skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Knock controller for an internal combustion engine

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6074085

This patent describes a knock controller for controlling the ignition timing for a multiple cylinder internal combustion engine. This controller consists of a number of interacting components. The first component described is a sensor means for detection of the operating conditions of the engine and which includes a single knock sensor sensing knocking developed in the engine cylinders. This sensor means provides an output representing the conditions detected as part of its function. A second element of the knock controller which is characterized is an ignition means for generating an ignition pulse and for producing sparks for each engine cylinder. Relatedly, a component part of the controller is described which produces an ignition timing control signal in accordance with the intensity of detected knocking and provides it to the ignition means. This electronic control means is further detailed in the patent as identifying each cylinder of the engine in accordance with the operation of the engine and detects the intensity of knocking in each cylinder according to the output of the knock sensor and different predetermined knock detection levels for each cylinder. Furthermore, this electronic control means is described as emitting an output indicative of the knocking intensity for each respective cylinder and determining the ignition timing for each cylinder based on its respective value of this parameter. A final concept expanded on in the patent deals with the fact that the predetermined knock detection levels for the respective cylinders are predetermined in accordance with the knock sensor mounting position with respect to the cylinder thus insuring accurate detection irrespective of its mounting position.

Assignee:
Hitachi, Ltd., Tokyo
Patent Number(s):
US 4565171
OSTI ID:
6074085
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: Filed date 22 Jun 1983
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English