Patent GB-828212-A (GB)
Abstract: 828,212. Ignition systems and combustion chambers; construction and disposition of sparking plugs. ECONOMY ENGINE CO. June 25, 1956, No. 19630/56. Classes 7(2), 7(3) and 7(4) An internal combustion engine comprises a main combustion chamber, a walled ignition chamber adjacent the main combustion chamber and communicating therewith, the main combustion chamber and the ignition chamber being arranged so as to provide substantially unobstructed ingress of gases from the combustion chamber into the ignition chamber and substantially unobstructed egress of gases from the ignition chamber into the combustion chamber, whereby entrapment of products of combustion within the ignition chamber is avoided and a rich mixture in the ignition chamber is assured, means within the ignition chamber forming a pair of electrodes and a power source electrically connected with the electrodes and adapted to provide a continuous spark between the electrodes within the ignition chamber at a point spaced from the main combustion chamber. As shown, ignition is effected in an ignition chamber 12 by electric sparks between the electrodes 15, 16. In a modification the spark is produced between two insulated electrodes. It is stated that two or more spaced electrodes may be used. The chamber 12 may be disposed as shown in Fig. 2. The inlet valve is shown at 22. A continuous spark is used to provide ignition. The term "continuous spark" is used to designate a series of sparks which are so close together as to form an arc. The sparking may be maintained at the electrodes at all times during the operation of the engine or during a substantial portion of the compression and power strokes. The spark gap may range from 0.025 inch to 0.125 inch. The power source for providing the spark may be of any suitable type. A high voltage direct current source can be used. A vibrator type ignition coil may be used. Any suitable means may be used for providing a high voltage continuous or pulsating direct current or a high voltage alternating current may be used. Various voltages are quoted. One vibrator coil may be used for each cylinder. One transformer may be used for eight cylinders if current limiting condensers or resistors or inductors are interposed between the transformer and each plug. Also a single transformer can be employed for eight. cylinders if a distributer is employed. The power source preferably provides current having a frequency in the neighbourhood of 400 to 800 cycles. Interrupters may be employed for distributing the sparks to the electrodes of the spark plugs. In Fig. 4 the A.C. generator 40 may be driven by a motor 41 or by the engine itself. As shown one transformer is associated with each sparking plug. In Fig. 5 the A.C. generator 50 supplies four transformers each of which is associated with two sparking plugs. In Fig. 6 the A.C. generator 72 is used in conjunction with capacitances inductors or resistances 81 to 88. Examples of various dimensions of the parts are quoted. The invention is applicable to gasoline, diesel or semi-diesel engines and may be employed where a fuel injection system is employed instead of a carburetter. The ignition chamber may be cooled. The Specification refers to application to Mercury, Lincoln and Wisconsin engines.