EP2517323A1 - Spark plug having a hole for adjustment - Google Patents

Spark plug having a hole for adjustment

Info

Publication number
EP2517323A1
EP2517323A1 EP10798461A EP10798461A EP2517323A1 EP 2517323 A1 EP2517323 A1 EP 2517323A1 EP 10798461 A EP10798461 A EP 10798461A EP 10798461 A EP10798461 A EP 10798461A EP 2517323 A1 EP2517323 A1 EP 2517323A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
spark plug
ground electrode
wall
opening
recess
Prior art date
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP10798461A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2517323B1 (en
Inventor
Jochen Fuchs
Markus Kraus
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Innio Jenbacher GmbH and Co OG
Original Assignee
GE Jenbacher GmbH and Co OHG
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by GE Jenbacher GmbH and Co OHG filed Critical GE Jenbacher GmbH and Co OHG
Publication of EP2517323A1 publication Critical patent/EP2517323A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2517323B1 publication Critical patent/EP2517323B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • H01T13/54—Sparking plugs having electrodes arranged in a partly-enclosed ignition chamber
    • 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
    • H01T21/06—Adjustment of spark gaps

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a spark plug having a center electrode and a ground electrode, wherein the center electrode is arranged to the ground electrode so that the spark gap between the ground electrode and center electrode extends, wherein the spark gap is surrounded by a wall. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for adjusting the distance from the center electrode to the ground electrode of such a spark plug.
  • Spark plugs conduct ignition current into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine and ignite the fuel-air mixture there by a spark that spins over between the electrodes (in the so-called spark gap).
  • spark gap In gas engines with high power and large combustion chambers, high temperatures occur. Gas engines are increasingly being used to provide an antechamber.
  • the pre-chamber is formed significantly smaller compared to the actual combustion chamber and is separated from the combustion chamber by a wall, with smaller transfer openings are provided, which allow a fluid exchange between the combustion chamber and prechamber.
  • the actual ignition with the spark plug takes place in the pre-chamber, where a relatively rich fuel-air mixture is ignited there with the spark plug, the resulting ignition torches over the transfer openings in the actual combustion chamber and there pass a relatively lean fuel-air mixture ignite.
  • Object of the present invention is therefore to improve the possibility of adjusting the distance between the center electrode and the ground electrode in a spark plug of the type mentioned.
  • the wall has a recess or opening which is formed such that a distance gauge between the ground electrode and center electrode can be inserted.
  • the basic idea is therefore to use the spark gap, e.g. along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spark plug and making it accessible from the side of the spark plug. It is deliberately accepted that the wall surrounding the ground electrode and center electrode is weakened by the recess or opening. The spark gap then preferably extends along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spark plug. The spark gap is that distance between ground electrode and center electrode in which the spark skips.
  • the feature that surrounds the wall of the spark gap it is understood that the spark gap in the radial direction is either completely surrounded by the wall or where no wall is surrounded by the body or housing of the spark plug.
  • the weakening of the wall is less significant when a mounting portion for fixing the spark plug is provided in a combustion chamber housing of an internal combustion engine, wherein the recess or opening in the installed state of the spark plug in the combustion chamber housing is completely covered by the combustion chamber housing.
  • the attachment portion comprises an external thread and that the wall at least partially carries the external thread.
  • the recess or opening is arranged in the region of the external thread.
  • An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the ground electrode is secured to the wall via a web.
  • the web extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spark plug.
  • the recess or opening is arranged on the opposite side of the attachment point of the web to the wall in the wall.
  • Wall, web and ground electrode can be permanently connected to each other, for example, welded or formed integrally formed or otherwise permanently connected to each other.
  • the wall in the region of the recess or opening has a cross-section which is substantially annular, wherein the recess or opening over a range of 3 to 10%, preferably 5 to 7% along the outer circumference of the circle extends. In this way, the wall is only minimally weakened.
  • not only one but a plurality of openings may be provided.
  • the shape of the at least one opening is adapted in the simplest case to the distance gauge. It can e.g. be formed circular, square, rectangular or polygonal.
  • the longitudinal extent of the recess or opening along the spark gap is between the single and double distance between the center electrode and the ground electrode.
  • the aforementioned advantageous embodiment with prechamber ignition is often achieved in that the prechamber is introduced into the combustion chamber as a separate component. In the present case, however, it would be appropriate to make the antechamber directly to the spark plug. It can therefore be provided that a preferably dome-shaped cover is provided on the front side, which the Mass electrode and center electrode in the installed state separates from the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, wherein transfer openings are provided in the cover. Such an embodiment would also have the advantage that no conversion measures of the internal combustion engine would be required to switch from a "normal" combustion chamber ignition to an antechamber ignition.
  • the invention relates to a method for adjusting the distance between a center electrode and a ground electrode in a spark plug of the aforementioned kind.
  • the method is characterized in that a distance gauge having a thickness which is the desired distance of Mass electrode corresponds to center electrode, is introduced and the ground electrode is pressed to the center electrode until the distance from center electrode to ground electrode corresponds to the thickness of the distance gauge.
  • FIG. 1a to 1d show four views of a first embodiment of a spark plug
  • FIGS. 2a to 2d show four views of a second embodiment of a spark plug
  • 3a to 3d show four views of a third embodiment of a spark plug according to the invention.
  • FIG. 1a is a side view of a spark plug 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown.
  • FIG. 1b shows an oblique view of the spark plug 1
  • FIG. 1c shows a view of the front side of the spark plug 1
  • FIG. 1d shows a cross section along the plane EE of the view of FIG.
  • the spark plug 1 will be explained with reference to the four views.
  • the spark plug 1 comprises an insulator body 12, which is usually formed of ceramic.
  • a connector 10 which is electrically conductive and is connected to an ignition coil or the like.
  • the connector 10 supplies the voltage to the center electrode 2, which extends in the interior of the ceramic body to the front side, where the center electrode 2 protrudes from the insulator body 12.
  • the spark plug 1 further has a screw-in approach 14, usually in the form of a hexagon for screwing the spark plug 1 in the combustion chamber housing (schematically with 36 shown) of an internal combustion engine (not shown). Furthermore, a thread 18 is provided with which the spark plug 1 with the combustion chamber housing 36 is permanently connected. The thread 18 is arranged on the wall 16, which surrounds the ground electrode 4 and the center electrode 2 so that the spark gap s is surrounded by this wall 16. From the wall 16, a web 24 extends to the center of the spark plug 1, where the actual ground electrode 4 is formed as a counter electrode to the center electrode 2. It can be seen that the spark gap s between ground electrode 4 and center electrode 2 is formed such that it extends along the longitudinal axis a of the spark plug 1.
  • an opening 20 is now provided, through which a distance gauge 32 can be inserted.
  • an opening 20 On both sides of the wall 16 is in each case an opening 20, which is also arranged so that the distance gauge is insertable from each side and optionally completely pushed through.
  • the distance to the center electrode can be reduced by the web 24 yielding slightly until the thickness of the distance gauge 32 is reached and the desired electrode spacing s is set.
  • the wall 16 is approximately circular in the region of the opening 20.
  • the opening 20 is arranged on the fastening area 25 of the web 24 opposite side. Based on the circumference of the wall 16, the width b of the opening 20 makes up about 6%.
  • the thickness that is, the longitudinal extent k along the longitudinal axis a of the spark plug 1, the opening is slightly thicker than the electrode spacing s, so that the distance gauge 32 is well insertable.
  • FIG. 2a shows a side view
  • Fig. 2b is an oblique view
  • Fig. 2c is a view of the end face
  • Fig. 2d is a sectional view taken along the plane EE of Fig. 2a.
  • a recess 22 is now provided instead of an opening 20.
  • the opening 20 also allows the access of the distance gauge 32.
  • the width b of the recess 22 corresponds to the width b of the opening 20 of Figures 1a to 1 d
  • the longitudinal extent k is about three times the thickness of the electrode gap y. 10 000465
  • FIGS. 3a to 3d show a further embodiment variant of a spark plug 1 according to the invention based on FIGS. 1a to 1d and 2a to 2d. It can also be made to the preceding description of the figures.
  • 3a shows an oblique view
  • FIG. 3c shows a view on the front side
  • FIG. 3d shows a sectional view along the plane E-E of FIG. 3a.
  • a cover 30 is now additionally provided, which limits the spark plug 1 frontally, that is at the electrode end.
  • the actual wall 16 in this case has a recess 22 and an opening 20 which extends to the end of the thread 18. This is followed by a hemispherical dome which forms the cover 30.
  • Studentsstömbohronne 34 are arranged, which form the fluid exchange between the enclosed space in the spark plug 1 and the actual combustion chamber.
  • the opening 20 or recess 22 is covered in the installed state by the wall of the combustion chamber housing, since the spark plug is installed over the entire threaded portion 18.
  • the combustion chamber housing is schematically indicated with 36 in this regard.
  • the spark plugs have a wall 16 which converges conically internally to the center of the spark plug 1.
  • the space between ground electrode 24 toward the insulator body 12 is therefore frusto-conical. In this way, even better heat can be removed from the two electrodes 2, 4.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Spark Plugs (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a spark plug (1), comprising a center electrode (2) and a ground electrode (4), wherein the center electrode (2) is arranged relative to the ground electrode (4) in such a way that the spark gap (s) extends between the ground electrode (4) and the center electrode (2), wherein the spark gap (s) is surrounded by a wall (16), wherein the wall (16) has a recess (22) or opening (20), which is designed in such a way that a feeler gauge (32) can be inserted between the center electrode (2) and the ground electrode (4).

Description

Zündkerze mit Loch zum Einstellen  Spark plug with hole for adjustment
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Zündkerze mit einer Mittelelektrode und einer Massenelektrode, wobei die Mittelelektrode zur Massenelektrode so angeordnet ist, dass sich die Funkenstrecke zwischen Massenelektrode und Mittelelektrode erstreckt, wobei die Funkenstrecke von einer Wandung umgeben ist. Weiters betrifft die Erfindung ein Verfahren zum Einstellen des Abstands von Mittelelektrode zu Massenelektrode einer solchen Zündkerze. The invention relates to a spark plug having a center electrode and a ground electrode, wherein the center electrode is arranged to the ground electrode so that the spark gap between the ground electrode and center electrode extends, wherein the spark gap is surrounded by a wall. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for adjusting the distance from the center electrode to the ground electrode of such a spark plug.
Zündkerzen führen Zündstrom in den Brennraum einer Brennkraftmaschine und entzünden dort durch einen zwischen den Elektroden überschlagenden Zündfunken (in der so genannten Funkenstrecke) das Kraftstoff-Luft-Gemisch. In Gasmotoren mit hohen Leistungen und großen Brennräumen treten hohe Temperaturen auf. Bei Gasmotoren geht man vermehrt dazu über, eine Vorkammer vorzusehen. Die Vorkammer ist im Vergleich zum eigentlichen Brennraum deutlich kleiner ausgebildet und wird vom Brennraum durch eine Wandung abgetrennt, wobei kleinere Übertrittsöffnungen vorgesehen sind, die einen Fluidaustausch zwischen Brennraum und Vorkammer ermöglichen. Die eigentliche Zündung mit der Zündkerze erfolgt in der Vorkammer, wobei dort ein verhältnismäßig fettes Kraftstoff-Luft-Gemisch mit der Zündkerze gezündet wird, wobei die dabei entstehenden Zündfackeln über die Übertrittsöffnungen in den eigentlichen Brennraum übertreten und dort ein verhältnismäßig mageres Kraftstoff-Luft-Gemisch entzünden. Spark plugs conduct ignition current into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine and ignite the fuel-air mixture there by a spark that spins over between the electrodes (in the so-called spark gap). In gas engines with high power and large combustion chambers, high temperatures occur. Gas engines are increasingly being used to provide an antechamber. The pre-chamber is formed significantly smaller compared to the actual combustion chamber and is separated from the combustion chamber by a wall, with smaller transfer openings are provided, which allow a fluid exchange between the combustion chamber and prechamber. The actual ignition with the spark plug takes place in the pre-chamber, where a relatively rich fuel-air mixture is ignited there with the spark plug, the resulting ignition torches over the transfer openings in the actual combustion chamber and there pass a relatively lean fuel-air mixture ignite.
Um Massenelektrode und Mittelelektrode vor den hohen Temperaturen zu schützen, kann man eine Wandung vorsehen, die gut Wärme leitend ist. Außerdem kann man die Elektroden näher an den Isolatorkörper der Zündkerze heranführen, um einen rascheren Wärmefluss in das Zündkerzengehäuse zu gewährleisten. Dies bedeutet allerdings, dass die Elektroden von außen erschwert zugänglich sind. Beim Stand der Technik war es daher erforderlich, nach einer gewissen Betriebszeit die Zündspannung zu erhöhen, um den durch Elektroerosion größer werdenden Abstand zwischen Mittelelektrode und Massenelektrode auszugleichen. Eine alternative Variante sieht vor, dass die Funkenstrecke nicht parallel zur Längsachse der Zündkerze sondern senkrecht dazu angeordnet wird, um zumindest von der Stirnseite der Zündkerze Zugang zur Funkenstrecke zu erhalten. Der Nachteil dieser Vorgehensweise liegt allerdings darin, dass bei solchen Zündkerzen mehrere Massenelektroden erforderlich sind, da der Zündfunke ansonsten asymmetrisch verläuft, und dass die zur Längsachse der Zündkerze parallele Funkenstrecke unerwünscht ist. In order to protect the ground electrode and the center electrode from the high temperatures, it is possible to provide a wall which conducts heat well. In addition, one can bring the electrodes closer to the insulator body of the spark plug to ensure a more rapid heat flow into the spark plug housing. However, this means that the electrodes are difficult to access from the outside. In the prior art, it was therefore necessary to increase the ignition voltage after a certain period of operation in order to compensate for the increasing distance between the center electrode and the ground electrode by electroerosion. An alternative variant provides that the spark gap is not arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spark plug but perpendicular thereto, in order to obtain at least from the end face of the spark plug access to the spark gap. The disadvantage of this procedure is However, in that such a plurality of spark plugs mass electrodes are required because the spark otherwise runs asymmetrically, and that the parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spark plug spark gap is undesirable.
Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es daher, bei einer Zündkerze der eingangs genannten Art die Möglichkeit der Einstellung des Abstands zwischen Mittelelektrode und Massenelektrode zu verbessern. Object of the present invention is therefore to improve the possibility of adjusting the distance between the center electrode and the ground electrode in a spark plug of the type mentioned.
Diese Aufgabe wird dadurch gelöst, dass die Wandung eine Ausnehmung oder Öffnung aufweist, die derart ausgebildet ist, dass eine Abstandslehre zwischen Massenelektrode und Mittelelektrode einführbar ist. This object is achieved in that the wall has a recess or opening which is formed such that a distance gauge between the ground electrode and center electrode can be inserted.
Die Grundidee besteht also darin, die Funkenstrecke z.B. entlang der oder parallel zur Längsachse der Zündkerze zu belassen und von der Seite der Zündkerze zugänglich zu machen. Dabei wird bewusst in Kauf genommen, dass die die Massenelektrode und Mittelelektrode umgebende Wandung durch die Ausnehmung oder Öffnung geschwächt wird. Bevorzugt erstreckt sich dann die Funkenstrecke entlang der oder parallel zur Längsachse der Zündkerze. Die Funkenstrecke ist jene Strecke zwischen Massenelektrode und Mittelelektrode, in der der Funke überspringt. Das Merkmal, dass die Wandung die Funkenstrecke umgibt, ist dabei so zu verstehen, dass die Funkenstrecke in radialer Richtung entweder vollständig von der Wandung umgeben ist oder dort, wo keine Wandung ist, vom Körper oder Gehäuse der Zündkerze umgeben ist. The basic idea is therefore to use the spark gap, e.g. along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spark plug and making it accessible from the side of the spark plug. It is deliberately accepted that the wall surrounding the ground electrode and center electrode is weakened by the recess or opening. The spark gap then preferably extends along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the spark plug. The spark gap is that distance between ground electrode and center electrode in which the spark skips. The feature that surrounds the wall of the spark gap, it is understood that the spark gap in the radial direction is either completely surrounded by the wall or where no wall is surrounded by the body or housing of the spark plug.
Die Schwächung der Wandung fällt weniger ins Gewicht, wenn ein Befestigungsabschnitt zum Befestigen der Zündkerze in einem Brennraumgehäuse einer Brennkraftmaschine vorgesehen ist, wobei die Ausnehmung oder Öffnung im Einbauzustand der Zündkerze im Brennraumgehäuse vollständig vom Brennraumgehäuse abgedeckt wird. The weakening of the wall is less significant when a mounting portion for fixing the spark plug is provided in a combustion chamber housing of an internal combustion engine, wherein the recess or opening in the installed state of the spark plug in the combustion chamber housing is completely covered by the combustion chamber housing.
Im einfachsten Fall kann vorgesehen sein, dass der Befestigungsabschnitt ein Außengewinde umfasst und dass die Wandung zumindest bereichsweise das Außengewinde trägt. In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsvariante kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Ausnehmung oder Öffnung im Bereich des Außengewindes angeordnet ist. In the simplest case it can be provided that the attachment portion comprises an external thread and that the wall at least partially carries the external thread. In a preferred embodiment, it can be provided that the recess or opening is arranged in the region of the external thread.
Eine vorteilhafte Ausführung der Erfindung sieht vor, dass die Massenelektrode mit der Wandung über einen Steg befestigt ist. Vorteilhafterweise ist dabei vorgesehen, dass sich der Steg im Wesentlichen senkrecht zur Längsachse der Zündkerze erstreckt. An advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the ground electrode is secured to the wall via a web. Advantageously, it is provided that the web extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spark plug.
Um die Zugänglichkeit zur Funkenstrecke besonders gut zu ermöglichen und die Hebelverhältnisse für die nachfolgende Einstellung optimal zu gestalten, kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Ausnehmung oder Öffnung an der gegenüberliegenden Seite der Befestigungsstelle des Stegs an der Wandung in der Wandung angeordnet ist. In order to facilitate the accessibility to the spark gap particularly well and to make the leverage for the subsequent setting optimal, it can be provided that the recess or opening is arranged on the opposite side of the attachment point of the web to the wall in the wall.
Wandung, Steg und Massenelektrode können dauerhaft miteinander verbunden sein, beispielsweise verschweißt oder einstückig gefertigt ausgebildet oder sonst dauerhaft miteinander verbunden sein. Wall, web and ground electrode can be permanently connected to each other, for example, welded or formed integrally formed or otherwise permanently connected to each other.
Weiters kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Wandung im Bereich der Ausnehmung oder Öffnung einen Querschnitt aufweist, der im Wesentlichen kreisringförmig ausgebildet ist, wobei sich die Ausnehmung oder Öffnung über einen Bereich von 3 bis 10%, vorzugsweise 5 bis 7% entlang des Außenumfangs des Kreises erstreckt. Auf diese Weise wird die Wandung nur minimal geschwächt. Gegebenenfalls können nicht nur eine sondern mehrere Öffnungen vorgesehen sein. Die Form der wenigstens einen Öffnung ist im einfachsten Fall an die Abstandslehre angepasst. Sie kann z.B. kreisförmig, quadratisch, rechteckig oder polygonförmig ausgebildet sein. Furthermore, it can be provided that the wall in the region of the recess or opening has a cross-section which is substantially annular, wherein the recess or opening over a range of 3 to 10%, preferably 5 to 7% along the outer circumference of the circle extends. In this way, the wall is only minimally weakened. Optionally, not only one but a plurality of openings may be provided. The shape of the at least one opening is adapted in the simplest case to the distance gauge. It can e.g. be formed circular, square, rectangular or polygonal.
Außerdem kann vorgesehen sein, dass die Längserstreckung der Ausnehmung oder Öffnung entlang der Funkenstrecke zwischen dem einfachen und doppelten Abstand zwischen Mittelelektrode und Massenelektrode beträgt. In addition, it can be provided that the longitudinal extent of the recess or opening along the spark gap is between the single and double distance between the center electrode and the ground electrode.
Die eingangs erwähnte vorteilhafte Ausgestaltung mit Vorkammerzündung wird häufig dadurch erreicht, dass die Vorkammer in den Brennraum als gesondertes Bauteil eingebracht wird. Im gegenständlichen Fall würde es sich allerdings anbieten, die Vorkammer direkt an der Zündkerze zu gestalten. Daher kann vorgesehen sein, dass stirnseitig eine vorzugsweise kuppeiförmige Abdeckung vorgesehen ist, welche die Massenelektrode und Mittelelektrode im Einbauzustand vom Brennraum der Brennkraftmaschine abtrennt, wobei Übertrittöffnungen in der Abdeckung vorgesehen sind. Eine solche Ausgestaltung hätte außerdem den Vorteil, dass keine Umbaumaßnahmen der Brennkraftmaschine erforderlich wären, um von einer „normalen" Brennraumzündung auf eine Vorkammerzündung umzustellen. The aforementioned advantageous embodiment with prechamber ignition is often achieved in that the prechamber is introduced into the combustion chamber as a separate component. In the present case, however, it would be appropriate to make the antechamber directly to the spark plug. It can therefore be provided that a preferably dome-shaped cover is provided on the front side, which the Mass electrode and center electrode in the installed state separates from the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, wherein transfer openings are provided in the cover. Such an embodiment would also have the advantage that no conversion measures of the internal combustion engine would be required to switch from a "normal" combustion chamber ignition to an antechamber ignition.
In einem weiteren Aspekt betrifft die Erfindung ein Verfahren zum Einstellen des Abstands zwischen einer Mittelelektrode und einer Massenelektrode bei einer Zündkerze der vorgenannten Art. Das Verfahren zeichnet sich dadurch aus, dass über die Ausnehmung oder Öffnung eine Abstandslehre mit einer Dicke, die dem gewünschten Abstand von Massenelektrode zu Mittelelektrode entspricht, eingeführt wird und die Massenelektrode zur Mittelelektrode gedrückt wird, bis der Abstand von Mittelelektrode zu Massenelektrode der Dicke der Abstandslehre entspricht. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method for adjusting the distance between a center electrode and a ground electrode in a spark plug of the aforementioned kind. The method is characterized in that a distance gauge having a thickness which is the desired distance of Mass electrode corresponds to center electrode, is introduced and the ground electrode is pressed to the center electrode until the distance from center electrode to ground electrode corresponds to the thickness of the distance gauge.
Weitere Vorteile und Details der Erfindung werden an Hand der nachfolgenden Figuren und Figurenbeschreibungen erläutert. Further advantages and details of the invention will be explained with reference to the following figures and description of the figures.
Es zeigen: Show it:
Fig. 1a bis 1d vier Ansichten einer ersten Ausführungsvariante einer Zündkerze;  1a to 1d show four views of a first embodiment of a spark plug;
Fig. 2a bis 2d vier Ansichten einer zweiten Ausführungsvariante einer Zündkerze; 2a to 2d show four views of a second embodiment of a spark plug;
Fig. 3a bis 3d vier Ansichten einer dritten Ausführungsvariante einer erfindungsgemäßen Zündkerze; 3a to 3d show four views of a third embodiment of a spark plug according to the invention;
In der Fig. 1a ist eine Seitenansicht einer Zündkerze 1 gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsvariante der Erfindung gezeigt. Die Fig. 1b zeigt eine Schrägansicht der Zündkerze 1 , die Fig. 1c eine Sicht auf die Stirnseite der Zündkerze 1 und die Fig. 1d einen Querschnitt entlang der Ebene E-E der Ansicht der Fig. 1a. Die Zündkerze 1 wird anhand der vier Ansichten erläutert. Die Zündkerze 1 umfasst einen Isolatorkörper 12, der in der Regel aus Keramik ausgebildet ist. An der Oberseite befindet sich ein Anschlussstück 10, das elektrisch leitend ausgebildet ist und mit einer Zündspule oder dergleichen verbunden wird. Das Anschlussstück 10 liefert die Spannung an die Mittelelektrode 2, die im Inneren des Keramikkörpers bis zur Stirnseite verläuft, wo die Mittelelektrode 2 aus dem Isolatorkörper 12 herausragt. Die Zündkerze 1 weist weiters einen Einschraubansatz 14 auf, in der Regel in der Form eines Sechskants zum Einschrauben der Zündkerze 1 in das Brennraumgehäuse (schematisch mit 36 dargestellt) einer Brennkraftmaschine (nicht gezeigt). Weiters ist ein Gewinde 18 vorgesehen, mit welchem die Zündkerze 1 mit dem Brennraumgehäuse 36 dauerhaft verbindbar ist. Das Gewinde 18 ist auf der Wandung 16 angeordnet, die die Massenelektrode 4 und die Mittelelektrode 2 so umgibt, dass die Funkenstrecke s von dieser Wandung 16 umgeben ist. Von der Wandung 16 reicht ein Steg 24 zur Mitte der Zündkerze 1 , wo die eigentliche Massenelektrode 4 als Gegenelektrode zur Mittelelektrode 2 gebildet wird. Erkennbar ist, dass die Funkenstrecke s zwischen Massenelektrode 4 und Mittelelektrode 2 so gebildet ist, dass sie entlang der Längsachse a der Zündkerze 1 verläuft. In Fig. 1a is a side view of a spark plug 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention is shown. FIG. 1b shows an oblique view of the spark plug 1, FIG. 1c shows a view of the front side of the spark plug 1, and FIG. 1d shows a cross section along the plane EE of the view of FIG. The spark plug 1 will be explained with reference to the four views. The spark plug 1 comprises an insulator body 12, which is usually formed of ceramic. At the top there is a connector 10, which is electrically conductive and is connected to an ignition coil or the like. The connector 10 supplies the voltage to the center electrode 2, which extends in the interior of the ceramic body to the front side, where the center electrode 2 protrudes from the insulator body 12. The spark plug 1 further has a screw-in approach 14, usually in the form of a hexagon for screwing the spark plug 1 in the combustion chamber housing (schematically with 36 shown) of an internal combustion engine (not shown). Furthermore, a thread 18 is provided with which the spark plug 1 with the combustion chamber housing 36 is permanently connected. The thread 18 is arranged on the wall 16, which surrounds the ground electrode 4 and the center electrode 2 so that the spark gap s is surrounded by this wall 16. From the wall 16, a web 24 extends to the center of the spark plug 1, where the actual ground electrode 4 is formed as a counter electrode to the center electrode 2. It can be seen that the spark gap s between ground electrode 4 and center electrode 2 is formed such that it extends along the longitudinal axis a of the spark plug 1.
Erfindungsgemäß ist nunmehr eine Öffnung 20 vorgesehen, durch die eine Abstandslehre 32 einführbar ist. Auf beiden Seiten der Wandung 16 ist jeweils eine Öffnung 20, die Außerdem so angeordnet ist, dass die Abstandslehre von jeder Seite einführbar ist und gegebenenfalls komplett durchschiebbar ist. Indem Druck auf die Massenelektrode 4 ausgeübt wird, kann der Abstand zur Mittelelektrode verringert werden, indem der Steg 24 etwas nachgibt, solange bis die Dicke der Abstandslehre 32 erreicht ist und der gewünschte Elektrodenabstand s eingestellt ist. Wie dem Ausführungsbeispiel zu entnehmen ist, ist die Wandung 16 im Bereich der Öffnung 20 etwa kreisförmig ausgebildet. Die Öffnung 20 ist auf der dem Befestigungsbereich 25 des Stegs 24 gegenüberliegenden Seite angeordnet. Bezogen auf den Umfang der Wandung 16 macht die Breite b der Öffnung 20 etwa 6% aus. Hinsichtlich der Dicke, das heißt der Längserstreckung k entlang der Längsachse a der Zündkerze 1 ist die Öffnung geringfügig dicker als der Elektrodenabstand s, damit die Abstandslehre 32 gut einführbar ist. According to the invention, an opening 20 is now provided, through which a distance gauge 32 can be inserted. On both sides of the wall 16 is in each case an opening 20, which is also arranged so that the distance gauge is insertable from each side and optionally completely pushed through. By exerting pressure on the ground electrode 4, the distance to the center electrode can be reduced by the web 24 yielding slightly until the thickness of the distance gauge 32 is reached and the desired electrode spacing s is set. As can be seen from the exemplary embodiment, the wall 16 is approximately circular in the region of the opening 20. The opening 20 is arranged on the fastening area 25 of the web 24 opposite side. Based on the circumference of the wall 16, the width b of the opening 20 makes up about 6%. With regard to the thickness, that is, the longitudinal extent k along the longitudinal axis a of the spark plug 1, the opening is slightly thicker than the electrode spacing s, so that the distance gauge 32 is well insertable.
In den Figuren 2a bis 2d ist eine Ausführungsvariante der Erfindung beschrieben, die im Wesentlichen dem Ausführungsbeispiel der Figuren 1 a bis 1 d entspricht. Es kann diesbezüglich also auf die Figurenbeschreibung zu den Figuren 1 a bis 1d verwiesen werden. Fig. 2a zeigt eine Seitenansicht, Fig. 2b eine Schrägansicht, Fig. 2c eine Sicht auf die Stirnseite und Fig. 2d eine Schnittdarstellung entlang der Ebene E-E der Fig. 2a. Im Unterschied zum Ausführungsbeispiel der Figuren 1 a bis 1d ist nunmehr eine Ausnehmung 22 an Stelle einer Öffnung 20 vorgesehen. Die Öffnung 20 ermöglicht ebenfalls den Zugang der Abstandslehre 32. Die Breite b der Ausnehmung 22 entspricht der Breite b der Öffnung 20 der Figuren 1a bis 1 d, die Längserstreckung k beträgt etwa dreimal die Dicke des Elektrodenabstands y. 10 000465 In the figures 2a to 2d, an embodiment of the invention is described, which substantially corresponds to the embodiment of Figures 1 a to 1 d. It can therefore be made in this regard to the figure description to the figures 1 a to 1 d. Fig. 2a shows a side view, Fig. 2b is an oblique view, Fig. 2c is a view of the end face and Fig. 2d is a sectional view taken along the plane EE of Fig. 2a. In contrast to the embodiment of Figures 1 a to 1 d, a recess 22 is now provided instead of an opening 20. The opening 20 also allows the access of the distance gauge 32. The width b of the recess 22 corresponds to the width b of the opening 20 of Figures 1a to 1 d, the longitudinal extent k is about three times the thickness of the electrode gap y. 10 000465
Die Figuren 3a bis 3d zeigen eine weitere Ausführungsvariante einer erfindungsgemäßen Zündkerze 1 in Anlehnung an die Figuren 1 a bis 1 d, sowie 2a bis 2d. Es kann ebenfalls auf die vorangegangene Figurenbeschreibung verwiesen werden. Fig. 3a zeigt dabei eine Seitenansicht, Fig. 3b eine Schrägansicht, Fig. 3c eine Ansicht auf die Stirnseite und Fig. 3d eine Schnittdarstellung entlang der Ebene E-E der Fig. 3a. Im Unterschied zum Ausführungsbeispiel der Figuren 2a bis 2d ist nunmehr zusätzlich eine Abdeckung 30 vorgesehen, die die Zündkerze 1 stirnseitig, das heißt am elektrodenseitigen Ende begrenzt. Die eigentliche Wandung 16 weist dabei eine Ausnehmung 22 bzw. eine Öffnung 20 auf, die bis ans Ende des Gewindes 18 reicht. Daran schließt eine halbkugelförmige Kuppe an, die die Abdeckung 30 bildet. Auf der Abdeckung 30 sind Überstömbohrungen 34 angeordnet, die den Fluidaustausch zwischen dem eingeschlossenen Raum in der Zündkerze 1 und dem eigentlichen Brennraum bilden. FIGS. 3a to 3d show a further embodiment variant of a spark plug 1 according to the invention based on FIGS. 1a to 1d and 2a to 2d. It can also be made to the preceding description of the figures. 3a shows an oblique view, FIG. 3c shows a view on the front side and FIG. 3d shows a sectional view along the plane E-E of FIG. 3a. In contrast to the embodiment of Figures 2a to 2d, a cover 30 is now additionally provided, which limits the spark plug 1 frontally, that is at the electrode end. The actual wall 16 in this case has a recess 22 and an opening 20 which extends to the end of the thread 18. This is followed by a hemispherical dome which forms the cover 30. On the cover 30 Überstömbohrungen 34 are arranged, which form the fluid exchange between the enclosed space in the spark plug 1 and the actual combustion chamber.
Wie aus allen Figuren ersichtlich ist, wird die Öffnung 20 bzw. Ausnehmung 22 im Einbauzustand durch die Wandung des Brennraumgehäuses abgedeckt, da die Zündkerze über den gesamten Gewindeabschnitt 18 eingebaut ist. In der Figur 1 ist das Brennraumgehäuse diesbezüglich schematisch mit 36 angedeutet. As can be seen from all figures, the opening 20 or recess 22 is covered in the installed state by the wall of the combustion chamber housing, since the spark plug is installed over the entire threaded portion 18. In the figure 1, the combustion chamber housing is schematically indicated with 36 in this regard.
Wie aus den Figuren außerdem ersichtlich ist, weisen die Zündkerzen eine Wandung 16 auf, die im Inneren konisch zur Mitte der Zündkerze 1 zusammenlaufen. Der Raum zwischen Massenelektrode 24 hin zum Isolatorkörper 12 ist daher kegelstumpfförmig ausgebildet. Auf diese Art kann noch besser Wärme von den beiden Elektroden 2, 4 abgeführt werden. As can also be seen from the figures, the spark plugs have a wall 16 which converges conically internally to the center of the spark plug 1. The space between ground electrode 24 toward the insulator body 12 is therefore frusto-conical. In this way, even better heat can be removed from the two electrodes 2, 4.

Claims

Patentansprüche claims
1. Zündkerze (1) mit einer Mittelelektrode (2) und einer Massenelektrode (4), wobei die Mittelelektrode (2) zur Massenelektrode (4) so angeordnet ist, dass sich die Funkenstrecke (s) zwischen Massenelektrode (4) und Mittelelektrode (2) erstreckt, wobei die Funkenstrecke (s) von einer Wandung (16) umgeben ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Wandung (16) eine Ausnehmung (22) oder Öffnung (20) aufweist, die derart ausgebildet ist, dass eine Abstandslehre (32) zwischen Mittelelektrode (2) und Massenelektrode (4) einführbar ist. 1. spark plug (1) having a center electrode (2) and a ground electrode (4), wherein the center electrode (2) to the ground electrode (4) is arranged so that the spark gap (s) between ground electrode (4) and center electrode (2 ), wherein the spark gap (s) is surrounded by a wall (16), characterized in that the wall (16) has a recess (22) or opening (20), which is designed such that a distance gauge (32) between the center electrode (2) and ground electrode (4) can be inserted.
2. Zündkerze nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ein Befestigungsabschnitt (18) zum Befestigen der Zündkerze (1) in einem Brennraumgehäuse (36) einer Brennkraftmaschine vorgesehen ist, wobei die Ausnehmung (22) oder Öffnung (20) im Einbauzustand der Zündkerze (1) im Brennraumgehäuse (36) vollständig vom Brennraumgehäuse (36) abgedeckt wird. 2. Spark plug according to claim 1, characterized in that a fastening section (18) for fastening the spark plug (1) in a combustion chamber housing (36) of an internal combustion engine is provided, wherein the recess (22) or opening (20) in the installed state of the spark plug ( 1) in the combustion chamber housing (36) is completely covered by the combustion chamber housing (36).
3. Zündkerze nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Wandung (16) zumindest bereichsweise das Außengewinde (18) trägt. 3. Spark plug according to claim 2, characterized in that the wall (16) at least partially carries the external thread (18).
4. Zündkerze nach Anspruch 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Ausnehmung (22) oder Öffnung (20) im Bereich des Außengewindes (18) angeordnet ist. 4. Spark plug according to claim 3, characterized in that the recess (22) or opening (20) in the region of the external thread (18) is arranged.
5. Zündkerze nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Massenelektrode (4) mit der Wandung (16) über einen Steg (24) verbunden ist. 5. Spark plug according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the ground electrode (4) with the wall (16) via a web (24) is connected.
6. Zündkerze nach Anspruch 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sich der Steg (24) im Wesentlichen senkrecht zur Längsachse (a) der Zündkerze (1) erstreckt. 6. Spark plug according to claim 5, characterized in that the web (24) extends substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (a) of the spark plug (1).
7. Zündkerze nach Anspruch 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Ausnehmung (22) oder Öffnung (20) an der der Befestigungsstelle (25) des Stegs (24) an der Wandung (16) gegenüber liegenden Seite in der Wandung (16) angeordnet ist. 7. Spark plug according to claim 6, characterized in that the recess (22) or opening (20) at the attachment point (25) of the web (24) on the wall (16) opposite side in the wall (16) is arranged ,
8. Zündkerze nach einem der Ansprüche 5 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass Wandung (16), Steg (24) und Massenelektrode (4) einstückig ausgebildet sind. 8. Spark plug according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the wall (16), web (24) and ground electrode (4) are integrally formed.
9. Zündkerze nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Wandung (16) im Bereich der Ausnehmung (22) oder Öffnung (20) einen Querschnitt aufweist, der im Wesentlichen kreisringförmig ausgebildet ist, wobei sich die Ausnehmung (22) oder Öffnung (20) über einen Bereich (b) von 3 bis 10%, vorzugsweise 5 bis 7% entlang des Außenumfangs des Kreises erstreckt. 9. Spark plug according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the wall (16) in the region of the recess (22) or opening (20) has a cross-section which is formed substantially annular, wherein the recess (22) or opening (20) over a range (b) of 3 to 10%, preferably 5 to 7% along the outer circumference of the circle extends.
10. Zündkerze nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet dass die Längserstreckung (k) der Ausnehmung (22) oder Öffnung (20) entlang der Funkenstrecke (9) zwischen dem einfachen und dreifachen Abstand zwischen Mittelelektrode (2) und Massenelektrode (4) beträgt. 10. Spark plug according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the longitudinal extent (k) of the recess (22) or opening (20) along the spark gap (9) between the single and triple distance between the center electrode (2) and ground electrode (4 ) is.
11. Zündkerze nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass stirnseitig eine, vorzugsweise kuppeiförmige, Abdeckung (30) vorgesehen ist, welche die Massenelektrode (4) und Mittelelektrode (2) im Einbauzustand vom Brennraum der Brennkraftmaschine abtrennt, wobei Übertrittsöffnungen in der Abdeckung (34) vorgesehen sind. 11. Spark plug according to one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that frontally one, preferably dome-shaped, cover (30) is provided which separates the ground electrode (4) and center electrode (2) in the installed state of the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine, wherein transfer openings in the cover (34) are provided.
12. Verfahren zum Einstellen des Abstands zwischen einer Mittelelektrode (2) und einer Massenelektrode (4) einer Zündkerze (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 11 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass über die Ausnehmung (22) oder Öffnung (20) eine Abstandslehre (32) mit einer Dicke, die dem gewünschten Abstand entspricht, eingeführt wird und die Massenelektrode (4) zur Mittelelektrode (2) gedrückt wird, bis der Abstand von Mittelelektrode (2) zu Massenelektrode (4) der Dicke der Abstandslehre (32) entspricht. 12. A method for adjusting the distance between a center electrode (2) and a ground electrode (4) of a spark plug (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that on the recess (22) or opening (20) has a distance gauge ( 32) having a thickness corresponding to the desired distance, and the ground electrode (4) is pressed to the center electrode (2) until the distance from the center electrode (2) to ground electrode (4) corresponds to the thickness of the gap gauge (32).
EP10798461.9A 2009-12-23 2010-12-03 Spark plug with a through-hole for adjustment Active EP2517323B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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AT20262009A AT509313B1 (en) 2009-12-23 2009-12-23 SPARK PLUG WITH HOLE TO ADJUST
PCT/AT2010/000465 WO2011075754A1 (en) 2009-12-23 2010-12-03 Spark plug having a hole for adjustment

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AT (1) AT509313B1 (en)
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EP2517323B1 (en) 2015-02-18
ES2536708T3 (en) 2015-05-27
AT509313A1 (en) 2011-07-15
US20120256531A1 (en) 2012-10-11
US8810117B2 (en) 2014-08-19
WO2011075754A1 (en) 2011-06-30

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