Dispersion type architecture ignition system

Abstract

To provide a dispersion type architecture ignition system.SOLUTION: An ignition coil assembly has an ignition transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, and a local control unit. A spark device is connected to the secondary winding of the ignition transformer. The local control unit is adapted to adjust ignition timing of the ignition transformer and generate a spark at the spark device to ignite a fuel-air mixture in an engine cylinder. The central control unit is in electronic communication with the local control unit for monitoring the ignition transformer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present teachings relate generally to power electronics, and more particularly to ignition systems that may be used in combustion engines. [Background technology]

[0002]

[0002] Generally, ignition systems, as understood by those skilled in the art, generate a high voltage that is sent to a spark plug to create a spark. The spark ignites a fuel-air mixture in the engine's combustion chamber to power the engine. An ignition coil (also called an ignition transformer) typically generates the high voltage. U.S. Patent No. 7,401,603, entitled "High tension capacitive discharge ignition with reinforcing triggering pulses," discloses an ignition system and is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0003]

[0003] Known ignition systems utilize centralized control, which means having a single control unit that can be used with multiple ignition transformers, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. However, as discussed below, benefits can be realized by using a distributed control system. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004]

[0004] Therefore, it would be beneficial to have an alternative system and method for a distributed architecture ignition system.

[0005]

[0005] The requirements set forth herein, as well as further and other requirements and advantages, are addressed by the present embodiments, the solutions and advantages of which are described below.

[0006]

[0006] One embodiment of a system according to the present teachings includes, but is not limited to, an ignition system comprising a central control unit. The ignition coil assembly (or assemblies) includes an ignition transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, and a local control unit. The local control unit is adapted to adjust ignition timing of the ignition transformer and generate a spark at a spark device (e.g., connected in series with the secondary winding of the ignition transformer) to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the engine cylinder. The central control unit is in electronic communication with the local control unit for monitoring the ignition transformer.

[0007]

[0007] In one embodiment, the local control unit boosts the final primary drive in the coil assembly, thereby providing a higher primary drive voltage while using low voltage cabling to the central control unit.

[0008] In one embodiment, the central control unit supplies 50V or less to the ignition coil assembly, which boosts the final primary drive voltage to 400V or more.

[0009]

[0009] In one embodiment, the ignition coil assembly includes a power supply for boosting the final primary drive within the coil assembly.

[0010]

[0010] In one embodiment, the central control unit communicates electronically with the local control units via twisted pair cables.

[0011] In one embodiment, the twisted pair cable includes an Ethernet cable.

[0012] In one embodiment, the local control unit increases the voltage of the primary drive input in the coil assembly.

[0013]

[0013] In one embodiment, the spark device includes a spark plug.

[0014]

[0014] In one embodiment, the system comprises one or more additional ignition coil assemblies, each of the one or more additional ignition coil assemblies having a control unit adapted to adjust the ignition timing of an associated ignition transformer.

[0015] In one embodiment, the ignition coil assembly includes at least one sensor, and the local control unit adjusts the ignition timing based on measurements sensed by the sensor. The central control unit is in electronic communication with the local control unit via a twisted pair cable.

[0016]

[0016] One embodiment of a method according to the present teachings includes, but is not limited to, a method for controlling an ignition system. A central controller is provided. An ignition coil assembly is provided having an ignition transformer with a primary winding and a secondary winding, and a local control unit. Ignition timing of the ignition transformer is adjusted by the local control unit to generate a spark at a spark device (e.g., connected to the secondary winding of the ignition transformer) to ignite a fuel-air mixture in an engine cylinder.

[0017]

[0017] In one embodiment, the local control units are monitored by a central control unit.

[0018]

[0018] One embodiment of an ignition coil assembly according to the present teachings includes, but is not limited to, an ignition transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, and a central unit adapted to adjust ignition timing of the ignition transformer and generate a spark at a spark device to ignite a fuel-air mixture in an engine cylinder. The control unit is adapted to be in electronic communication with a central control unit that monitors the ignition transformer.

[0019]

[0019] In one embodiment, the ignition coil assembly includes a power supply for boosting the final primary drive within the coil assembly, thereby providing a higher primary drive voltage while using low voltage cabling to a central control unit.

[0020] In one embodiment, the ignition coil assembly includes at least one measurement, and the local control unit adjusts the ignition timing based on the at least one measurement.

[0021] In one embodiment, the ignition coil assembly includes at least one sensor for sensing at least one measurement.

[0022] In one embodiment, the at least one measurement includes position data of the engine crankshaft.

[0023]

[0023] One embodiment of an engine ignition system according to the present teachings includes, but is not limited to, an engine having multiple cylinders, each of the multiple cylinders having an associated assembly according to the teachings of the present invention, and a central control unit in electronic communication with each associated assembly via twisted pair cables.

[0024]

[0024] In one embodiment, the central control unit receives a diagnostic measurement of a first one of the associated assemblies and alters operation of at least a second one of the associated assemblies based at least in part on the diagnostic measurement.

[0025] In one embodiment, the ignition coil assembly includes at least one measurement (e.g., may include a sensor or may be received from another measurement source such as a sensor on the cylinder) and the control unit adjusts the ignition timing based on the measurement. A central control unit is in electronic communication with the ignition coil assembly control unit via a twisted pair cable.

[0026] Other embodiments of the system and method are described in detail below and are part of the present teachings.

[0027]

[0027] For a better understanding of the present embodiment, as well as other and further aspects thereof, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and detailed description, the scope of which is set forth in the appended claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a system according to the teachings of the present invention. [Diagram 2]

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates another embodiment of a system according to the present teachings. [Diagram 3]

[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 incorporated into an engine ignition control. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029]

[0031] Hereinafter, the present teachings will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the present invention are shown. The following description is presented for illustrative purposes only, and the present teachings should not be limited to these embodiments. Any computer configuration and architecture that meets the speed and interface requirements may be suitable for implementing the system and method of the present embodiments.

[0030]

[0032] In compliance with the statute, the present teachings have been described in more or less specific language as to structural and methodological features, however, it is to be understood that the present teachings are not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the systems and methods disclosed herein include preferred forms of carrying out the present teachings.

[0031]

[0033] For purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth such as particular architectures, interfaces, techniques, etc., to provide a thorough understanding, and detailed descriptions of well-known devices, circuits, and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description with unnecessary detail.

[0032]

[0034] A "computing system" can provide functionality related to the present teachings. A computing system may include software executing on computer-readable media that may be logically (not necessarily physically) identified for specific functions (e.g., functional modules). A computing system may include any number of computers / processors that may communicate with each other over a network. A computing system may be in electronic communication with a data store (e.g., a database) that stores control and data information. Forms of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, disks, hard drives, random access memories, programmable read-only memories, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

[0033]

[0035] In general, all terms used in the claims should be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the art, unless expressly defined otherwise herein. All references to elements, apparatus, components, means, steps, etc. should be broadly interpreted as a reference to at least one example of the element, apparatus, component, step, etc., unless expressly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless expressly stated otherwise. The use of "first," "second," etc., with respect to different features / components of the present disclosure is intended only to distinguish the feature / component from other similar features / components, and is not intended to impose any order or hierarchy on the features / components.

[0034]

[0036] To assist the Patent Office, and any reader of a patent issued on this application, in interpreting the appended claims, it is noted that none of the appended claims or claim elements are intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words "means for" or "step for" are expressly used in a particular claim.

[0035]

[0037] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.). When a range of values ​​is stated as "greater than" or "less than" a particular value, then that value is included in the range.

[0036]

[0038] Any directions referred to herein, such as "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," "upper," "lower," and other directions and orientations are described herein for clarity with reference to the drawings and are not intended to limit the actual device or system or the use of the device or system. Many of the devices, articles, or systems described herein can be used in many directions and orientations.

[0037]

[0039] Citation of references in this disclosure or its prosecution proceedings is made with due caution, and any citation (whether in the Information Disclosure Statement or otherwise) should not be construed as an admission that the cited reference qualifies as prior art or is from a field similar or directly applicable to the present teachings.

[0038]

[0040] The present teachings include distributed architecture ignition systems, which may be based on, but are not limited to, improved capacitive discharge technology in which the ignition coil assembly is integrated with the control and power electronics. Such configurations offer many benefits, including, but are not limited to, improved packaging, signal processing, control, and miniaturization.

[0039]

[0041] In one embodiment, each of the one or more ignition coil assemblies (e.g., ignition transformer and electronics) has its own control unit. A central control unit (e.g., ECU) may be in electronic communication with these "smart" ignition coils. Connection may be provided using a communication cable, such as, but not limited to, a 4-pair CAT5e / 6 cable (e.g., Ethernet cable). In this way, the primary drive of the ignition coils may be "local" to the coils, but monitored by the central control unit.

[0040]

[0042] Having a local control unit (also referred to as a distributed control unit, etc.) provides many new and improved features over conventional systems, including a distributed architecture, local primary drive, local signal processing, local decision making, etc. It also provides the ability to integrate additional electronics into the ignition coil. For example, but not limited to, sensors such as temperature sensors, acceleration sensors, etc. may be added.

[0041]

[0043] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various sensors can be employed local to the coil to measure temperature (e.g., inside the coil), acceleration (e.g., also inside the coil), etc. Sensors can also be employed to act as "signal processing and digitization" points, allowing, for example and without limitation, a user to connect cylinder-based sensors (e.g., pressure diagnostics within the cylinder) to the coil electronics instead of performing wire connections to a central control unit.

[0042]

[0044] 1, a diagram of one embodiment of a system 100 in accordance with the present teachings is shown. A central control unit 102 (e.g., an electronic control unit or ECU) may provide a central connection point for the ignition system 100. While central control units are known in the art, a central control unit 102 in accordance with the present teachings may provide supervisory control logic for the distributed control units (e.g., monitoring, high level control, providing data and ignition strategies, etc.), as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. The central control unit 102 may also provide, without limitation, some or all of the power source (e.g., the first stage).

[0043]

[0045] Each ignition coil assembly 104 may have its own control logic including a (distributed / local) control unit. In this way, at least a portion of the control and / or monitoring of the ignition transformer may be performed locally at the ignition transformer.

[0044]

[0046] The ignition coil assembly 104 may include features such as, but not limited to, a power source (e.g., second stage), a capacitive discharge ignition driver, an ignition transformer, and an engine diagnostic interface. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the various features that may be incorporated into the ignition coil assembly 104 in accordance with the present teachings.

[0045]

[0047] Each ignition coil assembly 104 may communicate with the central control unit 102 via one or more communication links 106 (e.g., a bus, a cable, etc.). In one embodiment, the link / bus comprises a standardized twisted pair cable (e.g., Category 5 or 6), although as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, any wire / cable capable of meeting the communication requirements between the central control unit and the distributed control units may be used.

[0046]

[0048] Having the control electronics local to the ignition coil provides many benefits: in this way, each coil can effectively operate independently or semi-independently and respond quickly to local conditions for a particular application.

[0047]

[0049] One benefit of the present teachings includes minimizing cabling between individual coils (e.g., cylinders) and a central control module. For example, signals can be processed locally at the coil, reducing the number of conductors required for coordination and serial communication with the central unit.

[0048]

[0050] Another benefit is that the control electronics in the coil provide shorter, more controlled electrical paths in both the power and measurement circuits, reducing the effects of, but not limited to, undesirable energy transfer (e.g., losses W=(IR)I or "IR losses"), stray capacitances, and the like.

[0049]

[0051] Additionally, another benefit of the distributed architecture is the ability to provide high primary drive voltages while maintaining low voltage cabling. Typical capacitive discharge (CDI) ignition coil primary drive voltages may be in the range of 100-400 VDC (pulsed) due to practical limitations such as insulation ratings of the cabling and personnel safety. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, higher primary drive voltages may be advantageous for lower current switching, smaller magnetic circuit size, etc. For example, by distributing a lower voltage, in one example 48 VAC, and boosting it locally to the final primary drive in the coil assembly, it is possible to provide higher primary drive voltages while maintaining low voltage cabling. Thus, the present teachings can provide higher voltages than are found in known systems.

[0050]

[0052] Voltages much greater than 400V have not been practical due to limitations in normal wiring practices (e.g., 480VAC 3 phase may be the highest voltage an electrician would normally see), but using the present teachings, it is possible to distribute low voltages and charge capacitors to much higher voltages, such as, but not limited to, 600-900VDC and even 1200-1800VDC. The benefit of distributing low voltages is that the distributed low voltages (e.g., less than 100V, less than 75V, less than 50V, 48V, etc.) remain "touch-safe" regardless of the stepped-up primary voltage (e.g., 400VDC, 500VDC, 600VDC, 700VDC, 800VDC, 900VDC, 1000VDC, 1100VDC, 1200VDC, 1300VDC, 1400VDC, 1500VDC, 1600VDC, 1700VDC, 1800VDC, etc.). As an example, even 200VDC can be hazardous, whereas 48V is touch-safe.

[0051]

[0053] Stepping up the voltage is known in the art and may be provided at the ignition coil assembly by an AC-DC or DC-DC power supply, as one example, while in another example, without limitation, an auxiliary transformer and / or diodes may be employed.

[0052]

[0054] 2, another embodiment of a system 200 in accordance with the present teachings is illustrated. As shown, a central control unit 202 (e.g., an ECU, CPU, etc.) is in electronic communication with at least one ignition coil assembly 204. In this example, the communication is via twisted pair cable 206, although one skilled in the art will appreciate that any cable capable of meeting the communication requirements (e.g., wireless control and monitoring) may be used.

[0053]

[0055] Although a single ignition coil assembly 204 may be shown and referred to herein, many ignition coil assemblies 204 may be connected to the central control unit 202. The disclosed functionality applies when there are multiple ignition coil assemblies 204 (e.g., one or more for each engine cylinder), as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0054]

[0056] The central control unit 202 may include a microcontroller 208 (e.g., processor, memory, input / output, etc.). The microcontroller 208 may control and monitor the operation of one or more ignition coil assemblies 204. In a preferred embodiment, the central control unit 202 may include supervisory monitoring and control functions, since at least some functionality is distributed to the ignition coil assemblies 204 in accordance with the present teachings.

[0055]

[0057] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the various supervisory monitoring and control functions that may be incorporated into the present teachings. For example, such functions may include reading engine crankshaft position data and instructing a coil at the appropriate time to fire. In another example, a function may include, but is not limited to, monitoring diagnostic data from a cylinder and adjusting one or more other cylinders in response. Diagnostic data may be used to monitor engine performance, such as engine stability or speed / torque variations. Diagnostic data may include, but is not limited to, data from the cylinder being analyzed (e.g., the left engine bank has a higher voltage than the right engine bank).

[0056]

[0058] In one embodiment, the central control unit 202 may provide a low voltage power supply 210 (e.g., a touch-safe voltage, 48V, etc.) to the ignition coil assembly 204. The central control unit 202 may have an electronic communication interface 212 for communicating with (e.g., receiving and sending communication signals from) the ignition coil assembly 204. The central control unit 202 may provide control signals 214 for controlling and / or monitoring aspects of the ignition coil assembly 204. It is understood that the central control unit 202 may have a variety of functions implemented in hardware and / or software for interacting with the ignition coil assembly 204, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0057]

[0059] Each ignition coil assembly 204 may have a microcontroller 216 (e.g., processor, memory, input / output, etc.). In this manner, at least a portion of the control operations may be performed "local" to the ignition coil assembly 204. This may include spark generation (e.g., a bit stream of pulses to a switch) and diagnostic measurements (e.g., primary and / or secondary currents and voltages), as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0058]

[0060] The ignition coil assembly 204 may have a primary drive power source 218. The ignition coil assembly 204 may have an electronic communication interface 220 (e.g., for communicating with the central control unit 202, other ignition coil assemblies, etc.). The ignition coil assembly 204 may have an ignition transformer 222 and a driver (i.e., an ignition controllable switch / "output stage")). The ignition coil assembly 204 may have an engine diagnostic signal 224. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, it will be understood that the ignition coil assembly 204 may have a variety of functions implemented in hardware and / or software for interacting with other parts of the system, such as the central control unit 202, and for controlling the ignition transformer 222 (e.g., to adjust ignition timing, etc.).

[0059]

[0061] Referring to FIG. 3, the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 is illustrated integrated into an engine ignition control. As illustrated, a control unit 301 (e.g., central) may be in electronic communication with one or more ignition control assemblies 304, 306. Each assembly may include a control unit 304 (e.g., local) and an ignition coil 306. Communication between the central control unit 301 and the "local" control units 304, 304', 304'' may be performed via one or more communication links 302, 302', 302''. Each assembly may transmit energy to a spark plug 308, 308', 308''. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the spark plug may further drive a crankshaft in an engine 310 (e.g., one or more spark plugs for each engine cylinder).

[0060]

[0062] Although the present teachings have been described above with respect to specific embodiments, it should be understood that the present teachings are not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Numerous modifications and other embodiments to which the present invention pertains and which are intended and included in the present disclosure will occur to those skilled in the art. It is intended that the scope of the present teachings should be determined by the proper interpretation and construction of its legal equivalents as understood by those skilled in the art based on the disclosure herein and the accompanying drawings. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 100 Ignition System 102 Central Control Unit 104 Ignition coil assembly 200 Systems 202 Central Control Unit 204 Ignition coil assembly 206 Twisted Pair Cable 208 Microcontroller 210 Low voltage power supply 212 Electronic Communication Interfaces 214 Control Signal 216 Microcontroller 218 Primary drive power source 220 Electronic Communication Interface 222 Ignition transformer 224 Engine diagnostic signal 301 Control Unit 302, 302', 302'' communication links 304, 304', 304'' control unit 306, 306', 306'' Ignition Coil 308, 308', 308'' Spark Plugs 310 Engine

Claims

1. an ignition coil assembly having an ignition transformer with a primary winding and a secondary winding, and a local control unit adapted to adjust ignition timing of the ignition transformer to cause a spark device to generate a spark to ignite a fuel-air mixture in an engine cylinder; a central control unit in electronic communication with said local control units for monitoring said ignition transformers; An ignition system comprising:

2. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the ignition coil assembly boosts a final primary drive within the ignition coil assembly, thereby providing a higher primary drive voltage while using low voltage cabling to the central control unit.

3. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the ignition coil assembly includes a power source for boosting the final primary drive.

4. the central control unit supplies 50V or less to the ignition coil assembly; 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the ignition coil assembly boosts the final primary drive voltage to greater than 400V.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the central control unit is in electronic communication with the local control units via twisted pair cables.

6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the twisted pair cable comprises an Ethernet cable.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the spark device comprises a spark plug.

8. one or more additional ignition coil assemblies; 10. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more additional ignition coil assemblies has a local control unit adapted to adjust ignition timing of an associated ignition transformer.

9. The engine, and the ignition system according to claim 8, Each ignition coil assembly adjusts the ignition timing of an associated ignition transformer to generate a spark at a spark device to ignite a fuel-air mixture in a cylinder of the engine.

10. The ignition coil assembly includes at least one measurement; the local control unit adjusts ignition timing based on the at least one measurement; The system of claim 1 , wherein the central control unit is in electronic communication with the local control units via twisted pair cables.

11. 1. A method for controlling an ignition system, comprising: providing an ignition coil assembly comprising an ignition transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding, and a local control unit; adjusting an ignition timing of the ignition transformer by the local control unit to generate a spark by a spark device to ignite a fuel-air mixture in the engine cylinder; monitoring said ignition transformer with a central control device; A method comprising:

12. The ignition coil assembly includes at least one measurement; the local control unit adjusts ignition timing based on the at least one measurement; The method of claim 11 , wherein the central control unit electronically communicates with the local control units via twisted pair cables.

13. an ignition transformer having a primary winding and a secondary winding; a local control unit adapted to adjust ignition timing of the ignition transformer and generate a spark at a spark device to ignite a fuel-air mixture in an engine cylinder; The local control unit is adapted to be in electronic communication with a central control unit that monitors the ignition transformer.

14. 14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the ignition coil assembly includes a power supply for boosting the final primary drive within the ignition coil assembly, thereby providing a higher primary drive voltage while using low voltage cabling with the central control unit.

15. The ignition coil assembly includes at least one measurement; The assembly of claim 13 , wherein the local control unit adjusts ignition timing based on the at least one measurement.

16. 16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the ignition coil assembly includes at least one sensor for sensing the at least one measurement.

17. The assembly of claim 15 , wherein the at least one measurement includes engine crankshaft position data.

18. An engine having a plurality of cylinders, each of said plurality of cylinders having an associated assembly according to claim 13; a central control unit in electronic communication with each associated assembly via twisted pair cables; An engine ignition system comprising:

19. 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the central control unit receives a diagnostic measurement of a first one of the associated assemblies and alters operation of at least a second one of the associated assemblies based at least in part on the diagnostic measurement.

20. the local control unit increases a voltage of a primary drive in one of the associated assemblies; 20. The system of claim 18, wherein the central control unit is in electronic communication with the local control units via twisted pair cables.

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