Method and arrangement for generating ignition sparks in an internal combustion engine
US4886036A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 21, 1988 |
| Grant date | Dec 12, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 21, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02P3/093
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
In a capacitive ignition system for an internal combustion engine, the discharging and charging of an ignition capacitor is controlled by a control unit which actuates a first circuit-breaking element in a discharging circuit and a second circuit-breaking element in a charging circuit. For the purpose of prolonging the ignition sparks so as to reliably ignite, especially in a lean fuel/air mixture, the control unit, at a time following the ordinary ignition time, actuates the second circuit-breaking element in such a way that it is kept conductive simultaneously with the first circuit-breaking element. Current is then supplied from an electrical energy source and via a primary winding. Thereafter, the control unit actuates either the first or second circuit-breaking elements in such a way that the current supply via the primary winding is interrupted, by which means a renewed ignition voltage is obtained which prolongs the ordinary ignition spark.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.