(19)
(11) EP 1 085 204 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
12.02.2003 Bulletin 2003/07

(43) Date of publication A2:
21.03.2001 Bulletin 2001/12

(21) Application number: 00203176.3

(22) Date of filing: 13.09.2000
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7F02P 1/00, F02P 3/08, F02P 1/08, F02P 7/067
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE
Designated Extension States:
AL LT LV MK RO SI

(30) Priority: 14.09.1999 JP 26080899
07.04.2000 JP 2000106679

(71) Applicant: Mitsuba Corporation
Kiryu-shi, Gunma 376-8555 (JP)

(72) Inventors:
  • Kuniyoshi, Kazunori
    Kiryu-shi, Gunma-ken (JP)
  • Nozue, Yutaka
    Gunma-ken (JP)
  • Tanaka, Kazuaki
    Kiryu-shi, Gunma-ken (JP)
  • Hagimura, Masami
    Kiryu-shi, Gunma-ken (JP)
  • Arai, Makoto
    Kiryu-shi, Gunma-ken (JP)

(74) Representative: Waxweiler, Jean et al
Dennemeyer & Associates S.A., P.O. Box 1502
1015 Luxembourg
1015 Luxembourg (LU)

   


(54) Engine ignition system


(57) In an engine ignition system utilizing an AC generator (1) for supplying an electric power to an ignition coil (13), a phase relationship between the generator voltage and an ignition timing (T1) is determined so that an electric current flowing through a primary winding (L1) of the ignition coil (13) due to the voltage generation by the AC generator (1) at the ignition timing (T1) is greater than a predetermined current (Ad) required to produce a sufficient spark from a spark plug (14). Such an ignition system can advantageously ensure achieving ignition even when the battery is disconnected or totally discharged. Preferably, a capacitor (C1) is connected in parallel with the primary winding (L1) of the ignition coil (13). A stator core (6) for supporting a stator coil (5) in the AC generator (1) may be circumferentially displaceable to adjust the phase relationship between the ignition timing and the generator voltage.







Search report