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EP2628220B1 - Short-circuit prevention in an rf spark plug - Google Patents

Short-circuit prevention in an rf spark plug Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2628220B1
EP2628220B1 EP11779805.8A EP11779805A EP2628220B1 EP 2628220 B1 EP2628220 B1 EP 2628220B1 EP 11779805 A EP11779805 A EP 11779805A EP 2628220 B1 EP2628220 B1 EP 2628220B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
shell
spark plug
component
insulating
central electrode
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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP11779805.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2628220A1 (en
Inventor
Maxime Makarov
Marc Pariente
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 SA
Original Assignee
Renault SA
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Renault SA filed Critical Renault SA
Publication of EP2628220A1 publication Critical patent/EP2628220A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2628220B1 publication Critical patent/EP2628220B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T13/00—Sparking plugs
    • H01T13/20—Sparking plugs characterised by features of the electrodes or insulation
    • H01T13/34—Sparking plugs characterised by features of the electrodes or insulation characterised by the mounting of electrodes in insulation, e.g. by embedding
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T13/00—Sparking plugs
    • H01T13/50—Sparking plugs having means for ionisation of gap
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T13/00—Sparking plugs
    • H01T13/52—Sparking plugs characterised by a discharge along a surface
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T21/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture or maintenance of spark gaps or sparking plugs
    • H01T21/02—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture or maintenance of spark gaps or sparking plugs of sparking plugs

Definitions

  • the invention relates to radiofrequency plasma candles.
  • the invention more particularly relates to candles called radiofrequency plasma for equipping combustion chambers of internal combustion engines and which comprise a central electrode of cylindrical form made of a conductive type material, which comprises an upper end and an end. lower part arranged in the combustion chamber, a substantially tubular shaped part, made of an electrically insulating material, which comprises an upper part and a lower part, and which surrounds the central electrode over a portion of its length so as to the lower end of the central electrode protrudes from the lower part of the insulating material part, a substantially tubular steel base which comprises an upper part and a lower part, and which surrounds the piece of insulating material on a portion of its length so that the lower part re of the piece of insulating material protrudes from the bottom of the base.
  • the upper and lower terms are used to designate opposite sides of the candle.
  • lower end is meant the side of the candle to be arranged in the combustion chamber.
  • Other terms may substitute such as left / right or candle head to designate said side of the candle.
  • Radiofrequency plasma spark plugs are part of these new spark plugs by constituting high-frequency multi-spark ignition systems capable of ensuring the ignition of spark ignition engines powered with poor gas mixtures.
  • the base has a threaded portion at the lower end of the electrode side, which allows the screwing of the candle in the threaded hole of the cylinder head.
  • Such candles also called multi-spark plasma branched candles allow the propagation of a plasma in a volume remote from the surface of the insulation.
  • the creation of sparks then tends to be generated between a central electrode and the combustion chamber, in contact with the second electrode which is the base of the candle.
  • the combustion chamber is then considered from the functional point of view, as the second electrode of the ignition system.
  • the two electrodes are separated by an insulator represented by a tubular piece of insulating material, preferably ceramic, which surrounds the central electrode on a portion of its outer surface.
  • the publication FR2878086 presents this type of candle, where the insulating part between the electrodes has an annular shoulder obscuring the entire toric surface at the end of the base while leaving free the end of the central electrode.
  • This configuration is intended to reduce the risk of creating electrical discharges from the base and propagate along the insulating part along the axis of the central electrode.
  • This mode of obtaining discharges is indeed not desired because it decreases the efficiency of the candle.
  • Alternative embodiments make it possible to reduce the reinforcements of the electric field by eliminating, in particular, the right angles on said shoulder at the origin of electric arcs between the insulating part and the base, which are detrimental to the efficiency of the spark plug.
  • This architecture leads to manufacturing constraints and mounting constraints, it is necessary for example to mount the piece of insulating material in the base in the opposite direction due to the shoulder at the end of the insulating part.
  • the object of the invention is to remedy these drawbacks.
  • the invention has a multi-spark plug where the end of the base side of the candle head is mechanically connected with the insulating part.
  • the invention thus relates to a spark plug intended to equip an internal combustion engine combustion chamber and which comprises a central electrode of cylindrical shape made of a material of conductive type, which comprises an upper end and a lower end, intended to be arranged in the combustion chamber, a substantially tubular shaped part, made of an electrically insulating material which comprises an upper part and a lower part, and which surrounds the central electrode over a portion of its length so that the lower end of the central electrode protrudes from the lower part of the piece of insulating material, a substantially conductive material-type material base which comprises an upper part and a lower part having an end section, and which surrounds the piece of material insulation on a portion of its length so that the lower part of the piece of insulating material protrudes from the bottom of the base.
  • the invention is characterized in that the piece of insulating material comprises an annular groove on its outer periphery, at the lower end of the base, and in that said part is metallized on its entire outer surface from its upper end to at the edge of the groove and in that the lower end portion of the base is disposed in the groove.
  • end section of the cap means a portion of said base located on the border and extending over a few millimeters.
  • the outer surface of the insulating part facing the base is metallized to ensure electrical continuity between the insulating part and the base.
  • the goal is to prevent the creation of electric shocks between the two opposite surfaces.
  • the end portion is disposed in the groove to be thus inserted in part of the insulating part, and is thus obscured with respect to the lower end of the central electrode. Problems related to metallization stoppage of the insulating part at the lower end of the base are reduced or even eliminated.
  • the width and the depth of the annular groove of the insulating part are adapted so that the free section of the lower end portion of the cap is completely contained in the groove.
  • the dimensions of the groove are defined so that the bottom end section of the cap is buried in the groove.
  • the burial of said section makes it possible to guarantee good mechanical resistance of the spark plug to the pressure level in the combustion chamber, especially since it is produced by mechanical deformation.
  • the annular groove of the piece of insulating material contains electrically insulating cement.
  • the cement promotes the contacts between the end of the base once deformed and the insulating part.
  • the purpose is to ensure good heat dissipation of the insulating part to the base and to the cylinder head, and also to seal the candle, while concealing the end of the cap relative to the electrode Central.
  • the lower end section of the base is of reduced thickness.
  • the lower section of the end section is intended to be embedded in the annular groove filled with cement.
  • the reduced thickness of the section facilitates the insertion, in particular by deformation, of the section and the flooding of the end section in the annular groove.
  • the inner diameter of the lower portion of the base is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the lower part of the piece of insulating material.
  • the inner surface of the insulating part surrounding the central electrode is metallized.
  • the inner surface of the metallized insulating piece and the central electrode are in contact and are therefore at the same potential.
  • the insulating part is of single-body type and comprises two central bores of different diameters, the first for the positioning of an inductance coil, and the second for the positioning of the central electrode.
  • the number of parts constituting the candle is reduced and their assembly is facilitated.
  • the base comprises a first bore in the upper part and a second bore in the lower part, coaxial and of different diameters, and the assembly formed by the piece.
  • of insulating material and the central electrode is fitted into the base by the upper portion of the base, and fixed in the base by gluing, with a preferably ceramic glue deposit, in the bottom of the first bore of the upper portion of the base.
  • the base comprises two bores of substantially different diameters, a first bore in the upper portion of diameter greater than that of the second bore in the lower part.
  • This configuration allows easy mounting by interlocking the insulating part in the / base by the upper part of the base.
  • Gluing is preferably performed by a glue deposit in the bottom of the first bore in the upper portion of the base to ensure a tight and homogeneous bonding.
  • the method of manufacture of the candle according to the invention comprises a step of filling the annular groove with preferably ceramic cement, followed by a step of mechanical deformation of the lower end section of the base towards the bottom of the throat.
  • the annular groove is filled with cement, then the end portion is deformed towards the bottom of the groove, which ensures good contact between the cement and the end portion of the base.
  • the manufacturing method of the invention comprises a step of grinding the cement surface of the annular groove of the insulating part, after drying the cement, to avoid any overflow of material.
  • the bottom end section of the pellet is poured into the groove filled with ceramic cement. After drying the cement, the cement surface at the throat is ground to remove any sharp angles and obstacles and to reduce the risk of arcing on the lower end surface of the insulating part.
  • a conical induction coil comprising an upper part and a lower part with a spring bushing at its lower end is inserted into the central bore in the upper part of the insulating part.
  • the conical bore in the upper part of the insulating part is adapted to accommodate the induction coil, which makes mounting simple, while reducing the size of the device.
  • the conical induction coil is fixed to the insulating part by bonding on its peripheral outer surface.
  • the conical induction coil being introduced into the conical bore in the upper part of the insulating part, the adhesive on the peripheral surface of the coil makes it possible to ensure a contact without vacuum between the coil and the insulating part thanks to the conicity of the the assembly, while ensuring the fixing of said coil vis-à-vis the insulating part.
  • the spring bushing is engaged on the upper end of the central electrode, at the end of sliding of the coil in the central bore of the insulating part.
  • the socket is adapted to be connected to the upper end of the central electrode, which simplifies assembly of the assembly.
  • an electrode 10 of substantially cylindrical form of conductive material and comprising an upper end 18 and a lower end 17 intended to be in contact with the gaseous mixture, is maintained by any means (brazing, bonding, sintering, etc.) ensuring a contact, in a bore of an insulating part 11 so that the lower end 17 of the electrode protrudes from the part 11.
  • the insulating part 11 is of single-body type and comprises two end sections 33 and 35 of substantially tubular shape and of different outside diameters and a third section 34 making the connection between the two sections 33 and 35.
  • the first section 35 surrounds the central electrode 10 on a portion of its outer surface, and has an annular groove 19 near the lower end 17 of the central electrode 10.
  • the second section 33 of substantially larger outside diameter comprises an inner bore 22 slightly conical. The average diameter of this bore is substantially larger than the outer diameter of the central electrode.
  • the inner bore is made such that the upper end 18 of the central electrode 10 opens into this bore.
  • the entire outer surface of the sections 33 and 34 of the insulating part 11 is covered with a layer of metallic material.
  • the outer surface of the section 35 being metallized from its junction with the section 34 to the edge of the annular groove 19, a metallization of a portion of the groove is tolerated because it has no effect on the operation of the spark plug.
  • the inner surface 32 of the insulating part 11 surrounding the central electrode, as represented in FIG. Figures 2 and 3 may be covered with a layer of metallic material.
  • the insulating part 11 is engaged in an envelope of metallic material such as steel which has two bores of different diameters to surround the sections 33 to 35 of the insulating part.
  • This steel casing is the base 12 of the plug and has two sections 36 and 37 of substantially different outer diameters, separated by a groove 30.
  • the section 36 has an outside diameter greater than that of the section 37.
  • the outer surface 29 of the section 37, except the end section 14, is threaded. The latter comprises a lower end section 14 of smaller thickness, as will be explained later.
  • FIG. figure 2 The mounting of the insulator 11 and the electrode 10 in the base 12 is illustrated in FIG. figure 2 .
  • a subset formed of the insulating part 11 and the electrode 10 is introduced through the free end of the section 36 of the base 12 and pushed into a bore 20 towards the inner end of the section 36, the bottom of this bore resumes.
  • a layer 25 of adhesive is preferably disposed on the bottom 24 of this bore to ensure the attachment of the insulating part 11 with the base 12.
  • the deposit glue on the bottom of the first bore 20 of the base guarantees a tight and homogeneous bonding.
  • the candle 1 has the structure illustrated in figure 3 where the lower end section 14 of the base 12 is disposed at the annular groove 26.
  • annular groove 19 is previously filled with uncured ceramic cement 26.
  • the width and the depth of the annular groove 19 of the insulating part are adapted to receive the end section of the section 14 of the base 12 in its entirety.
  • the bottom end section 14 of the base 12, having a reduced section, is then mechanically deformed towards the bottom of the groove 19, preferably by hot or cold crimping, which ensures a good mechanical strength of the subset formed of the base 12 and the insulating part 11.
  • the dimensions of the groove are adapted so that the end section of the portion 14 of the base is completely cast in the cement of the groove after deformation, so that no part of the end section of the section 14 remains in position.
  • end section is meant the axial end surface of the section.
  • the excess ceramic cement 26 which results from this operation is removed.
  • the surface of the groove 19 filled with the ceramic cement is ground after the setting of the cement.
  • the ceramic cement 26 thus ensures a very good contact between the insulating part 11 and the base 12 and also the evacuation of the heat from the insulating part 11 towards the base 12.
  • the ceramic cement 26 also seals the spark plug 1 thus constituted.
  • the spark plug according to the invention comprises a lower end where the central electrode protrudes from the insulating part 11, the latter having close contacts with the central electrode and the base, which also ensures the attachment of the spark plug in the cylinder head.
  • the lower end section of the base is embedded in the groove defined in the insulating part.
  • a cement, preferably ceramic, covers the groove and provides excellent contact between the insulating part and the lower section of the base.
  • This configuration greatly reduces the risks, due to the metallization stopping of the outer surface of the insulating part facing the base, breakdowns between the insulating part and the base and the production of discharges on the surface of the insulator. between the center electrode and the base.
  • This configuration also ensures good mechanical strength of the lower end of the candle, or candle head, intended to be disposed in the combustion chamber, facing high pressures, which may be greater than 100 bar.
  • This configuration also ensures a good heat transfer from the electrode to the insulating part, then to the base and the cylinder head.
  • a coil 15 is wound on a conical mandrel having substantially the same angle as the bore 22 of the second section 33 of the insulating part, approximately 1 to 2 °, and which is shaped to ensure a play free contact with the insulating part 11
  • This coil 15 is thus introduced into the bore 22.
  • It advantageously comprises a spring bushing 16 arranged at the front of the coil in the insertion direction of said coil, the inner diameter of the sleeve being adapted to the diameter of the upper end 18 of the central electrode, and the sleeve being electrically connected to the coil.
  • the wall 28 of the bore 22 in the second section 33 of the insulating part is covered with adhesive, preferably an impregnating resin, for fixing the inductive coil 15 to the workpiece insulating 11, without clearance between the coil 15 and the insulating part 11.
  • adhesive preferably an impregnating resin
  • the sleeve is connected mechanically to the upper end 18 of the central electrode 10, ensuring and the electrical connection between the electrode 10 and the coil 15.
  • the adhesive may be disposed on the coil, or on the two parts to be bonded.
  • the assembled candle is illustrated by the figure 6 .
  • the Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the positioning of said spark plug 1 in a cylinder head 13.
  • a seal 31, preferably metal, is placed in the groove 30 of the base 12 to seal the assembly.
  • the yoke 13 has a bore 42 in the upper part and a bore 43 in the lower part, opening into the combustion chamber, with different diameters.
  • the bore in the lower part is threaded and intended to accommodate the bottom portion 37 threaded base.
  • the spark plug 1 is screwed into the bore 43 of the cylinder head 13, until the O-ring 31 bears against the bottom of the upper bore 42.
  • the spark plug is thus fixed in the cylinder head 13 with the lower end. 17 of the electrode 10 in the combustion chamber, in contact with the gas mixtures.
  • the outer diameter of the lower section 35 of the insulating part 11 is smaller than the inside diameter of the base 12, which allows a mounting of a single-body type insulating part. This assembly is simple by interlocking and fixing by gluing.
  • the invention can be adapted to candles whose insulating part is not of single-body type.
  • the insulating material of the insulating part is preferably a ceramic having a breakdown voltage greater than 20 KV / mm.
  • the metallization of the external and internal surfaces of the insulating part is done by any metallization process, for example by application of metal layers, based on silver or metal alloys, by brush or spray and drying, and then through the workpiece. insulation in a reducing atmosphere furnace.
  • the metallization of the external surfaces of the insulating part may be applied only to the sections 34 and 35, surrounding the central electrode 10.
  • the outer surface of the second section 33 of the insulating part may be surrounded by an envelope of conductive material preferably base of copper or silver or aluminum or gold.
  • the ceramic cement may be a product based on alumina powder.
  • the lower end of the central electrode disposed in the combustion chamber may be of different shape.

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  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Spark Plugs (AREA)

Description

Domaine technique auquel se rapporte l'inventionTechnical field to which the invention relates

L'invention concerne les bougies à plasma radiofréquence. L'invention concerne plus particulièrement les bougies appelées plasma à radiofréquence destinées à équiper des chambres à combustion de moteurs à combustion interne et qui comportent une électrode centrale de forme cylindrique constituée d'un matériau de type conducteur, qui comporte une extrémité supérieure et une extrémité inférieure prévue pour être disposée dans la chambre à combustion, une pièce de forme sensiblement tubulaire, en une matière isolante électriquement, qui comprend une partie supérieure et une partie inférieure, et qui entoure l'électrode centrale sur une portion de sa longueur de façon à ce que l'extrémité inférieure de l'électrode centrale dépasse de la partie inférieure de la pièce de matière isolante, un culot en acier de forme sensiblement tubulaire qui comprend une partie supérieure et une partie inférieure, et qui entoure la pièce de matière isolante sur une portion sa longueur de façon à ce que la partie inférieure de la pièce de matière isolante dépasse de la partie inférieure du culot.The invention relates to radiofrequency plasma candles. The invention more particularly relates to candles called radiofrequency plasma for equipping combustion chambers of internal combustion engines and which comprise a central electrode of cylindrical form made of a conductive type material, which comprises an upper end and an end. lower part arranged in the combustion chamber, a substantially tubular shaped part, made of an electrically insulating material, which comprises an upper part and a lower part, and which surrounds the central electrode over a portion of its length so as to the lower end of the central electrode protrudes from the lower part of the insulating material part, a substantially tubular steel base which comprises an upper part and a lower part, and which surrounds the piece of insulating material on a portion of its length so that the lower part re of the piece of insulating material protrudes from the bottom of the base.

Les termes supérieur et inférieur sont utilisés afin de désigner des côtés opposés de la bougie. Par extrémité inférieure, on entend le côté de la bougie destiné à être disposé dans la chambre à combustion. D'autres termes peuvent se substituer tels que gauche/droite ou tête de bougie pour désigner ledit côté de la bougie.The upper and lower terms are used to designate opposite sides of the candle. By lower end is meant the side of the candle to be arranged in the combustion chamber. Other terms may substitute such as left / right or candle head to designate said side of the candle.

Etat de la technique antérieureState of the art

Afin de réduire les émissions polluantes, notamment des véhicules automobiles, il est connu d'utiliser des mélanges pauvres, c'est-à-dire des mélanges gazeux avec un excès d'air par rapport à la quantité de carburant. L'allumage en présence d'un mélange gazeux pauvre en carburant est difficile à maîtriser. Afin d'augmenter la probabilité d'avoir un allumage réussi, deux solutions se présentent qui sont d'une part, d'avoir, autour de la bougie, des mélanges plus riches en carburant lorsque l'étincelle se produit, ou d'autre part d'augmenter l'étendue des étincelles depuis la bougie. De nouvelles bougies ont ainsi été développées afin de produire des étincelles de taille importante à partir de différences de potentiel réduites.In order to reduce pollutant emissions, especially motor vehicles, it is known to use poor mixtures, that is to say gaseous mixtures with an excess of air with respect to the amount of fuel. Ignition in the presence of a gas mixture low in fuel is difficult to control. In order to increase the probability of having a successful ignition, two solutions arise that are, on the one hand, to have, around the candle, more fuel-rich mixtures when the spark occurs, or other to increase the extent of sparks from the candle. New candles have been developed to produce large sparks from reduced potential differences.

Les bougies à plasma radiofréquence, telles que rappelé dans le préambule de l'invention, font partie de ces nouvelles bougies en constituant des systèmes d'allumage multi-étincelles à haute fréquence capables d'assurer l'allumage des moteurs à allumage commandé alimentés avec des mélanges gazeux pauvres.Radiofrequency plasma spark plugs, as recalled in the preamble of the invention, are part of these new spark plugs by constituting high-frequency multi-spark ignition systems capable of ensuring the ignition of spark ignition engines powered with poor gas mixtures.

Dans de telles bougies, le culot possède une partie filetée en extrémité inférieure du côté de l'électrode, qui permet le vissage de la bougie dans le trou fileté de la culasse.In such candles, the base has a threaded portion at the lower end of the electrode side, which allows the screwing of the candle in the threaded hole of the cylinder head.

De telles bougies appelées aussi bougies multi-étincelles à plasma ramifié permettent la propagation d'un plasma dans un volume distant de la surface de l'isolant. La création d'étincelles tend alors à se générer entre une électrode centrale et la chambre à combustion, en contact avec la seconde électrode qui est le culot de la bougie. Dans de telles bougies, la chambre à combustion est alors considérée du point de vue fonctionnel, comme la deuxième électrode du système d'allumage. Les deux électrodes sont séparées par un isolant représenté par une pièce tubulaire de matière isolante, de préférence de la céramique, qui entoure l'électrode centrale sur une portion de sa surface externe.Such candles also called multi-spark plasma branched candles allow the propagation of a plasma in a volume remote from the surface of the insulation. The creation of sparks then tends to be generated between a central electrode and the combustion chamber, in contact with the second electrode which is the base of the candle. In such candles, the combustion chamber is then considered from the functional point of view, as the second electrode of the ignition system. The two electrodes are separated by an insulator represented by a tubular piece of insulating material, preferably ceramic, which surrounds the central electrode on a portion of its outer surface.

La publication FR2878086 présente ce type de bougie, où la pièce isolante entre les électrodes possède un épaulement annulaire occultant toute la surface torique à l'extrémité du culot tout en laissant libre l'extrémité de l'électrode centrale. Cette configuration a pour but de réduire les risques de création de décharges électriques qui partent du culot et se propagent le long de la pièce isolante en suivant l'axe de l'électrode centrale. Ce mode d'obtention des décharges n'est en effet pas désiré car il diminue l'efficacité de la bougie. Des variantes de réalisation permettent de réduire les renforcements du champ électrique en supprimant notamment les angles droits sur ledit épaulement à l'origine d'arcs électriques entre la pièce isolante et le culot, nuisibles à l'efficacité de la bougie.The publication FR2878086 presents this type of candle, where the insulating part between the electrodes has an annular shoulder obscuring the entire toric surface at the end of the base while leaving free the end of the central electrode. This configuration is intended to reduce the risk of creating electrical discharges from the base and propagate along the insulating part along the axis of the central electrode. This mode of obtaining discharges is indeed not desired because it decreases the efficiency of the candle. Alternative embodiments make it possible to reduce the reinforcements of the electric field by eliminating, in particular, the right angles on said shoulder at the origin of electric arcs between the insulating part and the base, which are detrimental to the efficiency of the spark plug.

Cette architecture amène des contraintes de fabrication et des contraintes de montage, il faut par exemple monter la pièce de matière isolante dans le culot en sens inverse du fait de l'épaulement en extrémité de la pièce isolante.This architecture leads to manufacturing constraints and mounting constraints, it is necessary for example to mount the piece of insulating material in the base in the opposite direction due to the shoulder at the end of the insulating part.

Dans la publication FR2881281 , il est décrit une bougie à génération de plasma de type précité dont la surface de l'isolateur en regard des deux électrodes est métallisée. FR 2881281 décrit le préambule des revendications 1 et 9.In the publication FR2881281 , it is described a plasma-generating candle of the aforementioned type, the surface of the insulator facing the two electrodes is metallized. FR 2881281 describes the preamble of claims 1 and 9.

La métallisation de l'isolateur réduit les risques de claquage électrique entre les surfaces en regard de l'isolateur et des électrodes. En effet, du fait du contact entre les électrodes et la surface métallisée de l'isolateur, les deux surfaces en regard sont au même potentiel, ce qui empêche la création d'étincelles dans cette zone. Des problèmes apparaissent cependant en bordure de la zone de métallisation sur l'isolateur en regard du culot. Comme il est difficile de contrôler l'arrêt de la métallisation juste au niveau de l'extrémité inférieure du culot, deux configurations apparaissent qui engendrent l'une et l'autre des risques de claquage électriques entraînant des étincelles de surface entre l'électrode centrale et le culot :

  • l'arrêt de métallisation dépasse l'extrémité inférieure du culot. Cet arrêt vif présente une « pointe » de renforcement du champ électrique et augmente les risques de produire des claquages sur la surface de l'isolateur entre l'électrode centrale et le culot relié à la masse.
  • l'arrêt de métallisation est faite avant l'extrémité inférieure du culot. Cette configuration peut provoquer des décharges entre l'isolateur et le culot du fait de différences importantes de potentiel et entraîne le risque de production de claquage sur la surface de l'isolateur entre l'électrode centrale et le culot.
The metallization of the insulator reduces the risk of electrical breakdown between the surfaces facing the insulator and the electrodes. Indeed, because of the contact between the electrodes and the metallized surface of the insulator, the two facing surfaces are at the same potential, which prevents the creation of sparks in this area. Problems appear, however, on the border the metallization zone on the insulator facing the base. Since it is difficult to control the stopping of the metallization just at the lower end of the pellet, two configurations appear which generate both risks of electrical breakdown causing surface sparks between the central electrode and the pellet:
  • the metallization stop exceeds the lower end of the pellet. This sharp stop has a "tip" of strengthening the electric field and increases the risk of producing breakdowns on the surface of the insulator between the central electrode and the base connected to the ground.
  • the metallization stop is made before the lower end of the pellet. This configuration can cause discharges between the insulator and the base due to significant differences in potential and the risk of generation of breakdown on the surface of the insulator between the central electrode and the base.

Objet de l'inventionObject of the invention

L'invention a pour but de remédier à ces inconvénients. Pour y parvenir, l'invention présente une bougie multi-étincelles où l'extrémité du culot côté de la tête de bougie est mécaniquement liée avec la pièce isolante.The object of the invention is to remedy these drawbacks. To achieve this, the invention has a multi-spark plug where the end of the base side of the candle head is mechanically connected with the insulating part.

Exposé de l'inventionPresentation of the invention

L'invention concerne ainsi une bougie d'allumage destinée à équiper une chambre à combustion de moteur à combustion interne et qui comporte une électrode centrale de forme cylindrique constituée d'un matériau de type conducteur, qui comprend une extrémité supérieure et une extrémité inférieure, prévue pour être disposée dans la chambre à combustion, une pièce de forme sensiblement tubulaire, en une matière isolante électriquement qui comprend une partie supérieure et une partie inférieure, et qui entoure l'électrode centrale sur une portion de sa longueur de façon à ce que l'extrémité inférieure de l'électrode centrale dépasse de la partie inférieure de la pièce de matière isolante, un culot en matériau de type conducteur, de forme sensiblement tubulaire qui comprend une partie supérieure et une partie inférieure comportant un tronçon d'extrémité, et qui entoure la pièce de matière isolante sur une portion de sa longueur de façon à ce que la partie inférieure de la pièce de matière isolante dépasse de la partie inférieure du culot.The invention thus relates to a spark plug intended to equip an internal combustion engine combustion chamber and which comprises a central electrode of cylindrical shape made of a material of conductive type, which comprises an upper end and a lower end, intended to be arranged in the combustion chamber, a substantially tubular shaped part, made of an electrically insulating material which comprises an upper part and a lower part, and which surrounds the central electrode over a portion of its length so that the lower end of the central electrode protrudes from the lower part of the piece of insulating material, a substantially conductive material-type material base which comprises an upper part and a lower part having an end section, and which surrounds the piece of material insulation on a portion of its length so that the lower part of the piece of insulating material protrudes from the bottom of the base.

L'invention est caractérisée en ce que la pièce de matière isolante comporte une gorge annulaire sur sa périphérie extérieure, au niveau de l'extrémité inférieure du culot, et en ce que ladite pièce est métallisée sur toute sa surface extérieure depuis son extrémité supérieure jusqu'en bordure de la gorge et en ce que le tronçon d'extrémité inférieure du culot est disposé dans la gorge. Par tronçon d'extrémité du culot, on entend une partie dudit culot située en bordure et s'étendant sur quelques millimètres.The invention is characterized in that the piece of insulating material comprises an annular groove on its outer periphery, at the lower end of the base, and in that said part is metallized on its entire outer surface from its upper end to at the edge of the groove and in that the lower end portion of the base is disposed in the groove. By end section of the cap means a portion of said base located on the border and extending over a few millimeters.

La surface externe de la pièce isolante en regard avec le culot est métallisée afin d'assurer une continuité électrique entre la pièce isolante et le culot. Le but est d'empêcher la création de décharges électriques entre les deux surfaces en regard. Grâce à l'invention, le tronçon d'extrémité est disposé dans la gorge pour être ainsi inséré en partie de la pièce isolante, et est occulté par ce fait par rapport à l'extrémité inférieure de l'électrode centrale. Les problèmes liés à l'arrêt de métallisation de la pièce isolante à l'extrémité inférieure du culot sont d'autant réduits, voire supprimés.The outer surface of the insulating part facing the base is metallized to ensure electrical continuity between the insulating part and the base. The goal is to prevent the creation of electric shocks between the two opposite surfaces. Thanks to the invention, the end portion is disposed in the groove to be thus inserted in part of the insulating part, and is thus obscured with respect to the lower end of the central electrode. Problems related to metallization stoppage of the insulating part at the lower end of the base are reduced or even eliminated.

Selon une caractéristique de l'invention, la largeur et la profondeur de la gorge annulaire de la pièce isolante sont adaptées de sorte que la section libre du tronçon d'extrémité inférieure du culot soit contenue en totalité dans la gorge.According to one characteristic of the invention, the width and the depth of the annular groove of the insulating part are adapted so that the free section of the lower end portion of the cap is completely contained in the groove.

Les dimensions de la gorge sont définies pour que la section d'extrémité inférieure du culot soit enfouie dans la gorge. L'enfouissement de ladite section permet de garantir une bonne tenue mécanique de la bougie face au niveau de pression dans la chambre de combustion, d'autant plus qu'il est réalisé par déformation mécanique.The dimensions of the groove are defined so that the bottom end section of the cap is buried in the groove. The burial of said section makes it possible to guarantee good mechanical resistance of the spark plug to the pressure level in the combustion chamber, especially since it is produced by mechanical deformation.

Avantageusement, la gorge annulaire de la pièce de matière isolante contient du ciment isolant électriquement.Advantageously, the annular groove of the piece of insulating material contains electrically insulating cement.

Le ciment favorise les contacts entre l'extrémité du culot une fois déformée et la pièce isolante. Le but est d'assurer une bonne évacuation de la chaleur de la pièce isolante vers le culot et vers la culasse, et d'assurer également l'étanchéité de la bougie, tout en occultant l'extrémité du culot par rapport à l'électrode centrale.The cement promotes the contacts between the end of the base once deformed and the insulating part. The purpose is to ensure good heat dissipation of the insulating part to the base and to the cylinder head, and also to seal the candle, while concealing the end of the cap relative to the electrode Central.

Avantageusement, le tronçon d'extrémité inférieure du culot est d'épaisseur réduite.Advantageously, the lower end section of the base is of reduced thickness.

La section inférieure du tronçon d'extrémité est destinée à être noyée dans la gorge annulaire remplie de ciment. L'épaisseur réduite du tronçon facilite l'insertion, notamment par déformation, du tronçon et le noyage de la section d'extrémité dans la gorge annulaire.The lower section of the end section is intended to be embedded in the annular groove filled with cement. The reduced thickness of the section facilitates the insertion, in particular by deformation, of the section and the flooding of the end section in the annular groove.

Selon un mode préféré de réalisation de l'invention, le diamètre intérieur de la partie inférieure du culot est sensiblement égal au diamètre extérieur de la partie inférieure de la pièce de matière isolante.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner diameter of the lower portion of the base is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the lower part of the piece of insulating material.

Ces caractéristiques dimensionnelles facilitent le montage de la pièce isolante.These dimensional characteristics facilitate the mounting of the insulating part.

Avantageusement, la surface interne de la pièce isolante entourant l'électrode centrale est métallisée.Advantageously, the inner surface of the insulating part surrounding the central electrode is metallized.

La surface interne de la pièce isolante métallisée et l'électrode centrale sont en contact et sont donc au même potentiel.The inner surface of the metallized insulating piece and the central electrode are in contact and are therefore at the same potential.

Avantageusement, la pièce isolante est de type mono-corps et comporte deux alésages centraux de diamètres différents, le premier pour le positionnement d'une bobine d'inductance, et le second pour le positionnement de l'électrode centrale.Advantageously, the insulating part is of single-body type and comprises two central bores of different diameters, the first for the positioning of an inductance coil, and the second for the positioning of the central electrode.

Le nombre de pièces constituant la bougie est réduit et leur montage est facilité.The number of parts constituting the candle is reduced and their assembly is facilitated.

Dans un mode de réalisation de la bougie selon l'invention qui n'est pas limitatif, le culot comporte un premier alésage en partie supérieure et un deuxième alésage en partie inférieure, coaxiaux et de diamètres différents, et l'ensemble formé par la pièce de matière isolante et l'électrode centrale est emboité dans le culot par la partie supérieure du culot, et fixé dans le culot par collage, avec un dépôt de colle de préférence céramique, dans le fond du premier alésage de la partie supérieure du culot.In one embodiment of the candle according to the invention which is not limiting, the base comprises a first bore in the upper part and a second bore in the lower part, coaxial and of different diameters, and the assembly formed by the piece. of insulating material and the central electrode is fitted into the base by the upper portion of the base, and fixed in the base by gluing, with a preferably ceramic glue deposit, in the bottom of the first bore of the upper portion of the base.

Le culot comporte deux alésages de diamètres sensiblement différents, un premier alésage en partie supérieure de diamètre supérieur à celui du deuxième alésage en partie inférieure. Cette configuration permet un montage facile par emboîtement de la pièce isolante dans le / culot par la partie supérieure du culot. Le collage est effectué de préférence par un dépôt de colle dans le fond du premier alésage en partie supérieure du culot afin de garantir un collage étanche et homogène.The base comprises two bores of substantially different diameters, a first bore in the upper portion of diameter greater than that of the second bore in the lower part. This configuration allows easy mounting by interlocking the insulating part in the / base by the upper part of the base. Gluing is preferably performed by a glue deposit in the bottom of the first bore in the upper portion of the base to ensure a tight and homogeneous bonding.

Le mode de fabrication de la bougie selon l'invention comporte une étape de remplissage de la gorge annulaire avec du ciment de préférence de type céramique, suivie d'une étape de déformation mécanique du tronçon d'extrémité inférieure du culot vers le fond de la gorge.The method of manufacture of the candle according to the invention comprises a step of filling the annular groove with preferably ceramic cement, followed by a step of mechanical deformation of the lower end section of the base towards the bottom of the throat.

La gorge annulaire est remplie de ciment, puis le tronçon d'extrémité est déformé vers le fond de la gorge, ce qui assure un bon contact entre le ciment et le tronçon d'extrémité du culot.The annular groove is filled with cement, then the end portion is deformed towards the bottom of the groove, which ensures good contact between the cement and the end portion of the base.

Avantageusement, le procédé de fabrication de l'invention comporte une étape de rectification de la surface de ciment de la gorge annulaire de la pièce isolante, après séchage du ciment, pour éviter tout débordement de matière.Advantageously, the manufacturing method of the invention comprises a step of grinding the cement surface of the annular groove of the insulating part, after drying the cement, to avoid any overflow of material.

La section d'extrémité inférieure du culot est coulée dans la gorge remplie de ciment céramique. Après séchage du ciment, la surface de ciment au niveau de la gorge est rectifiée afin de supprimer tout angle vif et obstacle et de réduire les risques de propagation d'arc électrique sur la surface d'extrémité inférieure de la pièce isolante.The bottom end section of the pellet is poured into the groove filled with ceramic cement. After drying the cement, the cement surface at the throat is ground to remove any sharp angles and obstacles and to reduce the risk of arcing on the lower end surface of the insulating part.

Avantageusement, une bobine d'induction conique comportant une partie supérieure et une partie inférieure avec une douille à ressort en son extrémité inférieure est insérée dans l'alésage central en partie supérieure de la pièce isolante.Advantageously, a conical induction coil comprising an upper part and a lower part with a spring bushing at its lower end is inserted into the central bore in the upper part of the insulating part.

L'alésage conique en partie supérieure de la pièce isolante est adapté à accueillir la bobine d'induction, ce qui rend le montage simple, tout en réduisant l'encombrement du dispositif.The conical bore in the upper part of the insulating part is adapted to accommodate the induction coil, which makes mounting simple, while reducing the size of the device.

Avantageusement, la bobine d'induction conique est fixée à la pièce isolante par un collage sur sa surface extérieure périphérique.Advantageously, the conical induction coil is fixed to the insulating part by bonding on its peripheral outer surface.

La bobine d'induction conique étant introduite dans l'alésage conique en partie supérieure de la pièce isolante, la colle sur la surface périphérique de la bobine permet d'assurer un contact sans vide entre la bobine et la pièce isolante grâce à la conicité de l'assemblage, tout en assurant la fixation de ladite bobine vis-à-vis de la pièce isolante.The conical induction coil being introduced into the conical bore in the upper part of the insulating part, the adhesive on the peripheral surface of the coil makes it possible to ensure a contact without vacuum between the coil and the insulating part thanks to the conicity of the the assembly, while ensuring the fixing of said coil vis-à-vis the insulating part.

Avantageusement, la douille à ressort est enclenchée sur l'extrémité supérieure de l'électrode centrale, en fin de coulissement de la bobine dans l'alésage central de la pièce isolante.Advantageously, the spring bushing is engaged on the upper end of the central electrode, at the end of sliding of the coil in the central bore of the insulating part.

La douille est adaptée pour être connectée à l'extrémité supérieure de l'électrode centrale, ce qui simplifie le montage de l'ensemble.The socket is adapted to be connected to the upper end of the central electrode, which simplifies assembly of the assembly.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaitront mieux dans la description détaillée qui suit et se réfère aux dessins en annexe, donnés uniquement à titre d'exemple pour illustrer un mode préféré de réalisation de cette invention.Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description which follows and refers to the accompanying drawings, given by way of example only to illustrate a preferred embodiment of this invention.

Description des dessinsDescription of the drawings

  • La figure 1 représente de manière schématique une vue de coupe d'une pièce isolante et d'une électrode centrale d'une bougie selon la présente invention.The figure 1 schematically represents a sectional view of an insulating part and a central electrode of a candle according to the present invention.
  • Les figures 2 et 3 représentent de manière schématique une vue de coupe de la mise en place de la pièce isolante dans un culot de bougie.The Figures 2 and 3 schematically represent a sectional view of the establishment of the insulating part in a candle cap.
  • La figure 4 représente de manière schématique une vue de coupe de l'étape de déformation de l'extrémité du culot.The figure 4 schematically shows a sectional view of the deformation step of the end of the pellet.
  • La figure 5 représente de manière schématique une vue de coupe de la bougie lors de la connexion d'une bobine d'induction.The figure 5 schematically shows a sectional view of the spark plug when connecting an induction coil.
  • La figure 6 représente de manière schématique une vue de coupe de la bougie assemblée.The figure 6 schematically represents a sectional view of the assembled candle.
  • Les figures 7 et 8 représentent de manière schématique une vue de coupe de la bougie plasma multi-étincelles selon l'invention lors de l'étape de connexion dans la culasse.The Figures 7 and 8 schematically represent a sectional view of the multi-spark plasma candle according to the invention during the connection step in the cylinder head.
Exposé d'un mode de réalisation de l'inventionPresentation of an embodiment of the invention

Selon l'invention, en référence à la figure 1, une électrode 10 de forme sensiblement cylindrique en matériau conducteur, et comprenant une extrémité supérieure 18 et une extrémité inférieure 17 prévue pour être en contact avec le mélange gazeux, est maintenue par tout moyen (brasure, collage, frittage...) assurant un contact serré, dans un alésage d'une pièce isolante 11 de façon à ce que l'extrémité inférieure 17 de l'électrode dépasse de la pièce 11.According to the invention, with reference to the figure 1 , an electrode 10 of substantially cylindrical form of conductive material, and comprising an upper end 18 and a lower end 17 intended to be in contact with the gaseous mixture, is maintained by any means (brazing, bonding, sintering, etc.) ensuring a contact, in a bore of an insulating part 11 so that the lower end 17 of the electrode protrudes from the part 11.

La pièce isolante 11 est de type mono-corps et comporte deux tronçons en extrémité 33 et 35 de forme sensiblement tubulaire et de diamètres extérieurs différents et un troisième tronçon 34 faisant la liaison entre les deux tronçons 33 et 35. Le premier tronçon 35 entoure l'électrode centrale 10 sur une portion de sa surface externe, et possède une gorge annulaire 19 proche de l'extrémité inférieure 17 de l'électrode centrale 10. Le second tronçon 33 de diamètre extérieur sensiblement plus grand comporte un alésage intérieur 22 légèrement conique. Le diamètre moyen de cet alésage est sensiblement plus important que le diamètre externe de l'électrode 10 centrale. L'alésage intérieur est réalisé de telle sorte que l'extrémité supérieure 18 de l'électrode centrale 10 débouche dans cet alésage.The insulating part 11 is of single-body type and comprises two end sections 33 and 35 of substantially tubular shape and of different outside diameters and a third section 34 making the connection between the two sections 33 and 35. The first section 35 surrounds the central electrode 10 on a portion of its outer surface, and has an annular groove 19 near the lower end 17 of the central electrode 10. The second section 33 of substantially larger outside diameter comprises an inner bore 22 slightly conical. The average diameter of this bore is substantially larger than the outer diameter of the central electrode. The inner bore is made such that the upper end 18 of the central electrode 10 opens into this bore.

Toute la surface extérieure des tronçons 33 et 34 de la pièce isolante 11 est recouverte d'une couche de matière métallique. La surface extérieure du tronçon 35 étant métallisée depuis sa jonction avec le tronçon 34 jusqu'au bord de la gorge annulaire 19, une métallisation d'une partie de la gorge est tolérée car sans conséquence sur le fonctionnement de la bougie.The entire outer surface of the sections 33 and 34 of the insulating part 11 is covered with a layer of metallic material. The outer surface of the section 35 being metallized from its junction with the section 34 to the edge of the annular groove 19, a metallization of a portion of the groove is tolerated because it has no effect on the operation of the spark plug.

Avantageusement, la surface intérieure 32 de la pièce isolante 11 entourant l'électrode centrale, tel que représenté en figures 2 et 3, peut être recouverte d'une couche de matière métallique.Advantageously, the inner surface 32 of the insulating part 11 surrounding the central electrode, as represented in FIG. Figures 2 and 3 may be covered with a layer of metallic material.

La pièce isolante 11 est emboitée dans une enveloppe en matériau métallique tel que l'acier qui comporte deux alésages de diamètres différents pour entourer les tronçons 33 à 35 de la pièce isolante.The insulating part 11 is engaged in an envelope of metallic material such as steel which has two bores of different diameters to surround the sections 33 to 35 of the insulating part.

Cette enveloppe en acier est le culot 12 de la bougie et comporte deux tronçons 36 et 37 de diamètres extérieurs sensiblement différents, séparés par une gorge 30. Le tronçon 36 présente un diamètre extérieur supérieur à celui du tronçon 37. La surface extérieure 29 du tronçon 37, excepté le tronçon d'extrémité 14, est filetée. Ce dernier comporte un tronçon d'extrémité inférieure 14 d'épaisseur plus faible, tel qu'il sera expliqué ultérieurement.This steel casing is the base 12 of the plug and has two sections 36 and 37 of substantially different outer diameters, separated by a groove 30. The section 36 has an outside diameter greater than that of the section 37. The outer surface 29 of the section 37, except the end section 14, is threaded. The latter comprises a lower end section 14 of smaller thickness, as will be explained later.

Le montage de l'isolant 11 et de l'électrode 10 dans le culot 12 est illustré dans la figure 2. Un sous-ensemble formé de la pièce isolante 11 et de l'électrode 10 est introduit par l'extrémité libre du tronçon 36 du culot 12 et poussé dans un alésage 20 vers l'extrémité intérieure du tronçon 36, le fond de cet alésage reprend la forme en biseau du tronçon de liaison 34 de la pièce isolante 11. Une couche de colle 25 est disposée de façon préférentielle sur le fond 24 de cet alésage afin d'assurer la fixation de la pièce isolante 11 avec le culot 12. Le dépôt de colle sur le fond du premier alésage 20 du culot garantit un collage étanche et homogène. Après assemblage, la bougie 1 présente la structure illustrée en figure 3 où le tronçon d'extrémité inférieure 14 du culot 12 est disposé au niveau de la gorge annulaire 26.The mounting of the insulator 11 and the electrode 10 in the base 12 is illustrated in FIG. figure 2 . A subset formed of the insulating part 11 and the electrode 10 is introduced through the free end of the section 36 of the base 12 and pushed into a bore 20 towards the inner end of the section 36, the bottom of this bore resumes. the beveled shape of the connection section 34 of the insulating part 11. A layer 25 of adhesive is preferably disposed on the bottom 24 of this bore to ensure the attachment of the insulating part 11 with the base 12. The deposit glue on the bottom of the first bore 20 of the base guarantees a tight and homogeneous bonding. After assembly, the candle 1 has the structure illustrated in figure 3 where the lower end section 14 of the base 12 is disposed at the annular groove 26.

Par ailleurs, en référence à la figure 4, la gorge annulaire 19 est préalablement remplie de ciment céramique 26 non durci.Moreover, with reference to the figure 4 the annular groove 19 is previously filled with uncured ceramic cement 26.

Selon un aspect important de l'invention, la largeur et la profondeur de la gorge annulaire 19 de la pièce isolante sont adaptées pour recevoir la section d'extrémité du tronçon 14 du culot 12 dans sa totalité. Le tronçon d'extrémité inférieure 14 du culot 12, ayant une section réduite, est ensuite déformé mécaniquement vers le fond de la gorge 19, de préférence par sertissage à chaud ou à froid, ce qui assure une bonne tenue mécanique du sous-ensemble formé du culot 12 et de la pièce isolante 11.According to an important aspect of the invention, the width and the depth of the annular groove 19 of the insulating part are adapted to receive the end section of the section 14 of the base 12 in its entirety. The bottom end section 14 of the base 12, having a reduced section, is then mechanically deformed towards the bottom of the groove 19, preferably by hot or cold crimping, which ensures a good mechanical strength of the subset formed of the base 12 and the insulating part 11.

Les dimensions de la gorge sont adaptées afin que la section d'extrémité du tronçon 14 du culot soit complètement coulée dans le ciment de la gorge après déformation, de telle sorte qu'aucune partie de la section d'extrémité du tronçon 14 ne reste en surface extérieure de la pièce isolante 11 afin de réduire les risques d'arcs électriques. Par section d'extrémité, on entend la surface axiale d'extrémité du tronçon. L'excès de ciment céramique 26 qui en découle suite à cette opération est enlevé. La surface de la gorge 19, remplie avec le ciment céramique est rectifiée après la prise du ciment.The dimensions of the groove are adapted so that the end section of the portion 14 of the base is completely cast in the cement of the groove after deformation, so that no part of the end section of the section 14 remains in position. outer surface of the insulating part 11 to reduce the risk of arcing. By end section is meant the axial end surface of the section. The excess ceramic cement 26 which results from this operation is removed. The surface of the groove 19 filled with the ceramic cement is ground after the setting of the cement.

Le ciment céramique 26 assure ainsi un très bon contact entre la pièce isolante 11 et le culot 12 et aussi l'évacuation de la chaleur de la pièce isolante 11 vers le culot 12. Le ciment céramique 26 assure également l'étanchéité de la bougie 1 ainsi constituée.The ceramic cement 26 thus ensures a very good contact between the insulating part 11 and the base 12 and also the evacuation of the heat from the insulating part 11 towards the base 12. The ceramic cement 26 also seals the spark plug 1 thus constituted.

La bougie selon l'invention comporte une extrémité inférieure où l'électrode centrale dépasse de la pièce isolante 11, cette dernière ayant des contacts serrés avec l'électrode centrale et le culot, qui assure aussi la fixation de la bougie dans la culasse. La section d'extrémité inférieure du culot est noyée dans la gorge définie dans la pièce isolante. Un ciment, de préférence céramique, recouvre la gorge et assure un excellent contact entre la pièce isolante et le tronçon inférieur du culot.The spark plug according to the invention comprises a lower end where the central electrode protrudes from the insulating part 11, the latter having close contacts with the central electrode and the base, which also ensures the attachment of the spark plug in the cylinder head. The lower end section of the base is embedded in the groove defined in the insulating part. A cement, preferably ceramic, covers the groove and provides excellent contact between the insulating part and the lower section of the base.

Cette configuration réduit très fortement les risques, consécutifs à l'arrêt de métallisation de la surface externe de la pièce isolante en regard avec le culot, de claquages entre la pièce isolante et le culot et de production de décharges sur la surface de l'isolateur entre l'électrode centrale et le culot.This configuration greatly reduces the risks, due to the metallization stopping of the outer surface of the insulating part facing the base, breakdowns between the insulating part and the base and the production of discharges on the surface of the insulator. between the center electrode and the base.

Cette configuration assure également une bonne résistance mécanique de l'extrémité inférieure de la bougie, ou tête de bougie, destinée à être disposée dans la chambre à combustion, face aux fortes pressions, qui peuvent être supérieures à 100 bars.This configuration also ensures good mechanical strength of the lower end of the candle, or candle head, intended to be disposed in the combustion chamber, facing high pressures, which may be greater than 100 bar.

Cette configuration assure également un bon transfert de chaleur de l'électrode vers la pièce isolante, puis vers le culot et la culasse.This configuration also ensures a good heat transfer from the electrode to the insulating part, then to the base and the cylinder head.

Le montage et l'assemblage du reste de la bougie sont décrits (à titre d'exemple) aux figures 5 à 8, selon un mode préféré de réalisation.The assembly and assembly of the rest of the candle are described (for example) in Figures 5 to 8 according to a preferred embodiment.

En référence à la figure 5, une bobine 15 est enroulée sur un mandrin conique ayant sensiblement le même angle que l'alésage 22 du second tronçon 33 de la pièce isolante, environ 1 à 2 °, et qui est conformé pour assurer un contact sans jeu avec la pièce isolante 11. Cette bobine 15 est ainsi introduite dans l'alésage 22. Elle comporte avantageusement une douille à ressort 16 disposée à l'avant de la bobine selon le sens d'introduction de ladite bobine, le diamètre intérieur de la douille étant adapté au diamètre de l'extrémité supérieure 18 de l'électrode centrale, et la douille étant connectée électriquement à la bobine.With reference to the figure 5 a coil 15 is wound on a conical mandrel having substantially the same angle as the bore 22 of the second section 33 of the insulating part, approximately 1 to 2 °, and which is shaped to ensure a play free contact with the insulating part 11 This coil 15 is thus introduced into the bore 22. It advantageously comprises a spring bushing 16 arranged at the front of the coil in the insertion direction of said coil, the inner diameter of the sleeve being adapted to the diameter of the upper end 18 of the central electrode, and the sleeve being electrically connected to the coil.

Selon une mise en oeuvre de l'invention, la paroi 28 de l'alésage 22 dans le second tronçon 33 de la pièce isolante est recouverte de colle, de préférence une résine d'imprégnation, permettant de fixer la bobine inductive 15 à la pièce isolante 11, sans jeu entre la bobine 15 et la pièce isolante 11. Ainsi, en fin de coulissement de la bobine 15 dans l'alésage 22, la douille se connecte mécaniquement à l'extrémité supérieure 18 de l'électrode centrale 10, assurant ainsi la liaison électrique entre l'électrode 10 et la bobine 15. En variante, la colle peut être disposée sur la bobine, ou sur les deux pièces à coller.According to one embodiment of the invention, the wall 28 of the bore 22 in the second section 33 of the insulating part is covered with adhesive, preferably an impregnating resin, for fixing the inductive coil 15 to the workpiece insulating 11, without clearance between the coil 15 and the insulating part 11. Thus, at the end of sliding of the coil 15 in the bore 22, the sleeve is connected mechanically to the upper end 18 of the central electrode 10, ensuring and the electrical connection between the electrode 10 and the coil 15. Alternatively, the adhesive may be disposed on the coil, or on the two parts to be bonded.

La bougie assemblée est illustrée par la figure 6.The assembled candle is illustrated by the figure 6 .

Les figures 7 et 8 illustrent le positionnement de ladite bougie 1 dans une culasse 13. Un joint d'étanchéité 31, de préférence métallique, est mis en place dans la gorge 30 du culot 12 pour assurer l'étanchéité de l'assemblage. La culasse 13 possède un alésage 42 en partie supérieure et un alésage 43 en partie inférieure, débouchant dans la chambre à combustion, avec des diamètres différents. L'alésage en partie inférieure est fileté et destiné à accueillir la partie inférieure 37 filetée du culot. La bougie 1 est vissée dans l'alésage 43 de la culasse 13, jusqu'à ce le joint torique 31 vienne en appui sur le fond de l'alésage supérieur 42. La bougie est ainsi fixée dans la culasse 13 avec l'extrémité inférieure 17 de l'électrode 10 dans la chambre à combustion, en contact avec les mélanges gazeux.The Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the positioning of said spark plug 1 in a cylinder head 13. A seal 31, preferably metal, is placed in the groove 30 of the base 12 to seal the assembly. The yoke 13 has a bore 42 in the upper part and a bore 43 in the lower part, opening into the combustion chamber, with different diameters. The bore in the lower part is threaded and intended to accommodate the bottom portion 37 threaded base. The spark plug 1 is screwed into the bore 43 of the cylinder head 13, until the O-ring 31 bears against the bottom of the upper bore 42. The spark plug is thus fixed in the cylinder head 13 with the lower end. 17 of the electrode 10 in the combustion chamber, in contact with the gas mixtures.

Le diamètre extérieur du tronçon inférieur 35 de la pièce isolante 11 est inférieur au diamètre intérieur du culot 12, ce qui permet un montage d'une pièce isolante de type mono-corps. Ce montage est simple par emboîtement et fixation par collage.The outer diameter of the lower section 35 of the insulating part 11 is smaller than the inside diameter of the base 12, which allows a mounting of a single-body type insulating part. This assembly is simple by interlocking and fixing by gluing.

L'invention n'est pas limitée aux différents modes de réalisation décrits ci-dessus.The invention is not limited to the various embodiments described above.

L'invention peut être adaptée sur des bougies dont la pièce isolante n'est pas de type mono-corps.The invention can be adapted to candles whose insulating part is not of single-body type.

Le matériau isolant de la pièce isolante est préférentiellement une céramique présentant une tension de claquage supérieure à 20KV/mm.The insulating material of the insulating part is preferably a ceramic having a breakdown voltage greater than 20 KV / mm.

La métallisation des surfaces externes et internes de la pièce isolante se fait par tout procédé de métallisation, par exemple par application de couches métalliques, à base d'argent ou d'alliages métalliques, par pinceau ou projection et séchage, puis passage de la pièce isolante dans un four à atmosphère réductrice.The metallization of the external and internal surfaces of the insulating part is done by any metallization process, for example by application of metal layers, based on silver or metal alloys, by brush or spray and drying, and then through the workpiece. insulation in a reducing atmosphere furnace.

La métallisation des surfaces externes de la pièce isolante peut être appliquée seulement sur les tronçons 34 et 35, entourant l'électrode centrale 10. La surface extérieure du second tronçon 33 de la pièce isolante peut être entourée par une enveloppe de matériau conducteur de préférence à base de cuivre ou d'argent ou d'aluminium ou d'or.The metallization of the external surfaces of the insulating part may be applied only to the sections 34 and 35, surrounding the central electrode 10. The outer surface of the second section 33 of the insulating part may be surrounded by an envelope of conductive material preferably base of copper or silver or aluminum or gold.

Le ciment céramique peut être un produit à base de poudre d'alumine.The ceramic cement may be a product based on alumina powder.

Par ailleurs, l'extrémité inférieure de l'électrode centrale disposée dans la chambre à combustion peut être de forme différente.Furthermore, the lower end of the central electrode disposed in the combustion chamber may be of different shape.

Claims (14)

  1. Spark plug intended to be fitted in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine and which comprises:
    - a central electrode (10) of cylindrical shape consisting of a conductive material, which includes an upper end (18) and a lower end (17), intended to be arranged in the combustion chamber,
    - a component (11) substantially tubular in shape, made of an electrically insulating material which includes an upper part (33) and a lower part (35), and which surrounds the central electrode (10) over a portion of its length so that the lower end (17) of the central electrode extends beyond the lower part of the insulating material component,
    - a shell (12) made of conductive material, substantially tubular in shape which includes an upper part (36) and a lower part (37) comprising an end segment (14), and which surrounds the insulating material component over a portion of its length so that the lower part of the insulating material component (11) extends beyond the lower part of the shell,
    characterized in that the insulating material component (11) comprises an annular groove (19), on its outer periphery, at the lower end of the shell, in that the insulating material component (11) is covered with a layer of metalized material over its entire outer surface from its upper end up to the edge of the groove (19), and in that the lower end segment (14) of the shell (12) is arranged in the groove (19).
  2. Spark plug according to Claim 1, characterized in that the lower end segment (14) of the shell (12) is arranged in the groove (19) by mechanical deformation.
  3. Spark plug according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the width and depth of the annular groove (19) of the insulating component (11) are adapted so that the free section of the lower end segment (14) of the shell (12) is entirely contained in the groove (19).
  4. Spark plug according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the annular groove (19) of the insulating material component contains electrically insulating cement (26).
  5. Spark plug according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower end segment (14) of the shell (12) is of reduced thickness.
  6. Spark plug according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner diameter of the lower part (37) of the shell is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the lower part (35) of the insulating material component (11).
  7. Spark plug according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner surface of the insulating component facing the central electrode is metalized.
  8. Spark plug according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insulating component (11) is of a single-body type and comprises two central bores of different diameters, the first for positioning an inductance coil, and the second for positioning the central electrode.
  9. Method of manufacturing a spark plug comprising:
    - a central electrode (10), consisting of a conductive material, of cylindrical shape consisting of a conductive material, which includes an upper end (18) and a lower end (17),
    - a component (11) substantially tubular in shape, made of an electrically insulating material, which includes an upper part (33) and a lower part (35), which surrounds the central electrode (10) over a portion of its length so that the lower end (17) of the central electrode extends beyond the lower part of the insulating material component, and which comprises an annular groove (19) on the outer periphery of its lower part,
    - a shell (12) made of conductive material, substantially tubular in shape which includes an upper part (36) and a lower part (37) comprising an end segment (14), and which surrounds the insulating material component over a portion of its length so that the lower part of the insulating material component (11) extends beyond the lower part of the shell,
    characterized in that:
    - the shell comprises a first bore in the upper part (36) and a second bore in the lower part (37), which are coaxial and of different diameters,
    - the outer surface of the insulating component is covered with a metal layer from its upper part (33) up to the edge of the annular groove (19),
    - the unit formed by the insulating component (11) and the central electrode (10) is fitted into the shell (12) via the upper end of the shell, and is attached in the shell (12) by bonding, with a deposit of preferably ceramic adhesive, in the bottom of the first bore of the upper part (36) of the shell (12),
    - the lower end segment (14) of the shell (12) is mechanically deformed in the groove (19).
  10. Method of manufacturing a spark plug according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a step of filling the annular groove with preferably ceramic cement.
  11. Method of manufacturing a spark plug according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises a step of grinding the cement surface of the annular groove (19) of the insulating component, after the cement has dried, for preventing any overlap of material.
  12. Method of manufacturing a spark plug according to one of Claims 9 to 11, characterized in that a conical induction coil (15) comprising an upper part and a lower part with a spring socket (16) at its lower end is inserted into the conical central bore (22) in the upper part of the insulating component (11).
  13. Method of manufacturing a spark plug according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the conical induction coil (15) is attached to the insulating component by bonding on its outer peripheral surface.
  14. Method of manufacturing a spark plug according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the spring socket (16) is engaged on the upper end of the central electrode (10), at the end of sliding of the coil in the central bore (22) of the insulating component (11).
EP11779805.8A 2010-10-12 2011-10-06 Short-circuit prevention in an rf spark plug Not-in-force EP2628220B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1058282A FR2965984B1 (en) 2010-10-12 2010-10-12 PREVENTION AGAINST A SHORT CIRCUIT OF THE RF CANDLE
PCT/FR2011/052330 WO2012049403A1 (en) 2010-10-12 2011-10-06 Short-circuit prevention in an rf spark plug

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2628220A1 EP2628220A1 (en) 2013-08-21
EP2628220B1 true EP2628220B1 (en) 2015-03-25

Family

ID=43977961

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP11779805.8A Not-in-force EP2628220B1 (en) 2010-10-12 2011-10-06 Short-circuit prevention in an rf spark plug

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US9065256B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2628220B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5902182B2 (en)
CN (1) CN103250311B (en)
FR (1) FR2965984B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2012049403A1 (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2964803B1 (en) * 2010-09-10 2012-08-31 Renault Sa IGNITION CANDLE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
US9088136B2 (en) 2012-03-23 2015-07-21 Federal-Mogul Ignition Company Corona ignition device with improved electrical performance
US10056738B2 (en) 2012-03-23 2018-08-21 Federal-Mogul Llc Corona ignition device with improved electrical performance
US10056737B2 (en) 2012-03-23 2018-08-21 Federal-Mogul Llc Corona ignition device and assembly method
EP2992578B1 (en) 2013-05-03 2017-10-25 Federal-Mogul Ignition Company Corona ignition with hermetic combustion seal
DE102013226667B4 (en) 2013-12-19 2018-03-01 Robert Bosch Gmbh Spark plug with seal made of a non-conductive material
KR20180042345A (en) * 2015-08-20 2018-04-25 페더럴-모걸 엘엘씨 Corona ignition device and assembly method
US10211605B2 (en) 2016-01-22 2019-02-19 Tenneco Inc. Corona igniter with hermetic combustion seal on insulator inner diameter
KR20190039228A (en) * 2016-08-18 2019-04-10 테네코 인코퍼레이티드 Corona ignition device and assembly method
US10578073B2 (en) 2017-04-11 2020-03-03 Tenneco Inc. Igniter assembly, insulator therefor and methods of construction thereof
JP6666371B2 (en) * 2017-10-11 2020-03-13 日本特殊陶業株式会社 Spark plug
US10879677B2 (en) 2018-01-04 2020-12-29 Tenneco Inc. Shaped collet for electrical stress grading in corona ignition systems
JP6678199B2 (en) * 2018-05-23 2020-04-08 日本特殊陶業株式会社 Spark plug

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US2989660A (en) * 1953-09-29 1961-06-20 Bendix Corp Electrical apparatus
FR2796767B1 (en) * 1999-07-21 2001-08-31 Renault SURFACE CANDLE
FR2816119B1 (en) * 2000-10-27 2003-02-21 Renault RADIAL SPARKLE SURFACE CANDLE
FR2878086B1 (en) * 2004-11-16 2007-03-09 Renault Sas PLASMA RADIOFREQUENCY CANDLE
FR2881281B1 (en) 2005-01-26 2011-04-22 Renault Sas PLASMA GENERATION CANDLE
FR2892240B1 (en) * 2005-10-18 2010-10-22 Renault Sas IGNITION CANDLES FOR THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE
FR2893455B1 (en) * 2005-11-14 2007-12-14 Renault Sas IGNITION CANDLE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US9065256B2 (en) 2015-06-23
FR2965984B1 (en) 2012-10-12
FR2965984A1 (en) 2012-04-13
WO2012049403A1 (en) 2012-04-19
JP5902182B2 (en) 2016-04-13
US20130234581A1 (en) 2013-09-12
JP2013539903A (en) 2013-10-28
EP2628220A1 (en) 2013-08-21
CN103250311A (en) 2013-08-14
CN103250311B (en) 2015-02-18

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