Method and device for handling uncontrolled combustions in an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle

A method for handling uncontrolled combustions in an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, the uncontrolled combustions occurring independently of ignition by a spark plug and being detected in or at the internal combustion engine, the method comprising:

• providing, during a monitoring period, a first measuring window for detecting knocking events of normal combustions caused by the spark plug and a second measuring window which is situated with respect to time before the first measuring window for detecting uncontrolled combustions independent from the ignition by a spark plug;
• determining a number of detected uncontrolled combustions independent from the ignition by a spark plug in a monitoring period and comparing the number to a threshold value, a temperature in a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine being dropped if the threshold value is exceeded.

A device for handling uncontrolled combustions in an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, the uncontrolled combustions occurring independently of ignition by a spark plug and being detected in or at the internal combustion engine, wherein a first measuring window for detecting knocking events of the normal combustions caused by the spark plug and a second measuring window which is situated with respect to time before the first measuring window are provided for detecting the uncontrolled combustions independent from the ignition by a spark plug, the device comprising:

• an arrangement configured to determine, during a monitoring period, a number of detected uncontrolled combustions independent from the ignition by a spark plug, and to compare the determined number to a threshold value, a temperature in a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine being dropped if the threshold value is exceeded. sensor connected to a control unit, the control unit including a counter to sum signals output by the knock sensor, and a memory device to store the threshold value, and wherein the control unit is configured to control an actuator to change the temperature in the internal combustion engine if the sum detected by the counter exceeds the threshold value.

The device as recited in claim 30, wherein each cylinder of the internal combustion engine has an intake valve for intake of air, and an exhaust valve for discharge of a combustion waste gas, as actuators, opening times of which are set by a separate camshaft in each case, and wherein the control unit is configured to control the camshafts in such a way that the opening times of the intake valve and of the exhaust valve one of do not overlap or overlap only slightly.