EP0829642B1 - Method for detecting the phase ignition of a cylinder in an internal combustion engine - Google Patents

Method for detecting the phase ignition of a cylinder in an internal combustion engine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0829642B1
EP0829642B1 EP19970420161 EP97420161A EP0829642B1 EP 0829642 B1 EP0829642 B1 EP 0829642B1 EP 19970420161 EP19970420161 EP 19970420161 EP 97420161 A EP97420161 A EP 97420161A EP 0829642 B1 EP0829642 B1 EP 0829642B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ignition
magnetic circuit
voltage
spark
spark plug
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EP19970420161
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0829642A1 (en
Inventor
Laurent Dufour
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Electricfil Industrie SARL
Electricfil SA
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Electricfil Industrie SARL
Electricfil SA
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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
    • F02P15/08—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 multiple-spark ignition, i.e. ignition occurring simultaneously at different places in one engine cylinder or in two or more separate engine cylinders

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the technical field of heat engines internal combustion and more particularly, spark ignition engines, through candles.
  • the invention relates, more specifically, to the ignition system fitted to such motors and commonly called "static twin with lost spark” or distribution static, D.L.S. (Distributor Less System) or D.I.S. (Direct Ignition System).
  • D.L.S. Distributor Less System
  • D.I.S. Direct Ignition System
  • Such an ignition system comprises for a four-cylinder engine, two coils each composed of a primary winding and a winding secondary, wound on a magnetic circuit.
  • the two winding terminals secondary of each coil are each connected to a spark plug.
  • the associated spark plugs are those equipping the cylinders whose pistons are in synchronous positions. So the cylinder associated with one of the spark plugs is in the ignition phase while the cylinder associated with the other spark plug is at the end of the exhaust phase.
  • the polarities of the voltages supplied on each of the terminals of the secondary winding being opposite, one of the candles is powered by a positive voltage, while the other spark plug is powered by a negative voltage.
  • the polarity of the ignition spark of a given cylinder is therefore defined by construction and wiring. On the one hand, it depends on the construction of the coil ignition and, on the other hand, the wiring between the terminals of the secondary winding and the candles of the associated cylinders.
  • the object of the invention is to remedy the drawbacks of the state of the technique by proposing a process allowing in a simple and economical way, to detect the ignition phase of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine equipped a controlled ignition device of the "static twin with lost spark” type, in order to ensure, in particular, the initialization of the injection sequence.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide a device for detecting the ignition phase of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine controlled, ignition being ensured by a so-called “static spark twin system lost ", formed of at least one coil comprising a primary winding and a secondary winding, wound on a magnetic circuit, the terminals of a secondary winding being connected to a first and a second spark plug ignition associated with synchronous pistons.
  • the detection device is inserted between a reference voltage and an electrically floating magnetic circuit, so that the electrical potential of the magnetic circuit be an image of the electrical voltage mean of the secondary winding, the device being adapted to detect the polarity of the electric potential of the magnetic circuit corresponding to the appearance an ignition spark on a specific spark plug, in order to deliver a signal indicating that the cylinder associated with said spark plug is in the ignition phase.
  • Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a detection device according to the invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a table illustrating the operating principle of the device according to the invention.
  • Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a detection device according to the invention.
  • the device 1 is designed to detect the ignition phase of a predetermined cylinder of an internal combustion engine, the ignition of which is controlled by a system 2 , called “static twin with lost spark".
  • An ignition system called “static twin with lost spark” 2 comprises, for a four-cylinder engine, two ignition coils 3 , one of which has only been shown in the drawings.
  • Each ignition coil 3 is composed of a primary winding 4 forming part of a primary circuit 5 not shown but known per se and of a secondary winding 6 .
  • the primary winding 4 and the secondary winding 6 are wound on a magnetic circuit 7 .
  • One of the terminals of the secondary winding 6 is connected to a first spark plug 8 , while the other terminal of the secondary winding 6 is connected to a second spark plug 9 .
  • the spark plugs 8 , 9 which are connected to a reference potential 10 , namely the electrical ground, are each associated with a determined cylinder of the engine.
  • the first and second spark plugs 8 and 9 correspond to those fitted to the cylinders whose pistons are in synchronous positions, so that the cylinder associated with one of the spark plugs is in the ignition phase while the cylinder associated with the other spark plug is at the end of the exhaust phase.
  • the first spark plug 8 is associated, for example, with cylinder No. 1 of the engine, while the second spark plug 9 is associated with cylinder No. 4 .
  • the coil 3 provides, for a given engine revolution, a strongly negative voltage on one of the spark plugs and a weakly positive voltage on the other spark plug, while on the next engine revolution, the voltage levels are swapped over the candles.
  • the voltage V 1 on the spark plug 8 has, in the example illustrated, a high negative value, for example of the order of - 20 Kilo Volts, while the voltage V 4 on the candle 9 is weakly positive, for example of the order of + 2 Kilo Volts.
  • the voltage V 1 on the spark plug 8 is slightly negative, for example of the order of - 2 Kilo Volts, while the voltage on the spark plug 9 is high, for example of the order of + 20 Kilo Volts.
  • the candle voltages associated with the same coil are therefore of opposite polarities and of high and low levels.
  • the spark plug voltages are high and low for the associated cylinders which are respectively in the ignition phase and at the end of the exhaust phase.
  • an ignition coil 3 consisting of a primary winding 4 and a secondary winding 6 , wound on a magnetic circuit 7 , it appears between the secondary winding 6 and the magnetic circuit 7 , a Capacitive coupling. If the magnetic circuit 7 is electrically floating or not directly connected to a voltage reference, the electric potential of the magnetic circuit 7 is an image of the average electric voltage of the secondary winding 6 . The potential values recorded on the electrically floating magnetic circuit 7 are of the order of a few hundred volts to a few kilo volts.
  • the potential V N of the electrically floating magnetic circuit 7 image of the average voltage U AVG of the secondary winding 6, is therefore negative, reaching for example - 3 Kilo Volts.
  • the voltage V 1 of the spark plug 8 is slightly negative (for example - 2 Kilo Volts)
  • the voltage V 4 on the spark plug 9 is a positive ignition spark that can reach + 20 Kilo Volts
  • the average voltage U MOY of the secondary winding 6 is therefore equal, in this example, to + 9 Kilo Volts.
  • the potential V N of the magnetic circuit 7, image of the average voltage is therefore positive, reaching for example + 3 Kilo Volts.
  • the polarity of the electrical potential of the magnetic circuit 7 corresponds to the polarity of the ignition spark.
  • the polarity of the ignition spark allows to know the associated cylinder.
  • the device 1 is designed to detect the polarity of the electric potential of the magnetic circuit 7 , with a view to detecting the ignition phase of a cylinder.
  • the detection device 1 is inserted between the electrically floating magnetic circuit 7 and a voltage reference 14.
  • the voltage reference 14 and the reference potential 10 are placed at the same value such as the electrical ground.
  • the detection device 1 is constituted, in the example illustrated, by a current limiting resistor 15 associated in series with a Zener clipping diode 16 .
  • the anode of the Zener diode 16 is connected to the voltage reference 14, while its cathode, which is connected to the resistor 15, delivers a control signal V S1 intended to be used by processing or calculation means not shown controlling the ignition of the cylinders and fuel injection.
  • the detection device 1 delivers a negative signal V S1 of low value (voltage of the Zener diode in the forward direction), corresponding to the appearance of 'a strongly negative ignition spark on the spark plug 8 indicating that the associated cylinder is in the ignition phase.
  • V S1 negative signal
  • the detection means 13 delivers a signal V S1 of positive voltage equal to the clipping voltage of the Zener diode 16 , for example + 5 Volts.
  • V S1 of positive voltage, which corresponds to the appearance of a highly positive ignition spark on the spark plug 9, indicates that the associated cylinder is in the ignition phase.
  • the signal V S1 can thus be used by the calculation or processing means, with a view, in particular, to initializing and controlling the normal course of the fuel injection sequence.
  • the exploitation of this signal can be carried out on an edge detection or on a state detection.
  • the device 1 according to the invention makes it possible to determine which of the cylinders is in the ignition phase.
  • the detection device according to the invention has the advantage of using an internal phenomenon inevitable in the operation of the ignition coil, namely the capacitive coupling between the secondary winding and the magnetic circuit. Such a device does not disturb the operation of the coil and does not alter its performance. Operational safety is guaranteed by the construction of the coil thanks to the galvanic isolation made between the secondary winding and the magnetic circuit.
  • the device according to the invention has a small footprint and a low cost and can advantageously be integrated into the body of the coil and be coated with resin during the impregnation of the windings.
  • the device according to the invention applies equally to ignition devices consisting of a coil and a bundle of high-voltage cables or of a coil block mounted directly on the spark plugs.
  • the detection device 1 delivers a signal V S1 whose most characteristic level change (0 and + 5 Volts relative to 0 and - 0.6 Volts) appears for a positive spark.
  • Fig. 3 describes another variant of a detection device 1 adapted to deliver a signal whose level change appears to be the most significant for a negative spark.
  • the detection device 1 is inserted between the magnetic circuit 7 and a voltage reference 14 of positive value, for example equal to the voltage of 12 Volts of the battery of a vehicle.
  • the detection device 1 consists of a current limiting resistor 15 connected in series to the anode of a clipping Zener diode 16 , the cathode of which is connected to the voltage reference 14 .
  • the detection device 1 consists of a resistor and a Zener diode. It is clear that provision may be made for various other means to detect the polarity of the potential of the magnetic circuit 7 .
  • the detection device can use as detection means, resistive dividing bridges, capacitive dividing bridges, optocouplers or any other suitable system or component.
  • the detection device 1 may include means for shaping the signal delivered V S1 , V S2 . These shaping means may consist of filters, load resistors, output stages or any other signal shaping system capable of facilitating its use by the computing means.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Ignition Installations For Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)

Description

La présente invention est relative au domaine technique des moteurs thermiques à combustion interne et plus particulièrement, des moteurs à allumage commandé, par l'intermédiaire de bougies.The present invention relates to the technical field of heat engines internal combustion and more particularly, spark ignition engines, through candles.

L'invention vise, plus précisément, le système d'allumage équipant de tels moteurs et appelé communément "Jumeau statique à étincelle perdue" ou distribution statique, D.L.S. (Distributor Less System) ou D.I.S. (Direct Ignition System).The invention relates, more specifically, to the ignition system fitted to such motors and commonly called "static twin with lost spark" or distribution static, D.L.S. (Distributor Less System) or D.I.S. (Direct Ignition System).

Un tel système d'allumage comporte pour un moteur à quatre cylindres, deux bobines composées chacune d'un enroulement primaire et d'un enroulement secondaire, bobinés sur un circuit magnétique. Les deux bornes de l'enroulement secondaire de chaque bobine sont connectées chacune à une bougie d'allumage. Pour chaque enroulement secondaire d'une bobine, les bougies associées sont celles équipant les cylindres dont les pistons sont en positions synchrones. Ainsi, le cylindre associé à l'une des bougies se trouve en phase d'allumage pendant que le cylindre associé à l'autre bougie est en fin de la phase d'échappement.Such an ignition system comprises for a four-cylinder engine, two coils each composed of a primary winding and a winding secondary, wound on a magnetic circuit. The two winding terminals secondary of each coil are each connected to a spark plug. For each secondary winding of a coil, the associated spark plugs are those equipping the cylinders whose pistons are in synchronous positions. So the cylinder associated with one of the spark plugs is in the ignition phase while the cylinder associated with the other spark plug is at the end of the exhaust phase.

Par ailleurs, les polarités des tensions fournies sur chacune des bornes de l'enroulement secondaire étant opposées, l'une des bougies est alimentée par une tension positive, alors que l'autre bougie est alimentée par une tension négative. La polarité de l'étincelle d'allumage d'un cylindre déterminé est donc définie par construction et câblage. Elle dépend, d'une part, de la construction de la bobine d'allumage et, d'autre part, du câblage entre les bornes de l'enroulement secondaire et les bougies des cylindres associés.Furthermore, the polarities of the voltages supplied on each of the terminals of the secondary winding being opposite, one of the candles is powered by a positive voltage, while the other spark plug is powered by a negative voltage. The polarity of the ignition spark of a given cylinder is therefore defined by construction and wiring. On the one hand, it depends on the construction of the coil ignition and, on the other hand, the wiring between the terminals of the secondary winding and the candles of the associated cylinders.

Dans un tel système d'allumage, il apparaít le besoin de connaítre l'instant où un cylindre prédéterminé est en phase d'allumage, afin de permettre d'initialiser la séquence d'injection du carburant dans les cylindres. Une telle information est nécessaire dans le cas notamment de systèmes d'injection multi-points ou d'injection directe. Par ailleurs, il peut être intéressant de connaítre l'instant où un cylindre prédéterminé est en phase d'allumage, pour d'autres besoins de gestion du moteur, par exemple, de détection du cliquetis.In such an ignition system, there appears the need to know the moment when a predetermined cylinder is in the ignition phase, in order to allow initialize the fuel injection sequence in the cylinders. Such a information is necessary in the case in particular of multi-point injection systems or direct injection. In addition, it may be interesting to know the moment when a predetermined cylinder is in the ignition phase, for other management needs engine, for example, knock detection.

Pour satisfaire ces besoins, il est connu dans l'état de la technique, de mettre en oeuvre un capteur adapté pour détecter le passage d'une dent située sur l'arbre à came du moteur et fournissant un signal logique correspondant au passage au point mort haut d'allumage d'un cylindre prédéfini. Si une telle technique permet de satisfaire le besoin exprimé, il s'avère que cette solution nécessite la mise en oeuvre d'un capteur spécifique combiné à un circuit de traitement approprié et, dans certains cas, la mise en place sur l'arbre à cames, d'une cible spécifique portant ladite dent. Le coût et la difficulté de mise en oeuvre d'une telle solution sont donc élevés essentiellement à cause de la nécessité de détecter la dent pour de faibles vitesses de rotation du moteur, l'information étant nécessaire dès le démarrage.To meet these needs, it is known in the state of the art to implement a sensor adapted to detect the passage of a tooth located on the engine camshaft and providing a logic signal corresponding to the passage at the top dead center of ignition of a predefined cylinder. If such a technique allows to satisfy the expressed need, it turns out that this solution requires the implementation using a specific sensor combined with an appropriate processing circuit and, in in some cases, the placement on the camshaft of a specific target bearing said tooth. The cost and the difficulty of implementing such a solution are therefore essentially due to the need to detect the tooth for low engine rotation speeds, information being necessary from start-up.

L'objet de l'invention vise à remédier aux inconvénients de l'état de la technique en proposant un procédé permettant de manière simple et économique, de détecter la phase d'allumage d'un cylindre d'un moteur à combustion interne équipé d'un dispositif d'allumage commandé du type "Jumeau statique à étincelle perdue", en vue d'assurer, notamment, l'initialisation de la séquence d'injection.The object of the invention is to remedy the drawbacks of the state of the technique by proposing a process allowing in a simple and economical way, to detect the ignition phase of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine equipped a controlled ignition device of the "static twin with lost spark" type, in order to ensure, in particular, the initialization of the injection sequence.

Pour atteindre cet objectif, le procédé selon l'invention consiste :

  • à réaliser un circuit magnétique non directement relié à une référence de tension, de sorte que son potentiel électrique soit une image de la tension électrique moyenne de l'enroulement secondaire,
  • à détecter la polarité du potentiel électrique du circuit magnétique correspondant à l'apparition d'une étincelle d'allumage sur une bougie déterminée en vue de délivrer un signal indiquant que le cylindre associé est en phase d'allumage.
To achieve this objective, the method according to the invention consists:
  • producing a magnetic circuit not directly connected to a voltage reference, so that its electrical potential is an image of the average electrical voltage of the secondary winding,
  • detecting the polarity of the electric potential of the magnetic circuit corresponding to the appearance of an ignition spark on a specific spark plug with a view to delivering a signal indicating that the associated cylinder is in the ignition phase.

Un autre objet de l'invention vise à fournir un dispositif pour détecter la phase d'allumage d'un cylindre d'un moteur à combustion interne à allumage commandé, l'allumage étant assuré par un système dit "Jumeau statique à étincelle perdue", formé d'au moins une bobine comprenant un enroulement primaire et un enroulement secondaire, bobinés sur un circuit magnétique, les bornes d'un enroulement secondaire étant reliées à une première et à une deuxième bougies d'allumage associées à des pistons synchrones. Another object of the invention is to provide a device for detecting the ignition phase of a cylinder of an internal combustion engine controlled, ignition being ensured by a so-called "static spark twin system lost ", formed of at least one coil comprising a primary winding and a secondary winding, wound on a magnetic circuit, the terminals of a secondary winding being connected to a first and a second spark plug ignition associated with synchronous pistons.

Selon l'invention, le dispositif de détection est inséré entre une référence de tension et un circuit magnétique monté électriquement flottant, de sorte que le potentiel électrique du circuit magnétique soit une image de la tension électrique moyenne de l'enroulement secondaire, le dispositif étant adapté pour détecter la polarité du potentiel électrique du circuit magnétique correspondant à l'apparition d'une étincelle d'allumage sur une bougie déterminée, en vue de délivrer un signal indiquant que le cylindre associé à ladite bougie est en phase d'allumage.According to the invention, the detection device is inserted between a reference voltage and an electrically floating magnetic circuit, so that the electrical potential of the magnetic circuit be an image of the electrical voltage mean of the secondary winding, the device being adapted to detect the polarity of the electric potential of the magnetic circuit corresponding to the appearance an ignition spark on a specific spark plug, in order to deliver a signal indicating that the cylinder associated with said spark plug is in the ignition phase.

Diverses autres caractéristiques ressortent de la description faite ci-dessous en référence aux dessins annexés qui montrent, à titre d'exemples non limitatifs, des formes de réalisation et de mise en oeuvre de l'objet de l'invention.Various other characteristics will emerge from the description given below with reference to the accompanying drawings which show, by way of examples not limiting, embodiments and implementation of the subject of the invention.

La fig. 1 est un schéma illustrant un premier exemple de réalisation d'un dispositif de détection conforme à l'invention. Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a detection device according to the invention.

La fig. 2 est un tableau illustrant le principe de fonctionnement du dispositif conforme à l'invention. Fig. 2 is a table illustrating the operating principle of the device according to the invention.

La fig. 3 est un schéma illustrant un autre exemple de réalisation d'un dispositif de détection conforme à l'invention. Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating another exemplary embodiment of a detection device according to the invention.

Tel que cela ressort de la fig. 1, le dispositif 1 selon l'invention est conçu pour détecter la phase d'allumage d'un cylindre prédéterminé d'un moteur à combustion interne dont l'allumage est commandé par un système 2, dit "Jumeau statique à étincelle perdue". Un système d'allumage dit "Jumeau statique à étincelle perdue" 2 comporte, pour un moteur quatre cylindres, deux bobines d'allumage 3 dont une a été uniquement représentée sur les dessins. Chaque bobine d'allumage 3 est composée d'un enroulement primaire 4 faisant partie d'un circuit primaire 5 non représenté mais connu en soi et d'un enroulement secondaire 6. De manière classique, l'enroulement primaire 4 et l'enroulement secondaire 6 sont bobinés sur un circuit magnétique 7. L'une des bornes de l'enroulement secondaire 6 est connectée à une première bougie d'allumage 8, tandis que l'autre borne de l'enroulement secondaire 6 est connectée à une deuxième bougie d'allumage 9. De manière classique, les bougies d'allumage 8, 9 qui sont reliées à un potentiel de référence 10, à savoir la masse électrique, sont chacune associées à un cylindre déterminé du moteur. Pour un système d'allumage dit "Jumeau statique à étincelle perdue", les première et deuxième bougies 8 et 9 correspondent à celles équipant les cylindres dont les pistons sont dans des positions synchrones, de sorte que le cylindre associé à l'une des bougies se trouve en phase d'allumage pendant que le cylindre associé à l'autre bougie est en fin de phase d'échappement. Dans l'exemple illustré, la première bougie 8 est associée, par exemple, au cylindre n° 1 du moteur, tandis que la deuxième bougie 9 est associée au cylindre n° 4.As shown in fig. 1, the device 1 according to the invention is designed to detect the ignition phase of a predetermined cylinder of an internal combustion engine, the ignition of which is controlled by a system 2 , called "static twin with lost spark". An ignition system called "static twin with lost spark" 2 comprises, for a four-cylinder engine, two ignition coils 3 , one of which has only been shown in the drawings. Each ignition coil 3 is composed of a primary winding 4 forming part of a primary circuit 5 not shown but known per se and of a secondary winding 6 . Conventionally, the primary winding 4 and the secondary winding 6 are wound on a magnetic circuit 7 . One of the terminals of the secondary winding 6 is connected to a first spark plug 8 , while the other terminal of the secondary winding 6 is connected to a second spark plug 9 . Conventionally, the spark plugs 8 , 9 which are connected to a reference potential 10 , namely the electrical ground, are each associated with a determined cylinder of the engine. For an ignition system called "static twin with lost spark", the first and second spark plugs 8 and 9 correspond to those fitted to the cylinders whose pistons are in synchronous positions, so that the cylinder associated with one of the spark plugs is in the ignition phase while the cylinder associated with the other spark plug is at the end of the exhaust phase. In the example illustrated, the first spark plug 8 is associated, for example, with cylinder No. 1 of the engine, while the second spark plug 9 is associated with cylinder No. 4 .

Il est à noter que la bobine 3 fournit, pour un tour moteur donné, une tension fortement négative sur l'une des bougies et une tension faiblement positive sur l'autre bougie, tandis qu'au tour moteur suivant, les niveaux de tension sont permutés sur les bougies. Ainsi, tel que cela ressort plus précisément de la fig. 2, au tour moteur par exemple pair, la tension V1 sur la bougie 8 présente, dans l'exemple illustré, une valeur négative élevée, par exemple de l'ordre de - 20 Kilo Volts, alors que la tension V4 sur la bougie 9 est faiblement positive, par exemple de l'ordre de + 2 Kilo Volts. Au tour moteur suivant, à savoir impair, la tension V1 sur la bougie 8 est faiblement négative, par exemple de l'ordre de - 2 Kilo Volts, tandis que la tension sur la bougie 9 est élevée, par exemple de l'ordre de + 20 Kilo Volts. Les tensions des bougies associées à une même bobine sont donc de polarités opposées et de niveaux élevé et faible. Les tensions des bougies sont élevées et faibles pour les cylindres associés qui sont respectivement en phase d'allumage et en fin de phase d'échappement.It should be noted that the coil 3 provides, for a given engine revolution, a strongly negative voltage on one of the spark plugs and a weakly positive voltage on the other spark plug, while on the next engine revolution, the voltage levels are swapped over the candles. Thus, as shown more precisely in FIG. 2, in the even engine revolution, for example, the voltage V 1 on the spark plug 8 has, in the example illustrated, a high negative value, for example of the order of - 20 Kilo Volts, while the voltage V 4 on the candle 9 is weakly positive, for example of the order of + 2 Kilo Volts. On the next engine turn, namely odd, the voltage V 1 on the spark plug 8 is slightly negative, for example of the order of - 2 Kilo Volts, while the voltage on the spark plug 9 is high, for example of the order of + 20 Kilo Volts. The candle voltages associated with the same coil are therefore of opposite polarities and of high and low levels. The spark plug voltages are high and low for the associated cylinders which are respectively in the ignition phase and at the end of the exhaust phase.

Il doit être considéré qu'une bobine d'allumage 3 étant constituée d'un enroulement primaire 4 et d'un enroulement secondaire 6, bobinés sur un circuit magnétique 7, il apparaít entre l'enroulement secondaire 6 et le circuit magnétique 7, un couplage capacitif. Si le circuit magnétique 7 est électriquement flottant ou non relié directement à une référence de tension, le potentiel électrique du circuit magnétique 7 est une image de la tension électrique moyenne de l'enroulement secondaire 6. Les valeurs de potentiel relevées sur le circuit magnétique 7 électriquement flottant sont de l'ordre de quelques centaines de Volts à quelques Kilo Volts. Dans la mesure où une bobine 3 fournit alternativement une tension fortement positive sur une bougie, puis au tour moteur suivant, une tension fortement négative sur l'autre bougie, il apparaít un potentiel VN sur le circuit magnétique 7 électriquement flottant qui est alternativement positif et négatif. Par conséquent, si au tour pair la tension V1 sur la bougie 8 est une étincelle d'allumage négative pouvant atteindre, par exemple, - 20 Kilo Volts, tandis que la tension V4 sur la bougie 9 est faiblement positive pour atteindre, par exemple, + 2 Kilo Volts, la tension moyenne UMOY de l'enroulement secondaire 6 est égale, dans cet exemple, à - 9 Kilo Volts. Le potentiel VN du circuit magnétique 7 électriquement flottant, image de la tension moyenne UMOY de l'enroulement secondaire 6, est donc négatif, atteignant par exemple - 3 Kilo Volts. De même, si au tour suivant la tension V1 de la bougie 8 est faiblement négative (par exemple - 2 Kilo Volts), tandis que la tension V4 sur la bougie 9 est une étincelle d'allumage positive pouvant atteindre + 20 Kilo Volts, la tension moyenne UMOY de l'enroulement secondaire 6 est donc égale, dans cet exemple, à + 9 Kilo Volts. Le potentiel VN du circuit magnétique 7, image de la tension moyenne, est donc positif atteignant par exemple + 3 Kilo Volts.It should be considered that an ignition coil 3 consisting of a primary winding 4 and a secondary winding 6 , wound on a magnetic circuit 7 , it appears between the secondary winding 6 and the magnetic circuit 7 , a Capacitive coupling. If the magnetic circuit 7 is electrically floating or not directly connected to a voltage reference, the electric potential of the magnetic circuit 7 is an image of the average electric voltage of the secondary winding 6 . The potential values recorded on the electrically floating magnetic circuit 7 are of the order of a few hundred volts to a few kilo volts. Insofar as a coil 3 alternately supplies a strongly positive voltage on one spark plug, then in the next engine turn, a strongly negative voltage on the other spark plug, there appears a potential V N on the electrically floating magnetic circuit 7 which is alternately positive and negative. Therefore, if in turn even the voltage V 1 on the spark plug 8 is a negative ignition spark which can reach, for example, - 20 Kilo Volts, while the voltage V 4 on the spark plug 9 is weakly positive to reach, for example example, + 2 Kilo Volts, the average voltage U AVG of the secondary winding 6 is equal, in this example, to - 9 Kilo Volts. The potential V N of the electrically floating magnetic circuit 7 , image of the average voltage U AVG of the secondary winding 6, is therefore negative, reaching for example - 3 Kilo Volts. Similarly, if on the next turn the voltage V 1 of the spark plug 8 is slightly negative (for example - 2 Kilo Volts), while the voltage V 4 on the spark plug 9 is a positive ignition spark that can reach + 20 Kilo Volts , the average voltage U MOY of the secondary winding 6 is therefore equal, in this example, to + 9 Kilo Volts. The potential V N of the magnetic circuit 7, image of the average voltage, is therefore positive, reaching for example + 3 Kilo Volts.

Tel que cela ressort de la description qui précède, la polarité du potentiel électrique du circuit magnétique 7 correspond à la polarité de l'étincelle d'allumage. Comme expliqué précédemment, par construction et par câblage, la polarité de l'étincelle d'allumage permet de connaítre le cylindre associé.As is apparent from the above description, the polarity of the electrical potential of the magnetic circuit 7 corresponds to the polarity of the ignition spark. As explained above, by construction and wiring, the polarity of the ignition spark allows to know the associated cylinder.

Conformément à l'invention, le dispositif 1 est conçu pour détecter la polarité du potentiel électrique du circuit magnétique 7, en vue de détecter la phase d'allumage d'un cylindre. Le dispositif de détection 1 est inséré entre le circuit magnétique 7 électriquement flottant et une référence de tension 14. Dans l'exemple illustré à la fig. 1, la référence de tension 14 et le potentiel de référence 10 sont placés à une même valeur telle que la masse électrique. Le dispositif de détection 1 est constitué, dans l'exemple illustré, par une résistance 15 de limitation de courant associée en série à une diode Zener d'écrêtage 16. L'anode de la diode Zener 16 est reliée à la référence de tension 14, tandis que sa cathode, qui est connectée à la résistance 15, délivre un signal de commande VS1 destiné à être exploité par des moyens de traitement ou de calcul non représentés pilotant l'allumage des cylindres et l'injection du carburant.According to the invention, the device 1 is designed to detect the polarity of the electric potential of the magnetic circuit 7 , with a view to detecting the ignition phase of a cylinder. The detection device 1 is inserted between the electrically floating magnetic circuit 7 and a voltage reference 14. In the example illustrated in FIG. 1 , the voltage reference 14 and the reference potential 10 are placed at the same value such as the electrical ground. The detection device 1 is constituted, in the example illustrated, by a current limiting resistor 15 associated in series with a Zener clipping diode 16 . The anode of the Zener diode 16 is connected to the voltage reference 14, while its cathode, which is connected to the resistor 15, delivers a control signal V S1 intended to be used by processing or calculation means not shown controlling the ignition of the cylinders and fuel injection.

Le fonctionnement du dispositif de détection 1 selon l'invention découle directement de la description qui précède. Lorsque le potentiel VN sur le circuit magnétique 7 est de valeur négative (tour pair), le dispositif de détection 1 délivre un signal négatif VS1 de faible valeur (tension de la diode Zener en sens passant), correspondant à l'apparition d'une étincelle d'allumage fortement négative sur la bougie 8 indiquant que le cylindre associé est en phase d'allumage. Lorsque le potentiel VN sur le circuit magnétique 7 est positif (tour impair), correspondant à l'apparition d'une étincelle d'allumage positive sur la bougie 9, le moyen de détection 13 délivre un signal VS1 de tension positive égale à la tension d'écrêtage de la diode Zener 16, par exemple + 5 Volts. La présence d'un tel signal VS1 de tension positive, qui correspond à l'apparition d'une étincelle d'allumage fortement positive sur la bougie 9, indique que le cylindre associé est en phase d'allumage. Le signal VS1 peut ainsi être exploité par les moyens de calcul ou de traitement, en vue, en particulier, d'initialiser et de commander le déroulement normal de la séquence d'injection du carburant. A titre d'exemple, l'exploitation de ce signal peut être réalisée sur une détection de front ou sur une détection d'état.The operation of the detection device 1 according to the invention follows directly from the above description. When the potential V N on the magnetic circuit 7 is of negative value (even turn), the detection device 1 delivers a negative signal V S1 of low value (voltage of the Zener diode in the forward direction), corresponding to the appearance of 'a strongly negative ignition spark on the spark plug 8 indicating that the associated cylinder is in the ignition phase. When the potential V N on the magnetic circuit 7 is positive (odd turn), corresponding to the appearance of a positive ignition spark on the spark plug 9 , the detection means 13 delivers a signal V S1 of positive voltage equal to the clipping voltage of the Zener diode 16 , for example + 5 Volts. The presence of such a signal V S1 of positive voltage, which corresponds to the appearance of a highly positive ignition spark on the spark plug 9, indicates that the associated cylinder is in the ignition phase. The signal V S1 can thus be used by the calculation or processing means, with a view, in particular, to initializing and controlling the normal course of the fuel injection sequence. By way of example, the exploitation of this signal can be carried out on an edge detection or on a state detection.

Le dispositif 1 selon l'invention permet de déterminer lequel des cylindres est en phase d'allumage. Le dispositif de détection conforme à l'invention présente l'avantage d'utiliser un phénomène interne au fonctionnement de la bobine d'allumage et inévitable, à savoir le couplage capacitif entre l'enroulement secondaire et le circuit magnétique. Un tel dispositif ne perturbe pas le fonctionnement de la bobine et n'altère pas ses performances. La sécurité de fonctionnement est garantie par construction de la bobine grâce à l'isolation galvanique réalisée entre l'enroulement secondaire et le circuit magnétique. De plus, le dispositif selon l'invention présente un faible encombrement et un faible coût et peut être avantageusement intégré dans le corps de la bobine et être enrobé de résine pendant l'imprégnation des enroulements. Le dispositif selon l'invention s'applique aussi bien à des dispositifs d'allumage constitués d'une bobine et d'un faisceau de câbles haute-tension ou d'un bloc bobine monté directement sur les bougies.The device 1 according to the invention makes it possible to determine which of the cylinders is in the ignition phase. The detection device according to the invention has the advantage of using an internal phenomenon inevitable in the operation of the ignition coil, namely the capacitive coupling between the secondary winding and the magnetic circuit. Such a device does not disturb the operation of the coil and does not alter its performance. Operational safety is guaranteed by the construction of the coil thanks to the galvanic isolation made between the secondary winding and the magnetic circuit. In addition, the device according to the invention has a small footprint and a low cost and can advantageously be integrated into the body of the coil and be coated with resin during the impregnation of the windings. The device according to the invention applies equally to ignition devices consisting of a coil and a bundle of high-voltage cables or of a coil block mounted directly on the spark plugs.

Dans l'exemple décrit ci-dessus, le dispositif de détection 1 délivre un signal VS1 dont le changement de niveau le plus caractéristique (0 et + 5 Volts par rapport à 0 et - 0,6 Volts) apparaít pour une étincelle positive. La fig. 3 décrit une autre variante d'un dispositif de détection 1 adapté pour délivrer un signal dont le changement de niveau apparaít le plus important pour une étincelle négative. Tel que cela ressort de la fig. 3, le dispositif de détection 1 est inséré entre le circuit magnétique 7 et une référence de tension 14 de valeur positive, par exemple égale à la tension de 12 Volts de la batterie d'un véhicule. Le dispositif de détection 1 est constitué par une résistance de limitation de courant 15 connectée en série à l'anode d'une diode Zener d'écrêtage 16 dont la cathode est reliée à la référence de tension 14.In the example described above, the detection device 1 delivers a signal V S1 whose most characteristic level change (0 and + 5 Volts relative to 0 and - 0.6 Volts) appears for a positive spark. Fig. 3 describes another variant of a detection device 1 adapted to deliver a signal whose level change appears to be the most significant for a negative spark. As shown in fig. 3, the detection device 1 is inserted between the magnetic circuit 7 and a voltage reference 14 of positive value, for example equal to the voltage of 12 Volts of the battery of a vehicle. The detection device 1 consists of a current limiting resistor 15 connected in series to the anode of a clipping Zener diode 16 , the cathode of which is connected to the voltage reference 14 .

Le principe de fonctionnement de cette variante de réalisation reste identique à celle illustrée à la fig. 1. Ainsi, tel que cela ressort plus précisément de la fig. 2, lors de l'apparition d'une étincelle d'allumage fortement négative sur la bougie 8, le potentiel VN du circuit magnétique 7 est négatif, de sorte qu'il apparaít aux bornes de la diode Zener 16, un signal VS2 égal à la tension de référence 14 diminuée de la tension de la diode Zener 16. Un tel signal VS2, par exemple égal à 7 Volts, peut être exploité par un moyen de traitement, en vue d'initialiser la séquence d'injection. Lors de l'apparition d'une étincelle d'allumage positive, le dispositif de détection 1 délivre une tension positive VS2 pouvant être exploitée et égale à la tension de référence 14 augmentée de la tension de la diode Zener en sens passant. Cette tension positive correspond à l'apparition d'une étincelle d'allumage fortement positive sur la bougie 9 indiquant que le cylindre associé est en phase d'allumage.The operating principle of this alternative embodiment remains identical to that illustrated in FIG. 1 . Thus, as shown more precisely in FIG. 2, when a strongly negative ignition spark appears on the spark plug 8, the potential V N of the magnetic circuit 7 is negative, so that it appears at the terminals of the Zener diode 16, a signal V S2 equal to the reference voltage 14 minus the voltage of the Zener diode 16. Such a signal V S2 , for example equal to 7 Volts, can be used by a processing means, with a view to initializing the injection sequence. When a positive ignition spark appears, the detection device 1 delivers a positive voltage V S2 which can be used and equal to the reference voltage 14 increased by the voltage of the Zener diode in the forward direction. This positive voltage corresponds to the appearance of a highly positive ignition spark on the spark plug 9 indicating that the associated cylinder is in the ignition phase.

Dans les exemples qui précèdent, le dispositif de détection 1 est constitué par une résistance et une diode Zener. Il est clair qu'il peut être prévu d'utiliser divers autres moyens pour détecter la polarité du potentiel du circuit magnétique 7. A titre d'exemple, le dispositif de détection peut utiliser comme moyen de détection, des ponts diviseurs résistifs, des ponts diviseurs capacitifs, des optocoupleurs ou tout autre système ou composant approprié. Par ailleurs, il est à noter que le dispositif de détection 1 peut comporter des moyens de mise en forme du signal délivré VS1, VS2. Ces moyens de mise en forme peuvent être constitués par des filtres, des résistances de charge, d'étages de sortie ou tout autre système de mise en forme du signal, propre à faciliter son exploitation par les moyens de calcul.In the above examples, the detection device 1 consists of a resistor and a Zener diode. It is clear that provision may be made for various other means to detect the polarity of the potential of the magnetic circuit 7 . By way of example, the detection device can use as detection means, resistive dividing bridges, capacitive dividing bridges, optocouplers or any other suitable system or component. Furthermore, it should be noted that the detection device 1 may include means for shaping the signal delivered V S1 , V S2 . These shaping means may consist of filters, load resistors, output stages or any other signal shaping system capable of facilitating its use by the computing means.

Par ailleurs, la description qui précède a été effectuée pour un moteur à quatre cylindres. Il est clair que l'invention peut être mise en oeuvre pour un moteur comportant deux cylindres alimentés par une bobine ou tout nombre de cylindres égal à 2 x n, avec n ≥ 1.Furthermore, the above description has been made for a four-cylinder engine. It is clear that the invention can be implemented for an engine comprising two cylinders supplied by a coil or any number of cylinders equal to 2 x n , with n ≥ 1.

L'invention n'est pas limitée aux exemples décrits et représentés, car diverses modifications peuvent y être apportées sans sortir du cadre des revendications suivantes.The invention is not limited to the examples described and shown, because various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of following claims.

Claims (10)

  1. A method of detecting the ignition phase of a cylinder in a controlled-ignition internal combustion engine, ignition being provided by a "distributorless semiconductor" system made up of at least one coil (3) comprising a primary winding (4) and a secondary winding (6) wound on a magnetic circuit (7), the terminals of a secondary winding (6) being connected to first and second spark plugs (8, 9) associated with synchronous pistons,
    the method being characterized in that it consists:
    · in making a magnetic circuit (7) that is not directly connected to a voltage reference (14), such that its electrical potential (VN) is an image of the mean electrical voltage (UMEAN) of the secondary winding (6); and
    · in detecting the polarity of the electrical potential (VN) of the magnetic circuit (7) corresponding to the appearance of an ignition spark at a determined spark plug in order to deliver a signal (VS1, VS2) indicating that the associated cylinder is in the ignition stage.
  2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that it consists in detecting the negative value of the voltage of the magnetic circuit (7) corresponding to the appearance of a negative ignition spark at the determined spark plug.
  3. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that it consists in detecting the positive value of the voltage of the magnetic circuit (7) corresponding to the appearance of a positive ignition spark at the determined spark plug.
  4. Apparatus for detecting the ignition phase of a cylinder in a controlled-ignition internal combustion engine, ignition being provided by a "distributorless semiconductor" system made up of at least one coil (3) comprising a primary winding (4) and a secondary winding (6) wound on a magnetic circuit (7), the terminals of a secondary winding (6) being connected to first and second ignition spark plugs (8 and 9) associated with synchronous pistons,
       the apparatus being characterized in that it is inserted between a voltage reference (14) and a magnetic circuit (7) mounted to be electrically floating, so that the electrical potential (VN) of the magnetic circuit (7) is an image of the mean electrical voltage (UMEAN) of the secondary winding (6), the apparatus (1) being adapted to detect the polarity of the electric potential of the magnetic circuit (7) corresponding to the appearance of an ignition spark at a determined spark plug in order to deliver a signal (VS1, VS2) indicating that the cylinder associated with said spark plug is in the ignition phase.
  5. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that it detects the negative value of the voltage of the magnetic circuit (7) corresponding to the appearance of a negative ignition spark at a determined spark plug.
  6. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that it detects the positive value of the voltage of the magnetic circuit (7) corresponding to the appearance of a positive ignition spark at a determined spark plug.
  7. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that it includes a current-limiting resistor (15) associated with a peak-clipping Zener diode (16) whose anode is connected to the zero-value voltage reference.
  8. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that it includes a current-limiting resistor (15) associated with a peak-clipping Zener diode (16) whose cathode is connected to a positive voltage reference (14).
  9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that the voltage reference (14) is the battery of a vehicle.
  10. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that it includes signal shaping means for shaping the signal (VS1, VS2).
EP19970420161 1996-09-11 1997-09-10 Method for detecting the phase ignition of a cylinder in an internal combustion engine Expired - Lifetime EP0829642B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9611282 1996-09-11
FR9611282A FR2753234B1 (en) 1996-09-11 1996-09-11 METHOD FOR DETECTING THE IGNITION PHASE OF A CYLINDER OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE WITH CONTROLLED IGNITION, IN PARTICULAR FOR ALLOWING INITIALIZATION OF THE INJECTION SEQUENCE

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EP0829642A1 EP0829642A1 (en) 1998-03-18
EP0829642B1 true EP0829642B1 (en) 2004-03-03

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DE (1) DE69727871T2 (en)
FR (1) FR2753234B1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN101263299B (en) * 2005-09-12 2010-06-23 普尔斯有限公司 Arrangement for acquiring a measuring signal on a high voltage side

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2777321B1 (en) * 1998-04-09 2000-06-30 Sagem METHOD FOR DETECTING THE OPERATING PHASE OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
FR2888619B1 (en) * 2005-07-13 2007-10-19 Electricfil Automotive Soc Par METHOD FOR DETECTING THE IGNITION PHASE OF A CYLINDER OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE WITH VOLTAGE LIMITATION
CN112145330B (en) * 2020-09-27 2022-05-13 温州市奥立达电器有限公司 Four-cylinder ignition transformer, primary current configuration method, ignition module and system

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
IT1196843B (en) * 1986-12-15 1988-11-25 Fiat Auto Spa ELECTRIC DETECTOR DEVICE SUITABLE FOR ALLOWING THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE WORKING PHASES OF A CYLINDER OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE WITH COMMAND IGNITION
US5065729A (en) * 1988-03-18 1991-11-19 Robert Bosch Gmbh Cylinder recognition apparatus for a distributorless ignition system
US5410253A (en) * 1993-04-08 1995-04-25 Delco Electronics Corporation Method of indicating combustion in an internal combustion engine

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN101263299B (en) * 2005-09-12 2010-06-23 普尔斯有限公司 Arrangement for acquiring a measuring signal on a high voltage side

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EP0829642A1 (en) 1998-03-18
DE69727871T2 (en) 2005-01-27
DE69727871D1 (en) 2004-04-08
FR2753234A1 (en) 1998-03-13
FR2753234B1 (en) 1998-12-04

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