gyújtáselosztó

A gyújtáselosztó, commonly known as a distributor, is a crucial component in older internal combustion engines. Its primary function is to distribute the high-voltage electrical current from the ignition coil to the correct spark plug at the precise moment required for ignition. This timed spark ignites the air-fuel mixture within the cylinder, causing the engine to run.

The distributor typically consists of several key parts. The rotor, driven by the camshaft or crankshaft, spins and aligns with the distributor cap terminals. The distributor cap has multiple terminals, one for each spark plug wire and one for the high-voltage lead from the ignition coil. As the rotor spins, it creates an electrical path to the appropriate spark plug terminal, sending the spark.

Inside the distributor, two main mechanisms control the timing of the spark. Centrifugal advance, using weights and springs, advances the spark timing as engine RPM increases, improving performance and efficiency. Vacuum advance, a diaphragm connected to engine vacuum, also adjusts spark timing based on engine load, further optimizing combustion.

Modern engines have largely replaced mechanical distributors with electronic ignition systems, often integrated into the engine control unit (ECU). These systems offer greater precision, reliability, and diagnostic capabilities. However, understanding the gyújtáselosztó is essential for comprehending the historical development of ignition systems and for maintaining classic vehicles.