JP2002506278A - Spark plugs offering improved working characteristics - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to spark plugs for igniting the fuel charge in an internal combustion engine, and is particularly concerned with an improved spark plug construction which improves combustion pressure and fuel mileage and diminishes exhaust pollution, as compared with known prior art plugs.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the following provisional patent application and is incorporated herein by reference.

Application No. 60 / 076,669 Application date March 2, 1998 Application No. 60 / 089,458 Application date June 16, 1998 Application No. 60 / 089,491 Application date June 16, 1998 Application number 60 / 114,439 Application date December 31, 1998 TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention generally relates to a spark plug for igniting a fuel charge of an internal combustion engine. In particular, the present invention relates to an improved spark plug structure that improves combustion pressure and fuel efficiency and reduces exhaust gas pollution compared to known conventional plugs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventional spark plugs are well known. Such spark plugs typically include a center electrode and a ground electrode spaced from the center electrode. If enough electrical potential is provided in this gap, the spark will jump over this gap. This spark is used to ignite the air / fuel mixture in the internal combustion engine.

US Pat. No. 5,051,651 details a “cylindrical hole” created by shielding an outer ground electrode around a center electrode. US Patent No. 5
No. 5,051,651 asserts that "seed of ignition" is increased inside this cylindrical hole. In all cases, the ground electrode has "a concave inner surface that complements the radial surface of the center electrode" (col. 8, line 33). This forms a concentric curved surface with an inner radius equal to the sum of the radius of the center electrode and the spark gap "the sum of the radius of the center electrode and the spark gap can be approximately equal to the radius of the cylindrical hole" ( Column 1, line 54).

As can be seen in FIG. 13 of US Pat. No. 5,051,651 and in the language of independent claim 18, the present invention provides that “at least a portion of each of the inner, orthogonal planes is formed by the axis of a center electrode. "It consists of a concave surface with a curvature that complements the directional surface."

Since the sparks all travel along the shortest path from the center electrode to the ground electrode, the actual surface of US Pat. No. 5,051,651 is on a complementary radius where the ground electrode is coaxial with the axis of the center electrode. Other concentric ring designs formed (Patent No. 1,748,338,
Nos. 1,942,242, 1,912,516, 5,430,346,
No. 5,280,214). U.S. Pat. No. 5,051,651 works similarly to other concentric ring designs at the functional core where the spark actually jumps.

However, applicants believe that the concentric ring design has no performance benefits over conventional spark plug designs.

[0008] Reference is also made to US Pat. No. 5,612,586 which focuses particularly on avoiding the 90 degree bend common to conventional spark plugs.

The above-mentioned prior patents have some advantageous features. However, there is always a need for improved plug designs that provide improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the use of a spark plug provided with an end in tangential relationship with a center electrode.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved spark plug.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved spark plug ground electrode.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved spark plug that exhibits improved fuel efficiency.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved spark plug that exhibits improved combustion pressure.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved spark plug that reduces pollution due to contamination.

[0016] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof, taken together with the drawings and the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Generally described, the present invention is directed to a conventional center electrode and substantially tangentially positioned about the periphery of each underlying substantially circular electrode. And a spark plug having one or more ground electrodes forming at least one lower end.

One configuration contemplated under the present invention is referred to as a “box” plug shown in FIGS. This "box" plug uses a substantially square shaped electrode that appears to "surround" the center electrode of the spark plug when viewed from above. In practice, however, as shown in FIG. 2, the gap formed between the upper circular end surface of the center electrode and the surface on which the lower downwardly directed surface of the forked prong member rests (0.025 in some tests). This box does not surround the center electrode of the spark plug, as there are inches (0.0635 cm).

As can be seen, the electrode 30 includes two tip prongs 32 that initially diverge but then concentrate. Each of the two tip prongs 32 includes two portions 34 of substantially equal length. Two of these parts are "branch" parts 3
Fourth, the other two can be considered as “focused” portions 34. This means that each prong contains one "branch" part and one "concentration" part.

It can be considered that an “elbow” connects a branch of a part to its corresponding central part. Such elbows (two in the version of FIG. 1) are shown as being in a vertical plane extending substantially through the central longitudinal axis of the center of the prong.

The ground electrode can be considered to have three vertices, a main vertex 40 and two elbow inner vertices 41.

It can be seen that the cross-section of portion 34 is substantially rectangular, with some shapes being 0.050 inches (0.027 cm) wide and 0.050 inches (0.027 cm) thick. . Such a cross section provides four outwardly directed (at least except near the bend) substantially linear ends (also shown in FIG. 14).
It is believed that at least the relationship of the inner lower end to the center electrode results in improved performance. Such a relationship is referred to as a tangent relationship, and in the shape of FIG. 1, one tangent relationship is provided for each portion 34.

It should be understood that the center electrode shown in FIG. 2 is referred to in the present invention as an "up" extending center electrode. However, this is for reference purposes only and should not be understood as limiting. In practical use, such electrodes can be oriented in many different directions.

Other Embodiments Other ground electrodes are contemplated under the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a plane view of two electrodes of the ground electrode 51 and the center electrode 20 used in the second embodiment of the present invention, which can be regarded as a “fork” shape having two tangent relationships and one vertex. FIG.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the ground electrode 52 and the center electrode 20 used in the third embodiment of the present invention, including three parts, three tangent relations, and two vertices.

FIG. 5 has at least four tangent relationships with six parts, up to five vertices,
FIG. 14 is a plan view of two electrodes, a ground electrode 53 and a center electrode 20, used in a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of two electrodes of the ground electrode 60 and the center electrode 20 used in the fifth embodiment of the present invention, having four parts, three vertices, and four tangential relations.

FIG. 7 shows a ground electrode 70 and a center electrode 20 used in a sixth embodiment of the present invention, which can be considered as a “closed box” shape having four tangent relationships and four vertices.
It is a top view of two electrodes of.

FIG. 8 shows two of the ground electrode 80 and the center electrode 20 used in the seventh embodiment of the present invention, which can be regarded as a “closed hexagonal box” shape having six tangent relationships and six vertices. It is a top view of one electrode.

FIG. 9 shows two electrodes of the ground electrode 90 and the center electrode 20 used in the eighth embodiment of the present invention, which can be regarded as a “single offset straight electrode” having one tangential relationship. It is a top view.

FIG. 10 shows two ground electrodes 10 used in the ninth embodiment of the present invention, which can be considered as a “double offset straight electrode” shape having two tangential relationships.
It is a top view of three electrodes of 0,101 and the center electrode 20.

FIG. 11 shows three electrodes of two ground electrodes 110 and 111 and a center electrode 20 used in the tenth embodiment of the present invention, which can be regarded as a “double T electrode” shape having two tangential relationships. FIG.

FIG. 12 shows two ground electrodes 120 and 12 used in the eleventh embodiment of the present invention, which can be considered as an “offset double T electrode” shape having two tangential relationships.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of three electrodes 1 and a center electrode 20.

FIG. 13 shows three ground electrodes 130, 131, and 131 used in the eleventh embodiment of the present invention, which can be regarded as a “triangular triple T electrode” having three tangential relationships.
FIG. 13 is a plan view of four electrodes 132 and a center electrode 20.

FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of an exemplary center electrode 20 shown at the bottom of a cross-sectional view of a portion of a ground electrode 140 including a lower end positioned tangentially toward the center electrode. is there.

FIG. 15 shows a ground electrode 150 having one tangential relationship to provide a simple convex curved end to the center electrode 20. The cross section of the ground electrode is rectangular.

FIG. 16 shows a simple straight end provided for the center electrode. One tangential end relationship is shown. The cross section of the ground electrode is rectangular.

FIG. 17 illustrates the use of four ground electrodes 170, 171, 172, 173 that combine to provide a number of simple straight ends to the center electrode 20. The tangential relationship is not shown in this figure. The cross section of each of the four ground electrodes is rectangular.

FIG. 18 shows a triangular ground electrode 180 that provides three ends and three vertices to the center electrode. Three tangent end relationships are shown. The cross section of each linear portion of the ground electrode is substantially rectangular.

FIG. 19 is similar to that shown in FIG. 11, and has a triangular ground electrode 19.
Although 0 is shown, it is used together with the triangular center electrode 195. Three tangent end relationships and three vertices are shown in this figure.

FIG. 20 is an open-ended design that includes a ground electrode 200 that provides three curved ends and two vertices to the center electrode 20. Three "curved" tangential end relationships are provided in this configuration. Tangent relationships are not only "straight" tangent relationships but also "
It should be noted that a "curved" tangent relationship may also be included.

FIG. 21 is an open-ended design that includes a ground electrode 210 that provides three straight ends and two vertices to the center electrode 20. Three tangent end relationships and two vertices are shown in this figure.

FIG. 22 shows that the center electrode 225 substantially matches the geometry of the ground electrode 220,
In this case, the open end design is similar to that shown in FIG. 21 except that it is square. Three tangent relationships are shown.

FIG. 23 shows a “fork-shaped” design in which there are two curvilinear tangent end relationships with a single vertex. A ground electrode 220 and a center electrode 230 are shown.

FIG. 24 shows two ground electrodes 240 each having a “jaw” at the end, which serves to substantially surround the protrusion of the center electrode 20. Four straight tangent relationships and three vertices are shown in this figure.

FIG. 25 shows a simple curved end provided by the ground electrode 250 to the center electrode 20.

FIG. 26 shows various positions 1, 2 where the ground electrode 260 can be placed relative to the center electrode.
FIG. 3 is a side view illustrating the position of each of the three positions 1, 2, 3 in a “zone”. Exposing the lower end of the ground electrode to the outer end of the center electrode at any of these locations within the zone will, in the inventor's view at the time of filing, create a "chimney" effect on the gas being entrained. To do.

FIG. 27 illustrates the (center electrode) of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 in which the lower end of the ground electrode 270 is provided above the center electrode in a substantially tangential relationship to the peripheral protrusion of the center electrode. FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional view (taken along the central longitudinal axis of 20).

FIG. 28 is a view similar to FIG. 27, except that the cross-section of the ground electrode 280 is streamlined to reduce resistance to propagation at the forefront of combustion.

FIG. 29 is a view similar to FIG. 28, except that the ground electrode 290 is at a single end,
It is supported by an arc as seen in the electrode design shown in FIG. Such a design can also be applied to FIG. This cross section can take any shape other than that shown, providing the end (straight or otherwise) as the surface closest to the upper end of the center electrode 20.

FIG. 30 shows a number of ground electrodes 300, 301, 302 (not shown, providing a number of straight ends) that are provided on the top of the center electrode and are directed straight upwardly inward. May be used). It is believed that this angle is less important than the final position of the extension member tip.

FIG. 31 shows a side cross-section generally similar to, for example, the shape shown in FIG. 1, except that the cross-section of ground electrode 310 has a “diamond” shape that provides an edge to the upper circular end of center electrode 20. FIG. This design can promote better flow of combustion caused by spark ignition due to the upper and lower chamfers of the ground electrode end.

FIG. 32 is a partial modification of the one shown in FIG. 1, except that a simple chamfer has been made on the top surface of the ground electrode 320. While this may have certain advantages of the design shown in FIG. 31, it seems to be easier to manufacture.

FIG. 33 is a diagram of an embodiment including a ground electrode similar to FIG. 1, except that a simple V-shaped recess has been cut in the center electrode 335 to improve spark efficiency.

FIG. 34 is similar to that of FIG. 1 including a ground electrode 340 except that a “neck down” portion is provided above the center electrode 345 to create a “thin wire” discharge tip at the center electrode. It is a sectional side view of an example.

FIG. 35 shows the end of the ground electrode 350 applied from above through a single (shown) or multiple (not shown) legs supporting the “critical” end. The center electrode 355 has a chamfer at the tip.

FIG. 36 shows a shape that includes “providing maximum end-to-end” of the two ends formed by the center electrode 365 and the ground electrode 360, respectively. This design provides a less shielded end-to-end spark to the combustion chamber, while potentially higher manufacturing costs compared to other embodiments. It is also believed that small sized electrodes help reduce interference with incoming fuel charges and already existing combustion nuclei.

FIG. 37 shows FIGS. 1 and 2 except that a center electrode 375 at the tip of the chisel is used.
FIG. 4 is a view of a spark plug having a ground electrode 370 similar to that of FIG.

FIG. 38 is an illustration of a spark plug having a single tip center electrode 385 and having a ground electrode 380 similar to that shown in FIGS.

FIG. 39 shows a tip 395-A, a pyramid tip 395-B, a V-groove 395-
C, central recess 395-D, polygon 395-E, single tip 395-F, multiple end 3
95-G, chamfered tip 395-H, hollow cylinder 395-I, hollow polygon 395-J
FIG. 9 is an illustration of a series of center electrode shapes that can be used with other ground electrodes in this description, including a neck down shape 395-K.

FIGS. 40A and 40B show a T-shaped center electrode 405 having a T-shaped end each forming an end, and a pair of ground electrodes 400 and 401 each also forming an end.
It is the top view and side view of the shape containing, respectively. The end of the center electrode is given to the end of the ground electrode in a one-to-one relationship.

FIGS. 41A and 41B are a plan view and a side view of a shape including an L-shaped center electrode 415 having a curved tangential end and a ground electrode 410, respectively. 40A and 40
Note also that two parts can be used as used in B, or more than one part can be used in either this shape or the shape of FIGS. 40A / 40B.

FIGS. 42A / 42B show a configuration including a center electrode 425 and a ground electrode 420 that are combined to form three tangential relationships.

FIG. 43 shows a shape including the center electrode 20 and the ground electrode 430 with vertical and horizontal intervals referred to as G 1 and G 2, respectively, between the center electrode 20 and the ground electrode 430. . Preferably, G1 is greater than or equal to zero and G2 is greater than or equal to zero. This is another description of the "zone" concept in FIG.

FIG. 44 is an illustrative plan view of an exemplary center electrode 20 and two exemplary ground electrodes 440 and 441 further illustrating the tangential relationship that is one feature of the present invention. As can be seen, the "tangential" relationship includes not only the "first case" relationship of elements 20,440, but also the "second case" relationship of elements 20,441.

FIG. 45 is similar to that shown in FIG. 3, but with short prongs giving the two tangent relationships 453, 454 shown in the second case example of FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory plan view of a central electrode 20 and a forked ground electrode 450. An intermediate vertex 455 is also shown.

FIG. 46 is similar to that of FIG. 1 except that instead of having a four tangential relationship, the four ends of the ground electrode 460 are in the “zone” of FIG. 26 outside the protrusion of the center electrode. It has a "wide box" shape.

FIG. 47 shows FIG. 3 except that instead of having a two tangential relationship, the two ends of the ground electrode 470 are in the “zone” of FIG. 26 outside the protrusion of the typical center electrode 20.
It has a "wide fork" shape similar to that of. In the opinion of the inventor at the time of filing,
A wider space is provided in the concept of “charging flow to be taken” described in FIG.

Tangential Relationship As described above, in some cases it is desirable to have one or more straight ends that are tangential to the upper end of the circular (or round) ground electrode. This is referred to as a "straight end" in that the straight end formed by the ground electrode provides one or more straight ends such that each end is in tangential relationship with the peripheral protrusion of the center electrode. It is referred to as "tangential relationship." This is shown elsewhere,
For example, it is shown in FIGS.

It is understood, however, that the “curved end tangent relationships” shown in FIGS. 15, 23 and 25 by way of example only are also contemplated under one of the inventions disclosed herein. Should.

It is important to note that the spark connects between the center electrode and its closest ground electrode. The actual placement of the prongs of the ground electrode is at or near the outer periphery of the center electrode (not necessarily circular) or at a fixed height above or above the center electrode tip. Is also good.

It should be understood that certain aspects of the present invention also contemplate the use of some misalignment of the tangent relationships as shown in FIGS.

End Linearity As described above, in some cases it is desirable to have a straight end that is tangential to the curved upper end of the ground electrode. However, it should be understood that certain aspects of the invention contemplate using curved ends in such tangential relationships.

Zone Concept Explains the concept of a “zone” that exposes the lower end of the ground electrode to the outer end of the center electrode (or its “upper perimeter”, which can also be circular) at any of the locations shown. Refer to FIG.

This means that the ends which are given or exposed to each other are not necessarily tangential, and in the region of the spark the ends are at the closest part of the two electrodes to each other or at least to the other two parts of the electrodes. It is another related concept of this related invention that the ends are positioned relative to each other so that they are as close as possible.
We believe at the time of filing that "unshielding" the center electrode tip by placing the ground electrode outside around its perimeter is a separate and advantageous concept, beyond the concept of tangential relationships and / or vertices. Have been. In addition, the "effective end" of the ground electrode at or above the center electrode allows the captured charge gas to flow more easily into the spark zone.

Vertices The combination of tangent relationships and vertices provided in some of Applicants' embodiments (eg, those shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and others) is a significant improvement over the prior art. Is believed at the time of filing. Some of these vertices provide a vertical "opening" or "chimney effect" that is believed to provide improved combustion characteristics. In addition, it is believed at the time of filing that the combination of "zone" relationships and vertices provided in some of Applicants' embodiments provides significant improvements over the prior art.

Process Used The simple shape of the ground electrode described in the present invention can be formed by performing a secondary subsequent operation on a standard wire feed electrode currently used in the industry. it can. A particular design of the mandrel may be used to form the various parts of each electrode. Alternatively, a pressed electrode can be created using a die to form a particular shape. The pressed electrode is then welded to the base of the plug in a conventional manner. Instead of pressing operation, the shape of the electrode is laser cut,
It can be formed by water jet cutting, chemical etching, forging, casting, powder metal formation and the like. Any electrodes using these methods are then welded to the appropriate locations on the base of the spark plug.

With respect to the shapes shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, these electrode shapes can be created with little modification to current wire feed equipment. The offset with respect to the center electrode can be created with a basic wire feeder mechanism, or by using a secondary operation that creates a specific alignment of conventional side wires.

Various Comments In FIG. 1, for example, the thickness of the ground electrode, including the end portions (including those portions), is known to those skilled in the art, or is about 0.050 inches (0.127 cm). And this thickness is between 0.040 and 0.065 inches (0.1016 and 0.1651
cm), or 0.010-0.0150 inch (0.0254-0.
0381 cm), or other dimensions can be taken without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The width of the "leg" is 0.075-0.125 inch (
0.1905-0.3175 cm), which may be 0.010-0.150 inches (0.0254-0.0381 cm), or other dimensions without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. You can also.

The width of the prongs is not important, but the sharpness of the edges is believed to be important.
However, in one preferred embodiment, the prongs are 0.050 inch (0.1
27 cm) wide and 0.050 inch (0.127 cm) thick, each of these dimensions may be 0.010-0.150 inch (0.0254-0.381 cm) or Other dimensions may be taken without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

It is also understood that the ground electrode is not believed to be square or rectangular, as long as it includes a sharp end that provides a lower end for the center electrode as shown in FIG. 14 or 26. It should be.

The diameter of the center electrode is 0.010 to 0.150 inch (0.0254 to 0.381).
cm), and the thickness of the "leg" of the electrode, when it is applied, is between 0.040 and
0.065 inches (0.1016-0.1651 cm), but this
. It can be from 0.10 to 0.150 inches (0.0254 to 0.381 cm), or other dimensions can be taken without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The materials used for these include those known to those skilled in the art, including “premium” materials currently used (eg, platinum).

Comparison with the Prior Art Compared to US Pat. No. 5,051,651, in the present invention, the nucleus of combustion opens above the ground electrode to open a passage for expansion away from the spark point. The striking surface of the spark is also formed as an open concave curve, a straight line, or a convex curve. This happens at a very small level, and even the slightest concentric radius of the striking surface has a negative effect on the growth of the burning nucleus. This great sensitivity of the combustion stroke to the radius of the striking surface is an important part of our invention.

[0086] The concentric ring design does not actually differ in performance from conventional spark plug designs, no matter how short the length of the concentric curved portion is. This is the de facto difference between Pyrotech's invention and that described in US Pat. No. 5,051,651. The latter always relies on "thereby a combustion gas flowing out of it ... a hollow cylindrical ground electrode" (col. 2, line 59).

The ground electrode of US Pat. No. 5,051,651 is always spaced by a gap from the center electrode. In Pyrotech's invention, the tangential relationship is beneficial due to the open nature of the striking surface. Any concentric radius imparted to the striking surface in a tangential relationship will severely inhibit the generation of combustion nuclei.

Finally, US Pat. No. 5,051,651 includes two mounting legs, which are at the core of the combustion, especially when compared to the single leg of the preferred embodiment of the Pyrotech invention. The effect is to provide an amount of shielding effect.

Conclusion While the present invention has been described in particular detail with reference to the disclosed embodiments, many changes and modifications may occur within the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. It will be appreciated that it gains.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a part of a first embodiment of the present invention whose overall view is shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the spark plug 10 of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of two electrodes, a ground electrode 51 and a center electrode 20, used in a second embodiment of the present invention, which can be regarded as a “fork” shape having two tangent relationships and one vertex.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of two electrodes including a ground electrode 52 and a center electrode 20 used in a third embodiment of the present invention, including three parts, three tangent relations, and two vertices.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of two electrodes of a ground electrode 53 and a center electrode 20 used in a fourth embodiment of the present invention having six parts, up to five vertices and at least four tangent relations.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of two electrodes of a ground electrode 60 and a center electrode 20 used in a fifth embodiment of the present invention having four parts, three vertices, and four tangent relations.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of two electrodes of a ground electrode 70 and a center electrode 20 used in a sixth embodiment of the present invention, which can be regarded as a “closed box” shape having four tangent relationships and four vertices. is there.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of two electrodes of a ground electrode 80 and a center electrode 20 used in a seventh embodiment of the present invention, which can be regarded as a “closed hexagonal box” shape having six tangent relations and six vertices. FIG.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of two electrodes of a ground electrode 90 and a center electrode 20 used in an eighth embodiment of the present invention, which can be regarded as a “single offset straight electrode” shape having one tangential relationship. .

FIG. 10 is a plan view of three ground electrodes of two ground electrodes 100 and 101 and a center electrode 20 used in the ninth embodiment of the present invention, which can be regarded as a “double offset straight electrode” shape having two tangential relationships. FIG.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of three ground electrodes 110 and 111 and a center electrode 20 used in a tenth embodiment of the present invention, which can be regarded as a “double T electrode” shape having two tangential relationships. is there.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of three electrodes of two ground electrodes 120 and 121 and a center electrode 20 used in an eleventh embodiment of the present invention, which can be regarded as an “offset double T electrode” shape having two tangential relationships. It is.

FIG. 13 shows four ground electrodes 130, 131, and 132 and a center electrode 20 used in the eleventh embodiment of the present invention which can be regarded as a “triangular triple T electrode” having three tangential relationships. FIG.

FIG. 14 illustrates a ground electrode 140 including a lower end positioned in a tangential relationship toward a center electrode.
3 is a side elevational view of a typical center electrode 20 shown at the bottom of the section view of FIG.

FIG. 15 illustrates a ground electrode 150 having a single tangential relationship to provide a simple convex curved end to the center electrode 20. The cross section of the ground electrode is rectangular.

FIG. 16 shows a simple straight end provided for the center electrode. One tangential end relationship is shown. The cross section of the ground electrode is rectangular.

FIG. 17 illustrates the use of four ground electrodes 170, 171, 172, 173 that combine to provide a number of simple straight ends to the center electrode 20. The tangential relationship is not shown in this figure. The cross section of each of the four ground electrodes is rectangular.

FIG. 18 illustrates a triangular ground electrode 18 that provides three ends and three vertices to a center electrode.
Indicates 0. Three tangent end relationships are shown. The cross section of each linear portion of the ground electrode is substantially rectangular.

19 shows a triangular ground electrode 190 similar to that shown in FIG. 11, but used with a triangular center electrode 195. FIG. Three tangent end relationships and three vertices are shown in this figure.

FIG. 20: Ground electrode 2 providing three curved ends and two vertices to center electrode 20
00 is the open end design. Three "curved" tangential end relationships are provided in this configuration. It should be noted that tangent relationships may include "curved" tangent relationships as well as "straight" tangent relationships.

FIG. 21 is an open-ended design that includes a ground electrode 210 that provides three straight ends and two vertices to the center electrode 20. Three tangent end relationships and two vertices are shown in this figure.

FIG. 22 is an open end design similar to that shown in FIG. 21 except that the center electrode 225 substantially matches the geometry of the ground electrode 220, in this case being a square. Three tangent relationships are shown.

FIG. 23 illustrates a “fork-shaped” design in which there are two curvilinear tangent end relationships having a single vertex. A ground electrode 220 and a center electrode 230 are shown.

FIG. 24 shows two ground electrodes 240 each having a “chin” at the end, which serves to substantially surround the protrusion of the center electrode 20. Four straight tangent relationships and two vertices are shown in this figure.

FIG. 25 shows a simple concave curved end provided to the center electrode 20 by a ground electrode 250.

FIG. 26 is a side view illustrating various positions 1, 2, 3 where a ground electrode 260 can be installed with respect to a center electrode, and these three positions 1, 2, 3 are in a “zone”. is there. Exposing the lower end of the ground electrode to the outer end of the center electrode at any of these locations, within the zone, will, in the inventor's view at the time of filing, have a `` chimney '' effect on the gas taken in. To bring.

FIG. 27 shows the embodiment (of the center electrode 20) of the embodiment shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view (taken along a central longitudinal axis).

FIG. 28 is a view similar to FIG. 27, except that the cross-section of the ground electrode 280 is streamlined to reduce resistance to propagation of the forefront of combustion.

FIG. 29 is a view similar to FIG. 28, but with the ground electrode 290 at a single end and supported by an arc as seen in the electrode design shown in FIG. 25. Such a design can also be applied to FIG. This cross section can take any shape other than that shown, providing the end (straight or otherwise) as the surface closest to the upper end of the center electrode 20.

FIG. 30 shows a number of ground electrodes 300, 301, 302 (not shown, providing a fourth ground electrode, providing a number of straight ends, directed inwardly in an upper inward direction above the center electrode; May be used). It is believed that this angle is less important than the final position of the extension member tip.

FIG. 31 shows that the cross section of the ground electrode 310 provides an edge to the upper circular edge of the center electrode
FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view generally similar to, for example, the shape shown in FIG. 1 except having a “diamond” shape. This design can promote better flow of combustion caused by spark ignition due to the upper and lower chamfers of the ground electrode end.

FIG. 32 is a partial modification of the one shown in FIG. 1 except that a simple chamfer has been made on the top surface of the ground electrode 320. While this may have certain advantages of the design shown in FIG. 31, it seems to be easier to manufacture.

FIG. 33 is a diagram of an embodiment including a ground electrode similar to FIG. 1 except that a simple V-shaped recess has been cut into the center electrode 335 to improve spark efficiency.

FIG. 34 illustrates an embodiment similar to that of FIG. 1 including a ground electrode 340 except that a “neck down” portion is provided on top of the center electrode 345 to create a “thin wire” discharge tip at the center electrode. It is a side sectional view.

FIG. 35 shows the end of the ground electrode 350 applied from above through a single (shown) or multiple (not shown) legs supporting the “critical” end. The center electrode 355 has a chamfer at the tip.

FIG. 36 shows a shape including “providing maximum end-to-end” of the two ends formed by the center electrode 365 and the ground electrode 360, respectively. This design provides a less shielded end-to-end spark to the combustion chamber, while potentially higher manufacturing costs compared to other embodiments. It is also believed that small sized electrodes help reduce interference with incoming fuel charges and already existing combustion nuclei.

FIG. 37 is an illustration of a spark plug having a ground electrode 370 similar to that of FIGS. 1 and 2 except that a tip center electrode 375 is used.

FIG. 38 is a view of a spark plug having a single tip center electrode 385 and having a ground electrode 380 similar to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 39: chisel tip 395-A, pyramid tip 395-B, V-groove 395-C, central depression 395-D, polygon 395-E, single tip 395-F, multiple ends 395-G,
FIG. 9 is a diagram of a series of center electrode shapes that can be used with other ground electrodes in this description, including chamfered tips 395-H, hollow cylinders 395-I, hollow polygons 395-J, and neck-down shapes 395-K. .

FIGS. 40A and 40B show a T-shaped center electrode 405 having a T-shaped end each forming an end, and a pair of ground electrodes 400, 401 each also forming an end.
It is the top view and side view of the shape containing, respectively. The end of the center electrode is given to the end of the ground electrode in a one-to-one relationship.

41A and 41B are a plan view and a side view of a shape including an L-shaped center electrode 415 having a curved tangential end and a ground electrode 410, respectively. 40A and 40
Note also that two parts can be used as used in B, or more than one part can be used in either this shape or the shape of FIGS. 40A / 40B.

FIGS. 42A / 42B show a configuration including a center electrode 425 and a ground electrode 420 that are combined to form three tangential relationships.

FIG. 43 shows a shape including the center electrode 20 and the ground electrode 430, in which vertical and horizontal intervals referred to as G1 and G2 are provided between the center electrode 20 and the ground electrode 430, respectively. Preferably, G1 is greater than or equal to zero and G2 is greater than or equal to zero. This is another description of the "zone" concept in FIG.

FIG. 44 is an illustrative plan view of an exemplary center electrode 20 and two exemplary ground electrodes 440, 441 further illustrating a tangential relationship that is one feature of the present invention. As can be seen here, the "tangential" relationship is not only the "first case" relationship of elements 20,440,
The relationship of the “second case” of the elements 20 and 441 is also included.

FIG. 45 is a typical center electrode similar to that shown in FIG. 3, but with short prongs providing the two tangential relationships 453, 454 shown in the second case example of FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory plan view of a 20 and bifurcated ground electrode 450. An intermediate vertex 455 is also shown.

FIG. 46 illustrates a “wide” similar to that of FIG. 1 except that instead of having a four tangent relationship, the four ends of the ground electrode 460 are in the “zone” of FIG. 26 outside the center electrode protrusion. Box "shape. In the inventor's view at the time of filing, more space is provided in the concept of "charging charge flow" described in FIG.

FIG. 47 differs from that of FIG. 3 except that instead of having a two tangential relationship, the two ends of the ground electrode 470 are in the “zone” of FIG. 26 outside the protrusion of the typical center electrode 20. It has a similar "wide fork" shape. In the inventor's view at the time of filing, more space is provided in the concept of "charging charge flow" described in FIG.

48. Concentric ground electrodes 480, each associated with a typical center electrode 20, "open"
FIG. 7 illustrates a ground electrode 481 to illustrate the believed difference in concentric and non-concentric electrode characteristics. As seen herein, it is believed by the inventors that open electrode surfaces tend to promote the propagation of combustion nuclei.

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (31) Priority claim number 60 / 089,491 (32) Priority date June 16, 1998 (June 16, 1998) (33) Priority claim country United States (US) ( 31) Priority claim number 60 / 089,499 (32) Priority date June 16, 1998 (June 16, 1998) (33) Priority claim country United States (US) (31) Priority claim number 60 / 114,439 (32) Priority date December 31, 1998 (December 31, 1998) (33) Priority country United States (US) (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SL, SZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN , IS, JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA, UG, UZ, VN, YU, ZW

Claims (18)

[Claims] 1. A spark plug for supplying a spark into a spark region, wherein the spark plug is in a vertically standing position and has a central electrode extending upward having a cross-sectional projection and a height; A ground electrode forming an extended end that is longer than a larger dimension of the electrode, wherein the extended end is substantially tangential to the cross-sectional protrusion of the upwardly extending central electrode; A spark plug, comprising: a ground electrode having a lowermost portion at the uppermost position of the center electrode or at a position higher than the uppermost portion of the center electrode. 2. The spark plug according to claim 1, wherein said end is substantially straight. 3. The end portion is along a curved trajectory, the curved trajectory having a larger radius than the center electrode, and having a different radius center than the center electrode radius center. The spark plug according to claim 1, wherein the spark plug has a spark plug. 4. A spark plug for supplying a spark into a spark region, wherein the spark plug has a vertically extended center electrode forming an end of a center electrode in a vertically standing position; A ground electrode forming an extended ground electrode end that is longer than the larger dimension of the center electrode end and the extended ground electrode end in the spark region within the spark region. The extended ground electrode ends are spaced apart from the center electrode end so as to be provided toward each other so as to be at the closest position or at one of the closest positions. The extreme part is located at or above the center electrode end, and the extended ground electrode end is located at or near the center electrode end. Spark plug consisting of. 5. A spark plug for supplying a spark into a spark region, wherein said spark plug is in a vertically standing position and has a center electrode extending upward to form a center electrode end; A ground electrode forming an extreme portion, wherein the center electrode end and the extended ground electrode end are located at or closest to the two respective electrodes in the spark region. The extended ground electrode end is disposed at a distance from the center electrode end so that the extended ground electrode end is positioned at the center electrode end. The extended ground electrode end is disposed at or above the center electrode end, and the extended ground electrode end and the center electrode end are non-concentric parts Spark plug comprising a ground electrode having a. 6. A spark plug for supplying a spark into a spark region, wherein the spark plug has a vertically extending central electrode having a cross-sectional projection and a height in a vertically standing position; A ground electrode forming an extended end that is longer than the larger dimension of the electrode, said end being outside of said protrusion, with its lowermost being at or above the top of said central electrode And a ground electrode at the position. 7. A spark plug for supplying a spark into a spark region, said spark plug in a vertically standing position having an upwardly extending central electrode having a substantially circular cross section having a diameter. An extended end portion having a length at least as long as the diameter, spaced above and outside the protrusion, and having a lowermost portion thereof at the uppermost position or higher than the center electrode; And a ground electrode forming a spark plug. 8. A spark plug for supplying a spark into a spark region, said spark plug in a vertically standing position having a central electrode extending upward with a cross-sectional projection; A ground electrode forming two extended ends that are substantially tangential to said cross-sectional projection of the elongated center electrode, said ends also being joined together with one intermediate outside of said projection; A spark plug comprising a ground electrode forming a vertex. 9. A spark plug for supplying a spark into a spark region, wherein the spark plug has a vertically extending center electrode having a projecting section in a vertically standing position; And each end is a folded box-shaped ground electrode,
A spark plug comprising: a ground electrode providing four tangential relationships to the cross-sectional protrusion and providing three intermediate vertices. 10. A spark plug for supplying a spark into a spark region, said spark plug in a vertically standing position, an upwardly extending central electrode forming an extended end; and forming an end. A spark plug comprising: a ground electrode, wherein an end of the center electrode and an end of the ground electrode are non-concentric and are oriented toward each other to allow sparking therebetween. 11. A spark plug for supplying a spark into a spark region, wherein the spark plug extends vertically above a center electrode in a vertically upright position to form two prongs. A ground electrode including a diverging main portion, wherein the prongs form a partial "box" shape, wherein the box shape is oriented substantially tangential to the circular contour of the ground electrode. A spark plug comprising a ground electrode including four parts. 12. The spark plug according to claim 11, wherein the spark electrode includes an apex located outside its periphery. 13. The spark plug according to claim 12, wherein at least two (of four) portions of the two prongs are disposed substantially along said perimeter. 14. The spark plug according to claim 13, wherein the first and third portions are substantially parallel. 15. The spark plug according to claim 14, wherein said second and fourth portions are substantially parallel. 16. A spark plug for supplying a spark into a spark region, said spark plug in a vertically standing position extending with a center electrode; extending above said center electrode and having at least three tangential relationships. And a ground electrode forming a spark plug. 17. A spark plug for supplying a spark into a spark region, said spark plug in a vertically standing position extending with a center electrode; extending above said center electrode and having at least four tangential relationships. And a ground electrode forming a spark plug. 18. A spark plug for supplying a spark into a spark region, said spark plug in a vertically standing position extending with a center electrode; extending above said center electrode and having at least five tangential relationships. And a ground electrode forming a spark plug.