Internal-combustion engines – Charge forming device – Fuel injection system
Patent
1995-05-17
1996-06-18
Argenbright, Tony M.
Internal-combustion engines
Charge forming device
Fuel injection system
123198D, 123688, F02D 1704, F02B 7708
Patent
active
055267939
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a process for indicating abnormalities in vehicles driven by internal combustion engines.
Different types of systems are known in which the inducement of irregular engine running is used as an alarm signal to alert the driver that the engine is or soon will be in a critical condition.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,459,951, for example, a system is shown in which the ignition system is actuated in such a manner that the ignition spark generation is interrupted increasingly as the engine temperature is exceeded, so that the engine gradually decelerates. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,562,801 the ignition system is actuated on the basis of the lubricating oil level, and in U.S. Pat. No. 4,966,115 the ignition system is actuated in such a manner that when an abnormal condition has been detected a specific ignition setting curve is selected.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,060,608 the ignition system is also actuated in such a manner that induced misfiring is proportional to the degree of the abnormal condition. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,899,706, U.S. Pat. No. 4,124,013 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,960,088 different systems are shown in which the engine is switched off when the fuel level drops below a predetermined level.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The objective of the invention is to provide the driver of a motor vehicle with a clear indication that an impermissible operating condition has been reached, or that the engine is approaching a critical operating condition. The indication is given in the form of irregular engine running, which must be effected so that the engine gives off the minimum quantity of emissions.
Another objective is to induce the irregular engine running so that the quantity of uncombusted fuel which is capable of reaching the catalytic converter is reduced. With alarm systems of prior art which actuate the engine ignition system there is a risk that the catalytic converter will be reached by such fuel.
Since all incomplete combustion in the engine gives rise to cooling of the cylinders in question, a further objective of the invention is to ensure that the irregular engine running is such that every cylinder in the internal combustion engine receives the minimum of cooling, causing the highest possible temperature to prevail in the combustion chamber for subsequent combustion, which favours complete combustion.
One further objective is to allow operation for a certain time on a reserve tank or a minimum remaining amount of fuel, where there is at the same time a clear indication, in the form of irregular engine running, to enable the driver to drive the vehicle to a more suitable place for parking or, if possible, to reach a filling station.
Other objectives include being able to indicate several other abnormal conditions of the internal combustion engine, its exhaust system, and possibly the vehicle in general by exerting a palpable influence on the engine. Such conditions may be excessive engine temperature, too low an oil level or too high an oil temperature, too little coolant, loss of or reduced function of critical emission reducing components, or loss of or reduced function of other vehicle systems, such as the braking system or other safety systems.
In accordance with the present invention, a process for indicating abnormalities in the operation of vehicles driven by internal combustion engines may include detecting a plurality of engine and vehicle parameters; determining from one of the detected parameters whether an abnormal condition exists; and, if an abnormal condition exists, interrupting the supply of fuel from the fuel control system to one or more of the cylinders for a proportion of one or more injection cycles of a fuel supply sequence in such a manner as to cause irregular engine running so that a vehicle driver receives an indication of an abnormal condition through such irregular engine running.
The invention is applied advantageously in connection with fuel systems which are intended to be operated with different fuel qualities, such as methanol and petrol. S
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patent: 4966115 (1990-10-01), Ito et al.
patent: 5060608 (1991-10-01), Umemoto
Argenbright Tony M.
Saab Automobile Aktiebolag
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