EP0766003A2 - Ignition system for internal combustion engines - Google Patents
Ignition system for internal combustion engines Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0766003A2 EP0766003A2 EP96420302A EP96420302A EP0766003A2 EP 0766003 A2 EP0766003 A2 EP 0766003A2 EP 96420302 A EP96420302 A EP 96420302A EP 96420302 A EP96420302 A EP 96420302A EP 0766003 A2 EP0766003 A2 EP 0766003A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- semiconductor switching
- voltage
- overvoltage protection
- overvoltage
- power source
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
- F02P3/00—Other installations
- F02P3/06—Other installations having capacitive energy storage
- F02P3/08—Layout of circuits
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
- F02P15/00—Electric spark ignition having characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F02P1/00 - F02P13/00 and combined with layout of ignition circuits
- F02P15/12—Electric spark ignition having characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F02P1/00 - F02P13/00 and combined with layout of ignition circuits having means for strengthening spark during starting
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02B—INTERNAL-COMBUSTION PISTON ENGINES; COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL
- F02B61/00—Adaptations of engines for driving vehicles or for driving propellers; Combinations of engines with gearing
- F02B61/02—Adaptations of engines for driving vehicles or for driving propellers; Combinations of engines with gearing for driving cycles
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
- F02P1/00—Installations having electric ignition energy generated by magneto- or dynamo- electric generators without subsequent storage
- F02P1/08—Layout of circuits
- F02P1/086—Layout of circuits for generating sparks by discharging a capacitor into a coil circuit
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
- F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
- F02P11/00—Safety means for electric spark ignition, not otherwise provided for
- F02P11/02—Preventing damage to engines or engine-driven gearing
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an ignition system for internal combustion engines ideally suited for use with small size vehicles such as motor cycles.
- an AC-capacitor discharge ignition (referred to hereunder as an AC-CDI) has been widely used.
- capacitor discharge ignition the charge of a capacitor is discharged rapidly, and the charge current input to the primary winding of an ignition coil to thereby generate a high voltage in the secondary winding to cause a spark at the spark plug.
- AC-CDI the high voltage for charging the capacitor is obtained from an AC voltage generated in an excitor coil housed in an AC generator. This AC generator is provided for supplying power to the battery and other electrical loads, and is driven by the engine crank shaft.
- DC-CDI DC-capacitor discharge ignition
- the excitor coil becomes unnecessary, as does the means for taking out the output from the excitor coil, and hence an improvement in reliability, and miniaturization of the system is possible compared to when an AC-CDI is used.
- FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration for a conventional DC-CDI and related parts, applicable to small size motor cycles such as power assisted bicycles. This circuit was designed by the present applicant to assist in explaining the problems to be solved by the present invention.
- the apparatus shown in FIG. 4 incorporates a DC-CDI 1, an AC generator 2 (only the windings shown in FIG. 4) which is connected to an engine (not shown in FIG.
- a voltage regulator 3 for rectifying and voltage regulating an output from the AC generator 2
- a battery 4 (BAT) connected to an output from the voltage regulator 3
- an on-off switch 5 with one terminal connected to an output terminal from the voltage regulator 3, and which turns on and off according to the operation of a brake pedal or a brake lever, a stop lamp 6 (S/L), an ignition coil 7 with a primary winding 7a connected to an output terminal I from the DC-CDI 1, and a spark plug 8 connected to a secondary winding 7b of the ignition coil 7.
- the output terminal from the voltage regulator 3, the positive terminal of the battery 4, and the one terminal of the switch 5, are connected to an input terminal B of the DC-CDI 1. Furthermore, the AC generator 2, the battery 4, the stop lamp 6, the ignition coil 7 and the spark plug 8 have their respective other terminals connected to earth.
- the DC-CDI 1 comprises; an overvoltage protection circuit 10, a DC-DC converter 20, a thyristor 40, and a capacitor 30.
- an overvoltage protection circuit 10 a DC voltage input from the input terminal B is stepped up and charges the capacitor 30.
- the thyristor 40 is then fired in accordance with a trigger signal supplied to a gate terminal 40 G from an external section (not shown in FIG. 4), thereby causing a discharge current to flow in the primary winding 7a of the ignition coil 7 connected to the output terminal I.
- the overvoltage protection circuit 10 comprises for example as shown in FIG. 4: a thyristor 11 with the anode connected to the terminal B; a resistor 12 with one end connected to the terminal B; a zener diode 13 with the cathode connected to the other end of the resistor 12 and the anode connected to earth; a diode 14 with the anode connected to the cathode of the zener diode 13 and the cathode connected to the gate of the thyristor 11; a resistor 15 connected between the gate and the cathode of the thyristor 11; and an electrolytic capacitor 16 with a positive electrode connected to the cathode of the thyristor 11, and a negative electrode earthed.
- the overvoltage protection circuit 10 is for protecting the circuits in subsequent stages from an overvoltage, normally around 80 - 100 volts, due for example to load dump surge and other such spike voltages generated by the AC generator 2, when for example the positive terminal of the battery 4 is disconnected.
- the terminal voltage of the electrolytic capacitor 16 becomes greater than the sum of the zener voltage of the zener diode 13, the forward voltage of the diode 14, and the forward voltage between the gate and the cathode of the thyristor 11, then the thyristor 11 is switched off.
- the constants for the various elements are set so that the thyristor 11 goes off when a voltage in excess of around 20V is input.
- the DC-DC convertor 20 comprises: a step-up transformer 21 comprising a primary winding 21a and a secondary winding 21b; an FET (field effect transistor) 22 with the drain connected to one terminal of the primary winding 21a, and the source earthed; a gate drive circuit 23 for high frequency drive control of the gate of the FET 22; a resistor 24 connected between the gate of the FET 22 and the terminal of the primary winding 21a which is not connected to the FET 22 and the cathode of the thyristor 11 of the overvoltage protection circuit 10; and a diode 25 with the anode connected to one terminal of the secondary winding 21b.
- the other terminal of the secondary winding 21b is earthed, while the cathode of the diode 25 is connected to the anode of the thyristor 40 and to one terminal of the capacitor 30.
- the gate drive circuit 23 comprises an oscillator 231 and an overvoltage protection zener diode 232.
- the oscillator 231 generates a continuous pulse of a predetermined frequency, and applies this between the gate and the source of the FET 22 to thereby control the on/off switching of the FET 22.
- the gate of the FET 22 is always pulled up by the DC voltage output from the overvoltage protection circuit 10 via the resistor 24. Therefore, the FET 22 comes on when for example, the output level of the oscillator 231 is in a high impedance (off) condition, and goes off when the output level of the oscillator 231 is in a low impedance (on) condition.
- the oscillator 231 can be constructed for example as a self-excitation type circuit using a compound winding in the step-up transformer 21 (not shown in the figure), or as a separate excitation type circuit using a separate CR oscillator. Moreover, commutation failure in the firing period for the thyristor 40 and in the period for the thyristor 40 to go fully off (commutation turn off time), can be prevented by pausing the oscillator 231.
- the FET 22 is switchingly driven so that a current in the form of a pulse train flows in the primary winding 21a of the step-up transformer 21, and a stepped-up AC voltage is generated between the terminals of the secondary winding 21b.
- the output from the secondary winding 21b is then half wave rectified by the diode 25, and the half wave rectified current then charges the capacitor 30.
- the minimum voltage required to operate the DC-DC converter 20 is determined by the ON voltage existing between the gate and the source of the FET 22. In the case where general circuit components are used, then the voltage between the terminal T2 including the resistor 24, and the ground is approximately 1.5V.
- the minimum voltage necessary to operate the overvoltage protection circuit 10 is determined for the thyristor 11 to go from off to on at start-up, by the forward voltage for the diode 14, the gate voltage, and the resistance values of the resistors 12 and 15, and is typically around 2.7V between the terminals T1 and T2.
- the voltage between the terminals T1 and T2 becomes equal to the ON voltage of the thyristor 11 at around 0.8V. Consequently, at start-up a voltage of approximately 4.2V (1.5V + 2.7V) between the terminal T1 and the ground, that is the terminal voltage of the input terminal B, becomes the minimum operating voltage for the DC-CDI 1.
- a kick pedal as well as a self starter is provided as means for starting the engine. Therefore, with the circuit shown in FIG. 4, under conditions for example where the battery 4 has become discharged, has deteriorated, or the terminal of the battery 4 has become disconnected, then the self starter motor will not operate, and hence the rider uses the kick pedal to start the engine. At this time, instead of the output from the battery 4, the output from the AC generator 2 which is rotated with pushing down on the kick pedal, is supplied as the DC input power supply to the DC-CDI 1.
- the stop lamp 6 becomes an electrical load connected to the output from the AC generator 2.
- the output from the AC generator 2 cannot rise sufficiently for the input voltage to the DC-CDI 1 to attain the before-mentioned minimum operation voltage, thus resulting in the situation where the engine cannot be started.
- Table 1 shows examples of actual measured values for the input voltage to the DC-CDI 1, in relation to the operating force on the kick pedal, and the capacity of the stop lamp.
- the downward force on the kick pedal is shown as medium kick for the average value for a woman, and as strong kick for the average value for a man.
- an internal combustion engine ignition control apparatus comprising: an overvoltage protection circuit having a power source input section for inputting power from an external section with a first semiconductor switching element connected thereto, which shuts of the first semiconductor switching element when an overvoltage is input thereto; a voltage step-up circuit having a second semiconductor switching element and a drive circuit for the second semiconductor switching element, for stepping up an output voltage from the overvoltage protection circuit; a connection section for connecting the power source input section and the drive circuit of the second semiconductor switching element but not via the first semiconductor switching element; a charging element which is charged by an output from the voltage step-up circuit; and a discharge circuit for discharging an electrical load charged into the charging element.
- an internal combustion engine ignition control apparatus comprising: an overvoltage protection circuit having a first semiconductor switching element connected to a power source input section for inputting power from an external section, which shuts off the first semiconductor switching element when an overvoltage is input thereto, so that the overvoltage does not pass; a voltage step-up circuit having a second semiconductor switching element and a drive circuit for the second semiconductor switching element, connected in series with the overvoltage protection circuit, for stepping up and outputting an output voltage from the overvoltage protection circuit; a parallel connection section for connecting the power source input section and the drive circuit for the second semiconductor switching element of the step-up circuit but not through the first switching element; a charging element which is charged by an output from the voltage step-up circuit; and a discharge circuit for discharging an electrical load charged into the charging element, according to instructions from an external section.
- an internal combustion engine ignition control apparatus comprising: an overvoltage protection circuit having a first thyristor connected to a power source input section for inputting power from an external section, for protecting subsequent circuits from an overvoltage by shutting off the first thyristor when an overvoltage is input thereto; a DC-DC converter having a voltage step-up transformer connected in series to an output terminal of the overvoltage protection circuit, and an FET and an FET gate drive circuit.
- a parallel connection section constructed without a semiconductor switching element, for connecting the power source input section and the gate drive circuit, but not through the first thyristor; a capacitor which is charged by an output from the DC-DC converter; and a second thyristor which is fired in accordance with a control signal from an external section, to thereby discharge an electrical load of the capacitor.
- connection section or the parallel connection section, is connected to the power source input section and the drive circuit for the second semiconductor switching element, but not through the first semiconductor switching element, then the voltage step-up circuit can be started with a lower voltage than for the conventional arrangement.
- the parallel connection section constructed without a semiconductor switching element is connected to the power source input section and the gate drive circuit but not through the first thyristor, and the DC-DC converter is constructed using an FET, then the value for the current necessary for the gate drive circuit to drive the gate can be reduced. Consequently the DC-DC converter can be started at a lower voltage than for the conventional arrangement, and structural miniaturization of the parallel connection section can be simplified.
- FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a DC-CDI (internaI combustion engine ignition control apparatus) according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 parts corresponding to the respective parts in FIG. 4, are indicated by the same symbol and description is omitted.
- the DC-CDI 1A, DC-DC converter 20A and gate drive circuit 23 shown in FIG. 1 have respectively the same functions as the DC-CDI 1, the DC-DC converter 20 and the gate drive circuit 23 shown in FIG. 4.
- a parallel connection section 50 shown in FIG. 1 is newly provided in the DC-CDI 1A, in accordance with the present invention, in place of the resistor 24 shown in FIG. 4.
- the parallel connection section 50 comprises a diode 51 and a resistor 52 connected in series, and connects directly the input terminal B and the gate of the FET 22 and the gate drive circuit 23A, and not via the overvoltage protection circuit 10.
- the parallel connection section 50 is provided in parallel with the overvoltage protection circuit 10, and hence power source voltage is supplied directly to the gate drive circuit 23A from the input terminal B and not via the thyristor 11.
- the DC-DC converter 20A is ready to operate, that is to say, the FET 22 can conduct.
- the minimum power source voltage at the input terminal B necessary for start-up of the DC-CDI 1A is thus that determined by the voltage necessary for starting the overvoltage protection circuit 10, that is to say, the minimum required power source voltage at input terminal B at the time of start-up of 2.7V.
- the above voltage values are examples of typical values at normal temperature.
- the diode 51 is for protecting the gate drive circuit 23A and the gate of the FET 22 from an external surge of negative polarity.
- the resistor 52 operates together with the zener diode 232 inside the gate drive circuit 23A to protect the oscillator 231 and the gate of the FET 22 from an overload voltage of positive polarity. Since the resistor 52 provides the resistance for when the before-mentioned overvoltage of approximately 100V is absorbed by the zener diode 232, then preferably this has a relatively large resistance value in order to lower the necessary allowable surge rating for the zener diode 232.
- the minimum power source voltage required at the time of starting the DC-CDI 1A can be approximately 2.7V, and can thus be lower than the 4.2V for the conventional example described with reference to FIG. 4. Consequently, the DC-CDI 1A can be started, and a charging current output from the output terminal I, even under the conditions given in Table 1 with an electrical load applied to the AC generator 2 and the kick pedal pressed down with a medium force. As a result, in this case also a spark can be produced by the spark plug 8, and hence the engine can be started.
- FIG. 2 A description of a second embodiment according to the present invention will now be given with reference to FIG. 2.
- a DC-DC converter 20B, a gate drive circuit 23B, and a parallel connection section 50B respectively corresponding to the DC-DC converter 20A, the gate drive circuit 23A, and the parallel connection section 50 shown in FIG. 1, constitute the feature of this embodiment.
- Other parts are constructed the same as those indicated with the same symbol in FIG. 1.
- the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that: the input side connection point for the parallel connection section 50B is a connection point inside the overvoltage protection circuit 10 between the resistor 12 and the zener diode 13; the parallel connection section 50B is made up of a resistor 52B only; and the gate drive circuit 23B is made up of the oscillator 231 only. That is to say, compared to the first embodiment, the respective surge absorbing diodes are omitted from the gate drive circuit 23B and the parallel connection section 50B.
- the resistance value for the resistor 52B may be the same as that for the resistor 52 of the first embodiment.
- the zener diode 13 normally has a sufficient allowable surge rating to meet the requirement for operating in the overvoltage protection circuit 10, then with the above-mentioned construction, both the positive and negative polarity surges can be absorbed by the zener diode 13, and hence the respective surge absorbing elements provided in the first embodiment can be omitted.
- the minimum drive voltage at the time of starting the gate drive circuit 23B is increased by the voltage drop across the resistor 12 due to power supply to the gate drive circuit 23B via the resistor 12.
- the minimum drive voltage at the time of starting the gate drive circuit 23B is reduced by the voltage drop for the diode.
- the minimum voltage required for the overall DC-CDI 1B at the time of starting is still approximately 2.7 V at the input terminal B.
- the arrangement of the respective surge absorption elements in the first through third embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1 through FIG. 3, is not necessarily limited to the above described arrangement.
- modifications are also possible such as; eliminating the diode 51 in FIG. 1, adding the zener diode 232 to the circuit examples in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 in the same way as in FIG. 1, and adding elements such as capacitors to the respective portions.
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- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Ignition Installations For Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)
- Control Of Direct Current Motors (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to an ignition system for internal combustion engines ideally suited for use with small size vehicles such as motor cycles.
- Heretofore, for the ignition control apparatus of an internal combustion engine (referred to hereunder as an engine) of a motor cycle, an AC-capacitor discharge ignition (referred to hereunder as an AC-CDI) has been widely used. With capacitor discharge ignition, the charge of a capacitor is discharged rapidly, and the charge current input to the primary winding of an ignition coil to thereby generate a high voltage in the secondary winding to cause a spark at the spark plug. With an AC-CDI, the high voltage for charging the capacitor is obtained from an AC voltage generated in an excitor coil housed in an AC generator. This AC generator is provided for supplying power to the battery and other electrical loads, and is driven by the engine crank shaft.
- With the recent advances in semiconductor technology however, a DC-CDI (DC-capacitor discharge ignition) which increases the voltage of the battery power source, for example a 12V DC power source, using a DC-DC converter to thus produce a high voltage to charge the capacitor, can be used instead of the AC-CDI. If a DC-CDI is used, the excitor coil becomes unnecessary, as does the means for taking out the output from the excitor coil, and hence an improvement in reliability, and miniaturization of the system is possible compared to when an AC-CDI is used.
- FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a configuration for a conventional DC-CDI and related parts, applicable to small size motor cycles such as power assisted bicycles. This circuit was designed by the present applicant to assist in explaining the problems to be solved by the present invention. The apparatus shown in FIG. 4, incorporates a DC-CDI 1, an AC generator 2 (only the windings shown in FIG. 4) which is connected to an engine (not shown in FIG. 4), a voltage regulator 3 (REG-REC) for rectifying and voltage regulating an output from the
AC generator 2, a battery 4 (BAT) connected to an output from thevoltage regulator 3, an on-off switch 5 with one terminal connected to an output terminal from thevoltage regulator 3, and which turns on and off according to the operation of a brake pedal or a brake lever, a stop lamp 6 (S/L), anignition coil 7 with a primary winding 7a connected to an output terminal I from the DC-CDI 1, and aspark plug 8 connected to asecondary winding 7b of theignition coil 7. - The output terminal from the
voltage regulator 3, the positive terminal of the battery 4, and the one terminal of theswitch 5, are connected to an input terminal B of the DC-CDI 1. Furthermore, theAC generator 2, the battery 4, thestop lamp 6, theignition coil 7 and thespark plug 8 have their respective other terminals connected to earth. - The DC-CDI 1 comprises; an
overvoltage protection circuit 10, a DC-DC converter 20, athyristor 40, and acapacitor 30. In operation, a DC voltage input from the input terminal B is stepped up and charges thecapacitor 30. Thethyristor 40 is then fired in accordance with a trigger signal supplied to agate terminal 40G from an external section (not shown in FIG. 4), thereby causing a discharge current to flow in the primary winding 7a of theignition coil 7 connected to the output terminal I. - The
overvoltage protection circuit 10 comprises for example as shown in FIG. 4: a thyristor 11 with the anode connected to the terminal B; aresistor 12 with one end connected to the terminal B; azener diode 13 with the cathode connected to the other end of theresistor 12 and the anode connected to earth; adiode 14 with the anode connected to the cathode of thezener diode 13 and the cathode connected to the gate of the thyristor 11; aresistor 15 connected between the gate and the cathode of the thyristor 11; and anelectrolytic capacitor 16 with a positive electrode connected to the cathode of the thyristor 11, and a negative electrode earthed. - The
overvoltage protection circuit 10 is for protecting the circuits in subsequent stages from an overvoltage, normally around 80 - 100 volts, due for example to load dump surge and other such spike voltages generated by theAC generator 2, when for example the positive terminal of the battery 4 is disconnected. In operation, when the terminal voltage of theelectrolytic capacitor 16 becomes greater than the sum of the zener voltage of thezener diode 13, the forward voltage of thediode 14, and the forward voltage between the gate and the cathode of the thyristor 11, then the thyristor 11 is switched off. In general, with theovervoltage protection circuit 10, the constants for the various elements are set so that the thyristor 11 goes off when a voltage in excess of around 20V is input. - The DC-
DC convertor 20 comprises: a step-up transformer 21 comprising a primary winding 21a and a secondary winding 21b; an FET (field effect transistor) 22 with the drain connected to one terminal of the primary winding 21a, and the source earthed; agate drive circuit 23 for high frequency drive control of the gate of theFET 22; aresistor 24 connected between the gate of theFET 22 and the terminal of the primary winding 21a which is not connected to theFET 22 and the cathode of the thyristor 11 of theovervoltage protection circuit 10; and adiode 25 with the anode connected to one terminal of the secondary winding 21b. The other terminal of the secondary winding 21b is earthed, while the cathode of thediode 25 is connected to the anode of thethyristor 40 and to one terminal of thecapacitor 30. - The
gate drive circuit 23 comprises anoscillator 231 and an overvoltageprotection zener diode 232. Theoscillator 231 generates a continuous pulse of a predetermined frequency, and applies this between the gate and the source of theFET 22 to thereby control the on/off switching of theFET 22. In this case, the gate of theFET 22 is always pulled up by the DC voltage output from theovervoltage protection circuit 10 via theresistor 24. Therefore, theFET 22 comes on when for example, the output level of theoscillator 231 is in a high impedance (off) condition, and goes off when the output level of theoscillator 231 is in a low impedance (on) condition. - The
oscillator 231 can be constructed for example as a self-excitation type circuit using a compound winding in the step-up transformer 21 (not shown in the figure), or as a separate excitation type circuit using a separate CR oscillator. Moreover, commutation failure in the firing period for thethyristor 40 and in the period for thethyristor 40 to go fully off (commutation turn off time), can be prevented by pausing theoscillator 231. - With the DC-
DC converter 20 constructed as described above, theFET 22 is switchingly driven so that a current in the form of a pulse train flows in the primary winding 21a of the step-up transformer 21, and a stepped-up AC voltage is generated between the terminals of the secondary winding 21b. The output from the secondary winding 21b is then half wave rectified by thediode 25, and the half wave rectified current then charges thecapacitor 30. - A description will now be given concerning the minimum drive voltage for the above-mentioned DC-CDI 1 shown in the FIG. 4, that is to say the minimum input voltage required to produce a spark at the spark plug. The following description is given with the terminal T1 of the thyristor 11 in FIG. 4 as the anode terminal, and the terminal T2 as the cathode terminal.
- The minimum voltage required to operate the DC-
DC converter 20 is determined by the ON voltage existing between the gate and the source of theFET 22. In the case where general circuit components are used, then the voltage between the terminal T2 including theresistor 24, and the ground is approximately 1.5V. On the other hand, the minimum voltage necessary to operate theovervoltage protection circuit 10 is determined for the thyristor 11 to go from off to on at start-up, by the forward voltage for thediode 14, the gate voltage, and the resistance values of theresistors - With a small size motor cycle, normally a kick pedal as well as a self starter is provided as means for starting the engine. Therefore, with the circuit shown in FIG. 4, under conditions for example where the battery 4 has become discharged, has deteriorated, or the terminal of the battery 4 has become disconnected, then the self starter motor will not operate, and hence the rider uses the kick pedal to start the engine. At this time, instead of the output from the battery 4, the output from the
AC generator 2 which is rotated with pushing down on the kick pedal, is supplied as the DC input power supply to the DC-CDI 1. - When the engine is started using the kick pedal, in most cases the rider pushes down on the kick pedal while gripping the brake lever (with the
switch 5 on). - Consequently, when the
AC generator 2 is driven by the kick pedal operation and starts generating power, thestop lamp 6 becomes an electrical load connected to the output from theAC generator 2. In this case, the output from theAC generator 2 cannot rise sufficiently for the input voltage to the DC-CDI 1 to attain the before-mentioned minimum operation voltage, thus resulting in the situation where the engine cannot be started. - The following Table 1 shows examples of actual measured values for the input voltage to the DC-CDI 1, in relation to the operating force on the kick pedal, and the capacity of the stop lamp.
- The measured values in Table 1 were measured with the battery 4 removed.
-
- With the conventional DC-CDI as described above, if the input voltage at the time of pushing down on the kick pedal is insufficient, the various internal circuits of the DC-CDI cannot be started. Consequently, a spark plug cannot be produced at the spark plug, and hence the engine cannot be started.
- In view of the above background, it is the object of the present invention to provide an internal combustion engine ignition control apparatus whereby starting is possible at a lower input voltage than has heretofore been possible with conventional apparatus.
- According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an internal combustion engine ignition control apparatus comprising: an overvoltage protection circuit having a power source input section for inputting power from an external section with a first semiconductor switching element connected thereto, which shuts of the first semiconductor switching element when an overvoltage is input thereto; a voltage step-up circuit having a second semiconductor switching element and a drive circuit for the second semiconductor switching element, for stepping up an output voltage from the overvoltage protection circuit; a connection section for connecting the power source input section and the drive circuit of the second semiconductor switching element but not via the first semiconductor switching element; a charging element which is charged by an output from the voltage step-up circuit; and a discharge circuit for discharging an electrical load charged into the charging element.
- Furthermore, according to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an internal combustion engine ignition control apparatus comprising: an overvoltage protection circuit having a first semiconductor switching element connected to a power source input section for inputting power from an external section, which shuts off the first semiconductor switching element when an overvoltage is input thereto, so that the overvoltage does not pass; a voltage step-up circuit having a second semiconductor switching element and a drive circuit for the second semiconductor switching element, connected in series with the overvoltage protection circuit, for stepping up and outputting an output voltage from the overvoltage protection circuit; a parallel connection section for connecting the power source input section and the drive circuit for the second semiconductor switching element of the step-up circuit but not through the first switching element; a charging element which is charged by an output from the voltage step-up circuit; and a discharge circuit for discharging an electrical load charged into the charging element, according to instructions from an external section.
- Moreover, according to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an internal combustion engine ignition control apparatus comprising: an overvoltage protection circuit having a first thyristor connected to a power source input section for inputting power from an external section, for protecting subsequent circuits from an overvoltage by shutting off the first thyristor when an overvoltage is input thereto; a DC-DC converter having a voltage step-up transformer connected in series to an output terminal of the overvoltage protection circuit, and an FET and an FET gate drive circuit. for stepping up a DC voltage output from the overvoltage protection circuit and outputting this as a DC voltage; a parallel connection section constructed without a semiconductor switching element, for connecting the power source input section and the gate drive circuit, but not through the first thyristor; a capacitor which is charged by an output from the DC-DC converter; and a second thyristor which is fired in accordance with a control signal from an external section, to thereby discharge an electrical load of the capacitor.
- With the above construction, since the connection section, or the parallel connection section, is connected to the power source input section and the drive circuit for the second semiconductor switching element, but not through the first semiconductor switching element, then the voltage step-up circuit can be started with a lower voltage than for the conventional arrangement.
- Moreover, with the third aspect, since the parallel connection section constructed without a semiconductor switching element is connected to the power source input section and the gate drive circuit but not through the first thyristor, and the DC-DC converter is constructed using an FET, then the value for the current necessary for the gate drive circuit to drive the gate can be reduced. Consequently the DC-DC converter can be started at a lower voltage than for the conventional arrangement, and structural miniaturization of the parallel connection section can be simplified.
-
- FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration for a DC-CDI and related parts, according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration for a DC-CDI and related parts, according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration for a DC-CDI and related parts, according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and
- FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a circuit configuration for a conventional DC-CDI and related parts, considered by the present applicant.
- A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 1, which is a circuit diagram showing a configuration of a DC-CDI (internaI combustion engine ignition control apparatus) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1 parts corresponding to the respective parts in FIG. 4, are indicated by the same symbol and description is omitted. The DC-CDI 1A, DC-
DC converter 20A andgate drive circuit 23 shown in FIG. 1 have respectively the same functions as the DC-CDI 1, the DC-DC converter 20 and thegate drive circuit 23 shown in FIG. 4. - A
parallel connection section 50 shown in FIG. 1 is newly provided in the DC-CDI 1A, in accordance with the present invention, in place of theresistor 24 shown in FIG. 4. Theparallel connection section 50 comprises adiode 51 and aresistor 52 connected in series, and connects directly the input terminal B and the gate of theFET 22 and thegate drive circuit 23A, and not via theovervoltage protection circuit 10. As a result, with the present embodiment, theparallel connection section 50 is provided in parallel with theovervoltage protection circuit 10, and hence power source voltage is supplied directly to thegate drive circuit 23A from the input terminal B and not via the thyristor 11. Consequently, with the present embodiment, when the voltage at the input terminal B is greater than the total of the forward voltage of the diode 51 (voltage between terminals T1 and T3) of approximately 0.65 volts and the voltage between the terminal T3 and the ground of approximately 1.5 volts (the same as the voltage between the terminal T2 and the ground in FIG. 4), that is, approximately 2.15V, then the DC-DC converter 20A is ready to operate, that is to say, theFET 22 can conduct. The minimum power source voltage at the input terminal B necessary for start-up of the DC-CDI 1A, is thus that determined by the voltage necessary for starting theovervoltage protection circuit 10, that is to say, the minimum required power source voltage at input terminal B at the time of start-up of 2.7V. The above voltage values are examples of typical values at normal temperature. - With the
parallel connection section 50 in this case, thediode 51 is for protecting thegate drive circuit 23A and the gate of theFET 22 from an external surge of negative polarity. Theresistor 52 operates together with thezener diode 232 inside thegate drive circuit 23A to protect theoscillator 231 and the gate of theFET 22 from an overload voltage of positive polarity. Since theresistor 52 provides the resistance for when the before-mentioned overvoltage of approximately 100V is absorbed by thezener diode 232, then preferably this has a relatively large resistance value in order to lower the necessary allowable surge rating for thezener diode 232. On the other hand, since the power for driving the gate of theFET 22 is supplied via theresistor 52, then if the resistance value is increased, there will be a problem with reduced switching speed for theFET 22. However, since theFET 22 is voltage driven type switching element, then even if the resistance value is relatively large there is no problem with the on/off operation itself. In absorbing a negative polarity surge it is also possible to use the forward characteristics of thezener diode 232. Moreover, with respect to the overload voltage between the drain and the source of theFET 22, since the protection given by theovervoltage protection circuit 10 works the same as with the conventional arrangement, then an element having the same specifications as that for the conventional arrangement can be used for theFET 22. - With the present embodiment as described above, since the
parallel connection section 50 is provided in parallel with theovervoltage protection circuit 10, then the minimum power source voltage required at the time of starting the DC-CDI 1A can be approximately 2.7V, and can thus be lower than the 4.2V for the conventional example described with reference to FIG. 4. Consequently, the DC-CDI 1A can be started, and a charging current output from the output terminal I, even under the conditions given in Table 1 with an electrical load applied to theAC generator 2 and the kick pedal pressed down with a medium force. As a result, in this case also a spark can be produced by thespark plug 8, and hence the engine can be started. - A description of a second embodiment according to the present invention will now be given with reference to FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, a DC-
DC converter 20B, a gate drive circuit 23B, and aparallel connection section 50B respectively corresponding to the DC-DC converter 20A, thegate drive circuit 23A, and theparallel connection section 50 shown in FIG. 1, constitute the feature of this embodiment. Other parts are constructed the same as those indicated with the same symbol in FIG. 1. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that: the input side connection point for theparallel connection section 50B is a connection point inside theovervoltage protection circuit 10 between theresistor 12 and thezener diode 13; theparallel connection section 50B is made up of aresistor 52B only; and the gate drive circuit 23B is made up of theoscillator 231 only. That is to say, compared to the first embodiment, the respective surge absorbing diodes are omitted from the gate drive circuit 23B and theparallel connection section 50B. The resistance value for theresistor 52B may be the same as that for theresistor 52 of the first embodiment. - Since the
zener diode 13 normally has a sufficient allowable surge rating to meet the requirement for operating in theovervoltage protection circuit 10, then with the above-mentioned construction, both the positive and negative polarity surges can be absorbed by thezener diode 13, and hence the respective surge absorbing elements provided in the first embodiment can be omitted. With the present embodiment, compared to the first embodiment, the minimum drive voltage at the time of starting the gate drive circuit 23B is increased by the voltage drop across theresistor 12 due to power supply to the gate drive circuit 23B via theresistor 12. However, by omitting the diode from theparallel connection section 50B, then the minimum drive voltage at the time of starting the gate drive circuit 23B is reduced by the voltage drop for the diode. As a result, the minimum voltage required for the overall DC-CDI 1B at the time of starting is still approximately 2.7 V at the input terminal B. - Next is a description of a third embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. 3. The difference of the DC-CDI 1C shown in FIG. 3 to the DC-CDI 1B shown in FIG. 2 is that the input side of the
parallel connection section 50B is connected to the cathode side of thediode 14 inside theovervoltage protection circuit 10. With this embodiment, compared to the second embodiment, the voltage drop from the input terminal B to the gate drive circuit 23B is increased by the voltage drop for thediode 14. Hence the voltage required for the overall DC-CDI 1C at the time of starting is greater than for the first and second embodiments, at around 3.5V. However in this case also, operation can still be started at a lower voltage than the 4.2V required with the conventional apparatus described with reference to FIG. 4. - The arrangement of the respective surge absorption elements in the first through third embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1 through FIG. 3, is not necessarily limited to the above described arrangement. For example modifications are also possible such as; eliminating the
diode 51 in FIG. 1, adding thezener diode 232 to the circuit examples in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 in the same way as in FIG. 1, and adding elements such as capacitors to the respective portions.
Claims (6)
- A internal combustion engine ignition control apparatus comprising:overvoltage protection means having a power source input section for inputting power from an external section with first semiconductor switching means connected thereto, which shuts of said first semiconductor switching means when an overvoltage is input thereto;voltage step-up means having second semiconductor switching means and drive means for said second semiconductor switching means, for stepping up an output voltage from said overvoltage protection means;connection means for connecting said power source input section and the drive means for said second semiconductor switching means but not via said first semiconductor switching means;charging means which is charged by an output from said voltage step-up means; anddischarge means for discharging an electrical load charged into said charging means.
- An internal combustion engine ignition control apparatus comprising:overvoltage protection means having first semiconductor switching means connected to a power source input section for inputting power from an external section, which shuts off said first semiconductor switching means when an overvoltage is input thereto, so that the overvoltage does not pass;voltage step-up means having second semiconductor switching means and drive means for said second semiconductor switching means, connected in series with said overvoltage protection means, for stepping up and outputting an output voltage from said overvoltage protection means;parallel connection means for connecting said power source input section and the drive means for said second semiconductor switching means of said step-up circuit but not through said first switching means;charging means which is charged by an output from said voltage step-up means; anddischarge means for discharging an electrical load charged into said charging means, according to instructions from an external section.
- An internal combustion engine ignition control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said parallel connection means comprises at least one resistance element.
- An intemal combustion engine ignition control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said parallel connection means comprises at least one resistance element, and reverse flow prevention means.
- An internal combustion engine ignition control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said overvoltage protection means also has; a resistance element with one end thereof connected to said power source input section, and an overvoltage absorbing means connected to an other end of said resistance element, and
said parallel connection means is connected to said power source input section via said resistance element, and to the drive means of said second semiconductor switching element, but not through said first switching means. - An intemal combustion engine ignition control apparatus comprising:an overvoltage protection circuit having a first thyristor connected to a power source input section for inputting power from an external section, for protecting subsequent circuits from an overvoltage by shutting off said first thyristor when an overvoltage is input thereto;a DC-DC converter having a voltage step-up transformer connected in series to an output terminal of said overvoltage protection circuit, and a field effect transistor and a field effect transistor gate drive circuit, for stepping up the DC voltage output from said overvoltage protection circuit and outputting this as a DC voltage;a parallel connection section constructed without a semiconductor switching element, for connecting said power source input section and said gate drive circuit, but not through said first thyristor;a capacitor which is charged by an output from said DC-DC converter; anda second thyristor which is fired in accordance with a control signal from an external section, to thereby discharge an electrical load of said capacitor.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP7254203A JP3059084B2 (en) | 1995-09-29 | 1995-09-29 | Internal combustion engine ignition control device |
JP254203/95 | 1995-09-29 | ||
JP25420395 | 1995-09-29 |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0766003A2 true EP0766003A2 (en) | 1997-04-02 |
EP0766003A3 EP0766003A3 (en) | 1998-08-12 |
EP0766003B1 EP0766003B1 (en) | 2001-11-07 |
Family
ID=17261693
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP96420302A Expired - Lifetime EP0766003B1 (en) | 1995-09-29 | 1996-09-24 | Ignition system for internal combustion engines |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0766003B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP3059084B2 (en) |
KR (1) | KR100242333B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN1055746C (en) |
ES (1) | ES2162002T3 (en) |
IN (1) | IN191303B (en) |
MY (1) | MY132604A (en) |
TW (1) | TW330227B (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE10311900B4 (en) * | 2002-10-09 | 2007-08-09 | Mitsubishi Denki K.K. | DC-DC converter |
EP2238677A1 (en) * | 2008-02-07 | 2010-10-13 | Renault S.A.S. | High-voltage generator device |
CN102570380A (en) * | 2012-03-31 | 2012-07-11 | 庄景阳 | Protection device for power failure control charging system by using igniter |
US20130016448A1 (en) * | 2011-07-14 | 2013-01-17 | Mark Steven George | Transient voltage blocking for power converter |
US9817426B2 (en) | 2014-11-05 | 2017-11-14 | Nxp B.V. | Low quiescent current voltage regulator with high load-current capability |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP3916299B2 (en) * | 1997-07-23 | 2007-05-16 | ヤマハマリン株式会社 | Power supply circuit for electrical equipment for ships with outboard motors |
KR100578630B1 (en) * | 1999-12-22 | 2006-05-11 | 주식회사 현대오토넷 | An apparatus for protecting an ignition circuit |
JP2010007623A (en) * | 2008-06-30 | 2010-01-14 | Yamaha Motor Electronics Co Ltd | Ignition device |
JP5412353B2 (en) * | 2010-03-29 | 2014-02-12 | 新電元工業株式会社 | Internal combustion engine ignition device |
WO2014168243A1 (en) * | 2013-04-11 | 2014-10-16 | 株式会社デンソー | Ignition device |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4537174A (en) * | 1982-04-02 | 1985-08-27 | Nippondenso Co., Ltd. | Output supply control apparatus for internal combustion engine magneto generator |
JPS6185577A (en) * | 1984-10-02 | 1986-05-01 | Nippon Denso Co Ltd | Capacitor discharge type ignition device |
GB2189840A (en) * | 1986-04-30 | 1987-11-04 | Aisin Seiki | Automotive ignition systems |
-
1995
- 1995-09-29 JP JP7254203A patent/JP3059084B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1996
- 1996-09-17 TW TW085111361A patent/TW330227B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1996-09-24 MY MYPI96003939A patent/MY132604A/en unknown
- 1996-09-24 ES ES96420302T patent/ES2162002T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-09-24 KR KR1019960042148A patent/KR100242333B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1996-09-24 EP EP96420302A patent/EP0766003B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1996-09-25 IN IN1700CA1996 patent/IN191303B/en unknown
- 1996-09-27 CN CN96122487A patent/CN1055746C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4537174A (en) * | 1982-04-02 | 1985-08-27 | Nippondenso Co., Ltd. | Output supply control apparatus for internal combustion engine magneto generator |
JPS6185577A (en) * | 1984-10-02 | 1986-05-01 | Nippon Denso Co Ltd | Capacitor discharge type ignition device |
GB2189840A (en) * | 1986-04-30 | 1987-11-04 | Aisin Seiki | Automotive ignition systems |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
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PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 010, no. 261 (M-514), 5 September 1986 & JP 61 085577 A (NIPPON DENSO CO LTD), 1 May 1986, * |
Cited By (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE10311900B4 (en) * | 2002-10-09 | 2007-08-09 | Mitsubishi Denki K.K. | DC-DC converter |
EP2238677A1 (en) * | 2008-02-07 | 2010-10-13 | Renault S.A.S. | High-voltage generator device |
US20130016448A1 (en) * | 2011-07-14 | 2013-01-17 | Mark Steven George | Transient voltage blocking for power converter |
US8659860B2 (en) * | 2011-07-14 | 2014-02-25 | Cooper Technologies Company | Transient voltage blocking for power converter |
CN102570380A (en) * | 2012-03-31 | 2012-07-11 | 庄景阳 | Protection device for power failure control charging system by using igniter |
CN102570380B (en) * | 2012-03-31 | 2014-06-18 | 庄景阳 | Protection device for power failure control charging system by using igniter |
US9817426B2 (en) | 2014-11-05 | 2017-11-14 | Nxp B.V. | Low quiescent current voltage regulator with high load-current capability |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN1152671A (en) | 1997-06-25 |
JP3059084B2 (en) | 2000-07-04 |
EP0766003B1 (en) | 2001-11-07 |
JPH0988782A (en) | 1997-03-31 |
TW330227B (en) | 1998-04-21 |
CN1055746C (en) | 2000-08-23 |
KR100242333B1 (en) | 2000-03-02 |
ES2162002T3 (en) | 2001-12-16 |
KR970016100A (en) | 1997-04-28 |
EP0766003A3 (en) | 1998-08-12 |
MY132604A (en) | 2007-10-31 |
IN191303B (en) | 2003-11-15 |
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