EP1489296B1 - Drive circuit - Google Patents

Drive circuit Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1489296B1
EP1489296B1 EP03013951A EP03013951A EP1489296B1 EP 1489296 B1 EP1489296 B1 EP 1489296B1 EP 03013951 A EP03013951 A EP 03013951A EP 03013951 A EP03013951 A EP 03013951A EP 1489296 B1 EP1489296 B1 EP 1489296B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
driver circuit
accordance
glow plug
capacitor
serving
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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.)
Expired - Fee Related
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EP03013951A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1489296A1 (en
Inventor
Thomas Bruckmann
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Delphi Technologies Inc
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Delphi Technologies Inc
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Publication date
Application filed by Delphi Technologies Inc filed Critical Delphi Technologies Inc
Priority to DE50311830T priority Critical patent/DE50311830D1/en
Priority to EP03013951A priority patent/EP1489296B1/en
Priority to US10/868,366 priority patent/US7373803B2/en
Publication of EP1489296A1 publication Critical patent/EP1489296A1/en
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Publication of EP1489296B1 publication Critical patent/EP1489296B1/en
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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
    • F02P19/00—Incandescent ignition, e.g. during starting of internal combustion engines; Combination of incandescent and spark ignition
    • F02P19/02—Incandescent ignition, e.g. during starting of internal combustion engines; Combination of incandescent and spark ignition electric, e.g. layout of circuits of apparatus having glowing plugs
    • F02P19/028—Incandescent ignition, e.g. during starting of internal combustion engines; Combination of incandescent and spark ignition electric, e.g. layout of circuits of apparatus having glowing plugs the glow plug being combined with or used as a sensor
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02D—CONTROLLING COMBUSTION ENGINES
    • F02D35/00—Controlling engines, dependent on conditions exterior or interior to engines, not otherwise provided for
    • F02D35/02—Controlling engines, dependent on conditions exterior or interior to engines, not otherwise provided for on interior conditions
    • F02D35/021—Controlling engines, dependent on conditions exterior or interior to engines, not otherwise provided for on interior conditions using an ionic current sensor

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a driver circuit for an ion measuring device assigned to a cylinder of a diesel engine for measuring the conductivity of the combustion gas in the cylinder, with which a negative voltage can be applied to a glow plug serving as sensor for a respective ion measurement assigned to the cylinder.
  • the glow plug of the cylinder can be used as the sensor, via which a respective ion measurement can then take place.
  • the glow plug of the respective cylinder can be connected in series with a measuring or reference resistor and, in particular, conductively connected to the inner wall of the cylinder.
  • an electrical voltage is applied to the glow plug. If the conductivity of the combustion gas is to be determined on the basis of the positively charged particles contained in the combustion gas, a negative voltage may be applied to the glow plug during, for example, a portion of the compression stroke and a portion of the working stroke of the piston of that cylinder. Due to the positively charged particles formed during the combustion process, the conductivity of the combustion gas between the glow plug and the inner wall of the cylinder changes, which changes the voltage drop across the measuring or reference resistor, which is measured and output as a measurement signal.
  • a second voltage supply is required.
  • a negative voltage is applied to the glow plug in order to carry out a respective ion measurement.
  • the glow plug connection with a negative potential and the ground-side end of the plug with a positive potential is applied.
  • the current flow between the plug tip and the cylinder head determines the shape and amplitude of the ion measurement signal during the combustion process.
  • a second power supply always had to be integrated into the controller or glow plug controller.
  • a DC-DC converter or a charge pump can be used.
  • a charge pump can be used.
  • the invention has for its object to provide an improved driver circuit of the type mentioned, with the aforementioned problems are eliminated.
  • a relatively simple and correspondingly cost-effective design of the driver circuit should be achieved.
  • This object is achieved in that the negative voltage is generated by means of a capacitor which is charged according to a respective switching off the glow plug on the stored in the internal inductance of the glow plug magnetic energy.
  • means are provided by which the negative voltage generated at the capacitor is limited to a predetermined value.
  • means are also provided which prevent that by corresponding charging or recharging of the capacitor at this a positive voltage is generated.
  • the glow plug serving as a sensor is connected to a measuring resistor.
  • the negative voltage generated by the capacitor is preferably applied to a the glow plug and the measuring resistor comprehensive series connection.
  • means are provided by which the measuring resistor is bridged when switching off the glow plug serving as a sensor.
  • the glow plug serving as a sensor When switched on, the glow plug serving as a sensor is expediently connected to a power supply, in particular the power supply of the relevant motor vehicle.
  • a positive voltage can be applied to the glow plug via this power supply.
  • the connection to the power supply is interrupted.
  • the glow plug is thus expediently acted upon only by the negative voltage.
  • driver circuit according to the invention is in the on state of the glow plug serving as a sensor one end of the plug connected to the positive terminal and the other end of the candle to the negative terminal (ground) of the power supply.
  • the ground-side end of the glow plug serving as a sensor can be connected to the cylinder head or the cylinder inner wall.
  • one end of the measuring resistor is connected to the ground side end of the sensor serving as a glow plug and the other end to the capacitor, on the other hand connected to the non-grounded end of the glow plug.
  • the means for limiting the negative voltage generated at the capacitor preferably comprise at least one zener diode.
  • the relevant Zener diode is preferably connected in parallel with the capacitor.
  • the means for preventing a positive voltage across the capacitor advantageously comprise a diode.
  • this diode may for example be formed simultaneously by the Zener diode for limiting the negative voltage generated at the capacitor, which thus serves both the limitation of the negative voltage and the prevention of a positive voltage.
  • the diode or Zener diode is connected in parallel with the capacitor.
  • the means for bridging the measuring resistor when switching off the glow plug advantageously comprise a diode, which is preferably connected in parallel with the measuring resistor.
  • the measuring resistor preferably has a relatively high resistance, which may for example be in a range of about 500 k ⁇ .
  • the single figure of the drawing shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a driver circuit 10 according to the invention for a cylinder of a diesel engine associated ion measuring device for measuring the conductivity of the in-cylinder combustion gas.
  • a negative voltage can be applied to a glow plug 12 serving as a sensor associated with the cylinder for each ion measurement.
  • the glow plug 12 serving as a sensor for ion measurement comprises an internal resistor 14, an internal inductor 16 and an internal diode 18.
  • the negative voltage is generated by means of a capacitor 20 which, after a respective switching off of the glow plug 12, i. For example, after a respective separation of the glow plug 12 from the power supply 22 of the relevant motor vehicle, is charged accordingly over the stored in the internal inductance 16 of the glow plug 12 magnetic energy.
  • Means are provided by which the negative voltage generated at the capacitor 20 is limited to a predetermined value.
  • these means comprise, for example, a zener diode 24, which is preferably connected in parallel with the capacitor 20.
  • means are provided which prevent a corresponding voltage from being generated by charging the capacitor 20 accordingly.
  • these means comprise, for example, a diode which is formed, for example, by the zener diode 24 for limiting the negative voltage generated at the capacitor 20, thus serving both to limit the negative voltage and to prevent a positive voltage.
  • the glow plug 12 serving as a sensor for ion measurement is connected to a measuring resistor 26.
  • the negative voltage generated by means of the capacitor 20 to a glow plug 12 and the measuring resistor 26 comprehensive series circuit 12, 26 can be applied.
  • measuring resistor 26 is bridged when switching off the glow plug 12 serving as a sensor.
  • these means comprise, for example, a diode 28, which is preferably connected in parallel with the measuring resistor 26.
  • the measuring resistor 26 preferably comprises a relatively high resistance, which may be in the range of about 500 k ⁇ , for example.
  • the glow plug 12 serving as the sensor When switched on, the glow plug 12 serving as the sensor is connected to the power supply 22. As can be seen from FIG. 1, a positive voltage can be applied to the glow plug 12 via this voltage supply 22.
  • the voltage in question may be 12 V, for example. In principle, however, other voltage values are conceivable.
  • connection to the voltage supply 22 is interrupted.
  • the relevant connection can be made or interrupted for example via a corresponding switch 30.
  • a plug end 32 is connected to the positive terminal 34 and the other end of the plug 36 to the negative terminal of the voltage supply 22 or ground 38.
  • the ground-side end 36 of the glow plug serving as a sensor can in particular be connected to the cylinder head or the cylinder inner wall.
  • the lower end of the measuring resistor 26 is connected to the ground side end 36 of the sensor serving as glow plug 12 and the other end to the capacitor 20, on the other hand with the non-mass 38 lying end 32 of the glow plug 12 is connected.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Combined Controls Of Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Treiberschaltung für eine einem Zylinder eines Dieselmotors zugeordnete Ionenmesseinrichtung zur Messung der Leitfähigkeit des im Zylinder befindlichen Verbrennungases, mit der an eine dem Zylinder zugeordnete, als Sensor dienende Glühkerze für eine jeweilige Ionenmessung eine negative Spannung anlegbar ist.The invention relates to a driver circuit for an ion measuring device assigned to a cylinder of a diesel engine for measuring the conductivity of the combustion gas in the cylinder, with which a negative voltage can be applied to a glow plug serving as sensor for a respective ion measurement assigned to the cylinder.

Zur Messung der Leitfähigkeit des in einem Zylinder eines Dieselmotors befindlichen Verbrennungsgases kann als Sensor die Glühkerze des Zylinders verwendet werden, über die dann eine jeweilige Ionenmessung erfolgen kann. Die Glühkerze des jeweiligen Zylinders kann mit einem Mess- oder Referenzwiderstand in Reihe geschaltet und insbesondere mit der Innenwand des Zylinders leitend verbunden sein. Zur Bestimmung der Leitfähigkeit des Verbrennungsgases wird an die Glühkerze eine elektrische Spannung angelegt. Soll die Leitfähigkeit des Verbrennungsgases auf der Basis der im Verbrennungsgas enthaltenen positiv geladenen Teilchen bestimmt werden, kann an die Glühkerze beispielsweise während eines Teils des Verdichtungshubes und eines Teils des Arbeitshubes des Kolbens des betreffenden Zylinders eine negative Spannung angelegt werden. Durch die während des Verbrennungsprozesses entstehenden positiv geladenen Teilchen ändert sich die Leitfähigkeit des Verbrennungsgases zwischen der Glühkerze und der Innenwand des Zylinders, wodurch sich die am Mess- bzw. Referenzwiderstand abfallende Spannung ändert, die gemessen und als Messsignal ausgegeben wird.For measuring the conductivity of the combustion gas located in a cylinder of a diesel engine, the glow plug of the cylinder can be used as the sensor, via which a respective ion measurement can then take place. The glow plug of the respective cylinder can be connected in series with a measuring or reference resistor and, in particular, conductively connected to the inner wall of the cylinder. To determine the conductivity of the combustion gas, an electrical voltage is applied to the glow plug. If the conductivity of the combustion gas is to be determined on the basis of the positively charged particles contained in the combustion gas, a negative voltage may be applied to the glow plug during, for example, a portion of the compression stroke and a portion of the working stroke of the piston of that cylinder. Due to the positively charged particles formed during the combustion process, the conductivity of the combustion gas between the glow plug and the inner wall of the cylinder changes, which changes the voltage drop across the measuring or reference resistor, which is measured and output as a measurement signal.

In allen Fällen, in denen Ionenmessungen mit einer Spannung durchgeführt werden, die verschieden von den im Steuergerät des betreffenden Fahrzeugs vorhandenen Spannungen ist, ist eine zweite Spannungsversorgung erforderlich. Aus verschiedenen technischen Gründen wird in vielen Fällen eine negative Spannung an die Glühkerze angelegt, um eine jeweilige Ionenmessung durchzuführen. Dabei wird der Glühkerzenanschluss mit negativem Potential und das masseseitige Kerzenende mit einem positiven Potential beaufschlagt. Der Stromfluss zwischen der Kerzenspitze und dem Zylinderkopf bestimmt Form und Amplitude des Ionenmesssignals während des Verbrennungsprozesses.In all cases in which ion measurements are made at a voltage different from the voltages present in the control unit of the vehicle concerned, a second voltage supply is required. For various technical reasons, in many cases a negative voltage is applied to the glow plug in order to carry out a respective ion measurement. In this case, the glow plug connection with a negative potential and the ground-side end of the plug with a positive potential is applied. The current flow between the plug tip and the cylinder head determines the shape and amplitude of the ion measurement signal during the combustion process.

Eine solche Schaltung würde im EP 1164 286 schon beschrieben.Such a circuit would be in EP 1164 286 already described.

Bisher musste zur Bereitstellung der negativen Spannung stets eine zweite Spannungsversorgung in das Steuergerät oder den Glühkerzen-Controller integriert werden. Dazu kann beispielsweise ein Gleichspannungswandler oder eine Ladungspumpe eingesetzt werden. Derartige Lösungen sind jedoch relativ aufwändig und teuer.Previously, to provide the negative voltage, a second power supply always had to be integrated into the controller or glow plug controller. For this purpose, for example, a DC-DC converter or a charge pump can be used. However, such solutions are relatively complicated and expensive.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine verbesserte Treiberschaltung der eingangs genannten Art zu schaffen, mit der die zuvor genannten Probleme beseitigt sind. Dabei soll insbesondere ein relativ einfacher und entsprechend kostengünstiger Aufbau der Treiberschaltung erreicht werden.The invention has for its object to provide an improved driver circuit of the type mentioned, with the aforementioned problems are eliminated. In particular, a relatively simple and correspondingly cost-effective design of the driver circuit should be achieved.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, dass die negative Spannung mittels eines Kondensators erzeugt wird, der nach einem jeweiligen Abschalten der Glühkerze über die in der internen Induktivität der Glühkerze gespeicherte magnetische Energie entsprechend aufgeladen wird.This object is achieved in that the negative voltage is generated by means of a capacitor which is charged according to a respective switching off the glow plug on the stored in the internal inductance of the glow plug magnetic energy.

Vorteilhafterweise sind Mittel vorgesehen, durch die die am Kondensator erzeugte negative Spannung auf einen vorgegebenen Wert begrenzt wird.Advantageously, means are provided by which the negative voltage generated at the capacitor is limited to a predetermined value.

Bevorzugt sind auch Mittel vorgesehen, die verhindern, dass durch entsprechendes Aufladen oder Umladen des Kondensators an diesem eine positive Spannung erzeugt wird.Preferably, means are also provided which prevent that by corresponding charging or recharging of the capacitor at this a positive voltage is generated.

Bei einer zweckmäßigen praktischen Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Treiberschaltung ist die als Sensor dienende Glühkerze mit einem Messwiderstand verbunden. Dabei ist die mittels des Kondensators erzeugte negative Spannung vorzugsweise an eine die Glühkerze sowie den Messwiderstand umfassende Reihenschaltung anlegbar.In a practical practical embodiment of the driver circuit according to the invention, the glow plug serving as a sensor is connected to a measuring resistor. In this case, the negative voltage generated by the capacitor is preferably applied to a the glow plug and the measuring resistor comprehensive series connection.

Vorteilhafterweise sind auch Mittel vorgesehen, durch die der Messwiderstand beim Abschalten der als Sensor dienenden Glühkerze überbrückt wird.Advantageously, means are provided by which the measuring resistor is bridged when switching off the glow plug serving as a sensor.

Im eingeschalteten Zustand ist die als Sensor dienende Glühkerze zweckmäßigerweise mit einer Spannungsversorgung, insbesondere der Spannungsversorgung des betreffenden Kraftfahrzeugs verbunden. Dabei kann über diese Spannungsversorgung insbesondere eine positive Spannung an die Glühkerze angelegt werden.When switched on, the glow plug serving as a sensor is expediently connected to a power supply, in particular the power supply of the relevant motor vehicle. In this case, in particular a positive voltage can be applied to the glow plug via this power supply.

Im abgeschalteten Zustand der als Sensor dienenden Glühkerze ist die Verbindung zur Spannungsversorgung unterbrochen. In dieser Phase wird die Glühkerze zweckmäßigerweise also nur von der negativen Spannung beaufschlagt.In the switched-off state of serving as a sensor glow plug, the connection to the power supply is interrupted. In this phase, the glow plug is thus expediently acted upon only by the negative voltage.

Bei einer zweckmäßigen praktischen Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Treiberschaltung ist im eingeschalteten Zustand der als Sensor dienenden Glühkerze ein Kerzenende mit der positiven Klemme und das andere Kerzenende mit der negativen Klemme (Masse) der Spannungsversorgung verbunden.In an expedient practical embodiment of the driver circuit according to the invention is in the on state of the glow plug serving as a sensor one end of the plug connected to the positive terminal and the other end of the candle to the negative terminal (ground) of the power supply.

Insbesondere das masseseitige Ende der als Sensor dienenden Glühkerze kann mit dem Zylinderkopf bzw. der Zylinderinnenwand verbunden sein.In particular, the ground-side end of the glow plug serving as a sensor can be connected to the cylinder head or the cylinder inner wall.

Bei einer zweckmäßigen praktischen Ausführungsform ist ein Ende des Messwiderstandes mit dem masseseitigen Ende der als Sensor dienenden Glühkerze und dessen anderes Ende mit dem Kondensator verbunden, der andererseits mit dem nicht auf Masse liegenden Ende der Glühkerze verbunden ist.In an expedient practical embodiment, one end of the measuring resistor is connected to the ground side end of the sensor serving as a glow plug and the other end to the capacitor, on the other hand connected to the non-grounded end of the glow plug.

Die Mittel zur Begrenzung der am Kondensator erzeugten negativen Spannung umfassen vorzugsweise wenigstens eine Zenerdiode. Dabei ist die betreffende Zenerdiode vorzugsweise zum Kondensator parallel geschaltet.The means for limiting the negative voltage generated at the capacitor preferably comprise at least one zener diode. In this case, the relevant Zener diode is preferably connected in parallel with the capacitor.

Die Mittel zur Verhinderung einer positiven Spannung am Kondensator umfassen vorteilhafterweise eine Diode. Dabei kann diese Diode beispielsweise gleichzeitig durch die Zenerdiode zur Begrenzung der am Kondensator erzeugten negativen Spannung gebildet sein, die somit sowohl der Begrenzung der negativen Spannung als auch der Verhinderung einer positiven Spannung dient. Bevorzugt ist die Diode bzw. Zenerdiode zum Kondensator parallel geschaltet.The means for preventing a positive voltage across the capacitor advantageously comprise a diode. In this case, this diode may for example be formed simultaneously by the Zener diode for limiting the negative voltage generated at the capacitor, which thus serves both the limitation of the negative voltage and the prevention of a positive voltage. Preferably, the diode or Zener diode is connected in parallel with the capacitor.

Die Mittel zur Überbrückung des Messwiderstandes beim Abschalten der Glühkerze umfassen vorteilhafterweise eine Diode, die vorzugsweise zum Messwiderstand parallel geschaltet ist.The means for bridging the measuring resistor when switching off the glow plug advantageously comprise a diode, which is preferably connected in parallel with the measuring resistor.

Der Messwiderstand besitzt bevorzugt einen relativ hohen Widerstandswert, der beispielsweise in einem Bereich von etwa 500 kΩ liegen kann.The measuring resistor preferably has a relatively high resistance, which may for example be in a range of about 500 kΩ.

Die Erfindung wird im folgenden anhand eines Ausführungsbeispiels unter Bezugnahme auf die Zeichnung näher erläutert.The invention is explained below with reference to an embodiment with reference to the drawings.

Die einzige Figur der Zeichnung zeigt in schematischer Darstellung eine beispielhafte Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Treiberschaltung 10 für eine einem Zylinder eines Dieselmotors zugeordnete Ionenmesseinrichtung zur Messung der Leitfähigkeit des im Zylinder befindlichen Verbrennungsgases. Wie sich aus dem folgenden ergibt, kann mit einer solchen Treiberschaltung 10 an eine dem Zylinder zugeordnete, als Sensor dienende Glühkerze 12 für eine jeweilige Ionenmessung eine negative Spannung angelegt werden.The single figure of the drawing shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a driver circuit 10 according to the invention for a cylinder of a diesel engine associated ion measuring device for measuring the conductivity of the in-cylinder combustion gas. As will be apparent from the following, with such a driver circuit 10, a negative voltage can be applied to a glow plug 12 serving as a sensor associated with the cylinder for each ion measurement.

Wie anhand der Figur zu erkennen ist, umfasst die als Sensor für die Ionenmessung dienende Glühkerze 12 einen internen Widerstand 14, eine interne Induktivität 16 sowie eine interne Diode 18.As can be seen from the figure, the glow plug 12 serving as a sensor for ion measurement comprises an internal resistor 14, an internal inductor 16 and an internal diode 18.

Die negative Spannung wird mittels eines Kondensators 20 erzeugt, der nach einem jeweiligen Abschalten der Glühkerze 12, d.h. beispielsweise nach einem jeweiligen Trennen der Glühkerze 12 von der Spannungsversorgung 22 des betreffenden Kraftfahrzeugs, über die in der internen Induktivität 16 der Glühkerze 12 gespeicherte magnetische Energie entsprechend aufgeladen wird.The negative voltage is generated by means of a capacitor 20 which, after a respective switching off of the glow plug 12, i. For example, after a respective separation of the glow plug 12 from the power supply 22 of the relevant motor vehicle, is charged accordingly over the stored in the internal inductance 16 of the glow plug 12 magnetic energy.

Es sind Mittel vorgesehen, durch die die am Kondensator 20 erzeugte negative Spannung auf einen vorgegebenen Wert begrenzt wird. Im vorliegenden Fall umfassen diese Mittel beispielsweise eine Zenerdiode 24, die vorzugsweise zum Kondensator 20 parallel geschaltet ist.Means are provided by which the negative voltage generated at the capacitor 20 is limited to a predetermined value. In the present case, these means comprise, for example, a zener diode 24, which is preferably connected in parallel with the capacitor 20.

Überdies sind Mittel vorgesehen, die verhindern, dass durch entsprechendes Aufladen des Kondensators 20 an diesem eine positive Spannung erzeugt wird. Diese Mittel umfassen im vorliegenden Fall beispielsweise eine Diode, die beispielsweise durch die Zenerdiode 24 zur Begrenzung der der am Kondensator 20 erzeugten negativen Spannung gebildet ist, die somit sowohl der Begrenzung der negativen Spannung als auch der Verhinderung einer positiven Spannung dient.In addition, means are provided which prevent a corresponding voltage from being generated by charging the capacitor 20 accordingly. In the present case, these means comprise, for example, a diode which is formed, for example, by the zener diode 24 for limiting the negative voltage generated at the capacitor 20, thus serving both to limit the negative voltage and to prevent a positive voltage.

Wie anhand der einzigen Figur zu erkennen ist, ist die als Sensor für die Ionenmessung dienende Glühkerze 12 mit einem Messwiderstand 26 verbunden. Dabei ist die mittels des Kondensators 20 erzeugte negative Spannung an eine die Glühkerze 12 sowie den Messwiderstand 26 umfassende Reihenschaltung 12, 26 anlegbar.As can be seen from the single figure, the glow plug 12 serving as a sensor for ion measurement is connected to a measuring resistor 26. In this case, the negative voltage generated by means of the capacitor 20 to a glow plug 12 and the measuring resistor 26 comprehensive series circuit 12, 26 can be applied.

Überdies sind Mittel vorgesehen, durch die der Messwiderstand 26 beim Abschalten der als Sensor dienenden Glühkerze 12 überbrückt wird. Im vorliegenden Fall umfassen diese Mittel beispielsweise eine Diode 28, die vorzugsweise zum Messwiderstand 26 parallel geschaltet ist.In addition, means are provided by which the measuring resistor 26 is bridged when switching off the glow plug 12 serving as a sensor. In the present case, these means comprise, for example, a diode 28, which is preferably connected in parallel with the measuring resistor 26.

Der Messwiderstand 26 umfasst vorzugsweise einen relativ hohen Widerstandswert, der beispielsweise im Bereich von etwa 500 kΩ liegen kann.The measuring resistor 26 preferably comprises a relatively high resistance, which may be in the range of about 500 kΩ, for example.

Im eingeschalteten Zustand ist die als Sensor dienende Glühkerze 12 mit der Spannungsversorgung 22 verbunden. Wie anhand der Figur 1 zu erkennen ist, ist über diese Spannungsversorgung 22 eine positive Spannung an die Glühkerze 12 anlegbar. Dabei kann die betreffende Spannung beispielsweise 12 V betragen. Grundsätzlich sind jedoch auch andere Spannungswerte denkbar.When switched on, the glow plug 12 serving as the sensor is connected to the power supply 22. As can be seen from FIG. 1, a positive voltage can be applied to the glow plug 12 via this voltage supply 22. The voltage in question may be 12 V, for example. In principle, however, other voltage values are conceivable.

Im abgeschalteten Zustand der als Sensor dienenden Glühkerze 12 ist die Verbindung zur Spannungsversorgung 22 unterbrochen. Die betreffende Verbindung kann beispielsweise über einen entsprechenden Schalter 30 hergestellt bzw. unterbrochen werden.In the switched-off state of the glow plug 12 serving as a sensor, the connection to the voltage supply 22 is interrupted. The relevant connection can be made or interrupted for example via a corresponding switch 30.

Im eingeschalteten Zustand der als Sensor dienenden Glühkerze 12 ist beim vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel ein Kerzenende 32 mit der positiven Klemme 34 und das andere Kerzenende 36 mit der negativen Klemme der Spannungsversorgung 22 bzw. Masse 38 verbunden.In the switched-on state of the glow plug 12 serving as a sensor, in the present exemplary embodiment a plug end 32 is connected to the positive terminal 34 and the other end of the plug 36 to the negative terminal of the voltage supply 22 or ground 38.

Das masseseitige Ende 36 der als Sensor dienenden Glühkerze kann insbesondere mit dem Zylinderkopf bzw. der Zylinderinnenwand verbunden sein. Wie anhand der einzigen Figur zu erkennen ist, ist das untere Ende des Messwiderstands 26 mit dem masseseitigen Ende 36 der als Sensor dienenden Glühkerze 12 und dessen anderes Ende mit dem Kondensator 20 verbunden, der andererseits mit dem nicht auf Masse 38 liegenden Ende 32 der Glühkerze 12 verbunden ist.The ground-side end 36 of the glow plug serving as a sensor can in particular be connected to the cylinder head or the cylinder inner wall. As can be seen from the single figure, the lower end of the measuring resistor 26 is connected to the ground side end 36 of the sensor serving as glow plug 12 and the other end to the capacitor 20, on the other hand with the non-mass 38 lying end 32 of the glow plug 12 is connected.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1010
Treiberschaltungdriver circuit
1212
Glühkerze, SensorGlow plug, sensor
1414
interner Widerstandinternal resistance
1616
interne Induktivitätinternal inductance
1818
interne Diodeinternal diode
2020
Kondensatorcapacitor
2222
Spannungsversorgungpower supply
2424
ZenerdiodeZener diode
2626
Messwiderstandmeasuring resistor
2828
Diodediode
3030
Schalterswitch
3232
Kerzenendecandles end
3434
positive Klemmepositive terminal
3636
Kerzenendecandles end
3838
MasseDimensions

Claims (20)

  1. A driver circuit (10) for an ion measurement device associated with a cylinder of a diesel engine for the measurement of the conductivity of the combustion gas present in the cylinder, wherein a negative voltage can be applied by said driver circuit to a glow plug (12) serving as a sensor and associated with the cylinder for a respective ion measurement,
    characterized in that
    the negative voltage is generated by means of a capacitor (20) which is appropriately charged each time the glow plug (12) is switched off via the magnetic energy stored in the internal inductance (16) of the glow plug (12).
  2. A driver circuit in accordance with claim 1,
    characterized in that
    means (24) are provided by which the negative voltage generated at the capacitor (20) is restricted to a pre-set value.
  3. A driver circuit in accordance with claim 1 or 2,
    characterized in that
    means (24) are provided which prevent a positive voltage being generated at the capacitor (20) by a corresponding charging thereof.
  4. A driver circuit in accordance with one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the glow plug (12) serving as a sensor is connected to a measurement resistor (26).
  5. A driver circuit in accordance with claim 4,
    characterized in that
    the negative voltage generated by means of the capacitor (20) can be applied to a series circuit (12, 26) including the glow plug (12) and the measurement resistor (26).
  6. A driver circuit in accordance with claim 4 or 5,
    characterized in that
    means (28) are provided by which the measurement resistor (26) is bridged when the glow plug (12) serving as the sensor is switched off.
  7. A driver circuit in accordance with one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the glow plug (12) serving as a sensor is connected in the switched-on state to a power supply (22), in particular to the power supply of the respective motor vehicle.
  8. A driver circuit in accordance with claim 7,
    characterized in that
    a positive voltage can be applied to the glow plug (12) via the power supply (22).
  9. A driver circuit in accordance with claim 7 or 8,
    characterized in that,
    in the switched-off state of the glow plug (12) serving as a sensor, the connection to the power supply (22) is interrupted.
  10. A driver circuit in accordance with one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that,
    in the switched-on state of the glow plug (12) serving as a sensor, one plug end (32) is connected to the positive terminal (34) and the other plug end (36) is connected to the negative terminal (ground) of the power supply (22).
  11. A driver circuit in accordance with one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    in particular the grounded end (36) of the glow plug (12) serving as a sensor is connected to the cylinder head or to the interior cylinder wall.
  12. A driver circuit in accordance with one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    one end of the measurement resistor (26) is connected to the grounded end of the glow plug (12) serving as a sensor and its other end is connected to the capacitor (20) which in turn is connected to the end (32) of the glow plug (12) not connected to ground (38).
  13. A driver circuit in accordance with one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the means for the restriction of the negative voltage generated at the capacitor (20) include at least one Zener diode (24).
  14. A driver circuit in accordance with claim 13,
    characterized in that
    the Zener diode (24) is connected in parallel to the capacitor (20).
  15. A driver circuit in accordance with one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the means for the prevention of a positive voltage at the capacitor (20) include at least one diode (24).
  16. A driver circuit in accordance with claim 15,
    characterized in that
    the diode is formed by the Zener diode (24) for the restriction of the negative voltage generated at the capacitor (20), which thus serves both for the restriction of the negative voltage and for the prevention of a positive voltage.
  17. A driver circuit in accordance with claim 15 or 16,
    characterized in that
    the diode or Zener diode (24) is connected in parallel to the capacitor (20).
  18. A driver circuit in accordance with one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the means for bridging of the measurement resistor (26) on switching off of the glow plug (12) include at least one diode (28).
  19. A driver circuit in accordance with one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the diode (28) is connected in parallel to the measurement resistor (26).
  20. A driver circuit in accordance with one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that
    the measurement resistor (26) has a resistance value of approximately 500kΩ.
EP03013951A 2003-06-20 2003-06-20 Drive circuit Expired - Fee Related EP1489296B1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE50311830T DE50311830D1 (en) 2003-06-20 2003-06-20 driver circuit
EP03013951A EP1489296B1 (en) 2003-06-20 2003-06-20 Drive circuit
US10/868,366 US7373803B2 (en) 2003-06-20 2004-06-15 Driver circuit for an ion measurement device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP03013951A EP1489296B1 (en) 2003-06-20 2003-06-20 Drive circuit

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1489296A1 EP1489296A1 (en) 2004-12-22
EP1489296B1 true EP1489296B1 (en) 2009-08-19

Family

ID=33395838

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP03013951A Expired - Fee Related EP1489296B1 (en) 2003-06-20 2003-06-20 Drive circuit

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US7373803B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1489296B1 (en)
DE (1) DE50311830D1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20160216223A1 (en) * 2015-01-22 2016-07-28 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Multisensing Multiparameter Design Using Dynamic Parallel Resistances on Sensing Element Substrate

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS60166759A (en) * 1984-02-10 1985-08-30 Ngk Spark Plug Co Ltd Power conduction control of glow plug
FR2675206B1 (en) * 1991-04-10 1995-09-08 Siemens Automotive Sa METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETECTING AN IGNITION RATE IN AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND THEIR APPLICATIONS.
WO1997038223A1 (en) * 1996-04-10 1997-10-16 Denso Corporation Glow plug, its production process and ion current detector
EP1113170B1 (en) * 1999-12-24 2005-03-09 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Procedure for the monitoring of the combustion while burning fossil fuel
DE50014676D1 (en) * 1999-12-24 2007-11-08 Delphi Tech Inc Method for monitoring the increased formation of nitrogen oxides
LU90733B1 (en) * 2001-02-16 2002-08-19 Delphi Tech Inc Device for lon current sensing
JP2003172241A (en) * 2001-12-04 2003-06-20 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Misfire detecting device of internal combustion engine
JP3614149B2 (en) * 2002-04-17 2005-01-26 三菱電機株式会社 Combustion state detection device for internal combustion engine
US6994073B2 (en) * 2003-10-31 2006-02-07 Woodward Governor Company Method and apparatus for detecting ionization signal in diesel and dual mode engines with plasma discharge system
US7458250B2 (en) * 2005-11-01 2008-12-02 Phelon Euro Ab Ion sensing arrangement for small gasoline engine

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US7373803B2 (en) 2008-05-20
EP1489296A1 (en) 2004-12-22
DE50311830D1 (en) 2009-10-01
US20040257083A1 (en) 2004-12-23

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