High Tension Ignition System Patents (Class 123/594)
  • Patent number: 11767926
    Abstract: To provide a fuel injection device capable of improving waterproof performance of the coil portion. A fuel injection device 1 includes a coil bobbin 51 disposed in a housing 70 and having a bobbin outer peripheral surface 51a that holds a coil 50 and a bobbin inner peripheral surface 51b that is a surface on an opposite side of the bobbin outer peripheral surface 51a, and a first outer peripheral surface 46a and a first outer peripheral surface 10b (guide portion) that come into contact with the bobbin inner peripheral surface 51b. A first space S1 and a second space S2 (internal space) are formed by the first outer peripheral surface 46a and the first outer peripheral surface 10b, and the bobbin inner peripheral surface 51b, and the first space S1 and the second space S2 communicate with a space filled with the connecting portion 80.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Hitachi Astemo, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Sugaya, Takao Miyake, Taisuke Sugii, Takuya Watai
  • Patent number: 11233380
    Abstract: A pre-chamber spark plug includes a housing, a ground electrode, and a pre-chamber defined by the housing and a cap, a center electrode being arranged within the pre-chamber, in which the V/D ratio of the pre-chamber volume V to the largest internal diameter D of the pre-chamber (5) is in the range of from 30 mm2 to 95 mm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: DKT VERWALTUNGS-GMBH
    Inventor: Steffen Kuhnert
  • Patent number: 8925531
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for identifying and indicating degradation of an engine cylinder spark plug. In response to a cylinder misfire event during selected engine operating conditions, followed by an occurrence of a threshold number and/or rate of pre-ignition events in the same cylinder, a controller may determine that the spark plug is degraded. The controller may limit combustion in the cylinder in response to the degradation. Additionally, cylinder pre-ignition mitigating steps may be taken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph Wayne Cunningham, Michael Joseph Zaitz, Ken Jahr, Chris Paul Glugla, Robert Sarow Baskins
  • Publication number: 20140261346
    Abstract: An ignition apparatus includes a spark plug having a high voltage electrode and an external electrode facing each other across a gap and being configured to generate a spark discharge in the gap to ignite a combustible fuel mixture in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, an ignition coil device configured to generate a predetermined high voltage and supply the high voltage to the high voltage electrode to form a path for the spark discharge in the gap, a high frequency power supply having a band-pass filter and being configured to supply an alternating current to the spark discharge path, and a control device configured to control operation timing of the high frequency power supply. The band-pass filter passes a frequency of from 1 MHz to 4 MHz.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Kimihiko TANAYA
  • Publication number: 20140209076
    Abstract: 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Oliver Berkemeier, Klemens Grieser
  • Publication number: 20140109886
    Abstract: A system and method for providing pulsed power to improve performance efficiency. In one approach, pulsed power is employed to improve fuel efficiency and power of an engine. The system and method can involve a transient plasma plug assembly intended to replace a traditional spark plug. Alternatively, an approach involving a pulse generator and a nanosecond, high voltage pulse carrying ignition cable is contemplated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Transient Plasma Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Singleton, Jason Sanders, Martin Gundersen, Andras Kuthi
  • Publication number: 20140076274
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, a time-varying spark current ignition system can be applied to improve spark plug ignitability performance and durability as compared to conventional spark ignition systems. Two performance parameters of interest are spark plug life (durability) and spark plug ignitability. In certain embodiments, spark plug life can be extended by applying a spark current amplitude as low as possible without causing quenching of the flame kernel while it is traveling within an electrode gap and/or by applying spark current of a long enough duration to allow the spark/flame kernel to clear a spark plug gap. In certain embodiments, ignitability can be improved by applying a high enough spark current amplitude to sustain the flame kernel once outside the spark plug gap and/or by applying a spark current for long enough to sustain the flame kernel once outside the spark plug gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Prometheus Applied Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Luigi P. Tozzi, David Thomas Lepley, Maria Emmanuella Sotiropoulou, Joseph Martin Lepley, Steven B. Pirko
  • Publication number: 20140060505
    Abstract: An inductive charging coil assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assembly comprises a first base plate including at least one first coil thereon for receiving magnetic flux to charge a vehicle battery. The assembly further comprises a second base plate including at least one second coil having a top surface thereof that forms an elevated portion to focus the magnetic flux to the at least one first coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: Aftab Ali Khan, Veda Prakash Galigekere, Madhur Bhattacharya
  • Publication number: 20140053819
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ignition device for an Otto engine, comprising an ignition coil, a printed circuit board, which carries a control circuit with a power transistor, a plastic housing, in which the ignition coil and the printed circuit board are arranged, and a thermal dissipation element, which protrudes through a wall of the plastic housing. In accordance with this disclosure, the printed circuit board carries a cooling body, which is plugged together with the thermal dissipation element to form a thermal bridge, which dissipates thermal losses of the control circuit out from the plastic housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Johann Weissenbacher, Matthias Krause, Siegmund Oberer
  • Publication number: 20140034032
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device comprising an ignition coil, a power stage and a controller connected to said ignition coil via said power stage. The controller is adapted to receive commands and/or parameters related to engine operation and to process said commands and/or parameters and the controller is further adapted to output a voltage signal to said ignition coil via said power stage, said signal being based at least in part on said processed commands and/or parameters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Massimo Augusto Dal Re, Mauro Costa Bizzarri
  • Publication number: 20130333676
    Abstract: A plasma oil-free ignition system in oxygen enriched environment comprises a plasma generator and a burner. The plasma oil-free ignition system comprises a sleeve group coaxially arranged with the burner, and the sleeve group comprises multiple coaxially sleeved sleeves. Annular spaces are formed between adjacent sleeves and between the sleeves and the burner. Oxygen ducts are arranged on the sleeves, and oxygen ducts are arranged on the burner. Plasmas jetted by the plasma generators form a local high temperature zone filled with high temperature plasma and pulverized coal air flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Lu Zheng, Jianwen Zhang, Yang Zhao, Yuehua Li
  • Patent number: 8607770
    Abstract: An ignition device for an internal combustion engine includes an ignition coil which is feedable on its primary side by a voltage supply unit, a secondary current measuring device for measuring the course of the secondary side current, a control device for at least temporary controlling of the primary side voltage or the primary side current in dependence on the measured course of the secondary side current. Subsequent to an interruption of the primary side voltage or current supply of the ignition coil during an ignition process or subsequent to the drop of the primary side voltage or the primary side current in the ignition coil below a predeterminable threshold during the ignition process, the control device energizes or regulates the primary side voltage or current supply of the ignition coil above the predeterminable threshold only when the secondary side current induced thereby acts in the direction of the predetermined course of the secondary side current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: GE Jenbacher GmbH & Co OHG
    Inventors: Markus Kraus, Arno Gschirr, Markus Kröll
  • Publication number: 20130298886
    Abstract: A method for control of spark ignition in a spark-ignited internal combustion engine that includes an ignition plug and generates plasma to ignite an air-fuel mixture, where the plasma is caused by a reaction between a product resulting from spark discharge generated by a high voltage applied via an ignition coil connected to the ignition plug and an electric field generated in a combustion chamber by an electric generation means via the ignition plug, the method including generating the electric field by a positive pulsating current. Thus, the method allows a spark-ignited internal combustion engine to promote expansion of combustion after ignition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: DAIHATSU MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takeshi Serizawa, Hiroaki Oi, Kazuhisa Taniguchi
  • Publication number: 20130233291
    Abstract: An ignition device (100) includes a power supply (2) for discharge; an AC power supply (3); an ignition coil (41) for generating a secondary voltage in a secondary coil (41B); an ignition plug (1) connected to the secondary coil (41B); an AC electrode (43) electrically connected to the AC power supply (3); a high-voltage electrode (42) located between the secondary coil (41B) and the ignition plug (1); an insulator (44) located between the two electrodes (42, 43); and a second insulator (47) which covers the ignition coil (41) and a capacitor (49) composed of the two electrodes (42, 43) and an insulator (44). The secondary voltage and AC power are supplied to the ignition plug (1) via the high-voltage electrode (42). Thus, excellent ignition performance can be implemented while the occurrence of misfire is restrained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: NGK SPARK PLUG CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tatsunori Yamada, Kohei Katsuraya, Katsutoshi Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8519306
    Abstract: A glow plug including a pressure sensor (830) and a heater (150). The glow plug includes a position-defining member which defines the positional relationship between the pressure sensor (830) and the heater (150) and has a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than that of the heater. The pressure sensor (830) is fixed at a predetermined sensor reference position relative to the position-defining member. The heater (150) is held by a heater-holding member (820) in such manner that an attachment position A of the heater-holding member to the heater can be displaced, with a change in external pressure, relative to a predetermined heater reference position defined by the position-defining member. A displacement transmission member (840) is arranged between the heater (150) and the pressure sensor (830) so as to transmit displacement of the heater (150) to the pressure sensor (830).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinsuke Itoh, Shunsuke Maeda, Masanori Suda, Toshiyuki Matsuoka
  • Publication number: 20130206122
    Abstract: In some aspects, a spark plug includes a spark gap in an enclosure of the spark plug. The spark plug includes a passage in the interior of the enclosure. During operation of the engine, the passage directs flow through the spark gap, primarily away from a combustion chamber end of the enclosure. The passage can direct flow at a velocity of 5 meters/second or greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Inventors: Domenico Chiera, Gregory James Hampson
  • Publication number: 20130199508
    Abstract: A method for controlling the ignition point of a fuel/air mixture in an internal combustion engine by at least one corona discharge starting from an electrode, wherein at least one of the corona discharges is ignited at a crankshaft angle between 400° and 200° before the top dead center, with which the power stroke starts, by applying an ignition voltage to the electrode(s), and the energy input of the corona discharge or of the corona discharges is controlled by adapting the burn time of the corona discharge and the strength of the ignition voltage. The fuel/air mixture ignites at a crankshaft angle between 30° and 5° before the top dead center, with which the power stroke starts, and 50% of the fuel of the fuel/air mixture is combusted at a crankshaft angle between 6° and 10° after the top dead center point, with which the power stroke starts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: BORGWARNER BERU SYSTEMS GMBH
    Inventor: BORGWARNER BERU SYSTEMS GMBH
  • Publication number: 20130199509
    Abstract: A solenoid for a vehicle starter includes at least one coil with a passage extending through the coil in an axial direction. The solenoid further includes a plunger configured to move in the axial direction within the passage. The plunger includes a cylindrical outer surface with a substantially uniform diameter and a circumferential notch. The cylindrical outer surface includes a first portion with a first diameter on one side of the circumferential notch, and a second portion with the first diameter on an opposite side of the circumferential notch. The circumferential notch includes a portion with a second diameter that is less than the first diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: REMY TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: REMY TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • Publication number: 20130104861
    Abstract: A method of improving the diffusion combustion of a compression ignition engine. Such engines have at least one cylinder, each cylinder having a compression chamber and operated with an intake phase, compression phase, expansion phase, and exhaust phase of a reciprocating piston. An antenna is placed within the combustion chamber, and is used to apply electromagnetic energy to the diffusion combustion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Charles E. Roberts, JR., Jess W. Gingrich, Terrence F. Alger, II
  • Patent number: 8408191
    Abstract: An engine control system, a controller for the engine control system, and a method of controlling a combustion process in an internal combustion engine operating at an engine operating condition. The engine control is based on closed-loop control of ignition dwell. Ignition dwell is defined as time or crank angle difference between an end of fuel injection (EOI), or some other aspect of an injection control signal, and a start of combustion (SOC), or some other aspect of an internal combustion event. One or more engine control devices, such as a fuel injector or an exhaust gas recirculation valve may be varied to control ignition dwell. By providing such a closed-loop engine control based on ignition dwell, the air/fuel charge mixture, and/or stratification present in the combustion chamber at the moment combustion starts may be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark C. Sellnau, Chol-Bum Kweon
  • Publication number: 20130068204
    Abstract: A switching system for a combustion engine ignition system comprises a switching device switchable between an accumulation condition and a transfer condition to activate an ignition element. The switching system comprises control logic that provides a control signal for controlling the switching device, measures a progress indicator indicative of progress in switching the switching device from the transfer condition to the accumulation condition, and causes the control signal to vary with a first variation rate during a first stage until the progress indicator reaches a first progress condition. The control logic causes the control signal to vary with a second variation rate, lower than the first variation rate, during a second stage until the progress indicator reaches a second progress condition, and causes the control signal to vary with a third variation rate, higher than the second variation rate, during a third stage of the preliminary switching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: STMICROELECTRONICS S.R.L.
    Inventors: Calogero Andrea Trecarichi, Giovanni Luca Torrisi, Donato Tagliavia
  • Publication number: 20130055992
    Abstract: An engine ignition control device includes: a pulser; and a control unit, which includes a micro control unit (MCU) and a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB is electrically connected to the micro control unit, wherein the PCB includes a back porch signal generating circuit. The back porch signal generating circuit is electrically connected to the micro control unit, and includes a bipolar junction transistor (BJT). Emitter (E) of the bipolar junction transistor is electrically connected to the pulser, collector (C) of the bipolar junction transistor is electrically connected to the micro control unit, and base (B) of the bipolar junction transistor is increased to a predetermined voltage level that is larger than 0V.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Applicant: KWANG YANG MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Chia Tung, Shih-Chia Hsieh, Kun-Lang Lu
  • Patent number: 8316832
    Abstract: A radiofrequency ignition device including: a control capable of generating an ignition control signal; a supply circuit controlled by the ignition control signal for applying a supply voltage on an output interface of the supply circuit at a frequency defined by the control signal; at least one plasma generation resonator connected on an output interface of the supply circuit and capable of generating a spark between two ignition electrodes of the resonator upon an ignition control; a mechanism measuring an electric parameter representative of a variation in a supply voltage of the resonator; and a module determining the fouling condition of the electrodes based on the measured electric parameter and on a predetermined reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Franck DeLoraine, Julien Couillaud, Xavier Jaffrezic
  • Publication number: 20120150415
    Abstract: A system and method for operating an engine having ionization signal sensing include detecting plug fouling and controlling the engine using progressively more aggressive control strategies if the fouling condition persists. A first control strategy may be used when the number of engine starts or running time are below corresponding thresholds and a second strategy otherwise. The first strategy may employ progressively more aggressive control procedures to eliminate spark plug deposits that may include repetitive sparking, exhaust cycle sparking, increasing engine loading, advancing spark timing, increasing air/fuel ratio, and increasing idle speed, for example. The second strategy may include similar corrective actions employed in a different order and/or to a lesser degree in an attempt to eliminate plug fouling without any noticeable change in engine operation or performance as perceived by the vehicle operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC.
    Inventors: Chris Paul Glugla, Daniel Lawrence Meyer, Michael John Cullen, Garlan J. Huberts, Michael Damian Czekala, Ben Allen Strayer
  • Publication number: 20120031382
    Abstract: A method includes determining the moment of extinction of an ignition spark of an ignition device for an internal combustion engine, wherein the ignition device has a high voltage transformer having a primary side and a secondary side, of which the primary side is connected to a high voltage source and the secondary side is connected to a spark path to provide the ignition spark. The time variation in the primary current flowing on the primary side is measured and subdivided at least into a spark burning phase and a subsequent free-running phase of the high voltage transformer, and the transition from the spark burning phase into the free-running phase is equated to the moment of extinction of the ignition spark. The time variation of the primary current in the spark burning phase is mapped by a first function and in the free-running phase by a second function, and the intersection point of the two functions is equated to the moment of extinction of the ignition spark.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Arno GSCHIRR
  • Publication number: 20110247598
    Abstract: An ignition controlling apparatus is provided that can diagnose a state of spark discharge in an internal combustion engine, and perform appropriate actions based on the diagnostic results. In the internal combustion engine ignition controlling apparatus, a controlling apparatus has a signal extracting device that extracts an ion current that is generated together with combustion of a combustible gas mixture inside a combustion chamber by a spark discharge of an ignition apparatus based on an ignition signal of an ignition coil, includes a signal diagnosing device that sets a predetermined detection zone from a period in a single stroke of an internal combustion engine from a first spark discharge commencement until after a last spark discharge completion, and that determines an ignition state based on parameters included in the signal extracted in this detection zone, and controls the internal combustion engine in response to this ignition state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kimihiko TANAYA
  • Patent number: 7863903
    Abstract: A combustion state detection apparatus for an internal combustion engine, includes convexity detection means (30) for detecting that domain within the detection interval in which the change shape of the ionic current is upwardly convex, on the basis of the ionic current data extracted by data extraction means (20), and preignition decision means (40) including comparison setting means for setting a comparison value with which the upwardly convex domain is compared, and functioning to decide the occurrence of the preignition or the premonitory phenomenon thereof when the upwardly convex domain lies at a timing earlier than the comparison value, wherein the convexity detection means (30) includes leak current judgment means for judging the appearance of a leak current across electrodes, and it enables the detection of the upwardly convex domain when the appearance of the leak current has been judged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Koda, Takahiko Inada, Kimihiko Tanaya
  • Publication number: 20090308366
    Abstract: The invention relates to a conversion system for engines that use mixtures of fuels based on methanol and an oil mixture, which enables said two-stroke engines to be operated with gasoline. The conversion is performed by a system using an intelligent device which, in accordance with the engine operating parameters, adapts the situation such that the fuel (gasoline) in the engines is or is not ignited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2005
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventor: Jorge H. Rocca Gonzalez
  • Publication number: 20090139504
    Abstract: A voltage transformer circuit for supplying ignition power to a spark plug includes a transformer, a primary circuit, and a secondary circuit. The primary circuit is coupled with the secondary circuit via the transformer in order that, when a transistor switch is closed, power is transmitted from the primary circuit into the secondary circuit. The primary circuit includes a discharge path, for demagnetizing the transformer when the transistor switch is open and via which power can be retransmitted from the secondary circuit for shortening the duration of an arc discharge, and the discharge path forms a demagnetizing current with a primary side of the transformer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2006
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventors: Georg Maul, Dieter Kuhnert, Gerhard Koerner
  • Publication number: 20090133677
    Abstract: An improved ignition-combustion system for internal combustion engines with preferably a 2-valve engine 17/18 with dual-ignition 14a,14b with squish-flow channels 12a, 12b, and cylindrical high energy density pencil coils with open ends including biasing magnets 42a to 42d, the spark being 300 to 450 ma peak secondary current Is, and the primary current being 20 to 25 amps Ip of 60 to 100 turns Np, or bifiler turns of 120 to 200 turns of wire, with turns ratio Ns/Np of 50 to 70, and coil switches being 600 volt IGBTs; and power convertor with energy storage capacitor storing many times the coil energy of 80 mJ to 160 mJ, of 20 to 60) volts power supply, the engine operating with a single ignition firing of 80 to 16 mJ, except when it is cold started or requires multi-firing for better performance, such as under lean burn or high EGR operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Combustion Electromagnetics, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A.V. Ward
  • Publication number: 20080271723
    Abstract: A piezo-ceramic device is attached to the power wire of an engine to facilitate cleaner burning of fuel and improve to improve fuel consumption. In the presence of an electrical field around the power wire, the device directs acoustical energy of a subsonic frequency towards the combustion chamber which acts to ionize the fuel and impart a thrust on the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Ralph A. Cowden
  • Publication number: 20080224810
    Abstract: The invention relates to an ignition coil for an internal combustion engine. Said ignition coil comprises a primary coil base (2) carrying a primary winding (1) and having an especially cylindrical shape, a low voltage connection area (10) for connecting the primary winding (1) to a low voltage, a secondary winding (3) inductively coupled to the primary winding (1) and disposed on an especially cylindrical secondary coil base (4), for providing a high voltage for the spark plug of the internal combustion engine. The primary coil base (2) and the secondary coil base (4) are mounted concentric to one another. The ignition coil also comprises a high-voltage connection area (5) in which the secondary winding (3) contacts the spark plug. The aim of the invention is to improve the ignition coil of the aforementioned type with respect to its electromagnetic compatibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2005
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Friedhelm Rosemann, Stefan Wasserfuhr
  • Patent number: 7418956
    Abstract: An ignition apparatus for an internal combustion engine can be produced at low cost and small size by preventing the generation of a spark at a spark plug due to a turn-on voltage with a simple ignition coil construction having no energy loss. The apparatus include an ignition coil having a primary coil and a secondary coil, a spark plug to which a high voltage from the secondary coil is impressed, and a coil driver for driving the ignition coil. The coil driver has a switching element for controlling the primary current, an IC for driving the switching element, and a turn-on voltage prevention circuit inserted between a secondary coil low-voltage side terminal and ground. The turn-on voltage prevention circuit is composed of a parallel circuit comprising a diode in the form of a bare chip and a thick film resistor, and is mounted on the same substrate together with the IC.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Futoshi Aida, Yusuke Naruse
  • Publication number: 20080121214
    Abstract: The invention relates to rapid multiple ignition, in which the maximum breakdown voltage for the spark breakdown is available a number of times during an ignition time window. The ignition system operates with a DC converter with which the voltage of the on-board vehicle electrical system is increased, and with rod-type ignition transformers whose minimized ignition coils permit rapid recharging. The ignition electronics operate with a power output stage which charges the rod-type ignition transformer by switching a power switch in the ground path of the primary winding. The output stage power switch is actuated by a time control arrangement which clocks the power switch for charging the rod-type ignition transformer and connects the primary side of the ignition transformer to ground for a prespecified time period in order to achieve the spark breakdown after charging of the ignition transformer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2005
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Dietmar Bertsch, Wilfried Schmolla, Harold Winter
  • Publication number: 20080121200
    Abstract: A plasma type ignition plug for igniting an internal combustion engine is disclosed having a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and a discharging distance fixing member, which includes an electrically conductive material replenishing section, made of an electrically conductive material available to melt when subjected to a heat of gas in plasma state, and an electrically conductive material replenished section to which the electrically conductive material is replenished. The discharging distance fixing member is covered on a surface of the negative electrode for initiating the spark discharge between a surface of the discharging distance fixing member and the positive electrode so as to avoid a fluctuation in a spark discharge distance caused by a wear of the negative electrode due to a collision of gas in the plasma state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideyuki Kato, Tohru Yoshinaga
  • Publication number: 20080092865
    Abstract: An ignition apparatus for an internal combustion engine can be produced at low cost and small size by preventing the generation of a spark at a spark plug due to a turn-on voltage with a simple ignition coil construction having no energy loss. The apparatus include an ignition coil having a primary coil and a secondary coil, a spark plug to which a high voltage from the secondary coil is impressed, and a coil driver for driving the ignition coil. The coil driver has a switching element for controlling the primary current, an IC for driving the switching element, and a turn-on voltage prevention circuit inserted between a secondary coil low-voltage side terminal and ground. The turn-on voltage prevention circuit is composed of a parallel circuit comprising a diode in the form of a bare chip and a thick film resistor, and is mounted on the same substrate together with the IC.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Futoshi Aida, Yusuke Naruse
  • Patent number: 7267115
    Abstract: The ignition apparatus includes an electronic control unit and an igniter. The igniter detects ions resulting from ignition, and sends an ion current output signal to the electronic control unit. The igniter has a waveform shaping circuit and an ion current detecting/outputting circuit. The waveform shaping circuit is adapted such that a voltage at an input terminal thereof becomes higher than a predetermined reference voltage to turn the switching element ON when the ignition signal is caused to flow through an electric load. The ion current detecting/outputting circuit has an output terminal which is connected to the input terminal and outputs therefrom an ion current output signal obtained as a result of conversion of an ion current, and is adjusted such that the voltage at the input terminal at the time when the ion current output signal is outputted to the electronic control unit becomes lower than the reference voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yusuke Naruse, Koichi Okamura
  • Patent number: 7159583
    Abstract: Drive current stabilization is achieved through the management of a drive current. The drive current may include a control current that is provided to a control terminal of a switch, a current limit input current that is provided to a current limit circuit associated with the switch and a stabilization current. The switch carries a load current responsive to a control signal on the control terminal. The magnitude of the control current is monitored and a magnitude of the stabilization current is increased responsive to a decrease in the magnitude of the control current to substantially maintain a magnitude of the drive current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane E. Beyler, Scott B. Kesler
  • Patent number: 7134407
    Abstract: A V-quad engine has two juxtaposed V-twin cylinder banks connected to a common crankshaft and fuel and ignition systems that cause the front cylinders in the two banks to fire simultaneously and the rear cylinders in the two banks to fire simultaneously. Conventional V-twin components are used for many components of the V-quad engine. Master-slave rocker shaft assemblies are provided with angularly adjustable links to drive the left bank rocker shafts in unison with the right bank rocker shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventor: Gregory J. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7013881
    Abstract: The invention is a method for controlling ignition parameters of a spark plug (16) for an internal-combustion engine whose ignition is controlled by an engine control calculator, with the spark plug receiving a high voltage (U_HT) and a current (I_HT) from an ignition emulator (E). The method establishes a target current and/or voltage values (Ucible_HT, Ucible_Boost, Icible_HT, Icible_Boost) to obtain the desired electric arc at the spark plug electrodes, stores the target values in a parametering unit (32), measuring at regular intervals, after an ignition command by the calculator, at least one of a voltage (U_HT, U_Boost, U_Batt) and current (I_HT, I_Boost) parameter coming from the emulator, comparing the parameters with the target values, and when variation occur between the measured parameters and the target values, adjusting the parameters to reach the target values for controlling the ignition parameters of a spark plug for an internal-combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignees: Institut Francais du Petrole, Societe Apojee
    Inventor: Olivier Metzelard
  • Patent number: 6935323
    Abstract: A system for firing a spark plug is disclosed. The system includes a timing controller configured to send a first timing signal and a second timing signal. The system also includes an ignition transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding and a spark-plug that is operably associated with the secondary winding. A first switching element is disposed between the timing controller and the primary winding of the ignition transformer. The first switching element controls a supply of power to the primary winding based on the first timing signal. Also, a second switching element is disposed between the timing controller and the primary winding of the ignition transformer. The second switching element controls the supply of power to the primary winding based on the second timing signal. A method for firing a spark plug is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc
    Inventors: Stephen Howard Waters, Anthony Kok-Fai Chan
  • Patent number: 6932064
    Abstract: A capacitor discharge ignition (CDI) system includes a trigger circuit that generates a trigger signal in synchronism with operation of an engine for discharging an ignition capacitor. A timing circuit is connected to the trigger circuit for controlling the timing of the trigger signal and includes a timing coil for generating a timing signal in synchronism with operation of the engine. The timing circuit further includes a switch that has primary electrodes connected to the trigger circuit and a control electrode coupled to the timing coil for shorting the trigger circuit as a function of engine speed. The CDI system is thus capable of advancing engine timing to enable low-speed startup. The timing circuit is further adaptable to provide skip-spark speed-governing, timing retard speed-governing, and anti-reverse rotation of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Walbro Engine Management, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Lewis M. Kolak, Gerald J. LaMarr, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6907871
    Abstract: There is provided an ignition timing control system for a variable-cylinder internal combustion engine, which is capable of optimally reducing torque before the start of fuel cut-off operation, irrespective of whether the engine is in an all-cylinder operation mode or a partial-cylinder operation mode, thereby reducing shock caused by the fuel cut-off operation. When the internal combustion engine is operated under deceleration operating conditions, the start of cut-off of fuel supply is delayed for a predetermined time period, and ignition timing is corrected when the cut-off of fuel supply is being delayed for the predetermined time period. The amount of correction of the ignition timing is set to a different value depending on the operation mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaaki Fukusako, Toshiaki Icyouda
  • Patent number: 6889675
    Abstract: An ignition system for a vehicle includes a distributor having with a Hall Effect stator assembly and ignition module formed preferably as a thick film integrated (TFI) module, which receives a spark output (SPOUT) signal from an electronic control assembly (ECA). The ignition module includes a microprocessor for generating a control signal to an ignition coil and switching ON and OFF the primary current therein. A temperature sensing circuit is operative with the microprocessor for reducing the duty cycle or overall current or power as applied to the control signal from the TFI ignition module to the ignition coil and reducing the heat generated by the TFI ignition module when a temperature threshold for the TFI ignition module has been exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Wetherill Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary E. Morrissette, Reginald L. Browning
  • Patent number: 6889676
    Abstract: An ignition system for a vehicle includes a distributor having with a Hall Effect stator assembly and ignition module formed preferably as a thick film integrated (TFI) module, which receives a spark output (SPOUT) signal from an electronic control assembly (ECA). The ignition module includes a microprocessor for generating a control signal to an ignition coil and switching ON and OFF the primary current therein. A temperature sensing circuit is operative with the microprocessor for reducing the duty cycle or overall current or power as applied to the control signal from the TFI ignition module to the ignition coil and reducing the heat generated by the TFI ignition module when a temperature threshold for the TFI ignition module has been exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Wetherill Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary E. Morrissette, Reginald L. Browning
  • Patent number: 6748937
    Abstract: A solid-state Hall effect ignition system which requires connection to only a single ignition coil lead wire. The lead wire connects to both an output transistor and to power supply circuitry arranged to provide an internal bias or supply voltage for the solid-state ignition circuitry. Current limiting and automatic shut-off features dwell control, and polarity protection are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Lawrence E. Soza
  • Patent number: 6718958
    Abstract: An operation of connecting primary coils and a wiring module of an ignition apparatus for an internal combustion engine is carried out smoothly. The ignition apparatus includes a casing (8), closed magnetic circuit cores (2), primary coils (4) each having primary coil connector terminals (40a, 40b) at their opposite ends, respectively, and secondary coils (6) having secondary coil connector terminals (6a). A wiring module (9) is composed of a plurality of wires integrally formed with each other through a resin for supplying current to the primary coils (4). A resin portion (11) is filled into the casing (8) to fixedly attach transformers (1A, 1B, 1C) to the casing (8). A positioning element (9c, 40c) is arranged between the primary coils (4) and the wiring module (9) to position the relative positions of the primary coil connector terminals (40a, 40b) and module connector terminals (10a, 10c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takeshi Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20040020479
    Abstract: A contactless ignition system is provided with an ignition charge discharge condenser for charging an induced voltage of a generating coil, a first switching element, triggered to conduct when an induced voltage of a generating coil reaches a predetermined level, for supplying a charged voltage into an ignition coil, and a trigger control condenser for charging induced voltages of the generating coil and the trigger coil, and triggering of the first switching element caused by an induced voltage of the generating coil is inhibited by a second switching element during a specified discharge time following charging of the trigger control condenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Shigeyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 6651637
    Abstract: An ignition system for a vehicle includes a distributor having with a Hall Effect stator assembly and ignition module formed preferably as a thick film integrated (TFI) module, which receives a spark output (SPOUT) signal from an electronic control assembly (ECA). The ignition module includes a microprocessor for generating a control signal to an ignition coil and switching ON and OFF the primary current therein. A temperature sensing circuit is operative with the microprocessor for reducing the duty cycle or overall current or power as applied to the control signal from the TFI ignition module to the ignition coil and reducing the heat generated by the. TFI ignition module when a temperature threshold for the TFI ignition module has been exceeded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Transpo Electronics, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary E. Morrissette, Reginald L. Browning
  • Patent number: 6575150
    Abstract: In order to improve the control characteristics for ignition timing during transient operating conditions including engine startup, during engine transient operating conditions, a controller (1) sets an advance limit ADVLMT restricting the maximum value of the ignition timing advance to a limit ADMLMTS which is a large value when compared to the value for steady-state operating conditions. Furthermore during transient operating conditions, the dwell angle TDWLLB is also increased and the correlation of the ignition timing control with respect to a suitable ignition timing is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Katoh, Ritsuo Sato, Masahiko Yuya