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EP0790408A2 - Measuring circuit for an ionic current in ignition devices for internal combustion engines - Google Patents

Measuring circuit for an ionic current in ignition devices for internal combustion engines Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0790408A2
EP0790408A2 EP97101842A EP97101842A EP0790408A2 EP 0790408 A2 EP0790408 A2 EP 0790408A2 EP 97101842 A EP97101842 A EP 97101842A EP 97101842 A EP97101842 A EP 97101842A EP 0790408 A2 EP0790408 A2 EP 0790408A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
ignition
circuit arrangement
arrangement according
circuit
resistor
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP97101842A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0790408B1 (en
EP0790408A3 (en
Inventor
Ulrich Dr. Bahr
Michael Daetz
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Volkswagen AG
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Deutsche Automobil GmbH
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
    • F02P17/00—Testing of ignition installations, e.g. in combination with adjusting; Testing of ignition timing in compression-ignition engines
    • F02P17/12—Testing characteristics of the spark, ignition voltage or current
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
    • F02P15/00—Electric spark ignition having characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F02P1/00 - F02P13/00 and combined with layout of ignition circuits
    • F02P15/10—Electric spark ignition having characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups F02P1/00 - F02P13/00 and combined with layout of ignition circuits having continuous electric sparks
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
    • F02P3/00—Other installations
    • F02P3/02—Other installations having inductive energy storage, e.g. arrangements of induction coils
    • F02P3/04—Layout of circuits
    • F02P3/045—Layout of circuits for control of the dwell or anti dwell time
    • F02P3/0453—Opening or closing the primary coil circuit with semiconductor devices
    • F02P3/0456—Opening or closing the primary coil circuit with semiconductor devices using digital techniques
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
    • F02P17/00—Testing of ignition installations, e.g. in combination with adjusting; Testing of ignition timing in compression-ignition engines
    • F02P17/12—Testing characteristics of the spark, ignition voltage or current
    • F02P2017/125—Measuring ionisation of combustion gas, e.g. by using ignition circuits

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a circuit arrangement for ion current measurement according to the preamble of patent claim 1.
  • Such an ion current measuring circuit is known from US 5483818, which has a differential amplifier connected as an inverting amplifier, for this purpose the low potential side of the secondary winding of the ignition coil is connected via a resistor to the inverting input of the differential amplifier, while a bias voltage of approximately 40 V is applied to its non-inverting input is created.
  • the output is fed back to the inverting input via a resistor and, at the same time, the output signal is fed to a threshold circuit for evaluating the ion current.
  • the further inverting amplifier is constructed in a corresponding manner to the amplifier connected directly to the secondary winding, the output of which is connected via a resistor to the inverting input of the further amplifier and the non-inverting input of which is supplied with the same bias voltage.
  • this known ion current measuring circuit disadvantageously requires a high level of circuitry.
  • the object of the present invention is therefore to provide a circuit arrangement for ion current measurement of the type mentioned at the outset which avoids this disadvantage.
  • first and second diverting circuit branches are provided for diverting the ignition current flowing during the burning time of the spark plug, each of which has a semiconductor diode and the second diverting circuit branch is arranged parallel to the inverting amplifier.
  • the main advantage of this solution according to the invention lies in the use of normal semiconductor diodes, so that the problem of high leakage currents does not occur and therefore a complex circuit as proposed in the prior art can be dispensed with.
  • Another advantage that can be achieved with the present invention is a lowering of the value of the measuring voltage below the voltage value of 40 V specified in the prior art.
  • an ignition current measuring resistor is connected in series with the further semiconductor diode, which forms the second discharge circuit branch.
  • the voltage drop occurring at this ignition current measuring resistor can advantageously serve as a measurement signal for the amount of the ignition current during the burning time of the spark plug.
  • This ignition current measurement signal can be used to control the ignition sequence in the event of a secondary ignition.
  • the second diverting circuit branch can preferably be connected to the ground potential of the circuit arrangement via a semiconductor switch which can be controlled by the output of the inverting amplifier, in particular a transistor. This can advantageously increase the current carrying capacity of the differential amplifier.
  • a differential amplifier connected as an inverting amplifier is provided.
  • one input of such a differential amplifier is connected to the low potential side of the secondary winding of the ignition coil, while a reference voltage is supplied to the other input, the value of which corresponds to the measuring voltage and in which the output is connected to the one input via a measuring resistor.
  • the ion current is converted into a voltage serving as a measurement signal, which voltage is then fed to an evaluation.
  • the reference voltage supplied to such a differential amplifier is generated in the simplest way with a constant voltage source.
  • the measuring sections of the spark plugs serving as ion current probes can be connected in parallel, so that the advantage of a low circuit complexity is retained. If, on the other hand, the measuring sections of the spark plugs serving as ion current probes are to be measured completely independently of one another, there may also be multiple circuits whose output signals are then time-multiplexed in a suitable form.
  • a parallel circuit comprising a dissipation resistor and at least one zener diode can be connected in series with the secondary winding in order to rapidly dissipate the energy which is still in the ignition coil or the secondary capacitances after the ignition spark has broken off, so that the ion current measurement can then be carried out without great time delay.
  • two antiserially connected zener diodes can preferably be used instead of only a single zener diode in order to achieve a decay behavior compared to the use of only a single zener diode, the duration of which is shorter and also symmetrical.
  • FIG. 1 shows a transistor ignition system of a 4-cylinder internal combustion engine, each with an ignition output stage assigned to a cylinder, each ignition output stage comprising an ignition coil Tr 1 ,..., Tr 4 , a primary winding P 1 ,..., P 4 and a secondary winding S 1 , ... S 4 , and an ignition transistor 1a, ..., 1d connected to the primary winding P 1 , ..., P 4 with associated spark plug Zk 1 , ..., Zk 4 is constructed.
  • the primary windings P 1 , ..., P 4 are connected by their one connection to an on-board battery voltage U B of 12 V, for example, while the other connection is connected to the associated ignition transistor 1a, ..., 1d.
  • the ignition transistors 1a, ..., 1d are controlled via their control electrodes by a circuit 2a for cylinder selection, which in turn is connected to a control circuit 2, which supplies the corresponding ignition trigger pulses for the individual cylinders of this circuit 2a.
  • the figure also shows a control unit 4, which takes over the function of an engine management and in turn controls the control circuit 2.
  • engine parameters such as load, speed and temperature are fed to this control unit 4 via an input E.
  • Corresponding actuators are controlled via outputs A.
  • the secondary windings S 1 , ..., S 4 are each connected with their high-voltage side to the associated spark plug Zk 1 , ..., Zk 4 , while their low potential side are brought together in a circuit node S via a dissipation resistor R 3 .
  • This circuit node S is connected to the input of a differential amplifier 3 connected as a non-inverting amplifier, in that this circuit node S is connected to the inverting input of this differential amplifier 3.
  • a constant reference voltage U ref preferably 20 V
  • This constant reference voltage U ref is fed to the secondary windings S 1 , ..., S 4 via this differential amplifier 3 by means of a measuring resistor R1 fed back to the inverting input, and thus reaches the spark plugs Zk 1 , ... working as ion measuring current paths as the test voltage U test . , Mark 4 .
  • the circuit according to the figure has a first and second diverting circuit branches A1 and A2.
  • the first discharge circuit branch A1 connects the circuit node S to the ground potential of the circuit via a semiconductor diode D 2
  • the second discharge circuit branch A2 consists of a series connection of an ignition current discharge resistor R 2 , a further semiconductor diode D 1 and a pnp transistor T
  • the ignition current measurement resistor R 2 is connected to the circuit node S and the collector electrode of the transistor T is at the ground potential of the circuit.
  • the base electrode of this transistor T is driven by the output of the differential amplifier 3.
  • the first diverting circuit branch A1 serves to derive negative voltage peaks occurring in one of the spark plugs Zk 1 ,... Zk 4 at the moment of a high voltage breakdown.
  • the actual ignition current is derived via the second derivation switching branch A 2 , which can also be constructed without the transistor T, which only serves to increase the current carrying capacity of the differential amplifier 3. If such a transistor T is dispensed with, the cathode of the semiconductor diode D 1 is directly connected to the output of the differential amplifier 3 Connected so that the diverting branch A 2 is connected in parallel to the ion measuring resistor R 1 .
  • the generation of an ignition pulse by the control circuit 2 leads to the activation of the corresponding ignition transistor 1a, ..., 1d.
  • the ignition spark generated in this way on the associated spark plug Zk 1 ,..., Zk 4 leads to a certain burning duration, which is accompanied by an ignition current.
  • This ignition current flows through the low-resistance leakage circuit branch A 2 to a part via the differential amplifier 3 and to another part in accordance with the set operating point of the transistor T to ground potential.
  • This operating point of the transistor T is determined by the output signal U ion of the differential amplifier 3, which, by means of the feedback via the ion measuring resistor R 1, regulates its potential at the inverting input to the U ref potential, which represents the measuring voltage for the subsequent ion current measurement. Overloading of the differential amplifier 3 by the ignition current is thus avoided by using such a transistor T.
  • the measuring voltage for the level of the ignition current could also be tapped at the emitter of the transistor T or with high resistance at the anode of the diode D 1 .
  • the tolerances of the base-emitter voltage of the transistor T or the diode forward voltage of the diode D 1 would then not be included in the measurement come in.
  • Another possibility for generating a measuring voltage for the ignition current is given in FIG. 2 explained below.
  • the residual energy still remaining in the corresponding secondary winding S 1 ,... S 4 or in the secondary capacitances must be rapidly dissipated.
  • the already mentioned dissipation resistor R 3 to which two antiserially connected Zener diodes Z 1 and Z 2 are connected in parallel.
  • Such a parallel connection substantially shortens the duration of the decay after the ignition spark has broken off, so that an ion current measurement which is not impaired by the decay behavior can be carried out immediately thereafter.
  • the value of the dissipation resistance R 3 is preferably chosen so that it corresponds to the value (L sek / C sek ) 1/2 , the quantities L sek and C sek representing the coil inductance or coil and stray capacitances effective on the secondary side.
  • the value of this dissipation resistance R 2 will usually be in the range between 10 k ⁇ and 100 k ⁇ and thus causes the energy to dissipate rapidly.
  • the two Zener diodes Z 1 and Z 2 are necessary to limit the voltage drop occurring across the dissipation resistor R 3 , which would otherwise result in a considerable reduction in the ignition energy.
  • an ignition current of 100 mA at a resistor of 50 k ⁇ would cause a voltage drop of 5000 V.
  • the Zener voltages of the Zener diodes Z 1 and Z 2 are therefore chosen so that there is only a slight reduction in the ignition energy, for example in the amount of 50 V.
  • Zener diodes Z 1 and Z 2 instead of using two Zener diodes Z 1 and Z 2 , it is also possible to provide only the Zener diode Z 2 and to dispense with the Zener diode Z 1 . However, this would make the swing-out behavior asymmetrical and the swing-out period can be extended somewhat. On the other hand, it would be advantageous that the voltage loss in ignition mode would be less than 1 V.
  • Zener diodes are in series with the secondary winding of the ignition coils Tr 1 ,... Tr 4 and the ion current measuring resistor R 1 , their leakage currents have no negative effect in the subsequent ion current measurement.
  • the reference voltage U ref serving as measurement voltage U test is applied by the inverting differential amplifier 3 to the secondary windings S 1 ,... S 4 , which then generates an ion current at the corresponding spark plug.
  • the inverting differential amplifier 3 converts this ion current into a voltage signal U ion , which is now fed to the evaluation unit 5 as a measurement signal of the ion current, the evaluation result of which is then forwarded to the control unit 4.
  • the measuring voltage U test supplied to the secondary windings S 1 , ..., S 4 of the ignition coils Tr 1 , ..., Tr 4 which can be between 5 and 30 V, preferably 20 V, is constant during the entire ion current measurement period. Since the ion current is in the ⁇ A range, a differential amplifier 3 with a low input current is used, which is available inexpensively today.
  • this measuring voltage U test means that there is no need to recharge stray capacitances, as can occur in other known systems when exposed to alternating current, such as, for example, with knocking combustion. This advantage is particularly noticeable when several ion measuring sections are operated in parallel, as shown in the figure, since effective stray capacities can then be multiplied.
  • a further resistor (not shown in the figure) can be provided in the feed line to its inverting input.
  • FIG. 2 shows a detail of the circuit diagram of Figure 1 with the inverting amplifier connected as a differential amplifier 3 and the associated two Ableitscenszweigen A 1 and A2.
  • the difference from FIG. 1 lies in the wiring of the ignition current measuring resistor R 2 , which is now arranged on the ground side, namely between the collector of the transistor T and the ground potential.
  • the measurement voltage U Zünd which is proportional to the ignition current, is therefore ground-related, which is advantageous for the further use of this measurement signal.
  • the ion current signal can be used to detect the knocking of the internal combustion engine and to set up a corresponding knock control by controlling the ignition timing.
  • Another application is to use the ion current signal both to detect misfires and to detect the camshaft position.
  • the circuit arrangement according to the invention for ion current measurement can be used not only in transistor ignition systems, as shown in the exemplary embodiment, but also in alternating current ignitions or high-voltage capacitor ignitions.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Ignition Installations For Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)

Abstract

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Schaltungsanordnung zur Ionenstrommessung im Verbrennungsraum einer Brennkraftmaschine mit einer aus Primär- und Sekundärwicklung bestehenden Zündspule, deren Sekundärwicklung sowohl an eine Zündkerze, die gleichzeitig als Ionenstromsonde dient, angeschlossen ist als auch über deren Niedrigpotentialseite mit einem invertierenden Verstärker zur Erzeugung einer konstanten Meßspannung zur Ionenstrommessung verbunden ist. Erfindungsgemäß ist zur Ableitung des während der Brenndauer der Zündkerze fließenden Zündstromes auf das Massepotential der Schaltungsanordnung sowohl ein erster Ableitschaltungszweig mit einer ersten Halbleiterdiode als auch ein zweiter, parallel zum invertierenden Verstärker geschalteten Ableitschaltungszweig mit einer zweiten Halbleiterdiode vorgesehen.

Figure imgaf001
The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for ion current measurement in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine with an ignition coil consisting of primary and secondary windings, the secondary winding of which is connected both to a spark plug, which also serves as an ion current probe, and also via its low potential side with an inverting amplifier to generate a constant measurement voltage is connected to the ion current measurement. According to the invention, both a first discharge circuit branch with a first semiconductor diode and a second discharge circuit branch connected in parallel with the inverting amplifier with a second semiconductor diode are provided for deriving the ignition current flowing during the burning time of the spark plug to the ground potential of the circuit arrangement.
Figure imgaf001

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Schaltungsanordnung zur Ionenstrommessung gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruches 1.The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for ion current measurement according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Eine solche Ionenstrommeßschaltung ist aus der US 5483818 bekannt, die einen als invertierenden Verstärker geschalteten Differenzverstärker aufweist, hierzu ist die Niedrigpotentialseite der Sekundärwicklung der Zündspule über einen Widerstand mit dem invertierenden Eingang des Differenzverstärkers verbunden, während an dessen nichtinvertierenden Eingang eine Vorspannung von ca. 40 V angelegt wird. Zur Erzielung der invertierenden Verstärkereigenschaft wird der Ausgang über einen Widerstand auf den invertierenden Eingang rückgekoppelt und gleichzeitig das Ausgangssignal zur Auswertung des Ionenstromes einer Schwellwertschaltung zugeführt. Ebenfalls an die Niedrigpotentialseite der Sekundärwicklung sind zwei in Reihe geschaltete Zenerdioden angeschlossen, deren Verbindungsknoten von einem weiteren invertierenden Verstärker derart angesteuert wird, daß die während einer Ionenstrommessung auftretenden Leckströme vermieden werden, um damit unverfälschte Ionenstromsignale zu erzeugen. Der weitere invertierende Verstärker ist entsprechender Weise wie der direkt an die Sekundärwicklung angeschlossene Verstärker aufgebaut, wobei dessen Ausgang über einen Widerstand mit dem invertierenden Eingang des weiteren Verstärkers verbunden ist und dessen nichtinvertierenden Eingang die gleiche Vorspannung zugeführt wird.Such an ion current measuring circuit is known from US 5483818, which has a differential amplifier connected as an inverting amplifier, for this purpose the low potential side of the secondary winding of the ignition coil is connected via a resistor to the inverting input of the differential amplifier, while a bias voltage of approximately 40 V is applied to its non-inverting input is created. To achieve the inverting amplifier property, the output is fed back to the inverting input via a resistor and, at the same time, the output signal is fed to a threshold circuit for evaluating the ion current. Also connected to the low potential side of the secondary winding are two series-connected zener diodes, the connection nodes of which are controlled by a further inverting amplifier in such a way that the leakage currents which occur during an ion current measurement are avoided, in order to generate unadulterated ion current signals. The further inverting amplifier is constructed in a corresponding manner to the amplifier connected directly to the secondary winding, the output of which is connected via a resistor to the inverting input of the further amplifier and the non-inverting input of which is supplied with the same bias voltage.

Zur Vermeidung der durch die verwendeten Zenerdioden erzeugten Leckströme bedarf es bei dieser bekannten Ionenstrommeßschaltung in nachteiliger Weise eines hohen Schaltungsaufwandes.In order to avoid the leakage currents generated by the Zener diodes used, this known ion current measuring circuit disadvantageously requires a high level of circuitry.

Die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung besteht daher darin, eine Schaltungsanordnung zur Ionenstrommessung der eingangs genannten Art anzugeben, die diesen Nachteil vermeidet.The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a circuit arrangement for ion current measurement of the type mentioned at the outset which avoids this disadvantage.

Die Lösung dieser Aufgabe ist durch das kennzeichnende Merkmal des Patentanspruches 1 gegeben. Hiernach sind zur Ableitung des während der Brenndauer der Zündkerze fließenden Zündstromes ein erster und zweiter Ableitschaltungszweig vorgesehen, die jeweils eine Halbleiterdiode aufweisen und der zweite Ableitschaltungszweig parallel zum invertierenden Verstärker angeordnet ist. Der wesentlichste Vorteil dieser erfindungsgemäßen Lösung liegt in der Verwendung von normalen Halbleiterdioden, so daß das Problem von hohen Leckströmen nicht auftritt und daher eine wie im Stand der Technik vorgeschlagene aufwendige Schaltung entfallen kann.The solution to this problem is given by the characterizing feature of claim 1. According to this, first and second diverting circuit branches are provided for diverting the ignition current flowing during the burning time of the spark plug, each of which has a semiconductor diode and the second diverting circuit branch is arranged parallel to the inverting amplifier. The main advantage of this solution according to the invention lies in the use of normal semiconductor diodes, so that the problem of high leakage currents does not occur and therefore a complex circuit as proposed in the prior art can be dispensed with.

Ein weiterer mit der vorliegenden Erfindung erzielbarer Vorteil liegt in einer Absenkung des Wertes der Meßspannung unter den im stand der Technik angegebenen Spannungswert von 40 V.Another advantage that can be achieved with the present invention is a lowering of the value of the measuring voltage below the voltage value of 40 V specified in the prior art.

In einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung der Erfindung ist zur weiteren Halbleiterdiode, die den zweiten Ableitschaltungszweig bildet, ein Zündstrommeßwiderstand in Reihe geschaltet. Der an diesem Zündstrommeßwiderstand auftretende Spannungsabfall kann während der Brenndauer der Zündkerze in vorteilhafter Weise als Meßsignal für die Höhe des Zündstromes dienen. Dieses Zündstrommeßsignal kann dazu verwendet werden, den Zündablauf bei einer Folgezündung zu steuern.In an advantageous development of the invention, an ignition current measuring resistor is connected in series with the further semiconductor diode, which forms the second discharge circuit branch. The voltage drop occurring at this ignition current measuring resistor can advantageously serve as a measurement signal for the amount of the ignition current during the burning time of the spark plug. This ignition current measurement signal can be used to control the ignition sequence in the event of a secondary ignition.

Vorzugsweise kann der zweite Ableitschaltungszweig über einen vom Ausgang des invertierenden Verstärkers steuerbaren Halbleiterschalter, insbesondere eines Transistors mit dem Massepotential der Schaltungsanordnung verbunden werden. Damit läßt sich in vorteilhafter Weise die Strombelastbarkeit des Differenzverstärkers erhöhen.The second diverting circuit branch can preferably be connected to the ground potential of the circuit arrangement via a semiconductor switch which can be controlled by the output of the inverting amplifier, in particular a transistor. This can advantageously increase the current carrying capacity of the differential amplifier.

Gemäß einer weiteren vorteilhaften Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist ein als invertierender Verstärker geschalteter Differenzverstärker vorgesehen.According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a differential amplifier connected as an inverting amplifier is provided.

Vorzugsweise ist dabei der eine Eingang eines solchen Differenzverstärkers mit der Niedrigpotentialseite der Sekundärwicklung der Zündspule verbunden, während am anderen Eingang eine Referenzspannung zugeführt wird, deren Wert der Meßspannung entspricht und bei dem der Ausgang über einen Meßwiderstand mit dem einen Eingang verbunden ist.Preferably, one input of such a differential amplifier is connected to the low potential side of the secondary winding of the ignition coil, while a reference voltage is supplied to the other input, the value of which corresponds to the measuring voltage and in which the output is connected to the one input via a measuring resistor.

Damit wird der Ionenstrom mit einfachsten Schaltungsmitteln in eine als Meßsignal dienende Spannung umgewandelt, die anschließend einer Auswertung zugeführt wird.With the simplest circuit means, the ion current is converted into a voltage serving as a measurement signal, which voltage is then fed to an evaluation.

Die einem solchen Differenzverstärker zugeführte Referenzspannung wird in einfachster Weise mit einer Konstantspannungsquelle erzeugt.The reference voltage supplied to such a differential amplifier is generated in the simplest way with a constant voltage source.

Weiterhin können bei Einsatz einer Mehrzylinderbrennkraftmaschine die Meßstrecken der als Ionenstromsonde dienenden Zündkerzen parallel geschaltet werden, so daß der Vorteil eines geringen Schaltungsaufwandes erhalten bleibt. Sollen dagegen die Meßstrecken der als Ionenstromsonde dienenden Zündkerzen völlig unabhängig voneinander gemessen werden, können aber auch die Schaltungen mehrfach vorhanden sein, deren Ausgangssignale dann in geeigneter Form zeitlich gemultiplext werden.Furthermore, when using a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine, the measuring sections of the spark plugs serving as ion current probes can be connected in parallel, so that the advantage of a low circuit complexity is retained. If, on the other hand, the measuring sections of the spark plugs serving as ion current probes are to be measured completely independently of one another, there may also be multiple circuits whose output signals are then time-multiplexed in a suitable form.

Schließlich kann bei einer besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung eine Parallelschaltung aus einem Dissipationswiderstand und wenigstens einer Zenerdiode in Reihe zur Sekundärwicklung geschaltet werden, um die Energie, die sich nach dem Abreißen des Zündfunkens noch in der Zündspule oder den Sekundärkapazitäten befindet, schnell zu dissipieren, damit ohne große Zeitverzögerung anschließend die Ionenstrommessung durchführbar ist. In vorteilhafter Weise können vorzugsweise zwei antiseriell verbundene Zenerdioden anstelle nur einer einzigen Zenerdiode verwendet werden, um damit gegenüber der Verwendung nur einer einzigen Zenerdiode ein Ausschwingverhalten zu erzielen, dessen Dauer kürzer und außerdem symmetrisch ist.Finally, in a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a parallel circuit comprising a dissipation resistor and at least one zener diode can be connected in series with the secondary winding in order to rapidly dissipate the energy which is still in the ignition coil or the secondary capacitances after the ignition spark has broken off, so that the ion current measurement can then be carried out without great time delay. Advantageously, two antiserially connected zener diodes can preferably be used instead of only a single zener diode in order to achieve a decay behavior compared to the use of only a single zener diode, the duration of which is shorter and also symmetrical.

Im folgenden soll die Erfindung anhand eines Ausführungsbeispieles im Zusammenhang mit der Figur dargestellt und erläutert werden. Es zeigen:

Figur 1
ein Schaltbild eines elektronischen Zündsystems gemäß der Erfindung und
Figur 2
einen Schaltungsausschnitt des Schaltbildes nach Figur 1 mit einem alternativen zweiten Ableitschaltungszweig A2.
In the following, the invention will be illustrated and explained using an exemplary embodiment in connection with the figure. Show it:
Figure 1
a circuit diagram of an electronic ignition system according to the invention and
Figure 2
a circuit section of the circuit diagram of Figure 1 with an alternative second diverting branch A2.

Die Figur 1 zeigt eine Transistorzündanlage einer 4-Zylinder-Brennkaftmaschine mit jeweils einem Zylinder zugeordneten Zündendstufe, wobei jede Zündendstufe aus einer Zündspule Tr1, ..., Tr4, die eine Primärwicklung P1, ..., P4 und eine Sekundärwicklung S1, ... S4 umfaßt, und einem mit der Primärwicklung P1, ..., P4 verbundenen Zündtransistor 1a, ..., 1d mit zugehöriger Zündkerze Zk1, ..., Zk4 aufgebaut ist. Die Primärwicklungen P1, ..., P4 sind mit ihrem einen Anschluß an eine von einer Bordbatterie gelieferten Bordnetzspannung UB von beispielsweise 12 V angeschlossen, während der andere Anschluß mit dem zugehörigen Zündtransistor 1a, ..., 1d verbunden ist.FIG. 1 shows a transistor ignition system of a 4-cylinder internal combustion engine, each with an ignition output stage assigned to a cylinder, each ignition output stage comprising an ignition coil Tr 1 ,..., Tr 4 , a primary winding P 1 ,..., P 4 and a secondary winding S 1 , ... S 4 , and an ignition transistor 1a, ..., 1d connected to the primary winding P 1 , ..., P 4 with associated spark plug Zk 1 , ..., Zk 4 is constructed. The primary windings P 1 , ..., P 4 are connected by their one connection to an on-board battery voltage U B of 12 V, for example, while the other connection is connected to the associated ignition transistor 1a, ..., 1d.

Die Zündtransistoren 1a, ..., 1d werden über deren Steuerelektroden von einer Schaltung 2a zur Zylinderselektion angesteuert, die ihrerseits mit einer Regelschaltung 2 verbunden ist, die die entsprechenden Zündauslöseimpulse für die einzelnen Zylinder dieser Schaltung 2a zuführt.The ignition transistors 1a, ..., 1d are controlled via their control electrodes by a circuit 2a for cylinder selection, which in turn is connected to a control circuit 2, which supplies the corresponding ignition trigger pulses for the individual cylinders of this circuit 2a.

Die Figur zeigt ferner ein Steuergerät 4, das die Funktion eines Motormanagements übernimmt und seinerseits die Regelschaltung 2 ansteuert. Hierzu werden dieser Steuereinheit 4 über einen Eingang E Motorparameter, wie Last, Drehzahl und Temperatur zugeführt. Entsprechende Aktuatoren werden über Ausgänge A gesteuert.The figure also shows a control unit 4, which takes over the function of an engine management and in turn controls the control circuit 2. For this purpose, engine parameters such as load, speed and temperature are fed to this control unit 4 via an input E. Corresponding actuators are controlled via outputs A.

Die Sekundärwicklungen S1, ..., S4 sind jeweils mit ihrer Hochspannungsseite mit der zugehörigen Zündkerze Zk1, ..., Zk4 verbunden, während deren Niedrigpotentialseite über jeweils einen Dissipationswiderstand R3 in einem Schaltungsknoten S zusammengeführt sind.The secondary windings S 1 , ..., S 4 are each connected with their high-voltage side to the associated spark plug Zk 1 , ..., Zk 4 , while their low potential side are brought together in a circuit node S via a dissipation resistor R 3 .

Dieser Schaltungsknoten S ist auf den Eingang eines als nicht invertierenden Verstärkers geschalteten Differenzverstärkers 3 geführt, indem dieser Schaltungsknoten S an den invertierenden Eingang dieses Differenzverstärkers 3 angeschlossen ist. An den nichtinvertierenden Eingang dieses Differenzverstärkers 3 wird dagegen eine konstante Referenzspannung Uref, vorzugsweise 20 V angelegt, wobei diese konstante Referenzspannung von einer Konstantspannungsquelle 6 erzeugt wird. Diese konstante Referenzspannung Uref wird über diesen Differenzverstärker 3 mittels eines auf den invertierenden Eingang rückgekoppelten Meßwiderstandes R1 den Sekundärwicklungen S1, ..., S4 zugeführt und gelangt somit als Meßspannung Utest an die als Ionenmeßstromstrecken arbeitenden Zündkerzen Zk1, ..., Zk4.This circuit node S is connected to the input of a differential amplifier 3 connected as a non-inverting amplifier, in that this circuit node S is connected to the inverting input of this differential amplifier 3. In contrast, a constant reference voltage U ref , preferably 20 V, is applied to the non-inverting input of this differential amplifier 3, this constant reference voltage being generated by a constant voltage source 6. This constant reference voltage U ref is fed to the secondary windings S 1 , ..., S 4 via this differential amplifier 3 by means of a measuring resistor R1 fed back to the inverting input, and thus reaches the spark plugs Zk 1 , ... working as ion measuring current paths as the test voltage U test . , Mark 4 .

Um den während der Brenndauer aufgrund des Zündvorganges entstehenden Zündstrom abzuleiten, weist die Schaltung gemäß der Figur einen ersten und zweiten Ableitschaltungszweig A1 und A2 auf. Der erste Ableitschaltungszweig A1 verbindet den Schaltungsknoten S über eine Halbleiterdiode D2 mit dem Massepotential der Schaltung, während der zweite Ableitschaltungszweig A2 aus einer Serienschaltung eines Zündstromableitwiderstandes R2, einer weiteren Halbleiterdiode D1 und eines pnp-Transistors T besteht, wobei der Zündstrommeßwiderstand R2 mit dem Schaltungsknoten S verbunden ist und die Kollektorelektrode des Transistors T auf dem Massepotential der Schaltung liegt. Die Basiselektrode dieses Transistors T wird vom Ausgang des Differenzverstärkers 3 angesteuert.In order to derive the ignition current which arises during the burning time due to the ignition process, the circuit according to the figure has a first and second diverting circuit branches A1 and A2. The first discharge circuit branch A1 connects the circuit node S to the ground potential of the circuit via a semiconductor diode D 2 , while the second discharge circuit branch A2 consists of a series connection of an ignition current discharge resistor R 2 , a further semiconductor diode D 1 and a pnp transistor T, the ignition current measurement resistor R 2 is connected to the circuit node S and the collector electrode of the transistor T is at the ground potential of the circuit. The base electrode of this transistor T is driven by the output of the differential amplifier 3.

Der erste Ableitschaltungszweig A1 dient dazu, im Augenblick eines Hochspannungsdurchbruches in einer der Zündkerzen Zk1,..., Zk4 entstehende negative Spannungsspitzen abzuleiten.The first diverting circuit branch A1 serves to derive negative voltage peaks occurring in one of the spark plugs Zk 1 ,... Zk 4 at the moment of a high voltage breakdown.

Der eigentliche Zündstrom wird über den zweiten Ableitungsschaltzweig A2 abgeleitet, der auch ohne den Transistor T aufgebaut werden kann, der lediglich zur Erhöhung der Strombelastbarkeit des Differenzverstärkers 3 dient. Wird auf einen solchen Transistor T verzichtet, ist die Kathode der Halbleiterdiode D1 direkt mit dem Ausgang des Differenzverstärkers 3 Verbunden, so daß der Ableitschaltungszweig A2 parallel zum Ionenmeßwiderstand R1 geschaltet ist.The actual ignition current is derived via the second derivation switching branch A 2 , which can also be constructed without the transistor T, which only serves to increase the current carrying capacity of the differential amplifier 3. If such a transistor T is dispensed with, the cathode of the semiconductor diode D 1 is directly connected to the output of the differential amplifier 3 Connected so that the diverting branch A 2 is connected in parallel to the ion measuring resistor R 1 .

Im folgenden soll die Funktion der Schaltung gemäß der Figur 1 erläutert werden:The function of the circuit according to FIG. 1 is to be explained below:

Die Generierung eines Zündimpulses durch die Regelschaltung 2 führt zur Ansteuerung des entsprechenden Zündtransistors 1a, ..., 1d. Der hierdurch erzeugte Zündfunken an der zugehörigen Zündkerze Zk1, ..., Zk4 führt zu einer bestimmten Brenndauer, die von einem Zündstrom begleitet wird. Dieser Zündstrom fließt über den niederohmigen Ableitschaltungszweig A2 zu einem Teil über den Differenzverstärker 3 und zu einem anderen Teil entsprechend dem eingestellten Arbeitspunkt des Transistors T auf Massepotential ab. Dieser Arbeitspunkt des Transistors T wird durch das Ausgangssignal Uion des Differenzverstärkers 3 bestimmt, das durch die Rückkopplung über den Ionenmeßwiderstand R1 auf den invertierenden Eingang dessen Potential auf das Uref-Potential einregelt, das die Meßspannung für die nachfolgende Ionenstrommessung darstellt. Damit wird durch den Einsatz eines solchen Transistors T eine Überbelastung des Differenzverstärkers 3 durch den Zündstrom vermieden.The generation of an ignition pulse by the control circuit 2 leads to the activation of the corresponding ignition transistor 1a, ..., 1d. The ignition spark generated in this way on the associated spark plug Zk 1 ,..., Zk 4 leads to a certain burning duration, which is accompanied by an ignition current. This ignition current flows through the low-resistance leakage circuit branch A 2 to a part via the differential amplifier 3 and to another part in accordance with the set operating point of the transistor T to ground potential. This operating point of the transistor T is determined by the output signal U ion of the differential amplifier 3, which, by means of the feedback via the ion measuring resistor R 1, regulates its potential at the inverting input to the U ref potential, which represents the measuring voltage for the subsequent ion current measurement. Overloading of the differential amplifier 3 by the ignition current is thus avoided by using such a transistor T.

Während der Brenndauer zeigt das Ausgangssignal Uion des Differenzverstärkers 3 die Höhe des durch den Zündstrommeßwiderstand R2 fließenden Zündstromes an und kann daher als Meßsignal des Zündstromes nach Auswertung zur Lade- und Brenndauerregelung der Brennkraftmaschine herangezogen werden. Der Wert des Zündstrommeßwiderstandes R2 wird so gewählt, daß dessen Spannungsabfall UR2 mit dem Wert R2 · Izünd im Bereich einiger Volt liegt. Ein solcher Wert für den Widerstand R2 wäre beispielweise 15 Ω. Am Ausgang des Differenzverstärkers 3 liegt dann eine Spannung Uion mit einem Wert von U ref - I zünd · R 2 -U D1 -U BE

Figure imgb0001
an, wobei UD1 bzw. UBE die Diodenflußspannung bzw. die Basis-Emitterspannung darstellt.During the burning time, the output signal U ion of the differential amplifier 3 indicates the level of the ignition current flowing through the ignition current measuring resistor R 2 and can therefore be used as a measurement signal of the ignition current after evaluation for charging and burning time control of the internal combustion engine. The value of the ignition current measuring resistor R 2 is chosen so that its voltage drop U R2 with the value R 2 · I ignition is in the range of a few volts. Such a value for the resistor R 2 would be 15 Ω, for example. At the output of the differential amplifier 3 there is a voltage U ion with a value of U ref - I ignition · R 2nd -U D1 -U BE
Figure imgb0001
 where U D1 or U BE represents the diode forward voltage or the base-emitter voltage.

Die Meßspannung für die Höhe des Zündstromes könnte auch am Emitter des Transistors T oder hochohmig an der Anode der Diode D1 abgegriffen werden. Die Toleranzen der Basis-Emitterspannung des Transistors T bzw. die Diodenflußspannung der Diode D1 würden dann nicht in die Messung eingehen. Eine weitere Möglichkeit zur Erzeugung einer Meßspannung für den Zündstrom ist mit der weiter unten erläuterten Figur 2 gegeben.The measuring voltage for the level of the ignition current could also be tapped at the emitter of the transistor T or with high resistance at the anode of the diode D 1 . The tolerances of the base-emitter voltage of the transistor T or the diode forward voltage of the diode D 1 would then not be included in the measurement come in. Another possibility for generating a measuring voltage for the ignition current is given in FIG. 2 explained below.

Nach dem Abreißen des Zündfunkes, also am Ende der Brenndauer, muß die noch in der entsprechenden Sekundärwicklung S1, ..., S4 oder in den Sekundärkapazitäten verbleibende Restenergie schnell abgebaut werden. Hierzu dient der schon erwähnte Dissipationswiderstand R3, dem zwei antiseriell verbundene Zenerdioden Z1 und Z2 parallel geschaltet sind.After the ignition radio has been torn off, that is to say at the end of the burning time, the residual energy still remaining in the corresponding secondary winding S 1 ,... S 4 or in the secondary capacitances must be rapidly dissipated. For this purpose, the already mentioned dissipation resistor R 3 , to which two antiserially connected Zener diodes Z 1 and Z 2 are connected in parallel.

Durch eine solche Parallelschaltung wird die Dauer des Ausschwingens nach dem Abreißen des Zündfunkens wesentlich verkürzt, so daß unmittelbar danach eine durch das Ausschwingverhalten nicht beeinträchtigte Ionenstrommessung durchführbar ist.Such a parallel connection substantially shortens the duration of the decay after the ignition spark has broken off, so that an ion current measurement which is not impaired by the decay behavior can be carried out immediately thereafter.

Eine solche beschleunigte Energiedissipation ist besonders bei hohen Motordrehzahlen wichtig. Der Wert des Dissipationswiderstandes R3 wird vorzugsweise so gewählt, daß er dem Wert (Lsek/Csek)1/2 entspricht, wobei die Größen Lsek und Csek, die sekundärseitig wirksame Spuleninduktivität bzw. Spulen- und Streukapazitäten darstellen. Der Wert dieses DissipationswiderStandes R2 wird üblicherweise im Bereich zwischen 10 kΩ und 100 kΩ liegen und bewirkt damit ein schnelles Dissipieren der Energie.Such accelerated energy dissipation is particularly important at high engine speeds. The value of the dissipation resistance R 3 is preferably chosen so that it corresponds to the value (L sek / C sek ) 1/2 , the quantities L sek and C sek representing the coil inductance or coil and stray capacitances effective on the secondary side. The value of this dissipation resistance R 2 will usually be in the range between 10 kΩ and 100 kΩ and thus causes the energy to dissipate rapidly.

Die beiden Zenerdioden Z1 und Z2 sind zur Begrenzung des über dem Dissipationswiderstand R3 entstehenden Spannungsabfalles notwendig, was ansonsten eine erhebliche Verminderung der Zündenergie zur Folge hätte. So würde ein Zündstrom von beispielsweise 100 mA an einem Widerstand von beispielsweise 50 kΩ einen Spannungsabfall von 5000 V bewirken. Die Zenerspannungen der Zenerdioden Z1 und Z2 werden daher so gewählt, daß nur eine geringe Verminderung der Zündenergie eintritt, beispielsweise in Höhe von 50 V.The two Zener diodes Z 1 and Z 2 are necessary to limit the voltage drop occurring across the dissipation resistor R 3 , which would otherwise result in a considerable reduction in the ignition energy. For example, an ignition current of 100 mA at a resistor of 50 kΩ, for example, would cause a voltage drop of 5000 V. The Zener voltages of the Zener diodes Z 1 and Z 2 are therefore chosen so that there is only a slight reduction in the ignition energy, for example in the amount of 50 V.

Anstelle der Verwendung von zwei Zenerdioden Z1 und Z2 ist es auch möglich, lediglich die Zenerdiode Z2 vorzusehen und auf die Zenerdiode Z1 zu verzichten. Damit würde allerdings das Ausschwingverhalten unsymmetrisch und die Ausschwingdauer etwas verlängert werden. Vorteilhaft wäre dagegen, daß der Spannungsverlust im Zündbetrieb kleiner als 1 V wäre.Instead of using two Zener diodes Z 1 and Z 2 , it is also possible to provide only the Zener diode Z 2 and to dispense with the Zener diode Z 1 . However, this would make the swing-out behavior asymmetrical and the swing-out period can be extended somewhat. On the other hand, it would be advantageous that the voltage loss in ignition mode would be less than 1 V.

Da in beidgenannten Fällen die Zenerdioden in Reihe zur Sekundärwicklung der Zündspulen Tr1,...Tr4 und zum Ionenstrommeßwiderstand R1 liegen, haben deren Leckströme bei der nachfolgenden Ionenstrommessung keine negative Auswirkung.Since in both cases the Zener diodes are in series with the secondary winding of the ignition coils Tr 1 ,... Tr 4 and the ion current measuring resistor R 1 , their leakage currents have no negative effect in the subsequent ion current measurement.

Nach dem Abklingen des Zündstromes wird die als Meßspannung Utest dienende Referenzspannung Uref von dem invertierenden Differenzverstärker 3 an die Sekundärwicklungen S1, ..., S4 angelegt, die dann an der entsprechenden Zündkerze einen Ionenstrom erzeugt.After the ignition current has decayed, the reference voltage U ref serving as measurement voltage U test is applied by the inverting differential amplifier 3 to the secondary windings S 1 ,... S 4 , which then generates an ion current at the corresponding spark plug.

Der invertierende Differenzverstärker 3 wandelt diesen Ionenstrom in ein Spannungssignal Uion um, das nun als Meßsignal des Ionenstroms der Auswerteeinheit 5 zugeführt wird, deren Auswerteergebnis anschließend an das Steuergerät 4 weitergeleitet wird. Die den Sekundärwicklungen S1, ..., S4 der Zündspulen Tr1, ..., Tr4 zugeführte Meßspannung Utest, die zwischen 5 und 30 V, vorzugsweise 20 V liegen kann, ist während der gesamten Ionenstrommeßdauer konstant. Da der Ionenstrom im µA-Bereich liegt, wird ein Differenzverstärker 3 mit einem niedrigen Eingangsstrom verwendet, der heutzutage kostengünstig verfügbar ist. Durch die niederohmige Bereitstellung dieser Meßspannung Utest entfallen Umladungen von Streukapazitäten, wie sie in anderen bekannten Systemen bei Wechselstrombelastung, wie zum Beispiel bei klopfender Verbrennung, auftreten können. Dieser Vorteil macht sich besonders dann bemerkbar, wenn mehrere Ionenmeßstrecken parallel betrieben werden, wie dies in der Figur dargestellt ist, da sich dann wirksame Streukapazitäten vervielfachen können.The inverting differential amplifier 3 converts this ion current into a voltage signal U ion , which is now fed to the evaluation unit 5 as a measurement signal of the ion current, the evaluation result of which is then forwarded to the control unit 4. The measuring voltage U test supplied to the secondary windings S 1 , ..., S 4 of the ignition coils Tr 1 , ..., Tr 4 , which can be between 5 and 30 V, preferably 20 V, is constant during the entire ion current measurement period. Since the ion current is in the µA range, a differential amplifier 3 with a low input current is used, which is available inexpensively today. The low-impedance provision of this measuring voltage U test means that there is no need to recharge stray capacitances, as can occur in other known systems when exposed to alternating current, such as, for example, with knocking combustion. This advantage is particularly noticeable when several ion measuring sections are operated in parallel, as shown in the figure, since effective stray capacities can then be multiplied.

Um den in den Differenzverstärker 3 fließenden Strom zu begrenzen, kann in der Zuleitung zu dessen invertierenden Eingang ein weiterer Widerstand (in der Figur nicht dargestellt) vorgesehen werden.In order to limit the current flowing into the differential amplifier 3, a further resistor (not shown in the figure) can be provided in the feed line to its inverting input.

Die Figur 2 zeigt einen Ausschnitt des Schaltbildes nach Figur 1 mit dem als invertierenden Verstärker geschalteten Differenzverstärker 3 und den zugehörigen beiden Ableitschaltungszweigen A1 und A2.2 shows a detail of the circuit diagram of Figure 1 with the inverting amplifier connected as a differential amplifier 3 and the associated two Ableitschaltungszweigen A 1 and A2.

Der Unterschied zu Figur 1 liegt in der Beschaltung des Zündstrommeßwiderstandes R2, der nun masseseitig, nämlich zwischen dem Kollektor des Transistors T und Massepotential angeordnet ist. Die zum Zündstrom proportionale Meßspannung UZünd liegt daher massebezogen vor, was für die Weiterverwendung dieses Meßsignals vorteilhaft ist.The difference from FIG. 1 lies in the wiring of the ignition current measuring resistor R 2 , which is now arranged on the ground side, namely between the collector of the transistor T and the ground potential. The measurement voltage U Zünd , which is proportional to the ignition current, is therefore ground-related, which is advantageous for the further use of this measurement signal.

Die zusätzliche Verwendung eines zwischen dem Ausgang des Differenzverstärkers 3 und der Basis des Transistors T geschalteten Widerstandes R4 begrenzt den durch einen Basisstrom entstehenden Meßfehler auf kleine Werte.The additional use of a resistor R 4 connected between the output of the differential amplifier 3 and the base of the transistor T limits the measurement error resulting from a base current to small values.

Das Ionenstromsignal kann dazu verwendet werden, um das Klopfen der Brennkraftmaschine zu detektieren und über eine Steuerung des Zündzeitpunktes eine entsprechende Klopfregelung aufzubauen.The ion current signal can be used to detect the knocking of the internal combustion engine and to set up a corresponding knock control by controlling the ignition timing.

Eine weitere Anwendung besteht darin, das Ionenstromsignal sowohl zur Erkennung von Entflammungsaussetzern als auch zur Erkennung der Nockenwellenstellung zu verwenden.Another application is to use the ion current signal both to detect misfires and to detect the camshaft position.

Die erfindungsgemäße Schaltungsanordnung zur Ionenstrommessung ist nicht nur bei Transistorzündanlagen, wie in dem Ausführungsbeispiel dargestellt, einsetzbar, sondern gleichfalls bei Wechselstromzündungen oder Hochspannungskondensatorzündungen.The circuit arrangement according to the invention for ion current measurement can be used not only in transistor ignition systems, as shown in the exemplary embodiment, but also in alternating current ignitions or high-voltage capacitor ignitions.

Claims (10)

Schaltungsanordnung zur Ionenstrommessung im Verbrennungsraum einer Brennkraftmaschine, bestehend aus: a) einer Zündspule (Tr1,...,Tr4) mit Primär- und Sekundärwicklung (P1,...,P4, S1,...,S4), b) einer mit der Sekundärwicklung (S1,...,S4) verbundenen Zündkerze (Zk1,...,Zk4), die gleichzeitig als Ionenstromsonde dient, c) einen an die Niedrigpotentialseite der Sekundärwicklung (S1,...,S4) der Zündspule (Tr1,...,Tr4) angeschlossenen invertierenden Verstärker (3, R1) zur Erzeugung einer konstanten Meßspannung (UM) zur Ionenstrommessung, gekennzeichnet durch folgendes Merkmal: d) zur Ableitung des während der Zündung der Zündkerze fließenden Zündstromes auf das Massepotential der Schaltungsanordnung ist d1) ein erster Ableitschaltungszweig (A1) mit einer Halbleiterdiode (D2) vorgesehen und d2) ein zweiter, parallel zum invertierenden Verstärker (3, R1) geschalteter Ableitschaltungszweig (A2) mit einer weiteren Halbleiterdiode (D1) vorgesehen. Circuit arrangement for ion current measurement in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, consisting of: a) an ignition coil (Tr 1 , ..., Tr 4 ) with primary and secondary winding (P 1 , ..., P 4 , S 1 , ..., S 4 ), b) a) connected to the secondary winding (S 1, ..., S 4 spark plug (Zk 1, ..., Zk 4) that simultaneously serves as an ion current probe, c) an inverting amplifier (3, R 1 ) connected to the low potential side of the secondary winding (S 1 , ..., S 4 ) of the ignition coil (Tr 1 , ..., Tr 4 ) for generating a constant measuring voltage (U M ) for ion current measurement, characterized by the following feature: d) for deriving the ignition current flowing during the ignition of the spark plug to the ground potential of the circuit arrangement d1) a first discharge circuit branch (A 1 ) with a semiconductor diode (D 2 ) is provided and d2) a second diverting circuit branch (A 2 ) connected in parallel to the inverting amplifier (3, R 1 ) with a further semiconductor diode (D 1 ) intended. Schaltungsanordnung nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der zweite Ableitschaltungszweig (A2) einen in Reihe zur weiteren Halbleiterdiode (D1) geschalteten Zündstrommeßwiderstand (R2) aufweist.Circuit arrangement according to Claim 2, characterized in that the second discharge circuit branch (A 2 ) has an ignition current measuring resistor (R 2 ) connected in series with the further semiconductor diode (D 1 ). Schaltungsanordnung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der zweite Ableitschaltungszweig in (A2) über einen vom Ausgang des invertierenden Verstärkers (3, R1) steuerbaren Halbleiterschalter (T), insbesondere eines Transistors mit dem Massepotential verbunden ist.Circuit arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second discharge circuit branch in (A 2 ) is connected to the ground potential via a semiconductor switch (T) which can be controlled by the output of the inverting amplifier (3, R 1 ), in particular a transistor. Schaltungsanordnung nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Zündstrommeßwiderstand (R2) im Emitterzweig des Transistors (T) angeordnet ist.Circuit arrangement according to Claim 3, characterized in that the ignition current measuring resistor (R 2 ) is arranged in the emitter branch of the transistor (T). Schaltungsanordnung nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der Zündstrommeßwiderstand (R2) im Kollektorzweig des Transistors (T) angeordnet ist.Circuit arrangement according to Claim 3, characterized in that the ignition current measuring resistor (R2) is arranged in the collector branch of the transistor (T). Schaltungsanordnung nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß ein Differenzverstärker 3 als invertierender Verstärker vorgesehen ist.Circuit arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a differential amplifier 3 is provided as an inverting amplifier. Schaltungsanordnung nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der eine Eingang des Differenzverstärkers (3) mit der Niedrigpotentialseite der Sekundärwicklung (S1, ..., S4) der Zündspule (Tr1, ..., Tr4) verbunden ist und dem anderen Eingang eine Referenzspannung (Uref) zugeführt wird, deren Wert der Meßspannung (Utest) entspricht, und der Ausgang des Differenzverstärkers (3) über einen Ionenstrommeßwiderstand (R1) mit dem einen Eingang verbunden ist.Circuit arrangement according to Claim 6, characterized in that one input of the differential amplifier (3) is connected to the low potential side of the secondary winding (S 1 , ..., S 4 ) of the ignition coil (Tr 1 , ..., Tr 4 ) and that another input a reference voltage (U ref ) is supplied, the value of which corresponds to the measuring voltage (U test ), and the output of the differential amplifier (3) is connected to the one input via an ion current measuring resistor (R 1 ). Schaltungsanordnung nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß in Reihe zur Sekundärwicklung (S1...S4) eine Parallelschaltung aus einem Dissipationswiderstand (R3) und wenigstens einer Zenerdiode (Z1, Z2) geschaltet ist.Circuit arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a parallel circuit comprising a dissipation resistor (R 3 ) and at least one Zener diode (Z 1 , Z 2 ) is connected in series with the secondary winding (S 1 ... S 4 ). Schaltungsanordnung nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß parallel zum Dissipationswiderstand (R2) zwei antiseriell geschaltete Zenerdioden (Z1, Z2) liegen.Circuit arrangement according to Claim 8, characterized in that two anti-series Zener diodes (Z 1 , Z 2 ) are connected in parallel with the dissipation resistor (R 2 ). Verwendung der Schaltungsanordnung nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 9 für eine Zündstrommessung, indem der an dem Zündstrommeßwiderstand (R2) auftretende Spannungsabfall als Meßsignal für die Höhe des Zündstromes dient.Use of the circuit arrangement according to one of Claims 2 to 9 for an ignition current measurement in that the voltage drop occurring at the ignition current measurement resistor (R 2 ) serves as a measurement signal for the amount of the ignition current.
EP97101842A 1996-02-16 1997-02-06 Measuring circuit for an ionic current in ignition devices for internal combustion engines Expired - Lifetime EP0790408B1 (en)

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EP97101843A Expired - Lifetime EP0790409B1 (en) 1996-02-16 1997-02-06 Measuring circuit for an ionic current in ignition devices for internal combustion engines

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EP (3) EP0790406B1 (en)
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Also Published As

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DE59705316D1 (en) 2001-12-20
EP0790406B1 (en) 2003-07-02
EP0790406A3 (en) 1999-01-27
EP0790408B1 (en) 2001-11-14
DE19605803A1 (en) 1997-08-21
EP0790409A2 (en) 1997-08-20
EP0790409A3 (en) 1999-01-20
EP0790408A3 (en) 1999-01-20
DE59710592D1 (en) 2003-09-25
ES2166479T3 (en) 2002-04-16
EP0790406A2 (en) 1997-08-20
US5758629A (en) 1998-06-02
US6043660A (en) 2000-03-28
DE59710359D1 (en) 2003-08-07
EP0790409B1 (en) 2003-08-20
US5914604A (en) 1999-06-22

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