Abstract:
A unipolar ignition of the invention provides a current waveform at the ignitor plug which initially rises relatively slowly, followed by a transition to a fast rising current which quickly peaks and thereafter slowly dissipates. Such a current waveform provides an initially hotter and longer lasting spark which does not harm the ignitor plug of the system or shorten its life expectancy. Neither does the spark create stress on the solid state circuitry which delivers the energy to the ignitor plug. To provide the foregoing spark and current characteristics, an inductor having a saturable core is in series with the ignitor plug, and it provides an initially high inductance which limits the rate of current rise at the plug as energy is transferred from an energy storage device to the plug. As the current through the inductor increases, its core begins to saturate and the effective inductance begins to decrease, allowing the current to rise more quickly. As energy is transferred to the ignitor plug, the increasing saturation, decreasing inductance and increasing current complement one another, causing the rate of current rise to increase quickly to a high value desirable for ignition. Related features of the invention provide for easy diagnostics of the spark and for timing an ignition sequence and providing a repetition rate which aids in a successful ignition.
Abstract:
An engine igniter has a reference signal coil which generates an advance-side reference signal and a lag-side reference signal during a half-cycle of the alternating current output of a generator. An ignition timing control circuit determines the direction of rotation of the engine based on the polarity of the alternating current when the reference signals are generated. The ignition timing control circuit controls the ignition timing of an ignition circuit, using the lag-side reference signal as a reference at low engine speeds and using the advance-side reference signal as a reference at high engine speeds. When the engine begins to rotate in reverse, the ignition timing control circuit prevents ignition and stops reverse rotation.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method and arrangement for cleaning the spark plugs of an internal combustion engine automatically subsequent to the engine stopping and then, preferably, after an unsuccessful attempt to start the engine. Consequently, conditions for a successful starting attempt are made more favorable. Conditions preventing the start of an engine are often due to the presence of deposits on one of the spark plugs, these deposits preventing an ignition spark from being produced in the cylinder. The inventive method and arrangement solve this problem by burning clean the spark plugs immediately after the engine has stopped, and then preferably after the engine has failed to start. A detection means establishes whether or not the engine has started by sensing a suitable engine parameter, preferably engine speed, through a speed indicator. When the detection means detects that the engine has stopped or has failed to start, a signal is sent to the control unit, which subsequently causes the ignition system to generate a shower of sparks in close succession on all spark plugs, either in parallel or in one cylinder at a time. The spark showers burn-off any deposits on the spark-plugs.
Abstract:
A multi spark ignition system using an ignition capacitor and an ignition transformer uses a device for providing charging energy to the ignition capacitor. A field effect discharge switching means is used for discharging the energy that is stored in the ignition capacitor through the primary winding of an ignition transformer. An oscillator is used for causing the discharging switching circuit to operate intermittently with a proper cycle. An additional controlling circuit controls the consumption of additional magnetic energy which is stored in the ignition transformer when it is in its non-operative state. Two returning means are used to consume the magnetic energy or for returning the energy and the ignition transformer under the non-operative and operative states of the discharge switching circuit.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a voltage regulated magneto powered capacitive discharge ignition system including a charge capacitor, a magneto including a charge coil, and a circuit including a rectifier having input terminals respectively connected to the charge coil and having output terminals respectively connected to the charge capacitor for insuring unidirectional current flow from the charge coil to the charge capacitor. The system also includes a voltage regulator including a silicon bilateral voltage triggered switch having first and second anodes respectively connected to opposite end terminals of the charge coil. In response to a voltage developed on the charge coil exceeding a predetermined value, the silicon bilateral voltage triggered switch is rendered conductive so that the charge coil is shunted by the silicon bilateral voltage triggered switch so that further charging of the charge capacitor is prevented.
Abstract:
A plasma jet ignitor apparatus for generating plasma from a plasma medium and for discharging the plasma as a jet into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. The apparatus has a plug which has electrodes from which an arc is generated. The arc causes the plasma medium which is supplied to the plasma generation cavity to become plasma. The plasma generation cavity is cooperatively arranged with magnetic field generation means, electrode discharging means and plasma medium supply means. The cavity has an inlet opening adjacent the plasma generation location at the bottom of the cavity and an outlet orifice at the top of the cavity. The plasma is ejected as a plasma jet, with a ring vortex structure, from the cavity and through the orifice. The magnetic field generation means is disposed as a magnetic field coil acting on the arc. The magnetic field is created by the discharge of a capacitor at the time of the formation of the plasma in the cavity. The magnetic field accelerates the plasma out of the cavity through the orifice so that the plasma exits as a high velocity jet and achieves effective penetration with low energy expenditure. Timing means are also included for delivering gaseous or liquid plasma medium into the cavity, the discharge of the plasma generating energy and the triggering of the magnetic field.
Abstract:
An automotive ignition system including an ignition capacitor electrically connected to a primary winding of a ignition transformer for providing energy to a spark plug which is connected to a second winding of the ignition transformer is disclosed. A charge circuit charges the ignition capacitor from a DC-DC voltage converter and includes an inductor and a thyristor. A discharge circuit discharges the ignition capacitor to the primary winding, and a control circuit operates the charge circuit and the discharge circuit in proper timed sequence during a demanded firing duration.
Abstract:
A control circuit operates with a small toroidal transformer, having a ferrite core, to produce high voltage pulses efficiently. The circuit applies a magnetizing force to the transformer core that is in excess of the force required to produce maximum magnetization of the core. The initial magnetizing force is opposed by current flow in the secondary winding. As the secondary current flow approaches zero, it no longer can act to demagnetize the core and the primary can generate a rapid change in magnetic strength resulting in a high voltage in the secondary winding. The rate of change of current in the primary circuit is limited by a small inductor in series with the primary winding of the transformer. The charging circuit is interrupted simultaneously with discharge of a capacitor through the transformer primary. The core is insulated for high voltage and carries a secondary winding of about 300 turns extending over about 300 degrees of the circumference and a primary winding of about three to five turns. The unit occupies only about one cubic inch of space and weighs less than two ounces. It is capable of delivering more than 10,000 volts to a discharge element in a gaseous medium that results, subsequent to breakdown, with a current of as much as one-half ampere for a period of about 0.05 microseconds.
Abstract:
An exciter coil and pulser coil induce voltages in phase reversal to each other by the rotation of an internal combustion engine are provided. A first condenser and second condenser are charged with the negative and positive induced voltage of the exciter coil respectively. A second switching element conductive by the discharged voltage of the second condenser discharged through a first switching element conductive when the induced voltage of the pulser coil reaches a set level is connected in series with a circuit connecting the ignition coil and first condenser. A circuit controlling the switching time of the first switching element is operated so as to retard the operation of the second switching element in the low speed operation range of the engine and to advance the same in the high speed operation range. This circuit includes a further switching element operating in response to the voltage inducing state of the pulser coil.
Abstract:
An ignition device for an internal combustion engine has a DC power source, first and second switching elements, a control signal generator for the switching elements, an ignition coil, and spark gaps. A first part of a primary coil of the ignition coil, a capacitor, the DC power source, and the first switching element form a closed circuit. A second part of the primary coil and the second switching element form another closed circuit. The signal generator generates ON signals for alternately turning on the first and second switching signals at predetermined timings based on an ignition command signal. The ignition performance of this ignition device for an internal combustion engine is improved.