Ion current detecting apparatus for internal combustion engine

Details Ion current detecting apparatus for internal combustion engine Ion current detecting apparatus for internal combustion engine

2005-08-09

2010-06-29

Valone, Thomas (Department: 2831)

Electricity: measuring and testing

Internal-combustion engine ignition system or device

In situ testing of spark plug

C324S402000, C324S399000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07746079

ABSTRACT:
An ion current detecting apparatus includes a capacitor C that is charged as a spark plug3discharges, a Zener diode ZD that limits a maximum voltage of the capacitor C while charging, a detection resistor R2through which a discharge current of the capacitor C flows, and a comparator circuit5that compares a current value of the detection resistor R2with a predetermined value. A charge quantity Q of the capacitor C at discharge start is set so that, as a consequence of a discharging operation of the capacitor C, discharge duration required until the current value of the detection resistor R2falls below the predetermined value becomes longer than time duration in which the ion current generated by fuel combustion in the engine combustion chamber lasts. The ion current detecting apparatus automatically detects degradation in an insulation resistance in the spark plug, ensuring normal operation in engine control.

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