Spark gap component for use in ignition systems of internal combustion engines

Claim 2

A spark gap component for use in ignition systems of internal combustion engines comprising: a tubular insulator discharge tube; a stepped beaker-shaped electrode formed having a first and a second offset, and a closed end portion disposed in each end of said discharge tube, said first offset interfacing with said tube end; said electrodes being spaced from each other to define a discharge gap between opposing end portions and being disposed in the ends of said tube in a gas-tight manner and insulated from each other.

Claim 3

The spark gap component of claim 1 wherein the opposed end portions of said electrodes are provided with a layer of burn-resistant material.

Claim 4

The spark gap component of claim 1 wherein said tubular insulator is made of ceramic material.

Claim 5

The spark gap component of claim 2 wherein said tubular insulator is made of ceramic material.

Claim 6

The spark gap component of claim 1 wherein said gas-tight discharge tube is filled with an inert gas.

Claim 7

A spark plug connector comprising: a tubular insulator body having an internal wall; a contact terminal and a high voltage cable connector fixed within said tubular insulator body in longitudinally spaced relation to each other; a spark gap component disposed within said tubular insulator body between said contact terminal and said high voltage cable connector, said spark gap component comprising: a second tubular insulator discharge vessel; a beaker-shaped electrode disposed in each end of said second tubular insulator; said electrodes being spaced from each other to define a discharge gap therebetween and being fitted in the ends of said tube in a gas-tight manner; said second tubular discharge vessel having an outer diameter substantially matched to the internal diameter of said tubular insulator body.

Claim 8

A spark plug connector comprising: a tubular insulator body having an internal wall; a contact terminal and a high voltage cable connector fixed within said tubular insulator body in longitudinally spaced relation to each other; a spark gap component disposed within said tubular insulator body between said contact terminal and said high voltage cable connector, said spark gap component comprising: a second tubular insulator discharge vessel; a beaker-shaped electrode disposed in each end of said second tubular insulator; said electrodes being spaced from each other to define a discharge gap therebetween and being fitted in the ends of said tube in a gas-tight manner; said second tubular discharge vessel having an outer diameter substantially matched to the internal diameter of said tubular insulator body.

Claim 9

The spark plug connector of claim 6 wherein said electrode having a stepped-beaker configuration comprising a first offset, a second offset, a closed end portion and an inner annular shoulder defined between said first and second offsets, said discharge gap further defined by said closed end portion of said electrodes; and a connector component supported in said annular shoulder of said electrodes respectively.