Electric lamp and discharge devices – Spark plugs – Particular electrode structure or spacing
Patent
1996-03-01
1998-03-31
O'Shea, Sandra L.
Electric lamp and discharge devices
Spark plugs
Particular electrode structure or spacing
313140, 313141, H01T 1320
Patent
active
057342229
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This application is a 371 of PCT/AU95/00352, filed Jun. 19, 1995.
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an improved spark plug system, and in particular, but not exclusively, to a spark plug system for an internal combustion engine.
BACKGROUND ART
Conventional spark plug systems suffer from a number of disadvantages, resulting in inefficient, ineffective and/or uneven combustion at or in the vicinity of the associated cylinder of the internal combustion engine, one result of which can be the build-up of undesirable carbon and/or other impurities on the electrodes of the spark plug system ultimately affecting the overall operation of the spark plug system. Known spark plug systems also have a tendency to produce undesirable "pre-ignition". Furthermore, known spark plug systems can be somewhat unreliable in "firing"unless the conditions prevailing in their immediate vicinity are correct, for example, burnt gases or lean mixtures prevent fire propogation.
Conventional spark plugs have also been found to suffer from heat transfer problems, particularly when associated with high-performance engines where the plug system often results in undesirable over heating, and ultimately, damage to the insulator body of the plug.
As one example of known spark plug systems, attention is directed to Australian Patent Specification No. 159,863 which discloses a spark plug fitted with an adaptor defining a precombustion chamber. The spark plug employed therein was of a conventional design capable of working normally without the adaptor, although without the adaptor the plug suffered in performance as a result of the loss of the anti-fouling capability achieved with the adaptor. However, such a combination of spark plug and adaptor has now been found to result in a long heat transfer path, and with the advent of more sophisticated high-performance engines, arrangements such as those disclosed in the Patent Specification No. 159,863 have been found to suffer as a result of the undesirable over-heating referred to above.
The present invention seeks to alleviate the problems and disadvantages associated with known spark plug systems, and to provide a spark plug which will allow for more, faster and even combustion of the combustible gases in the cylinder of an associated internal combustion engine.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
The spark plug system of the present invention incorporates means to define a special precombustion chamber for initial or preliminary combustion of combustible gases and for subsequently spreading the combustion with a desired rapidity, all without increasing the effective overall size, including the length, of the spark plug system. In fact, with the system in accordance with the present invention, it is possible to reduce or increase the overall size, including the length, of the spark plug system. In particular the diameter of the system allows more freedom in cylinder design and valve numbers and disposition and/or size, for better performance of the engine. The spark plug system in accordance with the present invention furthermore minimises, if not eliminates altogether, the problems involved with over-heating
In accordance with the present invention there is provided a spark plug system incorporating a spark plug and an associated venturi passage, said spark plug being spaced from the venturi passage and projecting outwardly from one end thereof; and an electrode member surrounding one end of an insulator member which in turn surrounds and is spaced from a main electrode carried by said insulator member with at least the tip of said electrode being so positioned whereby to create sparks between itself and said surrounding electrode member; wherein said electrode member is so shaped to define, with the insulator member, a precombustion chamber surrounding the electrode, said electrode member having at least one aperture related in space to the tip of said main electrode of said insulator member and said associated venturi passage, and such as to allow communication between the cylin
REFERENCES:
patent: 4644218 (1987-02-01), Kirkhouse
patent: 4736718 (1988-04-01), Linder
Certified Translation of EP 69993.
Certified Translation of FR 1031976.
International Search Report for PCT/AU95/00352 (for which priority is claimed).
O'Shea Sandra L.
Sixes and Sevens Pty Ltd
Williams Joseph
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