Method for determining the ignition angle

Abstract

A method for determining the ignition angle is provided, in which modifications of manipulated variables which have an influence on the knock limit, and therefore on the optimum ignition angle as well, are dynamically taken into account. To this end, a base ignition angle is first determined, based on the instantaneous engine speed and load. As part of a downstream knock control, a first ignition angle adjustment in the retard direction is determined when knocking has been detected. As part of a knock limit control, a second ignition angle adjustment is also determined when at least one manipulated variable influencing the knock limit changes, with the type of the second ignition angle adjustment, i.e., advancing or retarding, depending on the manipulated variable and its modification.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.