СПОСОБ КОНТРОЛЯ ЕМКОСТНОГО АГРЕГАТА ЗАЖИГАНИЯ С ИНДУКЦИОННОЙ КАТУШКОЙ В СОСТАВЕ СИСТЕМЫ ЗАЖИГАНИЯ

Изобретение относится к технике розжига горючих смесей с помощью электрической искры, в частности к емкостным агрегатам зажигания, и может быть использовано для контроля технического состояния системы зажигания, установленной на двигатель, в перерывах между запусками двигателей летательных аппаратов, а также в процессе их запуска. Технический результат - повышение глубины контроля работоспособности агрегатов зажигания емкостных систем зажигания двигателей летательных аппаратов с целью обеспечения их эксплуатации по техническому состоянию и уменьшение затрат на обеспечение жизненного цикла двигателя на этапе эксплуатации. Способ контроля емкостного агрегата зажигания с индукционной катушкой в составе системы зажигания, заключающийся в том, что измеряют интервал времени между последовательно следующими импульсами разрядного тока накопительного конденсатора на свечу зажигания, одновременно с измерением интервала времени между последовательно следующими импульсами разрядного тока накопительного ...

Устройство управления двигателем внутреннего сгорания

Полезная модель относится к автомобильной электронике, в частности к системам зажигания, и может быть использована в устройствах управления двигателей внутреннего сгорания для определения аварийных состояний системы зажигания. Технический результат - повышение надежности работы двигателя внутреннего сгорания путем улучшения точности контроля поджога воздушно-топливной смеси в цилиндрах двигателя внутреннего сгорания при помощи измерения параметров высоковольтных импульсов, трансформируемых в первичные цепи катушек зажигания при протекании токов во вторичных цепях. Сущность предлагаемого устройства управления и контроля процесса формирования искрового разряда для поджога воздушно-топливной смеси в цилиндре двигателя внутреннего сгорания заключается в измерении длительности промежутка времени с момента запирания ключевых элементов до пробоя искрового промежутка свечи зажигания, и измерения длительности высоковольтных импульсов напряжения в первичных цепях катушек зажигания для обнаружения ...

УСТРОЙСТВО ИЗМЕРЕНИЯ В СИСТЕМЕ РАДИОЧАСТОТНОГО ЗАЖИГАНИЯ ДЛЯ ДВИГАТЕЛЯ ВНУТРЕННЕГО СГОРАНИЯ

Настоящее изобретение относится к устройству измерения, содержащему цепь (2) питания радиочастотного зажигания, содержащую трансформатор (Т), вторичная обмотка (L) которого соединена, по меньшей мере, с одним резонатором (1), имеющим резонансную частоту, превышающую 1 МГц, и содержащим два электрода (11, 12), выполненных с возможностью генерирования искры во время подачи команды на зажигание; измерительный конденсатор (Cmesure), последовательно подключенный между вторичной обмоткой и резонатором; схему (DIFF) измерения тока (lion) ионизации газов во время горения в цилиндре двигателя внутреннего сгорания, связанном с резонатором, при этом указанная схема измерения соединена с контактами измерительного конденсатора, и/или схему (RED) измерения напряжения (Vout) на контактах электродов резонатора во время подачи команды на зажигание, при этом указанная схема соединена с контактами измерительного конденсатора. Технический результат - возможность одновременного измерения тока ионизации и напряжения ...

УСТРОЙСТВО ИЗМЕРЕНИЯ ИОННОГО ТОКА В КАМЕРЕ СГОРАНИЯ ДВИГАТЕЛЯ ВНУТРЕННЕГО СГОРАНИЯ

Предлагаемое устройство измерения ионного тока в камере сгорания ДВС относится к области электрооборудования двигателей внутреннего сгорания, предназначено для измерения электропроводности рабочего тела в камере сгорания двигателя и может быть использовано в составе систем зажигания, управления, диагностики и исследования ДВС. Устройство позволяет расширить арсенал технических средств измерения ионного тока и обладает возможностью согласованной работы с системами зажигания, использующими двухвыводные катушки зажигания, генерирующие высоковольтные импульсы различных полярностей одновременно. Результат достигается за счет использования источников положительного и отрицательного измерительного напряжений, подключаемых через токовые зеркала с компенсацией эффекта Эрли и защитные цепи непосредственно к центральному электроду измерительных зондов (свечей зажигания), и сумматора напряжений, объединяющего измерительные каналы и исключающего влияние параметров внешних приемопередаточных сигнальных ...

СПОСОБ КОНТРОЛЯ РАБОЧЕГО ПРОЦЕССА ДВС

Изобретение относится к двигателестроению и может быть использовано для диагностики двигателей внутреннего сгорания. Способ заключается в том, что формируют импульс напряжения, производят заряд емкостного делителя напряжения, подключенного параллельно электродам разрядника, размещенного в камере сгорания ДВС, и измеряют напряжение в средней точке емкостного делителя непосредственно после заряда и спустя некоторое время, меньшее времени полного разряда делителя, а затем вычисляют разность измеренных напряжений. 6 з.п. ф-лы, 4 ил.

СПОСОБ ДЛЯ ДВИГАТЕЛЯ (ВАРИАНТЫ) И СИСТЕМА ДВИГАТЕЛЯ

... 1. Способ для двигателя, включающий в себя этап, на котором:для каждого цилиндра двигателя проводят различие образования нагара на свече зажигания вследствие накопления сажи от образования нагара на свече зажигания вследствие накопления присадки к топливу на основании доли циклов сгорания за один или более заданных ездовых циклов транспортного средства, имеющих время переключения тока зажигания, которое больше, чем пороговая продолжительность времени.2. Способ по п. 1, в котором ток в проводе управления измеряют посредством датчика тока, при этом проведение различия на основании времени переключения тока зажигания включает в себя этап, на котором проводят различие на основании времени переключения, требуемого, чтобы ток падал ниже заданного значения после применения команды выдерживания, причемпороговая продолжительность времени основана на примененной команде выдерживания.3. Способ по п. 1, в котором проведение различия включает в себя этапы, на которых:определяют образование нагара на ...

Способ (варианты) и система управления двигателем

Изобретение относится к двигателям внутреннего сгорания, в частности, для улучшения работы свечей зажигания и состояния камеры сгорания посредством впрыска воды. Технический результат заключается в уменьшении загрязнения сажей свечей зажигания и уменьшении вероятности пропуска зажигания. Предложены способы и системы для уменьшения накоплений сажи на свече зажигания и накоплений сажи в камере сгорания за счет управления моментом зажигания свечи зажигания в период впрыска воды или жидкости омывателя. Например, воду или жидкость омывателя впрыскивают во время уменьшения крутящего момента при использовании опережения зажигания таким образом, чтобы обеспечить по меньшей мере частичное уменьшение крутящего момента при своевременном удалении сажи со свечи зажигания и из камеры сгорания. За счет уменьшения накоплений сажи на свече зажигания уменьшают вероятность пропуска зажигания в цилиндре, а за счет очистки камеры сгорания от нагара уменьшают вероятность преждевременного воспламенения. 3 н.

СИСТЕМА ЗАЖИГАНИЯ ДЛЯ ДВИГАТЕЛЕЙ ВНУТРЕННЕГО СГОРАНИЯ

Предлагается система зажигания для двигателей внутреннего сгорания для регистрации пропусков воспламенения. Система зажигания двигателя внутреннего сгорания включает в себя при этом возможности определения напряжения горения, трансформированного на первичной стороне, и осуществления анализа продолжительности горения воспламеняющей искры и/или напряжения горения воспламеняющей искры по типу, когда сравнение с предельными значениями производится для обеспечения нормального зажигания. Предельные значения для нормально протекающего зажигания могут определяться из замеренных величин эталонного зажигания. Эталонное зажигание - это такое зажигание, которое осуществляется посредством потенциала энергии самой катушки зажигания.

СИСТЕМА И СПОСОБ ДИАГНОСТИРОВАНИЯ СИСТЕМЫ ЗАЖИГАНИЯ

Способ и система для очистки свечи зажигания

СПОСОБ КОНТРОЛЯ ЕМКОСТНОГО АГРЕГАТА ЗАЖИГАНИЯ С ИНДУКЦИОННОЙ КАТУШКОЙ В СОСТАВЕ СИСТЕМЫ ЗАЖИГАНИЯ

УПРАВЛЯЮЩЕЕ УСТРОЙСТВО ДЛЯ ДВИГАТЕЛЯ ВНУТРЕННЕГО СГОРАНИЯ

СПОСОБ ДЛЯ ДВИГАТЕЛЯ (ВАРИАНТЫ) И СИСТЕМА ДВИГАТЕЛЯ

... 1. Способ для двигателя, включающий в себя этап, на котором определяют образование нагара на свече зажигания, обусловленное накоплением присадок к топливу, на основании комбинации двух или более из изменения адаптивного периода детонации, частоты преждевременных воспламенений в двигателе, частоты пропусков зажигания в двигателе, скорости ухудшения характеристик датчика кислорода выхлопных газов и скорости ухудшения характеристик каталитического нейтрализатора выхлопных газов за ездовой цикл транспортного средства.2. Способ по п. 1, в котором адаптивный период детонации включает в себя величину запаздывания искрового зажигания, применяемую в данном состоянии скорости-нагрузки двигателя, в ездовом цикле, причем способ дополнительно включает в себя этап, на котором указывают образование нагара, обусловленное накоплением, посредством того, что устанавливают диагностический код, при этом определение на основании изменения адаптивного периода детонации включает в себя этап, на котором определяют ...

Electronic ignition system for IC engine - of motor vehicle characteristic of ignition coil prim. to determine spark plug combustion duration

The ignition system determines the ignition timing point for each engine cylinder. An output stage contains switching transistors (T1, T2) for controlling the ignition coil. The output stage includes an evaluation circuit detecting the voltage characteristic on the primary side of the ignition coil to provide an output signal (U3) determining the spark plug combustion duration (tbr). ADVANTAGE - Ensures optimum spark plug life. Can be produced in batches.

VORRICHTUNG ZUM ERFASSEN EINES IONENSTROMS IN EINEM BRENNKRAFTMOTOR

A TEST PROCEDURE FOR TESTING AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM

Verfahren zur Funktionsüberwachung von Brennkraftmaschinen

VERFAHREN UND VORRICHTUNG ZUR UEBERWACHUNG DER FUNKTION EINER FUNKENZUENDUNGSEINRICHTUNG IN EINEM GASTURBINENMOTOR.

Zündvorrichtung und Zündsystem

Eine Zündvorrichtung (1) weist eine Sekundärstromsteuerschaltung (30), die von einer ECU (4) ein Sekundärstromsteuersignal (IGa) empfängt, und eine Rückkopplungsschaltung (10) auf, die gemäß einem Resultat eines Vergleichs eines Steuerwerts des Sekundärstroms, der von der Sekunderstromsteuerschaltung (30) ausgegeben wird, und eines erfassten Werts des Sekundärstroms ein Steuersignal zum Steuern einer Erregung einer Primärspule (5) zu einer Energieversorgungsschaltung (9) ausgibt. Die ECU (4) gibt ferner gemäß Maschinenparametern ein Sekundärstromsteuersignal (IGa) aus. Der Sekundärstrom, der im Wesentlichen die Menge von Energie angibt, mit der eine Zündspule (3) von der Energieversorgungsschaltung (9) versorgt wird, kann dadurch gemäß der Betriebsbedingung der Maschine gesteuert werden. Es ist daher möglich, zu unterdrücken, dass ein Überschuss oder eine Verknappung von Energie, mit der die Zündspule (3) von der Energieversorgungsschaltung (9) versorgt wird, auftritt.

Verfahren zur Erkennung klopfender Verbrennung beim Betrieb einer Brennkraftmaschine

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Erkennung klopfender Verbrennung beim Betrieb einer Brennkraftmaschine mit einer Vorrichtung zur Ionenstrommessung, wobei das Ionenstrom-Rohsignal oder der ausgewertete Wert der Klopfintensität normiert werden, wodurch der Wert der Klopfintensität zuverlässig mit einen Schwellwert verglichen werden kann.

Verfahren zur Überwachung von wenigstens einer Glühstiftkerze eines Brennkraftmotors und Vorrichtung hierzu

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Überwachung von wenigstens einer Glühstiftkerze (100) eines Brennkraftmotors, bei welchem eine zeitabhängige Größe, die den durch die wenigstens eine Glühstiftkerze (100) fließenden Strom charakterisiert, zur Fehlererkennung mit wenigstens einem zeitabhängigen minimalen (Rmin) und/oder maximalen Schwellwert (Rmax) verglichen wird, und auf Fehler erkannt wird, wenn die zeitabhängige Größe größer und/oder kleiner als der minimale (Rmin) und/oder maximale (Rmax) Schwellwert ist. Das Verfahren ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die erste Ableitung der zeitabhängigen Größe mit der ersten Ableitung des maximalen Schwellwertes $I1 und die zweite Ableitung der zeitabhängigen Größe mit der zweiten Ableitung des maximalen Schwellwertes $I2 verglichen werden, und auf Fehler erkannt wird, wenn die erste Ableitung der zeitabhängigen Größe kleiner als die erste Ableitung des maximalen Schwellwertes $I3 ist und die zweite Ableitung der zeitabhängigen Größe kleiner ...

Vorrichtung zur Zylinder-Identfizierung über das Ionisierungssignal eines Zündfunkens nach erfolgter Teilladung einer Zündspüle

Vorrichtung zur Zylinder-Identifizierung, die aufweist: - mehrere Zylinder einer Hubkolben-Brennkraftmachine, - mehrere Zündspulen, wobei jedem einzelnen Zylinder eine Zündspule zugeordnet ist, - mehrere Schaltungseinrichtungen, wobei jeder Zündspule eine Schaltungseinrichtung zugeordnet und mit dieser verbunden ist und wobei die jeweilige Schaltungseinrichtung derart ausgebildet ist, dass sie die zugehörige Zündspule auf einen vorgegebenen Wert auflädt, welcher kleiner als der Wert einer für eine normale Zündung vollständig geladene Zündspule ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jede dieser Schaltungseinrichtungen die Dauer des Ionisierungssignals des jeweils zugeordneten Zylinders erfasst und aufweist - mindestens einen Detektor (415) für die ansteigende Flanke des Ionisierungssignals mit mindestens einem Eingang; - mindestens einen Detektor (420) für die abfallende Flanke des Ionisierungssignals mit mindestens einem Eingang; - mindestens ein Flip-Flop (425) mit einem ersten Eingang, der ...

Test unit to determine ignition voltage - has amplifier with time constant at least one hundred times greater than ignition impulse

Ignition voltage test rig has the outer covers of the ignition cables connected to a capacitative potentiometer as in 2354978 is improved to avoid resistor losses due to cable lengths from vehicle to test rig, by providing an amplifier between the potentiometer connection and the test rig. The high tension cable is provided with a metallic cover which forms a capacitor with the cable inner conductor. A second capacitor is plugged into the metallic cover and the output is led by a screened lead to the test rig via an operation amplifier whose output is proportional to the ignition impulses. The resistor and the capacitor produce a time constant at least one hundred times greater than the length of an ignition impulse.

Defective ignition or fuel injection device detection system for i.c. engine

The detection system allows a defective ignition or fuel injection device to be indicated by monitoring the running of the multi-cylinder, i.c. engine, e.g. by detecting the rotation rate of the engine crankshaft. Each engine cylinder (1-6) has a pair of ignition circuits (A,B) or fuel injection circuits, one of which is disconnected and the operative ignition or fuel injection circuit identified as defective when incorrect combustion is detected. Pref. the defective ignition or fuel injection circuit is recorded in a memory.

Vielfachfunkenzündsystem für eine Brennkraftmaschine

Ionisation current detector for IC engine ignition monitor - measures ionisation current through ignition coils during combustion of gas mixture

The ionisation current detector (11) for an IC engine comprises conventional circuitry for registering the successive ionisation currents. Such currents are generated during combustion as a result of the action of the ignition coils (1) and spark plugs (3) for each cylinder (1 to 4) when switched by the power transistors (2). The respective ionisation currents flow in the coil secondaries (1b) and appear as a voltage across the resistor (5) of the common detector unit (11). This voltage is coupled (8) to a comparator (9) for comparison with a reference level resulting in a pulse at the terminal (13) which confirms ignition. USE/ADVANTAGE - For high-speed multicylinder engines. Single detector unit serving all cylinders gives reduction in complexity and cost compared with usual one unit per cylinder.

Verfahren zum Ansteuern einer Funkenstrecke, insbesondere einer Zündkerze

Verfahren zum Ansteuern einer Funkenstrecke (1, 25) in einem Verbrennungsmotor, in welchem der Funkenstrecke (1, 25) eine erste Zündspule (42) und eine zweite Zündspule (43) zugeordnet sind, von denen jede eine Primärwicklung (6, 7) und eine Sekundärwicklung (4, 5) aufweist, welche induktiv miteinander gekoppelt sind, gekennzeichnet durch folgende Schritte:(a) Ausgelöst durch ein Startsignal (24) wird die Primärwicklung (6) der ersten Zündspule (42) und mit einer Verzögerung D, für welche 0 ≤ D gilt, die Primärwicklung (7) der zweiten Zündspule (43) durch Zuführen von Gleichstrom aufgeladen, wobei während des Aufladens einer jeden Primärwicklung (6, 7) die zu ihr gehörende Sekundärwicklung (4, 5) gesperrt ist;(b) es wird die Stärke des gesamten den Primärwicklungen (6, 7) zugeführten Primärstroms (28) gemessen;(c) nach einer Dauer T wird die Primärwicklung (6) der ersten Zündspule (42) schlagartig entladen und mit der Verzögerung D wird die Primärwicklung (7) der zweiten Zündspule (43) ...

System for determining ionic current for IC engine

The system includes a peak value determination unit (241b) for determining the peak value of an ionic current produced at each moment of an ignition operation in a combustion chamber of an IC engine. A current correction unit (241a) is provided for correcting the ionic current on the basis of the determined peak value. A unit (24) for determining an ionic current is provided for determining at least some characteristics of the ionic current based on the corrected ionic current. The current correction unit has an amplifier with variable amplification, so that a current signal of the ionic current reaches an abnormally high level if the peak value is higher than normal.

Ionenstrommeßglühkerze und Steuergerät zu ihrer Ansteuerung

Ionenstrommeßglühkerze mit elektrischem Anschluß für den Glühstrom eines Heizelements, das in einem Glührohr brennraumseitig angeordnet ist, wobei das Glührohr in einem Kerzengehäuse, gegenüber diesem isoliert, angeordnet ist, und wobei das Kerzengehäuse mit dem Motorblock (Masse) in elektrischer Verbindung steht, wobei im anschlußseitigen Bereich der Kerze eine Diode (15) zwischen den Glühkerzenkörper (4) und Serienschaltung aus Glührohr und Heizelement integriert oder modular angeordnet ist.

Kaltstart-Spätzündungsregelung mit Ionisationsrückkopplung

Verfahren zur Verringerung von Kohlenwasserstoffemissionen einer fremdgezündeten Verbrennungskraftmaschine in der Kaltstartphase, das ein Erhitzen eines Katalysators in der Kaltstartphase umfasst, wobei die Zündzeit bei Kaltstarts nach spät verstellt wird, so dass eine höhere Abgastemperatur erzielt wird, die folgenden Schritte umfassend: a. Überprüfen des Status von mindestens zwei Indexsignalen; b. Verstellen eines Zündzeiteinstellungssignals nach spät, wenn ein Teilverbrennungsindex und ein Fehlzündungsindex inaktiv ist; c. Verstellen des Zündzeiteinstellungssignals nach früh, wenn der Teilverbrennungsindex aktiv ist und der Fehlzündungsindex inaktiv und d. Hinzufügen eines Offsets und Verstellen des Zündzeiteinstellungssignals nach früh, wenn der Fehlzündungsindex aktiv ist.

Robustes Mehrkriterienverfahren zur Berechnung der Mindestzeiteinstellung für optimales Drehmoment

Verfahren zur Berechnung einer Mindestzeiteinstellung für optimales Drehmoment einer fremdgezündeten Verbrennungskraftmaschine basierend auf einem zylinderinternen Ionisationssignal, die folgenden Verfahrensschritte aufweisend: a. Erfassen des Ionisationsstromsignals als Funktion einer Kurbelwinkels, b. Ermitteln einer Wellenform des Ionisationsstromsignals, c. Auswählen eines Algorithmus zur Ermittelung eines optimalen Zündzeitpunkts PMOD aus einer Menge vorgegebener Algorithmen auf Basis der ermittelten Wellenform des Ionisationsstromsignals, d. Ermitteln der Winkellagen eines oder mehrerer der folgenden Punkte im erfassten Ionisationsstromsignal, die einen Verbrennungsvorgang charakterisieren: i. P163: Punkt einer maximalen Flammenbeschleunigung (163), der durch den ersten Wendepunkt nach dem ersten Maximum (162) des Ionisationsstromsignals gegeben ist, ii. P165: Punkt einer maximalen Wärmefreisetzung (165), der durch den letzten Wendepunkt vor dem zweiten Maximum (166) des Ionisationsstromsignals ...

Method of regulating minimum ignition energy for spark-plug IC engine with external ignition e.g. for automobile

The method involves using a measurement parameter characteristic of the action of the ignition on the combustion in the engine. The parameter is measured in the primary or secondary circuit of the ignition system. The measurement parameter indicates the uniformity of gas mixture ignition and/or the possible non-ignition of the mixture if the ignition energy is insufficient. The measurement parameter can be an electrical parameter, e.g. the ignition voltage in the primary circuit, measured for successive engine cycles.

Schaltungsanordnung zur Prüfung von Zündeinrichtungen durch Prüfströme

Verfahren zum Erkennen von Fehlern bei Doppelfunken-Zündspulen für Brennkraftmaschinen

Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Steuerung des Betriebs einer Brennkraftmachine nach dem Verschmutzungsgrad der Zündkerzen

Method for determining wear of spark plug of internal combustion engine of motor car, involves storing error message and/or outputting error signal when difference ignition voltage exceeds predetermined difference target voltage

The method involves determining reference ignition voltage of a spark plug (5) during predetermined reference conditions of an internal combustion engine (1) and the spark plug. A comparison ignition voltage of the spark plug is determined in the reference conditions at temporal intervals. A difference ignition voltage between the reference and comparison ignition voltages is determined. An error message is stored and/or an error signal is outputted when the difference ignition voltage exceeds a predetermined difference target voltage. An independent claim is also included for an internal combustion engine comprising a cylinder and a piston.

Baugruppe für eine geregelte Spannungsversorgung für die Ermittlung der Ionisation im Zylinder unter Verwendung der Rücklauf-Energie der Zündspule und einer zweistufigen Regelung

Ein zweistufiger Schaltkreis zur Erkennung der Ionisation weist eine erste Diode (D1), deren Anode mit einem ersten Anschluss eienr primären Wicklung (16) verbunden ist, einen ersten Kondensator (C1) mit einem ersten Anschluss und einem zweiten Anschluss, wobei der zweite Anschluss mit dem Massepotenzial verbunden ist, einen zweiten Kondensator (C2) mit einem ersten Anschluss und einem zweiten Anschluss, wobei der erste Anschluss mit der Kathode der ersten Diode (D1) und der zweite Anschluss mit dem Massepotenzial vrbunden ist; einen ersten Strompfad, der operativ geschaltet ist zwischen dem ersten Kondensator (C1) und dem zweiten Kondensator (C2), und einen zweiten Strompfad auf, der operativ geschaltet ist zwischen dem ersten Kondensator (C1) und dem zweiten Kondensator (C2).

Fehlzündungsdetektionssystem mittels Ionenmessung bei einer Schließvorspannung

Vorrichtung (10) zum Detektieren eines Verbrennungszustandes in einem Verbrennungsmotor (12) mit einer Zündspule (14), die eine Primärwicklung (16) und eine Sekundärwicklung (18) aufweist, wobei die Primärwicklung (16) ein an eine Stromversorgung (B+) gekoppeltes erstes Ende umfaßt, und einem Schalter (20), der mit einem zweiten Ende der Primärwicklung (16) entgegengesetzt zu dem ersten Ende verbunden und derart ausgestaltet ist, daß er selektiv bewirkt, daß in Ansprechen auf ein Zündungssteuersignal (EST) ein Primärstrom (IP) durch die Primärwicklung (16) hindurch fließt, gekennzeichnet durch: einen Steuerschaltkreis (32), der derart ausgestaltet ist, daß er den Schalter (20) nach dem Zündungssteuersignal (EST) schließt, um eine Schließspannung (VSCHLIESSEN) zum Vorspannen einer mit der Sekundärwicklung (18) verbundenen Zündkerze (22) herzustellen, und einen Meßschaltkreis (28), der mit der Sekundärwicklung (18) gekoppelt und derart ausgestaltet ist, daß er ein Ionenmeßsignal (VION) erzeugt ...

Klopferfassungsvorrichtung für einen Verbrennungsmotor

Klopferfassungsvorrichtung für einen Verbrennungsmotor, umfassend: eine Ionenstromerfassungseinrichtung (1), die einen Ionenstrom (i) basierend auf Ionen erfasst, die bei Verbrennung in dem Verbrennungsmotor generiert werden; eine Klopfsignalerfassungssektion (4), die ein Klopfsignal (Ki) basierend auf dem Ionenstrom (i) erfasst; eine Kurbelwinkelerfassungssektion, die einen Kurbelwinkel entsprechend einer Rotationsposition des Verbrennungsmotors erfasst; eine Fenstereinstellungssektion (5), die ein Rauscherfassungsfenster (Wn) nach einem vorbestimmten Kurbelwinkel entsprechend einem Ende eines Verbrennungstaktes des Verbrennungsmotors einstellt; eine Rauschkomponentenerfassungssektion (6), die eine Rauschkomponente (Ni) basierend auf mindestens einem einer Frequenzkomponentenintensität des Ionenstroms (i) und eines Betrags des Ionenstroms (i), der in dem Fenster (Wn) generiert wird, erfasst; und eine Klopfbestimmungssektion (7), die das Vorhandensein oder Fehlen des Auftretens von Klopfen ...

Method for determining composition of petrol and ethanol mixture of internal combustion engine, involves determining composition of fuel mixture from ignition voltage at spark plug and/or from combustion duration of ignition spark

The method involves supplying fuel mixture to a cylinder of an internal combustion engine, and igniting the fuel mixture with ignition spark of a spark plug. The composition of the fuel mixture is determined from ignition voltage at the spark plug and/or from combustion duration of the ignition spark. An ignition angle, cylinder charging, lambda value, temperature and/or speed of the combustion engine and/or position of a charge movement device are considered as a working point parameter for determining the composition of the fuel mixture. An independent claim is also included for a device for determining composition of fuel mixture comprising a measuring unit for determining ignition voltage at a spark plug.

Ignition diagnosis system for automotive combustion engine, has ionization detection portion to output ionization feedback signal including ignition coil dwell data in mode entered when possible pre-ignition conditions exist

The system has an ignition coil dwell detection portion configured to output ignition coil dwell data (3100) related to charging of an ignition coil. An ionization detection portion is configured to output an ionization feedback signal that includes the ignition coil dwell data in a mode entered when possible pre-ignition conditions exist, and excludes the ignition coil dwell data in another mode entered periodically when possible pre-ignition conditions are absent. The ionization feedback signal is received by a powertrain control module (PCM) to perform ignition diagnosis. An independent claim is also included for a method for selecting data content of an ionization feedback signal.

IC ENGINE COIL-TYPE IGNITION CONTROL

Methods of Diagnosing Open Secondary Winding of an Ignition Coil using the Ionization Current Signal

The invention relates to detecting an open secondary winding of an ignition coil of an internal combustion engine ignition system. In one embodiment, an open secondary winding is detected by enabling an integrator, resetting the integrator, detecting an ionization current, integrating the ionization current over a spark window, comparing the integrated ionization current with a threshold, and setting an open secondary flag if the integrated ionization current is below the threshold. In another embodiment, an open secondary winding is detected by measuring spark duration. This may involve comparing an ionization signal with a first threshold, measuring the spark duration when the ionization signal is greater than the first threshold, comparing said spark duration with a second threshold, and setting an open secondary flag.

A method for reducing the pin count of an integrated ignition coil

Engine analyser using a current probe

A diagnostic system for a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine includes a digital engine analyzer 11 having an oscilloscope display 13 controlled by microprocessors operating under menu-driven stored program control. A clamp-type, Hall-effect pickup probe 31 non-invasively detects a current flowing through a conductor in the engine to generate a current detection signal which is fed to an amplifier adapter 41 which is, in turn, coupled to an input terminal of the analyzer. The analyser processes the amplified signal to produce a waveform display signal which is displayed on the oscilloscope in either of two different display formats. Another input lead of the analyzer senses the number 1 cylinder firing and the analyzer synchronizes the waveform display signal to the number 1 cylinder signal. ...

An improved tell-tale or indicator for ignition systems of internal combustion engines and the like

... 172,859. Kardoc, H. G., and Elliott, H. Dec. 1, 1920. Testing and indicating. -A testing and indicating device consists of aligned conductors d, j separated by a spark gap and enclosed within a transparent tube c and perforated fibre tube a. A plate g connected by riveting to the conductor d is mounted at its free end on the sparking-plug terminal; it also retains a leaf spring r the ends s of which may be brought into contact with the plug body, either by pressing the stud u or swinging the spring about its pivot f.

A CAPACITIVE PULSE GENERATOR

Apparatus and system for dual ignition sources for a vehicle

Apparatuses, methods, and systems for igniting fuel for an internal combustion engine, an ignition system include a first ignition device associated with a pre-combustion chamber of a cylinder and a second ignition device associated with a main combustion chamber of the cylinder. An engine control unit is operably connected to both the engine and the ignition system to ignite fuel for the cylinder with the first ignition device independently of igniting fuel with the second ignition device. The engine control unit determines an occurrence of a combustion condition and in response thereto (i) ignites fuel for combustion with both the first and the second ignition devices or (ii) ignites fuel for combustion only with the second ignition device. The engine control unit determines a second combustion condition and in response thereto ignites fuel only with the first ignition device.

IGNITION SIGNAL ANALYSER

CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENT FOR DETECTING IGNITION SPARK DURATION

IGNITION ANALYZER FOR USE WITH ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEMS

OPTIMIZED PRODUCTION OF A RADIO FREQUENCY IGNITION SPARK

Internal combustion engine

Brennkraftmaschine (1) mit einer Regeleinrichtung (2) und wenigstens einem Brennraum (3) und einem dem wenigstens einen Brennraum (3) zugeordneten Zündverstärker (4), wobei dem wenigstens einen Brennraum (3) einerseits über eine Zuführvorrichtung (5) für ein Kraftstoff-Luft-Gemisch Energie zuführbar ist und andererseits durch den zugeordneten Zündverstärker (4) Energie zuführbar ist, wobei die Regeleinrichtung (2) dazu ausgebildet ist, in einem Detektionsmodus für den wenigstens einen Brennraum (3) die Luftüberschusszahl (λ) des Kraftstoff-Luft- Gemisches zu ändern, und zumindest ein Sensor (6) vorgesehen ist, dessen Signale der Regeleinrichtung (2) zuführbar sind und dessen Signale charakteristisch für das Verbrennungsereignis im wenigstens einen Brennraum (3) sind und dass die Regeleinrichtung (2) dazu ausgebildet ist, in Abhängigkeit der vom zumindest einen Sensor (6) zugeführten Signale ein für einen Zustand des dem wenigstens einen Brennraum (3) zugeordneten zumindest einen Zündverstärkers ...

PROCEDURE AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE REDUCTION THAT NACHSCHWINGUNGEN IN AN IGNITION COIL FOR ION SENSING PROCESSING

PROCEDURE FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF AN IONIZATION STREAM OF A SPARK PLUG WITH RESONANCE STRUCTURE AND APPROPRIATE DEVICE

ZÜNDFUNKENBRENNDAUERBESTIMMUNG

PROCEDURE FOR THE COLLECTION OF AN ION STREAM

METHOD FOR THE EXECUTION OF AN ION CURRENT MEASUREMENT IN AN INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINE, WHICH USES A LEAN FUEL MIXTURE

IGNITION SYSTEM TEST APPARATUS

SIGNAL-ACQUISITION DEVICE

IGNITION COIL AND CAPACITOR ANALYZER

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE MEASURING AND MONITORING OF ELECTRICAL SPARK GAPS

Misfire detection in a spark ignition engine

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ANALYSING A PERFORMANCE OF AN ENGINE

The present invention relates to a device for analysing a cylinder wise performance of an internal combustion engine, comprising ion current measurement means that are arranged to measure an ion current in a engine and that are also arranged to produce a first signal corresponding to a measurement performed by said ion current measurement means, and also comprising an amplifier that is connected to said ion current measurement means and that is arranged to receive and amplify said first signal in order to produce an amplified signal, and further also comprising first analysing means for analysing said amplified signal for detecting an indication of a knock event in the engine, wherein said amplifier is a variable-gain amplifier and that said device further comprises second analysis means that is arranged to receive and analyse said amplified signal and to adjust a gain of said amplifier. The invention also relates to a method for analysing a performance of a engine.

IGNITION ANALYZER FOR USE WITH ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEMS

An improved automotive ignition analyzer is provided for use with electronic ignition systems. A quadrature field magnetic pickup is utilized to detect signals in the secondary circuit of the ignition system. An adaptor including a voltage clamp is connected to the tachometer lead of the electronic ignition system so that a power balance test may be performed in the conventional manner without harming the electronic ignition system.

COIL ON PLUG SIGNAL DETECTION

An apparatus for measuring ignition charge signals produced by coils of coil- on-plug devices of an internal combustion engine. A signal detector comprises an insulating substrate having a first conductive planar layer on a first side and a second conductive planar layer on a second side. The first layer is coupled to a signal wire and the second layer is coupled to a ground wire. When the signal detector is held in close proximity to the coil of the coil-on-plug, ignition signals generated by the coil and passing to the plug are detected. The detected signals may be coupled to a signal analyzer for display and analysis. The amplitude of the signal that is output by the signal detector may be adjusted to different coils having different output signal strengths by modifying the ratio of the surface areas of the first layer and the second layer.

PREIGNITION WARNING DEVICE

A device for and method of providing reliable audible and visual warnings of incipient preignition in a combustion chamber is disclosed. The current flow through at least one engine spark plug is monitored at specified times throughout a number of engine revolutions during which there should be no current flow and both an audible alarm and a visible alarm are activated in the event the monitored current flow exceeds a predetermined threshold. Circuitry establishes time intervals during which there should be no current flow through the monitored spark plug and additional circuitry temporarily provides both an audible alarm and a visible alarm for each occurrence of the monitored current exceeding the predetermined threshold. Such a temporary alarm typically has the same duration as the detected excess current. There is also circuitry for continuously enabling both the audible and visible alarms in the event of an excessive number of excessive monitored current flows within a specified length ...

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE MEASURING AND MONITORING OF ELECTRICAL SPARK GAPS

... 2113618 9302286 PCTABS00019 Spark gap measuring and monitoring method and device, for providing, during operation, a signal indicative of the intended performance of the spark gap (1), in particular a spark plug of a combustion engine. The device comprises an electrical detecting element which is coupled inductively to a connecting lead (4) of the spark gap (1), for example a toroidal coil (8), which detecting element is connected to a processing circuit (9-11) for the purpose of converting the electrical signal produced by the detecting element into a measuring signal indicative of the spark gap (1) performance, for example the spacing (d) between the electrodes (2, 3). Measurement results obtained from an initial measurement can be established as reference data by means of memory elements and circuit elements. The measuring signal is then analysed by means of an analysing circuit (14) as a function of the reference data.

ENGINE IGNITION AND CONTROL SYSTEM

An engine ignition and control system for an internal combustion engine. The system includes an ignition transformer mounted directly to a spark plug and adapted to rapidly re-fire the spark plug during a combustion cycle enabling the performance of various ignition diagnostic procedures. A controller provides signals to a circuit which causes charging of the transformer for ignition and subsequent charging of the transformer for diagnostic purposes. The system also includes a diagnostic circuit, connected to the transformer, which can detect the occurrence of electrical discharges across the spark plug electrodes as a result of the diagnostic charges. The detection circuit either outputs a signal ar omits a signal to the controller which allows the controller to diagnose conditions within the combustion cylinder. Additionally, the diagnostic circuit is capable of outputting a signal which can be correlated to the load on the engine.

Distributeur de dispositif d'allumage de moteur à explosions.

Einrichtung zum Prüfen der Zündungen bei Verbrennungskraftmaschinen.

Coffret d'essais et de dépannage pour voitures automobiles.

Schaltungsanordnung zur Abgabe von Impulsen

Ignition system.

СПОСОБ ГЕНЕРИРОВАНИЯ НАПРЯЖЕНИЯ ДЛЯ ОБНАРУЖЕНИЯ ИОННОГО ТОКА

CONTROL SYSTEM OF the OPERATION Of an INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE OF MOTOR VEHICLE.

L'invention concerne un essentiellement un système de contrôle du fonctionnement d'un moteur à combustion interne de véhicule automobile, comprenant Au moins deux dispositifs (1) de mesure, chaque dispositif (1) de mesure étant configuré pour effectuer une mesure analogique du signal d'ionisation d'un cylindre respectif, Un amplificateur (2) du signal d'ionisation mesuré, Un dispositif (5) de comparaison du signal d'ionisation mesuré amplifié à un modèle de référence, et Un multiplexeur (7) relié en entrée au dispositif de mesure (1) du signal d'ionisation, relié en sortie à l'amplificateur (2), et piloté par un signal de commande (6).

Verifier for spark ignitions magneto-electric breaker to spark ignition engines

IGNITION SYSTEM FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE, HAS RELEASE PARECLATEUR

TESTING DEVICE Of LIGHTING ON ENGINES OF VEHICLES

Apparatus for the monitoring of the heating of the glow plugs of an internal combustion engine

Controller of luminescent tube candles

FINE ANALYZER OF the TENSION Of LIGHTING Of an INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

Dispenser for spark igniters in internal combustion engines

PROCESS OF DETECTION OF SPLEENS OF COMBUSTION BY the EXPLOITATION OF the VARIATIONS NUMBER OF REVOLUTIONS

CONTROL DEVICE FOR MONITORING THE OPERATION OF A LOAD IN POWER INTEGRATED CIRCUIT "SMART"

PROCESS AND DEVICE OF DIAGNOSIS OF the LIGHTING Of a THERMAL ENGINE PER MEASUREMENT OF the IMPEDANCE Of IONIZATION

ASSEMBLY OF WORKING Of IMPULSES FOR the CONTROL OF MOTOR VEHICLES

DEVICE TO FEED IN TENSION OF the INSTALLATIONS INTENDED TO DETECT FLUCTUATIONS IN PRESSURE IN the COMBUSTION CHAMBER Of an INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

INSTALLATION Of LIGHTING FOR an INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

Installation d'allumage comprenant des moyens (M1, M2) pour détecter la tension secondaire d'une bobine d'allumage (10) transformée du côté primaire (11). Le signal (U11 ou U12 ) fourni par ces moyens (M1, M2) est appliqué à une installation d'exploitation (16). Cette installation (16) définit l'amortissement du signal de tension (U11 ou U12 ) après la fin des étincelles (t2 ); cet amortissement est une mesure de l'importance de la résistance de court-circuit (21) du côté secondaire (bougie 17).

SENSOR Of IONIZATION IN an IGNITION SYSTEM Of an INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

L'invention concerne un capteur de mesure du courant d'ionisation des gaz dans les cylindres d'un moteur à combustion interne, dont l'enroulement primaire (Lp) de la bobine mono-sortie est relié à un module (3) électronique de commande de l'allumage et dont l'enroulement secondaire (Ls) a sa partie haute tension de reliée à au moins une bougie d'un cylindre, et sa partie basse tension reliée à un circuit de mesure du courant d'ionisation, qui est constitué : - de moyens (4) de polarisation de l'électrode centrale de la bougie, à la fin de chaque étincelle ¡ - d'un module (5) d'amplification du courant d'ionisation, connecté aux moyens (4) de polarisation; - d'un module (6) de réception du courant d'ionisation et de conversion de ce courant en un signal de tension (Vs).

Spark ignited combustion engine analyzer

Internal combustion engine diagnostic routine performing method, involves conditioning ionization signals by analog circuit and performing engine diagnostic routine by using integration and peak ionization values

La présente invention comprend un procédé et un programme de diagnostic de moteur, où un procédé d'utilisation d'un signal d'ionisation pour exécuter un programme de diagnostic de moteur comprend les étapes consistant à détecter le signal d'ionisation, intégrer le signal d'ionisation sur une première fenêtre d'échantillonnage pour générer une première valeur d'intégration d'ionisation, détecter une pointe du signal d'ionisation sur ladite première fenêtre d'échantillonnage afin de générer une première valeur de pointe d'ionisation, intégrer l'ionisation sur une seconde fenêtre d'échantillonnage pour générer une seconde valeur d'intégration d'ionisation, détecter une pointe du signal d'ionisation sur une seconde fenêtre d'échantillonnage pour générer une seconde valeur de pointe d'ionisation, et diagnostiquer le moteur en utilisant ledit signal d'ionisation.

Fixed or removable device for checking the firing of the spark plugs of an engine

CONTROL OPERATION Of an INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE Of a MOTOR VEHICLE PER SIGNAL Of IONIZATION.

L'invention concerne notamment un procédé de contrôle du fonctionnement d'un moteur à combustion interne d'un véhicule automobile équipé d'un calculateur de contrôle moteur (4), de bougies radiofréquences et d'un calculateur d'allumage (5) associé, le procédé comprenant des étapes consistant à : - émettre un signal d'allumage (7) par le calculateur de contrôle moteur (4) vers les bougies radiofréquences à travers le calculateur d'allumage (5, 8). Il est essentiellement caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend en outre une étape consistant à mesurer, par le calculateur d'allumage (5), la valeur d'un signal d'ionisation par cylindre du moteur. Avantageusement, il comprend en outre un étape de synchronisation du signal d'ionisation et du signal d'allumage.

DEVICE OF SPLEEN DETECTION Of LIGHTING FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

Il comporte des moyens de détection de courant d'ions (16) générés à l'intérieur du cylindre du moteur, immédiatement après la combustion du mélange air-carburant, des moyens de détection de courant de fuite (21) se produisant entre les électrodes d'une bougie (14) pour allumer le mélange air-carburant, des premiers moyens de mise en forme d'onde (18) pour mettre en forme le courant d'ions en un signal d'impulsions indiquant un événement de combustion ou de raté d'allumage par comparaison avec une première valeur de seuil, la première valeur de seuil étant déterminée en se basant sur un niveau du courant d'ions lors de la montée de celui-ci.

Motor vehicle`s multi-spark or BME type resonant structure spark plug ionization current measuring method for detecting occurrence of rattling phenomenon, involves periodically measuring ionization current between two ignition phases

L'invention porte sur un dispositif de mesure d'un courant d'ionisation d'une bougie de type à structure résonnante, équipant un système d'allumage pour véhicule automobile, ladite bougie (BR) étant couplée à un générateur (GEN) comprenant un condensateur de régulation. Ledit générateur comprend en outre des moyens de polarisation (MPOL) aptes à polariser la bougie (BR), connectés entre le générateur (GEN) et ladite bougie (BR) et des moyens de mesure (MMES) du courant de ionisation de ladite bougie (BR), connectés entre le condensateur de régulation (Cb) et la masse.

Method for controlling the ignition circuit of an internal combustion engine, and device for detecting and/or measuring the ignition current in such an ignition circuit for implementing this method

DEVICE OF MEASUREMENT OF the CURRENT Of IONIZATION IN an IGNITION SYSTEM RADIO FREQUENCY FOR an INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE.

DEVICE OF MEASUREMENT OF the CURRENT Of IONIZATION IN an IGNITION SYSTEM RADIO FREQUENCY FOR an INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE.

Система для управления лазерным зажиганием

Предусмотрена система для настройки средствами обратной связи интенсивности лазерного излучения лазерного устройства зажигания транспортного средства с гибридным приводом. Предлагаемая система транспортного средства с гибридным приводом, содержит двигатель, включающий в себя цилиндр; электродвигатель-генератор; лазерное устройство зажигания; фотодетектор; и контроллер с машинно-читаемыми командами. Интенсивность лазерного излучения, применяемая в течение следующих друг за другом событий лазерного зажигания, понижается до тех пор, пока качество пламени не ухудшено в течение порогового количества событий сгорания в цилиндре. Интенсивность лазерного излучения затем повышается для улучшения качества пламени, и настройка средствами обратной связи повторяется снова и снова. (Фиг. 1) РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ (19) RU (11) (13) 152 677 U1 (51) МПК B60W 20/00 (2006.01) B60W 10/04 (2006.01) ФЕДЕРАЛЬНАЯ СЛУЖБА ПО ИНТЕЛЛЕКТУАЛЬНОЙ СОБСТВЕННОСТИ (12) ТИТУЛЬНЫЙ (21)(22) Заявка: ЛИСТ ОПИСАНИЯ ПОЛЕЗНОЙ МОДЕЛИ К ПАТЕНТУ 2014126315/11, 27.06.2014 (24) Дата начала отсчета срока действия патента: 27.06.2014 (72) Автор(ы): МАРТИН Дуглас Рэймонд (US), МИЛЛЕР Кеннет Джеймс (US) 28.06.2013 US 13/931,249 (45) Опубликовано: 10.06.2015 Бюл. № 16 1 5 2 6 7 7 R U (57) Формула полезной модели 1. Система управления лазерным зажиганием транспортного средства с гибридным приводом, содержащая: двигатель, включающий в себя цилиндр, причем цилиндр включает в себя поршень; электродвигатель-генератор, присоединенный к аккумуляторной батарее; лазерное устройство зажигания с питанием от аккумуляторной батареи, присоединенное к головке блока цилиндров; фотодетектор, выполненный с возможностью детектирования инфракрасного излучения, присоединенный к лазерному устройству зажигания; и контроллер с машиночитаемыми командами для: при каждом событии зажигания, оценки качества пламени внутри цилиндра с использованием фотодетектора; в ответ на оцененное качество пламени, находящееся выше, чем пороговое значение, ...

Universal automotive ignition pickup assembly

The present invention is a Universal Automotive Ignition Pickup Assembly that produces an ignition secondary voltage waveform that can be monitored by an oscilloscope or microprocessor. This is accomplished with a sensing probe that can be capacitive coupled; inductively coupled; or capacitive and inductively coupled at the same time. Due to the ability of a pickup to be capacitive and inductive at the same time, the ignition voltage waveforms are clear and concise from secondary ignition wires to a multitude of different ignition coil types.

Method for Igniting a Fuel-Air Mixture of a Combustion Chamber, Particularly in an Internal Combustion Engine by Generating a Corona Discharge

The invention relates to a method for igniting a fuel-air mixture in an internal combustion engine. An electric transformer excites an oscillating circuit connected to a secondary winding of the transformer. A capacitor is formed by an ignition electrode together with the wall of a combustion chamber through which it extends. The excitation of the oscillating circuit is controlled by generating a corona discharge igniting the fuel-air mixture. Before each ignition time the voltage applied to a primary winding of the transformer is incrementally increased, and the intensity of the current flowing in the primary winding is measured repeatedly at the same primary voltage. The variation of the values of the related primary current is determined, and the incremental increase in the primary voltage is aborted at a value thereof at which the variation of the primary current intensity reaches or exceeds a predetermined limit.

Ignition control apparatus

Ignition is performed in such a way that a bias voltage is applied to a first electrode of an ignition plug and a current detection device detects a current that flows in the first electrode, that based on the value of the detected current, a smolder level detection device detects the level of a smolder produced in the ignition plug, and that a control device controls, based on the detected smolder level, at least one of the timing of ignition, the number of ignition events per power stroke of an internal combustion engine, and the amount of energy accumulated in an ignition coil device.

Method and system for pre-ignition control

Methods and systems are provided for addressing pre-ignition that may be induced in response to actions taken to mitigate a cylinder misfire. An amount of engine load limiting applied may be adjusted to reduce the likelihood pre-ignition while also addressing component over-temperature issues. By limiting an engine load while shutting off fuel in a misfiring cylinder, and while combusting a lean air-fuel mixture in the remaining cylinders, pre-ignition induced by the misfire-mitigating lean combustion conditions can be reduced.

CONTROL APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

A control apparatus for an ignition system of an internal combustion engine which can appropriately judge deterioration of a spark plug is disclosed. The ignition system includes a spark plug and a Zener diode. These are connected in parallel. In the ignition system, a constant-voltage path whose one of two ends is grounded is connected to the connecting path which connects the center electrode of the spark plug to a secondary coil. The constant-voltage path includes a Zener diode and a resistor. In a case where electric current is detected at the resister in a term from the start of current supply to a primary coil to the end, the control apparatus judges the spark plug being deteriorated. 1. A control apparatus for an ignition system of an internal combustion engine , wherein the ignition system includes a spark coil having a primary coil and a secondary coil being electro-magnetically connected to the primary coil , and a spark plug that produces discharge sparks in between its center electrode and its ground electrode by applying a high voltage across both electrodes on the basis of the magnetic energy stored in the spark coil , comprising:one of two ends of the secondary coil is connected to a member having a standard electric potential of the control apparatus via a low-voltage side path, and another end of the secondary coil is connected to the center electrode via a connecting path;one of two ends of a constant-voltage path is connected to the connecting path while another end of the constant-voltage path is grounded, or both ends of the constant-voltage path is connected to a secondary coil;the constant-voltage path includes a constant-voltage element, wherein the constant-voltage element, in an occasion where current is supplied to the primary coil, allows current to flow through the constant-voltage path in a specified direction that permits the polarity of the inductive voltage generated in the secondary coil to turn from negative to positive, and, in an ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTION OF HOT SPARK PLUG FOULING

Methods and systems are provided for inferring spark plug fouling due to accumulation of fuel additives thereon. In one example, an engine controller may infer spark plug hot fouling based on higher than expected exhaust temperatures by correlating the elevated exhaust temperature with late combustion phasing due to additive accumulation. A confidence factor of the spark plug hot fouling detection may be enhanced based on data regarding concurrent misfire and/or pre-ignition events. 1. A method for an engine , comprising:indicating spark plug fouling due to accumulation of fuel additive based on an actual exhaust temperature being higher than estimated exhaust temperature, the estimated exhaust temperature based on engine operating conditions including air-fuel ratio, spark timing, and EGR.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein indicating spark plug fouling due to accumulation of fuel additive includes setting a diagnostic code claim 1 , the diagnostic code requesting spark plug replacement claim 1 , and wherein indicating spark plug fouling due to accumulation of fuel additive further includes indicating spark plug fouling is not due to accumulation of soot.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the indicating is further based on one or more of an engine pre-ignition rate claim 2 , an engine misfire rate claim 2 , an exhaust oxygen sensor degradation rate claim 2 , an exhaust oxygen sensor switching frequency claim 2 , a change in an adaptive knock term claim 2 , and an exhaust catalyst degradation rate over a vehicle drive cycle.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the indicating is based on a confidence factor that is determined from a difference between the estimated exhaust temperature and the actual exhaust temperature claim 3 , the method further comprising adjusting the confidence factor based on one or more of the engine pre-ignition rate claim 3 , the engine misfire rate claim 3 , the exhaust oxygen sensor degradation rate claim 3 , the exhaust oxygen sensor ...

DETECTION DEVICE FOR VEHICLE IGNITION SYSTEM

A detection device for vehicle ignition system includes a body with a first IC circuit board received therein which is electrically connected with a power source. A probe connected to the body and is electrically connected to a ground line and the first IC circuit board. The body has a connection hole, a power switch for activating the detection device, an activation switch, a first display unit and a second display unit. The ground line is connected with a metal part of a vehicle to form a loop. When the probe contacts the coil, the ignition voltage signal of the coil is detected and displayed on the first display unit, and the combustion time signal of the coil is detected and displayed on the second unit. By the two signals, the maintainers are acknowledged the operation condition of the ignition system of the vehicle. 1. A detection device for vehicle ignition system , comprising:a body, a ground line and a probe, the body having a first IC circuit board received therein which is electrically connected with a power source, the probe electrically connected to the ground line and the first IC circuit board, the body having a connection hole, a power switch for activating the detection device, an activation switch, a first display unit and a second display unit, the ground line adapted to be connected with a metal part of a vehicle, when the probe contacts the coil, an ignition voltage signal of the coil is detected and displayed on the first display unit, a combustion time signal of the coil is detected and displayed on the second unit.2. The detection device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the body has a mode selection portion which provides an option of start-able and an option of non-start-able.3. The detection device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the body has a power source indication light claim 1 , the power source is installed in the body and is a one-time-use battery or a two-time-use battery.4. The detection device as claimed in further comprising a ...

Control Device

Due to changes in a flow of an air-fuel mixture in a cylinder, reliable ignition due to spark discharge may not be possible. Therefore, an ignition control unit 24 includes a secondary voltage calculation unit 31 that calculates an average value of a secondary voltage generated on a secondary side of an ignition coil, an irregular flow ratio calculation unit 32 that calculates a ratio of cycles in which the average value of the secondary voltage is equal to or less than a set average value with respect to a cycle of the internal combustion engine in a predetermined period as an irregular flow ratio indicating that the flow of the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder is irregular, and an ignition operation amount correction unit 37 that corrects an ignition operation amount so that the irregular flow ratio is equal to or less than the set ratio value that is the target to be reached of the irregular flow ratio.

IGNITION CONTROL APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE (AS AMENDED)

An ignition control apparatus for an internal combustion engine of the present invention includes a spark plug () for igniting an air-fuel mixture in a cylinder, and is configured to be capable of measuring a discharge voltage and a discharge current of the spark plug (). The ignition control apparatus determines the flow velocity of an in-cylinder gas based on a discharge energy integration value that is obtained by integrating a product of the discharge voltage and the discharge current over a predetermined period. 1. An ignition control apparatus for an internal combustion engine , comprising:a spark plug configured to ignite an in-cylinder gas; andan electronic control unit, the electronic control unit programmed to:measure a discharge voltage of the spark plug;measure a discharge current of the spark plug; anddetermine a flow velocity of an in-cylinder gas based on a discharge energy integration value that is obtained by integrating a product of the discharge voltage and the discharge current over a predetermined period.2. The ignition control apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to claim 1 ,wherein, in a case where the discharge energy integration value is large, the ECU determines that the flow velocity of an in-cylinder gas is high in comparison to a case where the discharge energy integration value is small.3. The ignition control apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to claim 1 ,wherein, in a case where the discharge energy integration value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, ECU determines that the flow velocity of an in-cylinder gas is equal to or greater than a determination flow velocity value.4. The ignition control apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to claim 3 ,wherein the ECU is programmed to supply an additional ignition energy in a case where the flow velocity of an in-cylinder gas that is determined by the ECU is less than the determination flow velocity value.5. The ...

STROKE DETERMINATION DEVICE FOR 4-STROKE ENGINE

Provided is a stroke determination device which detects a secondary output from an ignition coil without using a high breakdown voltage element, and is capable of accurately establishing the stroke being carried out during an ignition operation of a four-stroke engine from the waveform of the detected secondary output. In the present invention, a secondary coil of an ignition coil is constituted from a first coil portion, and a second coil portion wound so as to have fewer windings than does the first coil portion and connected in series to the first coil portion. A tap is drawn out from a boundary part between both coil portions, the voltage at both ends of the second coil portion or the current flowing through the second coil portion is detected through the tap, and a parameter to be used in stroke determination is detected from the waveform of the detected voltage or current. 1. A stroke determination device for a four-stroke engine for establishing whether a stroke carried out in cylinders of a four-stroke engine is an exhaust stroke or a compression stroke when an ignition operation is carried out in the cylinders , the four-stroke engine comprising an engine body having at least one cylinder , and an ignition device that has an ignition coil provided for each cylinder and induces a high voltage in a secondary coil of the ignition coil by controlling a primary current of the ignition coil , and ignition being performed by applying , to a spark plug provided in each cylinder , a high voltage induced in the secondary coil of the ignition coil of the ignition device , whereinthe stroke determination device is provided withparameter detection means for stroke determination, in which a parameter that shows the characteristics of a waveform of voltage appearing at both ends of the secondary coil of the ignition coil or a waveform of the current flowing through the secondary coil of the ignition coil at the time of engine ignition, and shows a different value when the ...

Spark plug fouling detection for ignition system

Methods and systems are provided for determining a type of spark plug fouling. In one example, a method may include differentiating spark plug fouling due to soot accumulation from spark plug fouling due to fuel additive accumulation based on a current on a control wire of the spark plug following application of a dwell command. Further, exhaust oxygen sensor degradation and/or exhaust catalyst degradation may be determined based on switching frequencies of one or more exhaust oxygen sensors and the type of spark plug fouling.

ENGINE FOR VEHICLE USING ALTERNATIVE FUELS

This invention relates to an engine for a vehicle using alternative fuel, preferably gas, comprising an engine () having a spark ignited ignition system () wherein said ignition system () includes misfire detection by means of a sensor device () providing information to a control system (), connected to or within said ignition system (), and wherein said combustion includes diluted operation to optimize emissions wherein said sensor device () includes an ion sensing measurement means () arranged to measure an ion current in said engine () and that said ignition system () has a built-in function to detect misfiring through an analysis of the ion current of the engine () during combustion. 110.-. (canceled)11. An engine for a utility vehicle using alternative fuel comprising:an engine having an engine management system including an ignition control system enabling misfire detection by a sensor device providing information to a control system, and wherein the engine is configured to control diluted operation, wherein the sensor device includes an ion sensing measurement device configured to measure an ion current in said engine and the ignition control system is configured to detect misfiring through an analysis of an ion current of the engine during combustion.12. The engine according to claim 11 , wherein said engine includes an engine block having a total cylinder volume of at least 3 dm.13. The engine according to claim 11 , wherein said engine includes an engine block having a total cylinder volume of at least 5 dm.14. The engine according to claim 11 , wherein said engine includes an engine block having a total cylinder volume of at least 7 dm.15. The engine according to claim 11 , wherein the diluted operation provides for peak values of at least 10% of diluted gas.16. The engine according to claim 11 , wherein the diluted operation provides for peak values of at least 15% of diluted gas.17. The engine according to claim 11 , wherein the ignition control system ...

Method and apparatus for generating an ion current between electrodes of a spark plug

The invention relates to a method for generating an ion current which occurs as a direct current between a central electrode and one or more side electrodes of a spark plug of a spark ignition engine which is supplied repeatedly with an ignition voltage from an ignition voltage source, wherein the spark ignition engine is assigned an engine control unit, which, in an engine cycle, determines for each spark plug a target ignition point and/or an activation point for the ignition voltage source before the target ignition point, and a second voltage source is provided, which delivers a second voltage for the generation of the ion current, wherein the second voltage source lying in the engine cycle for a first time interval Δt 1 , which is shorter than the duration of the engine cycle, is connected to the electrodes of the spark plug, and wherein the ion current flowing as a result of the application of the second voltage to the electrodes of the spark plug takes a path which avoids the ignition voltage source.

INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

Internal combustion engine () with a controller () and at least one combustion chamber () and an at least one ignition amplifier () associated with the combustion chamber (), whereby the at least one combustion chamber (), on the one hand via a feeding device () for a fuel-air mixture, can be supplied with energy, and on the other hand can be supplied with energy by the associated ignition amplifier (), whereby the controller () is designed to change the excess-air ratio (λ) of the fuel-air mixture in a detection mode for the at least one combustion chamber (), and at least one sensor () is provided, whose signals can be supplied to the controller () and whose signals are characteristic of the combustion event in at least one combustion chamber () and that the controller () is designed such that, depending on the signals supplied by at least one sensor (), a representative detection signal is generated associated with a status of the at least one ignition amplifier () associated with at least one combustion chamber (). 2. The internal combustion engine according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one ignition amplifier is designed as a spark plug.3. The internal combustion engine according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one ignition amplifier has an insertion device for fuel or a fuel-air mixture and is operable as a prechamber or injector for a liquid fuel.4. The internal combustion engine according to claim 3 , wherein the controller controls the at least one ignition amplifier in detection mode for introducing an unchanged quantity of energy into the at least one combustion chamber.5. The internal combustion engine according to claim 1 , wherein the controller changes a charge-air pressure of the at least one combustion chamber via the fuel-air mixture supplied to a feeding device claim 1 , to effect compensation the changed excess-air ratio of the fuel-air mixture on the at least one combustion chamber via the energy supplied to the feeding device.6. The ...

ENGINE SYSTEM FOR VESSEL PROPULSION DEVICE AND VESSEL INCLUDING THE SAME

An engine system for a vessel propulsion device includes an engine including an intake amount adjusting unit and an ignition plug, and configured to generate a drive force for the vessel propulsion device. The engine system includes an ignition timing control unit, a knocking detecting unit, a knocking retard control unit that retards the ignition timing of the ignition plug by a unit retard amount when the knocking detecting unit detects knocking, an abnormality judging unit that, when a state where the knocking detecting unit detects knocking at intervals within a predetermined time continues, judges that an abnormality has occurred based on a continued state of knocking detection, and an intake amount limiting unit that limits the intake amount of the engine based on judgment of an abnormality made by the abnormality judging unit. 1. An engine system for a vessel propulsion device , the engine comprising:an engine including an intake amount adjusting unit configured to adjust an intake amount to be sucked into a cylinder and an ignition plug configured to ignite a gas mixture inside the cylinder, the engine being configured to generate a drive force for the vessel propulsion device to generate thrust of a vessel;an ignition timing control unit configured and programmed to control an ignition timing of the ignition plug;a knocking detecting unit configured to detect knocking in the engine;a knocking retard control unit configured and programmed to cause the ignition timing control unit to retard the ignition timing of the ignition plug by a unit retard amount when the knocking detecting unit detects knocking;an abnormality judging unit configured and programmed to, when a state in which the knocking detecting unit detects knocking at intervals within a predetermined time continues, judge that an abnormality has occurred based on a continued state of knocking detection; andan intake amount limiting unit configured and programmed to limit the intake amount of the ...

Ignition apparatus for internal combustion engine

An ignition apparatus includes a blow-off determining unit 5 b . The blow-off determining unit 5 b determines, when the value ΔI 2 of the time derivative of a secondary electric current exceeds a predetermined threshold value Z during a determination period, that blow-off has occurred; the determination period is a predetermined time period ΔT from the start of a spark discharge by a main ignition circuit 3 . Further, when it is determined that blow-off has occurred during a main ignition (full-transistor ignition), it is controlled to perform a continuing spark discharge after the main ignition in a next cycle. Moreover, a secondary electric current command value in performing the continuing spark discharge is set-to an electric current value that is obtained by adding a predetermined electric current value a to the secondary electric current value I 2 x immediately before the occurrence of blow-off. Consequently, in the next cycle, it is possible to reliably prevent blow-off, thereby reliably preventing misfire.

IGNITION CONTROL SHORT CIRCUIT PROTECTION

In a general aspect, an apparatus can include an insulated-gate bipolar transistor device (IGBT), a gate driver circuit (driver) coupled with a gate terminal of the IGBT and a low-resistance switch device coupled between an emitter terminal of the IGBT and an electrical ground terminal, the low-resistance switch device being coupled with the electrical ground terminal via a resistor. The apparatus can also include a current sensing circuit coupled with the driver and a current sense signal line coupled with the current sensing circuit and a current sense node, the current sense node being disposed between the low-resistance switch device and the resistor. The apparatus can further include a control circuit configured, when the driver is off, to detect, based on a voltage on the current sense node, when a current through the resistor is above a threshold value and disable the IGBT in response to the detection. 1. An apparatus , comprising:an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) device;a gate driver circuit coupled with a gate terminal of the IGBT device;a low-resistance switch device coupled between an emitter terminal of the IGBT device and an electrical ground terminal, the low-resistance switch device being coupled with the electrical ground terminal via a resistor;a current sensing circuit coupled with the gate driver circuit;a current sense signal line coupled with the current sensing circuit and a current sense node, the current sense node being disposed between the low-resistance switch device and the resistor; and detect, based on a voltage on the current sense node, when a current through the resistor is above a threshold value; and', 'disable the IGBT device in response to the current through the resistor being above the threshold value., 'a control circuit configured, when the gate driver circuit is off, to2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the threshold value is a first threshold value claim 1 , the current sensing circuit being further configured ...

Ignition device for internal combustion engine

An ignition device includes an ignition coil, an ignition plug and ignition control unit. The ignition control unit includes a secondary current adjusting unit that adjusts, in each cycle, an amount of the secondary current after initiating the discharge, a discharge extension detecting unit that detects an amount of extension of the discharge, and a short determination unit that determines whether a discharge-short has occurred. The ignition control unit controls the secondary current control unit such that a first step and a second step are repeatedly executed. The first step decreases the secondary current while keeping the secondary current higher than a predetermined lower current limit, when the extension amount detected by the discharge extension detecting unit is a predetermined extension amount or more. The second step increases the secondary current when the short determination unit determines that a discharge-short has occurred.

Misfire detection using ion current integration and rpm adaptation

An ignition system controlled by a powertrain controller via a dwell line carrying a dwell signal has a state machine to monitor a dwell period between consecutive dwell signals and to adjust a rate of a variable clock signal accordingly. A multi-bit counter is clocked by the adjusted clock signal. The counter has a first set of bits to establish an integration period and a second set of bits coupled to a resistive ladder generating a stair step signal. A current sensor provides a current signal proportional to the ion current. A comparator compares the current signal to the stair step signal. An ion current counter is incremented during the integration period whenever the current signal indicates an ion current magnitude greater than the stair step signal. The accumulated count at the end of the integration period is reported to the powertrain controller as a measure of the ion current.

IGNITION DEVICE

An ignition device at least equipped with a DC power source, an ignition coil unit, a spark plug, an ignition switch, and an auxiliary power source, wherein the auxiliary power source is at least equipped with a discharge energy accumulating means, a discharge switch, and a discharge driver. The ignition device is further equipped with a secondary-current feedback controlling means comprising a secondary current detecting means for detecting a secondary current flowing during the ignition coil unit discharge period, and a secondary current feedback control circuit-for determining an upper limit and a lower limit for the secondary current from binary threshold values, and driving so as to open and close the discharge switch on the basis of the determination results. Furthermore, energy is introduced from the auxiliary power source without switching the polarity of the secondary current. 1. An ignition device , comprising:a direct-current power source;an ignition coil unit including a primary coil and secondary coil, an electric current through the primary coil being increased and decreased by interrupting the electric current from the direct-power source, thereby generating a high voltage in the secondary coil;an ignition switch switching between supply of and interrupt of the electric current to the primary coil according to an ignition signal, the ignition signal being sent according to an operating condition;an ignition plug connected to the secondary plug and generating electric sparks due to spark discharge caused by the high voltage applied from the secondary coil; andan auxiliary power source superimposing electric energy on a downstream side of the primary coil after start of the spark discharge from the ignition plug,the auxiliary power source including a discharge energy accumulating means, a discharge switch, a discharge driver turning and a secondary current feedback controlling means,the discharge energy accumulating means being for accumulating electric ...

IGNITION DEVICE

An ignition transformer includes a primary winding and a secondary winding and are electromagnetically coupled to each other. A battery is connected to a first end of the primary winding. A switch connected to a second end of the primary winding is turned on or off in response to an ignition signal. A saturable reactor includes a saturable core and includes a first winding, and a second winding the first and second windings electromagnetically coupled to each other. A first end of the first winding is connected to a first end of the second winding. A second end of the first winding is connected to the ignition plug. A reset circuit applies a reset voltage to the first and second ends of the second winding. The reset voltage is a voltage to switch a magnetization status of the saturable core between a saturated state and an unsaturated state. 1. An ignition device that causes an ignition plug to ignite , comprising:an ignition transformer that includes a primary winding and a secondary winding that are electromagnetically coupled to each other;a battery connected to a first end of the primary winding;a switch that is connected to a second end of the primary winding and is turned on or off in response to an ignition signal; a saturable core;', 'a first winding including first and second ends; and', 'a second winding including a first and second ends, wherein, 'a saturable reactor comprisingthe first and second windings electromagnetically coupled to each other, the first end of the first winding connected to the first end of the second winding, the second end of the first winding connected to the ignition plug; anda reset circuit that applies a reset voltage to the first and second ends of the second winding, the reset voltage being a voltage to switch a magnetization status of the saturable core between a saturated state and an unsaturated state.2. An ignition device that causes ignition plugs to ignite , comprising:an ignition transformer that includes a primary ...

VOLTAGE TRANSFORMER CIRCUIT AND METHOD FOR IONIC CURRENT MEASUREMENT OF A SPARK PLUG

A voltage transformer circuit is described for supplying a spark plug with ignition energy and for ionic current measurement. A transformer of the circuit generates a secondary voltage from a primary voltage and applies the secondary voltage to the spark plug to ignite an electric arc. Using a current effected by the secondary voltage, a capacitor is charged to a breakdown voltage of a Zener diode bridging the same, via a first branch, which leads from the transformer to a first of two sides of the capacitor. The primary voltage is disconnected from the transformer in order to extinguish the electric arc. The capacitor delivers charges for an ionic current via a second branch, which connects the second side of the capacitor to the transformer. A measuring signal of the ionic current is obtained by measuring a voltage drop at a measuring resistor. 1. A voltage transformer circuit for supplying a spark plug with ignition energy and for ionic current measurement , comprising:a transformer having a primary side and a secondary side, the secondary side configured to generate a secondary voltage from a primary voltage applied on the primary side;a primary circuit comprising the primary side of the transformer, a connector for a primary voltage source and a switch for closing the primary circuit; anda secondary circuit comprising in a series connection a capacitor, the secondary side of the transformer, a switch-on spark suppression diode and a connector for the spark plug;wherein in the secondary circuit, the secondary side of the transformer is arranged between the capacitor and the connector for the spark plug and both the capacitor and the connector for the spark plug are each arranged between ground and the secondary side of the transformer;wherein the capacitor is bridged by a Zener diode and is arranged in a loop which connects both sides of the capacitor to the same end of the secondary side of the transformer;wherein a first circuit element is arranged in the loop ...

PLUG BUILT-IN TYPE OPTICAL MEASUREMENT PROBE, AND OPTICAL MEASUREMENT DEVICE PROVIDED WITH THE SAME

There are provided a plug built-in type optical measurement probe capable of obtaining a more accurate measurement value, and an optical measurement device provided with the same. A spark section and a light receiving section are held by a plug main body while being arranged next to each other in a protruding manner such that an end face of a holder is arranged at a position where discharge light from the spark section does not enter the field of view of the light receiving section. Accordingly, the light receiving section can be held in a manner protruding from the plug main body, and entering of the discharge light from the spark section can be restricted by the holder of the light receiving section. That is, by arranging the end face of the holder at a position where the discharge light from the spark section does not enter the field of view of the light receiving section, the light receiving intensity of the discharge light from the spark section can be prevented from being added to a measurement value, and it is possible to measure only the light generated at the time of combustion, and thus, a more accurate measurement value can be obtained. 1. A plug built-in type optical measurement probe comprising:a spark section for performing ignition by spark discharge between electrodes;a light receiving section including an optical window through which light generated at a time of combustion enters and a light-blocking holder for accommodating the optical window at an end portion, the light receiving section being for receiving light, within a field of view, transmitted through the optical window; anda plug main body for holding, next to each other, the spark section and the light receiving section in a protruded manner so that an end face of the holder is arranged at a position where discharge light from the spark section does not enter the field of view of the light receiving section.2. The plug built-in type optical measurement probe according to claim 1 , wherein ...

Gas Fuel Engine Spark Plug Failure Detection

A system for detecting spark plug failures in an engine is provided. The system may include one or more sensor devices coupled to the engine and configured to measure engine data, a controller in communication with the sensor devices, and an output device. The controller may be configured to determine at least a misfire count, a secondary transformer voltage, and an exhaust port temperature based on the engine data, identify a fault condition based on one or more of the misfire count, the secondary transformer voltage, and the exhaust port temperature, and perform a corrective action responsive to the fault condition. The output device may be configured to generate a notification corresponding to the fault condition. 1. A system for detecting spark plug failures in an engine , comprising:one or more sensor devices coupled to the engine and configured to measure engine data;a controller in communication with the sensor devices and configured to determine at least a misfire count, a secondary transformer voltage, and an exhaust port temperature based on the engine data, identify a fault condition based on one or more of the misfire count, the secondary transformer voltage, and the exhaust port temperature, and perform a corrective action responsive to the fault condition; andan output device configured to generate a notification corresponding to the fault condition.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the sensor devices are configured to measure engine data corresponding to one or more of engine speed claim 1 , engine oil temperature claim 1 , turbine inlet temperature claim 1 , turbine exhaust temperature claim 1 , the misfire count claim 1 , the secondary transformer voltage claim 1 , the exhaust port temperature claim 1 , and in-cylinder pressure.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to determine the misfire count claim 1 , the secondary transformer voltage claim 1 , and the exhaust port temperature once one or more data trap conditions have ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SPARK PLUG IDENTIFICATION AND ENGINE MONITORING

A spark plug assembly includes a spark plug, where the spark plug includes a high voltage connector, an insulator body, a metallic shell, and an electrical conductor at least partly disposed in the insulator body and the metallic shell. The spark plug assembly includes a detection unit having a transmitter device and a receiver device. The transmitter device is coupled to the spark plug and is electrically disposed between the high voltage connector and the electrical conductor. Further, the transmitter device is configured to draw an excitation current from the electrical conductor. The transmitter device includes an optical signal generator that is configured to generate an optical signal in response to the drawn excitation current. The receiver device is disposed in optical communication with the transmitter device and configured to receive the optical signal from the transmitter device. 1. A spark plug assembly , comprising:{'claim-text': ['a high voltage connector disposed at one end of the spark plug;', 'an insulator body having a first side and a second side, wherein the insulator body is coupled to the high voltage connector at the first side;', 'a metallic shell having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side of the metallic shell is coupled to the second side of the insulator body;', 'an electrical conductor at least partly disposed in the insulator body and the metallic shell;'], '#text': 'a spark plug, wherein the spark plug comprises:'}{'claim-text': ['a transmitter device coupled to the spark plug and electrically disposed between the high voltage connector and the electrical conductor, wherein the transmitter device is configured to draw an excitation current from the electrical conductor, and wherein the transmitter device comprises an optical signal generator, wherein the optical signal generator is configured to generate an optical signal in response to the drawn excitation current; and', 'a receiver device disposed in optical ...

METHOD FOR ACTUATING A SPARK GAP

A method for actuating a spark plug, in which the spark plug is assigned a first ignition coil and second ignition coil. Triggered by a start signal, the primary winding of the first ignition coil is charged, and the primary winding of the second ignition coil is charged with a delay D, for which 0≦D, by supplying a direct current, wherein, whilst each primary winding, is charged, the respective secondary winding is blocked; the primary current supplied to the primary windings is measured; after a period T, the primary winding of the first ignition coil is discharged, and with the delay D the primary winding of the second ignition coil is discharged; the secondary current flowing through the spark plug is measured; thereafter the primary windings of the first and second ignition coil start to be charged alternately when the secondary current falls below a threshold; the primary windings are discharged alternately when the primary current reaches an upper threshold; the above steps are repeated until the duration of discharge between two electrodes of the spark plug reaches a predefined value Z. 1. (canceled)2. A method for actuating a spark gap in an internal combustion engine in which the spark gap is assigned a first ignition coil and a second ignition coil , each of which has a primary winding and a secondary winding that are inductively coupled to one another , the method comprising the following steps:(a) triggered by a start signal, charging the primary winding of the first ignition coil and with a delay D, for which 0≦D, charging the primary winding of the second ignition coil by supplying a direct current, wherein, whilst each primary winding is charged, the respective secondary winding is blocked;(b) measuring the total primary current supplied to the primary windings;(c) after a period T, abruptly discharging the primary winding of the first ignition coil, and with the delay D abruptly discharging the primary winding of the second ignition coil, whereby ...

GAS ENGINE IGNITION SYSTEM FOR EXTENDING LIFE AND LEAN LIMIT

An ignition device and strategies are provided for extending spark plug life and air-fuel mixture lean limits in natural gas engines while maintaining or improving the engine thermal efficiency. The ignition device may include a plug body extending between a terminal end and an electrode end, a plurality of electrode pairs radially disposed on the electrode end each having an inner electrode and an outer electrode and an insulating body electrically isolating each of the electrode pairs from one another and each of the inner electrodes from the outer electrodes. 1. An ignition device , comprising:a plug body extending between a terminal end and an electrode end;a plurality of electrode pairs radially disposed on the electrode end each having an inner electrode and an outer electrode; andan insulating body electrically isolating each of the electrode pairs from one another and each of the inner electrodes from the outer electrodes.2. The ignition device of claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of orifices radially disposed on the electrode end.3. The ignition device of claim 2 , wherein each orifice is radially disposed between the inner electrode and the corresponding outer electrode of one of the electrode pairs and configured to supply a gas therethrough.4. The ignition device of claim 2 , wherein the electrode end includes four orifices and four corresponding electrode pairs claim 2 , the inner electrode of each electrode pair being radially disposed along a first radius of the electrode end and the outer electrode of each electrode pair being radially disposed along a second radius of the electrode end claim 2 , the first radius being less than the second radius claim 2 , the orifices being radially disposed between the inner electrodes and the outer electrodes.5. The ignition device of claim 1 , wherein each of the electrode pairs at least partially extends through the electrode end and the plug body.6. The ignition device of claim 1 , wherein each electrode ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING AN IGNITION SYSTEM

A system for monitoring and cleaning a spark plug is disclosed. In one example, rim firing of a spark plug is detected according to characteristics of a voltage of a primary coil of an ignition coil. The system may institute spark plug cleaning after rim firing of a spark plug is detected. 1. A spark plug monitoring system , comprising:an engine including an ignition coil with a primary coil; anda controller including executable instructions stored in non-transitory memory to integrate a voltage of the primary coil beginning a first predetermined time after the ignition coil begins to discharge to a second predetermined time after the ignition coil begins to discharge, and instructions to adjust operation of the engine responsive to the integration via the controller.2. The system of claim 1 , where adjusting operation of the engine includes leaning an air-fuel ratio of an engine cylinder and where the controller is electrically coupled to the ignition coil.3. The system of claim 1 , where adjusting operation of the engine includes increasing load claim 1 , advancing spark timing claim 1 , increasing engine speed claim 1 , adjusting cam timing.4. The system of claim 1 , where the adjusting operation of the engine includes increasing a charging time of an ignition coil claim 1 , increasing a total number of charging and discharging events of the ignition coil claim 1 , and decreasing exhaust gas recirculation flow.5. The system of claim 1 , where the integration is numerical integration or linear integration performed via analog circuitry.6. The system of claim 1 , further comprising comparing a value of the integration beginning at the first predetermined time to a value of an integration of a voltage of the primary coil from a different cylinder cycle.7. The system of claim 6 , further comprising adjusting operation of the engine in further response to the value of the integration beginning at the first predetermined time being greater than the value of the ...

CIRCUIT AND METHOD FOR SOFT SHUTDOWN OF A COIL

A circuit and method for gradually reducing a coil current during a shutdown period is disclosed. The circuit and method include a controller that is configured in a control loop with a current sensor that measures the current in the coil and a transistor that can be controller to limit the current in the coil. The open-loop gain of the controller is determined by a resistance of a variable feedback resistor, and the resistance of the variable feedback resistor is reduced during the shutdown period as the coil current becomes small. The reduction of the resistance maintains a suitable phase margin by lowering the open loop gain of the circuit for low coil currents. Thus, during shutdown, the circuit provides control accuracy for high coil currents and control stability for low coil currents. 1. A circuit comprising:a controller configured in a control loop with a current sensor and a transistor that is configured to adjust a voltage at a terminal of the transistor to reduce a current through the transistor, wherein the controller has an open loop gain determined by a resistance of a variable feedback resistor; anda signal generator coupled to the controller that generates a ramp signal to (i) control a reference level of the controller so that the current is reduced gradually over a period and (ii) control the resistance of the variable feedback resistor over the period to reduce an open loop gain of the controller.2. The circuit according to claim 1 , wherein the transistor is an insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) and the terminal is a gate of the IGBT.3. The circuit according to claim 2 , further comprising a gate driver that is coupled to the gate of the IGBT.4. The circuit according to claim 1 , wherein the period includes a high current region and a low current region.5. The circuit according to claim 4 , wherein the current ramps linearly downward according to the reference voltage when the current in is in the high current region but deviates from ...

ELECTRONIC DEVICE TO CONTROL AN IGNITION COIL OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM THEREOF FOR DETECTING A PRE-IGNITION IN THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

It is disclosed an electronic device to control an ignition coil of an internal combustion engine comprising a high-voltage switch, a driving unit, a bias circuit and an integrating circuit. The high-voltage switch is connected in series with a primary winding of a coil. The driving unit is configured to control the closing and opening of the high-voltage switch. The integrating circuit is interposed between the bias circuit and a reference voltage. The integrating circuit comprises an integrating capacitor. The integrating capacitor is configured, in the case wherein a pre-ignition of the comburent-combustible mixture in the combustion chamber during the phase of charging occurs, to pre-charge during the phase of charging energy in the primary winding and it is configured, in the case wherein the pre-ignition of the comburent-combustible mixture does not occur, to maintain the charge state substantially constant during the phase of charging energy.

SPARK PLUG FOULING DETECTION FOR IGNITION SYSTEM

A method for determining a level of spark plug fouling and providing an indication to change the spark plugs of an ignition system is provided. The method includes providing a dwell command on a control wire of an ignition system and generating an indication of a recommendation to change a spark plug of the ignition system based upon a current on the control wire. 1. A method comprising:providing a dwell command on a control wire of an ignition system; and generating an indication of a recommendation to change a spark plug of the ignition system based upon a current on the control wire.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the current on the control wire is measured via a current sensor claim 1 , and wherein the indication of the recommendation to change the spark plug is provided when the current on the control wire drops below a predetermined value after a threshold period of time has elapsed after the dwell command is provided.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising measuring a sensed voltage at a first claim 2 , low-voltage terminal of a secondary winding of an ignition coil of the ignition system claim 2 , the first terminal being opposite to a second claim 2 , high-voltage terminal connected to the spark plug claim 2 , and comparing the sensed voltage to a reference voltage.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the current on the control wire drops below the predetermined value responsive to the sensed voltage being greater than the reference voltage.5. The method of claim 3 , wherein the current on the control wire is based upon the dwell command and an operational status of a current sink.6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising generating a blanking period for a predetermined duration after a rising edge of the dwell command.7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the operational status of the current sink is determined based upon the comparison of the sensed voltage to the reference voltage claim 6 , the generation of the blanking period claim 6 , and a ...

Method of controlling engine, and engine system

A method of controlling an engine is provided, which includes the steps of injecting main fuel by a fuel injector during an intake stroke or a compression stroke, providing a mixture gas containing fuel and air inside a cylinder, applying by an ignition device a high voltage between electrodes of a spark plug at a timing when the mixture gas is not ignited, detecting a parameter related to a current value of an electric-discharge channel generated between the electrodes, determining by a controller whether the detected parameter is within a range between a first threshold and a second threshold to determine a flowing state of a vortex inside the cylinder, operating the spark plug to carry out a supplemental ignition when the parameter is determined to be outside the range, and igniting the mixture gas by operation of the spark plug after the supplemental ignition.

METHOD OF CONTROLLING ENGINE, AND ENGINE SYSTEM

A method of controlling an engine is provided, the method including the steps of injecting main fuel by a fuel injector during an intake stroke or a compression stroke, providing a mixture gas containing fuel and air inside a cylinder, applying by an ignition device a high voltage between electrodes of a spark plug at a timing when the mixture gas is not ignited, detecting a parameter related to a current value of an electric-discharge channel generated between the electrodes, determining whether the detected parameter is within a range between a first threshold and a second threshold to determine a flowing state of a vortex inside the cylinder, injecting supplemental fuel by the fuel injector after the main fuel injection when the parameter is determined to be outside the range, and igniting the mixture gas by the ignition device using the spark plug after the supplemental fuel injection. 1. A method of controlling an engine by using a controller , the engine including a cylinder with a pentroof ceiling , air being introduced into the cylinder through an intake valve provided to the ceiling; an ignition device including a spark plug provided at or near the center axis of the cylinder; and a fuel injector provided at or near the center axis of the cylinder , the method comprising the steps of:injecting main fuel by the fuel injector during one of an intake stroke and a compression stroke, and providing a mixture gas containing fuel and air inside the cylinder;applying by the ignition device a high voltage between electrodes of the spark plug at a timing when the mixture gas is not ignited, and detecting a parameter related to a current value of an electric-discharge channel generated between the electrodes;determining by the controller whether the detected parameter is within a range between a first threshold and a second threshold to determine a flowing state of a vortex inside the cylinder;injecting supplemental fuel by the fuel injector after the injecting the ...

SPARK PLUG CONDITION MONITORING

A method for monitoring an ignition system including a spark plug of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The method comprises determining an operation value associated with an electrical parameter indicative of an operation of the ignition system during actuation of the spark plug. The method further comprises determining at least one parameter indicative of a current engine operation condition of the internal combustion engine, and determining a current spark plug state of the spark plug based on the at least one engine parameter and the operation value associated with the electrical parameter of the ignition system. 1. A method for monitoring an ignition system including a spark plug of an internal combustion engine , the method comprising:determining an operation value associated with an electrical parameter indicative of an operation of the ignition system during actuation of the spark plug;determining at least one parameter indicative of a current engine operation condition of the internal combustion engine; anddetermining a current spark plug state of the spark plug based on the at least one engine parameter and the operation value associated with the electrical parameter of the ignition system.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of determining the current spark plug state uses a map providing a plurality of empirically determined spark plug states claim 1 , each spark plug state depending on a specific combination of the at least one determined engine operation condition and the determined operation value associated with the electrical parameter of the spark plug.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the operation value is an actual risetime duration of a primary current of an ignition coil of the ignition system.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:performing a preset spark plug test procedure for testing operation of the spark plug.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the preset spark plug test procedure is performed when misfire occurs ...

SPARK PLUG FOULING DETECTION FOR IGNITION SYSTEM

A method for determining a level of spark plug fouling and providing an indication to change the spark plugs of an ignition system is provided. The method includes providing a dwell command on a control wire of an ignition system and generating an indication of a recommendation to change a spark plug of the ignition system based upon a current on the control wire. 1. A method comprising:providing a dwell command on a control wire of an ignition system; andgenerating an indication of a recommendation to change a spark plug of the ignition system based upon a current on the control wire.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the current on the control wire is measured via a current sensor claim 1 , and wherein the indication of the recommendation to change the spark plug is provided when the current on the control wire drops below a predetermined value after a threshold period of time has elapsed after the dwell command is provided.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising measuring a sensed voltage at a first claim 2 , low-voltage terminal of a secondary winding of an ignition coil of the ignition system claim 2 , the first terminal being opposite to a second claim 2 , high-voltage terminal connected to the spark plug claim 2 , and comparing the sensed voltage to a reference voltage.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the current on the control wire drops below the predetermined value responsive to the sensed voltage being greater than the reference voltage.5. The method of claim 3 , wherein the current on the control wire is based upon the dwell command and an operational status of a current sink.6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising generating a blanking period for a predetermined duration after a rising edge of the dwell command.7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the operational status of the current sink is determined based upon the comparison of the sensed voltage to the reference voltage claim 6 , the generation of the blanking period claim 6 , and a ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ENGINE CONTROL

Methods and systems are provided for coordinating cylinder deactivation adjustments with changes to individual cylinder piston displacement. In doing do, the benefits of variable displacement and variable compression ratio may be synergized. An engine can be operated with some cylinders deactivated while active cylinders operate with knock addressed while spark timing is at MBT for a longer duration. 1. A method for an engine , comprising:selectively deactivating one or more engine cylinders based on engine load; andadjusting a piston displacement to vary a compression ratio of active engine cylinders to maintain spark timing of the engine at a peak torque timing while maintaining the one or more cylinders deactivated.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the adjusting includes claim 1 , while maintaining spark timing at the peak torque timing claim 1 , adjusting the piston displacement to reduce the compression ratio from a higher threshold compression ratio as an indication of knock increases.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising claim 2 , reducing the compression ratio while maintaining the spark timing at the peak torque timing responsive to knock until a lower threshold compression ratio is reached claim 2 , and responsive to a further indication of knock claim 2 , retarding spark timing while maintaining the compression ratio at the lower threshold.4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising claim 3 , retarding spark timing responsive to the further indication of knock until a fuel usage amount is higher than a threshold amount claim 3 , and then reactivating a deactivated cylinder claim 3 , resuming spark timing at the peak torque timing in the active cylinders claim 3 , and raising the compression ratio of the active cylinders to or towards the higher threshold compression ratio.5. The method of claim 3 , wherein the adjusting includes claim 3 , retarding spark timing responsive to the further indication of knock until spark timing reaches a threshold ...

Internal combustion engine combustion state detecting device

The invention provides an internal combustion engine combustion state detecting device such that ascertaining a combustion state using ionic current detection is carried out accurately over a wide operating range of an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine combustion state detecting device includes a spark plug that has a central electrode and a grounding electrode opposing across a gap, and a discharge stopping-induced current detecting device that estimates an induced current caused by a stopping of a spark discharge generated in the gap between the central electrode and the grounding electrode, wherein an ionic current detection threshold is set to a threshold value that is not affected by the induced current using the induced current estimated by the discharge stopping-induced current detecting device.

RESONANCE BOOSTED IGNITION VOLTAGE

A device may determine a timing configuration for an ignition system. The device may pulse a driver to apply a set of resonant voltage pulses to the ignition system. The set of resonant voltage pulses may cause a set of increasing peak voltages. At least one peak voltage, of the set of increasing peak voltages, may satisfy a threshold to cause a spark in a spark plug of the ignition system. 1. A machine , comprising:a natural gas engine;an ignition system; and [ 'wherein the first current is configured to cause a first voltage that does not satisfy a threshold voltage to cause a spark in a spark plug of the ignition system; and', 'cause a first current to be provided to a coil of the ignition system,'}, wherein the gap period is configured to cause a resonant effect on the first voltage,', 'wherein the second current is configured to cause a second voltage that satisfies the threshold voltage based on the resonant effect on the first voltage., 'cause, after a gap period, a second current to be provided to the coil of the ignition system to cause the spark in the spark plug of the ignition system,'}], 'one or more processors configured to2. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the second current is greater than the first current.3. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the first voltage and the second voltage are secondary voltages.4. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the second voltage is a positive voltage; andwherein the second current is provided, when a voltage of the ignition system is increasing, to cause a resonant effect.5. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the threshold voltage is greater than approximately 40 kilovolts.6. The machine of claim 1 , wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine a timing for the gap period based on stored information.7. The machine of claim 1 , further comprising:a sensor to determine a state of the ignition system.8. The machine of claim 7 , wherein the one or more processors are further configured to determine ...

Igniter and vehicle

An igniter includes: a switch connected to an ignition coil; and a controller to control the switch according to an ignition signal. The controller includes an ignition signal input; a determination stage comparing a voltage of the input with a reference voltage to generate a determination signal; a drive stage controlling the switch's ON/OFF according to the determination signal; a comparison circuit receiving a first supply voltage, comparing a current on the switch with a reference current, and generating a feedback-signal having a level based on the comparison; an output transistor having one end grounded and the other end connected to an output terminal of an ignition check signal and having a threshold voltage higher than the first supply voltage; and a level-shifter receiving a second supply voltage higher than the threshold voltage, level-shifting the feedback-signal, and outputting the level-shifted feedback-signal to a control terminal of the output transistor.

IGNITION APPARATUS

An ignition apparatus performs energy input control in which energy is continuously inputted to an ignition coil to enable a spark discharge in a predetermined energy input period after interrupting a primary current by an ignition switch and generating a discharge of a spark plug by a secondary current. A combustion state determination circuit determines a combustion state by comparing a combustion pressure P detected by a combustion state detector. When the combustion pressure P is smaller than a second threshold Pth and there is room for improving the combustion state with respect to the present energy input condition, the energy input period IGW is increased or a target secondary current I* is increased. By compensating the condition of the energy input control in accordance with the combustion state, a target combustion state can be achieved with just enough energy consumption. 1. An ignition apparatus for controlling operation of a spark plug for igniting an air-fuel mixture in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine , comprising:an ignition coil including a primary coil through which a primary current supplied from a DC power supply flows, and a secondary coil which is connected to an electrode of the spark plug and in which a secondary voltage occurs due to conduction and interruption of the primary current causing a secondary current to flow therethrough;an ignition switch which is connected to a ground side opposite to the DC power supply of the primary coil and intermits the primary current in accordance with an ignition signal;an energy input section capable of inputting energy in a predetermined energy input period after the primary current is interrupted by the ignition switch and a discharge of the spark plug is generated by the secondary voltage due to the interruption;an input energy control section which controls the input energy by the energy input section; anda combustion state determination section which acquires information from a ...

IGNITION SYSTEM OF AN AIRCRAFT TURBINE ENGINE

A turbine engine ignition system comprising a spark plug having excitation and return terminals, and a spark plug exciter connected to the excitation terminal. The return terminal is connected to an equipotential reference-forming structure, the exciter device is connected to a command line for a signal to supply an excitation signal to the spark plug. The ignition system comprises a control device comprising current and voltage sensors, a first voltage comparator, a second current comparator, and a microcontroller receiving output from the two comparators. The first comparator compares the voltage sensor signal to a first reference value and the second comparator compares the current sensor signal to a second reference value. The microcontroller generates a signal indicating a malfunction of the ignition system if the current sensor signal is lower than the second reference value while the voltage sensor signal is higher than the first reference value. 1. An ignition system of a turbine engine , comprising:an ignition spark plug having an excitation terminal and a return terminal, the return terminal being, in use, connected to an equipotential reference-forming structure of the turbine engine,', 'the exciter device being, in use, connected to a command line and to an electrical power source supplying an excitation signal to the spark plug on reception of an excitation signal over the command line,, 'a spark plug exciter device connected to the excitation terminal of the spark plug,'} the first comparator being configured to compare a value of an amplitude of the signal generated by the voltage sensor to a first reference value and', 'the second comparator being configured to compare a value of the signal generated by the current sensor to a second reference value,', 'the microcontroller configured to implement an AND logic gate whose output is a signal indicative of a malfunction of the ignition system if the value of an amplitude of the signal generated by the ...

Ignition plug and method for the ignition of a fuel-air mixture by means of an ignition plug of said type

An adjustable ignition plug, with one or more variable electrodes, and a method to adjust the electrode gap spacing based on various engine operating parameters. This better enables the reliable ignition of the air-fuel mixture in a cylinder of a direct-injection internal combustion engine under various engine operating conditions.

ELECTRONIC DEVICE AND CONTROL SYSTEM OF AN IGNITION COIL IN AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

An electronic device for controlling an ignition coil of an internal combustion engine includes a high voltage switch, a driving unit and a control unit. The driving unit controls the closure of the switch during charging energy in the primary winding and the opening of the switch during transferring energy from the primary winding to a secondary winding. A current measuring circuit is connected in series to a second terminal of the secondary winding to detect current generated on the secondary winding during the charging step and generate a signal representative of the detected current. The control unit receives the signal representative of the current detected by the measuring circuit, compares a relevant value of such signal with a predefined first reference value and activates a mode for detecting a soiling of the spark plug when the relevant value of the signal exceeds said predefined first reference value. 3. The electronic device according to claim 2 , wherein said control unit is configured to:compare a value representative of the current stored in the integrating capacitor with said predefined first reference value;activate said mode for detecting a soiling of the spark plug when said representative value exceeds said predefined first reference value.4. The electronic device according to claim 1 , wherein said first reference value is between 80 μA and 8000 claim 1 , preferably between 100 μA and 2000 μA.6. The ignition system according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit is configured to send an alarm signal to the electronic control unit following the activation of said mode for detecting a soiling of the spark plug and wherein the electronic control unit is configured to start a spark plug cleaning procedure upon receiving said alarm signal. The present invention relates in general to the field of electronic ignition of an internal combustion engine, such as an engine of a motor vehicle.More in particular, the present invention relates to a method for ...

UNEQUAL INTERVAL COMBUSTION ENGINE MISFIRE DETERMINATION DEVICE AND VEHICLE

An unequal-interval combustion engine misfire-determination device determines whether a misfire has occurred in an unequal-interval combustion engine including a plurality of cylinders in which combustion occurs at unequal intervals. The misfire determination device includes: an unequal interval combustion fluctuation canceled value acquisition unit that acquires, based on a crank angle signal, an unequal interval combustion fluctuation canceled value which is a rotation speed in a section of 720×m crank angle degrees including a predetermined determination angle position, where m is a natural number; an unequal interval combustion fluctuation manifested value calculation unit that calculates an unequal interval combustion fluctuation manifested value in which a fluctuation component attributable to unequal interval combustion is manifested, by removing the unequal interval combustion fluctuation canceled value; and a specific cylinder misfire determination unit that determines a misfire in a specific cylinder based on the unequal interval combustion fluctuation manifested value. 1. An unequal interval combustion engine misfire determination device that determines a misfire in an unequal interval combustion engine including a plurality of cylinders in which combustion occurs at unequal intervals and a crankshaft , the determination being performed based on a crank angle signal indicating a rotation angle of the crankshaft , the unequal interval combustion engine misfire determination device comprising:an unequal interval combustion fluctuation canceled value acquisition unit that acquires an unequal interval combustion fluctuation canceled value for every 720 crank angle degrees based on the crank angle signal while the unequal interval combustion engine is in operation, the unequal interval combustion fluctuation canceled value being a value in which a fluctuation component attributable to unequal interval combustion is canceled, the unequal interval combustion ...

METHOD TO DETECT AND CONTROL DETONATION PHENOMENA IN AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

Method to detect and control detonation phenomena in an internal combustion engine provided with a number of cylinders and with at least two detonation sensors; for each combustion cycle as a function of the cylinder and of the engine point that is being explored, the method comprises processing the signal coming from each detonation sensor so as to determine a detonation energy for each detonation sensor; calculating a detonation index for each detonation sensor and controlling the internal combustion engine as a function of a total detonation index through the algebraic sum of the detonation indexes for each detonation sensor. 112181818. A method to detect and control detonation phenomena in an internal combustion engine () provided with a number of cylinders () and with at least two detonation sensors () , in particular two accelerometers (* , **); the method comprising the steps of:{'b': '18', 'acquiring the signal (S*, S**) coming from each detonation sensor ();'}{'b': 18', '18, 'sub': el', 'el, 'processing the signal (S*, S**) coming from each detonation sensor () so as to determine a detonation energy (S*, S**) for each detonation sensor ();'}{'b': 18', '2', '18, 'determining a first indicator (α) for each detonation sensor () as a function of the cylinder () and of the engine point that is being explored, univocally identified by the revolutions per minute (rpm) and by the load; wherein the first indicator (α) is variable as a function of the observability of the detonation phenomena for each detonation sensor ();'}{'b': 2', '18', '18', '18', '18, 'defining a second global indicator (β) of observability of the combustion at a given engine point for a cylinder (), in which the combustion can be fully observable by means of both detonation sensors () or by means of a preferred detonation sensor (), or partially observable by means of the two detonation sensors () or not observable by any of the detonation sensors (); and'}{'b': 2', '2, 'controlling the ...

METHOD FOR OPERATING AN IGNITION SYSTEM AND A CORRESPONDING IGNITION SYSTEM

An ignition system and a method for suppressing an ignition spark discharge at a spark gap at an unsuitable time are provided. The method includes a recognition of a spark breakaway and/or a failed ignition and, in response thereto, by producing a conductive path via an ignition spark at the spark gap at a suitable time. 113-. (canceled)14. A method for operating an ignition system for an internal combustion engine , the ignition system including a voltage generator and a spark gap for producing an ignition spark , the method comprising:recognizing at least one of a spark breakaway and a failed ignition; andproducing, in response thereto, a conductive path via an ignition spark at the spark gap in a suitable working stroke of the internal combustion engine or at a suitable ignition time.15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the suitable working stroke includes a working stroke claim 14 , wherein at least one of the following is satisfied:(i) in which at least one of a combustion and an ejection of fluid from a combustion chamber containing the spark gap occurs; and(ii) in which at least one of an intake and a compression occurs, and in which the residual energy stored in at least one electrical energy storage device of the ignition system is below a specified threshold value.16. The method of claim 14 , wherein the production of the conductive path occurs via the ignition spark at the spark gap following each ignition time of an operating state under consideration claim 14 , or of all operating states.17. The method of claim 14 , wherein the recognizing and producing tasks include the following:ascertaining a secondary-side current,ascertaining whether an exceeding condition is met by ascertaining whether a change in the secondary-side current exceeds a specified first threshold value,ascertaining whether an ignition condition is met by ascertaining whether no ignitable mixture is present in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, andproducing a ...

Two-Dimensional Igniter For Testing In-Cylinder Gas Velocity And/Or Gas Composition

An igniter system for measuring gas velocity and/or gas composition within the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The igniter has an insulator body and conductive shell around the top portion of the insulator body, configured so that the igniter can be installed in place of a conventional spark plug. The igniter has two pairs of electrodes, each pair of electrodes providing a spark gap and operable to generate a spark within the combustion chamber. An activation and measurement unit is operable to generate a sustained arc in each spark gap, and to measure the voltage, current and capacitance in a measurement circuit associated with each spark gap. From various electrical measurements, the velocity and composition of the gas in the combustion chamber can be determined.

IGNITING COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES

The disclosure relates methods and related systems for controlling corona discharge in a combustion chamber without causing an arc strike. The methods can include measuring a baseline impedance of a circuit in electrical communication with an electrode, measuring an actual impedance of the circuit, determining an impedance setpoint based at least in part on the baseline impedance, comparing the actual impedance to the impedance setpoint, and adjusting the actual impedance based at least in part on the comparison between the actual impedance and the impedance setpoint. The electrode is arranged to deliver a corona discharge to the combustion chamber. 124.-. (canceled)25. A method of controlling a corona discharge in a combustion chamber without causing an arc strike , the method comprising:measuring, before corona discharge has begun, a baseline impedance of a circuit in electrical communication with an electrode the electrode arranged to deliver a corona discharge to the combustion chamber;measuring, during corona discharge, an actual impedance of the circuit;determining an impedance setpoint based at least in part on the baseline impedance;comparing the actual impedance to the impedance setpoint; andadjusting the actual impedance based at least in part on the comparison between the actual impedance and the impedance setpoint.26. The method of claim 25 , wherein the baseline impedance of the circuit is measured at a low input voltage claim 25 , before corona discharge has begun.27. The method of claim 25 , further comprising determining an additional impedance claim 25 , wherein determining the impedance setpoint comprises adding the additional impedance to the baseline impedance.28. The method of claim 27 , wherein the additional impedance value is based at least in part on an optimal corona size in the combustion chamber.29. The method of claim 27 , wherein determining the additional impedance value comprisesaccessing a data structure, the data structure ...

DUAL COIL IGNITION SYSTEM

A method of responding to a detected blowout in a coil ignition system is provided in this disclosure. The method includes receiving a characteristic regarding operation of a coil ignition system; determining a blowout condition exists for the coil ignition system based on the characteristic; and providing a command to the coil ignition system based on the determination that the blowout condition exists, wherein the command is structured to reduce a residual charge amount in the coil ignition system. 1. An apparatus , comprising: receive a characteristic regarding operation of a coil ignition system; and', 'determine a blowout condition exists for the coil ignition system based on the characteristic;, 'a blowout module structured toa residual charge module structured to provide a command to the coil ignition system based on the determination that the blowout condition exists, wherein the command is structured to reduce a residual charge amount in the coil ignition system.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the characteristic includes a secondary current level claim 1 , wherein the blowout module is structured to determine that the blowout condition exists based on the secondary current level at a threshold value.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the threshold value is zero amperes.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the command stops restriking in the coil ignition system.5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the command increases a dwell time of a restrike upon determination of the blowout condition existing.6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the increase in dwell time corresponds to a time increase in charging a primary coil in the coil ignition system relative to a time duration for charging the primary coil prior to the blowout condition being determined.7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the command is a spark from an ignitor of the coil ignition system.8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the command is structured to cause the spark during an ...

IGNITION COIL FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

An ignition coil has a primary coil and a secondary coil, a coil terminal, a connector terminal and a connector part. The connector part has a coil-side lead wire and a connector-side lead wire. The coil terminal has a coil-side fitting groove part into which the coil-side lead wire is fitted. An internal edge surface of the coil-side fitting groove part is formed internally to have a protruded curved surface. The connector terminal has a connector-side fitting groove part into which the connector-side lead wire is fitted. An internal edge surface of the connector-side fitting groove part is formed internally to have a protruded curved surface. The coil-side lead wire is inserted into the coil-side fitting groove part in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction thereof. The connector-side lead wire is fitted into the connector-side fitting groove part in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction thereof. 116-. (canceled)17. An ignition coil for an internal combustion engine comprising:a primary coil and a secondary coil magnetically connected with each other;a coil terminal connected to a low voltage side of the secondary coil;a connector terminal electrically connected to an external device; anda connector part connected to and suspended by both the coil terminal and the connector terminal; [ a coil-side lead wire made of wire member connected to the coil terminal; and', 'a connector-side lead wire made of wire member connected to the connector terminal,, 'the connector part comprises, 'the coil terminal comprises a coil-side fitting groove part into which the coil-side lead wire is pressed and inserted, and an internal edge surface of the coil-side fitting groove part is formed internally to have a protruded curved surface,', 'the connector terminal comprises a connector-side fitting groove part into which the connector-side lead wire is pressed and inserted, and an internal edge surface of the connector-side fitting groove part is formed ...

ENGINE OPERATION DETECTION SYSTEM

An engine operation detection system includes an engine including a spark plug and a spark plug wire, and an engine run sensor including a signal wire including an antenna, the antenna configured to receive a spark plug signal from the spark plug wire, a data acquisition output wire outputting an engine on/off condition signal, a power supply providing power to the engine run sensing circuit, and an engine run sensing circuit configured to transform the spark plug signal into the engine on/off condition signal output via the data acquisition output wire. 1. An engine operation detection system comprising:an engine including a spark plug and a spark plug wire; a signal wire including an antenna, the antenna configured to receive a spark plug signal from the spark plug wire;', 'a data acquisition output wire outputting an engine on/off condition signal;', 'a power supply providing power to the engine run sensing circuit; and', 'an engine run sensing circuit configured to transform the spark plug signal into the engine on/off condition signal output via the data acquisition output wire., 'an engine run sensor comprising2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the antenna comprises a ring formed by the signal wire.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the ring comprises at least one loop.4. The system of claim 2 , wherein the ring comprises a plurality of loops.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the signal wire is molded into an insulator fitted onto the spark plug.6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the signal wire is a pre-wound loop positioned within an annular connector configured to fit over the spark plug.7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the engine run sensing circuit includes a connector configured to interface with a fleet management system claim 1 , wherein the connector includes the data acquisition output wire.8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the engine run sensing circuit is positioned between the connector and the signal wire;wherein the connector is positioned ...

Spark plug fouling detection for ignition system

Methods and systems are provided for determining a type of spark plug fouling. In one example, a method may include differentiating spark plug fouling due to soot accumulation from spark plug fouling due to fuel additive accumulation based on a current on a control wire of the spark plug following application of a dwell command. Further, exhaust oxygen sensor degradation and/or exhaust catalyst degradation may be determined based on switching frequencies of one or more exhaust oxygen sensors and the type of spark plug fouling.

IGNITION SYSTEM HAVING COMBUSTION INITIATION DETECTION

An ignition system for an engine is disclosed. The ignition system may have an igniter connected to selectively ignite a fuel mixture within the engine, at least one sensor configured to sense operation information of the engine and generate corresponding signals, and a controller in communication with the igniter and the at least one sensor. The controller may be configured to cause a first striking of the igniter to ignite the fuel mixture, make a determination that the fuel mixture has been ignited by the igniter based on the signals, and selectively cease striking of the igniter based on the determination. 1. An ignition system for an engine , comprising:an igniter connected to selectively ignite a fuel mixture within the engine;at least one sensor configured to sense operational information of the engine and generate corresponding signals; and includes a striking profile library stored in a memory;', 'retrieve a first striking profile from the striking profile library based on the operational information;', 'cause a first striking of the igniter using the first striking profile to ignite the fuel mixture;', 'make a determination that the fuel mixture has been ignited by the igniter based on the signals; and', 'selectively cease striking of the igniter based on the determination. nation., 'a controller in communication with the igniter and the at least one sensor, the controller being configured to2. The ignition system of claim 1 , wherein the controller includes a computational model stored in a memory claim 1 , the computational model being configured to make the determination based on the operational information.3. The ignition system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to selectively cause a restriking of the igniter when the first striking of the igniter has not ignited the fuel mixture.4. The ignition system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to selectively retrieve a second striking profile from the striking ...

DETERMINATION OF A HIGH PRESSURE EXHAUST SPRING IN A CYLINDER OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

A variety of methods and arrangements for determining whether a high pressure exhaust spring is present in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine are described. For spark ignition engines, the electrical properties of the spark plug spark gap may be used to determine whether a high pressure exhaust spring is present. 1. A method of determining whether a high pressure exhaust spring is present in a cylinder of a spark ignition , internal combustion engine having a reciprocating piston , the method comprising:measuring at least one electrical property of a spark gap in a cylinder; andbased on the electrical property measurement, determining whether a high pressure exhaust spring is present in the cylinder.2. A method as recited in wherein a test spark is used to measure the at least one electrical property of the spark gap.3. A method as recited in wherein the at least one measured electrical property includes a first electrical property that occurs during a fire phase of the test spark.4. A method as recited in further comprising:determining whether there is a voltage spike during the fire phase of the test spark that exceeds a predetermined threshold; andwhen it is determined that there is a voltage spike during the fire phase that exceeds the predetermined threshold, determining that a high pressure exhaust spring is not present in the cylinder.5. A method as recited in wherein the at least one measured electrical property includes a second property that involves a spark line tail spike.6. A method as recited in further comprising:determining whether a spark line tail spike exceeds a predetermined threshold wherein the high pressure exhaust spring determination is based at least in part on the spark line tail spike determination.7. A method as recited in wherein the measurement is performed when a piston in the cylinder is substantially at a top dead center position claim 1 , wherein the top dead center piston position corresponds to the top dead center piston ...

System and method for detecting fault in ignition system

An on-board diagnostic system for detecting a fault in an ignition system of an engine system having a cylinder is provided. The system includes an indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) monitoring module for monitoring IMEP indicating average pressure in the cylinder during an operation cycle of the cylinder for an engine runtime. A misfire detection module detects misfire cycles associated with the cylinder based on the monitored IMEP. An ignition system diagnostic module communicatively coupled to the misfire detection module includes a statistical module and a control module. The statistical module determines a percentage of the misfire cycles during the engine runtime. The control module changes an operational parameter of the engine system when the percentage of the misfire cycles is less than a pre-defined threshold value or provides a warning message for required maintenance when the percentage of the misfire cycles is greater than the pre-defined threshold value.

METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTATION WITH THE OPERATION OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

A method for implementation with the operation of an internal combustion engine, having an ignition plug, which is arranged on a combustion chamber of a cylinder of the internal combustion engine, wherein: in a first step, a cylinder pressure at the ignition time at the combustion chamber is detected, as well as a breakdown voltage at the ignition plug; and in a second step, a current electrode distance of the ignition electrodes, representing a current ignition electrode wear state, is determined based on the detected cylinder pressure, the detected breakdown voltage and a constant of proportionality. 110-. (canceled)11. A method for implementation with operation of an internal combustion engine which has a spark plug arranged on a combustion chamber of a cylinder of the internal combustion engine , the method comprising the steps of:measuring in a first step, a cylinder pressure at the combustion chamber at an ignition time and measuring a breakdown voltage at the spark plug; anddetermining in a second step, a current electrode spacing of ignition electrodes, which represents a current ignition electrode state of wear, based on the measured cylinder pressure, the measured breakdown voltage and a proportionality constant.12. The method according to claim 11 , further comprising the step of determining a service life of the spark plug based on the current electrode spacing of the ignition electrodes claim 11 , which is determined in the second step.13. The method according to claim 11 , further comprising the step of setting a combustion parameter of the internal combustion engine based on the current electrode spacing claim 11 , which is determined in the second step.14. The method according to claim 13 , wherein the combustion parameter is an air/fuel ratio.15. The method according to claim 11 , including carrying out the method iteratively.16. The method according to claim 11 , including determining the proportionality constant as a system-specific variable at ...

SYSTEM FOR MONITORING A PRECHAMBER OF AN ENGINE

The present disclosure includes systems and methods for monitoring a prechamber of an engine. In one embodiment, a system includes a combustion engine having a combustion chamber and a prechamber, where the prechamber is configured to direct a flame toward the combustion chamber, a fuel supply valve configured to adjust a flow of a fuel toward the prechamber, a prechamber valve configured to receive the fuel into the prechamber, a knock sensor coupled to the combustion engine, and a controller. The controller is configured to control operations of the combustion engine, to receive a signal from the knock sensor, to determine a combustion parameter based at least on the signal, to determine a condition of one or both of the prechamber and the prechamber valve based at least on the combustion parameter, and to adjust the fuel supply valve based at least on the condition. 1. A system , comprising:a combustion engine comprising a combustion chamber and a prechamber, wherein the prechamber is configured to direct a flame toward the combustion chamber;a fuel supply valve configured to adjust a flow of a fuel toward the prechamber;a prechamber valve configured to receive the fuel into the prechamber;a knock sensor coupled to the combustion engine; anda controller communicatively coupled to the combustion engine, the prechamber, and the knock sensor, wherein the controller is configured to control operations of the combustion engine, to receive a signal from the knock sensor, to determine a combustion parameter based at least on the signal, to determine a condition of one or both of the prechamber and the prechamber valve based at least on the combustion parameter, and to adjust the fuel supply valve based at least on the condition of the prechamber, the prechamber valve, or both.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the combustion parameter comprises a peak firing pressure in a cylinder of the combustion engine.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the combustion parameter ...

Using On-Board Monitoring (Mode 6) Misfire Tests in Data Stream and Physical Addressing

A diagnostic tool configured to retrieve mode 6 cylinder misfire data from an engine controller using physical addressing of the engine controller. The mode 6 data is retrieved on a continuous and dynamic basis instead of a snapshot. The retrieved mode 6 data may be displayed on a GUI and may also contain other mode 6 data such as throttle position sensor, engine RPM and mass air flow. 1. A vehicle diagnostic tool , comprising:a diagnostic processor configured to execute computing instructions;a connector interface configured to connect with a connector in a vehicle and retrieve vehicle diagnostic data from the vehicle with the processor, wherein the vehicle diagnostic data is mode 6 cylinder misfire data;a display in communication with the processor configured to display vehicle diagnostic data;a wireless communication interface in communication with the processor and configured to communicate with a remote device having a vehicle diagnostic database; and retrieve vehicle diagnostic data including diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and mode 6 cylinder misfire data, the mode 6 cylinder misfire data is retrieved continuously and dynamically by using physical addressing of an engine controller in the vehicle;', 'generate, on the display, a plurality of selectable icons corresponding to individual cylinder misfire data for each supported cylinder of the vehicle;', 'indicate on the selectable icons a number of cylinder misfire, if any, for each supported cylinder; and', 'activate a web browser on the remote device to start the repair process., 'a memory in communication with the processor, the memory containing computing instructions, that when executed by the processor causes the processor to2. The diagnostic tool of claim 1 , wherein indicate on the selectable icons the number of cylinder misfire is for a current trip driven by an operator.3. The diagnostic tool of claim 1 , wherein indicate on the selectable icons a number of cylinder misfire is for a predetermined trip ...

Ignition device for internal combustion engine

An ignition device for an internal combustion engine includes an ignition coil, a first switch, a secondary current adjuster, and controller. The ignition coil includes a primary coil, a core, and a secondary coil. The first switch switches an energized state of the primary coil between an ON state and an OFF state. The secondary current adjuster adjusts a current value of a secondary current flowing through the secondary coil. The controller controls the secondary current adjuster so that a current value of the secondary current in at least a part of a charging period of the ignition plug, which is a period from when the energized state of the primary coil is switched from the ON state to the OFF state by the first switch to when dielectric breakdown occurs in the ignition plug, becomes smaller than a peak value of the secondary current after the dielectric breakdown occurs.

ENGINE CONTROL DEVICE

Provided is an engine control device which can suppress a shortage of output terminals of the control unit and an increase of costs even in a multiple-cylinder internal combustion engine equipped with ignition energy supply units of two systems. An engine control device controls a multiple-cylinder engine in which ignition energy supply units of two systems are provided for every cylinder. A signal is transmitted through a common signal line to a plurality of ignition energy supply units of one system among the ignition energy supply units of the two systems to control the ignition energy supply units of the one system. 1. An engine control device which controls a multiple-cylinder engine in which ignition energy supply units of two systems are provided for every cylinder ,wherein a signal is transmitted through a common signal line to a plurality of ignition energy supply units of one system among the ignition energy supply units of the two systems to control the ignition energy supply units of the one system.2. The engine control device according to claim 1 ,wherein the ignition energy supply units of the two systems are configured to overlap a discharge of the ignition energy supply units of the one system and a discharge of the ignition energy supply units of the other system to be output.3. The engine control device according to claim 1 ,wherein the plurality of ignition energy supply units having received a signal through the common signal line determine an ignition cylinder using an ignition signal of the ignition energy supply units of the other system.4. The engine control device according to claim 3 ,wherein the ignition signal of the ignition energy supply units of the other system to be used for determining the ignition cylinder is an ignition signal of the ignition energy supply units of the other system belonging to the same cylinder as that of the ignition energy supply units of the one system.5. The engine control device according to claim 3 ,wherein ...

ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND DRIVING METHOD OF THE SAME

An electronic ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprises an ignition coil () provided with at least a primary winding () and a secondary winding (), a switch () connected to the primary winding () and drivable in an open and/or closed position according to the value of a driving signal, a control unit () associated to the switch () and configured to drive it in open and/or closed position according to the value of the driving signal (G). Such system also comprises a voltage changing electronic element () connected to the electrical connection (), operatively interposed between the electrical connection () and the primary winding (), and configured to change the voltage value of the primary winding () according to the value of a control signal between at least a first (V) and a second (V) voltage value. The system also comprises a ionization measuring device () around said discharge gap () of the spark plug () associated with the secondary winding () and arranged to detect a current value in the secondary winding () and to send a signal representative of said value to the control unit (), wherein the control unit () is configured to activate said measuring device () upon the shutdown of the electric arc or spark. 1. A plasma electronic ignition system for an internal combustion engine , configured to generate a spark of predetermined duration within an engine cylinder , the plasma electronic ignition system comprising:an ignition coil provided with a primary winding and a secondary winding, wherein said primary winding is connectable, by an electrical connection, to a voltage generator device and said secondary winding is connectable to a spark plug;a switch connected to said primary winding and drivable to open and/or close said primary winding according to a value of a driving signal, in order to prevent or allow passage of an electric current through said primary winding;control unit associated with said switch and configured to drive said switch ...

SPARK PLUG PRODUCTION METHOD, SPARK PLUG PRODUCTION DEVICE AND ASSEMBLY INSPECTION METHOD

A method of producing a spark plug comprises (a) a step of combining a metallic shell and an insulator; (b) a step of inserting a portion of the assembly on its forward end side into a pressure container; (c) a step of bringing an insulating member into contact with the outer circumferential surface of a base side portion of the insulator over the entire circumference thereof, and pressing the assembly so as to close the opening by the assembly; and (d) a step of pressurizing the interior of the pressure container and applying a predetermined voltage between the terminal electrode and the metallic shell. 1. A spark plug production device for producing a spark plug which includes an assembly which is composed of a tubular metallic shell having a ground electrode at its forward end and an insulator having an axial hole and holding a terminal electrode in the axial hole such that a portion of the terminal electrode on its base end side is exposed from the axial hole , the assembly being assembled such that the metallic shell covers an outer circumferential surface of a forward end portion of the insulator , the spark plug production device comprising:a pressure container which has an opening and into which a portion of the assembly on its forward end side is inserted through the opening;a sealing section which brings an insulating member into contact with an outer circumferential surface of a base end portion of the terminal electrode over the entire circumference of the base end portion in a state in which an axial line of the assembly and an axial line of the opening coincide with each other, and presses the assembly so as to close the opening by the assembly;a pressurizing section which pressurizes an interior of the pressure container; anda voltage application section which applies a predetermined voltage between the terminal electrode and the metallic shell,wherein the pressure container accommodates the portion of the assembly on its forward end side such that a ...

CONTROL DEVICE OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

A control device of an internal combustion engine in a simple configuration capable of finely detecting the combustion state of the internal combustion engine, for example, an occurrence of knocking from an ionic current signal is provided. A control device of an internal combustion engine having an ionic current value detection unit that detects an ionic current value during combustion including an ionic current signal processing unit that performs signal processing of the ionic current value and a detection unit that detects a combustion state of the internal combustion engine based on a processing result by the ionic current signal processing unit , wherein the ionic current signal processing unit includes a differentiating unit that calculates a differential value of the ionic current value is provided. 1. A control device of an internal combustion engine having an ionic current value detection unit that detects an ionic current value during combustion , the control device comprising:an ionic current signal processing unit that performs signal processing of the ionic current value; anda detection unit that detects a combustion state of the internal combustion engine based on a processing result by the ionic current signal processing unit, whereinthe ionic current signal processing unit includes a differentiating unit that calculates a differential value of the ionic current value.2. The control device of an internal combustion engine according to claim 1 , wherein the ionic current signal processing unit further includes a frequency analyzer that conducts frequency analysis of the differential value.3. The control device of an internal combustion engine according to claim 1 , wherein the ionic current signal processing unit further includes a frequency analyzer that conducts frequency analysis of the differential value claim 1 , an integrating unit that calculates an integral value of the ionic current value claim 1 , and a normalization unit that calculates a ...

IGNITION SYSTEM

An ignition system includes a primary coil, a secondary coil, a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, a fourth switch, and a switch control section. The primary coil includes a first winding, and a second winding which is connected in series with the first winding. The secondary coil is connected to an ignition plug and is magnetically coupled to the primary coil. The first switch connects and disconnects an electrical path between a first terminal and a ground. The second switch connects and disconnects an electrical path between a power supply and a second terminal. The third switch connects and disconnects an electrical path between the power supply and the first terminal. The fourth switch connects and disconnects an electrical path between a contact point and the ground. The switch control section controls opening and closing of each switch to connect and disconnect the associated electrical path. 1. An ignition system which causes an ignition plug to generate a spark discharge , the ignition system comprising:a primary coil including a first winding, a second winding connected in series with the first winding, a first terminal located on an opposite side of the first winding from a contact point between the first winding and the second winding, and a second terminal located on an opposite side of the second winding from the contact point;a secondary coil connected to the ignition plug and magnetically coupled to the primary coil;a first switch located on a first terminal side with respect to the primary coil and which connects and disconnects an electrical path between the first terminal and a ground;a second switch located on a second terminal side with respect to the primary coil and which connects and disconnects an electrical path between a power supply and the second terminal;a third switch located on a first terminal side with respect to the first winding and which connects and disconnects an electrical path between the power supply and the ...

METHOD FOR MONITORING THE SPARK PLUGS OF A TURBOSHAFT ENGINE USING A VIBRATION MEASUREMENT

A method for monitoring an aircraft turboshaft engine including a vibration sensor capable of outputting a vibration signal and a spark plug. The method includes, based on the vibration signal output by the vibration sensor, a step of determining a level of vibration of the turboshaft engine as well as a step of determining an indicator of spark plug wear. 1. A method for monitoring an aircraft turboshaft engine which comprises a spark plug and a vibration sensor capable of outputting a vibration signal , comprising , based on the vibration signal output by the vibration sensor , both determining a level of vibration of the turboshaft engine as well as determining a wear indicator of the spark plug.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein determining the wear indicator comprises the steps of:filtering the vibration signal output by the vibration sensor;detecting breakdown peaks in the filtered vibration signal; andcharacterising the detected breakdown peaks.3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the characterizing of the detected breakdown peaks comprises counting the peaks.4. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the characterizing of the detected breakdown peaks comprises determining an amplitude of each detected breakdown peak.5. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the characterizing of the detected breakdown peaks comprises determining a frequency of the detected breakdown peaks.6. The method according to claim 5 , wherein the characterizing of the detected breakdown peaks comprises computing a aperiodicity indicator of the detected breakdown peaks.7. The method according to claim 2 , further comprising transmitting an ignition command to an excitation circuit configured to output breakdown pulses to the spark plug upon receipt of the ignition command and wherein filtering the vibration signal is only implemented when the ignition command is being transmitted.8. The method according to claim 2 , further comprising transmitting an ignition ...

Ignition device

The return circuit of the ignition device returns to the battery the current supplied to the primary coil by the operation of the second circuit, and the voltage detection unit detects the voltage VB. The operation stopping unit monitors the voltage VB and when it is determined that the voltage VB is excessive, that is, when the voltage VB exceeds the threshold voltage VBc, it stops the supply of energy by the second circuit. As a result, when a load dump state occurs, the supply of energy by the second circuit can be stopped. Thus, when a load dump state occurs by the operation of the second circuit, other devices can be protected from overvoltage.

IONIZATION DETECTOR WITH IGNITION COIL INDUCTANCE SHORTING

An ionization detector that reduces the filtering effects of the ignition coil inductances by shorting an inductance of a primary winding of the ignition coil. The ionization detector includes a bias voltage source and an inductance control switch. The bias voltage source supplies electric voltage across an electric gap of a spark plug for detecting ionization within the combustion chamber. The inductance control switch is electrically parallel with a primary winding of an ignition coil and is operable to short an inductance of the primary winding. 1. An ionization detector apparatus for detecting ionization of gases , the apparatus comprising:a coil having a primary winding and a secondary winding;a bias voltage source electrically coupled to the secondary winding, wherein the bias voltage source supplies electric voltage across an electrical gap by way of the secondary winding such that an ionization current flows across the electrical gap in response to ionized gas being present;an inductance control switch positioned electrically parallel with the primary winding of the coil and operable to short an inductance of the primary winding; anda current sensor outputting a signal indicative of the ionization current flowing from the bias voltage source to the electrical gap, wherein the current sensor comprises a current mirror circuit.2. The ionization detector apparatus of wherein:the inductance control switch includes a plurality of transistors and a driver;the plurality of transistors are electrically coupled between a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the primary winding; andthe driver is operable to drive the plurality of transistors to an ON state or an OFF state such that the inductance control switch shorts the inductance of the primary winding when the transistors are in the ON state.3. The ionization detector apparatus of wherein:the plurality of transistors includes a first transistor and a second transistor, both the first transistor and the ...

IGNITION DEVICE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

An ignition device for an internal combustion engine with an ignition plug that ignites an air-fuel mixture in a combustion chamber, wherein a discharge current i provided by the ignition plug to the air-fuel mixture is controlled to be greater than a discharge current reference value ibf, which is a minimum current value at which a spark discharge blow-out phenomenon does not arise. 1. An ignition device for an internal combustion engine equipped with an ignition plug that ignites an air-fuel mixture in a combustion chamber , whereina discharge current i provided by the ignition plug to the air-fuel mixture is controlled to be greater than a discharge current reference value ibf, which is a minimum current value at which a spark discharge blow-out phenomenon does not arise.2. The ignition device for an internal combustion engine according to claim 1 , wherein the discharge current reference value iis set according to the following mathematical formula.{'br': None, 'i': i', '=kU', 'l, 'sub': bf', 'spk, 'sup': n1', 'n2, '(1)'}3. The ignition device for an internal combustion engine according to claim 2 , wherein the constant k is adjustable within a range of 0.0017±10% claim 2 , the constant nis adjustable within a range of 0.71±10% claim 2 , and the constant nis adjustable within a range of 0.33±10% in mathematical formula (1). The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-030069 filed on Feb. 21, 2017 including the specification, claims, drawings, and abstract is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.The present description relates to an ignition device for an internal combustion engine.As conventionally known, an internal combustion engine is equipped with an ignition device (e.g., an ignition plug), which includes a central electrode (i.e., an ignition electrode), insulated and held by an insulator and paired with a confronting ground electrode, and is configured to generate a spark in response to a voltage applied between the central ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING ENGINE KNOCK AND MISFIRE

A system and method for providing multiple commands to an ignition coil driver circuit to provide spark, ion signal integration, and ignition coil shunting during a cycle of a cylinder is presented. In one example, multiple voltage pulses are provided over a single conductor communication link. The voltage pulses provide encoded instructions for ignition timing, ignition coil shunting, and ion signal integration. 1. A method for providing spark to an engine , comprising:receiving input from one or more engine sensors to a controller; andcommanding via the controller shunting, integrating, charging, and discharging of an ignition coil during a cylinder cycle in response to the input, the commanding accomplished via a single conductor providing electrical communication between the controller and an ignition coil drive circuit.2. The method of claim 1 , where the charging and discharging of the ignition coil is commanded via a dwell pulse over the single conductor.3. The method of claim 1 , where the shunting provides a low resistance electrical path between a first side of a primary coil of an ignition coil and a second side of the primary ignition coil.4. The method of claim 3 , where the shunting is performed during an engine crankshaft interval where engine knock is expected.5. The method of claim 1 , where the one or more engine sensors includes an engine crankshaft position sensor.6. The method of claim 1 , where the ignition coil drive circuit includes a pulse decoder circuit.7. The method of claim 1 , where the commanding is provided via one or more voltage pulses over the single conductor.8. The method of claim 1 , where shunting includes closing a switch between a first side of a primary coil of an ignition coil and a second side of the primary ignition coil.9. A method for providing spark to an engine claim 1 , comprising:receiving input from one or more engine sensors to a controller; andcommanding via the controller shunting, integrating, charging, and ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRE-IGNITION CONTROL

Methods and systems are provided for addressing pre-ignition that may be induced in response to actions taken to mitigate a cylinder misfire. An amount of engine load limiting applied may be adjusted to reduce the likelihood pre-ignition while also addressing component over-temperature issues. By limiting an engine load while shutting off fuel in a misfiring cylinder, and while combusting a lean air-fuel mixture in the remaining cylinders, pre-ignition induced by the misfire-mitigating lean combustion conditions can be reduced. 1. A method for an engine , comprising:in response to a first cylinder misfire event before an occurrence of a cylinder pre-ignition event, limiting an engine load from a first load to second load; andin response to a second cylinder misfire event occurring after the cylinder pre-ignition event, maintaining the engine load at a third load, lower than the second load.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising claim 1 , limiting the engine load from the second load to the third load responsive to the cylinder pre-ignition event.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first load is based on a pre-ignition history of the engine.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein limiting the engine load from the first load to the second load includes reducing an intake aircharge.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the intake aircharge is reduced by one or more of reducing an opening of an intake throttle claim 4 , increasing an opening of a turbocharger wastegate claim 4 , adjusting a cylinder valve timing claim 4 , and increasing an amount of exhaust gas recirculation.6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising claim 1 , responsive to the first cylinder misfire event claim 1 , shutting off fuel to a misfiring cylinder and operating remaining cylinders of the engine with air-fuel ratio leaner than stoichiometry.7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the limiting from the first load to the second load is based on a degree of leanness of the leaner than ...

Method and processing system of sensed ionization current data for real time estimation of combustion chamber pressure in a spark ignition engine

The pressure in the combustion chamber of an electronically controlled spark plug ignition engine may be estimated in real time mode without specific sensors by processing sensed ionization current data to calculate features of the current waveform proven to be correlated to the pressure inside the engine cylinders and correlating them on the basis of a look up table of time invariant correlation coefficients generated through a calibration campaign of tests on a test engine purposely equipped with sensors. A mathematical model of the electrical and physical spark plug ignition system and combustion chamber of the engine is refined during calibration by iteratively testing the interactive performance of correlation coefficients of related terms of a mathematical expression of the model and comparing the expressed pressure value with the real pressure value as measured by a sensor.

Method for detecting detonation phenomena in an internal combustion engine

A method for detecting the development of detonation phenomena in an internal combustion engine ( 1 ) which includes determining the variance (σ i ) of each combustion taken into account for a given cylinder ( 2 ) and in a given engine point as a function of the comparison between the detonation energy (μ i ) of each combustion taken into account and the self-learnt mean detonation energy (μ i — m ) for the given cylinder ( 2 ) and in the given engine point; calculating the maximum variance (σ i — max ) for a given cylinder ( 2 ) and in a given engine point with a reduction of the spark advance actuated in the given cylinder ( 2 ); and determining the development of detonation phenomena for each combustion taken into account as a function of the comparison between the maximum variance (σ i — max ) and the variance (σ i ) of each combustion taken into account for a given cylinder ( 2 ) and in a given engine point.

METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A CORONA IGNITION SYSTEM OF A CYCLICALLY OPERATING INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

A method for controlling a corona ignition system in which a corona discharge is produced at an ignition electrode by exciting a resonating circuit with an AC voltage produced by a high-frequency generator. The AC voltage is adjusted to a target value depending on an operating state of the engine. Combustion onset is determined by evaluating an electrical variable of the resonating circuit and the target value of the AC voltage is reduced by a predefined value following a predefined number of engine cycles or a predefined operating period. The determined combustion onset is evaluated in one or more engine cycles. The target value for the momentary engine operating state is then increased if, by evaluation of the combustion onset, it is found that a predefined requirement is no longer met. Otherwise, the reduced target value is stored as a new target value for the momentary engine operating state. 1. A method for controlling a corona ignition system of a cyclically operating internal combustion engine , the method comprising:producing a corona discharge at an ignition electrode by exciting a resonating circuit with an AC voltage produced by a high-frequency generator, said resonating circuit comprising the ignition electrode;adjusting the AC voltage to a target value that is set as a function of an operating state of the engine;detecting a combustion onset by evaluating an electrical variable of the resonating circuit; andevaluating the combustion onset from one or a number of engine cycles, wherein the target value of the AC voltage is increased if, by evaluation of the combustion onset, it is determined that a predefined requirement is no longer met.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein:the target value of the AC voltage is reduced by a predefined value whenever a predefined number of engine cycles or a predefined operating period has passed;the combustion onset determined with the reduced target value of the AC voltage is evaluated for one or more engine ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MITIGATING WET-FOULING OF SPARK PLUGS

Methods and systems are provided for drying a wet-fouled spark plug during engine flooding conditions. In one example, a method may include, reverse rotating the engine unfueled and activating a heating element of an exhaust catalyst to flow heated ambient air through the combustion chamber to dry the wet-fouled spark plug. 1. A method comprising:in response to flooding a combustion chamber of a spark ignition engine with fuel during an engine start attempt, shutting off fuel delivery to the combustion chamber, activating a heating element of a catalyst coupled to an exhaust passage of the engine, and spinning the engine in reverse to flow air heated by the heating element to the combustion chamber via the exhaust passage.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the spark ignition engine includes an intake passage having a throttle coupled therein and an exhaust gas sensor coupled to the exhaust passage claim 1 , and the flooding is determined based on at least one of a position of the throttle during the engine start attempt claim 1 , an output of the exhaust gas sensor during the engine start attempt claim 1 , and a threshold number of engine start attempts being reached without combustion occurring in the combustion chamber.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the position of the throttle is a wide open position and an output of the exhaust gas sensor is richer than stoichiometric air fuel ratio.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the air heated by the heating element is drawn into the engine from atmosphere via the exhaust passage and the air flows to the combustion chamber via the catalyst.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the combustion chamber includes a spark plug for supplying spark to the combustion chamber for combustion.6. The method of claim 2 , further comprising claim 2 , immediately prior to spinning the engine in reverse claim 2 , opening the throttle to a wide open position claim 2 , opening a wastegate valve housed in a wastegate passage coupled across an ...

IGNITION CONTROL DEVICE

An ignition control device includes a main ignition circuit to generate a spark discharge to a spark plug by controlling energization of a primary coil of an ignition coil for an internal combustion engine, an energy supply circuit that supplies energy based on a discharge continuation signal by controlling the energization of the primary coil during the spark discharge started by the operation of the main ignition circuit to supply a secondary current in the same direction as a main ignition continuously in a secondary coil of the ignition coil, a secondary current command circuit for outputting a command value of the secondary current based on the secondary current command signal, and an ignition control unit for setting signal values of the secondary current command signal and the discharge continuation signal. 1. An ignition control device comprising:a main ignition circuit to generate a spark discharge to a spark plug by controlling energization of a primary coil of an ignition coil for an internal combustion engine;an energy supply circuit that supplies energy based on a discharge continuation signal which is a command value for continuing the spark discharge by controlling the energization of the primary coil during the spark discharge started by the operation of the main ignition circuit to supply a secondary current in the same direction as that used for a main ignition continuously in a secondary coil of the ignition coil;a secondary current command circuit for outputting a command value of the secondary current based on the secondary current command signal; andan ignition control unit for setting signal values of the secondary current command signal and the discharge continuation signal; whereinthe ignition control unit sets the secondary current command signal so as to increase the secondary current when an engine speed of the internal combustion engine is higher compared to when the engine speed is lower, and sets the discharge continuation signal so as ...

SPARK PLUG FOULING DETECTION FOR IGNITION SYSTEM

A method for determining a level of spark plug fouling and providing an indication to change the spark plugs of an ignition system is provided. The method includes providing a dwell command on a control wire of an ignition system and generating an indication of a recommendation to change a spark plug of the ignition system based upon a current on the control wire.

Ignition apparatus

An ignition apparatus for internal combustion engines is provided. The ignition apparatus is equipped with an ECU. The ECU monitors a path length of a discharge of a spark for a period of time in which a second circuit delivers or inputs energy in the form of a threshold value determination. When the path length has become too short, the ECU determines that ignition is expected to be delayed and then selects a special mode to control the delay of the ignition. The ECU increase a target value of an energy input amount. This enables the delay of ignition resulting from a short extension of the path length to be minimized. The ignition apparatus equipped with the second circuit to continue the discharge of sparks is, thus, capable of reducing a variation in ignition without the need for uniformly increasing the energy input amount.

IGNITION CONTROL DEVICE

In an ignition control device for controlling operation of an ignition apparatus, an ignition section has first and second electrodes disposed in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. A voltage application between the first and second electrodes enables a discharge to be generated between the first and second electrodes for igniting a gas mixture in the combustion chamber. A voltage application section performs at least one application of a determination voltage between the first and second electrodes. An occurrence ratio acquisition section acquires a discharge occurrence ratio at the ignition section for the at least one application of the determination voltage. A comparison section compares the discharge occurrence ratio acquired by the occurrence ratio acquisition section with a predetermined determination threshold to thereby determine a degree of wear of at least one of the first and second electrodes. 1. An ignition control device for controlling operation of an ignition apparatus , the ignition control device comprising:an ignition section that has first and second electrodes disposed in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, a voltage application between the first and second electrodes enabling a discharge to be generated between the first and second electrodes for igniting a gas mixture in the combustion chamber;a voltage application section that performs at least one application of a determination voltage between the first and second electrodes;an occurrence ratio acquisition section that acquires a discharge occurrence ratio at the ignition section for the at least one application of the determination voltage; anda comparison section that compares the discharge occurrence ratio acquired by the occurrence ratio acquisition section with a predetermined determination threshold to thereby determine a degree of wear of at least one of the first and second electrodes.2. The ignition control device according to claim 1 , wherein ...

Ignition system and method for checking electrodes of a spark plug of an internal combustion engine

A method for checking electrodes of a spark gap of an ignition system for a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine with an externally provided ignition includes generating a spark at the spark gap in an operating state without ignition of an ignitable mixture in the combustion chamber; ascertaining a parameter or characteristic function representing the spark current, the spark voltage, and/or the spark duration; comparing the parameter or the characteristic function to a reference; adapting an energy for a voltage buildup for a further spark generation for the mixture ignition and/or for maintaining an ignition spark for the mixture ignition, in particular for a future ignition process, as a function of a difference between the parameter or the characteristic function and the reference.

IGNITION APPARATUS

An object is to reduce the required numbers of connector pins and A/D converters, without degrading the detection accuracy. There is provided an ignition apparatus which includes: ignition plugs provided for multiple cylinders; an ignition coil provided for each cylinder, and having a primary coil and a secondary coil magnetically coupled to the primary coil and connected to the ignition plug; switching devices each for switching between application and shut-off of current to the primary coil; a primary-voltage-signal separator provided for each cylinder, for inputting thereto a voltage of the primary coil and outputting the voltage as a primary signal; a primary-signal combiner for electrically combining together each primary signal corresponding to each cylinder, to thereby output a composite primary signal; and a primary-voltage-information detector for inputting thereto the composite primary signal, to thereby output primary voltage information of each cylinder. 1. An ignition apparatus , comprising:an ignition plug provided for each of multiple cylinders of an internal combustion engine;an ignition coil provided for each of the cylinders, and having a primary coil and a secondary coil that is magnetically coupled to the primary coil and connected to the ignition plug;a switching device provided for each of the cylinders, for switching between application and shut-off of current to the primary coil;a primary-voltage-signal separator provided for each of the cylinders, for inputting thereto a voltage of the primary coil and outputting that voltage as a primary signal;a primary-signal combiner for electrically combining, together each said primary signal corresponding to each of the cylinders, to thereby output a composite primary signal; anda primary-voltage-information detector for inputting thereto the composite primary signal, to thereby output primary voltage information of each of the cylinders.2. The ignition apparatus of claim 1 , wherein claim 1 , during ...

IGNITION DEVICE

An ignition device according to the present invention includes: an ignition plug, which includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a dielectric body arranged between the electrodes; an AC power supply configured to generate an AC voltage to be applied between the electrodes; a thermal plasma detection portion configured to output a thermal plasma occurrence signal when thermal plasma has occurred between the electrodes; and an application time period determination portion configured to determine an application time period for the AC voltage during one cycle of the internal combustion engine in advance before the application, and when the thermal plasma occurrence signal is received while the AC voltage is being applied based on the application time period, change the application time period so as to shorten the application time period. 17-. (canceled)8. An ignition device , comprising:an ignition plug, which is arranged in an internal combustion engine, and includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a dielectric body arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode;an AC power supply configured to generate an AC voltage to be applied between the first electrode and the second electrode;a thermal plasma detection circuit configured to detect whether thermal plasma has occurred between the first electrode and the second electrode, and when the thermal plasma is detected, output a thermal plasma occurrence signal; andan application time period determination circuit configured to determine an application time period for the AC voltage during one cycle of the internal combustion engine in advance before the application, and when the thermal plasma occurrence signal is received while the AC voltage is being applied based on the application time period, change the application time period so as to shorten the application time period,wherein, when the thermal plasma occurrence signal is received, the application time period determination ...

Method and Aparatus to Control an Ignition System

A method is provided for controlling an ignition system which includes a spark plug control unit adapted to control at least one coil stage, the at least one coil stage adapted to successively energise and de-energise to provide a current to a spark plug, each coil stage includes a primary winding inductively coupled to a secondary winding. The method includes measuring low side voltages at one or more of each coil stage and controlling a duty cycle or a pulse width of a PWM-signal of a step-down converter stage dependent on a battery voltage, a maximum primary current threshold, and the measured voltages. 14-. (canceled)5. A method of controlling an ignition system , said ignition system including a spark plug control unit adapted to control at least one coil stage , said at least one coil stage adapted to successively energise and de-energise to provide a current to a spark plug , each said at least one coil stage including a primary winding inductively coupled to a secondary winding , said method comprising:measuring low side voltages at one or more of each said at least one coil stage; andcontrolling a duty cycle or a pulse width of a PWM-signal of a step-down converter stage dependent on a battery voltage, a maximum primary current threshold, and said measured voltages.6. A method as claimed in wherein the spark plug control unit simultaneously energizes and de-energizes each said primary winding by simultaneously switching on and off corresponding switches.7. A method as claimed in wherein said ignition system includes said step-down converter stage located between said spark plug control unit and said at least one coil stage claim 5 , said step-down converter stage including a switch and a diode claim 5 , said spark plug control unit being enabled to switch off said switch.8. A method as claimed in including the spark plug control unit comparing one or more of said measured voltages with threshold values claim 6 , and wherein said spark plug control unit ...

FUEL INJECTOR

An ignition system including a spark plug control unit adapted to control at least two coil stages to provide a current to a spark plug, including two stages including a first transformer including a first primary winding inductively coupled to a first secondary winding; a second transformer including a second primary winding inductively coupled to a second secondary winding; the control unit enabled to simultaneously switch on and off two corresponding switches to maintain a continuous ignition fire, and includes a step-down converter stage with a switch and a diode. The method includes i) switching off the switch; and ii) toggling the two corresponding switches. 110-. (canceled)11. A method of controlling an ignition system , said ignition system including a spark plug control unit adapted to control at least two coil stages so as to successively energise and de-energise said at least two coil stages to provide a current to a spark plug , including two stages comprising a first transformer including a first primary winding inductively coupled to a first secondary winding; a second transformer including a second primary winding inductively coupled to a second secondary winding; said spark plug control unit enabled to simultaneously energize and deenergize said first primary winding and said second primary winding by simultaneously switching on and off two corresponding switches to sequentially energize and de-energize said first primary winding and said second primary winding by sequentially switching on and off both of said two corresponding switches to maintain a continuous ignition fire , and includes a step-down converter stage located between said spark plug control unit and said at least two coil stages , said step-down converter including a switch and a diode , said spark plug control unit being enabled to switch off said switch , wherein the method provides control to limit a secondary current peak at the end of a Coupled Multi-Charge period , comprising ...

Ignition control device and ignition control method for internal combustion engine

The ignition control device includes a spark plug that includes a first electrode and a second electrode disposed so as to oppose each other, an ignition coil that includes a plurality of sets of a primary coil and a secondary coil, generates a high voltage in the secondary coil by energizing or interrupting a primary current supplied to the primary coil, and applies the generated high voltage to the first electrode, and a control unit that, in a case where a plurality of the primary coils are driven during a single ignition process, temporarily stops energization of a primary current supplied to a second primary coil when a primary current supplied to a first primary coil is interrupted, and re-energizes the primary current supplied to the second primary coil following the elapse of an energization stoppage period.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING OPERATION OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

An internal combustion engine is described and includes a combustion chamber formed by cooperation of a cylinder bore formed in a cylinder block, a cylinder head and a piston. A plasma ignition controller is electrically connected to a groundless barrier discharge plasma igniter that includes a tip portion disposed to protrude into the combustion chamber. A current sensor is disposed to monitor secondary current flow between the plasma ignition controller and the groundless barrier discharge plasma igniter. The plasma ignition controller is disposed to execute a plasma discharge event. A controller is disposed to monitor a magnitude of the secondary current flow via the current sensor during the plasma discharge event. The controller includes an instruction set executable to evaluate integrity of the groundless barrier discharge plasma igniter based upon the magnitude of the secondary current flow during the plasma discharge event. 1. An internal combustion engine , comprising:a cylinder block, a cylinder head and a piston cooperating to form a combustion chamber in a cylinder bore of the cylinder block;a plasma ignition controller electrically connected to a groundless barrier discharge plasma igniter, wherein the groundless barrier discharge plasma igniter includes a tip portion disposed to protrude into the combustion chamber;a current sensor disposed to monitor a secondary current flow between the plasma ignition controller and the groundless barrier discharge plasma igniter;the plasma ignition controller disposed to execute a plasma discharge event in the combustion chamber via the groundless barrier discharge plasma igniter; anda controller disposed to monitor a magnitude of the secondary current flow via the current sensor during the plasma discharge event, wherein the controller includes an instruction set, the instruction set executable to evaluate integrity of the groundless barrier discharge plasma igniter based upon the magnitude of the secondary current ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING AN IGNITION SYSTEM

A system for monitoring and cleaning a spark plug is disclosed. In one example, rim firing of a spark plug is detected according to characteristics of a voltage of a primary coil of an ignition coil. The system may institute spark plug cleaning after rim firing of a spark plug is detected. 1. A spark plug monitoring system , comprising:an engine including an ignition coil with a primary coil; anda controller including executable instructions stored in non-transitory memory that when executed enable the controller to integrate a voltage of the primary coil beginning a first predetermined time after the ignition coil begins to discharge to a second predetermined time after the ignition coil begins to discharge, and instructions to adjust operation of the engine responsive to the integration via the controller.2. The system of claim 1 , where adjusting operation of the engine includes leaning an air-fuel ratio of an engine cylinder and where the controller is electrically coupled to the ignition coil.3. The system of claim 1 , where adjusting operation of the engine includes increasing load claim 1 , advancing spark timing claim 1 , increasing engine speed claim 1 , and adjusting cam timing.4. The system of claim 1 , where adjusting operation of the engine includes increasing a charging time of an ignition coil claim 1 , increasing a total number of charging and discharging events of the ignition coil claim 1 , and decreasing exhaust gas recirculation flow.5. The system of claim 1 , where the integration is a numerical integration or a linear integration performed via analog circuitry.6. The system of claim 1 , further comprising comparing a value of the integration beginning at the first predetermined time to a value of an integration of a voltage of the primary coil from a different cylinder cycle.7. The system of claim 6 , further comprising adjusting operation of the engine in further response to the value of the integration beginning at the first predetermined ...

MISFIRE DETERMINATION DEVICE

A misfire determination device of an engine in which explosion occurs at unequal intervals, the engine including a plurality of cylinders and a crankshaft which is angularly displaced at a different angle between expansion strokes, is configured to calculate generated torque correlation amount correlated with generated torque, based on an angular position signal of the crankshaft, and perform misfire determination, based on an average value of the generated torque correlation amount in an interval less than one cycle of the engine, at an angular position of the crankshaft which is different from an angular position of the crankshaft at an ignition timing. 1. A misfire determination device of an engine in which explosion occurs at unequal intervals , the engine including a plurality of cylinders and a crankshaft which is angularly displaced at a different angle between expansion strokes , the misfire determination device being configured tocalculate a generated torque correlation amount correlated with generated torque, based on an angular position signal of the crankshaft, andperform misfire determination, based on an average value of the generated torque correlation amount in an interval less than one cycle of the engine, at an angular position of the crankshaft which is different from an angular position of the crankshaft at an ignition timing.2. The misfire determination device according to claim 1 ,wherein the angular position of the crankshaft at which the misfire determination is performed is set for each of the plurality of cylinders for which the misfire determination is to be performed, and angular positions corresponding to the plurality of cylinders, respectively have values different from each other.3. The misfire determination device according to claim 2 ,wherein the angular position of the crankshaft at which the misfire determination is performed is set to be smaller as a crank angle interval between the expansion strokes is smaller.4. The misfire ...

ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEM FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

An electronic ignition system for an internal combustion engine. The system includes a coil having a primary winding with a first terminal and a second terminal and a secondary winding connected to a spark plug. A high voltage switch is serially connected to the primary winding. A control terminal carries a control signal to control the opening or closing of the high voltage switch. A first switch is interposed between a battery voltage and the first terminal of the primary winding, a second switch is interposed between the first terminal of the primary winding and a reference voltage, a third switch is interposed between the second terminal of the primary winding and said reference voltage. A driving unit is configured to generate signals to control the switches during a charging phase, during a transfer of energy phase, and during a measure phase of ionization current. 1. An electronic ignition system for an internal combustion engine , the electronic ignition system comprising: a primary winding having a first terminal and a second terminal;', 'a secondary winding connected to a spark plug;, 'a coil that includesa high voltage switch serially connected to the primary winding and having a control terminal carrying a signal to control an opening or a closing of the high voltage switch;a first switch interposed between a battery voltage and the first terminal of the primary winding and having a first driving terminal carrying a first driving signal to control an opening or a closing of the first switch;a second switch interposed between the first terminal of the primary winding and a reference voltage and having a second driving terminal carrying a second driving signal to control an opening or a closing of the second switch;a third switch interposed between the second terminal of the primary winding and said reference voltage and having a third driving terminal carrying a third driving signal to control an opening or a closing of the third switch; generate the ...

IGNITION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN IGNITION SYSTEM

A method for operating an ignition system for an internal combustion engine is described, including a boost converter, characterized by a detection of a spark breakaway and, in response thereto, a modification of the operating mode of the boost converter. An ignition system for an internal combustion engine is also described, including a boost converter, which includes an arrangement for carrying out the aforementioned method. 110-. (canceled)11. A method for operating an ignition system for an internal combustion engine having a boost converter , the method comprising:detecting a spark breakaway, and in response thereto; andmodifying an operating mode of the boost converter.12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the modifying of the operating mode includes reducing a voltage generation of the boost converter.13. The method of claim 11 , wherein the modifying of the operating mode includes switching off a voltage generation of the boost converter.14. The method of claim 11 , further comprising:measuring a spark current and/or a corresponding measuring voltage; anddetecting, in response to an undercutting of a threshold value of the spark current or a threshold value of a corresponding voltage, the spark breakaway.15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the measurement of the spark current or of a corresponding measuring voltage occurs via a shunt claim 14 , which is located in a loop with a spark gap of the ignition system.16. The method of claim 11 , wherein the detection of a spark breakaway includes the following:measuring a current of an ignition spark and/or a voltage characterizing the current of the ignition spark;ascertaining whether an undercut condition is met, by ascertaining whether the current falls below a first threshold value or the voltage characterizing the current of the ignition spark exceeds a second threshold value; andascertaining whether a minimum time condition is met, by ascertaining whether the current falls below the first threshold value for ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENGINE IGNITION COIL IDENTIFICATION

An ignition system for an internal combustion engine includes an ignition coil forming a part of a primary circuit and a secondary circuit, a power source to supply power to the ignition coil, and a controller to determine whether the ignition coil is a recognized ignition coil based on a measured risetime and a measured current level in the primary circuit, the measured current level being lower than that required to create a breakdown voltage of the ignition coil.

Control apparatus for internal combustion engine (as amended)

A control apparatus for an internal combustion engine according to the present invention includes a spark plug ( 30 ) for igniting an air-fuel mixture in a cylinder, and is configured to be capable of measuring a discharge voltage of the spark plug ( 30 ). The control apparatus calculates a turbulence intensity index value that indicates the turbulence intensity of in-cylinder gas based on a predetermined frequency component extracted from a discharge voltage during at least a part of a discharge duration leading up to ignition and, in accordance with the turbulence intensity index value, adjusts the ignition energy that is supplied to the spark plug ( 30 ) during a combustion duration in a cycle in which the turbulence intensity index value is calculated.

INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE CONTROL APPARATUS

An internal combustion engine control apparatus is provided that can prevent the operation of an internal combustion engine from becoming unstable even when the ignition apparatus fails, that can prevent the components of the exhaust gas from being deteriorated, and that can suppress the exhaust amount of environmental load substances from increasing. A diagnosis unit is provided that determines whether or not an energy supply unit is normally supplying energy to a conductive path formed in the gap of an ignition plug; a control unit controls an EGR unit in accordance with the result of a diagnosis by the diagnosis unit so as to control the amount of burned gas to be recirculated to the internal combustion engine. 1. An internal combustion engine control apparatus comprising:an ignition plug that is provided with a first electrode and a second electrode facing each other through a gap and produces a spark discharge in the gap so that an inflammable fuel-air mixture inside a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine is ignited;a conductive path creation unit that generates a high voltage and supplies the generated high voltage to the first electrode so as to produce the spark discharge in the gap and to form a conductive path in the gap;an energy supply unit that supplies energy to the conductive path based on the spark discharge formed in the gap;a diagnosis unit that determines whether or not the energy supply unit is normally supplying the energy to the gap of the ignition plug;an EGR unit that recirculates at least part of burned gas of the internal combustion engine to the combustion chamber; anda control unit that controls the internal combustion engine, the energy supply unit, and the EGR unit, wherein in accordance with the result of a diagnosis by the diagnosis unit, the control unit controls the EGR unit so that the amount of the burned gas to be recirculated is controlled.2. The internal combustion engine control apparatus according to claim 1 , ...

Self-diagnosis method for ignition coil, electronic control unit for performing the self-diagnosis, and self-diagnostic signal generator for the self-diagnosis

A self-diagnosis method for an ignition coil includes receiving and confirming a current flag (C/F) signal through monitoring of primary current of an ignition coil; monitoring secondary current of the ignition coil upon receiving the C/F signal and confirming whether a fault flag (F/F) signal for determining whether misfire of the ignition coil occurs is input; and determining whether an abnormal signal of the ignition coil is generated based on the result of confirming the C/F signal and the F/F signal respectively.

Current Profile Optimization

The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a method that includes receiving a collection of measurements of electric current amplitude in a primary winding of an engine ignition system having the primary winding and a spark plug, identifying an ignition start time, identifying an inflection point based on the plurality of measurements, determining an inflection point time representative of a time at which the identified inflection point occurred, determining a spark start time based on an amount of time between the ignition start time and the inflection point time, and providing a signal indicative of the spark start time. 1. A method comprising:receiving a plurality of measurements of electric current amplitude in a primary winding of an engine ignition system comprising the primary winding and a spark plug;identifying an ignition start time;identifying an inflection point based on the plurality of measurements;determining an inflection point time representative of a time at which the identified inflection point occurred;determining a spark start time based on an amount of time between the ignition start time and the inflection point time; andproviding a signal indicative of the spark start time.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising sensing claim 1 , by an electric current sensor claim 1 , the plurality of measurements.3. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:determining a spark plug breakdown voltage based on the spark start time; and,providing a signal indicative of the spark plug breakdown voltage.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:providing a first amount of energy to the primary winding, wherein the ignition start time corresponds to the start of providing the first amount of energy;determining a second amount of energy based on the spark start time that is different from the first amount of energy;providing the second amount of energy to the primary winding; andsparking the spark plug based on the ...

Sparkplug health determination in engine ignition system

An engine ignition system for a spark-ignited engine includes a sparkplug and a control system having primary ignition circuitry, secondary ignition circuitry coupled with electrodes of the sparkplug, and sensing circuitry. A control device determines a timing of spark production based on a pattern of varying of an electrical property in the primary ignition circuitry. An inflection point in a sensed current signal may be detected to determine the timing.

Ignition System Including a Measurement Device for Providing Measurement Signals to a Combustion Engine's Control System

The present invention relates to an ignition system (T) for a combustion engine, the internal combustion engine comprising a control system, the ignition system (T) further comprising a power source ( 30 ), at least one ignition coil ( 10, 1 1, 12 ) having at least one primary coil (L 2, L 4, L 6 ) and one secondary coil (L 3, L 5, L 7 ) for a spark plug ( 13, 14, 15 ) and a measurement device ( 50 ) for at least one of the parameters spark current, ion current, ignition voltage and primary voltage, said measurement device ( 50 ) being adapted to provide measurement signals to said control system for regulating the ignition system (T), the ignition system (T) also comprising means for transforming up voltage and storing energy, and a plurality of switches (S 1 -S 7 ), said control system being adapted to control said switches (S 1 -S 7 ), by means of said measuring signal(s), for the supply of adaptive spark energy and/or to control the polarity of the spark.

METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE TEMPERATURE OF GLOW PLUGS

A method for controlling the temperature of glow plugs of a combustion engine is described, wherein all glow plugs are heated up for an engine start by the input of electrical energy according to a profile which is uniformly specified for all glow plugs of the engine, a change in resistance ΔR is ascertained for each of the glow plugs for at least one specified time span, and a target resistance value is calculated for each glow plug from the associated change in resistance ΔR, this value being expected for the glow plug when it has reached its target temperature, and the target resistance value is used to control the temperature of the glow plug to the target temperature. 1. A method for controlling the temperature of glow plugs of a combustion engine , comprising:heating up all glow plugs of the combustion engine for an engine start by inputting electrical energy according to a profile which is uniformly specified for all of the glow plugs of the engine;ascertaining a change in resistance ΔR for each of the glow plugs for at least one specified time interval; andcalculating a target resistance value for each glow plug from the associated change in resistance ΔR, the target resistance value being a value that is expected for the respective glow plug when a target temperature is reached; andfor each glow plug, using the target resistance value to control the temperature of the glow plug to the target temperature.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the change in resistance ΔR is ascertained from measured values which are measured within a time span in which the engine has not yet been started.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the change in resistance ΔR is ascertained from measured values which are measured during the first 800 milliseconds after the start of heating up.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the target resistance value is calculated using a formula in which the target resistance value is assumed to be proportional to the ...

APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR DUAL IGNITION SOURCES FOR A VEHICLE

Apparatuses, methods, and systems for igniting fuel for an internal combustion engine, an ignition system include a first ignition device associated with a pre-combustion chamber of a cylinder and a second ignition device associated with a main combustion chamber of the cylinder. An engine control unit is operably connected to both the engine and the ignition system to ignite fuel for the cylinder with the first ignition device independently of igniting fuel with the second ignition device. The engine control unit determines an occurrence of a combustion condition and in response thereto (i) ignites fuel for combustion with both the first and the second ignition devices or (ii) ignites fuel for combustion only with the second ignition device. The engine control unit determines a second combustion condition and in response thereto ignites fuel only with the first ignition device. 1. A method comprising:determining a first combustion condition of an internal combustion engine including an ignition system including a first ignition device for igniting fuel in a pre-combustion chamber of a cylinder and a second ignition device for igniting fuel in a main combustion chamber of the cylinder, and an engine control unit configured to initiate ignition with the first ignition device independently of the second ignition device; andin response to the first combustion condition, (i) igniting fuel with the first ignition device and the second ignition device or (ii) igniting fuel with the second ignition device without igniting fuel with the first ignition device, to operate the engine.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:determining an occurrence of a second combustion condition associated with operation of the internal combustion engine; andin response to the second combustion condition, igniting fuel with only the first ignition device to operate the engine.3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the first combustion condition includes at least one of a cold engine start ...

DETECTING ACTUATION OF AIR FLOW CONTROL VALVE OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND CORRESPONDING CONTROL THEREOF

An air flow velocity calculating device of a internal combustion engine, has a cylinder, a spark plug, an air intake passage, an air flow controlling valve, an air flow velocity calculating portion, and an electric discharge current controlling portion. An electric discharge between a center electrode and a ground electrode is sustained during an electric discharge sustaining period. The electric discharge sustaining period is a period from when the electric discharge begins to when the electric discharge is intercepted by the air flow. Energy is supplied to the spark plug, so that the electric discharge current is sustained at a constant value by the electric discharge current controlling portion during an ignition period. The ignition period is a sum of an electric discharge sustaining period of a first electric discharge and electric discharge sustaining periods of second and subsequent electric discharges in one cycle of the internal combustion engine 1. An air flow velocity calculating device of an internal combustion engine , comprising:a cylinder;a spark plug having a center electrode and a ground electrode placed in the cylinder;an air intake passage connected to the cylinder;an air flow controlling valve, actuated to control air flow in the cylinder, and placed in the air intake passage;an air flow velocity calculating portion for calculating velocity of the air flow in the cylinder on the basis of an electric discharge sustaining period, an electric discharge between the center electrode and the ground electrode being sustained during the electric discharge sustaining period, the electric discharge sustaining period being a period from when the electric discharge begins to when the electric discharge is intercepted by the air flow in the cylinder; andan electric discharge current controlling portion for controlling an electric discharge current between the center electrode and the ground electrode, wherein energy is supplied to the spark plug, so that the ...