen thermisch. Nachfolgende weitere Laserimpulse zünden dann das Kraftstoff-Luft-Gemisch im Brennraum ohne Energieverluste.Furthermore, it is proposed to use a protective layer which absorbs the laser pulse. As a result, the protective layer heats up strongly due to the energy transported by the laser pulse and burns thermally even at the first laser pulses. Subsequent further laser pulses then ignite the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber without energy losses.

Ergänzend wird vorgeschlagen, dass die Schutzschicht für den Laserimpuls transparent ist. Bei dieser erfindungsgemäßen Ausgestaltung wird die Schutzschicht nicht durch den Laserimpuls verbrannt sondern erst durch die einsetzende Verbrennung des Kraftstoffes beim Betrieb der Brennkraftmaschine. Dadurch ist sichergestellt, dass der Zündlaser bei einer ersten Inbetriebnahme mit geringem Energieverlust den Kraftstoff im Brennraum zündet und anschließend die Schutzschicht zusammen mit dem Kraftstoff rückstandsfrei abbrennt.In addition, it is proposed that the protective layer for the laser pulse is transparent. In this embodiment of the invention, the protective layer is not burned by the laser pulse but only by the incipient combustion of the fuel during operation of the internal combustion engine. This ensures that the ignition laser ignites the fuel in the combustion chamber at a first start with low energy loss and then burns the protective layer residue-free together with the fuel.

Günstig ist es ferner, wenn die Schutzschicht aus einem saugfähigem Material besteht. Mit dem saugfähigem Material werden flüssige, ölige oder pastöse Verunreinigungen aufgesaugt und zusammen mit der Schutzschicht, beispielsweise Cellophanpapier, verbrannt.It is also favorable if the protective layer consists of an absorbent material. With the absorbent material liquid, oily or pasty impurities are absorbed and burned together with the protective layer, such as cellophane paper.

Eine weitere Ausgestaltung sieht vor, dass die Schutzschicht aus schmutzabweisendem Material (zum Beispiel durch den sogenannten Lotoseffekt) besteht. Wird eine Schutzschicht, zum Beispiel eine Kunststofffolie an deren Oberfläche flüssige Verunreinigungen abperlen, verwendet, lagern sich nur geringste Mengen der Substanzen darauf ab und der Laserimpuls kann das Brennraumfenster mit geringem Energieverlust seinen Weg beim ersten Betrieb freibrennen.A further embodiment provides that the protective layer consists of dirt-repellent material (for example by the so-called lotus effect). If a protective layer, for example a plastic film on the surface of which roll off liquid impurities, is used, only very small amounts of the substances deposit on it and the laser pulse allows the combustion chamber window to run its way on first operation with little energy loss.

Besonders hilfreich ist es, wenn die Schutzschicht aus einem elastischen Material besteht und diese Schutzfolie radial vorgespannt am Zündlaser angebracht wird. Brennt nun der Zündlaser ein Loch in die Folienmitte, zerreißt die Schutzfolie durch ihre Eigenspannung. Die radiale Vorspannung verursacht eine Rissbildung von innen nach außen und es werden die an der Schutzfolie haftenden Verschmutzungen und die Schutzfolie selbst nach außen weggeschleudert. Dadurch können die Laserimpulse ungehindert in den Brennraum gelangen.It is particularly helpful if the protective layer consists of an elastic material and this protective film is mounted radially biased on the ignition laser. If the ignition laser now burns a hole in the center of the film, the protective film tears due to its residual stress. The radial prestressing causes cracking from the inside to the outside and the dirt adhering to the protective film and the protective film itself are thrown outwards. As a result, the laser pulses can pass unhindered into the combustion chamber.

Eine fertigungstechnisch einfache Lösung besteht darin, die Schutzschicht als Flüssigkeit aufzubringen. Eine Flüssigkeit kann einfach auf das Brennraumfenster aufgesprüht werden oder das Brennraumfenster wird durch Eintauchen des Zündlasers in die Flüssigkeit mit dieser benetzt. Wird eine Flüssigkeit mit entsprechender Viskosität verwendet, ist es auch möglich, eine Schutzschicht in der Blendenöffnung auszubilden. Durch die Oberflächenspannung der Flüssigkeit bildet sich eine Membran, ähnlich einer Seifenblase, zwischen den Rändern der Blendenöffnung. Nach dem Trocknen oder Aushärten bildet die Flüssigkeit dann eine Schutzschicht mit den erforderlichen Eigenschaften.A manufacturing technology simple solution is to apply the protective layer as a liquid. A liquid can simply be sprayed onto the combustion chamber window, or the combustion chamber window is wetted by immersing the ignition laser in the liquid. If a liquid with appropriate viscosity is used, it is also possible to use a Form protective layer in the aperture. Due to the surface tension of the liquid, a membrane, similar to a soap bubble, forms between the edges of the aperture. After drying or curing, the liquid then forms a protective layer with the required properties.

Das erfindungsgemäße Laserzündsystem arbeitet noch besser, wenn zwischen Schutzschicht und Brennraumfenster eine Blende angeordnet ist. Somit ist erstens die Schutzschicht in einem Abstand vom Brennraumfenster angeordnet, so dass dieses beim Freibrennvorgang geschützt ist und zweites ist die Schutzschicht dadurch näher am Zündpunkt. Weil die Energiedichte des Laserimpulses im Zündpunkt am größten ist, wird gewährleistet, dass die Schutzschicht schnell und rückstandsfrei abbrennt. Je größer der Abstand vom Zündpunkt, desto dünner sollte die Schutzschicht ausgeführt sein.The laser ignition system according to the invention works even better when a diaphragm is arranged between the protective layer and the combustion chamber window. Thus, first, the protective layer is disposed at a distance from the combustion chamber window, so that it is protected during the burn-off process and second, the protective layer is thereby closer to the ignition point. Because the energy density of the laser pulse at the ignition point is greatest, it ensures that the protective layer burns off quickly and without residue. The greater the distance from the ignition point, the thinner the protective layer should be.

Eine weitere Ausgestaltung des erfindungsgemäßen Laserzündsystems sieht vor, dass die Schutzschicht in einem Zündpunkt angeordnet ist. Dadurch wird, wie bereits voranstehend erläutert, das sichere Abbrennen der Schutzschicht sichergestellt.A further embodiment of the laser ignition system according to the invention provides that the protective layer is arranged in an ignition point. As a result, as already explained above, the secure burning off of the protective layer is ensured.

Eine fertigungstechnisch einfache Lösung ist es, wenn die Schutzschicht gewölbt ist. Durch Verwendung einer konvex geformten Schutzschicht, wird es auf besonders einfache Art und Weise möglich, die Schutzschicht im Zündpunkt anzuordnen. Dazu wird die Schutzschicht, beim Anbringen oder als vorgefertigtes Bauteil, so ausgewölbt, dass ein Scheitelpunkt im Zündpunkt des Laserpulses liegt. Daraus ergeben sich die vorangehend ausgeführten Vorteile.A manufacturing technology simple solution is when the protective layer is curved. By using a convex-shaped protective layer, it is possible in a particularly simple manner to arrange the protective layer in the ignition point. For this purpose, the protective layer, when attaching or as a prefabricated component, bulged so that a vertex is in the ignition point of the laser pulse. This results in the advantages listed above.

Weiterhin wird vorgeschlagen, dass die Schutzschicht in eine Vorkammerkappe integriert ist. Bei Vorkammerzündlaser wird eine Vorkammerkappe stirnseitig an einem, dem Brennraum zugewandten Ende der Laserzündeinrichtung aufgeschraubt oder aufgeschweißt, die eine Art Vorkammer bildet, in welcher das Kraftstoff-Luft-Gemisch gezündet wird. Der Zündpunkt liegt somit innerhalb der Vorkammerkappe und es stellt eine relativ einfache Lösung dar, die Schutzschicht in der Vorkammerkappe zu integrieren und damit direkt im Zündpunkt anzuordnen. Da im Zündpunkt die Energiedichte des Laserpulses am größten ist, brennt die erfindungsgemäße Schutzschicht mit Inbetriebnahme sicher ab.Furthermore, it is proposed that the protective layer is integrated into a pre-chamber cap. In Vorkammerzündlaser an antechamber cap is screwed or welded frontally at one, the combustion chamber end facing the laser ignition device, which forms a kind of prechamber in which the fuel-air mixture is ignited. The ignition point is thus within the pre-chamber cap and it is a relatively simple solution to integrate the protective layer in the pre-chamber cap and thus to arrange directly in the ignition point. Since in the ignition point the energy density of the laser pulse at largest, burns the protective layer according to the invention with commissioning safely.

Weiterhin wird ein Verfahren zur Inbetriebnahme vorgeschlagen für eine Laserzündeinrichtung der oben bezeichneten Art. Es gelten die gleichen Vorteile wie oben.Furthermore, a method for startup is proposed for a laser ignition device of the type described above. The same advantages apply as above.

Weitere Merkmale, Anwendungsmöglichkeiten und Vorteile der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung von Ausführungsbeispielen der Erfindung, die in den Figuren der Zeichnung dargestellt sind. Dabei bilden alle beschriebenen oder dargestellten Merkmale für sich oder in beliebiger Kombination den Gegenstand der Erfindung, unabhängig von ihrer Zusammenfassung in den Patentansprüchen oder deren Rückbeziehung sowie unabhängig von ihrer Formulierung bzw. Darstellung in der Beschreibung bzw. in der Zeichnung.Other features, applications and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention, which are illustrated in the figures of the drawing. All described or illustrated features, alone or in any combination form the subject matter of the invention, regardless of their summary in the claims or their dependency and regardless of their formulation or representation in the description or in the drawing.

In den Zeichnungen zeigen:

Figur 1
eine schematische Darstellung einer Brennkraftmaschine mit einer Laserzündeinrichtung und
Figur 2
eine erste Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Zündlasers mit Schutzschicht.
Figur 3
eine zweite Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Zündlasers
Figur 4
eine dritte Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Zündlasers
In the drawings show:
FIG. 1
a schematic representation of an internal combustion engine with a laser ignition device and
FIG. 2
a first embodiment of the ignition laser according to the invention with protective layer.
FIG. 3
a second embodiment of the ignition laser according to the invention
FIG. 4
A third embodiment of the ignition laser according to the invention

Es werden für funktionsäquivalente Elemente und Größen in allen Figuren auch bei unterschiedlichen Ausführungsformen die gleichen Bezugszeichen verwendet.The same reference numerals are used for functionally equivalent elements and sizes in all figures, even in different embodiments.

Eine Brennkraftmaschine trägt in Figur 1 das Bezugszeichen 10. Die Brennkraftmaschine 10 umfasst mehrere Zylinder, von denen in der Figur nur einer mit dem Bezugszeichen 12 dargestellt ist. Ein Brennraum 14 des Zylinders 12 wird von einem Kolben 16 begrenzt. Kraftstoff gelangt in den Brennraum 14 direkt durch einen Injektor 18, der mit einer Kraftstoffversorgungseinrichtung 20 verbunden ist. Oder wird in einem Ansaugkanal (nicht dargestellt) mit der Luft vorvermischt. Das Kraftstoff-Luft-Gemisch 22 wird im Brennraum 14 mittels eines Laserimpulses 24 in einem Zündpunkt ZP entzündet. Der Laserimpuls 24 wird von einem Zündlaser 26 in den Brennraum 14 abgestrahlt. Hierzu wird der Zündlaser 26 über eine Lichtleitereinrichtung 28 von einer Pumplichtquelle 30 gespeist. Ein Steuergerät 32 steuert unter anderem die Pumplichtquelle 30 und den Injektor 18.An internal combustion engine carries in FIG. 1 the reference numeral 10. The internal combustion engine 10 comprises a plurality of cylinders, of which only one is represented by the reference numeral 12 in the figure. A combustion chamber 14 of the cylinder 12 is limited by a piston 16. Fuel enters the combustion chamber 14 directly through an injector 18, which is connected to a fuel supply device 20. Or is in an intake (not shown) with the air premixed. The fuel-air mixture 22 is ignited in the combustion chamber 14 by means of a laser pulse 24 in an ignition point ZP. The laser pulse 24 is emitted by an ignition laser 26 into the combustion chamber 14. For this purpose, the ignition laser 26 is fed via a light guide device 28 from a pumping light source 30. A controller 32 controls, among other things, the pumping light source 30 and the injector 18.

Figur 2 zeigt einen schematischen Längsschnitt durch das dem Brennraum 14 zugewandten Ende des Zündlasers 26. In dem dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel ist ein Gehäuse 34 des Zündlasers 26 zweiteilig ausgeführt. Es umfasst eine Innenhülse 36 und eine Außenhülse 38. Die Außenhülse 38 weist an ihrem, dem Brennraum 14 zugewandten Ende einen Abschluss 40 auf. Der Abschluss 40 dient dazu, ein Brennraumfenster 42 gegen die Innenhülse 36 zu pressen und so ein Inneres 44 der Innenhülse 36 und die darin angeordneten Komponenten (nicht dargestellt) des Zündlasers 26, wie eine Auslenk- bzw. Fokussieroptik oder einen laseraktiven Festkörper, gegen den Brennraum 14 abzudichten. Zu diesem Zweck ist die Außenhülse 38 mit einem Innengewinde versehen, welches mit einem entsprechenden Außengewinde an der Innenhülse 36 zusammenwirkt. Die Gewindeverbindung bestehend aus Innengewinde und Außengewinde ist in seiner Gesamtheit mit dem Bezugszeichen 46 gekennzeichnet. FIG. 2 shows a schematic longitudinal section through the combustion chamber 14 facing the end of the ignition laser 26. In the illustrated embodiment, a housing 34 of the ignition laser 26 is made in two parts. It comprises an inner sleeve 36 and an outer sleeve 38. The outer sleeve 38 has a termination 40 at its end facing the combustion chamber 14. The end 40 serves to press a combustion chamber window 42 against the inner sleeve 36 and so inner 44 of the inner sleeve 36 and the components (not shown) of the ignition 26, such as a Auslenk- or focusing optics or a laser-active solid against which To seal the combustion chamber 14. For this purpose, the outer sleeve 38 is provided with an internal thread which cooperates with a corresponding external thread on the inner sleeve 36. The threaded connection consisting of internal thread and external thread is indicated in its entirety by the reference numeral 46.

Die nicht dargestellte Fokussieroptik fokussiert den Laserimpuls 24 auf einen Zündpunkt ZP. Die Kontur des fokussierten Laserimpulses 24 ist durch kegelförmige strichpunktierte Hülllinien 50 angedeutet. Diese Hülllinien 50 treten aus dem Brennraumfenster 42 aus und schneiden sich im Zündpunkt ZP. Damit die dem Brennraum 14 zugewandte Seite des Brennraumfensters 42 geschützt ist, weist die Außenhülse 38 stirnseitig eine Blende 52 auf. Diese kann konisch oder zylindrisch sein. Ein Kegelwinkel bzw. ein Durchmesser der Blende 52 ist dabei so gewählt, dass er in etwa einem Kegelwinkel bzw. einem Durchmesser des Laserimpulses 24 entspricht.The focusing optics, not shown, focuses the laser pulse 24 to an ignition point ZP. The contour of the focused laser pulse 24 is indicated by conical dot-dashed envelope lines 50. These envelope lines 50 exit from the combustion chamber window 42 and intersect at the ignition point ZP. In order for the side of the combustion chamber window 42 facing the combustion chamber 14 to be protected, the outer sleeve 38 has an aperture 52 on the front side. This can be conical or cylindrical. A cone angle or a diameter of the diaphragm 52 is chosen so that it corresponds approximately to a cone angle or a diameter of the laser pulse 24.

Erfindungsgemäß ist nun vorgesehen, dass eine Schutzschicht 54 oder Membran stirnseitig an der Außenhülse 38 angebracht wird, so dass sie die Blende 52 bis zu einer ersten Inbetriebnahme des Zündlasers 26 verschließt und damit das dahinter liegende Brennraumfenster 42 vor Ablagerungen und Verschmutzungen schützt. Die Schutzschicht 54 kann dabei aus Papier, Kunststoff, Metall oder Kautschuk bestehen. Denkbar ist auch eine Aufbringung einer öligen oder pastösen Flüssigkeit, die direkt auf dem Brennraumfenster 42 eine Schutzschicht bildet und durch den ersten Laserimpuls 24 oder bei Verbrennung des Kraftstoff-Luft-Gemisches 22 weggebrannt wird.According to the invention it is now provided that a protective layer 54 or membrane is attached to the front side of the outer sleeve 38 so that it closes the aperture 52 until a first start of the ignition 26 and thus protects the underlying combustion chamber window 42 from deposits and contamination. The protective layer 54 may be made of paper, Plastic, metal or rubber. It is also conceivable application of an oily or pasty liquid, which forms a protective layer directly on the combustion chamber window 42 and is burned away by the first laser pulse 24 or combustion of the fuel-air mixture 22.

In Figur 3 ist ein Ausschnitt aus dem, dem Brennraum 14 zugewandten, Ende der erfindungsgemäßen Laserzündeinrichtung im Längsschnitt dargestellt. Der Ausschnitt zeigt das Brennraumfenster 42 mit davor angeordnetem Abschluss 40 der Außenhülse 38. In den Abschluss 40 ist die Blende 52 eingebracht. Die Hülllinien 50 des Laserimpulses 24 treten durch die Blende 52 aus der Außenhülse 38 und schneiden sich im Zündpunkt ZP. Die Erfindungsgemäße Schutzschicht 54 weist eine Wölbung auf, so dass ein Scheitelpunkt SP der Schutzschicht 54 im Zündpunkt ZP liegt. Die gewölbte Schutzschicht 54 kann dabei als vorgefertigtes Bauteil aufgebracht werden oder erst beim Aufbringen entsprechend ausgeformt werden. Zur Befestigung bietet sich in beiden Fällen ein Klebeverfahren an, beispielsweise mit Sekundenkleber.In FIG. 3 is a section of the combustion chamber 14 facing the end of the laser ignition device according to the invention shown in longitudinal section. The section shows the combustion chamber window 42 with the end 40 of the outer sleeve 38 arranged in front of it. The aperture 52 is inserted in the end 40. The envelope lines 50 of the laser pulse 24 pass through the aperture 52 from the outer sleeve 38 and intersect at the ignition point ZP. The protective layer 54 according to the invention has a curvature, so that a vertex SP of the protective layer 54 lies in the ignition point ZP. The arched protective layer 54 can be applied as a prefabricated component or only be formed accordingly during application. For attachment offers in both cases, an adhesive method, for example with superglue.

Eine weitere Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Laserzündeinrichtung ist in Figur 4 dargestellt. Die Zeichnung zeigt einen Längsschnitt durch einen Vorkammerzündlaser 56. Diese umfasst wie die vorangehend beschriebenen Ausführungsformen des Zündlasers 26 ein Brennraumfenster 42 und einen Abschluss 40 in dem eine Blende 52 angeordnet ist, so dass der Laserimpuls 24, angedeutet durch seine Hülllinien 50, auf den Zündpunkt ZP fokussiert hindurchtreten kann. Weiterhin verfügt die Vorkammerlaserzündkerze 56 über eine Stirnkappe 58. Diese ist so angeordnet, dass sie zusammen mit der, dem Brennraum zugewandten, Stirnseite des Zündlasers 24 eine Vorkammer 59 bildet, die den Zündpunkt ZP umschließt. In der Stirnkappe 58 sind Ausnehmungen 60 angeordnet, die einen Gasaustausch der Vorkammer 59 mit dem Brennraum 14 zulassen. Die Stirnkappe 58 wird auf die Außenhülse 38 des Zündlasers 26 aufgeschraubt oder aufgeschweißt. Die Schutzschicht 54, wird so in der Stirnkappe 58 angeordnet, dass sie eine Ebene zwischen Abschluss 40 und den Ausnehmungen 60 bildet, auf der der Zündpunkt ZP liegt.A further embodiment of the laser ignition device according to the invention is in FIG. 4 shown. The drawing shows a longitudinal section through a Vorkammerzündlaser 56. This includes, like the embodiments of the ignition laser 26 described above, a combustion chamber window 42 and a termination 40 in which a diaphragm 52 is arranged so that the laser pulse 24, indicated by its envelope lines 50, to the ignition point ZP focused can pass through. Furthermore, the prechamber laser spark plug 56 has an end cap 58. This is arranged so that together with the end face of the ignition laser 24 facing the combustion chamber, it forms an antechamber 59 which encloses the ignition point ZP. In the end cap 58 recesses 60 are arranged, which allow a gas exchange of the pre-chamber 59 with the combustion chamber 14. The end cap 58 is screwed or welded onto the outer sleeve 38 of the ignition laser 26. The protective layer 54 is disposed in the end cap 58 to form a plane between termination 40 and the recesses 60 on which the ignition point ZP lies.

Claims (15)

  1. Laser ignition device for an internal combustion engine (10), comprising an ignition laser (26) with a combustion chamber window (42) and a protective layer (54) for protecting the combustion chamber window (42), characterized in that the protective layer (54) burns when the laser ignition device is put into operation.
  2. Laser ignition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective layer (54) absorbs a laser pulse (54).
  3. Laser ignition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective layer (54) is transparent to a laser pulse (24).
  4. Laser ignition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective layer (54) is composed of an absorbent material.
  5. Laser ignition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective layer (54) is composed of a dirt-repelling material.
  6. Laser ignition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective layer (54) is composed of an elastic material.
  7. Laser ignition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective layer (54) is applied as a liquid.
  8. Laser ignition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a diaphragm (52) is arranged between the protective layer (54) and the combustion chamber window (42).
  9. Laser ignition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective layer (54) is arranged at an ignition point (ZP).
  10. Laser ignition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective layer (54) is curved.
  11. Laser ignition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective layer (54) is integrated into an end cap (58).
  12. Laser ignition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective layer (54) comprises a metal foil and/or plastic film, paper, preferably cellophane paper, oil and/or a paste.
  13. Laser ignition device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective layer (54) is transparent or opaque to laser light.
  14. Method for putting into operation a laser ignition device for an internal combustion engine having a combustion chamber window (42) which is provided with a protective layer (54), characterized in that a hole is burnt into the protective layer (54) by means of laser pulses of the laser ignition device in absence of an ignitable fuel/air mixture.
  15. Method according to Claim 14, characterized in that the protective layer (54) is burnt off during the operation of the internal combustion engine.
EP11776168.4A 2010-12-23 2011-10-27 Laser ignition device for an internal combustion engine Not-in-force EP2655866B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102010064023A DE102010064023A1 (en) 2010-12-23 2010-12-23 Laser ignition device for an internal combustion engine
PCT/EP2011/068906 WO2012084311A1 (en) 2010-12-23 2011-10-27 Laser ignition device for an internal combustion engine

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EP2655866A1 EP2655866A1 (en) 2013-10-30
EP2655866B1 true EP2655866B1 (en) 2018-03-07

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EP (1) EP2655866B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102010064023A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2012084311A1 (en)

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DE102010064023A1 (en) * 2010-12-23 2012-06-28 Robert Bosch Gmbh Laser ignition device for an internal combustion engine
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WO2016093214A1 (en) 2014-12-08 2016-06-16 株式会社デンソー Ignition system and method for manufacturing superhydrophilic membrane used therein
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EP3376021B1 (en) * 2017-03-16 2022-05-04 Ricoh Company, Ltd. Laser device and internal combustion engine
CN113835310A (en) * 2021-09-29 2021-12-24 深圳市先地图像科技有限公司 Diaphragm and laser

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JPH09250438A (en) 1996-03-14 1997-09-22 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd Engine ignition device
DE102004001554A1 (en) 2004-01-10 2005-08-04 Robert Bosch Gmbh Device for igniting an internal combustion engine
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JP2010116841A (en) * 2008-11-13 2010-05-27 Nippon Soken Inc Laser ignition equipment
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DE102010064023A1 (en) * 2010-12-23 2012-06-28 Robert Bosch Gmbh Laser ignition device for an internal combustion engine

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US9347421B2 (en) 2016-05-24
US20130340696A1 (en) 2013-12-26
DE102010064023A1 (en) 2012-06-28
EP2655866A1 (en) 2013-10-30
WO2012084311A1 (en) 2012-06-28

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