An active prechamber device may include a prechamber housing longitudinally aligned with a main axis. The active prechamber device may also include a prechamber nozzle forming a cap at an end of the prechamber housing. The prechamber nozzle and prechamber housing may define a prechamber space that extends along the main axis. The prechamber nozzle may have a plurality of orifices fluidly connected to the prechamber space. Additionally, a fuel injector may be in a linear arrangement with the prechamber housing along the main axis. The fuel injector may have a fuel injection nozzle positioned to spray a fuel into the prechamber space. An electrode arrangement may be formed within the prechamber space. The electrode arrangement may include an electrode shaft and an electrode ring. The electrode ring may circumscribe the electrode shaft to form a spark gap within the prechamber space.

A method of assisting ignition of a dedicated exhaust gas recirculation (D-EGR) cylinder in a spark-ignited internal combustion engine. The spark igniter has an internal air passage that receives pressurized air and carries the pressurized air down to an exit port in the vicinity of the spark gap of the igniter.

An ignition apparatus is provided which ignites a mixture of air and fuel gas by plasma to generate an initial flame. The apparatus includes: a spark plug that includes an inner conductor, a cylindrical outer conductor that holds the inner conductor thereinside, and a dielectric that is provided between the inner conductor and the outer conductor, and that generates plasma in a plasma formation space between the inner conductor and the outer conductor; an electromagnetic wave power supply that generates an electromagnetic wave to apply electromagnetic wave power to the spark plug; an evaluation section that evaluates a state of formation of the plasma; a determination section that determines a matching object of the electromagnetic wave based on an evaluation result by the evaluation section; and a coupled state control section that controls a matching condition of the electromagnetic wave so that the electromagnetic wave matches the matching object.

An ignition apparatus is provided which ignites a mixture of air and fuel gas by plasma to generate an initial flame. The apparatus includes: a spark plug that includes an inner conductor, a cylindrical outer conductor that holds the inner conductor thereinside, and a dielectric that is provided between the inner conductor and the outer conductor, and that generates plasma in a plasma formation space between the inner conductor and the outer conductor; an electromagnetic wave power supply that generates an electromagnetic wave to apply electromagnetic wave power to the spark plug; an evaluation section that evaluates a state of formation of the plasma; a determination section that determines a matching object of the electromagnetic wave based on an evaluation result by the evaluation section; and a coupled state control section that controls a matching condition of the electromagnetic wave so that the electromagnetic wave matches the matching object.

The present invention provides spark plug that can improve detection accuracy of pre-ignition caused by flame kernel occurring inside spark plug. Terminal is located at a rear end side with respect to thread portion of metal shell. Detector electrode is provided at a portion located at a top end side with respect to a top end of contact portion between reduced diameter portion and shelf portion or packing in a space formed between outer periphery of insulator and inner periphery of the metal shell. The detector electrode and the terminal are connected by conductor. The detector electrode and the conductor are insulated from center electrode, the metal shell and ground electrode. Since the detector electrode is located in the space between the outer periphery of the insulator and the inner periphery of the metal shell, an early detection of the flame kernel occurring in this space can be possible.

An igniter (09) includes an elongated tubular housing (10) with a polygonal top (14) having a central aperture (16) defined therein, communicating into a central chamber (20) along a longitudinal axis to an end at a base (18). A terminal (13a) projects from the polygonal top (14). A channel (11a) along a longitudinal axis is formed within the housing (10) in which is mounted an insulator (15). At least a portion of the insulator (15) may extend from the base (18). An electrode (13) connected to the terminal (13a) or (13b) is embedded within the insulator (15), to an end in the base (18). Prongs (19) extend from the electrode (13) towards the outer periphery of the housing (10) or towards the central chamber (20). The prongs (19) end in proximity to the outer housing wall (11), or the inner housing wall (12). The prongs (19) may be one or more projections and have sharp edges for multiple and increased spark presentations. A ring (30) may be connected to the electrode (13), defining a heating element in the base (18). Electrical resistance of the igniter (09) is selected.

A connector includes a housing including an accommodation passage and a retainer insertion space, and a retainer including an insertion wall extending along the connector mating direction and a locking claw protruding from a rear portion thereof toward an accommodation passage direction. In the housing, a locking protrusion is provided at a rear portion of the retainer insertion space. When the retainer is inserted into the retainer insertion space from a connector mating front side, the locking claw gets over the locking protrusion to be engaged therewith, and thus a pre-locked position at which detachment of the retainer to the front side is prevented is obtained. When the retainer is moved in a widthwise direction, a full-locked position at which the locking claw engages with a step in the rear portion of the connector terminal, and detachment of the connector terminal toward the rear side is prevented is obtained.

A method for manufacturing a spark plug that includes preparing an assembly fitted with a cylindrical insulator, and a main metal fitting disposed on an outer periphery of the insulator; photographing the assembly by using a camera disposed on the axis while turning on a first lighting equipment disposed; photographing the assembly by using the camera while turning on a second lighting equipment; specifying a position of an outer peripheral surface of the insulator by using one of photographed images; specifying a position of an inner peripheral surface of the main metal fitting by using the other of the photographed images; and specifying a size of a clearance between the insulator and the main metal fitting by using the position of the outer peripheral surface of the insulator and the position of the inner peripheral surface of the main metal fitting.

A method for manufacturing a spark plug that includes preparing an assembly fitted with a cylindrical insulator, and a main metal fitting disposed on an outer periphery of the insulator; photographing the assembly by using a camera disposed on the axis while turning on a first lighting equipment disposed; photographing the assembly by using the camera while turning on a second lighting equipment; specifying a position of an outer peripheral surface of the insulator by using one of photographed images; specifying a position of an inner peripheral surface of the main metal fitting by using the other of the photographed images; and specifying a size of a clearance between the insulator and the main metal fitting by using the position of the outer peripheral surface of the insulator and the position of the inner peripheral surface of the main metal fitting.

The present disclosure relates to spark igniter. The igniter includes a terminal end, main body, a firing end, and a fuel connector. The fuel connector allows a supply of fuel to be delivered to the firing end of the igniter. In one embodiment, the firing end includes a central electrode positioned within an insulator and a series of peripherally located electrodes. The insulator preferably includes a polygonal shaped bore for securing the central electrode. Fuel from the fuel connector is delivered to firing end of the igniter and is dispensed from the corners of the polygonal shaped bore. Once dispensed, the fuel combines with air to form a fuel mixture. The fuel mixture is converted into a plasma by applying a high voltage to the electrodes of the firing end. The plasma then combusts the main fuel supply with an associated combustion chamber.