EP1854997B1 - Ignition device for a combustion engine - Google Patents

Ignition device for a combustion engine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1854997B1
EP1854997B1 EP07006780A EP07006780A EP1854997B1 EP 1854997 B1 EP1854997 B1 EP 1854997B1 EP 07006780 A EP07006780 A EP 07006780A EP 07006780 A EP07006780 A EP 07006780A EP 1854997 B1 EP1854997 B1 EP 1854997B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ignition
primary
voltage
current
ignition coil
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Application number
EP07006780A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1854997A2 (en
EP1854997A3 (en
Inventor
Markus Kraus
Arno Gschirr
Markus Kröll
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Innio Jenbacher GmbH and Co OG
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GE Jenbacher GmbH and Co OHG
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Priority to PL07006780T priority Critical patent/PL1854997T3/en
Publication of EP1854997A2 publication Critical patent/EP1854997A2/en
Publication of EP1854997A3 publication Critical patent/EP1854997A3/en
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Classifications

    • 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
    • F02P9/00—Electric spark ignition control, not otherwise provided for
    • F02P9/002—Control of spark intensity, intensifying, lengthening, suppression
    • F02P9/007—Control of spark intensity, intensifying, lengthening, suppression by supplementary electrical discharge in the pre-ionised electrode interspace of the sparking plug, e.g. plasma jet ignition
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
    • F02P3/00—Other installations
    • F02P3/02—Other installations having inductive energy storage, e.g. arrangements of induction coils
    • F02P3/04—Layout of circuits
    • F02P3/05—Layout of circuits for control of the magnitude of the current in the ignition coil
    • F02P3/051—Opening or closing the primary coil circuit with semiconductor devices
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
    • F02P3/00—Other installations
    • F02P3/02—Other installations having inductive energy storage, e.g. arrangements of induction coils
    • F02P3/04—Layout of circuits
    • F02P3/055—Layout of circuits with protective means to prevent damage to the circuit, e.g. semiconductor devices or the ignition coil
    • F02P3/0552—Opening or closing the primary coil circuit with semiconductor devices
    • F02P3/0554—Opening or closing the primary coil circuit with semiconductor devices using digital techniques

Definitions

  • the ignition coils of the generic ignition devices are transformers, on the secondary side of which the high voltage is applied to the spark plug. During operation of these ignition coils power is transferred from the primary side to the secondary side.
  • the object of the invention is to make this as effective as possible and to avoid destruction or impairment of the components of the ignition device even with large power requirements.
  • control device is provided to interrupt or reduce the voltage applied to the primary side of the ignition coil voltage when an amount of magnetic induction B on the primary side of the ignition coil exceeds a predetermined maximum value see, for example DE 1173288 ,
  • the limitation of the amount of magnetic induction on the primary side prevents too high currents from flowing on the primary side, which could lead to impairment or destruction of the primary components of the ignition device.
  • this type of limitation also ensures an effective power transmission across the ignition coil, since far below the saturation of the ignition coil relatively small changes in the primary-side current cause relatively large changes in the amount of magnetic induction B.
  • the predefinable maximum value of the amount of magnetic induction B is an upper limit of a working range in which there is an at least approximately linear relationship between the amount of the magnetic induction B and the primary-side current.
  • Advantageous embodiments provide for an indirect determination or evaluation of the magnetic induction B on the primary side of the ignition coil.
  • a first variant is characterized in that the control means determines the amount of magnetic induction B on the primary side of the ignition coil indirectly via an evaluation of a duration of on-time and off-time, the voltage of the period being determined during the on-time Voltage source is applied to the primary side of the ignition coil and during the off time (s) the voltage of the voltage source is not applied to the primary side of the ignition coil.
  • the ignition device has a primary current measuring device and the control device determines the amount of the magnetic induction B on the primary side of the ignition coil indirectly via an evaluation of the magnitude of the primary-side current.
  • the control principle described below can be used to control a modulated high-voltage capacitor ignition (HCC).
  • the modulated HKZ is based on the idea of gradually feeding the ignition energy of the capacitor to the ignition coil.
  • This can basically be controlled or regulated.
  • the controlled variant is realized and described below.
  • the primary side of the ignition coil is switched to the supply voltage depending on the condition of the spark on the secondary side.
  • An advantage of this system lies in the time extension of the spark while controlling the Zündfunken characterizing. Burning times, preferably up to 5,000 microseconds can be achieved easily with this system.
  • a high voltage supply up to 40 kV (kilovolts) is often required.
  • the burn time is typically set by the controller between 100 and 1200 microseconds.
  • the spark is controlled by an adjustable specification of the fuel flow setpoint I rated (see Fig. 2 Characterized.
  • the control device must be the primary-side voltage supply of the ignition coil so trigger that the predetermined characteristic of the spark or the desired course of the secondary-side current I rated is achieved as well as possible.
  • Combustion concepts and internal combustion engines with high efficiency also have very high turbulence in the combustion chamber. Due to these turbulences, the spark of a secondary side triggered by an ignition spark plug is spatially extended and it can lead to premature extinction. To prevent a misfire in the combustion chamber due to insufficient burning time, the spark must be restored in the shortest possible time.
  • the necessary ignition voltage can be quite close to the high voltage supply of the ignition coil. In order to generate a new spark as quickly as possible, it should be taken into account that residual energy is still present in the resonant circuit of the high-voltage circuit, ie on the secondary side of the ignition coil when the ignition spark goes out. Therefore, to produce the spark, it is necessary to select a timing that positively utilizes the existing energy in the system.
  • control device 12 After an interruption of the primary-side voltage and / or power supply of the ignition coil during an ignition process or following the fall of the primary-side voltage and / or the primary-side current I pri by the ignition coil 3 below a predetermined threshold will switch on during the ignition, the primary-side voltage and / or current supply of the ignition coil 3 or adjusts it above the threshold value if the thus induced secondary-side current acts in the direction of the preferably immediately previously determined course of the secondary-side current I sek I sek.
  • Fig. 1 schematically shows a control principle for an inventively modulated ignition device, here in the form of a high voltage capacitor ignition.
  • the ignition coil 3 is a well-known transformer
  • the primary side is a DC voltage source, which here consists of the DC-DC converter 1 and a capacitor 2 connected in parallel thereto.
  • the control 13 switch 4 is provided on the primary side of the controlled by the control device 12 via the control 13 switch 4 . This can be designed as a semiconductor switch.
  • the switch 4 has at least one first switching state, in which the voltage of the voltage source is applied to the ignition coil 3, and at least one second Switching state in which the voltage of the voltage source is not applied to the ignition coil 3, on.
  • a freewheeling diode 18 is connected in parallel to the primary-side winding of the ignition coil 3. This is used for de-energizing the primary side 15 described below in the switched-off state of the voltage source when the switch 4 is open.
  • an additional ohmic resistor 19 can also be connected in series with the freewheeling diode 18. This means a loss of energy.
  • the resistor 19 and the achieved attenuation of the primary side 15 in the de-energizing faster reconnection after the extinction of a spark is possible.
  • the switching on and off of the voltage source 1, 2 takes place in this embodiment so only through the switch 4.
  • This value I pri is forwarded to the control device 12.
  • a shunt 6 for the current in the spark in series On the secondary side 16 is connected to the corresponding winding of the ignition coil 3, a shunt 6 for the current in the spark in series.
  • a secondary current measuring device 7 and a secondary voltage measuring device 8 are provided.
  • the secondary-side current I sec measured by means of the secondary current measuring device 7 is evaluated in this exemplary embodiment by means of the polarity evaluating device 9 with respect to its polarity and by means of the current intensity evaluating device 10 with respect to its amplitude or current intensity. It is provided in the embodiment shown that the evaluation of the amount, ie the current strength of the secondary-side current I sec limited to whether this is greater than or equal to a predetermined minimum value or not. This will be explained below using Fig. 2 further explained in detail. As a rule, the nominal fuel flow rate I rated will be used as a predefinable minimum value.
  • the values determined by the polarity evaluation device 9 and the current intensity evaluation device 10 do not give singular single values but the course of the Secondary current I sec again and this to the controller 12 on.
  • the same can also apply to the secondary-side voltage U sec measured by means of the secondary voltage measuring device 8. This is evaluated with the high-voltage evaluation device 11, which in turn forwards the voltage information to the control device 12.
  • the control device 12 activates the primary-side switch 4 and thus regulates the current and voltage supply of the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 3.
  • Fig. 2 is shown on the basis of various parameters, a course of an ignition during which the spark breaks off and is rebuilt.
  • the operation of the control device will be explained in more detail below with reference to the individual phases of this ignition process.
  • the control passes through the phases of ionization Ph1, current control Ph2, de-energization Ph3 and synchronization. The latter is realized at the transition between Ph3 and subsequent Ph1.
  • U sec shows the secondary voltage curve.
  • I sec shows the course of the measured secondary current.
  • I rated shows the setpoint course of the secondary-side current and thus preferably also the course of the minimum value on the basis of which the Stromstarnausute 10 decides whether the measured secondary side current I sec reaches or exceeds the target current value or below.
  • FB1 shows the evaluation result of the current intensity evaluation device 10.
  • FB1 assumes the value 1 if I sec is greater than or equal to I rated . In the other cases, FB1 assumes the value 0.
  • FB2 shows the result of the polarity evaluation device 9. If the measured secondary side current I sec is in the positive range, FB2 assumes the value 1. If the secondary-side current is negative, FB2 assumes the value 0.
  • T Switch shows the course of the control signal of the control device 12 to the switch 4. If this 1, then the switch 4 is closed and the voltage or power supply is applied to the primary side of the ignition coil 3. If the drive signal is 0, then the switch 4 is opened, whereby the voltage and power supply from the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 3 is disconnected.
  • the graph I pri shows the course of the primary-side current during the ignition process. All graphs thus represent the time course of the parameters.
  • the current setpoint of the secondary-side current I rated is adjustable via the control device 12 and is supplied to the current intensity evaluation device 10 in this exemplary embodiment for the determination of FB1.
  • the Strombutnauslus pain 10 may be designed for this purpose as a comparator.
  • the setpoint curve of the secondary-side current I rated can be set to different values by the control device 12, preferably both with respect to the burning time and with regard to the current intensity.
  • the control device 12 is first switched to the ionization phase Ph1.
  • This is a turn-on interval ⁇ t an1 in which the high voltage is built up, which is needed for the generation of the spark.
  • .DELTA.t an1 it is preferably provided that, when the switch 4 is closed, the voltage of the voltage source 1, 2 is permanently applied to the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 3 in full height and at least for the predefinable time duration .DELTA.t an1 .
  • the ignition coil 3 is thus connected on the primary side to the supply voltage on the primary side during the entire ionization phase or during the entire on-time interval.
  • the ionization phase for a fixed set time, which is necessary to generate the high voltage and thus the secondary side spark is connected.
  • the ionization phase can optionally also be switched off when the high voltage output by the ignition coil is exceeded in comparison with a limit value.
  • the control device 12 monitors the secondary-side current I sec via the secondary current measuring device 7 and / or the secondary side of the ignition coil 3 output voltage U sec via the secondary voltage measuring device 8 and the primary-side voltage supply of the ignition coil 3 during the Anschaltzeitintervall .DELTA.t interrupts when the secondary-side current I sec and / or the voltage U sec output by the ignition coil on the secondary side exceeds (exceeds) a specifiable limit value (e). This option protects the system from destruction if the spark plug, spark plug plug, or other malfunction is defective.
  • the spark is spatially extended, which increases the voltage at the spark plug and requires more energy to be supplied to the spark plug.
  • the current setpoint I rated can no longer be achieved and the spark must be deliberately extinguished by initiating the phase of de-energization Ph3.
  • the requirements of the internal combustion engine can be met especially well if the rated fuel input I rated during the spark can be changed.
  • the phasing phase Ph3 is needed in two cases. On the one hand, this can be the case if the spark unintentionally breaks off during the planned ignition process and has to be rebuilt. On the other hand, deenergizing may be necessary if the magnetism level or the magnetic induction B on the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 12 becomes too large. To explain the latter event is on Fig. 3 directed. This shows the relationship between the current strength of the primary-side current I pri and the amount of magnetic induction B on the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 3. Here it can be seen that - as is well known - the amount of magnetic induction B with increasing current I pri in reaches the area of saturation.
  • the control device 12 the voltage applied to the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 12 interrupts or reduces when the amount of the magnetic induction B on the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 12 exceeds a predetermined maximum value B max .
  • the predefinable maximum value B max of the amount of the magnetic induction B is the upper limit of a working range 17 in which there is an at least approximately linear relationship between the amount of the magnetic induction B and the primary-side current I pri .
  • the predefinable maximum value B max is favorably arranged far below the saturated region of the ignition coil 3.
  • two current changes ⁇ I 1 and ⁇ I 2 of primary current in Fig. 3 which is required to cause the same change in the amount of magnetic induction B (amount of ⁇ B 1 is equal to the amount of ⁇ B 2 ).
  • the comparatively small current change ⁇ I 1 is sufficient due to the more or less linear relationship between the primary current I pri and the amount of the magnetic induction B.
  • a considerably larger current change ⁇ I 2 must be used.
  • the magnetism level or the magnetic induction B is an image of the magnitude of the primary-side current I pn .
  • a limitation of the amount of the magnetic induction B thus avoids destruction of the primary-side components through high currents. Therefore, it is preferably provided that when the maximum value B max is exceeded, the ignition coil 3 is de-energized in order to reduce the magnetism level or the amount of the magnetic induction B.
  • the magnetism level can be determined by evaluating the switch-on and switch-off times of the switch 3.
  • the control device 12 determines the amount of the magnetic induction B on the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 3 indirectly via an evaluation of a duration of switch-on time (s) and switch-off time (s), wherein during the switch-on time (s) voltage the voltage source is applied to the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 3 and during the off-time (s) the voltage of the voltage source is not applied to the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 3.
  • a useful variant provides that the maximum value is a predefinable period of time and the control device compares this time period with the sum of the switch-on times, preferably from the beginning of an ignition process minus the sum of the switch-off times, preferably from the beginning of the ignition process.
  • the ignition device has a primary current measuring device 14 and the controller 12 determines the amount of magnetic induction B on the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 3 indirectly via a rating of the primary-side current I pri .
  • the maximum value B max is substituted by a predefinable maximum current value, wherein the control device 12 compares this with the amount of the primary-side current I pri .
  • the primary-side voltage supply is switched off by opening the switch 4 until the magnetism level has been lowered to an acceptable value.
  • the control device 12 following an interruption or a reduction of the voltage applied to the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 12, the control device 12 only permits or restarts the voltage again when the amount of the magnetic induction B on the Primary side 15 of the ignition coil 12 below the predetermined maximum value B max or corresponding maximum values of the above-mentioned replacement parameters or a predetermined reclosing setpoint value.
  • the restart setpoint value can also be selected to be lower than the maximum value used for the evaluation depending on the variant embodiment.
  • Fig. 2 is drawn on the exemplary course of the secondary side current I sec a phase of deenergization Ph3, in which the secondary side current initially drops sharply, whereupon the polarity of the secondary side current is negative and then at time t n at a zero crossing back to the positive region.
  • the course of the primary-side current I pri is shown as the lowest graph. This shows the general tendency of the increase of the primary-side current, while in the phase of the de-excitation Ph3 a decrease of the primary-side current I pri can be seen.
  • the control device 12 following an interruption of the primary side voltage and / or power supply of the ignition coil 3 during an ignition process or following the fall in the primary-side voltage and / or the primary-side current I pri by the ignition coil 3 below a predetermined threshold during the ignition, the primary-side voltage and / or power supply of the ignition coil 3 only turns on or above the threshold regulates if the induced secondary side current I sec in the direction of, preferably immediately, predetermined course of the secondary current I sec acts.
  • the switch 4 should therefore not be turned on when the secondary current I sec is negative.
  • the starting time t n of the ionization phase is determined from the monitoring of the polarity of the secondary-side current I sec (see also FB2 Fig. 2 ). Since the natural frequency of the ignition device is determined by its components, this is known. Conveniently, it can therefore be provided that the control device 12, the primary-side voltage and / or power supply of the ignition coil 3, preferably immediately after a predetermined time offset following a polarity change or zero crossing of the secondary side current I sec reconnects or regulates the pre-determinable threshold , wherein preferably the predetermined time offset corresponds substantially to a quarter of the natural period, preferably the secondary side 16, the ignition device. Accordingly, the ionization phase begins with a delay of one quarter of the natural period of the system after the secondary current I sec enters the positive region.
  • the ionization phase is prevented from being interrupted by the maximum value of the amount of magnetic induction B being reached. It is provided that the ionization phase can only be started when the magnetization level or the amount of magnetic induction B on the primary side 15 of the ignition coil is low enough at the beginning. If this is not the case, the system must be de-energized (phase Ph3) until the required low magnetization level is reached.
  • the ionization phase for the reconstruction of the spark can thus be started preferably only when the magnetization level and the synchronization condition in the resonant circuits are met.
  • switch-on times of the switch 4 are summed during the given burning time. If the summed on time of the switch 4 exceeds a predetermined limit value, the ignition process is aborted. This monitoring is conveniently independent of the magnetization level.
  • the quality of the ignition process is usually assessed based on the actual spark duration of the spark.
  • the burning time is measured between the attainment of the predetermined nominal fuel flow value I rated up to the zero value of the secondary current I sec . If the spark extinguishes during the given burning time and this is rebuilt, the measurement is restarted when the preset current set point is reached and stopped again at the zero value of the secondary current I sec . The measured values of the individual measuring processes are summed up. After completion of the ignition process, the combustion duration measurement is stopped and the measured value is evaluated. For the measurement or detection of misfires, the combustion duration measurement is reset if the measurement is shorter than the ionization phase from the attainment of the desired fuel burn value to the zero value of the secondary current I sec . In this case, no spark has been generated in the first ionization phase. This circumstance is considered a mistake or a dropout.
  • a capacitive current can build up in the secondary circuit due to the capacitive loading of the high voltage cabling and the spark plug. This current flows independently whether a spark is generated at the spark plug 5 or not.
  • the fuel flow setpoint I rated is in the ionization phase chosen so that the value must be safely exceeded. The reaching of the combustion current setpoint is queried shortly before the end of the ionization phase. If the secondary current I sec is not high enough at this time, then there is a hardware error in the system.

Abstract

The device has a controlling unit (12) and an ignition coil (3) that includes a primary side (15) fed by a voltage supply. The controlling unit interrupts or reduces the voltage applied to the primary side, when an amount of magnetic induction on the primary side exceeds a preset maximum value. The maximum value of the amount of magnetic induction lies below the saturated area of the ignition coil. The controlling unit determines the amount of magnetic induction on the primary side of the ignition coil.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Zündeinrichtung für eine Brennkraftmaschine, insbesondere für einen Gasmotor, mit einer Regeleinrichtung und mit einer Zündspule, die auf ihrer Primärseite von einer Spannungsquelle speisbar ist.The present invention relates to an ignition device for an internal combustion engine, in particular for a gas engine, with a control device and with an ignition coil which can be fed by a voltage source on its primary side.

Die Zündspulen der gattungsgemäßen Zündeinrichtungen sind Transformatoren, auf deren Sekundärseite die Hochspannung an die Zündkerze angelegt werden. Beim Betrieb dieser Zündspulen wird Leistung von der Primärseite auf die Sekundärseite transferiert.The ignition coils of the generic ignition devices are transformers, on the secondary side of which the high voltage is applied to the spark plug. During operation of these ignition coils power is transferred from the primary side to the secondary side.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, dies möglichst effektiv zu gestalten und auch bei großen Leistungsanforderungen eine Zerstörung oder Beeinträchtigung der Komponenten der Zündeinrichtung zu vermeiden.The object of the invention is to make this as effective as possible and to avoid destruction or impairment of the components of the ignition device even with large power requirements.

Dies wird erfindungsgemäß erreicht, indem die Regeleinrichtung dazu vorgesehen ist, die an der Primärseite der Zündspule angelegte Spannung zu unterbrechen oder zu reduzieren, wenn ein Betrag einer magnetischen Induktion B auf der Primärseite der Zündspule einen vorgebbaren Maximalwert überschreitet siehe z.B. DE 1173288 .This is inventively achieved by the control device is provided to interrupt or reduce the voltage applied to the primary side of the ignition coil voltage when an amount of magnetic induction B on the primary side of the ignition coil exceeds a predetermined maximum value see, for example DE 1173288 ,

Durch diese erfindungsgemäße Maßnahme der Begrenzung des Betrages der magnetischen Induktion auf der Primärseite wird einerseits verhindert, dass zu hohe Ströme primärseitig fließen, welche zu einer Beeinträchtigung oder Zerstörung der primärseitigen Komponenten der Zündeinrichtung führen könnten. Andererseits wird durch diese Art der Begrenzung aber auch eine effektive Leistungsübertragung über die Zündspule hinweg gewährleistet, da weit unterhalb der Sättigung der Zündspule relativ geringe Änderungen des primärseitigen Stromes relativ große Änderungen im Betrag der magnetischen Induktion B hervorrufen.By this measure according to the invention the limitation of the amount of magnetic induction on the primary side, on the one hand, prevents too high currents from flowing on the primary side, which could lead to impairment or destruction of the primary components of the ignition device. On the other hand, this type of limitation also ensures an effective power transmission across the ignition coil, since far below the saturation of the ignition coil relatively small changes in the primary-side current cause relatively large changes in the amount of magnetic induction B.

Dabei ist vorzugsweise vorgesehen, dass der vorgebbare Maximalwert des Betrages der magnetischen Induktion B eine Obergrenze eines Arbeitsbereiches ist, in dem ein zumindest annähernd linearer Zusammenhang zwischen dem Betrag der magnetischen Induktion B und dem primärseitigen Strom besteht. Vorteilhafte Ausführungsformen sehen eine indirekte Bestimmung bzw. Bewertung der magnetischen Induktion B auf der Primärseite der Zündspule vor. Eine erste Variante ist dabei dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Regeleinrichtung den Betrag der magnetischen Induktion B auf der Primärseite der Zündspule indirekt über eine Bewertung einer Dauer von Einschaltzeit(en) und Ausschaltzeit(en) bestimmt, wobei während der Einschaltzeit(en) die Spannung der Spannungsquelle an der Primärseite der Zündspule anliegt und während der Ausschaltzeit(en) die Spannung der Spannungsquelle nicht an der Primärseite der Zündspule anliegt.It is preferably provided that the predefinable maximum value of the amount of magnetic induction B is an upper limit of a working range in which there is an at least approximately linear relationship between the amount of the magnetic induction B and the primary-side current. Advantageous embodiments provide for an indirect determination or evaluation of the magnetic induction B on the primary side of the ignition coil. A first variant is characterized in that the control means determines the amount of magnetic induction B on the primary side of the ignition coil indirectly via an evaluation of a duration of on-time and off-time, the voltage of the period being determined during the on-time Voltage source is applied to the primary side of the ignition coil and during the off time (s) the voltage of the voltage source is not applied to the primary side of the ignition coil.

Eine andere Variante sieht vor, dass die Zündeinrichtung eine Primärstrommesseinrichtung aufweist und die Regeleinrichtung den Betrag der magnetischen Induktion B auf der Primärseite der Zündspule indirekt über eine Bewertung des Betrages des primärseitigen Stromes bestimmt.Another variant provides that the ignition device has a primary current measuring device and the control device determines the amount of the magnetic induction B on the primary side of the ignition coil indirectly via an evaluation of the magnitude of the primary-side current.

Weitere Merkmale und Einzelheiten der vorliegenden Erfindung ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Figurenbeschreibung. Dabei zeigen:

Fig. 1
einen schematischen Schaltplan zu einem erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsbeispiel einer Zündeinrichtung,
Fig. 2
den Verlauf verschiedener Parameter zur Darstellung eines Zündvorgangs und
Fig.3
eine schematische Darstellung zum Zusammenhang zwischen Primärstrom und magnetischer Induktion auf der Primärseite der Zündspule.
Further features and details of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the figures. Showing:
Fig. 1
a schematic circuit diagram of an embodiment of an ignition device according to the invention,
Fig. 2
the course of various parameters to represent an ignition process and
Figure 3
a schematic representation of the relationship between primary current and magnetic induction on the primary side of the ignition coil.

Das nachstehend beschriebene Regelprinzip kann zur Ansteuerung einer modulierten Hochspannungskondensatorzündung (HKZ) verwendet werden. Die modulierte HKZ basiert auf der Idee, die Zündenergie des Kondensators schrittweise der Zündspule zuzuführen. Dies kann grundsätzlich gesteuert oder geregelt erfolgen. Gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung wird die geregelte Variante realisiert und im Folgenden beschrieben. In der geregelten Version wir die primäre Seite der Zündspule in Abhängigkeit vom Zustand des Zündfunkens auf der Sekundärseite an die Versorgungsspannung geschaltet. Ein Vorteil dieses Systems liegt in der zeitlichen Verlängerung des Zündfunkens bei gleichzeitiger Steuerung der Zündfunkencharakteristik. Brenndauern, vorzugsweise bis 5.000 Mikrosekunden sind mit diesem System problemlos zu erreichen. Insbesondere bei Gasmotoren wird häufig ein Hochspannungsangebot bis 40 kV (Kilovolt) benötigt. Dies kann beim Erregen eines erfindungsgemäßen Systems in weniger als 100 Mikrosekunden erreicht werden. Die Brenndauer wird von der Regeleinrichtung typischerweise zwischen 100 und 1.200 Mikrosekunden vorgegeben. Während dieser Zeit wird der Zündfunke durch eine verstellbare Vorgabe des Brennstromsollwertes Irated (siehe Fig. 2) charakterisiert. Die Regeleinrichtung muss dabei die primärseitige Spannungsversorgung der Zündspule so ansteuern, dass die vorgegebene Charakteristik des Zündfunkens bzw. der Sollverlauf des sekundärseitigen Stromes Irated möglichst gut erreicht wird.The control principle described below can be used to control a modulated high-voltage capacitor ignition (HCC). The modulated HKZ is based on the idea of gradually feeding the ignition energy of the capacitor to the ignition coil. This can basically be controlled or regulated. According to the present invention, the controlled variant is realized and described below. In the regulated version, the primary side of the ignition coil is switched to the supply voltage depending on the condition of the spark on the secondary side. An advantage of this system lies in the time extension of the spark while controlling the Zündfunkencharakteristik. Burning times, preferably up to 5,000 microseconds can be achieved easily with this system. Especially in gas engines, a high voltage supply up to 40 kV (kilovolts) is often required. This can be achieved in energizing a system according to the invention in less than 100 microseconds. The burn time is typically set by the controller between 100 and 1200 microseconds. During this time, the spark is controlled by an adjustable specification of the fuel flow setpoint I rated (see Fig. 2 Characterized. The control device must be the primary-side voltage supply of the ignition coil so trigger that the predetermined characteristic of the spark or the desired course of the secondary-side current I rated is achieved as well as possible.

Verbrennungskonzepte bzw. Brennkraftmaschinen mit hohem Wirkungsgrad weisen auch sehr hohe Turbulenzen im Verbrennungsraum auf. Durch diese Turbulenzen wird der Zündfunken einer sekundärseitig von einer Zündeinrichtung angesteuerten Zündkerze räumlich verlängert und es kann zum vorzeitigen Erlöschen kommen. Um einen Verbrennungsaussetzer im Brennraum aufgrund von zu geringer Brenndauer zu verhindern, muss der Zündfunken in möglichst kurzer Zeit wieder hergestellt werden. Die notwendige Zündspannung kann dabei durchaus nahe dem Hochspannungsangebot der Zündspule liegen. Um möglichst schnell einen neuen Zündfunken zu erzeugen, sollte berücksichtigt werden, dass beim Erlöschen des Zündfunkens noch Restenergie im Schwingkreis des Hochspannungskreises, also auf der Sekundärseite der Zündspule vorhanden ist. Zum Wederherstellen des Zündfunkens muss daher ein Zeitpunkt gewählt werden, der die vorhandene Energie im System positiv nutzt. Dies kann erreicht werden, indem die Regeleinrichtung 12 im Anschluss an eine Unterbrechung der primärseitigen Spannungsund/oder Stromversorgung der Zündspule während eines Zündvorgangs oder im Anschluss an das Abfallen der primärseitigen Spannung und/oder des primärseitigen Stromes Ipri durch die Zündspule 3 unter einen vorgebbaren Schwellwert während des Zündvorgangs die primärseitige Spannungs- und/oder Stromversorgung der Zündspule 3 erst dann wieder einschaltet oder über den Schwellwert regelt, wenn der dadurch induzierte sekundärseitige Strom Isek in Richtung des, vorzugsweise unmittelbar, vorab bestimmten Verlaufs des sekundärseitigen Stromes Isek wirkt.Combustion concepts and internal combustion engines with high efficiency also have very high turbulence in the combustion chamber. Due to these turbulences, the spark of a secondary side triggered by an ignition spark plug is spatially extended and it can lead to premature extinction. To prevent a misfire in the combustion chamber due to insufficient burning time, the spark must be restored in the shortest possible time. The necessary ignition voltage can be quite close to the high voltage supply of the ignition coil. In order to generate a new spark as quickly as possible, it should be taken into account that residual energy is still present in the resonant circuit of the high-voltage circuit, ie on the secondary side of the ignition coil when the ignition spark goes out. Therefore, to produce the spark, it is necessary to select a timing that positively utilizes the existing energy in the system. This can be achieved by the control device 12 after an interruption of the primary-side voltage and / or power supply of the ignition coil during an ignition process or following the fall of the primary-side voltage and / or the primary-side current I pri by the ignition coil 3 below a predetermined threshold will switch on during the ignition, the primary-side voltage and / or current supply of the ignition coil 3 or adjusts it above the threshold value if the thus induced secondary-side current acts in the direction of the preferably immediately previously determined course of the secondary-side current I sek I sek.

Fig. 1 zeigt schematisch ein Regelungsprinzip für eine erfindungsgemäß modulierte Zündeinrichtung, hier in Form einer Hochspannungskondensatorzündung. Bei der Zündspule 3 handelt es sich um einen allgemein bekannten Transformator, auf dessen Primärseite 15 eine Spannungsversorgung vorgesehen ist und auf dessen Sekundärseite 16 die Zündkerze 5 zur Erzeugung eines Zündfunkens mit Hochspannung versorgt wird. Beim vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel handelt es sich primärseitig um eine Gleichstromspannungsquelle, die hier aus dem DC-DC-Konverter 1 und einem dazu parallel geschalteten Kondensator 2 besteht. Darüber hinaus ist auf der Primärseite der von der Regeleinrichtung 12 über die Ansteuerung 13 angesteuerte Schalter 4 vorgesehen. Dieser kann als Halbleiterschalter ausgebildet sein. Der Schalter 4 weist zumindest einen ersten Schaltzustand, bei dem die Spannung der Spannungsquelle an der Zündspule 3 anliegt, und zumindest einen zweiten Schaltzustand, bei dem die Spannung der Spannungsquelle nicht an der Zündspule 3 anliegt, auf. Darüber hinaus ist zur primärseitigen Wicklung der Zündspule 3 eine Freilaufdiode 18 parallel geschaltet. Diese dient der weiter unten beschriebenen Entregung der Primärseite 15 im abgeschalteten Zustand der Spannungsquelle bei geöffnetem Schalter 4. Durch die Verwendung der Freilaufdiode 18 wird bei der Entregung die Energie maximal im primärseitigen Kreis gehalten. Optional kann in Reihe zur Freilaufdiode 18 aber auch ein zusätzlicher ohmscher Widerstand 19 geschaltet werden. Dieser bedeutet zwar einen Energieverlust. Durch den Widerstand 19 und die dadurch erreichte Dämpfung der Primärseite 15 bei der Entregung ist aber andererseits ein schnelleres Wiedereinschalten nach dem Erlöschen eines Zündfunkens möglich. Fig. 1 schematically shows a control principle for an inventively modulated ignition device, here in the form of a high voltage capacitor ignition. In the ignition coil 3 is a well-known transformer, on the primary side 15, a power supply is provided and on the secondary side 16, the spark plug 5 is supplied to generate a spark with high voltage. In the present embodiment, the primary side is a DC voltage source, which here consists of the DC-DC converter 1 and a capacitor 2 connected in parallel thereto. In addition, on the primary side of the controlled by the control device 12 via the control 13 switch 4 is provided. This can be designed as a semiconductor switch. The switch 4 has at least one first switching state, in which the voltage of the voltage source is applied to the ignition coil 3, and at least one second Switching state in which the voltage of the voltage source is not applied to the ignition coil 3, on. In addition, a freewheeling diode 18 is connected in parallel to the primary-side winding of the ignition coil 3. This is used for de-energizing the primary side 15 described below in the switched-off state of the voltage source when the switch 4 is open. By using the freewheeling diode 18, the energy is maximally maintained in the primary-side circuit during de-energizing. Optionally, however, an additional ohmic resistor 19 can also be connected in series with the freewheeling diode 18. This means a loss of energy. On the other hand, by the resistor 19 and the achieved attenuation of the primary side 15 in the de-energizing faster reconnection after the extinction of a spark is possible.

Das An- und Abschalten der Spannungsquelle 1, 2 erfolgt in diesem Ausführungsbeispiel also ausschließlich über den Schalter 4. Auf der Primärseite 15 gestrichelt dargestellt, ist eine im bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiel vorgesehene Primärstrommesseinrichtung 14, die zur Bestimmung des im Primärkreis fließenden Stromes Ipri dient. Dieser Wert Ipri wird an die Regeleinrichtung 12 weitergegeben. Darüber hinaus kann optional, anstelle und/oder zusätzlich primärseitig auch noch eine Spannungsmesseinrichtung vorgesehen sein. Diese ist hier aber explizit nicht dargestellt. Ist sie vorhanden, so gibt sie den an der Primärseite der Zündspule 3 gemessenen Spannungswert ebenfalls an die Regeleinrichtung 12 weiter.The switching on and off of the voltage source 1, 2 takes place in this embodiment so only through the switch 4. On the primary side 15 shown in phantom, provided in the preferred embodiment primary current measuring device 14, which serves to determine the current flowing in the primary circuit current I pri . This value I pri is forwarded to the control device 12. In addition, may optionally be provided instead of and / or additionally primary side even a voltage measuring device. This is not explicitly shown here. If it is present, it also sends the voltage value measured on the primary side of the ignition coil 3 to the control device 12.

Auf der Sekundärseite 16 ist mit der entsprechenden Wicklung der Zündspule 3 ein Shunt 6 für den Strom im Zündfunken in Reihe geschaltet. Darüber hinaus ist eine Sekundärstrommesseinrichtung 7 sowie eine Sekundärspannungsmesseinrichtung 8 vorgesehen. Der mittels der Sekundärstrommesseinrichtung 7 gemessene sekundärseitige Strom Isek wird in diesem Ausführungsbeispiel mittels der Polaritätsauswerteeinrichtung 9 bezüglich seiner Polarität und mittels der Stromstärkenauswerteeinrichtung 10 bezüglich seiner Amplitude bzw. Stromstärke ausgewertet. Dabei ist im gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel vorgesehen, dass sich die Auswertung des Betrages, also der Stromstärke des sekundärseitigen Stromes Isek darauf beschränkt, ob dieser größer oder gleich eines vorgebbaren Mindestwertes ist oder nicht. Dies wird weiter unten anhand von Fig. 2 im Detail weiter erläutert. Als vorgebbarer Mindestwert wird dabei in der Regel der Brennstromsollwertverlauf Irated herangezogen werden.On the secondary side 16 is connected to the corresponding winding of the ignition coil 3, a shunt 6 for the current in the spark in series. In addition, a secondary current measuring device 7 and a secondary voltage measuring device 8 are provided. The secondary-side current I sec measured by means of the secondary current measuring device 7 is evaluated in this exemplary embodiment by means of the polarity evaluating device 9 with respect to its polarity and by means of the current intensity evaluating device 10 with respect to its amplitude or current intensity. It is provided in the embodiment shown that the evaluation of the amount, ie the current strength of the secondary-side current I sec limited to whether this is greater than or equal to a predetermined minimum value or not. This will be explained below using Fig. 2 further explained in detail. As a rule, the nominal fuel flow rate I rated will be used as a predefinable minimum value.

Die von der Polaritätsauswerteeinrichtung 9 und der Stromstärkenauswerteeinrichtung 10 bestimmten Werte geben jedenfalls nicht singuläre Einzelwerte sondern den Verlauf des sekundärseitigen Stromes Isek wieder und diesen an die Regeleinrichtung 12 weiter. Das gleiche kann auch für die mittels der Sekundärspannungsmesseinrichtung 8 gemessene sekundärseitige Spannung Usek gelten. Diese wird mit der Hochspannungsauswerteeinrichtung 11 ausgewertet, wobei diese die Spannungsinformation wiederum an die Regeleinrichtung 12 weitergibt. In Abhängigkeit der genannten Eingabeparameter steuert die Regeleinrichtung 12 den primärseitigen Schalter 4 an und regelt damit die Strom- und Spannungsversorgung der Primärseite 15 der Zündspule 3.In any case, the values determined by the polarity evaluation device 9 and the current intensity evaluation device 10 do not give singular single values but the course of the Secondary current I sec again and this to the controller 12 on. The same can also apply to the secondary-side voltage U sec measured by means of the secondary voltage measuring device 8. This is evaluated with the high-voltage evaluation device 11, which in turn forwards the voltage information to the control device 12. Depending on the input parameters mentioned, the control device 12 activates the primary-side switch 4 and thus regulates the current and voltage supply of the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 3.

In Fig. 2 ist anhand von verschiedenen Parametern ein Verlauf eines Zündvorgangs dargestellt, währenddessen der Zündfunke abreißt und wieder aufgebaut wird. Die Funktionsweise der Regeleinrichtung wird anhand der einzelnen Phasen dieses Zündvorgangs im folgenden dann näher erläutert. Die Regelung durchläuft dabei die Phasen Ionisation Ph1, Stromregelung Ph2, Entregung Ph3 und Synchronisation. Letztere ist am Übergang zwischen Ph3 und nachfolgender Ph1 realisiert. Usek zeigt den sekundärseitigen Spannungsverlauf. Isek zeigt den Verlauf des gemessenen sekundärseitigen Stromes. Irated zeigt den Sollwertverlauf des sekundärseitigen Stromes und bevorzugt damit auch den Verlauf des Mindestwertes anhand dessen die Stromstärkenauswerteeinrichtung 10 entscheidet, ob der gemessene sekundärseitige Strom Isek den Sollstromwert erreicht bzw. überschreitet oder darunter liegt. FB1 zeigt dabei das Auswerteergebnis der Stromstärkenauswerteeinrichtung 10. FB1 nimmt den Wert 1 an, wenn Isek größer oder gleich Irated ist. In den anderen Fällen nimmt FB1 den Wert 0 an. FB2 zeigt das Ergebnis der Polaritätsauswerteeinrichtung 9. Liegt der gemessene sekundärseitige Strom Isek im positiven Bereich, so nimmt FB2 den Wert 1 an. Ist der sekundärseitige Strom negativ, so nimmt FB2 den Wert 0 an. TSwitch zeigt den Verlauf des Ansteuersignals der Regeleinrichtung 12 an den Schalter 4. Ist dieses 1, so ist der Schalter 4 geschlossen und die Spannungs- bzw. Stromversorgung liegt an der Primärseite der Zündspule 3 an. Ist das Ansteuersignal gleich 0, so ist der Schalter 4 geöffnet, womit die Spannungs- und Stromversorgung von der Primärseite 15 der Zündspule 3 getrennt ist. Der Graph Ipri zeigt den Verlauf des primärseitigen Stromes während des Zündvorgangs. Alle Graphen stellen somit den zeitlichen Verlauf der Parameter dar.In Fig. 2 is shown on the basis of various parameters, a course of an ignition during which the spark breaks off and is rebuilt. The operation of the control device will be explained in more detail below with reference to the individual phases of this ignition process. The control passes through the phases of ionization Ph1, current control Ph2, de-energization Ph3 and synchronization. The latter is realized at the transition between Ph3 and subsequent Ph1. U sec shows the secondary voltage curve. I sec shows the course of the measured secondary current. I rated shows the setpoint course of the secondary-side current and thus preferably also the course of the minimum value on the basis of which the Stromstärkenauswerteeinrichtung 10 decides whether the measured secondary side current I sec reaches or exceeds the target current value or below. FB1 shows the evaluation result of the current intensity evaluation device 10. FB1 assumes the value 1 if I sec is greater than or equal to I rated . In the other cases, FB1 assumes the value 0. FB2 shows the result of the polarity evaluation device 9. If the measured secondary side current I sec is in the positive range, FB2 assumes the value 1. If the secondary-side current is negative, FB2 assumes the value 0. T Switch shows the course of the control signal of the control device 12 to the switch 4. If this 1, then the switch 4 is closed and the voltage or power supply is applied to the primary side of the ignition coil 3. If the drive signal is 0, then the switch 4 is opened, whereby the voltage and power supply from the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 3 is disconnected. The graph I pri shows the course of the primary-side current during the ignition process. All graphs thus represent the time course of the parameters.

Der Stromsollwert des sekundärseitigen Stromes Irated ist über die Regeleinrichtung 12 einstellbar und wird der Stromstärkenauswerteeinrichtung 10 in diesem Ausführungsbeispiel zur Bestimmung von FB1 zugeführt. Die Stromstärkenauswerteeinrichtung 10 kann hierfür als Komparator ausgebildet sein. Der Sollwertverlauf des sekundärseitigen Stromes Irated kann von der Regeleinrichtung 12 bevorzugt sowohl bezüglich der Brenndauer als auch bezüglich der Stromstärke auf verschiedene Werte eingestellt werden. Optional ist es auch möglich, die Spannung an der Zündkerze zu messen und dieses Signal in die Regelung einzubinden.The current setpoint of the secondary-side current I rated is adjustable via the control device 12 and is supplied to the current intensity evaluation device 10 in this exemplary embodiment for the determination of FB1. The Stromstärkenauswerteeinrichtung 10 may be designed for this purpose as a comparator. The setpoint curve of the secondary-side current I rated can be set to different values by the control device 12, preferably both with respect to the burning time and with regard to the current intensity. Optionally, it is also possible to measure the voltage at the spark plug and to integrate this signal into the control.

Zu Beginn des Zündvorgangs zum Zündzeitpunkt t0 wird die Regeleinrichtung 12 zunächst in die Ionisationsphase Ph1 geschaltet. Diese ist ein Anschaltintervall Δtan1 in der die Hochspannung aufgebaut wird, die für die Erzeugung des Zündfunkens benötigt wird. Während des gesamten Anschaltintervalls Δtan1 ist bevorzugt vorgesehen, dass bei geschlossenem Schalter 4 auf der Primärseite 15 der Zündspule 3 die Spannung der Spannungsquelle 1, 2 in voller Höhe und zumindest für die vorgebbare Zeitdauer Δtan1 permanent anliegt. Die Zündspule 3 ist primärseitig somit während der gesamten Ionisationsphase bzw. während des gesamten Anschaltzeitintervalls primärseitig an die Versorgungsspannung geschaltet. Im einfachsten Fall wird die Ionisationsphase für eine fix eingestellte Zeit, welche zur Erzeugung der Hochspannung und damit des sekundärseitigen Zündfunkens notwendig ist, angeschlossen. Um Beschädigungen des Systems durch zu hohe Spannungen zu vermeiden, kann die Ionisationsphase optional auch beim Überschreiten der von der Zündspule ausgegebenen Hochspannung im Vergleich mit einem Grenzwert abgeschaltet werden. Hierzu ist vorgesehen, dass die Regeleinrichtung 12 während des Anschaltzeitintervalls Δtan1, Δtan2 den sekundärseitigen Strom Isek über die Sekundärstrommesseinrichtung 7 und/oder die sekundärseitig von der Zündspule 3 abgegebene Spannung Usek über die Sekundärspannungsmesseinrichtung 8 überwacht und die primärseitige Spannungsversorgung der Zündspule 3 unterbricht, wenn der sekundärseitige Strom Isek und/oder die sekundärseitig von der Zündspule abgegebene Spannung Usek (einen) vorgebbare(n) Grenzwert(e) überschreitet (überschreiten). Diese Option schützt das System bei einer schadhaften Zündkerze, fehlendem Zündkerzenstecker oder einer anderen Fehlfunktion vor Zerstörung. Beim gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel ist also vorgesehen, dass während des Ionisationsphase Ph1 bzw. dem Anschaltzeitintervall Δtan1 keine Regelung in Abhängigkeit des sekundärseitigen Stromes vorgenommen wird. Diese setzt bei dieser Variante erst nach Abschluss der Ionisationsphase Ph1 und bei Eintritt in die Stromregelungsphase Ph2 ein. In dieser Phase Ph2 wird der sekundärseitige Strom Isek (im Zündfunken) mittels des Komparators der Stromstärkenauswerteeinrichtung 10 mit dem Verlauf des Sollwertes Irated verglichen. Aus diesem Vergleich ergibt sich - wie bereits geschildert - das Signal FB1. Nimmt dieses den Wert 1 an und ist damit der Istwert des sekundärseitigen Stromes Isek höher als oder gleich dem Sollwert Irated wird die Energiezufuhr auf der Primärseite 15 der Zündspule 3 durch Öffnen des Schalters 4 unterbrochen. Im ungekehrten Fall wird die Zündspule 3 an die Spannungsversorgung 1, 2 geschaltet. Mit dieser Regelung kann der Strom im Zündfunken eingestellt werden und im Idealfall kann die Phase Ph2 der Brennstromregelung bis zum Ende der eingestellten Brenndauer beibehalten werden.At the beginning of the ignition process at the ignition time t 0 , the control device 12 is first switched to the ionization phase Ph1. This is a turn-on interval Δt an1 in which the high voltage is built up, which is needed for the generation of the spark. During the entire turn-on interval .DELTA.t an1 it is preferably provided that, when the switch 4 is closed, the voltage of the voltage source 1, 2 is permanently applied to the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 3 in full height and at least for the predefinable time duration .DELTA.t an1 . The ignition coil 3 is thus connected on the primary side to the supply voltage on the primary side during the entire ionization phase or during the entire on-time interval. In the simplest case, the ionization phase for a fixed set time, which is necessary to generate the high voltage and thus the secondary side spark is connected. In order to avoid damage to the system due to excessive voltages, the ionization phase can optionally also be switched off when the high voltage output by the ignition coil is exceeded in comparison with a limit value. For this purpose, it is provided that the control device 12 monitors the secondary-side current I sec via the secondary current measuring device 7 and / or the secondary side of the ignition coil 3 output voltage U sec via the secondary voltage measuring device 8 and the primary-side voltage supply of the ignition coil 3 during the Anschaltzeitintervall .DELTA.t interrupts when the secondary-side current I sec and / or the voltage U sec output by the ignition coil on the secondary side exceeds (exceeds) a specifiable limit value (e). This option protects the system from destruction if the spark plug, spark plug plug, or other malfunction is defective. In the exemplary embodiment shown, it is thus provided that no regulation as a function of the secondary-side current is carried out during the ionization phase Ph1 or the on-time interval Δt an1 . In this variant, this only starts after completion of the ionization phase Ph1 and on entry into the current control phase Ph2. In this phase Ph2 the secondary-side current I sec (in the spark) is compared by means of the comparator of Stromstärkenauswerteeinrichtung 10 with the course of the setpoint I rated . From this comparison results - as already described - the signal FB1. If this assumes the value 1 and is thus the actual value of the secondary-side current I sec higher than or equal to the nominal value I rated , the energy supply interrupted on the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 3 by opening the switch 4. In the opposite case, the ignition coil 3 is connected to the power supply 1, 2. With this control, the current in the spark can be adjusted and, ideally, phase Ph2 of the fuel flow control can be maintained until the end of the set burn time.

Durch die Turbulenzen im Brennraum wird in der Praxis der Funken jedoch räumlich verlängert, wodurch die Spannung an der Zündkerze steigt und der Zündkerze mehr Energie zugeführt werden muss. In diesem Fall kann der Stromsollwert Irated nicht mehr erreicht werden und der Zündfunken muss bewusst zum Erlöschen gebracht werden, indem die Phase der Entregung Ph3 eingeleitet wird. Die Anforderungen der Brennkraftmaschine können besonders gut dann erfüllt werden, wenn die Brennstromvorgabe Irated während des Zündfunkens verändert werden kann.However, due to the turbulence in the combustion chamber, in practice the spark is spatially extended, which increases the voltage at the spark plug and requires more energy to be supplied to the spark plug. In this case, the current setpoint I rated can no longer be achieved and the spark must be deliberately extinguished by initiating the phase of de-energization Ph3. The requirements of the internal combustion engine can be met especially well if the rated fuel input I rated during the spark can be changed.

Die Phase der Entregung Ph3 wird in zwei Fällen benötigt. Zum einen kann dies sein, wenn während des vorgesehenen Zündvorgangs unbeabsichtigt der Zündfunke abreißt und neu aufgebaut werden muss. Zum anderen kann eine Entregung notwendig werden, wenn der Magnetismuslevel bzw. die magnetische Induktion B auf der Primärseite 15 der Zündspule 12 zu groß wird. Zur Erläuterung des zuletzt genannten Ereignisses wird auf Fig. 3 verwiesen. Diese zeigt den Zusammenhang zwischen der Stromstärke des primärseitigen Stromes Ipri und dem Betrag der magnetischen Induktion B auf der Primärseite 15 der Zündspule 3. Hier ist zu sehen, dass - wie allgemein bekannt - der Betrag der magnetischen Induktion B mit zunehmendem Strom Ipri in den Bereich einer Sättigung gelangt. In diesem Bereich müssen sehr große Änderungen der Stromstärke Ipri vorgenommen werden, um vergleichsweise geringe Änderungen der magnetischen Induktion B zu bewirken. Dies ist bei Zündsystemen mit Zündspule 3 nicht wünschenswert. Um dies zu verhindern, ist vorgesehen, dass die Regeleinrichtung 12, die an der Primärseite 15 der Zündspule 12 angelegte Spannung unterbricht oder reduziert, wenn der Betrag der magnetischen Induktion B auf der Primärseite 15 der Zündspule 12 einen vorgebbaren Maximalwert Bmax überschreitet. Dabei ist günstigerweise vorgesehen, dass der vorgebbare Maximalwert Bmax des Betrages der magnetischen Induktion B die Obergrenze eines Arbeitsbereiches 17 ist, in dem ein zumindest annähernd linearer Zusammenhang zwischen dem Betrag der magnetischen Induktion B und dem primärseitigen Strom Ipri vorliegt. Der vorgebbare Maximalwert Bmax ist dabei günstigerweise weit unterhalb des gesättigten Bereiches der Zündspule 3 angeordnet. Zum Vergleich sind zwei Stromänderungen ΔI1 und ΔI2 des primärseitigen Stromes in Fig. 3 eingezeichnet, die dazu benötigt werden dieselbe Änderung des Betrages der magnetischen Induktion B (Betrag von ΔB1 ist gleich Betrag von ΔB2) hervorzurufen. Innerhalb des Arbeitsbereiches 17 reicht aufgrund des mehr oder weniger linearen Zusammenhangs zwischen Primärstrom Ipri und dem Betrag der magnetischen Induktion B die vergleichsweise geringe Stromänderung ΔI1. Oberhalb des Arbeitsbereiches 17 muss, um dieselbe Änderung des Betrages der magnetischen Induktion B hervorzurufen, eine wesentlich größere Stromänderung ΔI2 aufgewendet werden.The phasing phase Ph3 is needed in two cases. On the one hand, this can be the case if the spark unintentionally breaks off during the planned ignition process and has to be rebuilt. On the other hand, deenergizing may be necessary if the magnetism level or the magnetic induction B on the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 12 becomes too large. To explain the latter event is on Fig. 3 directed. This shows the relationship between the current strength of the primary-side current I pri and the amount of magnetic induction B on the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 3. Here it can be seen that - as is well known - the amount of magnetic induction B with increasing current I pri in reaches the area of saturation. In this range, very large changes in the current intensity I pri must be made to cause comparatively small changes in the magnetic induction B. This is not desirable in ignition systems with ignition coil 3. To prevent this, it is provided that the control device 12, the voltage applied to the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 12 interrupts or reduces when the amount of the magnetic induction B on the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 12 exceeds a predetermined maximum value B max . In this case, it is advantageously provided that the predefinable maximum value B max of the amount of the magnetic induction B is the upper limit of a working range 17 in which there is an at least approximately linear relationship between the amount of the magnetic induction B and the primary-side current I pri . The predefinable maximum value B max is favorably arranged far below the saturated region of the ignition coil 3. For comparison, two current changes ΔI 1 and ΔI 2 of primary current in Fig. 3 which is required to cause the same change in the amount of magnetic induction B (amount of ΔB 1 is equal to the amount of ΔB 2 ). Within the working range 17, the comparatively small current change ΔI 1 is sufficient due to the more or less linear relationship between the primary current I pri and the amount of the magnetic induction B. Above the working area 17, in order to produce the same change in the amount of magnetic induction B, a considerably larger current change ΔI 2 must be used.

Aufgrund des geschilderten und in Fig. 3 dargestellten Zusammenhangs ist es also sinnvoll, den Betrag der magnetischen Induktion B auf der Primärseite 15 der Zündspule 12 im Arbeitsbereich 17 zu halten. Dabei ergibt sich aus Fig. 3, dass der Magnetismuslevel bzw. die magnetische Induktion B ein Abbild der Höhe des primärseitigen Stromes Ipn ist. Umso höher der Magnetismuslevel bzw. der Betrag der magnetischen Induktion B ist, desto höher ist auch der primärseitige Strom Ipri durch die Zündspule 3 und den Schalter 4. Eine Begrenzung des Betrages der magnetischen Induktion B vermeidet somit auch eine Zerstörung der primärseitigen Bauteile durch zu hohe Stromstärken. Daher ist vorzugsweise vorgesehen, dass beim Überschreiten des Maximalwertes Bmax die Zündspule 3 entregt wird, um den Magnetismuslevel bzw. den Betrag der magnetischen Induktion B zu verringern.Due to the described and in Fig. 3 As shown, it makes sense to keep the amount of magnetic induction B on the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 12 in the working area 17. This results from Fig. 3 in that the magnetism level or the magnetic induction B is an image of the magnitude of the primary-side current I pn . The higher the magnetism level or the amount of the magnetic induction B, the higher the primary-side current I pri through the ignition coil 3 and the switch 4. A limitation of the amount of the magnetic induction B thus avoids destruction of the primary-side components through high currents. Therefore, it is preferably provided that when the maximum value B max is exceeded, the ignition coil 3 is de-energized in order to reduce the magnetism level or the amount of the magnetic induction B.

Der Magnetismuslevel kann über die Bewertung der Ein- und Ausschaltzeiten des Schalters 3 ermittelt werden. In dieser Variante ist somit vorgesehen, dass die Regeleinrichtung 12 den Betrag der magnetischen Induktion B auf der Primärseite 15 der Zündspule 3 indirekt über eine Bewertung einer Dauer von Einschaltzeit(en) und Ausschaltzeit(en) bestimmt, wobei während der Einschaltzeit(en) Spannung der Spannungsquelle an der Primärseite 15 der Zündspule 3 anliegt und während der Ausschaltzeit(en) die Spannung der Spannungsquelle nicht an der Primärseite 15 der Zündspule 3 anliegt. Eine sinnvolle Variante sieht dabei vor, dass der Maximalwert eine vorgebbare Zeitspanne ist und die Regeleinrichtung diese Zeitspanne mit der Summe der Einschaltzeiten, vorzugsweise ab Beginn eines Zündvorgangs, abzüglich der Summe der Ausschaltzeiten, vorzugsweise ab Beginn des Zündvorgangs, vergleicht.The magnetism level can be determined by evaluating the switch-on and switch-off times of the switch 3. In this variant, it is thus provided that the control device 12 determines the amount of the magnetic induction B on the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 3 indirectly via an evaluation of a duration of switch-on time (s) and switch-off time (s), wherein during the switch-on time (s) voltage the voltage source is applied to the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 3 and during the off-time (s) the voltage of the voltage source is not applied to the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 3. A useful variant provides that the maximum value is a predefinable period of time and the control device compares this time period with the sum of the switch-on times, preferably from the beginning of an ignition process minus the sum of the switch-off times, preferably from the beginning of the ignition process.

Als Alternative zur Bewertung der Ein- und Ausschaltzeiten kann aber auch vorgesehen sein, dass die Zündeinrichtung eine Primärstrommesseinrichtung 14 aufweist und die Regeleinrichtung 12 den Betrag der magnetischen Induktion B auf der Primärseite 15 der Zündspule 3 indirekt über eine Bewertung des primärseitigen Stromes Ipri bestimmt. Hierbei wird der Maximalwert Bmax durch einen vorgebbaren maximalen Stromwert substituiert, wobei die Regeleinrichtung 12 diesen mit dem Betrag des primärseitigen Stromes Ipri vergleicht.As an alternative to the evaluation of the switching on and off but can also be provided that the ignition device has a primary current measuring device 14 and the controller 12 determines the amount of magnetic induction B on the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 3 indirectly via a rating of the primary-side current I pri . in this connection the maximum value B max is substituted by a predefinable maximum current value, wherein the control device 12 compares this with the amount of the primary-side current I pri .

Sowohl bei der Bewertung der Ein- und Ausschaltzeiten, als auch bei der Bewertung des primärseitigen Stromes handelt es sich somit um indirekte Vorgehensweisen, um den Betrag der magnetischen Induktion B auf der Primärseite 15 der Zündspule 12 zu überwachen. In weiteren Varianten ist es aber auch möglich, den Betrag der magnetischen Induktion B direkt oder indirekt über andere - an sich bekannte Methoden - zu bestimmen.Both the evaluation of the on and off times, as well as the evaluation of the primary-side current are thus indirect approaches to monitor the amount of magnetic induction B on the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 12. In other variants, it is also possible to determine the amount of magnetic induction B directly or indirectly via other methods known per se.

Ist der ermittelte Wert des Magnetismuslevel bzw. des Betrages der magnetischen Induktion B zu hoch, so wird die primärseitige Spannungsversorgung durch Öffnen des Schalters 4 solange abgeschaltet, bis der Magnetismuslevel auf einem akzeptablen Wert abgesenkt wurde. Hierbei kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Regeleinrichtung 12 im Anschluss an eine Unterbrechung oder eine Reduktion der an der Primärseite 15 der Zündspule 12 angelegten Spannung ein Wiedereinschalten bzw. Erhöhen der Spannung erst dann wieder zulässt oder einleitet, wenn der Betrag der magnetischen Induktion B auf der Primärseite 15 der Zündspule 12 den vorgebbaren Maximalwert Bmax bzw. entsprechende Maximalwerte der oben genannten Ersatzparameter oder einen vorgebbaren Wiedereinschaltsollwert unterschreitet. Der Wiedereinschaltsollwert kann also zum Beispiel auch niedriger als der je nach Ausführungsvariante zur Bewertung verwendete Maximalwert gewählt werden.If the determined value of the magnetism level or the amount of the magnetic induction B is too high, the primary-side voltage supply is switched off by opening the switch 4 until the magnetism level has been lowered to an acceptable value. In this case, it can be provided that, following an interruption or a reduction of the voltage applied to the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 12, the control device 12 only permits or restarts the voltage again when the amount of the magnetic induction B on the Primary side 15 of the ignition coil 12 below the predetermined maximum value B max or corresponding maximum values of the above-mentioned replacement parameters or a predetermined reclosing setpoint value. For example, the restart setpoint value can also be selected to be lower than the maximum value used for the evaluation depending on the variant embodiment.

Während der Zeit der Entregung wird die Polarität des sekundärseitigen Stromes Isek beobachtet. Wird die Polarität negativ, so ist der Zündfunken erloschen und muss wieder aufgebaut werden. Günstigerweise ist dabei vorgesehen, dass die Regeleinrichtung 12 im Anschluss an eine Unterbrechung oder Reduktion der an der Primärseite 15 der Zündspule 12 angelegten Spannung ein Wiederanschalten bzw. Erhöhen der primärseitigen Spannung erst dann wieder zulässt, wenn eine Polarität des sekundärseitigen Stromes Isek wechselt. In Fig. 2 ist am beispielhaften Verlauf des sekundärseitigen Stromes Isek eine Phase der Entregung Ph3 gezeichnet, in der der sekundärseitige Strom zunächst stark abfällt, woraufhin die Polarität des sekundärseitigen Stromes negativ wird und anschließend zum Zeitpunkt tn bei einem Nulldurchgang wieder in den positiven Bereich wechselt. Als unterster Graph ist dabei der Verlauf des primärseitigen Stromes Ipri dargestellt. Dieser zeigt die generelle Tendenz der Zunahme des primärseitigen Stromes, während in der Phase der Entregung Ph3 eine Abnahme des primärseitigen Stromes Ipri zu sehen ist.During the time of de-energizing the polarity of the secondary current I sec is observed. If the polarity is negative, the spark has gone out and must be rebuilt. Conveniently, it is provided that the control device 12 after a break or reduction of the voltage applied to the primary side 15 of the ignition coil 12 voltage restarting or increasing the primary-side voltage again only when a polarity of the secondary-side current I sec changes. In Fig. 2 is drawn on the exemplary course of the secondary side current I sec a phase of deenergization Ph3, in which the secondary side current initially drops sharply, whereupon the polarity of the secondary side current is negative and then at time t n at a zero crossing back to the positive region. In this case, the course of the primary-side current I pri is shown as the lowest graph. This shows the general tendency of the increase of the primary-side current, while in the phase of the de-excitation Ph3 a decrease of the primary-side current I pri can be seen.

Erlischt der Zündfunken während der geforderten Brenndauer, muss dieser wieder in möglichst kurzer Zeit hergestellt werden. Hierzu kann eine Spannung, welche nahe des Hochspannungsangebotes des Systems liegt, notwendig sein. Um diese Anforderung zu erreichen, sollten die Energieverhältnisse im System berücksichtigt werden. Hierzu kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Regeleinrichtung 12 im Anschluss an eine Unterbrechung der primärseitigen Spannungs- und/oder Stromversorgung der Zündspule 3 während eines Zündvorgangs oder im Anschluss an das Abfallen der primärseitigen Spannung und/oder des primärseitigen Stromes Ipri durch die Zündspule 3 unter einen vorgebbaren Schwellwert während des Zündvorgangs die primärseitige Spannungs- und/oder Stromversorgung der Zündspule 3 erst dann wieder einschaltet oder über den Schwellwert regelt, wenn der dadurch induzierte sekundärseitige Strom Isek in Richtung des, vorzugsweise unmittelbar, vorab bestimmten Verlaufs des sekundärseitigen Stromes Isek wirkt. Der Schalter 4 sollte also nicht eingeschaltet werden, wenn der sekundäre Strom Isek negativ ist. Ein Einschalten erfolgt günstigerweise erst im oder nach dem Zeitpunkt tn, bei dem die Polarität des sekundärseitigen Stromes wechselt und damit der über das Anschalten der primärseitigen Spannungsversorgung sekundärseitig induzierte Strom in Richtung des vorab bestimmten Verlaufes des sekundärseitigen Stromes Isek wirkt. Der Start der nun folgenden Ionisierungsphase Ph1 bzw. des Anschaltzeitintervalls Δtan2 wird somit mit dem sekundärseitigen Verlauf des Stromes synchronisiert. In der nun folgenden Ionisierungsphase bleibt der Schalter 4 solange geschlossen, bis das gewünschte Hochspannungsangebot erreicht wird. Es herrschen ähnliche Verhältnisse zum ersten Anschaltzeitintervall Δtan1, wenn die sekundäre Spannung Usek aus der positiven Halbwelle durch den Nulldurchgang geht. Der Startzeitpunkt tn der Ionisierungsphase wird aus der Überwachung der Polarität des sekundärseitigen Stromes Isek bestimmt (siehe auch FB2 aus Fig. 2). Da die Eigenfrequenz der Zündeinrichtung durch ihre Komponenten bestimmt wird, ist diese bekannt. Günstigerweise kann daher vorgesehen sein, dass die Regeleinrichtung 12 die primärseitige Spannungs- und/oder Stromversorgung der Zündspule 3, vorzugsweise unmittelbar, nach einem vorgebbaren Zeitversatz im Anschluss an einen Polaritätswechsel bzw. Nulldurchgang des sekundärseitigen Stromes Isek wiedereinschaltet oder über den vorab bestimmbaren Schwellwert regelt, wobei vorzugsweise der vorgebbare Zeitversatz im Wesentlichen ein Viertel der Eigenperiode, vorzugsweise der Sekundärseite 16, der Zündeinrichtung entspricht. Die Ionisierungsphase beginnt demnach mit einer Verzögerung um ein Viertel der Eigenperiode des Systems, nachdem der sekundäre Strom Isek in den positiven Bereich kommt.If the spark extinguishes during the required burning time, it must be re-established in the shortest possible time. For this purpose, a voltage which is close to the high voltage supply of the system may be necessary. To achieve this requirement, the energy conditions in the system should be taken into account. For this purpose, it may be provided that the control device 12 following an interruption of the primary side voltage and / or power supply of the ignition coil 3 during an ignition process or following the fall in the primary-side voltage and / or the primary-side current I pri by the ignition coil 3 below a predetermined threshold during the ignition, the primary-side voltage and / or power supply of the ignition coil 3 only turns on or above the threshold regulates if the induced secondary side current I sec in the direction of, preferably immediately, predetermined course of the secondary current I sec acts. The switch 4 should therefore not be turned on when the secondary current I sec is negative. Switching is advantageously carried out only in or after the time t n , in which the polarity of the secondary current changes and thus the secondary side induced current via the connection of the primary-side voltage supply acts in the direction of the predetermined course of the secondary-side current I sec . The start of the now following ionization phase Ph1 or of the on-time interval Δt an2 is thus synchronized with the secondary-side profile of the current. In the now following ionization phase, the switch 4 remains closed until the desired high voltage supply is reached. There are similar conditions to the first turn-on time interval Δt an1 when the secondary voltage U sec goes from the positive half cycle through the zero crossing. The starting time t n of the ionization phase is determined from the monitoring of the polarity of the secondary-side current I sec (see also FB2 Fig. 2 ). Since the natural frequency of the ignition device is determined by its components, this is known. Conveniently, it can therefore be provided that the control device 12, the primary-side voltage and / or power supply of the ignition coil 3, preferably immediately after a predetermined time offset following a polarity change or zero crossing of the secondary side current I sec reconnects or regulates the pre-determinable threshold , wherein preferably the predetermined time offset corresponds substantially to a quarter of the natural period, preferably the secondary side 16, the ignition device. Accordingly, the ionization phase begins with a delay of one quarter of the natural period of the system after the secondary current I sec enters the positive region.

In einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltungsform wird verhindert, dass die Ionisierungsphase durch das Erreichen des Maximalwertes des Betrages der magnetischen Induktion B unterbrochen wird. Dabei ist vorgesehen, dass die Ionisierungsphase nur dann gestartet werden kann, wenn der Magnetisierungslevel bzw. der Betrag der magnetischen Induktion B auf der Primärseite 15 der Zündspule zu Beginn gering genug ist. Ist dies nicht der Fall, muss das System solange entregt werden (Phase Ph3), bis der benötigte niedrige Magnetisierungslevel erreicht ist. Die Ionisierungsphase zum Wiederaufbau des Zündfunkens kann also bevorzugt nur dann gestartet werden, wenn der Magnetisierungslevel und die Synchronisationsbedingung im Schwingkreise erfüllt sind.In a preferred embodiment, the ionization phase is prevented from being interrupted by the maximum value of the amount of magnetic induction B being reached. It is provided that the ionization phase can only be started when the magnetization level or the amount of magnetic induction B on the primary side 15 of the ignition coil is low enough at the beginning. If this is not the case, the system must be de-energized (phase Ph3) until the required low magnetization level is reached. The ionization phase for the reconstruction of the spark can thus be started preferably only when the magnetization level and the synchronization condition in the resonant circuits are met.

Darüber hinaus können weitere Überwachungen des Systems bezüglich negativer Beeinträchtigungen oder Zerstörungen vorgesehen sein. Um die Spannungsversorgung nicht zu überlasten, werden die Einschaltzeiten des Schalters 4 während der vorgegebenen Brenndauer summiert. Überschreitet die summierte Einschaltzeit des Schalters 4 einen vorgegebenen Grenzwert, wird der Zündvorgang abgebrochen. Diese Überwachung erfolgt günstigerweise unabhängig vom Magnetisierungslevel.In addition, further monitoring of the system for adverse effects or destruction may be provided. In order not to overload the power supply, the switch-on times of the switch 4 are summed during the given burning time. If the summed on time of the switch 4 exceeds a predetermined limit value, the ignition process is aborted. This monitoring is conveniently independent of the magnetization level.

Die Qualität des Zündvorgangs wird in der Regel auf Grundlage der tatsächlichen Brenndauer des Zündfunkens beurteilt. Die Brenndauer wird zwischen dem Erreichen des vorgegebenen Brennstromsollwertes Irated bis zum Nullwert des sekundären Stroms Isek gemessen. Erlischt der Zündfunke während der vorgegebenen Brenndauer und wird dieser wieder aufgebaut, so wird die Messung mit dem Erreichen des vorgegebenen Stromsollwertes wieder gestartet und beim Nullwert des sekundären Stroms Isek wieder gestoppt. Die Messwerte der einzelnen Messvorgänge werden summiert. Nach Abschluss des Zündvorgangs wird die Brenndauermessung gestoppt und der gemessene Wert ausgewertet. Zur Messung bzw. Erkennung von Zündaussetzern wird die Brenndauermessung zurückgesetzt, wenn die Messung vom Erreichen des Brennstromsollwerts bis zum Nullwert des sekundärseitigen Stroms Isek kürzer als die Ionisationsphase ist. In diesem Fall ist in der ersten Ionisationsphase kein Zündfunke entstanden. Dieser Umstand wird als Fehler bzw. als Aussetzer gewertet.The quality of the ignition process is usually assessed based on the actual spark duration of the spark. The burning time is measured between the attainment of the predetermined nominal fuel flow value I rated up to the zero value of the secondary current I sec . If the spark extinguishes during the given burning time and this is rebuilt, the measurement is restarted when the preset current set point is reached and stopped again at the zero value of the secondary current I sec . The measured values of the individual measuring processes are summed up. After completion of the ignition process, the combustion duration measurement is stopped and the measured value is evaluated. For the measurement or detection of misfires, the combustion duration measurement is reset if the measurement is shorter than the ionization phase from the attainment of the desired fuel burn value to the zero value of the secondary current I sec . In this case, no spark has been generated in the first ionization phase. This circumstance is considered a mistake or a dropout.

Durch Hardwareprobleme kann sich im sekundärseitigen Kreis durch die kapazitive Belastung der Hochspannungsverkabelung und der Zündkerze ein kapazitiver Strom aufbauen. Dieser Strom fließt unabhängig ob ein Zündfunke an der Zündkerze 5 entsteht oder nicht. Um dies zu erkennen, wird der Brennstromsollwert Irated in der Ionisationsphase so gewählt, dass der Wert sicher überschritten werden muss. Das Erreichen des Brennstromsollwertes wird kurz vor Ende der Ionisationsphase abgefragt. Ist der sekundäre Strom Isek zu diesem Zeitpunkt nicht hoch genug, dann liegt ein Hardwarefehler im System vor.Due to hardware problems, a capacitive current can build up in the secondary circuit due to the capacitive loading of the high voltage cabling and the spark plug. This current flows independently whether a spark is generated at the spark plug 5 or not. To recognize this, the fuel flow setpoint I rated is in the ionization phase chosen so that the value must be safely exceeded. The reaching of the combustion current setpoint is queried shortly before the end of the ionization phase. If the secondary current I sec is not high enough at this time, then there is a hardware error in the system.

Claims (21)

  1. An ignition device for an internal combustion engine comprising a regulating device (12) and an ignition coil (3) which can be fed on its primary side (15) by a voltage source, wherein the voltage source has at least one dc voltage source (1) and at least one capacitor (2) connected parallel thereto, wherein the regulating device (12) is provided to interrupt or reduce the voltage applied at the primary side (15) of the ignition coil (3) when a magnitude of a magnetic induction B on the primary side (15) of the ignition coil (3) exceeds a predeterminable maximum value (Bmax) during an ignition process, characterised in that subsequently to an interruption or reduction in the voltage applied at the primary side (15) of the ignition coil (3) the regulating device (12) allows or causes the voltage to be switched on again or increased only when the magnitude of the magnetic induction B on the primary side (15) of the ignition coil (3) falls below the predeterminable maximum value (Bmax) or a predeterminable threshold value in respect of switching on again.
  2. An ignition device according to claim 1 characterised in that the predeterminable maximum value (Bmax) of the magnitude of the magnetic induction B is an upper limit of a working range (17) in which there is an at least approximately linear relationship between the magnitude of the magnetic induction B and a primary-side current (Ipri).
  3. An ignition device according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterised in that the predeterminable maximum value (Bmax) of the magnitude of the magnetic induction B is below the saturated range of the ignition coil.
  4. An ignition device according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterised in that the regulating device (12) determines the magnitude of the magnetic induction B on the primary side (15) of the ignition coil (3) indirectly by way of an evaluation of a duration of switch-on time or times and switch-off time or times, wherein during the switch-on time or times the voltage of the voltage source is applied at the primary side (15) of the ignition coil (3) and during the switch-off time or times the voltage of the voltage source is not applied at the primary side (15) of the ignition coil.
  5. An ignition device according to claim 4 characterised in that the maximum value is a predeterminable period of time and the regulating device (12) compares that period of time to the sum of the switch-on times less the sum of the switch-off times.
  6. An ignition device according to claim 5 characterised in that the regulating device (12) compares the period of time to the sum of the switch-on times from the beginning of the ignition process less the sum of the switch-off times from the beginning of the ignition process.
  7. An ignition device according to claims 1 to 3 characterised in that the ignition device has a primary current measuring device (14) and the regulating device (12) determines the magnitude of the magnetic induction B on the primary side (15) of the ignition coil (3) indirectly by way of an evaluation of the primary-side current.
  8. An ignition device according to claim 7 characterised in that the maximum value is a predeterminable maximum current value and the regulating device (12) compares same to the magnitude of the primary-side current (Ipri).
  9. An ignition device according to one of claims 1 to 8 characterised in that the ignition device has a secondary current measuring device (7) for measuring the variation in the secondary-side current (Isek), arranged on the secondary side (16) of the ignition coil (3).
  10. An ignition device according to one of claims 1 to 9 characterised in that subsequently to an interruption or reduction in the voltage applied at the primary side (15) of the ignition coil (3) the regulating device (12) allows the voltage to be switched on again or increased only when a polarity of the secondary-side current (Isek) changes.
  11. An ignition device according to one of claims 1 to 10 characterised in that the regulating device (12) at least temporarily regulates the primary-side voltage and/or the primary-side current (Ipri) in dependence on a variation in the secondary-side current (Isek) measured by means of a secondary current measuring device (7) arranged on the secondary side (16) of the ignition coil (3).
  12. An ignition device according to claim 11 characterised in that subsequently to an interruption in the primary-side voltage and/or current supply of the ignition coil during an ignition process or subsequently to the drop in the primary-side voltage and/or the primary-side current (Ipri) through the ignition coil (3) below a predeterminable threshold value during the ignition process the regulating device (12) switches the primary-side voltage and/or current supply to the ignition coil (3) on again or regulates it above the threshold value only when the secondary-side current (Isek) induced thereby acts in the direction of the preferably immediately previously determined variation in the secondary-side current (Isek).
  13. An ignition device according to claim 12 characterised in that the regulating device switches the primary-side voltage and/or current supply to the ignition coil on again or regulates it above the previously determinable threshold value after a change in polarity or a zero crossing of the secondary-side current.
  14. An ignition device according to claim 13 characterised in that the regulating device (12) switches the primary-side voltage and/or current supply to the ignition coil (3) on again or regulates it above the previously determinable threshold value after a predeterminable time delay following a change in polarity or zero crossing of the secondary-side current (Isek).
  15. An ignition device according to claim 14 characterised in that the predeterminable time delay substantially corresponds to a quarter of the characteristic period of the ignition device.
  16. An ignition device according to one of claims 12 to 15 characterised in that when the ignition device is switched on at the beginning of an ignition process and/or subsequently to an interruption in the primary-side voltage and/or current supply to the ignition coil (3) or subsequently to the drop in the primary-side voltage and/or the primary-side current (Ipri) through the ignition coil (3) below the previously predeterminable threshold value during an ignition process the regulating device (12) provides an activation time interval (Δtan1, Δtan2), in which on the primary side (15) of the ignition coil (3) the voltage of the voltage source is applied permanently at its full height or for a predeterminable period of time.
  17. An ignition device according to claim 16 characterised in that during the activation time interval (Δtan1, Δtan2) the regulating device (12) monitors the secondary-side current (Isek) by way of the secondary current measuring device (7) and/or a secondary-side voltage (Usek) delivered by the ignition coil (3) by way of a secondary voltage measuring device (8) and interrupts the primary-side voltage supply to the ignition coil (3) when the secondary-side current (Isek) and/or the voltage (Usek) delivered by the ignition coil on the secondary side exceeds or exceed a predeterminable limit value or values.
  18. An ignition device according to claim 16 or claim 17 characterised in that the regulating device (12) regulates the primary-side voltage and/or the primary-side current (Ipri) only subsequently to the activation time interval (Δtan1, Δtan2) in dependence on the variation in the secondary-side current (Isek).
  19. An ignition device according to one of claims 1 to 18 characterised in that provided on the primary side (15) of the ignition coil is a switch (4) which is actuated by the regulating device (12) and which has at least a first switching state in which the voltage of the voltage source is applied to the ignition coil (3) and at least one second switching state in which the voltage of the voltage source is not applied to the ignition coil (3).
  20. An ignition device according to one of claims 1 to 19 characterised in that the regulating device (12) by means of the secondary current measuring device (8) evaluates the variation in the secondary-side current (Isek) in respect of its polarity and/or its magnitude.
  21. An ignition device according to claim 20 characterised in that the regulating device (12) by means of the secondary current measuring device (7) evaluates whether the magnitude of the secondary-side current (Isek) is greater than or equal to a predeterminable minimum value or not.
EP07006780A 2006-05-12 2007-03-31 Ignition device for a combustion engine Active EP1854997B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL07006780T PL1854997T3 (en) 2006-05-12 2007-03-31 Ignition device for a combustion engine

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT0081906A AT504010B1 (en) 2006-05-12 2006-05-12 IGNITION DEVICE FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1854997A2 EP1854997A2 (en) 2007-11-14
EP1854997A3 EP1854997A3 (en) 2008-05-21
EP1854997B1 true EP1854997B1 (en) 2011-02-02

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ID=38445614

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07006780A Active EP1854997B1 (en) 2006-05-12 2007-03-31 Ignition device for a combustion engine

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US (1) US7644707B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1854997B1 (en)
AT (2) AT504010B1 (en)
DE (1) DE502007006409D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2360526T3 (en)
PL (1) PL1854997T3 (en)

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DE102009057925B4 (en) * 2009-12-11 2012-12-27 Continental Automotive Gmbh Method for operating an ignition device for an internal combustion engine and ignition device for an internal combustion engine for carrying out the method
DE102010015344B4 (en) * 2010-04-17 2013-07-25 Borgwarner Beru Systems Gmbh A method for igniting a fuel-air mixture of a combustion chamber, in particular in an internal combustion engine by generating a corona discharge
DE102010061799B4 (en) * 2010-11-23 2014-11-27 Continental Automotive Gmbh Method for operating an ignition device for an internal combustion engine and ignition device for an internal combustion engine for carrying out the method
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DE102011089966B4 (en) * 2011-12-27 2015-05-21 Continental Automotive Gmbh Method for operating an ignition device for an internal combustion engine
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US7644707B2 (en) 2010-01-12
ATE497582T1 (en) 2011-02-15
EP1854997A2 (en) 2007-11-14
EP1854997A3 (en) 2008-05-21
ES2360526T3 (en) 2011-06-06
PL1854997T3 (en) 2011-07-29
AT504010A1 (en) 2008-02-15
US20080011281A1 (en) 2008-01-17
DE502007006409D1 (en) 2011-03-17
AT504010B1 (en) 2008-10-15

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