EP1158632B1 - Center electrode with noble metal reinforcement - Google Patents

Center electrode with noble metal reinforcement Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1158632B1
EP1158632B1 EP01102256A EP01102256A EP1158632B1 EP 1158632 B1 EP1158632 B1 EP 1158632B1 EP 01102256 A EP01102256 A EP 01102256A EP 01102256 A EP01102256 A EP 01102256A EP 1158632 B1 EP1158632 B1 EP 1158632B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
noble metal
tapered
centre electrode
metal wire
spark tip
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP01102256A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1158632A1 (en
Inventor
Werner Niessner
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BorgWarner Ludwigsburg GmbH
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Beru AG
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T13/00—Sparking plugs
    • H01T13/20—Sparking plugs characterised by features of the electrodes or insulation
    • H01T13/39—Selection of materials for electrodes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T21/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture or maintenance of spark gaps or sparking plugs
    • H01T21/02—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture or maintenance of spark gaps or sparking plugs of sparking plugs
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
    • Y10T29/49117—Conductor or circuit manufacturing
    • Y10T29/49124—On flat or curved insulated base, e.g., printed circuit, etc.
    • Y10T29/49147—Assembling terminal to base
    • Y10T29/49149—Assembling terminal to base by metal fusion bonding
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
    • Y10T29/49117—Conductor or circuit manufacturing
    • Y10T29/49174—Assembling terminal to elongated conductor
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
    • Y10T29/49117—Conductor or circuit manufacturing
    • Y10T29/49174—Assembling terminal to elongated conductor
    • Y10T29/49179—Assembling terminal to elongated conductor by metal fusion bonding
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
    • Y10T29/49117—Conductor or circuit manufacturing
    • Y10T29/49204—Contact or terminal manufacturing
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
    • Y10T29/49117—Conductor or circuit manufacturing
    • Y10T29/49204—Contact or terminal manufacturing
    • Y10T29/49208—Contact or terminal manufacturing by assembling plural parts
    • Y10T29/4921—Contact or terminal manufacturing by assembling plural parts with bonding
    • Y10T29/49211—Contact or terminal manufacturing by assembling plural parts with bonding of fused material
    • Y10T29/49213—Metal
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
    • Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
    • Y10T29/49117—Conductor or circuit manufacturing
    • Y10T29/49204—Contact or terminal manufacturing
    • Y10T29/49208—Contact or terminal manufacturing by assembling plural parts
    • Y10T29/49218—Contact or terminal manufacturing by assembling plural parts with deforming

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a center electrode with precious metal reinforcement and a process for their manufacture.
  • Center electrodes with precious metal reinforcement are preferably used for high voltage ignition used, the reinforcement for example by inserting precious metal balls, platelets, pins into the center electrode by welding. manufacturing of the precious metal items and their introduction into the center electrode is very complex in terms of process engineering.
  • center electrodes Another disadvantage of known center electrodes is in that the welding zone between the precious metal and the nickel alloy, which is usually the basis of Center electrodes is hot gas corrosion and spark erosion is exposed, so because of the resulting Damage the life expectancy is limited.
  • the object underlying the invention is therefore in it, a center electrode with precious metal reinforcement, the a long service life, good cold start properties and one low voltage requirement even after long engine runtimes has, as well as a method for producing such To create center electrode.
  • the inventive Center electrode made of a good heat conductor Core 1, for example made of copper, and a jacket 2 hot gas corrosion-resistant material, preferably nickel-based alloy.
  • the center electrode has a tapered ignition tip 2a on, this area having a diameter of about 2 mm or less.
  • the center electrode is on the ignition side a section 3a of a precious metal wire 3, in particular made of platinum, provided as reinforcement.
  • the ignition side Edge area 5 of section 3a is formed with sharp edges.
  • the diameter of the precious metal section 3a corresponds here the diameter of the tapered ignition tip 2a of the center electrode.
  • Precious metal section 3a and tapered ignition tip 2a are flat on their contact surface by butt welding processes, such as resistance welding or friction welding and on the outer circumference by radiation welding such as laser welding welded.
  • the electrode wire first is welded flat to the ignition tip 2a, after cutting the electrode wire by means of radiation welding on the outer circumference in the area of the contact surface an alloy region 6 is formed, in which the materials of the Precious metal section 3a and the tapered firing tip 2a to an alloy of both are fused.
  • the height H of the precious metal section 3a about 0.5 mm.
  • a method for producing the invention The center electrode is shown schematically in FIG. 2.
  • the method according to the invention is extremely advantageous by the fact that instead of making individual Precious metal inserts, as described at the beginning, Precious metal continuous wire can be used which is essential is easier and less manageable.
  • Cutting off the continuous wire allows training sharp edges with appropriate cutting tools; these sharp cut edges are on repeat starts and Cold starts are particularly effective because they require voltage is lowered.
  • the life expectancy of the center electrode according to the invention is over 100,000 kilometers. Through education an alloy between the precious metal and the material of the central electrode jacket are hot gas corrosion attacks, Spark erosion and chemical attacks on the Welding point of the precious metal reinforcement and the central electrode prevented. By tapering the center electrode good mixture accessibility is also achieved.
  • the spark formation at the center electrode according to the invention by the tapered Ignition tip and through the formation of a platinum / nickel alloy in the resistance welding zone the effect is that the spark in the smallest ignition gap during the breakdown phase forms between the center electrode and the ground electrode.
  • the spark changes from Precious metal on the "base” metal, i.e. the spark changes from platinum to the nickel alloy of the central electrode, see above that the actual spark erosion burn in one place the center electrode takes place, which does not meet the voltage requirement the spark gap affected.
  • the ignition gap between Center electrode (which is the spark outlet surface on the ignition side completely made of precious metal) and possibly also Precious metal armored electrode remains relative constant, so that long lifetimes are realized.

Abstract

Process for producing a middle electrode with precious metal reinforcement, a middle electrode being used with an ignition tip which is tapered relative to the middle electrode body, such that a precious metal wire with a cross section which corresponds to the tapered ignition tip is welded flat onto the tapered ignition tip and such that this precious metal wire is cut off at the desired height, with a sharp edge.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Mittelelektrode mit Edelmetallarmierung sowie ein Verfahren zur ihrer Herstellung.The invention relates to a center electrode with precious metal reinforcement and a process for their manufacture.

Mittelelektroden mit Edelmetallarmierung, insbesondere Elektroden mit Platinspitze werden vorzugsweise zur Hochspannungszündung verwendet, wobei die Armierung beispielsweise durch Einfügen von Edelmetallkugeln, -plättchen, - stiften in die Mittelelektrode durch Schweißen erfolgt. Herstellung der Edelmetalleinzelstücke und ihre Einbringung in die Mittelelektrode sind verfahrenstechnisch sehr aufwendig.Center electrodes with precious metal reinforcement, in particular Platinum tip electrodes are preferably used for high voltage ignition used, the reinforcement for example by inserting precious metal balls, platelets, pins into the center electrode by welding. manufacturing of the precious metal items and their introduction into the center electrode is very complex in terms of process engineering.

Aus der US 5197313 das als nächstliegender Stand der Technik augesehen wird, ist es beispielsweise bekannt, eine Mittelektrode für eine Zündkerze dadurch herzustellen, dass auf die Stirnseite eines Mittelelektrodenkörpers ein Draht aus einem verschleißfesten Werkstoff, insbesondere aus Platin aufgeschweißt wird und in einem vorbestimmten Abstand von der Schweißstelle so durchtrennt wird, dass ein Pellet bleibt, das auf den Elektrodenkörper geschweißt ist. Das Pellet wird anschließend durch Prägen auf dem Elektrodenkörper abgeflacht, woraufhin während eines zweiten Schweißvorganges, bei dem Druck auf das Pellet ausgeübt wird, dieses in den Werkstoff des Elektrodenkörpers getrieben wird.From US 5197313, which is regarded as the closest prior art, it is known, for example, one To produce the center electrode for a spark plug in that a wire on the face of a central electrode body made of a wear-resistant material, especially platinum is welded on and at a predetermined distance is cut through by the weld so that a pellet remains, which is welded to the electrode body. The The pellet is then embossed on the electrode body flattened, whereupon during a second welding process, when pressure is exerted on the pellet, this is driven into the material of the electrode body.

Ein weiterer Nachteil bekannter Mittelelektroden besteht darin, dass die Schweißzone zwischen dem Edelmetall und der Nickellegierung, die üblicherweise die Basis von Mittelelektroden ist, Heißgaskorrosionen und Funkenerosionen ausgesetzt ist, so dass wegen der daraus resultierenden Schäden die Lebensdauererwartung begrenzt ist.Another disadvantage of known center electrodes is in that the welding zone between the precious metal and the nickel alloy, which is usually the basis of Center electrodes is hot gas corrosion and spark erosion is exposed, so because of the resulting Damage the life expectancy is limited.

Die der Erfindung zugrunde liegende Aufgabe besteht daher darin, eine Mittelelektrode mit Edelmetallarmierung, die eine hohe Lebensdauer, gute Kaltstarteigenschaften und einen niedrigen Spannungsbedarf auch nach hohen Motorlaufzeiten hat, sowie ein Verfahren zur Herstellung einer derartigen Mittelelektrode zu schaffen.The object underlying the invention is therefore in it, a center electrode with precious metal reinforcement, the a long service life, good cold start properties and one low voltage requirement even after long engine runtimes has, as well as a method for producing such To create center electrode.

Diese Aufgabe wird gemäß der Erfindung durch das im Anspruch 1 angegebene Verfahren und die im Anspruch 7 angegebene Mittelektrode gelöst. vorteilhafte Ausgestaltungen und Weiterbildungen des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren und der erfindungsgemäßen Mittelelektrode sind Gegenstand der Ansprüche 2 bis 6 bzw. der Ansprüche 8 bis 11.This object is achieved according to the invention by the claim 1 specified method and specified in claim 7 Center electrode released. advantageous embodiments and Developments of the inventive method and the inventive Center electrodes are the subject of the claims 2 to 6 or claims 8 to 11.

Die Erfindung wird anhand der beiliegenden Figuren näher erläutert. Hierbei zeigt

  • Fig. 1 einen schematischen Längsschnitt durch den Zündspitzenbereich einer erfindungsgemäßen Mittelelektrode und
  • Fig. 2 schematisch eine Ausführungsform des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens.
    • The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Here shows
  • Fig. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal section through the ignition tip area of a center electrode according to the invention and
  • Fig. 2 shows schematically an embodiment of the method according to the invention.

    • Bei der dargestellten Ausführungsform besteht die erfindungsgemäße Mittelelektrode aus einem gut wärmeleitenden Kern 1, beispielsweise aus Kupfer, und einem Mantel 2 aus heißgaskorrosionsbeständigem Werkstoff, vorzugsweise Nickelbasislegierung.In the illustrated embodiment, there is the inventive Center electrode made of a good heat conductor Core 1, for example made of copper, and a jacket 2 hot gas corrosion-resistant material, preferably nickel-based alloy.

    Die Mittelelektrode weist eine verjüngte Zündspitze 2a auf, wobei dieser Bereich einen Durchmesser von etwa 2 mm oder weniger besitzt. Die Mittelelektrode ist zündseitig mit einem Abschnitt 3a eines Edelmetalldrahtes 3, insbesondere aus Platin, als Armierung versehen. Hierbei ist der zündseitige Randbereich 5 des Abschnitts 3a scharfkantig ausgebildet.The center electrode has a tapered ignition tip 2a on, this area having a diameter of about 2 mm or less. The center electrode is on the ignition side a section 3a of a precious metal wire 3, in particular made of platinum, provided as reinforcement. Here is the ignition side Edge area 5 of section 3a is formed with sharp edges.

    Der Durchmesser des Edelmetallabschnitts 3a entspricht hier dem Durchmesser der verjüngten Zündspitze 2a der Mittelelektrode. Edelmetallabschnitt 3a und verjüngte Zündspitze 2a sind an ihrer Kontaktfläche flächig durch Stumpfschweißverfahren, wie Widerstandsschweißen oder Reibschweißen und am Außenumfang durch Strahlungsschweißen wie Laserschweißen verschweißt. Während der Elektrodendraht zunächst flächig mit der Zündspitze 2a verschweißt wird, wird nach dem Abschneiden des Elektrodendrahtes mittels Strahlungsschweißens am äußeren Umfang im Bereich der Kontaktfläche ein Legierungsbereich 6 gebildet, in der die Werkstoffe des Edelmetallabschnitts 3a und der verjüngten Zündspitze 2a zu einer Legierung aus beiden verschmolzen sind. Bei der vorliegenden Ausführungsform beträgt die Höhe H des Edelmetallabschnitts 3a etwa 0,5 mm.The diameter of the precious metal section 3a corresponds here the diameter of the tapered ignition tip 2a of the center electrode. Precious metal section 3a and tapered ignition tip 2a are flat on their contact surface by butt welding processes, such as resistance welding or friction welding and on the outer circumference by radiation welding such as laser welding welded. During the electrode wire first is welded flat to the ignition tip 2a, after cutting the electrode wire by means of radiation welding on the outer circumference in the area of the contact surface an alloy region 6 is formed, in which the materials of the Precious metal section 3a and the tapered firing tip 2a to an alloy of both are fused. In the present Embodiment is the height H of the precious metal section 3a about 0.5 mm.

    Ein Verfahren zur Herstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Mittelelektrode wird in Fig. 2 schematisch wiedergegeben.A method for producing the invention The center electrode is shown schematically in FIG. 2.

    Gemäß Fig. 2a wird auf die verjüngte Zündspitze 2a der Mittelelektrode ein Edelmetall-Endlosdraht 3 aufgesetzt und flächig durch ein Stumpfschweißverfahren wie Widerstandsschweißen oder Reibschweißen verschweißt, wobei bevorzugt die Durchmesser des Drahtes 3 und der Zündspitze 2a gleich sind.According to FIG. 2a, the tapered ignition tip 2a Center electrode a precious metal endless wire 3 placed and flat by a butt welding process such as resistance welding or friction welding welded, with preference the diameter of the wire 3 and the ignition tip 2a are the same are.

    Gemäß Fig. 2b wird der Draht 3 bis auf einen verbleibenden Abschnitt 3a scharfkantig abgeschnitten. Die Legierungsbildung zwischen Edelmetalldraht-Abschnitt 3a und Zündspitze 2a erfolgt gemäß Fig. 2c im Außenbereich 6 ihrer Auflage aufeinander durch Strahlungsschweißen C, bevorzugt Laserschweißen, unter Bildung einer Legierung des Edelmetalles mit dem Mittelelektrodenmantelwerkstoff.According to Fig. 2b, the wire 3 except for one remaining Section 3a cut off with sharp edges. Alloy formation between precious metal wire section 3a and ignition tip 2a takes place according to FIG. 2c in the outer area 6 of its support one above the other by radiation welding C, preferred Laser welding, forming an alloy of the precious metal with the center electrode jacket material.

    Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren ist überaus vorteilhaft durch den Umstand, daß anstelle der Anfertigung einzelner Einsatzstücke aus Edelmetall, wie eingangs beschrieben, Edelmetall-Endlosdraht verwendet werden kann, der wesentlich leichter und unaufwendiger handhabbar ist.The method according to the invention is extremely advantageous by the fact that instead of making individual Precious metal inserts, as described at the beginning, Precious metal continuous wire can be used which is essential is easier and less manageable.

    Das Schweißen des Endlosdrahtes mit herkömmlichen Widerstandsschweißeinrichtungen ist ohne weiteres durchführbar.Welding the continuous wire with conventional resistance welding equipment is easily feasible.

    Das Abschneiden des Endlosdrahtes erlaubt die Ausbildung scharfer Kanten bei entsprechenden Schneidwerkzeugen; diese scharfen Schnittkanten sind bei Wiederholstarts und Kaltstarts besonders wirkungsvoll, weil durch sie der Spannungsbedarf abgesenkt wird.Cutting off the continuous wire allows training sharp edges with appropriate cutting tools; these sharp cut edges are on repeat starts and Cold starts are particularly effective because they require voltage is lowered.

    Die Lebensdauererwartung der erfindungsgemäßen Mittelelektrode liegt bei über 100.000 Kilometer. Durch die Bildung einer Legierung zwischen dem Edelmetall und dem Material des Mittelelektrodenmantels werden Heißgaskorrosionsangriffe, Funkenerosion und chemische Angriffe auf die Schweißstelle der Edelmetallarmierung und der Mittelelektrode verhindert. Durch die Verjüngung der Mittelelektrode wird zusätzlich gute Gemischzugänglichkeit bewirkt.The life expectancy of the center electrode according to the invention is over 100,000 kilometers. Through education an alloy between the precious metal and the material of the central electrode jacket are hot gas corrosion attacks, Spark erosion and chemical attacks on the Welding point of the precious metal reinforcement and the central electrode prevented. By tapering the center electrode good mixture accessibility is also achieved.

    Es wurde gefunden, daß bei der Funkenausbildung an der erfindungsgemäßen Mittelelektrode sich durch die verjüngte Zündspitze und durch die Bildung einer Platin/Nickel-Legierung in der Widerstandsschweißzone der Effekt ergibt, daß sich in der Durchbruchsphase der Funke im kleinsten Zündspalt zwischen Mittelelektrode und Masseelektrode bildet. In der Bogenphase und in der Glimmphase wechselt der Funke vom Edelmetall auf das "unedle" Metall, d.h. der Funke wechselt vom Platin auf die Nickellegierung der Mittelelektrode, so daß der eigentliche funkenerosive Abbrand an einer Stelle der Mittelelektrode stattfindet, der nicht den Spannungsbedarf der Funkenstrecke beeinflußt. Der Zündspalt zwischen Mittelelektrode (die zündseitige Funkenaustrittsfläche ist vollständig aus Edelmetall) und der gegebenenfalls ebenfalls mit Edelmetall armierten Masseelelektrode bleibt relativ konstant, so daß hohe Lebensdauern realisiert werden. Ein weiterer Vorteil besteht schließlich darin, daß sich durch den oben beschriebenen Effekt der Funke von der verjüngten, mit Edelmetall armierten Zündspitze in Richtung Mittelelektrode bewegt und dadurch in der Bogen- und Glimmphase (hier fließt der Strom der das Gemisch entflammt) einen längeren Plasmakanal ausbildet, was wiederum zu verbesserter Entflammung des Gemisches führt.It was found that the spark formation at the center electrode according to the invention by the tapered Ignition tip and through the formation of a platinum / nickel alloy in the resistance welding zone the effect is that the spark in the smallest ignition gap during the breakdown phase forms between the center electrode and the ground electrode. In in the arc phase and in the glow phase the spark changes from Precious metal on the "base" metal, i.e. the spark changes from platinum to the nickel alloy of the central electrode, see above that the actual spark erosion burn in one place the center electrode takes place, which does not meet the voltage requirement the spark gap affected. The ignition gap between Center electrode (which is the spark outlet surface on the ignition side completely made of precious metal) and possibly also Precious metal armored electrode remains relative constant, so that long lifetimes are realized. On Another advantage is that the effect described above of the spark from the tapered, with precious metal armored ignition tip towards the center electrode moved and thereby in the arc and glow phase (here flows the stream that ignites the mixture) a longer Plasma channel forms, which in turn leads to improved ignition of the mixture.

    Claims (11)

    1. Method for the manufacture of a centre electrode with noble metal reinforcement, characterised in that a centre electrode whose spark tip (2a) is tapered relative to the centre electrode body (1/2) is used, in that a noble metal wire (3) whose cross-section corresponds to the cross-section of the tapered spark tip is welded flat onto the tapered spark tip (2a), and in that this noble metal wire (3) is cut in a sharp-edged manner at the desired height (H).
    2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the contact region of the remaining portion (3a) of the noble metal wire (3) and of the tapered spark tip (2a) is welded from outside by radiation welding, preferably laser welding, with alloy formation.
    3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that a centre electrode whose spark tip is tapered to a diameter of 2 mm, preferably 1 mm or less, is used.
    4. Method according to claim 1 to 3, characterised in that a noble metal endless wire (3) whose diameter is 2 mm, preferably 1 mm or less, is used.
    5. Method according to claim 1 to 4, characterised in that the noble metal wire (3) is cut in a sharp-edged manner to a remaining portion (3a) having a height (H) of from 0.3 to 1.0 mm.
    6. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the connection of the tapered spark tip (2a) of the centre electrode to the noble metal wire (3) is effected by resistance welding.
    7. Centre electrode with noble metal reinforcement, characterised in that it has a tapered spark tip (2a) onto the end of which a portion (3a) of a noble metal wire (3), which is delimited at the end by sharp edges (5), is welded flat, an alloy region (6) between the noble metal and the material of the spark tip of the centre electrode extending annularly around the region of abutment of the noble metal wire portion (3a) against the tapered spark tip (2a).
    8. Centre electrode according to claim 7, characterised in that the diameter of the tapered spark tip of the centre electrode is 2 mm, preferably 1 mm or less.
    9. Centre electrode according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that the diameter of the remaining noble metal wire portion (3a) is 2 mm, preferably 1 mm, especially less than 1 mm.
    10. Centre electrode according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterised in that the height (H) of the remaining portion (3a) of the noble metal wire is from 0.3 to 1.0 mm.
    11. Centre electrode according to any one of claims 6 to 10, characterised in that the alloy region (6) is formed by laser welding.
    EP01102256A 2000-05-23 2001-01-31 Center electrode with noble metal reinforcement Expired - Lifetime EP1158632B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (2)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    DE10025048 2000-05-23
    DE10025048A DE10025048A1 (en) 2000-05-23 2000-05-23 Center electrode with precious metal reinforcement

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    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP1158632A1 EP1158632A1 (en) 2001-11-28
    EP1158632B1 true EP1158632B1 (en) 2004-04-14

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    US (2) US6705009B2 (en)
    EP (1) EP1158632B1 (en)
    JP (1) JP4748493B2 (en)
    AT (1) ATE264556T1 (en)
    DE (2) DE10025048A1 (en)
    ES (1) ES2214353T3 (en)

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    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    US7521849B2 (en) * 2005-09-29 2009-04-21 Federal-Mogul World Wide, Inc. Spark plug with welded sleeve on electrode
    US7557495B2 (en) * 2005-11-08 2009-07-07 Paul Tinwell Spark plug having precious metal pad attached to ground electrode and method of making same
    DE102006009790A1 (en) * 2006-03-01 2007-09-06 Beru Ag Reinforcing method for sheathing a central electrode (CE) in a spark plug for internal combustion engines uses a spark point of metal material capable of greater wear than the CE's other material
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    US20020014005A1 (en) 2002-02-07
    US20030205957A1 (en) 2003-11-06
    ATE264556T1 (en) 2004-04-15
    ES2214353T3 (en) 2004-09-16
    US6705009B2 (en) 2004-03-16
    JP4748493B2 (en) 2011-08-17
    JP2002008820A (en) 2002-01-11
    DE10025048A1 (en) 2001-12-06
    EP1158632A1 (en) 2001-11-28
    US6833658B2 (en) 2004-12-21
    DE50101953D1 (en) 2004-05-19

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