A semiconductor apparatus can block the voltage from the power source when the voltage from the power source reaches an excessive level, without requiring a larger chip size. Provided is a semiconductor apparatus including a power semiconductor element a gate of which is controlled in response to a control signal, an overvoltage detector configured to detect that a voltage at a collector terminal of the power semiconductor element reaches an overvoltage level, and a block unit configured to, in response to the detection of the overvoltage level, control the gate of the power semiconductor element to transition to an off-voltage. The semiconductor apparatus may further include a reset unit configured to, in response to that the control signal is input that turns on the power semiconductor element, output a reset signal for a predetermined period of time.

An internal combustion engine including an igniter disposed at least partially within an aperture defined in a housing of the engine, the igniter having a body including a tip supporting portion and having a tip extending from the tip supporting portion. A cooling sleeve is disposed around the tip supporting portion, and the cooling sleeve defines a path of heat transfer between the tip supporting portion and the housing. The engine may be a rotary engine. A method for cooling an igniter of an internal combustion engine is also discussed.

A generator including a source of electric energy connected to means for generating sparks between the electrodes of an ignition spark plug, is characterized in that it comprises a first power portion including first means forming a capacitor for storing energy in series with first means forming a diode, wherein the first means forming a capacitor are also connected to the ignition spark plug through a gas spark gap and at least one second triggering portion including second means forming an energy storage capacitor in series with second means forming a diode, wherein the second means forming a capacitor are connected through at least one controlled semiconductor switching unit, to a primary winding of a voltage step-up transformer for which one secondary winding is connected in series with the gas spark gap between the first means forming a capacitor and the ignition spark plug.

An igniter includes a switching element, a control circuit section, and a protection element. The switching element is connected to a primary winding of an ignition coil. The control circuit section is configured to control operation of the switching element. The protection element is configured to electrically protect the control circuit section. The switching element and the protection element are formed in the same semiconductor chip, and are mounted on the same lead frame.

An igniter includes a switching element, a control circuit section, and a protection element. The switching element is connected to a primary winding of an ignition coil. The control circuit section is configured to control operation of the switching element. The protection element is configured to electrically protect the control circuit section. The switching element and the protection element are formed in the same semiconductor chip, and are mounted on the same lead frame.

An ignition coil for an internal combustion engine according to the present embodiment includes a primary coil, a secondary coil, a center core, an outer circumferential core, an igniter, a case, a connector unit, and a relay member. The relay member electrically connects the outer circumferential core and a grounding terminal member. The relay member includes: a base portion provided along the rear surface of an engagement wall; a standing portion standing rearward of the base portion; and a curved portion that extends from a rear end of the standing portion in a vertical direction Z orthogonal to a coil axis direction X and is curved to protrude rearward. The base portion is in contact with an inner grounding terminal at one end in the vertical direction Z. The standing portion is provided further outward than the igniter in a horizontal direction Y. The curved portion is elastically deformed and is urged against a front surface of the outer circumferential core.

An ignition coil for an internal combustion engine according to the present embodiment includes a primary coil, a secondary coil, a center core, an outer circumferential core, an igniter, a case, a connector unit, and a relay member. The relay member electrically connects the outer circumferential core and a grounding terminal member. The relay member includes: a base portion provided along the rear surface of an engagement wall; a standing portion standing rearward of the base portion; and a curved portion that extends from a rear end of the standing portion in a vertical direction Z orthogonal to a coil axis direction X and is curved to protrude rearward. The base portion is in contact with an inner grounding terminal at one end in the vertical direction Z. The standing portion is provided further outward than the igniter in a horizontal direction Y. The curved portion is elastically deformed and is urged against a front surface of the outer circumferential core.

An ignition coil assembly for installation in a spark plug well of a combustion engine and for enabling a spark of a spark plug installed in a distal end of the spark plug well. The ignition coil assembly includes an ignition coil dimensioned and configured to transform a first voltage to a second voltage for enabling the spark, and an elongated connection portion extending in the spark plug well when the ignition coil assembly is installed in the spark plug well.

A step-up transformer, an oscillator, and an ignition plug are comprised. The step-up transformer has a primary winding, a secondary winding, and a core. The ignition plug is connected to a first end of the secondary winding. A gap is formed in the core. The step up transformed is provided with a shielding part which is made of a conductive material and shields the magnetic flux leaking from the gap. A second end of the secondary winding is electrically connected to the shielding part.

A step-up transformer, an oscillator, and an ignition plug are comprised. The step-up transformer has a primary winding, a secondary winding, and a core. The ignition plug is connected to a first end of the secondary winding. A gap is formed in the core. The step up transformed is provided with a shielding part which is made of a conductive material and shields the magnetic flux leaking from the gap. A second end of the secondary winding is electrically connected to the shielding part.