ENGINE CONTROL APPARATUS

• US 3,757,755 A
• Filed: 10/14/1971
• Issued: 09/11/1973
• Est. Priority Date: 10/14/1971
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Walter J. Carner
• Original Assignee: Walter J. Carner
• Inventors: Carner, Walter J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Goodridge, Laurence M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Flint, Cort
• Application Number:
  US05/189,426
• Time in Patent Office: 698 Days
• Field of Search: 123/148E,146.5A,117R,32EA
• US Class Current: 123/406.59
• CPC Class Codes: F02P 5/15 Digital data processing
• CPC Class Codes: F02P 7/03 with electrical means ignition occurring simultaneously at different places in one engine cylinder or in two or more separate engine cylinders F02P15/08
• CPC Class Codes: F02P 7/073 Optical pick-up devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/40 Engine management systems

Abstract

The disclosure describes a system for controlling the performance and efficiency of an internal combustion engine of the type having a plurality of combustion chambers that are fitted with controlling devices, such as spark plugs, in order to drive a rotatable engine member, such as camshaft or a crankshaft. Encoder means for producing identity code signals that uniquely identify a plurality of positions of the rotatable engine member are provided in order to monitor the cyclic position and speed of the engine. Additional monitors may be provided for continuously monitoring other engine parameters, such as the load placed on the engine. These engine monitors convert the value of the engine parameters into corresponding electrical signals. The actuation of the controlling devices is controlled by a distribution electronic logic circuit that enables the controlling devices to be selected and actuated over a predetermined number of rotational degrees of the rotatable engine member. After the proper controlling device has been selected, the exact time of actuation is controlled by a variable electronic delay circuit that is controlled by the electrical signals corresponding to the engine parameters.

Claims

1. An electronic control system for an engine having at least a first controlling device adapted to be actuated when a rotatable engine member is driven by the engine to an adjustable first angular position and a second controlling device adapted to be actuated when the rotatable engine member is driven to an adjustable second angular position, improved apparatus for controlling the actuation of the controlling device comprising:

encoder means for generating identity code signals that identify a plurality of positions of the rotatable engine member;

first control means for generating a speed control signal having a value proportional to engine speed;

second control means for generating a load control signal having a value proportional to engine load;

first electronic actuating means for actuating the first controlling device in response to a first trigger signal;

second electronic actuating means for actuating the second controlling device in response to a second trigger signal;

first actuating electronic logic means for generating a first trigger signal in response to an actuating signal and a first distribution signal;

second actuating electronic logic means for generating a second trigger signal in response to an actuating signal and a second distribution signal;

distribution electronic logic means for generating in response to the identity code signals a first distribution signal when the rotatable engine member is driven to a third angular position that is located a predetermined number of degrees in advance of said first angular position and for generating a second distribution signal when the rotatable engine member is driven to a fourth angular position that is located a predetermined number of degrees in advance of said second angular position;

an integrating circuit for producing a linear ramp signal;

variable impedance means connected across the integrating circuit, said varable impedance means having a high impedance state and a low impedance state;

means for producing a first start signal in response to the first distribution signal and for producing a second start signal in response to the second distribution signal;

means for transmitting the first and second start signals to the variable impedance means;

means for biasing the variable impedance means, so that the variable impedance means is switched to the high impedance state in response to the first and second start signals whereby the integrating circuit is enabled to produce the ramp signal;

means for transmitting the speed signal to the integrating circuit, the integrating circuit being constructed so that an increase in engine speed increases the slope of the linear ramp signal when the integrating circuit is enabled;

comparator means having a first input terminal, a second input terminal and an output terminal;

means for transmitting the ramp signal to the first input terminal of the comparator means; and

means for transmitting the load signal to the second input terminal of the comparator means, whereby the comparator means produces an actuating signal when the ramp signal and the load signal are equal in value and whereby the first and second controlling devices are actuated when the rotatable engine member is located in the first and second angular positions respectively.

2. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the integrating circuit comprises a Miller integrator.

3. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, and further comprising means for altering the magnitude of the first control signal whereby the timing of the actuation of the first and second controlling devices is automatically advanced as the speed of the engine is advanced.