Patent ID: 8614407
Filing Date: 2013-12-24
Classification: F02D,F02P

Abstract:
1. A method for supplying a series of current pulses to a glow plug in a running diesel engine after an operating temperature of the glow plug has been reached and wherein a piston of the engine carries out a working cycle comprising a plurality of strokes, the method comprising: supplying the glow plug with current as a function of the stroke of the working cycle in order that electric current supplied in each working cycle is supplied when a same predetermined stroke of the piston takes place; defining sequential control time intervals during which up to two switching processes can be triggered by a control device, for enabling the glow plug to be connected to a voltage source, in order to generate a current pulse, and disconnected from the voltage source to end a current pulse, the control time intervals having a duration variable by the control device as a function of the rotational speed of the engine, wherein the duration of the control time intervals is varied in a stepwise manner in that the duration of the control time intervals is shortened when a predetermined rotational speed threshold is exceeded, and is extended when a predetermined rotational speed threshold is fallen below.