Ion current detecting device in internal combustion engine
US7164271B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 13, 2006 |
| Grant date | Jan 16, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 13, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02P17/12
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An ion current detecting device includes an ion current detecting unit which detects ion current based on combustion ion generated after an ignition which is performed in a combustion chamber and an amplifier unit which amplifies ion current detected by the ion current detecting unit. The amplifier unit has an amplification rate which is set so that an output amplified ion current varies nonlinearly with ion current of the ion current detecting unit. Thus, the amplifier unit enables the amplification rate to vary according to a level of ion current. Therefore, ion current can be detected correctly even if a minute ion current is generated when the spark plug malfunctions etc., and even if ion current becomes higher.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.