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
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
  • F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
  • F02P15/00—Electric spark ignition having characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F02P1/00 - F02P13/00 and combined with layout of ignition circuits
  • F02P15/10—Electric spark ignition having characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F02P1/00 - F02P13/00 and combined with layout of ignition circuits having continuous electric sparks

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a method for operating a
• Ignition system for an internal combustion engine comprising a
• the present invention relates to a reduction in wear within the
• Ignition systems are used in the prior art to ignite an ignitable mixture in a combustion chamber of a spark-ignition internal combustion engine.
• a spark gap is subjected to electrical voltage, in response to which ignited the sparking flammable mixture in the combustion chamber.
• the main requirements of modern ignition systems arise indirectly from necessary emission and fuel reductions. From appropriate engineered approaches, such as supercharging and lean / shift operation (spray-guided direct injection) in
• a high voltage generator generates the high voltage required for the high voltage breakdown at the spark plug.
• a bypass eg in the form of a boost converter, provides energy to maintain the spark for continued mixture ignition. In this way, high spark energies can be optimized
• Funkenstromverlauf be provided despite a reduced design of the ignition system.
• Spark break can lead, if the spark energy falls below a defined limit.
• the previously known systems exploit the potential
• the aforementioned need is satisfied according to the invention by a method for operating an ignition system. This is characterized by a need-based provision of spark energy, so that the
• Spark current can be set to a desired value.
• the method according to the invention for operating an ignition system is e.g. particularly suitable for a gasoline-powered internal combustion engine.
• the ignition system comprises a primary voltage generator and a bypass, in particular designed as a boost converter, the bypass to the
• Funkens is set up. On-board network power can be brought to a suitable voltage level and fed to the spark gap via the bypass.
• the method according to the invention is characterized by determining a changed energy requirement for a spark to be kept upright by means of the bypass. In other words, depending on a current operating state, the energy requirement for the spark can vary and such a variation can be determined according to the invention.
• the operation of the bypass is changed to meter the spark energy as needed. In this way, the spark plug wear is reduced by avoiding high spark currents.
• Electrode wear on commercially available spark plugs arises, for example, with spark currents greater than 100 mA.
• a spark break through Increase the output power of the bypass avoided by at
• the operation of the bypass is adjusted below a lower spark current threshold.
• the voltage threshold value (measurement voltage) is undershot or exceeded, which corresponds in relation to the voltage value at the spark plug, the operation of the bypass is adapted.
• the reduction of waste heat in the bypass by controlling the spark current to a minimum required value is an advantage of the present invention.
• the load on the electrical components e.g., a high voltage capacitor for caching electrical energy
• the electrical components can be chosen cheaper in the design of the ignition system. Even in the electrical (control) circuit less heat loss is generated when adjusting the operation of the bypass to a changed energy demand.
• the present invention allows a lower energy consumption of the ignition system from the electrical system (for example, a motor vehicle (KFZ) or a
• Ignition system a reduction in electromagnetic emissions.
• EMC electromagnetic compatibility
• Determining the changed energy requirement preferably comprises measuring a spark current or a spark voltage or a corresponding measurement voltage. This can be done for example by a shunt, via which a current is determined by the spark gap of the ignition system. Voltage detection may be performed, for example, by means of an electrical drive or an analog electrical circuit, e.g. in the form of a microcontroller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an ASIC within the ignition system. In this way, a small or no additional hardware on the wall to realize the
• determining the changed energy requirement comprises comparing a measured electrical characteristic of a spark with an associated reference.
• the reference may be, for example, a
• Characteristics are stored and compared with determined parameters.
• the comparison with individual thresholds represents a simple mathematical operation which is cost-effective and space-saving to implement circuitry.
• the method comprises the step of classifying the electrical characteristic by providing a measurement of the electrical characteristic to a predefined characteristic interval, e.g. is assigned within a storage means of the ignition system.
• a predefined characteristic interval e.g. is assigned within a storage means of the ignition system.
• the ignition system can be set up to allocate suitable characteristic parameters of the bypass to respective parameter classes.
• the parameters can be within one
• the changed energy requirement is determined by determining in a first step an electrical parameter and / or a change of this parameter and / or a rate of change of this characteristic.
• the electrical parameter is, for example, a current of the spark and / or a voltage characterizing the voltage of the spark.
• Comparison size exceeds a predetermined upper threshold and / or falls below a predetermined lower threshold.
• the comparison variable may be the determined parameter or the change of the determined parameter or the rate of change of the determined characteristic.
• the determination of the characteristic takes place within an electrical drive, an electronic circuit, e.g. in the form of a microcontroller, an FPGA and / or an ASIC of the ignition system.
• an electronic circuit e.g. in the form of a microcontroller, an FPGA and / or an ASIC of the ignition system.
• the aforementioned electronic components are arranged, for example, in the region of the ignition system for controlling the ignition process. Therefore, one is
• changing the operation of the bypass includes increasing an output current and / or an output voltage and / or an output of the bypass. In particular, this is the case when it is determined that a previous output current / a previous
• Operation of the bypass also include reducing an output current and / or an output voltage and / or an output power of the bypass to lower a current electrical characteristic of the spark at a value below a reference (a threshold value). In this way, both a spark erosion and a demolition of the bypass
• changing the operation of the bypass may include lengthening or shortening an electrical signal output to maintain the spark.
• a changed operating condition e.g., a changed speed
• supply of electrical energy through the bypass may be shortened / lengthened to adjust for changed engine speeds, and, correspondingly, spark duration.
• Torque sensors are determined that a successful ignition of a
• This embodiment provides additional degrees of freedom in the ignition by a method according to the invention.
• the trained for an internal combustion engine ignition system by means of which the inventive method is performed, has a bypass to
• the bypass can be configured for example as a boost converter.
• the ignition system includes means for determining an altered one
• the funds can be one
• the ignition system comprises means for
• the ignition system comprises a shunt, by means of which it is set up to carry out a spark current measurement in order to determine a changed energy requirement.
• the voltage measurement across the shunt may be accomplished, for example, by means of an electrical drive or an analog electrical circuit, e.g. take the form of a microcontroller, an FPGA and / or an ASIC of the ignition system.
• a spark voltage detected without the use of a shunt may be detected by the above-mentioned integrated circuits to detect a changed spark
• the ignition system may comprise an FPGA or an ASIC, in particular a respective one on each combustion chamber or on each spark plug.
• the ignition system additionally has storage means by means of which it is set up to classify the current energy requirement.
• the measured in the current operating state is the measured in the current operating state
• the storage means can also provide operating parameters for the bypass, which have been found to be suitable for the respective energy demand classes.
• Figure 1 is a circuit diagram of an embodiment of an ignition system in which a method according to the invention can be used.
• Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating steps of a
• FIG. 1 shows a circuit of an ignition system 1, which has a
• Step-up transformer 2 comprises as a high voltage generator whose
• Primary side 3 can be supplied from an electrical energy source 5 via a first switch 30 with electrical energy.
• the step-up transformer 2 consisting of a primary coil 8 and a secondary coil 9 may also be referred to as the first voltage generator or primary voltage generator.
• a fuse 26 is provided at the entrance of the circuit, in other words at the connection to the electrical energy source 5, a fuse 26 is provided.
• a capacitance 17 is provided parallel to the input of the circuit or parallel to the electrical energy source 5.
• the secondary side 4 of the step-up transformer 2 is supplied via an inductive coupling of the primary coil 8 and the secondary coil 9 with electrical energy and has a known from the prior art diode 23 for Einschaltfunkenunterd Wegung, said diode alternatively by a Diode 21 can be replaced.
• a spark gap 6 is provided against an electrical ground 14, via which the ignition current i 2 should ignite the combustible gas mixture.
• Step-up transformer 2 a bypass 7 is provided which comprises, for example, the electronic components of a boost converter, namely an inductor 15, a switch 27, a capacitor 10 and a diode 16.
• the inductance 15 in the form of a transformer having a primary side 15th 1 and a secondary side 15_2 provided.
• the inductance 15 serves as an energy store in order to maintain a current flow.
• Transformers are connected to the electric power source 5 and the fuse 26, respectively. In this case, a second connection of the primary side 15 1 via the switch 27 to the electrical ground 14 is connected. A second
• connection of the secondary side 15_2 of the transformer is connected without a switch directly to the diode 16, which in turn is connected via a node to a terminal of the capacitor 10.
• This connection of the capacitor 10 is connected to the secondary coil 9 via a shunt 19, for example, and another connection of the capacitor 10 is connected to the electrical ground 14.
• Output power of the boost converter is fed via the node at the diode 16 in the ignition system and the spark gap 6 is provided.
• the diode 16 is oriented in the direction of the capacitance 10 conductive.
• Bypass 7 is thus comparable to a boost converter. Due to the
• Transmission ratio acts a switching operation by the switch 27 in the branch of the primary side 15_1 also on the secondary side 15_2.
• current and voltage according to the gear ratio on one side are higher or lower than on the other side of the transformer, can be for
• the switch 27 is controlled via a drive 24, which is connected via a driver 25 to the switch 27.
• Secondary coil 9 is the shunt 19 as current measuring means or
• the measuring signal to the switch 27th is supplied.
• the switch 27 is configured to respond to a defined range of the current i 2 through the secondary coil 9.
• a Zener diode 21 is connected in the reverse direction parallel to the capacitor 10.
• the control 24 receives a control signal S H ss- About this, the supply of energy or output power via the bypass 7 in the secondary side can be switched on and off.
• the power of the electrical variable introduced through the bypass or into the spark gap, in particular via the frequency and / or the pulse-pause ratio can also be controlled via a suitable control signal S H ss.
• a switching signal 32 is indicated, by means of which the
• Switch 27 can be controlled via the driver 25.
• the switch 27 When the switch 27 is closed, the inductance 15 is supplied via the electrical energy source 5 with a current which flows directly into the electrical ground 14 when the switch 27 is closed. With open switch 27, the current is conducted through the inductance 15 via the diode 16 to the capacitor 10.
• Primary side 3 provided switch 30 is kept significantly shorter than is the case by the switching signal 32 for the switch 27.
• a switching signal 32 for the switch 27 is kept significantly shorter.
• Non-linear dipole symbolized by a high voltage diode 33 shown in dashed lines, the secondary-side coil 9 of the boost converter are connected in parallel. This high voltage diode 33 bridges the
• a determination according to the invention of a changed energy requirement for the spark is provided by an information technology connection of the
• Engine control unit (MSG) 40 possible, which receives a first signal S 4o for setting an operating point of an internal combustion engine and a corresponding second signal S 40 'to a microcontroller 42 outputs.
• the microcontroller 42 is further connected to a memory 41, from which references in the form of limits for classes of energy for the current or future required electrical energy to maintain the spark can be read.
• the microcontroller 42 is for
• Influencing the operation of the bypass 7 is arranged to supply the control 24 with a modified according to need control signal S H ss, in response to which the driver 25, the switch 27 is supplied with a modified switching signal 32.
• the bypass 7 may be the spark gap 6 in response to receiving the changed switching signal 32 with more or less electrical energy in the form of increased or decreased
• FIG. 2 shows time diagrams for a) the ignition coil current i zs , b) the associated bypass current i H ss, c) the output voltage over the spark gap 6, d) the secondary coil current i 2 for the ignition system shown in FIG. 1 without (501) and (502) using the bypass 7, e) the switching signal 31 of the switch 30 and f) the switching signal 32 of the switch 27.
• diagram a) shows a short and steep rise of the primary coil current i zs , which occurs during that time, in which the switch 30 in the conductive
• Diagram b) also illustrates the current consumption of the bypass 7, which is produced by a pulse-shaped actuation of the switch 27.
• clock rates in the range of several tens of kHz have proven to be suitable as switching frequencies in order to realize appropriate voltages and acceptable efficiencies, for example, the integer multiples of 10,000 Hz in the range between 10 and 100 kHz are mentioned as possible range limits the spark gap output power is recommended in this case a, in particular stepless, control of the pulse-pause ratio of the
• Diagram c) shows the course 34 which in the operation according to the invention at the
• Diagram d) shows the characteristics of the secondary coil current i 2 .
• Step-up transformer stored magnetic energy in the form of a
• Secondary coil current i 2 (502) driven over the spark gap 6, wherein the secondary current i 2 depends on the burning voltage at the spark gap 6 and is assumed here for the sake of simplicity of a constant burning voltage. Only after interruption of the bypass 7 by opening the switch 27 now also the secondary coil current i 2 drops from 0 A. From diagram d) it can be seen that the falling edge is delayed by the use of the bypass 7.
• the total time during which the bypass is used is indicated as t H ss and the time period during which energy is given to the upstream side of the step-up transformer 2 as t.
• the starting time of t H ss opposite t can be chosen variable.
• it is also possible to increase the voltage supplied by the electrical energy source by means of an additional DC-DC converter (not shown), before the latter is switched on
• Bypass 7 is processed further. It should be noted that concrete interpretations depend on many circuit-inherent and external constraints. It does not present to the skilled person any unreasonable problems of self-design for his purpose and for the constraints which he has to take into account.
• FIG. 3 shows a flow chart illustrating the steps of a
• step 100 a changed energy requirement is determined for an ignition spark to be maintained by means of the bypass.
• a measurement of an electrical operating variable of the ignition system in particular the
• Spark gap and the determined value is compared in step 200 with a stored reference.
• An associated operating parameter is read out for the reference, which may be stored, for example, as an operating-value class assigned to the measured values, and in step 300 the
• the parameter may be a change of a
• the changed energy requirement is determined by determining in step 100 an electrical parameter and / or a change of this parameter and / or a rate of change of this parameter.
• the electrical parameter is, for example, a current of the spark and / or a voltage characterizing the voltage of the spark.
• step 200 it is determined whether an exceeding condition and / or an underflow condition is satisfied by checking whether a comparison quantity exceeds a predetermined upper threshold value and / or falls below a predetermined lower threshold value. If the comparison quantity exceeds the predetermined upper threshold, the
• the comparison variable can be the determined characteristic variable or the change of the determined characteristic variable or the rate of change of the determined characteristic variable.
• the upper threshold and / or the lower threshold is stored, for example, in a memory statically or dynamically.
• the operation of the bypass is changed according to the embodiment in step 300 by reducing the output power or a quantity characterizing the output power when the overflow condition is satisfied.
• the spark breakout is likely to occur and the output power or the quantity characterizing the output power will be increased. Decreasing or Increasing the
• Output power of the bypass or the output power of the bypass characterizing variable can be done in predetermined levels or continuously, starting from a default value or a
• the values of the individual stages for reducing or increasing the output power are stored, for example, in a memory, statically or dynamically.
• This regulation is, for example, as a nonlinear control, in particular as
• Two-point control or three-step control executed.
• a continuous control in particular a control with P and / or I and / or D control elements.
• the output power or the quantity characterizing the output power is thereby increased or reduced by changing the clocked control of the switch 27 of the bypass 7.
• a computer program may be provided which is set up to carry out all described steps of the method according to the invention.
• the computer program is stored on a storage medium.
• the method according to the invention can be provided by an electrical circuit provided in the ignition system, an analogous one
• Circuit, an ASIC or a microcontroller are controlled, which is configured to perform all the steps described in the inventive method.

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

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• 2014
  • 2014-08-13 DE DE102014216044.8A patent/DE102014216044A1/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2014-10-16 CN CN201480062601.3A patent/CN105705775B/zh not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2014-10-16 US US15/036,360 patent/US9874194B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
  • 2014-10-16 WO PCT/EP2014/072208 patent/WO2015071044A1/de active Application Filing
  • 2014-10-16 EP EP14784255.3A patent/EP3069007A1/de not_active Withdrawn

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