GB758069A - Improvements in or relating to ignition systems - Google Patents

Abstract

758,069. Ignition systems. SOC ANON DE MACHINES ELECTROSTATIQUES. Aug. 5, 1954 [Aug. 5, 1953], No. 22777/54. Class 7(4) In an ignition system wherein the ignition is brought about by a H.V. capacitative discharge, the H.V. is proudced by a voltage multiplier 3 of the " Marx type for example comprising a group of capacitors C 1 -C n charged in parallel by a unidirectional energy source, such as a generator 2, having a voltage which is many times smaller, than that of the discharge; the capacitors then being discharged in series to energize the sparking plugs 5. A L.T. source, such as a battery 1, supplies the generator 2, which may be replaced by a commutator machine, electrostatic generator or a vibrator, that is connected to the voltage multiplier 3; the latter has n stages and comprises resistors R 0 , R 1 ...R n -1 and R<SP>1</SP> 1 ... R<SP>1</SP> n-1 the capacitors C 1 ...C n and spark gaps E 1 ...E n-1 , the gap E 1 including an ionizing electrode not shown connected to the coil secondary winding 6b. The H.V. generated in the secondary winding 6b triggers the discharge of the multiplier through one or other of the connections X or Y, the latter incorporating a spark gap 7. The coil primary winding is connected by a resistance 8 to a conventional contact breaker 4j, 4k controlled by a centrifugal advance mechanism with a vacuum correcting device, not shown; the resistance may be dispensed with by using a 12V coil with a 6V battery. The last multiplier stage is connected to the rotor 4b of a conventional distributer, the rotor being on the same shaft 4h as the contact breaker. In a modification the ignition coil is dispensed with and the contact breaker is replaced by a contact arm on the distributer shaft which rotates inside a stationary ring carrying fixed studs connected to the second stage of the multiplier and which arm and studs constitute a spark gap replacing the first spark gap E 1 . Several contact arms forming the spark gaps of some of the lower voltage stages may be used to replace the fixed gaps thereof. In another modification, the contact breaker takes the place of the generator and the ignition coil which is preferably replaced by a transformer that charges a storage capacitor via a rectifier, which capacitor discharges through a resistor or inductor into one or other of the triggering connections.