Spark discharge detection device having waveform extension circuit and spark discharge detection method

Abstract

A spark discharge detection device includes a discharge detector, a waveform extension circuit, and determination circuit. The discharge detector includes a metal electrode that detects discharge between an electrode and a sliding body that is in contact with and sliding surface of the electrode. The waveform extension circuit configured to extend a discharge waveform output from the discharge detector in a time direction. The determination circuit configured to determine that discharge has occurred in the sliding body when a signal value exceeds a first threshold and a time during which the signal value exceeds the first threshold is held for a time longer than a first time for the output of the waveform extension circuit.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.