GB938878A - Spark ignition systems for internal combustion engines - Google Patents

Abstract

938,878. Ignition systems. JOSEPH LUCAS (INDUSTRIES) Ltd. June 21, 1960 [Sept. 15, 1959], No. 31363/59. Addition to 889,796. Class 7(4). An ignition system comprises first and second terminals 6, 7 adapted for connection to a source of direct or rectified alternating current, an iron core 1, a primary winding 2 mounted on the core and having one end connected to the first terminal and its other end connected to the second terminal through the collector and emitter terminals of a transistor 11, a diode 12 interconnecting the ends of the primary winding, a control winding 5 mounted on the core and having its ends connected respectively to the base terminal of the transistor and to the second terminal, a pilot winding 4 mounted on the core and having one end connected through a capacitor 8 and a resistor 9 to the first terminal and its other end connected to the second terminal, an engine driven interrupter 10 connected between the other end of the pilot winding and a point intermediate the capacitor and resistor and a secondary winding 3 mounted on the core and adapted for connection to the sparking plugs of the engine, the function of the pilot winding being to effect excitation of the control winding under the control of the interrupter and the function of the control winding being to control flow of current through the transistor to the primary winding. The primary current reaches its peak value (at which the core is magnetically saturated) in a very short period.