A method for manufacturing a spark plug electrode system including a ground electrode and a center electrode, which are connected to each other by a joining area, formed from a one-piece spark plug electrode base body made up of spark plug electrode material.

A method for manufacturing a spark plug electrode system including a ground electrode and a center electrode, which are connected to each other by a joining area, formed from a one-piece spark plug electrode base body made up of spark plug electrode material.

A method for manufacturing a spark plug electrode system including a ground electrode and a center electrode, which are connected to each other by a joining area, formed from a one-piece spark plug electrode base body made up of spark plug electrode material.

A method for manufacturing a spark plug electrode system including a ground electrode and a center electrode, which are connected to each other by a joining area, formed from a one-piece spark plug electrode base body made up of spark plug electrode material.

The invention relates to a spark plug (100) for an internal combustion engine, in particular having a high frequency ignition system, having a central electrode (28; 128), a ground electrode (12; 112) and an electrical insulator (18; 118) arranged between the central electrode (28; 128) and the ground electrode (12; 112), wherein a central electrode connecting point (26; 126) for electrically connecting the central electrode (28; 128) to an ignition system is provided on the insulator (18; 118), wherein the central electrode (28; 128) and the ground electrode (12; 112) project beyond the insulator (18; 118) at an axial end (114) of the spark plug (100) and each form, with a part projecting axially beyond the insulator (18; 118), a central electrode end (140) and a ground electrode end (142), wherein the central electrode end (140) and the ground electrode end (142) are arranged and embodied in such a way that an axial region (170) of a gap (146) is formed between them in an axial direction, wherein the axial region (170) of the gap (146) is spaced apart from the insulator (18; 118), wherein at least one additional electrode (150) is provided which projects beyond the insulator (118) at the axial end (114) of the spark plug (100) and forms, with a part which projects axially beyond the insulator (118), an additional electrode end (154). In this case the additional electrode (150) is arranged electrically insulated from the ground electrode (112) and the central electrode (128), on the spark plug (100), wherein the additional electrode end (154) projects into the axial region (170) of the gap (146) between the central electrode end (140) and the ground electrode end (142) or is arranged into a region (170) of the gap (146) which is radially adjacent to the axial region (170) of the gap (146), and as a result divides the gap (146) into two ignition spark end gaps (156, 166).

The invention relates to a spark plug (100) for an internal combustion engine, in particular having a high frequency ignition system, having a central electrode (28; 128), a ground electrode (12; 112) and an electrical insulator (18; 118) arranged between the central electrode (28; 128) and the ground electrode (12; 112), wherein a central electrode connecting point (26; 126) for electrically connecting the central electrode (28; 128) to an ignition system is provided on the insulator (18; 118), wherein the central electrode (28; 128) and the ground electrode (12; 112) project beyond the insulator (18; 118) at an axial end (114) of the spark plug (100) and each form, with a part projecting axially beyond the insulator (18; 118), a central electrode end (140) and a ground electrode end (142), wherein the central electrode end (140) and the ground electrode end (142) are arranged and embodied in such a way that an axial region (170) of a gap (146) is formed between them in an axial direction, wherein the axial region (170) of the gap (146) is spaced apart from the insulator (18; 118), wherein at least one additional electrode (150) is provided which projects beyond the insulator (118) at the axial end (114) of the spark plug (100) and forms, with a part which projects axially beyond the insulator (118), an additional electrode end (154). In this case the additional electrode (150) is arranged electrically insulated from the ground electrode (112) and the central electrode (128), on the spark plug (100), wherein the additional electrode end (154) projects into the axial region (170) of the gap (146) between the central electrode end (140) and the ground electrode end (142) or is arranged into a region (170) of the gap (146) which is radially adjacent to the axial region (170) of the gap (146), and as a result divides the gap (146) into two ignition spark end gaps (156, 166).

A spark plug combustion ionization sensor for measuring ion current inside the cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The sensor measures ion current which flows when the energy released during combustion ionizes the air inside the cylinder, and thus can detect combustion and emission parameters. The spark plug combustion ionization sensor generally includes an insulated, dedicated sensing electrode, separate from the sparking electrode of a spark plug. The sensing electrode may also be shielded to further reduce interference such as electromagnetic interference (EMI). The use of a dedicated electrode allows for ion current measurement with less electromagnetic noise from the ignition process, and also eliminates the need for circuitry that is typically necessary when the sparking electrode is also used to sense ion current.

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.

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.

An igniter having at least two electrodes spaced from each other by an insulating member having a substantially continuous surface along a path between the electrodes. The electrodes extend substantially parallel to each other for a distance both above and below said surface. The insulating member has a channel (recess) for receiving at least a portion of a length of at least one of said electrodes below and to said surface of the insulating member. The surface of the insulating member may preferably be augmented with a conductivity enhancing agent. The insulating member and electrodes are configured so that an electric field between the electrodes at said surface does not have abrupt field intensity changes, whereby when a potential is applied to the electrodes sufficient to cause breakdown to occur between the electrodes, discharge occurs at said surface of the insulating member to define a plasma initiation region.