Internal-combustion engines – High tension ignition system – Having dwell control
Reexamination Certificate
2001-02-15
2004-06-22
Wolfe, Willis R. (Department: 3747)
Internal-combustion engines
High tension ignition system
Having dwell control
C123S617000, C123S625000, C123S406580, C123S406590
Reexamination Certificate
active
06752134
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to the field of ignition systems for internal combustion engines, and in particular to an improved electronic ignition system that replaces breaker point type ignition systems and less capable ignition systems.
2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
Electronic distributor ignition systems for replacement of point type distributors are well known in the art. Basically, such electronic ignition systems receive their timing information from the distributor camshaft and convert the changing angular position of the camshaft into a series of pulses for ultimately creating a spark for distribution to the spark plugs in a timed relationship to the rotation of the distributor camshaft. Several electronic ignition systems of the prior art modulate a source of either magnetic or optical flux. A sensor within the engine distributor housing monitors the modulated signal. Electronics associated with the sensor detects the modulated signal, then generates and transmits a trigger signal for the spark. Synchronization of the modulation source with the position of distributor camshaft sets the timing of the spark.
The use of Hall-effect devices in electronic ignition systems is also known in the art. In some cases, a single magnet and a single Hall-effect device are spaced apart, and a rotatable object timed with the camshaft passes through the magnetic flux between the magnet and the Hall-effect device, inducing an output from the Hall-effect device. In other arrangements, a pair of magnets with a single Hall-effect device between them, or a pair of Hall-effect devices with a single magnet between them, are employed, but the same technology is relied upon, i.e. producing spark timing pulses by the passing of a rotatable disc-like object, or objects, within the magnetic field, or fields, standing between the magnet(s) and Hall-effect device(s).
One such prior art device can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,406,926 to Huan-Lung Gu. This reference shows, in one embodiment, a spark ignition system for an internal combustion engine having a radially extending vane mounted on the distributor rotor shaft and rotates therewith. The vane, at its radially outer end has an axially extending portion which passes by a Hall-effect sensor. The number of axially extending portions is the same as the number of cylinders. The distributor rotor is also mounted on the shaft and is spaced from the vane. An integral part of the apparatus is a stray noise isolating plate (
10
) extending across the distributor and separating the rotor from the vane. As the shaft rotates, a signal is generated to initiate the spark. Other embodiments have multiple vanes for generating additional signals used for other engine functions. Another embodiment shows a distributorless system with a plurality of coils. There is no distributor rotor, but the top of the unit is closed by the stray noise isolating plate. In some embodiments, the second vane is asymmetrical and provides a signal for fuel injection. While not specifically called out, the structure shown seems to indicate that the axially extending portion passes between the Hall-effect unit and a magnet.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,056 to Raymond King shows an ignition system for a spark ignition engine in which a hub is mounted on the camshaft and has a plurality of magnets mounted on the periphery of the hub. A stationary magnetic sensor detects each magnet as it passes during each rotation and generates the signal for the spark ignition.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,127,387 to Haruyuki Matsuo shows a spark ignition signal generator in which a radially extending plate is mounted on a shaft rotated by the engine. At the radially outer end of the plate are tabs bent to be axially oriented. A stationary magnet is positioned in spaced relationship to the Hall-effect unit and the tabs pass between the Hall-effect unit and the magnet on each rotation. The apparatus is directed to the particular shape of the plate.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,126,663 to Izuru Shinjo shows the detailed design for a particular type of mounting for a Hall-effect unit in which a spring type arm provides a resilient force to the plate on which the Hall-effect unit is mounted, allegedly eliminating distortion to the Hall-effect unit.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,209 to Alfred J. Santos shows a spark ignition system for an internal combustion engine. A plate is mounted around the shaft of the distributor and extends radially outward. A pair of rings are on the plate, and each mounts a plurality of magnets in spaced apart relationship. Hall-effect units are fixed in place and detect the passage of the magnets. Two Hall-effect units are used to detect the outer ring of magnets to provide two signals for each passing magnet. A single Hall-effect unit detects the inner magnets as they pass to provide a single signal. The signals are used to initiate the spark.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,093,617 to Shigemi Murata shows various arrangements of a Hall-effect unit as used in an ignition timing system for internal combustion engines. In the first embodiment, a toothed wheel passes by a front surface of a Hall-effect sensor unit, and the magnet is mounted behind the back surface of the Hall-effect unit. Rotation of the toothed wheel is synchronous with the engine. In all the other embodiments, the toothed wheel passes between the magnet and the Hall-effect unit. The signal generated is used to control engine functions.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,028,868 to Murata et al. shows a flux shutter which is similar to the vane of the aforementioned '926 patent and which passes between the magnet and the Hall-effect unit to generate an engine signal for ignition timing control. In all embodiments, the axial portion of the vane passes between the magnet and the Hall-effect unit. Several different mounting arrangements for the Hall-effect unit and magnet are shown.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,901,704 to Edward J. Safranek reference shows an engine ignition timing structure in which a plurality of magnets are positioned on the outer rim of the flywheel of an engine and rotate therewith. A stator assembly has the coils and four Hall-effect units mounted thereon to sense the passage of the axial portions
6
and
7
of the flux concentrators
29
a
and
29
b
which rotate with the flywheel along with a ring magnet
28
which is spaced from the fixed Hall-effect units. The signal generated by the Hall-effect units is used for ignition timing through a circuitry designed to eliminate the dependency of ignition timing on engine RPM.
U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,508,092 and 4,406,272 to Kiess et al. show a distributorless ignition system in which, in one embodiment, a single Hall-effect unit is positioned between two magnets in a spaced apart relationship radially outward from a rotating shaft. A disc is connected to the crank shaft of the engine for rotation with the shaft, and axially extending flange like members at different radial positions pass through the gaps formed between the magnets and the Hall-effect units. This sequentially generates two signals from the Hall-effect unit, one positive and one negative. These signals are processed through differential amplifiers and Schmidt triggers to a micro processor which utilizes the positive signal for operation of the spark in cylinders
1
and
4
and the negative signal for operation of the spark in cylinders
2
an
3
. In a second embodiment, there are provided two Hall-effect units with a spaced magnet between them. The same type of flanges move between the magnet and the Hall-effect units to provide the two output signals. A third embodiment is similar to the first and is linearly arranged for detecting linear motion.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,224,917 to Nakazawa et al. concerns the known idea of using a signal pickup device, amplifying the signal that is picked up, and transmitting the amplified signal to an ignition coil. Magnetic poles
5
are situated opposite the rotor tips and sense the passing of the rotor tips. The alleged new features are the placement of the amplifier circuit, or the amp
Finkelstein Don
Hoang Johnny H.
Pertronix, Inc.
Wolfe Willis R.
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