Method and apparatus for controlling spark timing in internal combustion engines
This patent describes an apparatus for controlling the spark timing of an internal combustion engine having a crankshaft. The apparatus consists of: (a) sensor means for sensing engine operating parameters including engine load and engine rotational speed; (b) means for generating a reference position signal indicating a predetermined engine crankshaft position; (c) means responsive to the reference position signal generating means for generating a reference pulse signal having a leading edge advanced with respect to the predetermined engine crankshaft position as a function of the rotational speed of the engine crankshaft and having a trailing edge substantially coinciding with the predetermined engine crankshaft position; (d) means for deriving a desired ignition timing as a function of the engine operating parameters sensed by the sensor means; (e) means for computing a period of time elapsed from the leading edge of the reference pulse so that the end of the period of time coincides with the desired ignition timing; (f) means for detecting the variation of a period between the leading edge and the trailing edge of the reference pulse in relation to each cylinder of the engine; and (g) correction means including means responsive to the computing means and detecting means for correcting the computed period of time in accordance with the detected variation and means for generating a signal causing an ignition to occur after elapse of the corrected period of time in response to the leading edge of the reference pulse.
- Assignee:
- Nippondenso Co., Ltd., Kariya
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4584978
- OSTI ID:
- 5758137
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
330101* -- Internal Combustion Engines-- Spark-Ignition
COMPUTERIZED CONTROL SYSTEMS
CONTROL SYSTEMS
CYLINDERS
ENGINES
HEAT ENGINES
IGNITION SYSTEMS
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
MACHINE PARTS
MOTION
OPERATION
POSITIONING
PULSES
ROTATION
SHAFTS
SIGNALS
SPARK IGNITION ENGINES
TIME MEASUREMENT
VELOCITY