Устройство для измерения угла замкнутого состояния контактов

VORRICHTUNG ZUM PRUEFEN EINER ZUENDANLAGE

Noise suppressor and pulse shaper - has inverter between input differentiator and output integrator to compensate for noise

The pulse shaper suppresses noise and shapes pulses (Trigger and signal pulses) used in motor vehicle diagnostic equipment and does so with few components and a relatively high input impedance. The input signal, e.g. from an ignition coil (10) and breaker (11), passes over an input circuit (13, 15) to a differentiator (22, 23). The differentiator is coupled to an inverter (20) that produces a signal to compensate for noise and passes it to an integrator (17) at the output of the pulse shaper. The differentiator is coupled via a diode (25) to a capacitor (24) connected in parallel with the input circuit.

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 ...

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 ...

Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur Ermittlung des Zündzeitpunkts einer Brennkraftmaschine

TESTSTAND

Batteriegespeiste Transistorschaltung

MESSEINRICHTUNG ZUR KRAFTFAHRZEUG-DIAGNOSE

FIRING ANGLE MEASUREMENT ARRANGEMENTS

... 1425394 Measuring firing angle of IC engine SIEMENS AG 15 March 1973 [16 March 1972] 12644/73 Heading G1N An electronic firing angle measuring device for connection to a firing pulse generator and a further pulse generator of pulse frequency proportional to engine speed and in which one of the pulses corresponds to engine top dead centre comprises two summing devices 3, 4 fed from one source 2 and controlled by the pulse generators through a logic circuit so that the operation of the first summing device (3) is initiated and terminated by pulses from the further pulse generator, the operation of the second summing device (4) is initiated by a firing pulse and terminated by a pulse from the further pulse generator or vice versa and the outputs of the summing devices are connected, to an electronic dividing device (8) and then to an indicating device (9). The summing devices (3 and 4) may be counters fed from a clock source 2 or may be integrators fed by a steady D.C. voltage (see Division ...

IC ENGINE COIL-TYPE IGNITION CONTROL

Dwell angle measurement/adjustment

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

MECHANISM FOR DWELL ANGLE MEASUREMENT.

Automobile distributor electronic control circuit - measures time intervals between successive pulses of pulse train

COMPUTER AND THE USE OF A COMPUTER FOR INVESTIGATING A MACHINE HVING A ROTARY PART

MEASURING DEVICE FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES

Automobile distributor electronic control circuit - measures time intervals between successive pulses of pulse train

Dwell measuring apparatus

A circuit for measuring the dwell angle of an engine ignition system having contact points which close to conduct current through a coil, i.e., dwell, and which open to generate an ignition signal. The primary ignition signal is monitored and shaped to form an output voltage level for comparison against a reference voltage level of a selected percentage of car battery voltage. During the time of dwell, the ignition signal's output voltage level is less than the reference voltage level causing a voltage comparator circuit to direct a relatively constant and independent current to a meter for visual display of the dwell time in terms of dwell angle. The extent of dwell angle displayed is determined by the ratio of the time period over which current is delivered to the metering circuit to the total time between spark plug firings, properly calibrated for the type of engine being tested.

Measurement circuitry for the primary voltage of an ignition coil

A circuit arrangement for measuring the primary voltage of an ignition coil is proposed which manages without transistors and zener diodes and is thus particularly suitable for implementation in hybrid technology. The circuit provides a possibility for analog evaluation of the primary voltage and outputs the spark firing duration in the form of a digital signal. ...

Testing device of ignition installation

A device for testing an ignition system (10) with quiescent high voltage distribution is proposed whose inputs (31, 32) ....which.... can be connected to primary terminals (19, 20) of ignition coils (11, 12). The signals applied to the inputs (31, 32) are combined from the first isolation means (35, 36) at a first signal combination point (39) and from second isolation means (37, 38) at a second signal combination point (40) respectively. For the second isolation means (37, 38) a working resistor (50) is provided which is connected in series with a switch (49). The switch (49) is controlled as a function of the potential occurring at the first signal combination point (39). ...

BATTERIEGESPEISTE SCHALTUNG

Regelung des optimalen Luft/Kraftstoff-Verhältnisses eines Verbrennungsmotors bei Vollast

Gegenstand der Erfindung ist ein Verfahren zur Auswertung eines Ionisationssignals zur Optimierung des Luft/Kraftstoff-Verhältnisses eines Verbrennungsgemischs für den Volllastbetrieb eines Motors. Das Verfahren beruht darauf, dass ein zweites Maximum und ein Talwert des Ionisationssignals maximiert werden.

Zündspule mit integrierter Spulentreiber- und Ionisierungserfassungs-Schaltung

Eine diskrete Zündkontroll- und Ionisierungs-Erfassungs-Schaltung (80), die aufweist: eine Zündspule (12), die eine Primärwicklung (16) mit einem ersten und einem zweiten Ende und eine Sekundärwicklung (18) mit einem ersten und zweiten Ende hat; eine Spulentreiber-Schaltung (75), die einen Bipolartransistor mit integrierter Steuerelektrode (IGBT) aufweist, der die Kontrolle der Zündspule realisiert, mit einem ersten Ende, das operativ mit dem zweiten Ende von der Primärwicklung (16) verbunden ist und einem Kommando-Eingang für ein Kommandosignal (VIN); eine Ionisierungs-Erfassungs-Schaltung (80) mit mindestens zwei Eingängen und einem Ausgang, wobei ein erster Eingang operativ mit dem zweiten Ende der Primärwicklung (16) verbunden ist und ein zweiter Eingang operativ mit dem ersten Ende der Sekundärwicklung (18) verbunden ist; eine Zündkerze (14), die operativ zwischen dem zweiten Ende der Sekundärwicklung (18) und Masse verbunden ist; gekennzeichnet durch einen Stromverbraucher (94), der ...

Measuring device for closing angle in IC engine ignition system - has signal ratio responding circuit stage connectable to ignition system in induction element

The measuring device is suitable for signal measuring ratios. When used for measuring the closing angle of combustion engine ignition system, it contains a circuit stage, responding to such signal scanning ratio, which is connectable to an indicator. The circuit stage is connectable to the ignition system by an induction element. It has two trigger stages responding to the element induction currents, which are preset to different triggering amplitudes, and/or different induction current polarity and/or change amplitudes of the induction current. The circuit stage contains also a bistable flip-flop, switchable alternately by signals of both trigger stages. An integrator, coupled also to the indicator generates a mean value.

A device to provide a regulated power supply for in-cylinder ionization detection by using the ignition coil flyback energy and two-stage regulation

I.c. engine ignition diagnosis using ionization signal

This invention is related to the field of internal combustion (IC) engine ignition diagnosis systems. More particularly, it is related to the field of detecting ionization current in the combustion chamber of an IC engine and using the detected ionization signal to monitor ignition parameters and diagnose engine performance. The present feature of the invention is generally directed to a subsystem of an ignition diagnostics and feedback control system using ionization current feedback. It utilizes the ionization signal from an ionization detection circuit to monitor ignition parameters, such as primary charge timing, primary charge duration, ignition/spark timing, and ignition/spark duration for future "smart" ignition system control. In addition, the ionization signal is also used to detect spark plug carbon fouling, as well as plug insulator overheating. These parameters can be monitored for every cylinder of the engine for each engine cycle.

Controlling dwell in internal combustion engines

An ignition system with an ignition coil employs a power amplifier driven by a microprocessor for starting and interrupting coil current, in accordance with signals from an engine driven transducer. The power amplifier includes a current limiter, but this does not usually come into operation. Instead, the actual current flowing just before the instant of spark in each engine cycle is measured and the on time of the power amplifier is adjusted for the next cycle to cause the final current to approach a desired value less than the current limit value.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING THE RPM AND DWELL ANGLE OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND THE RELATIVE POWER CONTRIBUTION AND RELATIVE COMPRESSION OF EACH CYLINDER

DEVICE FOR EXAMINING AN IGNITION SYSTEM

Diagnostic circuit for motor vehicles - provides four simultaneous measurements of ignition system using command signal and evaluating by logic techniques

ELECTRONIC IGNITION ANGLE MEASURING APPARATUS

AUTOMOTIVE TIMING LIGHT TO MEASURE DWELL ANGLE

УСТРОЙСТВО УПРАВЛЕНИЯ ДВИГАТЕЛЕМ ВНУТРЕННЕГО СГОРАНИЯ

... 1. Устройство управления двигателем внутреннего сгорания, отличающееся тем, что оно содержит:средство обнаружения для обнаружения угловой скорости вращения коленчатого вала двигателя внутреннего сгорания;средство вычисления для вычисления значения индекса состояния сгорания для указания состояния сгорания двигателя внутреннего сгорания на основе угловой скорости вращения коленчатого вала, обнаруженной средством обнаружения; ипервое средство определения для определения посредством сравнения значения индекса состояния сгорания, вычисленного средством вычисления, с заданным первым пороговым значением и заданным вторым пороговым значением, большим первого порогового значения, того, что белый дым образуется из двигателя внутреннего сгорания, когда значение индекса состояния сгорания превышает первое пороговое значение и меньше или равно второму пороговому значению, и того, что возникает пропуск воспламенения двигателя внутреннего сгорания, когда значение индекса состояния сгорания превышает ...

Vorrichtung zur Applikation von Steuergeräten, insbesondere Zünd- und/oder Einspritzsteuergeräten für Kraftfahrzeuge

Vorrichtung zur Applikation von Steuergeräten, insbesondere Zünd- und/oder Einspritzsteuergeräten für Kraft-fahrzeuge, die mit wenigstens einem Mikroprozessor und einem Daten-/Programm-Lesespeicher (PROM, EPROM od.dgl.) versehen sind, mit einem den Daten-/Programm-Lesespeicher des Steuergeräts ersetzenden, einen Schreib-/Lesespeicher (RAM) aufweisenden Daten-Manipulationsvorrichtung und mit einem über eine serielle Schnittstelle anschließbaren Bediengerät, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß ein eine Umschalt-einrichtung (13) zyklisch umschaltendes Steuerwerk (20) vorgesehen ist, wobei der Schreib-/Lesespeicher (10) während des Betriebs des Steuergeräts (14) über die Umschalteinrichtung (13) beginnend in einem ersten Zyklus mit dem Steuergerät (14) zum Auslesen von Daten und in einem zweiten Zyklus mit der seriellen Schnittstelle (16) zum Ein-oder Auslesen von Daten verbunden ist.

Testgeraete

Vorrichtung zum Prüfen einer Zündanlage

I.c. engine in-cylinder ionization detection system with ionization detection circuit and ignition coil driver circuit integrated into a single package

This invention is related to the field of automobile ignition control and diagnosis systems. More particularly, it is related to the field of integrating multiple electronic devices into a single package, electronics package or Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), to reduce part count and package size. The present invention comprises two embodiments of an integrated ionization detection circuit 80 and ignition on coil driver 75 according to the present invention, an ASIC (fig 52) and a single package (fig 53). The apparatuses reduce the cost and complexity of an in-cylinder ionization detection system by combining like functionality into one ASIC or electronic module easing packaging constraints. In both embodiments, a current sink 94 is used. The current sink 94 removes noise in the form of voltage spikes. The voltage spikes are high voltage, but of short duration. The current sink prevents these spikes from turning on the IGBT 22. However, the current sink 94 allows the IGBT ...

ZUENDSYSTEM WITH ADJUSTABLE ENERGY FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES.

Circuit for generating a trigger blanking voltage for use in analysis of the ignition voltage waveform of an internal combustion engine

Diagnostic circuit for motor vehicles - provides four simultaneous measurements of ignition system using command signal and evaluating by logic techniques

Improvements brought to the devices to determine or check the point of rupture in a circuit of lighting of a spark-ignition engine

APPARATUS FOR MEASURING RESISTANCE ACROSS PERIODICALLY OPERATING ENGINE IGNITION SWITCH

Diesel engine injection timing equipment - has computer producing signal representing advance period before top dead centre

Ignition control system for internal combustion engine

An ignition control system for an internal combustion engine has means for determining the maximum energizing time of an ignition coil from a signal synchronized with the ignition timing of the engine and controlling the period that the energizing current reaches a predetermined value to a predetermined value, thereby determining the maximum energizing time of the ignition coil from the signal synchronized with the ignition timing of the engine, detecting the energizing current of the ignition coil, and variably setting the maximum closed-circuit rate of energizing the ignition coil according to the operating state of the engine and a battery voltage.

СПОСОБ ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ СОСТОЯНИЯ ДВИГАТЕЛЯ И СИСТЕМА ДЕТЕКТИРОВАНИЯ ПРОФИЛЯ КУЛАЧКА

Изобретение относится к двигателям для транспортных средств, в частности к системам детектирования профиля кулачка. Техническим результатом является определение профиля кулачков, что позволяет отрегулировать требуемым образом механизмы передачи крутящего момента двигателя. Предложена система и способы определения задействованного профиля кулачков из нескольких профилей кулачков. Система и способы могут быть применены для определения того, как управлять исполнительным механизмом передачи крутящего момента двигателя, и для индикации снижения эффективности работы системы переключения профилей кулачков. 3 н. и 17 з.п. ф-лы, 8 ил.

Schaltungsanordnung zur Messung der Primärspannung einer Zündspule.

An integrated ignition coil with driver and ionization detection circuit having multiplexing ionization and coil charge current feedback signals

DEVICE FOR the NUMERICAL MEASUREMENT OF CHARACTERISTICS Of INSTALLATIONS Of LIGHTING OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES

Wave-forming circuit for vehicle engine monitoring apparatus

APPARATUS FOR MEASURING RESISTANCE ACROSS PERIODICALLY OPERATING ENGINE IGNITION SWITCH

COMPUTER AND THE USE OF A COMPUTER FOR INVESTIGATING A MACHINE HVING A ROTARY PART

PROCEEDED OF SPARK CONTROL Of an INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

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.

СПОСОБ ДЛЯ ДВИГАТЕЛЯ (ВАРИАНТЫ) И СИСТЕМА ДВИГАТЕЛЯ

Изобретение относится к способам и системам для выявления и проведения различия образования нагара на свечах зажигания, обусловленного сажей, от образования нагара вследствие присадок к топливу в двигателе внутреннего сгорания. В одном из примеров, способ может включать в себя проведение различия образования нагара на свечах зажигания вследствие накопления сажи от образования нагара на свечах зажигания вследствие накопления присадок к топливу на основании тока в проводе управления свечи зажигания вслед за применением команды выдерживания. Кроме того, ухудшение характеристик датчика кислорода выхлопных газов и/или ухудшение характеристик каталитического нейтрализатора выхлопных газов могут определяться на основании частот переключения одного или более датчиков кислорода выхлопных газов и типа образования нагара на свечах зажигания. Техническим результатом является уменьшение и подавление преждевременного воспламенения. 3 н. и 17 з.п. ф-лы, 7 ил.

Zündsystem mit verstellbarer Energie für Brennkraftmaschinen.

SCHALTUNGSANORDNUNG ZUR MESSUNG DER PRIMAERSPANNUNG EINER ZUENDSPULE

Verfahren zur Verringerung der Kontaktzahl einer integrierten Zündspule mit Treiber- und Ionisierungserkennungs-Schaltung

Verfahren zur Erfassung eines Ionisierungssignals (100) und eines Rückkopplungssignals (102) eines Ladestroms einer Primärwicklung (16) einer Zündspule (12), das den Schritt aufweist, ein Ladebefehlssignal (108) für den Ladestrom, das Rückkopplungssignal (102) des Ladestroms und das Ionisierungssignal (100) zu multiplexen, wobei das Rückkopplungssignal (102) des Ladestroms ein Spannungssignal ist, das proportional dem Ladestrom der Primärwicklung (16) der Zündspule (12) ist, das Ladebefehlssignal (108) und der durch das Ladebefehlssignal (108) gestartete Ladestrom vor einem Zeitpunkt t2 auftreten und das Ionisierungssignal (100) nach diesem Zeitpunkt t2 auftritt, und das Ionisierungssignal (100) und das Rückkopplungssignal (102) des Ladestroms am gleichen Ausgangskontakt ausgegeben werden.

Regelung der Abgasrückführung mit Ionisationssignalauswertung

Gegenstand der Erfindung ist ein Verfahren zur Regelung der Abgasrückführung eines Verbrennungsmotors unter Einsatz eines MOD-Kriteriums (MOD = Mindestzeiteinstellung für optimales Drehmoment).

A device for reducing the part count and package size of an in-cylinder ionization detection system

A regulated power supply for in cylinder ionization detection using a charge pump

A charge pump 98 is used to supply current to an ionization detection circuit 80. To detect in-cylinder ions generated during the combustion process, a DC bias voltage needs to be applied. There are two prior art methods of generating the DC bias: conventional DC power supply (requiring large electronics) and capacitor charges by primary or secondary flyback voltage (requiring a high voltage capacitor). This invention proposes to use a high voltage charge pump to provide enough DC bias voltage for measuring ionization current. In a preferred embodiment, a model number MIC4827 EL driver U5 is used in the charge pump circuit. The charge pump circuit will convert the 12 Volt DC at the B+ terminal to a 90 to 100 volt pulse train with a pulse repetition frequency of 500 kHz at the charge pump output.

Optimal wide open throttle air-fuel ratio control

A device for reducing the part count and package size of an in-cylinder ionization detection system by integrating the ionization detection circuit

Ignition diagnosis using ionization signal

Improvements with the devices for the test and the adjustment of the distributors of spark-ignition engines

Dwell measuring apparatus

The disclosure describes an improved apparatus for measuring the dwell of an engine ignition system employing points which close to conduct current through a coil and which open to generate an ignition signal. The apparatus enables the pointer of a meter to move upscale for increasing dwell, thereby simplifying the reading of the meter. A shaping circuit shapes the ignition signal to form a charging pulse which stores energy in a charging capacitor. When the points are closed, the energy stored in the capacitor is transmitted through the meter by a switching circuit so that the pointer advances away from its zero position as the dwell of the ignition system increases.

Current flowing time period control system for ignition coil of internal combustion engine

A current flowing time period control system for an ignition coil of an internal combustion engine is disclosed in which a current flowing time period setting circuit sets the time period for supplying the primary current of the ignition coil and an output signal of the current flowing time period setting circuit is amplified by a drive circuit and supplied to a power transistor, whereby the primary current of the ignition coil is intermittented to control the ignition operation. The current flowing time period control system has a primary current rise detection circuit for detecting the rise period of the primary current of the ignition coil to 1/n of the desired interruption current value (n>1), and includes an accumulation device in which the accumulated amount changes gradually in one direction at a first rate until detection of the rise of the ignition coil primary current to 1/n of the desired interruption current value by the rise detection circuit, in the other direction at a second ...

Device for diagnosis of trouble in vehicle ignition devices

The diagnostic device comprises voltage divider resistors, two comparators, a start switch, a microcomputer, two transistors, and two light emitting diodes. The ignition signal is voltage-divided by the voltage divider resistors, and the result of this voltage division is input into the positive terminals of the comparators. Reference voltages are input to the negative terminals of the comparators which determine how high the inputs to the positive terminals must be for each comparator to have an "H" level output. When the start switch is turned ON the device starts to operate. In the microcomputer, which has a timer function built in, the interrupt terminal (INT) becomes connected to the output terminal of the comparator; the reset terminal (RES) becomes connected to the start switch. In addition, when the result of the diagnosis is normal, the output terminal OUT 1 of the microcomputer connected to the base of the transistor outputs a signal, while when the result of the diagnosis is ...

Control unit esp. for ignition and fuel injection in motor vehicle - has RAM emulation memory allowing data to be manipulated to suit different conditions

A RAM (10) and EEPROM (11) are switched in parallel via a data bus (12). A switching unit (13) allows connection to either aerial interface (16) or a control unit (14) that handles an ignition and/or fuel injection unit on an engine. The control unit (15) for the serial interface has coupled address counter (17). A computer terminal (19) is coupled to the interface. A synchronising control unit (20) controls the switch. The complete unit forms a data manipulation circuit (23) in which data can be entered into the RAM in one emulation cycle and in a second can be loaded into the EEPROM finally as established data. ADVANTAGE - Provides flexibility is changing data for different applications.

Zündzeitpunktvorrichtung mit Korrektur bei Rückwirkung.

Closed-loop individual cylinder air-fuel ratio balancing

Method of detecting i.c. engine cylinder ID using in-cylinder ionization signals for spark detection following partial coil charging

This invention is related to the field of automobile ignition diagnosis and control systems. More particularly, it is related to the field of using an ionization signal from an ionization detection circuit to monitor ignition parameters and diagnose engine performance. The present feature of the invention comprises a method and apparatus for determining cylinder ID. When a cylinder is compressed, the resistance increases across the spark plug gap. Thus, if a spark coil is only partially charged before activation of the spark, the air gap is not broken down and no ignition occurs in the cylinder in compression. The failure of a spark plug to spark is reflected in the ionization signal. In a preferred embodiment, the dwell time is selected so that the spark plug located in a cylinder that is not in compression will spark, while a spark plug in a cylinder that is in compression will not. The cylinder in compression will output an ionization signal with a shorter duration than a cylinder not ...

Closed-loop individual cylinder air-fuel ratio balancing

The individual cylinder air-to-fuel ratio of an internal combustion engine varies due to the fact that the intake manifold cannot distribute airflow into the individual cylinders evenly. The present invention utilizes the minimum timing for best torque (MBT) ignition timing criterion provided by ionization signals or by in-cylinder pressure signals, along with feedback control, to balance the air-to-fuel ratios of the individual cylinders. The control method of the present invention comprises: calculating a mean MBT timing coefficient 1320, calculating a MBT timing coefficient error 1330, integrating the MBT timing error 1340, calculating a raw fuel trim coefficient 1350, rescaling the raw fuel trim coefficient 1360 and applying saturations (limits) 1370, updating a feedforward look-up table based upon the current engine operating conditions 1370, and calculating a final fuelling coefficient 1380.

Robust multi-criteria minimum timing for the best torque (MBT) timing estimation using ionization signal

Optimal wide open throttle air-fuel ratio control

ENGINE TESTING APPARATUS

... 1,268,671. Testing ignition circuits. MARQUETTE CORP. March 27, 1969 [April 10, 1968], No.16136/69. Heading G1U. The condition of the breaker points 17, 18 in the ignition circuit of an internal combustion engine is checked while the engine is running by determining the voltage across the points during the periods when they are closed, this voltage being a function of the resistance across the points. As the engine idles there appears at the input terminals 32, 42 of measuring circuit 10 a pulsating input voltage having a high value while the points are open and a low value, which is the value to be measured, while the points are closed. Whilst the input is low zeners 45, 47 are blocked and thus a bias proportional to the inputs is applied to the base of transistor 37. Whilst the input is high, however, zeners 45, 47 conduct and so a fixed bias, independent of the input, is applied to transistor 37. Thus the mean collector-emitter voltage of transistor 37, to which meter 36 responds, is ...

SYSTEMS OF DIAGNOSIS FOR VEHICLES

IGNITION COIL DETERIORATION DETECTION APPARATUS AND DETECTION METHOD THEREOF

Disclosed are an ignition coil deterioration detection apparatus and a detection method thereof, configured to detect that an ignition coil of a cylinder is malfunctioning by monitoring the amount of change in an engine revolution speed while gradually reducing a dwell time for each cylinder in an ignition coil of a vehicle engine. The disclosed ignition coil deterioration detection apparatus comprises: a dwell time control unit for adjusting a dwell time for each cylinder; an engine revolution speed detection unit for detecting the amount of change in the engine revolution speed for each cylinder; an engine control unit which adjusts the dwell time to be a minimum value sequentially for each cylinder to recognize that an ignition coil of a cylinder is normal if the amount of change in the engine revolution speed is less than a predetermined reference value, and that the ignition coil of the cylinder is malfunctioning if the amount of change in the engine revolution speed is greater than ...

Dwell measuring apparatus

The disclosure describes an improved apparatus for measuring the dwell of an engine ignition system employing points which close to conduct current through a coil and which open to generate an ignition signal. The apparatus enables the pointer of a meter to move upscale for increasing dwell, thereby simplifying the reading of the meter. A shaping circuit shapes the ignition signal to form a charging pulse which stores energy in a charging capacitor. When the points are closed, the energy stored in the capacitor is transmitted through the meter by a switching circuit so that the pointer advances away from its zero position as the dwell of the ignition system increases.

Ignition system for internal combustion engine

An ignition system for an internal combustion engine in which the primary voltage applied across the primary winding of the ignition coil is detected together with the secondary current flowing through the secondary winding of the ignition coil, and the electrical characteristic of the secondary circuit of the ignition coil supplying the arc energy is calculated on the basis of the detected signals thereby controlling the primary current supplied to the primary winding of the ignition coil on the basis of the result of calculation, so that the secondary circuit of the ignition coil can exhibit the desired electrical characteristic for supplying the arc energy of desired level.

Ignition timing measuring system for IC engines - has differential stage to assist exact reading

The contact breaker signal oscillations are damped and fed to two stages of differing response waves. The differing square waves impulses are fed to a differential stage and substracted. The trailing edge (or terminating part of the signal) of the impulse signal is retarded and prevented from breaking into the next stage during the contact breakers opening period. The system processes the breaker signals as unfiltered as possible irrespective of the type of ignition. It also finds criteria for the opening and closing of the breaker independently of the higher and lower oscillations in the already known frequency ranges. The ignition impulses are in the region of 3,000 per minute for a maximum size of a six cylinder engine.

Verfahren zur Steuerung des Zündzeitpunktes einer Brennkraftmaschine

GERAET ZUM MESSEN DES ZUENDZEITPUNKTES EINES DIESELMOTORS

Geraet zur Messung des Schliesswinkels an Unterbrechern von Ottomotoren

VERFAHREN UND VORRICHTUNG ZUR FESTSTELLUNG DES ZUENDZEITPUNKTS BEI EINEM DIESELMOTOR

A method for reducing pin count of an integrated ignition coil with driver and onization detection circuit by multiple ing ionizati n and coil charge current

Exhaust gas control using a spark plug ionization signal

Robust multi-criteria minimum timing for the best torque (MBT) timing estimation in i.c. engines using ionization signal

The present invention relates to internal engine ignition systems. More particularly, it relates to a method of estimating Minimum Timing for the Best Torque MBT timing using in-cylinder ionization current. The present invention concerns a robust multi-criteria Minimum timing for the Best Torque (MBT) timing estimation method and apparatus utilizing different ionization signal waveforms that are generated under different engine operating conditions. This feature of the present invention determines and combines multiple MBT timing criteria to increase the reliability and robustness of MBT timing estimation based upon spark plug ionization signal waveforms. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention combines MBT timing estimation criteria comprising a maximum flame acceleration location, a 50% burn location, and a second peak location.

Optimal wide open throttle air-fuel ratio control

Method and system for controlling the optimisation of a combustion mixture of an internal combustion engine. The method includes the use of an ionization signal to optimize the air-to-fuel ratio (AFR) of the combustion mixture when the engine is operated at wide open throttle (WOT). This optimisation of the AFR maximises a second peak 166 and valley 164 of the said ionisation signal. Preferably, the AFR control is based on a ratio gradient which is dependent on rich, lean and optimal air fuel mixtures.

Closed-loop individual cylinder air-fuel ratio balancing

Ignition diagnosis and combustion feedback control system using an ionization signal

Improvements in and relating to the testing of electric ignition systems for internal combustion engines

... 532,312. Testing ignition timing. BRITISH THOMSON-HOUSTON CO., Ltd., DARKE, L., and MAYCOCK, W. H..Tuly 12, 1939, No. 20319. [Class 7 (iv)] For ascertaining the time of opening of the magneto interrupter contacts 4, current is supplied from a battery 5, trembler-coil 7, 8, to series condensers 12, the other sides of which are connected to a lamp 13 in shunt with the interrupter. Contact separation is indicated by lamp illuminators.

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.

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.

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.

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 ...

IMPROVED CLEANING INSTALLATION FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

An apparatus for cleaning a motorization system includes an injector that injects cleaning fluid into an inlet of an internal-combustion engine, a diagnostic device that determines the system's soiling level as a function of intrinsic parameters thereof, and a controller that supplies the injection device with cleaning parameters that depend on the soiling level. The motorization includes the engine and a gas-circulation circuit having pipes and moving parts arranged to feed the inlet a gas mixture for combustion. 19-. (canceled)10. An apparatus for cleaning a motorization system , said apparatus comprising an injector , a diagnostic device , and a controller , wherein said injection device is configured to inject cleaning fluid into an inlet of an engine , wherein said diagnostic device is configured to determine a level of soiling of said motorization system as a function of intrinsic parameters of said motorization system , wherein said controller is configured to supply cleaning parameters to said injection device , said cleaning parameters being a function of said level of soiling , wherein said motorization system comprises said engine and a gas circulation circuit , wherein said engine is an internal-combustion engine , wherein said engine comprises an exhaust gas outlet , wherein said inlet is one of a plurality of inlets configured for receiving products to be burned , and wherein said gas-circulation circuit comprises pipes and moving parts arranged together to feed said inlet a gas mixture that for combustion.11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein said diagnostic device is configured to determine said level of soiling as a function of said intrinsic parameters and parameters relating to conditions of use of said motorization system.12. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein said parameters relating to conditions of use include a distance travelled by said motorization system.13. The apparatus of claim 11 , wherein said parameters relating to conditions of ...

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.

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 ...

INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

In an internal combustion engine for a vehicle, a fuel delivery pipe is favorably protected without adding any heavy or costly protective structure. A guide portion () opposing the throttle body and having a slant that recedes rearward toward an outboard side of the vehicle is formed in a first support member () supporting a lateral end of an intake chamber member on the intake side of the engine main body. 1. An internal combustion engine for a vehicle , comprising:an engine main body having an intake side disposed on a front side of the vehicle;an intake manifold including a plurality of branch pipes extending from first ends attached to the intake side of the engine main body, an intake chamber member connected to second ends of the branch pipes and elongated in a lateral direction of the vehicle and a trunk pipe extending from the intake chamber member in the lateral direction;a throttle valve connected to one end of the trunk pipe with respect to the lateral direction; anda guide portion attached to or formed on a part of the intake side of the engine main body opposing the throttle valve and having a slant that recedes rearward toward an outboard side of the vehicle.2. The internal combustion engine according to claim 1 , further comprising a first support member connecting one end of the intake chamber member with respect to the lateral direction with the engine main body claim 1 , the guide portion being formed on the first support member.3. The internal combustion engine according to claim 2 , further comprising a connecting member having a rear end connected to the first support member and a front end connected to a part of the trunk pipe adjoining the throttle valve.4. The internal combustion engine according to claim 3 , wherein the rear end of the connecting member is connected to the first support member so as to be pivotable around a vertically extending rotational center line.5. The internal combustion engine according to claim 4 , wherein the rear ...

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 ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING DEACTIVATED CYLINDERS

Systems and methods for operating an engine that includes cylinders that may be deactivated are presented. In one example, intake and exhaust valves of a cylinder may be operated according to valve operation for a conventional four stroke cycle. The same valves may be operated differently during a four stroke cycle to provide air charge and exhaust charge to active cylinders during a different four stroke cycle. 1. An engine control method , comprising:deactivating a cylinder of an engine via a controller ceasing to supply fuel to the cylinder, the engine a four stroke engine; anddrawing air into the deactivated cylinder from a vacuum reservoir during a first stroke of four strokes in a cycle of the deactivated cylinder, the air drawn into the deactivated cylinder without having passed through a passage of an intake manifold that leads to other cylinders of the engine.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising opening an second intake valve of the deactivated cylinder during a first stroke of a cycle of the deactivated cylinder to draw the air into the deactivated cylinder from the vacuum reservoir.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising opening a first intake valve of the deactivated cylinder while the second intake valve of the deactivated cylinder is closed during a second stroke of the cycle of the deactivated cylinder.4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising discharging the air to an intake manifold of the engine during the second stroke of the cycle of the deactivated cylinder.5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising opening exhaust valves of the deactivated cylinder while the first and second intake valves of the deactivated cylinder are closed during a third stroke of the cycle of the deactivated cylinder.6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising drawing exhaust gas into the deactivated cylinder during the third stroke of the cycle of the deactivated cylinder.7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising opening the first intake valve ...

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 ...

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 ...

INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE CONTROL APPARATUS

An internal combustion engine control apparatus includes: an ignition coil including a primary coil and a secondary coil that are magnetically coupled to each other; a first switch element for turning on and off a current to the primary coil; and a spark plug, for igniting an air-fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine by using a spark discharge caused by switching the first switch element from the ON state to the OFF state. The internal combustion engine control apparatus is configured to: determine occurrence of one of an abnormality in a discharge voltage and a misfire of the spark plug, when the calculated time duration in which a voltage of the primary coil after the switching of the first switch element from the ON state to the OFF state is above a predetermined comparison reference voltage does not fall within an allowable range. 1. An internal combustion engine control apparatus , comprising:an ignition coil including a primary coil and a secondary coil that are magnetically coupled to each other;a first switch element for turning on a current to the primary coil when the first switch element is brought into an ON state, and turning off the current to the primary coil when the first switch element is brought into an OFF state;a control computing section for controlling switching between the ON state and the OFF state of the first switch element; anda spark plug, which is to be driven by a current-interruption type ignition circuit, for igniting an air-fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine by using a spark discharge caused by a magnetically induced voltage generated in the secondary coil by switching of the first switch element from the ON state to the OFF state, calculate, as a time duration for determination, a time duration in which a voltage of the primary coil after the switching of the first switch element from the ON state to the OFF state is above a predetermined comparison reference voltage; and', 'determine occurrence of one of an ...

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.

AFTERTREATMENT TEMPERATURE MANAGEMENT VIA BOOT-SHAPED VALVE LIFT PROFILES

A method for advancing valve actuation during low load or idle diesel engine conditions to promote aftertreatment heat up comprises switching a cam phaser from a nominal lift position to an advance lift position to open an affiliated valve before nominal. Valve lift is actuated via the cam phaser. The valve is lowered towards nominal closure, and valve closure is interrupted by actuating a latch phaser. Valve closure is extended beyond nominal valve closure. 125-. (canceled)26. A method for advancing valve actuation during low load or idle diesel engine conditions to promote aftertreatment heat up , comprising:switching a cam phaser from a nominal lift position to an advance lift position to open an affiliated valve before nominal;actuating valve lift via the cam phaser;lowering the valve towards nominal closure;interrupting valve closure by actuating a latch phaser; andextending valve closure beyond nominal valve closure.27. A method for exhaust thermal management on a cylinder of a diesel combustion engine , comprising:implementing late exhaust valve closing on a first exhaust valve of a pair of exhaust valves;implementing one of a normal exhaust valve closing and an early exhaust valve opening on a second exhaust valve of the pair of exhaust valves;opening an intake valve to provide negative valve overlap with the late exhaust valve closing of the first exhaust valve, where both the intake valve and the first exhaust valve are open at the same time;implementing internal exhaust gas recirculation via the negative valve overlap; andincreasing the exhaust temperature of an affiliated exhaust stream via the internal exhaust gas recirculation.28. The method of claim 27 , comprising: implementing the late exhaust valve closing via cam phasing.29. The method of claim 27 , comprising lifting the first exhaust valve at the late exhaust valve closing a lower lift than the second exhaust valve of the pair of exhaust valves.30. The method of claim 27 , comprising switching ...

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 ...

TECHNIQUES FOR IMPROVING FUEL ECONOMY IN DEDICATED EGR ENGINES

One embodiment is a system comprising an engine including a dedicated EGR cylinder configured to provide EGR to the engine via an EGR loop, a non-dedicated cylinder, a plurality of injectors structured to inject fuel into the dedicated EGR cylinder and the non-dedicated EGR cylinder, and an electronic control system operatively coupled with the fueling system and the ignition system. The electronic control system is configured to evaluate engine operating parameters including an engine load and an engine speed. The electronic control system is responsive to variation of the engine operating parameters to control operation of the fueling system to vary combustion in the at least one dedicated cylinder between rich of stoichiometric and stoichiometric. 119-. (canceled)20. A method of operating an electronic control system to improve fuel economy of a dedicated exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) internal combustion engine , the method comprising:evaluating an operating point including an engine speed and an engine load of the dedicated EGR internal combustion engine relative to an engine operating map including an engine speed axis and an engine load axis, the engine operating map including a first zone corresponding to rich fueling of the one or more dedicated EGR cylinders of the dedicated EGR internal combustion engine, a second zone corresponding to stoichiometric fueling or lean fueling of the one or more dedicated EGR cylinders, and a third zone corresponding to zero fueling of the one or more dedicated EGR cylinders;if the operating point is in the first zone, operating the electronic control system to provide rich fueling of the one or more dedicated EGR cylinders;if the operating point is in the second zone, operating the electronic control system to provide fueling of the one or more dedicated EGR cylinders ranging from stoichiometric fueling to lean fueling;if the operating point is in the third zone, operating the electronic control system to provide no ...

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 ...

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.

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 ...

Controlling Engine Ignition

An ignition control system for an internal combustion engine has a coil connector for connecting to an ignition coil, a processor coupled to the coil connector, and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory contains instructions for the processor to, in communication with the ignition coil, achieve and maintain a target spark duration by dynamically controlling a coil dwell set-point of the ignition coil. The processor energizes the ignition coil during a first ignition sequence based on the coil dwell set-point, directly measure spark duration of the first ignition sequence by monitoring a voltage reflection on a primary side of the ignition coil, adjust the coil dwell set-point for a second ignition sequence based on the target spark duration and the measured spark duration, and energizes the ignition coil during the second ignition sequence based on the adjusted coil dwell set-point. 1. An ignition control system for an engine , comprising:a coil connector for connecting to an ignition coil;a processor coupled to the coil connector; and energize the ignition coil during a first ignition sequence based on the coil dwell set-point,', 'directly measure spark duration of the first ignition sequence by monitoring a voltage reflection on a primary side of the ignition coil,', 'adjust the coil dwell set-point for a second ignition sequence based on the target spark duration and the measured spark duration, and', 'energize the ignition coil during the second ignition sequence based on the adjusted coil dwell set-point., 'a memory coupled to the processor storing instructions that when operated by the processor cause the processor to, in communication with the ignition coil, achieve and maintain a target spark duration by dynamically controlling a coil dwell set-point of the ignition coil, the processor being further configured to2. The ignition system of claim 1 , wherein the processor is configured to receive an engine operation parameter during the operation of the ...

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 ...

ENGINE CONTROL DEVICE

An engine control device is provided, which includes an engine body where a cylinder is formed, an exhaust passage through which exhaust gas discharged from the engine body circulates, a NOsensor disposed in the exhaust passage and configured to detect a concentration of NOin the exhaust gas, an injector configured to change an air-fuel ratio inside the cylinder, an in-cylinder temperature changer configured to change a temperature inside the cylinder, and a controller configured to control the injector and the exhaust shutter valve. The controller controls the injector based on a detection value of the NOsensor to variably set the air-fuel ratio inside the cylinder, and when a particular condition that the air-fuel ratio inside the cylinder is leaner than a preset upper limit is satisfied, and causes the in-cylinder temperature changer to raise the temperature inside the cylinder. 1. A control device for an engine provided with an engine body where a cylinder is formed , and an exhaust passage through which exhaust gas discharged from the engine body circulates , the control device comprising:{'sub': x', 'x, 'a NOsensor disposed in the exhaust passage and configured to detect a concentration of NOin the exhaust gas;'}an injector configured to change an air-fuel ratio inside the cylinder; an exhaust shutter valve;', 'an exhaust variable valve timing mechanism (VVT); or', 'the exhaust VVT and an intake VVT; and, 'an in-cylinder temperature changer configured to change a temperature inside the cylinder, the in-cylinder temperature changer including{'sub': 'x', 'a controller including a processor configured to control the injector and the in-cylinder temperature changer, the controller controlling the injector based on a detection value of the NOsensor to variably set the air-fuel ratio inside the cylinder, and when a particular condition that the air-fuel ratio inside the cylinder is leaner than a preset upper limit is satisfied, the controller causing the in-cylinder ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE WITH INTERNAL EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION FLOW CONTROL WITH VARIABLE EXHAUST REBREATHING

An internal combustion engine includes a variable valvetrain system for improving the range of controllability of the internal EGR technique adjusts the internal EGR lift in a more favorable window and position compared to the internal EGR window typically utilized. In particular, a combined change of lift, phase and duration of the internal EGR lift of the exhaust vale improves the controllability and stability of the desired amount of internal EGR. The present system achieves a high internal EGR capability at low loads and lower back pressure. The system also achieves controllability of internal EGR at high loads without requiring ultra low lifts. The system also allows warm-up of the exhaust after treatment system faster for higher conversion efficiency, reduced HC and NOx engine-out emissions and increased combustion stability. 1. An internal combustion engine , comprising:an engine structure defining a combustion chamber and intake and exhaust ports in communication with the combustion chamber;an intake system in communication with the intake port;an exhaust system in communication with the exhaust port;a valve train assembly including an intake valve located in the intake port, an intake valve lift mechanism engaged with the intake valve, an intake cam engaged with the intake valve lift mechanism and defining an intake lift region adapted to open the intake valve;an exhaust valve located in the exhaust port, an exhaust valve lift system engaged with the exhaust valve and operable to open the exhaust valve at different lift heights, phases and durations during an intake stroke; anda control unit for controlling the exhaust valve lift system to alter the lift, duration and phase of the opening of the exhaust valve during an intake stroke based upon engine operating conditions.2. An internal combustion engine , comprising:an engine structure defining a combustion chamber and intake and exhaust ports in communication with the combustion chamber;an intake system in ...

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 ...

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 ...

CONTROL DEVICE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

Provided is a control device for an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine includes cylinders, intake ports, exhaust ports, intake values, exhaust valves, fuel injection valves, and an exhaust valve stop mechanism. The control device includes an electronic control unit configured to control the fuel injection valves so as to inject the feel into the some cylinders at least dining a period of time of a compression stroke or an expansion stroke of the some cylinders, control the exhaust valve stop mechanism so as to stop the exhaust valves of the exhaust ports of the some cylinders in a valve-closed state, and control the intake valves so as to open the intake valves at least during a period of time of an intake stroke of the some cylinders such that exhaust gas is recirculated to each of the cylinders via the intake ports of the some cylinders. 1. A control device for an internal combustion engine , the internal combustion engine including a plurality of cylinders , a plurality of intake ports , a plurality of exhaust ports , a plurality of intake valves , a plurality of exhaust valves , a plurality of fuel injection valves , and an exhaust valve stop mechanism , the intake ports being configured to communicate with the cylinders from an intake passage of the internal combustion engine , respectively , the exhaust ports being configured to communicate with the cylinders from an exhaust passage of the internal combustion engine , respectively the intake valves being configured to open and close the intake port communicating with the cylinders , respectively , the exhaust valves being configured to open and close the exhaust port communicating with the cylinders , respectively , and the feel injection valves being configured to inject fuel into the cylinders , respectively , the exhaust valve stop mechanism being configured to selectively stop the exhaust valves of the exhaust ports of some cylinders of the cylinders in a valve-closed state , 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 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 ...

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 ...

Continuous Cude Engine

An Internal Combustion Engine in which emissions are recycled through a containment system, some petroleum added back to fuel tank through cooling, and impurities filtered out. 1) Builds on patents of latest internal combustion engine designs;2) Vehicle filtration systems; and3) Carburetors. An internal combustion engine can be engineered to have a containment system with near zero emissions. The containment system would have no exhaust pipe, but would recycle the exhaust. Many impurities could be filtered out from the gasoline powered engine, and then a cooling system could condense gaseous petroleum back to its liquid state. This would probably only be a microscopic amount, but could virtually reduce emissions from gasoline-powered vehicles.The impurities from starting and running the engine can be removed through a more complex filtration system with multiple sections and the filters removed and replaced over time.

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 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 ...

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.

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 , ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

LOW SPEED PRE-IGNITION KNOCK DETECTION

A system for and a method of knock detection and control for an engine utilizes a knock sensor configured to generate a knock signal indicative of a vibration of the engine caused by abnormal combustion. A controller is configured to receive the knock signal, determine, with respect to a crank angle of the engine, distinct monitoring windows for low speed pre-ignition (LSPI) knock and spark knock, respectively, based on (i) spark timing and (ii) an appropriate mass fraction burn (MFB) location, monitor the knock signal using the distinct monitoring windows, detect one of LSPI knock and spark knock based on the monitoring, and control the engine to mitigate the detected LSPI knock or spark knock. 1. A knock detection and control system for an engine , the system comprising:a knock sensor configured to generate a knock signal indicative of a vibration of the engine caused by abnormal combustion; and receive the knock signal,', 'determine, with respect to a crank angle of the engine, distinct monitoring windows for low speed pre-ignition (LSPI) knock and spark knock, respectively, based on (i) spark timing and (ii) an appropriate mass fraction burn (MFB) location,', 'monitor the knock signal using the distinct monitoring windows,', 'detect one of LSPI knock and spark knock based on the monitoring, and', 'control the engine to mitigate the detected LSPI knock or spark knock., 'a controller configured to2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the LSPI knock monitoring window is positioned before the appropriate MFB location and the spark knock monitoring window is positioned after the appropriate MFB location.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the LSPI and spark knock monitoring windows are separated by a controller reset window.4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the controller is configured to reset its signal amplifications and detection thresholds during the controller reset window.5. The system of claim 4 , wherein each distinct monitoring window has distinct signal ...

TECHNIQUES FOR IMPROVING FUEL ECONOMY IN DEDICATED EGR ENGINES

One embodiment is a system comprising an engine including a dedicated EGR cylinder configured to provide EGR to the engine via an EGR loop, a non-dedicated cylinder, a plurality of injectors structured to inject fuel into the dedicated EGR cylinder and the non-dedicated EGR cylinder, and an electronic control system operatively coupled with the fueling system and the ignition system. The electronic control system is configured to evaluate engine operating parameters including an engine load and an engine speed. The electronic control system is responsive to variation of the engine operating parameters to control operation of the fueling system to vary combustion in the at least one dedicated cylinder between rich of stoichiometric and stoichiometric. 1. A system comprising:an internal combustion engine including a plurality of cylinders, the plurality of cylinders including at least one dedicated exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cylinder configured to provide EGR to the engine via an EGR loop and at least one non-dedicated cylinder;a fueling system including a plurality of injectors structured to inject fuel into respective ones of the plurality of cylinders;an ignition system including a plurality of spark plugs structured to ignite charge mixture in respective ones of the plurality of cylinders; and evaluate engine operating parameters including an engine load and an engine speed, and', 'in response to variation in the engine operating parameters, control operation of the fueling system to vary combustion in the at least one dedicated cylinder among a plurality of fueling values ranging from rich of stoichiometric to zero fueling., 'an electronic control system operatively coupled with the fueling system, and the ignition system, and the electronic control system being configured to2. The system of wherein the plurality of fueling values include a first set of the plurality of fueling values ranging from rich of stoichiometric to stoichiometric and a second set of ...

IGNITION DEVICE AND IGNITION METHOD FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

An ignition unit of an internal combustion engine is equipped with an ignition coil including a primary coil and a secondary coil, an igniter, and a secondary current detection resistor. By means of the secondary current detection resistor, an engine controller detects a current value of the secondary current immediately after completion of capacitive discharge. The current value of the secondary current is correlated with a gas pressure between electrodes of a spark plug at ignition timing, and thus an in-cylinder pressure at the ignition timing can be estimated from the current value. An amount of time-dependent change in compression ratio, caused by accumulation of deposits, is calculated based on the in-cylinder pressure at the ignition timing. 1. An ignition device for an internal combustion engine in which a discharge voltage is generated between electrodes of a spark plug connected to a secondary coil by energizing a primary current to a primary coil of an ignition coil and interrupting the primary current , comprising:a secondary current detection means for monitoring a secondary current flowing across the electrodes; andan in-cylinder pressure estimation means for estimating an in-cylinder pressure at ignition timing based on the secondary current,wherein the in-cylinder pressure estimation means is configured to estimate the in-cylinder pressure at the ignition timing based on a current value of the secondary current immediately after completion of capacitive discharge.2. (canceled)3. The ignition device for the internal combustion engine as recited in claim 1 , wherein:a current value of the secondary current detected when a predetermined time has expired from the ignition timing is used as the current value of the secondary current immediately after completion of capacitive discharge.4. An ignition device for an internal combustion engine in which a discharge voltage is generated between electrodes of a spark plug connected to a secondary coil by ...

IGNITION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING AN IGNITION SYSTEM

An ignition system and a method for operating an ignition system for an internal combustion engine are provided, including a primary voltage generator and a boost converter for generating an ignition spark. An ascertainment of a voltage requirement for the ignition spark is followed by a modification of a switch-on time of the boost converter relative to a switch-off time of the primary voltage generator. 116-. (canceled)17. A method for adjusting a high voltage supply for an ignition spark in an ignition system to be generated with a primary voltage generator , the ignition system including the primary voltage generator and a boost converter , for an internal combustion engine , the method comprising:ascertaining a voltage requirement for an ignition sparkover to be generated; andmodifying, in response to the voltage requirement, a switch-on time of the boost converter relative to a switch-off time of the primary voltage generator.18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the ascertaining of the voltage requirement includes performing at least one of: (i) measuring an output voltage present across the spark gap or a corresponding measured voltage claim 17 , and (ii) receiving a signal from an electronic control unit.19. The method of claim 17 , wherein the ascertaining of the voltage requirement includes comparing a measured electrical parameter claim 17 , in particular claim 17 , an output voltage present across the spark gap or a measuring voltage or a signal received by an electronic control unit claim 17 , with an assigned reference.20. The method of claim 19 , further comprising:classifying the result of the comparing; andmodifying a switch-on time of the boost converter as a function of a parameter assigned to the class.21. The method of claim 20 , wherein at least one of the following is satisfied: (i) the modifying of the switch-on time in response to a reduced voltage requirement results in a switching-on of the boost converter at a later point in time claim 20 ...

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:a coil signal generator module structured to alternate a leading coil in a multi-coil ignition system; anda charging module structured to determine whether a coil of the multi-coil ignition system is operational based on operation data regarding the coil relative to an operational threshold when the coil is the leading coil.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the operational threshold is a time threshold for reaching a charging current threshold and the operation data is a time duration to reach the charging current threshold.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the charging module is structured to determine the coil is non-operational based on the time duration being greater than or equal to the time threshold.4. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the charging module is structured to determine the coil is operational based on the time duration being less than the time threshold.5. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the charging current threshold includes at least one of a voltage and a current suitable for causing a spark from an ignitor of the multi-coil ignition system.6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the coil signal generator module is structured to alternate the leading coil each engine cycle.7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the coil ignition system includes a first set of primary and secondary coils claim 1 , a second set of primary and secondary coils claim 1 , and an ignitor electrically coupled to each of the first and ...

CONTROL SYSTEM OF COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINE

A control system of a compression-ignition engine is provided, which includes an engine configured to cause combustion of mixture gas inside a combustion chamber, a spark plug, and a controller configured to operate the engine. The combustion is performed in a given mode in which, after the spark plug ignites the mixture gas to start combustion, unburned mixture gas combusts by self-ignition. The controller has a heat amount ratio changing module configured to change, according to an engine operating state, a heat amount ratio as an index relating to a ratio of a heat amount generated when the mixture gas combusts by flame propagation with respect to a total heat amount generated when the mixture gas inside the combustion chamber combusts. The controller causes the changing module to increase the heat amount ratio at a high engine speed than at a low engine speed. 1. A control system of a compression-ignition engine , comprising:an engine formed with a combustion chamber and configured to cause combustion of a mixture gas inside the combustion chamber;a spark plug disposed to be oriented into the combustion chamber and configured to ignite the mixture gas inside the combustion chamber; anda controller operatively connected to the spark plug and comprises a processor is configured to operate the engine by outputting a control signal to the spark plug,wherein the combustion is performed in a given mode in which, after the spark plug ignites the mixture gas to start combustion, unburned mixture gas combusts by self-ignition,wherein the controller has a heat amount ratio changing module configured to change, according to an operating state of the engine, a heat amount ratio as an index relating to a ratio of a heat amount generated when the mixture gas combusts by flame propagation with respect to a total heat amount generated when the mixture gas inside the combustion chamber combusts, andwherein the controller causes the heat amount ratio changing module to increase ...

CONTROL DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

To provide a control device, of an internal combustion engine, that accurately identifies the combustion state through ion current detection in a wide operation range of the internal combustion engine, without impairing the reliability and the durability of the control device of the internal combustion engine. This internal combustion engine control device includes: an ignition plug having a center electrode and a ground electrode opposed to each other with a gap therebetween; a circulation device for short-circuiting a primary winding to cause a circulation route to enter a conduction state, thereby stopping spark discharge; and an ion-current-detection bias voltage control device for controlling bias voltage for ion current detection. The potential of the center electrode in an ion current detection period is controlled by adjusting the value of the bias voltage and the changing speed of the bias voltage.

CONTROL DEVICE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

A control device for an internal combustion engine includes a knock control system, a cooling system, and an electronic control unit. The knock control system is configured to ignite a spark plug an ignition crank angle obtained by retarding the ignition crank angle in response to an occurrence of the knocking. The electronic control unit is configured to supply a command value corresponding to a target value of a cooling parameter to the cooling system such that the cooling system performs cooling of the internal combustion engine according to the command value. The electronic control unit is configured to correct the command value based on a KCS learned value such that as the KCS learned value increases, a correction amount for correcting the command value increases in correction amount in a direction in which a cooling capacity of the cooling system increases. 1. A control device for an internal combustion engine , comprising:a knock control system configured to calculate a KCS learned value according to presence or absence of knocking of the internal combustion engine such that the KCS learned value is updated in an increase direction when the knocking occurs and is updated in a decrease direction when the knocking does not occur, the knock control system configured to calculate an ignition crank angle based on the KCS learned value, the knock control system configured to ignite a spark plug of the internal combustion engine at an ignition crank angle obtained by retarding the ignition crank angle in response to an occurrence of the knocking;a cooling system configured to cool the internal combustion engine; andan electronic control unit configured to supply a command value corresponding to a target value of a cooling parameter to the cooling system such that the cooling system performs cooling of the internal combustion engine according to the command value, the electronic control unit configured to correct the command value based on the KCS learned value such ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD OF IGNITION COIL TESTING

An ignition coil tester for testing an ignition coil having primary and secondary circuits. The tester includes a cable connector including a primary circuit connector and a secondary circuit connector electrically connectable to the ignition coil. The tester further includes an electronic ignition control module electrically coupled to the primary and secondary circuit connectors and configured to generate ignition coil testing signals for communication to the ignition coil via the primary and secondary circuit connectors The electronic ignition control module is further configured to monitor the connection between the primary circuit connector and the primary circuit of the ignition coil and the connection between the secondary circuit connector and the secondary circuit of the ignition coil, and cease communication of the ignition coil testing signals when the primary circuit connector or secondary circuit connector are not connected to the respective ones of the primary and secondary circuits. 1. An ignition coil tester for testing an ignition coil having a primary circuit and a secondary circuit , the ignition coil tester comprising: a primary circuit connector electrically connectable to the primary circuit of the ignition coil; and', 'a secondary circuit connector electrically connectable to the secondary circuit of the ignition coil; and, 'a cable connector including generate ignition coil testing signals for communication to the ignition coil via the primary circuit connector and the secondary circuit connector; and', 'monitor at least one of the connection between the primary circuit connector and the primary circuit of the ignition coil and the connection between the secondary circuit connector and the secondary circuit of the ignition coil, and cease communication of the ignition coil testing signals when the primary circuit connector or secondary circuit connector are not connected to the respective ones of the primary circuit and secondary circuit of ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DIAGNOSING AN IGNITION SYSTEM

A system and method for assessing the presence or absence of ignition coil degradation for an ignition system that includes two ignition coils for each spark plug. Ignition coil degradation may be determined without having to monitor ignition coils via specialized hardware circuitry. In one example, degradation of one or more ignition coils may be inferred from cylinder the presence or absence of cylinder misfire. 1. A method for operating an ignition system , comprising:receiving engine data to a controller;judging a presence or absence of a third misfire episode in a cylinder based on the engine data via the controller; andindicating ignition coil degradation and combusting air and fuel in the cylinder via the controller in response to absence of the third misfire episode in the cylinder during a predetermined number of cycles of the cylinder.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising increasing dwell times of two ignition coils supplying energy to a sole spark plug of the cylinder via the controller.3. The method of claim 2 , where the dwell times are increased in response to a first misfire episode in the engine cylinder as determined via the controller before the judging the presence or absence of the third misfire episode in the engine cylinder during the predetermined actual total number of cycles of the cylinder.4. The method of claim 3 , where the absence of the third misfire episode in the engine cylinder is after an indication of a second misfire episode in the engine cylinder within a predetermined number of combustion events in the cylinder before the predetermined actual total number of cycles of the cylinder.5. The method of claim 4 , where the dwell times are increased to greater than a threshold in response to the first misfire in the engine cylinder.6. The method of claim 1 , where the presence or absence of the third misfire episode is based on engine acceleration.7. The method of claim 1 , where the presence or absence of the third misfire ...

SENSOR DEVICE FOR A FLUID FLOW MACHINE

A measuring device for a measurement quantity is provided. The measuring device includes, an electronic measuring unit provided and designed to capture at least one measurement signal of an ignition electrode, which is arranged at least partially in a combustion chamber of a fluid-flow machine, the measurement signal being dependent on the measurement quantity. At least one protective device is provided to protect at least the electronic measuring unit from high voltages. 1. A measuring device for a measurement quantity , including an electronic measuring unit provided and designed to capture at least one measurement signal of an ignition electrode , which is arranged at least partially in a combustion chamber of a fluid-flow machine , the measurement signal being dependent on the measurement quantity , whereinthe ignition electrode is provided and designed as a flame probe, that wherein at least one protective device is provided to protect at least the electronic measuring unit from high voltages, that wherein the measuring device includes at least one signal processing device, which is provided and designed to evaluate the at least one measurement signal of the ignition electrode and to provide at least one evaluation signal, and that at least one evaluation signal is provided as an indicator for the state of the ignition electrode.2. The measuring device in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the at least one measurement quantity includes at least one ion measurement quantity between two electrodes claim 1 , where the ignition electrode includes at least one electrode claim 1 , a voltage applied to the ignition electrode claim 1 , a current applied to the ignition electrode as well as an impedance claim 1 , a resistance claim 1 , an inductance claim 1 , a capacitance and/or a shunt resistance of the ignition electrode.3. The measuring device in accordance with claim claim 1 , wherein the protective device includes at least one high-voltage diode.4. The measuring ...

CONTROLLER AND CONTROL METHOD FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

To provide a controller and control method for an internal combustion engine capable of estimating a discharge plasma length and the in-cylinder flow speed accurately by easy method. A controller and a control method for an internal combustion engine detects a secondary voltage which is a voltage generated by the secondary coil, calculates a minimum value of secondary voltage during a discharge period, calculates a discharge plasma length based on the secondary voltage and the minimum value of secondary voltage, and calculates an in-cylinder flow speed based on a time change of the discharge plasma length and a Coulomb force. 1. A controller for an internal combustion engine that is provided with an ignition plug which has a plug gap disposed in a combustion chamber , and an ignition coil which has a primary coil in which power is supplied from a direct current power source and a secondary coil which has more winding number than the primary coil and generates high voltage supplied to the ignition plug , the controller for the internal combustion engine comprising:an ignition coil controller that shuts down after connecting electrically the primary coil and the direct current power source for generating high voltage in the secondary coil and generating spark discharge in the plug gap;a secondary voltage detector that detects a secondary voltage which is a voltage generated by the secondary coil;a secondary voltage minimum value calculator that calculates a minimum value of the secondary voltage during a discharge period based on the detected secondary voltage;a discharge plasma length calculator that calculates a length of the discharge plasma based on the secondary voltage and the minimum value of the secondary voltage; andan in-cylinder flow calculator that calculates an in-cylinder flow speed which is a flow speed of gas in the combustion chamber, based on a time change of the length of the discharge plasma and a Coulomb force applied to charged particles of the ...

SPARK PLUG ELECTRODE WEAR RATE DETERMINATION FOR A SPARK-IGNITED ENGINE

A method for determining the wear rate of a spark plug electrode of an ignition system of an internal combustion engine comprises determining a risetiine number indicating the time required for raising the current and thereby the primary energy which is supplied to an ignition coil of the spark plug from an inactive level to a predetermined level, determining an operating condition indicator configured to indicate an operating condition of the ignition system, determining a wear rate of the spark plug electrode based on a difference of a first spark plug state indicator at a first time instance and a second spark plug state indicator at a second time instance, wherein the first time instance and the second time instance are separated by a predetermined time interval, wherein the spark plug state indicator is determined as a value based on the risetime number and the operating condition indicator. 1. A method for determining the wear rate of a spark plug electrode of an ignition system , the method comprising:determining a risetime number indicating the time required for raising a primary current and hence an ignition energy which is supplied to an ignition coil of the spark plug from an inactive level to a predetermined level,determining an operating condition indicator indicating an operating condition, of the ignition system,determining a wear rate of the spark plug electrode based on a difference of a first, spark plug state indicator indicating the spark plug electrode state at a first time instance and a second spark plug state indicator indicating the spark plug electrode state at a second time instance, wherein the first time instance and the second time instance are separated by a predetermined time interval, wherein the spark plug state indicator is determined as a value based on the determined risetime number and the determined operating condition indicator.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the risetime number is determined based on a risetime mean value ...

SPARK PLUG

The present invention provides spark plug that can improve detection accuracy of pre-ignition caused by flame kernel occurring inside spark plug. Terminal is located at a rear end side with respect to thread portion of metal shell. Detector electrode is provided at a portion located at a top end side with respect to a top end of contact portion between reduced diameter portion and shelf portion or packing in a space formed between outer periphery of insulator and inner periphery of the metal shell. The detector electrode and the terminal are connected by conductor. The detector electrode and the conductor are insulated from center electrode, the metal shell and ground electrode. Since the detector electrode is located in the space between the outer periphery of the insulator and the inner periphery of the metal shell, an early detection of the flame kernel occurring in this space can be possible. 1. A spark plug comprising:a tubular insulator having a reduced diameter portion whose outside diameter becomes smaller toward a top end side of the spark plug and an axial hole which extends from the top end side toward a rear end side of the spark plug along an axis of the spark plug;a center electrode disposed in the axial hole;a tubular metal shell placed at an outer periphery of the insulator, the metal shell having at an inner periphery thereof a shelf portion and at an outer periphery thereof a thread portion, wherein the shelf portion protrudes inward in a radial direction of the metal shell, and holds the reduced diameter portion of the insulator directly or through a ring-shaped packing from the top end side;a ground electrode connected to the metal shell and facing the center electrode through a spark gap;a terminal located at the rear end side with respect to the thread portion;a detector electrode provided at a portion located at the top end side with respect to a top end of a contact portion between the reduced diameter portion and the shelf portion or the ...

COMPRESSION IGNITION GASOLINE ENGINE

A compression ignition gasoline engine includes a fuel injection valve for injecting fuel containing gasoline as a main component into a cylinder; an EGR device operative to perform high-temperature EGR of introducing burnt gas generated in the cylinder into the cylinder at a high temperature; an octane number determination unit for determining whether fuel injected from the fuel injection valve has a prescribed octane number; and a combustion control unit for controlling the fuel injection valve and the EGR device in such a way that HCCI combustion occurs within the cylinder. The combustion control unit controls the EGR device, in at least a partial load operating range in which HCCI combustion is performed, in such a way that the EGR rate increases, as compared with a case where fuel is determined to have a prescribed octane number, when fuel is determined not to have a prescribed octane number. 1. A compression ignition gasoline engine comprising:a cylinder for accommodating a piston to be reciprocally movable;a fuel injection valve for injecting fuel containing gasoline as a main component into the cylinder;an EGR device operative to perform high-temperature EGR of introducing burnt gas generated in the cylinder into the cylinder at a high temperature;an octane number determination unit for determining whether fuel injected from the fuel injection valve has a prescribed octane number; anda combustion control unit for controlling the fuel injection valve and the EGR device in such a way that HCCI combustion in which fuel injected from the fuel injection valve self-ignites within the cylinder occurs, whereinthe combustion control unit controls the EGR device in such a way that, in at least a partial load operating range in which HCCI combustion is performed, an EGR rate increases, as compared with a case where fuel is determined to have a prescribed octane number, when the octane number determination unit determines that fuel does not have a prescribed octane ...

Voltage Sensing Mechanism

The present disclosure relates to voltage sensing mechanisms. One example embodiment includes a voltage-measurement device. The voltage-measurement device includes a housing. The voltage-measurement device also includes an extendible gripper configured to be removably attached to a wire under test. Additionally, the voltage-measurement device includes at least one power supply. Further, the voltage-measurement device includes a power management chip electrically coupled to the at least one power supply and configured to manage a range of input voltages from the at least one power supply. The power management chip comprises a synchronous boost voltage regulator. Additionally, the voltage-management device has a microprocessor electrically coupled to the power management chip and the extendible gripper. The microprocessor is configured to receive electrical power from the power management chip. The microprocessor is also configured to receive an electrical signal from the extendible gripper indicative of a voltage associated with the wire under test. 1. A voltage-measurement device:a housing;an extendible gripper configured to be removably attached to a wire under test;a chamber defined within the housing, wherein the chamber is configured to contain at least one power supply; and one or more status light-emitting diodes (LEDs);', 'a power management chip electrically coupled to the at least one power supply and configured to manage a range of input voltages from the at least one power supply, wherein the power management chip comprises a synchronous boost voltage regulator; and', receive electrical power from the power management chip;', 'receive an electrical signal from the extendible gripper indicative of a voltage associated with the wire under test; and', determine the voltage associated with the wire under test based on the electrical signal;', 'compare the determined voltage to one or more voltage thresholds to determine a status of the wire under test; and', ...

Ignition apparatus for an internal combustion engine

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内燃機関用ノック制御装置

用于发动机的火花塞的控制器

提供了一种用于发动机的火花塞的控制器。控制器被配置为接收指示发动机的操作参数的信号。控制器被配置为限定火花塞的击穿持续时间。此外，控制器被配置为基于限定的击穿持续时间和操作参数来确定火花塞产生火花所需的最佳能量大小。控制器进一步被配置为使最佳大小的能量供应到火花塞以使火花塞产生火花。