Multi spark ignition system

• US 4,922,883 A
• Filed: 10/28/1988
• Issued: 05/08/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 10/29/1987
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd. (Aisin Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Aisin Seiki Co., Ltd. (Aisin Corp.)
• Inventors: Iwasaki, Shinichiro
• Primary Examiner(s): Agrenbright, Tony M.
• Application Number:
  US07/263,897
• Time in Patent Office: 557 Days
• Field of Search: 123/598, 123/605, 123/620, 123/637, 123/655, 123/656
• US Class Current: 123/598
• CPC Class Codes: F02P 15/10 having continuous electric sparks
• CPC Class Codes: F02P 3/0884 Closing the discharge circuit of the storage capacitor with semiconductor devices

Abstract

A multi spark ignition system using an ignition capacitor and an ignition transformer uses a device for providing charging energy to the ignition capacitor. A field effect discharge switching means is used for discharging the energy that is stored in the ignition capacitor through the primary winding of an ignition transformer. An oscillator is used for causing the discharging switching circuit to operate intermittently with a proper cycle. An additional controlling circuit controls the consumption of additional magnetic energy which is stored in the ignition transformer when it is in its non-operative state. Two returning means are used to consume the magnetic energy or for returning the energy and the ignition transformer under the non-operative and operative states of the discharge switching circuit.

Claims

1. A multi spark ignition system having an ignition capacitor and an ignition transformer, said transformer having primary and secondary windings, said system comprising:

a charging means for charging energy in said ignition capacitor;

discharge switching means having a field effect transistor for discharging said energy in said ignition capacitor through a primary winding of said ignition transformer;

oscillator means for making said discharging switching means operate intermittently with a proper cycle;

controlling means for controlling the consumption of magnetic energy stored in said ignition transformer under non-operative state of said discharge switching means; and

first returning means for consuming a magnetic energy stored in said ignition transformer under non-operative state of said discharge switching means;

second returning means for returning said energy stored in said ignition transformer and discharging said energy through said secondary winding under operative state of said discharge switching means;

wherein

said first returning means is arranged between said second returning means and said discharge switching means.

2. A multi spark ignition system according to claim 1 wherein said charging means further comprises:

DC-DC converting means for generating a high D.C. voltage;

a capacitor means connected to output of said DC-DC converting means; and

charge switching means for charging said ignition capacitor in response to operation of said controlling means.

3. A multi spark ignition system according to claim 2 wherein said charging switching means includes a thyristor.

4. A multi spark ignition system according to claim 1 wherein said discharge switching means includes a transistor.