US 4,391,237 A · Apparatus for use in starting a diesel engine

Abstract

An apparatus of the present invention has a first switch for controlling the supply of a first current to each glow plug, a second switch for controlling the supply of a second current being below the first current, preheating means for turning on the first switch for a predetermined time period responsive to the switching of an ignition switch from the OFF position to the ON position, and afterglow means for turning on the second switch to heat each glow plug for a predetermined time period responsive to the switching of the ignition switch from the ST position to the ON position. In the apparatus, the first or the second switch is periodically operated by controlling means to maintain the temperature of each glow plug at a predetermined value. Therefore, it is easy to avoid unnecessary increases in glow plug temperature and to control the temperature of the glow plugs to a predetermined value, the service life of the glow plugs can be extended.

Claims13

Dependent claims

An apparatus for use in starting a diesel engine having at least one glow plug energized by actuation of an ignition switch having an OFF position, an ON position for connecting said apparatus to a voltage source and an ST position for starting the diesel engine, said apparatus comprising:

means including a first switch for connecting each said glow plug to the voltage source to supply a first level of current to each said glow plug;
means including a second switch for connecting each said glow plug to the voltage source through a resistance adapted to limit the current from the voltage source to supply a second level of current below said first level to each said glow plug;
preheating means for activating said first switch for a first predetermined time period beginning from switching of said ignition switch from the OFF position to the ON position;
afterglow means for activating said second switch for a second predetermined time period beginning from the switching of said ignition switch from the ST position to the ON position;
and
controlling means for periodically activating and de-activating said first switch to periodically supply said first level of current and maintain the temperature of each glow plug within a predetermined range during a period of time occurring when said ignition switch is in the ST position.

3 more elements

means including a first switch for connecting each said glow plug, to the voltage source to supply a first level of current to each said glow plug;
means including a second switch for connecting each said glow plug to the voltage source through a resistance adapted to limit the current from the voltage source to supply a second level of current below said first level to each said glow plug;
preheating means for activating said first switch for a first predetermined time period beginning from the switching of said ignition switch from the OFF position to the ON position;
controlling means for periodically activating and de-activating said second switch to periodically supply said second level of current and maintain the temperature of each glow plug within a predetermined range for a period of time occurring after said ignition switch is switched from the ST position to the ON position.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Apparatus for use in starting a diesel engine

Life of this patent

Apparatus for use in starting a diesel engine

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13