EP2678907B2 - Spark plug having an end part - Google Patents

Spark plug having an end part Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2678907B2
EP2678907B2 EP12717578.4A EP12717578A EP2678907B2 EP 2678907 B2 EP2678907 B2 EP 2678907B2 EP 12717578 A EP12717578 A EP 12717578A EP 2678907 B2 EP2678907 B2 EP 2678907B2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
spark plug
wall
ground electrode
combustion chamber
end part
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.)
Active
Application number
EP12717578.4A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2678907A1 (en
EP2678907B1 (en
Inventor
Christian Francesconi
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
Innio Jenbacher GmbH and Co OG
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
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=46021941&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=EP2678907(B2) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Innio Jenbacher GmbH and Co OG filed Critical Innio Jenbacher GmbH and Co OG
Publication of EP2678907A1 publication Critical patent/EP2678907A1/en
Publication of EP2678907B1 publication Critical patent/EP2678907B1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2678907B2 publication Critical patent/EP2678907B2/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

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
    • H01T13/46—Sparking plugs having two or more spark gaps
    • H01T13/467—Sparking plugs having two or more spark gaps in parallel connection
    • 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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a spark plug according to the preamble of patent claim 1.
  • Such a spark plug which has the features of the preamble of claim 1, is, for example, from EP 1 265 329 A1 known.
  • WO 2009/059339 A1 describes a spark plug in which a ground electrode support assembly is surrounded by a prechamber or swirl chamber carried by the spark plug shell, the ground electrode support assembly being bolted to the spark plug shell separately and spaced apart a wall of the prechamber or swirl chamber.
  • the aim of the invention is to simplify the production of spark plugs of this type, in particular with regard to the fact that complex components which are complicated to produce are avoided and the spark plug is constructed from parts which are easy to produce. This is particularly important for mass production.
  • the electrical properties of such spark plugs should at least correspond to those of comparable spark plugs, if not exceed these properties. Accordingly, optimal current conduction via the individual ground electrodes must be ensured.
  • the ignition properties should be improved, preferably by optimizing the thermal conductivity and the heat dissipation from the ignition surfaces, in order to achieve better stability.
  • the ground electrode carrier viewed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the spark plug, has a smaller distance from the center electrode than the inner surface of the wall of the chamber and carries at least one finger-shaped ground electrode with an ignition surface that is at the level of the ignition surface of the center electrode in the chamber or if the ground electrode support, viewed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the spark plug, is at a greater distance from the center electrode than the outer surface of the wall of the chamber and carries at least one finger-shaped ground electrode which extends through a recess in the wall into the chamber, the The firing surface of the ground electrode is level with the firing surface of the center electrode in the chamber. This achieves a compact electrode structure that is easy to produce and can be mounted on the end part.
  • ground electrodes on their own carrier ensures an even current conduction over the ground electrodes. Since the ground electrode carrier is arranged at a distance from the wall of the chamber, the ground electrodes and the ground electrode carrier represent a system that is independent of the wall of the chamber in terms of current and heat conduction. This enables simple adjustment of the ground electrodes and the electrode wear caused by use can be easily corrected . Due to the possibility of manufacturing the ground electrode carrier and the ground electrodes independently, in particular as a one-piece component, and placing them on the end part, there are considerable manufacturing advantages.
  • ground electrodes can be manufactured as a one-piece component with the ground electrode carrier and because there is a clearance between the ground electrode carrier and the wall of the chamber, improved heat dissipation from the ignition electrodes to the end part and to the spark plug housing is achieved.
  • the special shape of the ground electrodes and their arrangement result in further advantages with regard to improved ignition performance and shielding or flow through the chamber, even if the height of the electrodes arranged at the end part is lower than in comparable conventional spark plugs.
  • a particularly simple production with a stable structure of the spark plug is achieved by the special shape of the ground electrode carrier.
  • the ground electrode carrier which has a cylindrical ring-shaped cross-section, can be adjusted in a simple manner at a circumferentially constant distance from the outer surface of the wall of the chamber, so that defined conditions with regard to combustion and current conduction result.
  • the structure and assembly of the spark plug are simplified, since the cylindrical ground electrode carrier and also the chamber having a cylindrical annular cross section can be placed on the end part and fastened there in a simple manner. This advantageous attachment is achieved when the ground electrode carrier and the wall are carried by the end part arranged on the combustion chamber-side end area of the spark plug housing.
  • the ground electrode support may be formed with a thread on its inner wall surface, or it may have a smooth surface; the same applies to the wall of the chamber. Either the ground electrode carrier or the wall of the chamber is screwed onto the respective protruding end shoulders of the end part and/or fixed in position by welding, or these components are pushed onto the end part with the most precise fit possible and are fastened in their desired position, in particular by welding .
  • two concentrically lying, cylindrical end shoulders are formed on the end part, of which optionally the inner end shoulder protrudes beyond the outer end shoulder in the direction of the combustion chamber, wherein on the outer End shoulder of the ground electrode carrier with the ground electrodes penetrating the walls and on the inner end shoulder the wall of the chamber is respectively attached, slipped on or screwed on and/or fastened by welding, if necessary spot or seam-shaped, or with the wall of the chamber and on the outer end shoulder on the inner end shoulder the ground electrode carrier lying at a distance from the inner surface of the wall is placed, plugged on or screwed on and/or fastened by welding, if necessary spot-shaped or seam-shaped.
  • the end part is formed in one piece with the wall, with the ground electrode carrier being placed, slipped on or screwed onto the end part and/or fastened by welding, possibly spot or seam-shaped, or that the end part is connected to the dem Ground electrode carrier is formed in one piece, with the wall surrounding the ground electrode carrier at a distance placed on the end part, plugged or screwed and / or by, optionally punctiform or seam-shaped, welding is attached.
  • the ground electrode carrier could also be attached to the end area of the spark plug housing on the combustion chamber side.
  • the ground electrode carrier viewed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the spark plug, has an at least partially circular cross-section or is formed by a cylinder ring and/or the at least one ground electrode and the ground electrode carrier are formed in one piece or are connected to one another by welding.
  • the ground electrode carrier carries one, three or five ground electrodes and/or if the ground electrodes on the ground electrode carrier are distributed at equal distances from one another around the center electrode and/or if each of the ground electrodes extending from the ground electrode carrier has at least Sections of its longitudinal extent have a rectangular cross section or a section of a cylinder ring and/or if the ignition gap is formed between opposing surface areas of the ground electrode and the center electrode that extend parallel to the longitudinal axis.
  • a simple structure results if an external thread is formed on each of the two concentric end shoulders of the end part and an internal thread adapted to the respective external thread is formed on the inner wall surface of the wall and/or on the inner wall surface of the ground electrode carrier and/or if the ground electrode carrier and the cylindrical ring-shaped wall forming the predetermined distance and optionally a height offset are arranged concentrically to each other and / or when the cylindrical wall and / or the ground electrode carrier is attached to the respective end step and fixed there by welding.
  • a number of slots running parallel to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the spark plug are formed in the wall, through which the Ground electrodes are guided into the interior of the chamber, the slots optionally extending from the combustion chamber-side end face of the wall to the level area of the end face of the end part.
  • the ground electrodes are located outside the wall and protrude through the longitudinal slots into the chamber defined by the wall, the ground electrodes have a shielding effect and a certain desired circulation of the gas can be maintained between the ground electrodes and the adjacent slot surfaces, which is necessary for cooling the electrodes contributes. This avoids excessive heat accumulation and counteracts glow ignitions.
  • the spark plug according to the invention is a special embodiment of a shielded spark plug.
  • an ignition surface carrier which is preferably guided radially through the slot into the interior of the chamber, extends from the section extending parallel to and outside the wall and/or if the ignition surface carrier has a preferably parallel to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the spark plug extending connecting part, which follows the circumferential course of the wall and partially closes the slot or is at least partially arranged in the slot space, branches off in the direction of the combustion chamber and possibly ends there in the same plane as the end face of the wall and/or if the section of the ground electrode branching off from the ground electrode carrier is outside of the Peripheral area of the wall is located in front of the slot. This freeing of the wall allows the wall to be better cooled by the gas to be burned.
  • the center electrode has a number of radially outwardly extending, preferably centrically symmetrical electrodes, which have an ignition surface in their respective end region in each case one ignition surface faces a ground electrode.
  • a simplified manufacture and precise ignition performance result if an annular groove running around the middle electrode is formed next to the insulator-side end of the ignition surfaces of the middle electrode.
  • An advantageous embodiment of the end part provides that the end part placed on the end area of the spark plug housing is rotationally symmetrical, preferably in the shape of a cylindrical ring, and is arranged centrally to the longitudinal axis of the spark plug and the spark plug housing is extended on the combustion chamber side in the form of an intermediate piece and/or that the end part with its end area on the combustion chamber side surrounds the base portion of the center electrode.
  • a constructively simple and operationally reliable structure results when the end part is connected to the spark plug housing by welding and/or screws and/or when the end part surrounds the base of the center electrode and the insulating body, forming a gap.
  • a constructively simple and operationally reliable structure results when the end part is connected to the spark plug housing by welding and/or screws and/or when the end part surrounds the base of the center electrode and the insulating body, forming a gap.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal section through a non-claimed embodiment of a spark plug.
  • Figures 2a and 2b shows unclaimed embodiments of a center electrode.
  • 3 shows a perspective view of a spark plug not claimed.
  • Figure 4a shows a possible embodiment of a non-claimed spark plug without an end part.
  • Figure 4b shows an embodiment of a non-claimed spark plug with an attached end part.
  • Figure 4c shows a spark plug, not claimed, with an attached end part which is made in one piece with the wall of the chamber, the ground electrode support being welded to this end part.
  • Figures 5 and 6 show embodiments of spark plugs in which the ground electrodes or the ground electrode carrier are located within the wall on an end part or are integrally connected to the end part, with only in figure 5 an embodiment according to the invention is shown.
  • Figures 7 to 9 show non-claimed embodiments of spark plugs with an end part placed on the spark plug housing and electrodes surrounded by a prechamber.
  • a spark plug housing 2 is carried by an insulating body 1 , with a base center electrode 3 a being enclosed or extending from the insulating body 1 .
  • the center electrode having at least one ignition surface 12 is placed on this base center electrode 3a of the spark plug.
  • the ignition surfaces 12 lie on projecting projections of the center electrode 3.
  • At least one ground electrode 4 carried by a ground electrode carrier 6 is provided to form at least one ignition gap 13 .
  • the ground electrodes 4 are distributed on the ground electrode carrier 6 at equal distances from one another around the center electrode 3 .
  • the ground electrode support 6 is supported or fixed on an end portion 60 fitted onto the spark plug shell 2 .
  • the ground electrodes 4 each come in the form of a finger with a section 41 from the ground electrode carrier 6 and are attached to the carrier 6, preferably welded.
  • the ground electrode 4 and the carrier 6 can optionally be designed as a one-piece component.
  • the end area on the combustion chamber side or the ignition surface 26 of the ground electrode 4 lies on an ignition surface carrier 51 and extends parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the spark plug or parallel to the facing ignition surface 12 of the center electrode 3.
  • the ignition gap 13 is between the opposite ignition surfaces 26, 12 of the ground electrode 4 and the center electrode 3 are formed.
  • These ignition surfaces 26, 12 can preferably be covered with noble metal or noble metal alloys in the form of tracks or plates.
  • the end part 60 has two concentric, cylindrical end shoulders 17, 18, of which the inner end shoulder 17 projects beyond the outer end shoulder 18 in the direction of the combustion chamber.
  • On the outer end shoulder 18 is the ground electrode carrier 6 and on the inner end shoulder 17 a wall 8 embodied in a chamber 5 that is open on the combustion chamber side is placed, slipped on or screwed on and/or fastened, if necessary, by welding, in particular at points or seams.
  • the inner dimensions of the wall 8 and the ground electrode carrier 6 are adapted to the respective outer dimensions of the end sections 17, 18.
  • the wall 8 forms a screen or shield or an open chamber and the spark plug according to the invention can also be referred to as a screen spark plug.
  • the ground electrode carrier 6 and in particular also the section 41 of each of the ground electrodes 4 emanating from the ground electrode carrier 6 are arranged at a distance from the outer surface 7 of the wall 8 of the chamber 5, possibly offset downwards in relation to the center electrode 3 in the direction of the spark plug housing 2. This distance is provided in order to ensure a defined or unaffected flow of current in the ground electrode carrier 6 . Furthermore, as already mentioned above, the distance 21 enables independent or defined heat dissipation from the ground electrodes 4 to the spark plug housing 2 .
  • a spark plug is shown with a cylindrical ring-shaped wall 8 which surrounds the center electrode 3 on the circumference. Modifications to the shape of such walls or chambers are also possible be provided.
  • a simple construction and a simple production of the parts result when the wall 8 of the combustion chamber side open swirl chamber 5 and the ground electrode carrier 6 have at least partially annular cross-section or are each formed by a cylinder ring.
  • Through-holes 10 for the passage of the gas can be formed in the wall 8 .
  • Each finger-shaped ground electrode 4 is advantageously bent from the ground electrode carrier 6, forming a section 41 running parallel to the wall 8, towards the center electrode 3 in the form of an ignition surface carrier 51 and ends in front of the center electrode 3.
  • Slots 50 are formed in the wall 8 for this purpose.
  • the width of these slots 50 essentially corresponds to the width of section 41 or slightly exceeds this width.
  • These slots 50 extend essentially over the entire height of the wall 8, i.e. they start in particular from an area of the wall 8 that is approximately at the level of the end face of the end part 60 and end at the end face of the wall 8 on the combustion chamber side.
  • the bent, radially extending ignition surface carrier 51 of the ground electrode 4 extends through this slot 50 in the direction of the center electrode 3.
  • the ignition surface carrier 51 which extends radially from the section 41 through the slot 50 into the interior of the chamber 5, is joined by a parallel to or in direction the longitudinal axis A of the spark plug extending connection part 52.
  • the connecting part 52 follows the circumferential course of the wall 8 and in this area at least partially closes the slot 50 or is preferably located within the slot 50.
  • This connecting part 52 extends from the ignition surface carrier 51 in the direction of the combustion chamber and ends with the end face of the wall 8 and contributes to the regulated gas circulation.
  • the center electrode 3 has three ignition surfaces 12 arranged centrally and symmetrically, each of which faces an ignition surface 26 of a ground electrode 4 .
  • Adjacent tracks 40 made of a noble metal alloy can be applied or melted onto the radially outwardly pointing surface areas 12 of the center electrode 3 and/or onto the surfaces 26 of the respectively opposite ground electrodes 4 facing the center electrode 3 .
  • the noble metal alloy can also be applied or welded or melted onto protruding areas 48 of the cylindrical part of the central electrode 3 in the form of noble metal plates 40', which areas 48 are formed by elevations which are welded on or formed in one piece.
  • Such raised areas 48 can also be formed or attached to the ground electrodes 4, onto which noble metal alloy, optionally in the form of noble metal plates, is applied or welded or melted.
  • a circumferential annular groove 61 can be formed on the side of the ignition surfaces 12 that is remote from the combustion chamber or directly below the elevations 48 of the center electrode 3 .
  • This annular groove 61 represents a defined delimitation of the ignition surfaces 12 and facilitates the welding and application of noble metal plates and/or strips 40, 40'.
  • the wall 8 of the chamber 5 and/or the ground electrodes 4 and/or the ground electrode carrier 6 are made of nickel-based alloy and/or high-temperature stainless steel and/or hot-corrosion-resistant metal alloys with good thermal conductivity; the wall 8 can also be made of brass.
  • the number of ground electrodes 4 is odd or that the ground electrodes 4 are not opposite one another with respect to the center axis of the center electrode 3 . This makes it easy to apply noble metal alloys to the ground electrodes 4 extending from the carrier 6 .
  • the slot 50 provided facilitates the necessary maintenance work or readjustments.
  • the ground electrode carrier 6 and the wall 8 of the chamber 5 are electrically conductively connected to the spark plug housing 2 .
  • the center electrode 3 is connected to the base center electrode 3a of the spark plug preferably by welding; the base center electrode 3a is guided in the insulator body 1 and is electrically insulated from the spark plug housing 2 by the insulator body 1 .
  • the ground electrodes 4 are designed in such a way that the section 41 extends parallel to the wall 8 essentially straight and without bending and preferably has a constant cross-sectional shape over this longitudinal extension.
  • the transition from the ground electrode carrier 6 to the section 41 can be rounded.
  • FIG 4a a known spark plug is shown.
  • L denotes the length of the spark plug housing 2, with the ground electrode carrier 6 and the wall 8 being mounted on corresponding shoulders 17, 18 of the spark plug housing 2 or in particular fixed by welding on the end region of the spark plug 2 on the combustion chamber side.
  • the end part 60 in the form of an intermediate ring is placed on the combustion chamber-side end region of the spark plug housing 2, for example slipped on or screwed on and optionally fastened by spot or seam welding.
  • This end part 60 serves to extend the spark plug housing 2.
  • This end part 60 carries a shoulder 18 to which the ground electrode carrier 6 is fastened and/or welded and also carries a shoulder 17 which carries the wall 8.
  • the wall 8 is formed in one piece with the end part 60 which is fastened to the end region of the spark plug housing 2 on the combustion chamber side.
  • a shoulder 64 can be formed on the spark plug housing, on which the end part 60 is placed, screwed and optionally fastened by seam or spot welding.
  • the ground electrode carrier 6 is placed, in particular welded, on the end part 60 .
  • the ground electrode carrier 6 can be placed on a shoulder 18 of the end part 60 and fixed there by welding.
  • the dark arrows directed to the longitudinal axis A of the spark plug represent possible weld seams or spot welds with which the end part 60 and/or the ground electrode carrier 6 and/or the wall 8 can be welded to the respective supporting components.
  • the spark plug shown has essentially the same structure as the spark plugs shown in the other figures, with the exception that the ground electrodes 4 or the ground electrode carrier 6 are located within the wall 8, at a distance from the inner wall surface 19 of the wall 8 in the direction of the Center electrode 3 are located too.
  • a spark plug housing 2 is carried by the insulating body 1, with a base center electrode 3a extending from the insulating body 1, on which the center electrode 3 is placed.
  • the ground electrodes 4 arranged around the central electrode 3 are carried by a ground electrode carrier 6 which is fitted onto an end shoulder 17 of the end part 60 and optionally fixed thereto by welding. On a further shoulder 18, the wall 8 is placed and optionally fixed by welding.
  • the ground electrode carrier 6 and the ground electrodes 4 are at a distance D from the inner wall surface 19 of the wall 8. This results in a current-related and heat dissipation-related separation of the ground electrodes 4 from the wall 8 and the heat can be easily dissipated via the end part 60 or takes place via the End part 60 an exact and safe power line.
  • the ground electrodes 4 can also extend from a ground electrode carrier 6 which is formed in one piece with the end part 60 .
  • the wall 8 is placed on the end part 60 on the paragraph 18 and possibly fixed there by welding.
  • a shorter electrode arrangement is also achieved in this embodiment, which has a favorable effect on heat and current conduction.
  • the end part 60 surrounds the end region of the insulating body 1 on the combustion chamber side and/or the base part of the electrode 3 remote from the combustion chamber the one-piece component formed by the ground electrodes 4 and the end part 60 only has to be placed on the wall 8 and, if necessary, welded on.
  • end part 60 on the spark plug housing 2 or for the wall 8 and/or the ground electrode carrier on the end part 60 and/or on the spark plug housing 2, e.g. pressing.
  • the end portion 60 will not be seated on the tapered insulator body.
  • the parts are necessarily spaced apart for insulation reasons.
  • the end part 60 surrounds the end area of the insulating body 1 at a distance.
  • One-piece means above all that the respective component(s) have no welded or soldered connection and are formed from the same material or are present as a single non-assembled part or are formed from the same component.
  • Spark plugs with open chambers 5 are in the Figures 1 to 6 shown, spark plugs with prechambers 5 'are in the Figures 7 to 9 shown.
  • the number of passage openings 10 formed in the chambers 5 and antechambers 5' and their shape or position can be selected or is determined by the use of the spark plug.
  • FIG. 7 an embodiment of a spark plug is shown in which the ground electrode carrier 6, as in FIG 6 , is formed integrally with the end portion 60.
  • the end surface of the end part 60 remote from the combustion chamber is placed on a shoulder 61 of the spark plug housing 2 .
  • this area of the end part 60, as in 8 shown at 55, are welded to the spark plug shell 2.
  • the spark plug housing 2 has a thread 51 on its outer circumference, with which it can be screwed into an engine block. It is provided that the end part 60 has an annular shape and is connected to the inner surface of its end region remote from the combustion chamber and/or with its end surface remote from the combustion chamber to the spark plug housing 2 or placed on it, preferably on a shoulder 61 .
  • the end region of the end part 60 remote from the combustion chamber encompasses an end region 64 of the spark plug housing 2 near the combustion chamber, possibly forming a distance 56, from the outside or is connected to the outer wall surface thereof.
  • the annular gap 56 can be formed between the end region 56 of the spark plug housing 2 and the end region of the end part 60 remote from the combustion chamber.
  • the insulator 1, which surrounds the base center electrode 3a, which carries the electrode assembly 3 or the individual electrodes of the center electrode 3 is in the spark plug shell 2 using a Seal 52 used.
  • the end part 60 carries with a shoulder 58 the wall 8 of an antechamber 5', which covers the electrodes, i.e. the central electrode 3 and the ground electrodes 4 as well as the ground electrode supports 6. Corresponding passage openings 10 are formed in the antechamber 5'.
  • a gap 53 is cut out between each of the ground electrodes 6 extending from the end part 60 and the inner surface of the wall 8, so that the current distribution and heat dissipation are defined.
  • the ground electrode carrier 6 is also made for the ground electrode carrier 6 to extend from the end part 60 in the area or at the level in which or on which the end surface of the wall 8 remote from the combustion chamber is connected to the end part 60 or where the shoulder 58 lies.
  • the ground electrode carrier 6 is very short or squat and the electrodes 4 are close to the end part 60.
  • the center electrode 3 is designed in such a way that the end of the center electrode 3 on the combustion chamber side closes off the base center electrode 3a with the end of the center electrode 3 or does not protrude beyond the end of the base center electrode 3a on the combustion chamber side or that the ends of the center electrode 3 and/or those of the ground electrodes 6 supported electrodes 4 and / or ignition pads 24 do not protrude beyond the combustion chamber end of the base center electrode 3a combustion chamber side. This achieves a short, squat construction of the electrodes, with which the heat transfer and current distribution are advantageously influenced.
  • weld seams 55 that are advantageously to be applied are shown, with which the spark plug housing 2 can be connected to the end part 60 or the end part 60 to the wall 8 of the antechamber 5'. Such weld seams 55 can also be used to connect the center electrode 3 to the base center electrode 3a.
  • the gap 53 could also be omitted or the inner surface of the wall 8 could bear against the outwardly directed surface of the ground electrode carrier 6 or be connected to it.
  • the formation of a gap 53 brings defined heat and current conditions.
  • In 9 1 shows a prechamber spark plug in which the chamber 5' has a different shape than the chamber 5' of the spark plugs in FIG 7 and 8th .
  • the electrode arrangement 3 does not protrude beyond the base electrode 3a on the combustion chamber side, as is the case with the spark plug according to FIG 8 the case is. You can tell by looking at the spark plug 8 , that the end part 60 has a greater height than the end part 60 of FIG 7 and 9 illustrated spark plugs.
  • the center electrode 3 protrudes in 8 the base center electrode 3a, resulting in a higher electrode structure or a higher structure of the end part 60 with the ground electrode carrier 6 carried by it.

Landscapes

  • Spark Plugs (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Zündkerze gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruches 1.The invention relates to a spark plug according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Eine derartige Zündkerze, die die Merkmale des Oberbegriffs des Patentanspruches 1 aufweist, ist bspw. aus der EP 1 265 329 A1 bekannt.Such a spark plug, which has the features of the preamble of claim 1, is, for example, from EP 1 265 329 A1 known.

WO 2009/059339 A1 beschreibt eine Zündkerze, bei der eine Massenelektrodenträgeranordnung von einer von dem Zündkerzengehäuse getragenen Vorkammer oder Wirbelkammer umgeben ist, wobei die Massenelektrodenträgeranordnung eine Wandung der Vorkammer oder Wirbelkammer getrennt voneinander und im Abstand zueinander an dem Zündkerzengehäuse aufgeschraubt sind. WO 2009/059339 A1 describes a spark plug in which a ground electrode support assembly is surrounded by a prechamber or swirl chamber carried by the spark plug shell, the ground electrode support assembly being bolted to the spark plug shell separately and spaced apart a wall of the prechamber or swirl chamber.

Ziel der Erfindung ist es, die Herstellung derartiger Zündkerzen zu vereinfachen, insbesondere in Hinblick darauf, dass kompliziert anzufertigende, komplexe Bauteile vermieden werden und die Zündkerze aus einfach herstellbaren Teilen aufgebaut ist. Dies ist insbesondere für die Massenproduktion von Wichtigkeit. Des Weiteren sollen die elektrischen Eigenschaften derartiger Zündkerzen zumindest denen vergleichbarer Zündkerzen entsprechen, wenn nicht diese Eigenschaften übertreffen. Entsprechend ist für eine optimale Stromleitung über die einzelnen Masseelektroden zu sorgen. Schließlich sollen die Zündeigenschaften, vorzugsweise durch Optimierung der Wärmeleitfähigkeit und der Wärmeabfuhr von den Zündflächen, verbessert werden, um bessere Standfestigkeiten zu erzielen.The aim of the invention is to simplify the production of spark plugs of this type, in particular with regard to the fact that complex components which are complicated to produce are avoided and the spark plug is constructed from parts which are easy to produce. This is particularly important for mass production. Furthermore, the electrical properties of such spark plugs should at least correspond to those of comparable spark plugs, if not exceed these properties. Accordingly, optimal current conduction via the individual ground electrodes must be ensured. Finally, the ignition properties should be improved, preferably by optimizing the thermal conductivity and the heat dissipation from the ignition surfaces, in order to achieve better stability.

Diese Ziele werden bei einer Zündkerze der eingangs genannten Art mit den im Kennzeichen des Anspruches 1 angeführten Merkmalen erreicht. Der Endteil verlängert das Zündkerzengehäuse und gestattet es, die Elektrodenanordnung kurz und kompakt zu gestalten. Die Wärmeableitung von den Elektroden die Stromverteilung, die Korrosionsbeständigkeit und die Zündzuverlässigkeit werden damit beträchtlich verbessert. Ein wesentlicher Grund hierfür liegt in der kürzeren Bauhöhe bzw. der Annäherung der Elektroden an den Isolationskörper. Von Vorteil ist es, wenn der Masseelektrodenträger senkrecht zur Längsachse der Zündkerze gesehen, von der Mittelelektrode einen geringeren Abstand besitzt als die Innenfläche der Wandung der Kammer und zumindest eine fingerförmige Masseelektrode mit einer Zündfläche trägt, die auf dem Höhenniveau der Zündfläche der Mittelelektrode in der Kammer liegt, oder wenn der Masseelektrodenträger senkrecht zur Längsachse der Zündkerze gesehen, von der Mittelelektrode einen größeren Abstand besitzt als die Außenfläche der Wandung der Kammer und zumindest eine fingerförmige Masseelektrode trägt, die sich durch eine Ausnehmung in der Wandung hindurch in die Kammer erstreckt, wobei die Zündfläche der Masseelektrode auf dem Höhenniveau der Zündfläche der Mittelelektrode in der Kammer liegt. Damit wird ein kompakter Elektrodenaufbau erreicht, der einfach herstellbar und am Endteil montierbar ist.These goals are achieved in a spark plug of the type mentioned with the features specified in the characterizing part of claim 1. The end portion lengthens the spark plug shell and allows the electrode assembly to be short and compact. The heat dissipation from the electrodes, the current distribution, the corrosion resistance and the ignition reliability are thus improved considerably. A major reason for this is the shorter overall height or the approach of the electrodes to the insulating body. It is advantageous if the ground electrode carrier, viewed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the spark plug, has a smaller distance from the center electrode than the inner surface of the wall of the chamber and carries at least one finger-shaped ground electrode with an ignition surface that is at the level of the ignition surface of the center electrode in the chamber or if the ground electrode support, viewed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the spark plug, is at a greater distance from the center electrode than the outer surface of the wall of the chamber and carries at least one finger-shaped ground electrode which extends through a recess in the wall into the chamber, the The firing surface of the ground electrode is level with the firing surface of the center electrode in the chamber. This achieves a compact electrode structure that is easy to produce and can be mounted on the end part.

Die Anordnung der Masseelektroden auf einem eigenen Träger gewährleistet eine gleichmäßige Stromleitung über die Masseelektroden. Da der Masseelektrodenträger im Abstand von der Wandung der Kammer angeordnet ist, stellen die Masseelektroden und der Masseelektrodenträger ein bezüglich Strom- und Wärmeleitung von der Wandung der Kammer unabhängiges System dar. Dies ermöglicht ein einfaches Nachstellen der Masseelektroden und es kann der einsatzbedingte Elektrodenabbrand leicht korrigiert werden. Aufgrund der Möglichkeit, den Masseelektrodenträger und die Masseelektroden eigenständig, insbesondere als einstückigen Bauteil, auszufertigen und auf den Endteil zu platzieren, ergeben sich beträchtliche herstellungsmäßige Vorteile. Weiters wird dadurch, dass die Masseelektroden mit dem Masseelektrodenträger als einstückiger Bauteil gefertigt werden können, und dass zwischen dem Masseelektrodenträger und der Wandung der Kammer ein Abstand besteht, eine verbesserte Wärmeableitung von den Zündelektroden zum Endteil und zum Zündkerzengehäuse erreicht. Die spezielle Form der Masseelektroden und ihre Anordnung ergeben weitere Vorteile in Hinblick auf eine verbesserte Zündleistung und Schirmung bzw. Durchströmung der Kammer, auch wenn die Höhe der am Endteil angeordneten Elektroden geringer als bei vergleichbaren herkömmlichen Zündkerzen ist.The arrangement of the ground electrodes on their own carrier ensures an even current conduction over the ground electrodes. Since the ground electrode carrier is arranged at a distance from the wall of the chamber, the ground electrodes and the ground electrode carrier represent a system that is independent of the wall of the chamber in terms of current and heat conduction. This enables simple adjustment of the ground electrodes and the electrode wear caused by use can be easily corrected . Due to the possibility of manufacturing the ground electrode carrier and the ground electrodes independently, in particular as a one-piece component, and placing them on the end part, there are considerable manufacturing advantages. Furthermore, because the ground electrodes can be manufactured as a one-piece component with the ground electrode carrier and because there is a clearance between the ground electrode carrier and the wall of the chamber, improved heat dissipation from the ignition electrodes to the end part and to the spark plug housing is achieved. The special shape of the ground electrodes and their arrangement result in further advantages with regard to improved ignition performance and shielding or flow through the chamber, even if the height of the electrodes arranged at the end part is lower than in comparable conventional spark plugs.

Eine besonders einfache Fertigung bei stabilem Aufbau der Zündkerze wird durch die spezielle Form des Masseelektrodenträgers erreicht. Der zylinderringförmigen Querschnitt aufweisende Masseelektrodenträger kann in einfacher Weise in einem umlaufend konstanten Abstand von der Außenfläche der Wandung der Kammer einjustiert werden, sodass sich definierte Verhältnisse bezüglich Verbrennung und Stromleitung ergeben. Des weiteren werden der Aufbau und die Montage der Zündkerze vereinfacht, da der zylinderringförmige Masseelektrodenträger und auch die einen zylinderringförmigen Querschnitt aufweisende Kammer in einfacher Weise auf den Endteil aufsetzbar und dort befestigbar sind. Diese vorteilhafte Befestigung wird erreicht, wenn der Masseelektrodenträger und die Wandung von dem am brennraumseitigen Endbereich des Zündkerzengehäuses angeordneten Endteil getragen sind. Der Masseelektrodenträger kann an seiner Innenwandfläche mit einem Gewinde ausgebildet werden oder auch eine glatte Fläche aufweisen; gleiches gilt für die Wandung der Kammer. Entweder werden der Masseelektrodenträger bzw. die Wandung der Kammer auf die jeweiligen vorragenden Endabsätze des Endteils aufgeschraubt und/oder durch Schweißen in ihrer Lage festgelegt oder diese Bauteile werden mit möglichst genauem Sitz auf den Endteil aufgeschoben und in ihrer gewünschten Lage, insbesondere durch Verschweißen, befestigt.A particularly simple production with a stable structure of the spark plug is achieved by the special shape of the ground electrode carrier. The ground electrode carrier, which has a cylindrical ring-shaped cross-section, can be adjusted in a simple manner at a circumferentially constant distance from the outer surface of the wall of the chamber, so that defined conditions with regard to combustion and current conduction result. Furthermore, the structure and assembly of the spark plug are simplified, since the cylindrical ground electrode carrier and also the chamber having a cylindrical annular cross section can be placed on the end part and fastened there in a simple manner. This advantageous attachment is achieved when the ground electrode carrier and the wall are carried by the end part arranged on the combustion chamber-side end area of the spark plug housing. The ground electrode support may be formed with a thread on its inner wall surface, or it may have a smooth surface; the same applies to the wall of the chamber. Either the ground electrode carrier or the wall of the chamber is screwed onto the respective protruding end shoulders of the end part and/or fixed in position by welding, or these components are pushed onto the end part with the most precise fit possible and are fastened in their desired position, in particular by welding .

Es kann vorgesehen sein, dass auf dem Endteil zwei konzentrisch liegende, zylindrische Endabsätze ausgebildet sind, von denen gegebenenfalls der innenliegende Endabsatz den außenliegenden Endabsatz in Richtung Brennraum überragt, wobei auf dem außenliegenden Endabsatz der Masseelektrodenträger mit den die Wandungen durchsetzenden Masseelektroden und auf dem innenliegenden Endabsatz die Wandung der Kammer jeweils aufgesetzt, aufgesteckt oder aufgeschraubt und/oder durch, gegebenenfalls punkt- oder nahtförmiges, Schweißen befestigt ist, oder wobei auf dem außenliegenden Endabsatz die Wandung der Kammer und auf dem innenliegenden Endabsatz der im Abstand von der Innenfläche der Wandung liegende Masseelektrodenträger jeweils aufgesetzt, aufgesteckt oder aufgeschraubt und/oder durch, gegebenenfalls punkt- oder nahtförmiges, Schweißen befestigt ist.It can be provided that two concentrically lying, cylindrical end shoulders are formed on the end part, of which optionally the inner end shoulder protrudes beyond the outer end shoulder in the direction of the combustion chamber, wherein on the outer End shoulder of the ground electrode carrier with the ground electrodes penetrating the walls and on the inner end shoulder the wall of the chamber is respectively attached, slipped on or screwed on and/or fastened by welding, if necessary spot or seam-shaped, or with the wall of the chamber and on the outer end shoulder on the inner end shoulder the ground electrode carrier lying at a distance from the inner surface of the wall is placed, plugged on or screwed on and/or fastened by welding, if necessary spot-shaped or seam-shaped.

In nicht beanspruchten Ausführungsformen kann vorgesehen sein, dass der Endteil mit der Wandung einstückig ausgebildet ist, wobei der Masseelektrodenträger auf den Endteil aufgesetzt, aufgesteckt oder aufgeschraubt und/oder durch, gegebenenfalls punkt- oder nahtförmiges, Schweißen befestigt ist oder dass der Endteil mit der dem Masseelektrodenträger einstückig ausgebildet ist, wobei die den Masseelektrodenträger mit Abstand umgebende Wandung auf den Endteil aufgesetzt, aufgesteckt oder aufgeschraubt und/oder durch, gegebenenfalls punkt- oder nahtförmiges, Schweißen befestigt ist.In non-claimed embodiments, it can be provided that the end part is formed in one piece with the wall, with the ground electrode carrier being placed, slipped on or screwed onto the end part and/or fastened by welding, possibly spot or seam-shaped, or that the end part is connected to the dem Ground electrode carrier is formed in one piece, with the wall surrounding the ground electrode carrier at a distance placed on the end part, plugged or screwed and / or by, optionally punctiform or seam-shaped, welding is attached.

Damit wird die Herstellung der Zündkerze vereinfacht und das Zündkerzengehäuse wird bei gleicher Zündkerzengesamtlänge verlängert. Es ergibt sich bei derselben Baulänge der Zündkerze eine bessere Wärmeableitung von der Masseelektrode und der Wandung in das Zündkerzengehäuse und das Risiko von Glühzündungen wird reduziert.This simplifies the production of the spark plug and the spark plug housing is lengthened with the same overall spark plug length. With the same overall length of the spark plug, there is better heat dissipation from the ground electrode and the wall into the spark plug housing and the risk of glow ignition is reduced.

Prinzipiell könnte der Masseelektrodenträger zusätzlich auch am brennraumseitigen Endbereich des Zündkerzengehäuses befestigt sein.In principle, the ground electrode carrier could also be attached to the end area of the spark plug housing on the combustion chamber side.

Herstellungsmäßig ergeben sich Vorteile, wenn der Masseelektrodenträger senkrecht zur Längsachse der Zündkerze gesehen, im Schnitt zumindest teilweise kreisringförmigen Querschnitt aufweist oder von einem Zylinderring gebildet ist und/oder die zumindest eine Masseelektrode und der Masseelektrodenträger einstückig ausgebildet oder durch Schweißen miteinander verbunden sind.In terms of production, there are advantages if the ground electrode carrier, viewed perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the spark plug, has an at least partially circular cross-section or is formed by a cylinder ring and/or the at least one ground electrode and the ground electrode carrier are formed in one piece or are connected to one another by welding.

Bezüglich der Wärmestandfestigkeit der Zündkerze ist es von Vorteil, wenn in der Wandung Durchtrittsausnehmungen für den Durchlass des Brenngases ausgebildet sind.With regard to the heat resistance of the spark plug, it is advantageous if through-holes for the passage of the combustion gas are formed in the wall.

Für die Funktion der Zündkerze ergeben sich Vorteile, wenn der Masseelektrodenträger eine, drei oder fünf Masseelektroden trägt und/oder wenn die Masseelektroden auf dem Masseelektrodenträger in gleichen Abständen zueinander um die Mittelelektrode verteilt angeordnet sind und/oder wenn jede der vom Masseelektrodeträger abgehende Masseelektrode zumindest in Teilbereichen ihrer Längserstreckung rechteckförmigen oder zylinderringabschnittförmigen Querschnitt besitzt und/oder wenn der Zündspalt zwischen sich parallel zur Längsachse erstreckenden, einander gegenüberliegenden Flächenbereiche der Masselelektrode und der Mittelelektrode ausgebildet ist.There are advantages for the function of the spark plug if the ground electrode carrier carries one, three or five ground electrodes and/or if the ground electrodes on the ground electrode carrier are distributed at equal distances from one another around the center electrode and/or if each of the ground electrodes extending from the ground electrode carrier has at least Sections of its longitudinal extent have a rectangular cross section or a section of a cylinder ring and/or if the ignition gap is formed between opposing surface areas of the ground electrode and the center electrode that extend parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Ein einfacher Aufbau ergibt sich, wenn auf den beiden konzentrisch liegenden Endabsätzen des Endteils jeweils ein Außengewinde und an der Innenwandfläche der Wandung und/oder an der Innenwandfläche des Masseelektrodenträgers jeweils ein an das jeweilige Außengewinde angepasstes Innengewinde ausgebildet ist und/oder wenn der Masseelektrodenträger und die zylinderringförmige Wandung unter Ausbildung des vorgegebenen Abstandes und gegebenenfalls eines Höhenversatzes zueinander konzentrisch angeordnet sind und/oder wenn die zylindrische Wandung und/oder der Masseelektrodenträger auf dem jeweiligen Endabsatz aufgesteckt und dort durch Schweißen befestigt ist.A simple structure results if an external thread is formed on each of the two concentric end shoulders of the end part and an internal thread adapted to the respective external thread is formed on the inner wall surface of the wall and/or on the inner wall surface of the ground electrode carrier and/or if the ground electrode carrier and the cylindrical ring-shaped wall forming the predetermined distance and optionally a height offset are arranged concentrically to each other and / or when the cylindrical wall and / or the ground electrode carrier is attached to the respective end step and fixed there by welding.

Für den Aufbau der Zündkerze, insbesondere in Hinblick auf die Strom- und Wärmeleitfähigkeit bzw. Wärmeableitung ist es von Vorteil, wenn in der Wandung eine Anzahl von parallel zur Richtung der Längsachse der Zündkerze verlaufende, vorzugsweise parallel verlaufenden, Schlitzen ausgebildet ist, durch die die Masseelektroden in das Innere der Kammer geführt sind, wobei sich die Schlitze gegebenenfalls von der brennraumseitigen Stirnfläche der Wandung bis auf den Niveaubereich der Stirnseite des Endteils erstrecken.For the construction of the spark plug, in particular with regard to the current and heat conductivity or heat dissipation, it is advantageous if a number of slots running parallel to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the spark plug, preferably running parallel, are formed in the wall, through which the Ground electrodes are guided into the interior of the chamber, the slots optionally extending from the combustion chamber-side end face of the wall to the level area of the end face of the end part.

Wenn sich die Masseelektroden außerhalb der Wandung befinden und durch die Längsschlitze in die von der Wandung umgrenzte Kammer ragen, haben die Masseelektroden eine abschirmende Wirkung und zwischen den Masseelektroden und den angrenzenden Schlitzflächen kann eine gewisse gewünschte Zirkulation des Gases aufrecht erhalten werden, die zur Kühlung der Elektroden beiträgt. Damit wird ein übermäßiger Hitzestau vermieden und Glühzündungen entgegengewirkt.If the ground electrodes are located outside the wall and protrude through the longitudinal slots into the chamber defined by the wall, the ground electrodes have a shielding effect and a certain desired circulation of the gas can be maintained between the ground electrodes and the adjacent slot surfaces, which is necessary for cooling the electrodes contributes. This avoids excessive heat accumulation and counteracts glow ignitions.

Bei der erfindungsgemäßen Zündkerze handelt es sich um eine spezielle Ausführungsform einer Schirmzündkerze.The spark plug according to the invention is a special embodiment of a shielded spark plug.

Von Vorteil für die Zündung und Wärmeableitung ist es, wenn von dem sich parallel zur und außerhalb der Wandung erstreckenden Abschnitt ein vorzugsweise radial durch den Schlitz ins Innere der Kammer geführter Zündflächenträger abgeht und/oder wenn vom Zündflächenträger ein vorzugsweise parallel zur Richtung der Längsachse der Zündkerze erstreckender, dem Umfangsverlauf der Wandung folgender und den Schlitz teilweise verschließender bzw. zumindest teilweise im Schlitzraum angeordneter Anschlussteil in Richtung Brennraum abgeht und gegebenenfalls dort in der selben Ebene mit der Stirnfläche der Wandung endet und/oder wenn der vom Masseelektrodenträger abgehende Abschnitt der Masseelektrode außerhalb des Umfangsbereiches der Wandung vor dem Schlitz gelegen ist. Durch diese Freistellung der Wandung kann die Wandung durch das zu verbrennende Gas besser gekühlt werden.It is advantageous for ignition and heat dissipation if an ignition surface carrier, which is preferably guided radially through the slot into the interior of the chamber, extends from the section extending parallel to and outside the wall and/or if the ignition surface carrier has a preferably parallel to the direction of the longitudinal axis of the spark plug extending connecting part, which follows the circumferential course of the wall and partially closes the slot or is at least partially arranged in the slot space, branches off in the direction of the combustion chamber and possibly ends there in the same plane as the end face of the wall and/or if the section of the ground electrode branching off from the ground electrode carrier is outside of the Peripheral area of the wall is located in front of the slot. This freeing of the wall allows the wall to be better cooled by the gas to be burned.

Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform ist vorgesehen, dass die Mittelelektrode eine Anzahl radial nach außen abgehender, vorzugsweise zentrisch symmetrisch ausgebildeter Elektroden aufweist, die in ihrem jeweiligen Endbereich eine Zündfläche aufweisen, der jeweils eine Zündfläche einer Masseelektrode gegenüberliegt. Eine vereinfachte Herstellung und exakte Zündleistung ergeben sich, wenn anschließend an das isolatorseitige Ende der Zündflächen der Mittelelektrode eine auf dieser umlaufende Ringnut ausgebildet ist.In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the center electrode has a number of radially outwardly extending, preferably centrically symmetrical electrodes, which have an ignition surface in their respective end region in each case one ignition surface faces a ground electrode. A simplified manufacture and precise ignition performance result if an annular groove running around the middle electrode is formed next to the insulator-side end of the ignition surfaces of the middle electrode.

Eine vorteilhafte Ausführungsform des Endteils sieht vor, dass der auf den Endbereich des Zündkerzengehäuses aufgesetzte Endteil rotationssymmetrisch, vorzugsweise zylinderringförmig, gestaltet und zentrisch zur Längsachse der Zündkerze angeordnet ist und das Zündkerzengehäuse in Form eines Zwischenstückes brennraumseitig verlängert und/oder dass der Endteil mit seinem brennraumseitigen Endbereich den Basisbereich der Mittelelektrode umgibt.An advantageous embodiment of the end part provides that the end part placed on the end area of the spark plug housing is rotationally symmetrical, preferably in the shape of a cylindrical ring, and is arranged centrally to the longitudinal axis of the spark plug and the spark plug housing is extended on the combustion chamber side in the form of an intermediate piece and/or that the end part with its end area on the combustion chamber side surrounds the base portion of the center electrode.

Ein konstruktiv einfacher und betriebssicherer Aufbau ergibt sich, wenn der Endteil mit dem Zündkerzengehäuse durch Schweißen und/oder Schrauben verbunden ist und/oder wenn der Endteil die Basis der Mittelelektrode und den Isolierkörper unter Ausbildung eines Abstandes umgibt.A constructively simple and operationally reliable structure results when the end part is connected to the spark plug housing by welding and/or screws and/or when the end part surrounds the base of the center electrode and the insulating body, forming a gap.

Ein konstruktiv einfacher und betriebssicherer Aufbau ergibt sich, wenn der Endteil mit dem Zündkerzengehäuse durch Schweißen und/oder Schrauben verbunden ist und/oder wenn der Endteil die Basis der Mittelelektrode und den Isolierkörper unter Ausbildung eines Abstandes umgibt.A constructively simple and operationally reliable structure results when the end part is connected to the spark plug housing by welding and/or screws and/or when the end part surrounds the base of the center electrode and the insulating body, forming a gap.

Fig. 1 zeigt einen schematischen Längsschnitt durch eine nicht beanspruchte Ausführungsform einer Zündkerze. Fig. 2a und 2b zeigt nicht beanspruchte Ausführungsformen einer Mittelelektrode. Fig. 3 zeigt eine perspektivische Ansicht einer nicht beanspruchten Zündkerze. Fig. 4a zeigt eine mögliche Ausführungsform einer nicht beanspruchten Zündkerze ohne Endteil. Fig. 4b zeigt eine Ausführungsform einer nicht beanspruchten Zündkerze mit einem aufgesetzten Endteil. Fig. 4c zeigt eine nicht beanspruchte Zündkerze mit einem aufgesetzten Endteil, der mit der Wandung der Kammer einstückig ausgeführt ist, wobei der Masseelektrodenträger an diesem Endteil angeschweißt ist. Fig. 5 und 6 zeigen Ausführungsformen von Zündkerzen, bei denen die Masseelektroden bzw. der Masseelektrodenträger innerhalb der Wandung auf einem Endteil gelegen sind bzw. mit dem Endteil einstückig verbunden sind, wobei lediglich in Fig. 5 eine erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform dargestellt ist. Fig. 7 bis 9 zeigen nicht beanspruchte Ausführungsformen von Zündkerzen mit einem auf das Zündkerzengehäuse aufgesetzten Endteil und mit einer Vorkammer umgebenen Elektroden. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal section through a non-claimed embodiment of a spark plug. Figures 2a and 2b shows unclaimed embodiments of a center electrode. 3 shows a perspective view of a spark plug not claimed. Figure 4a shows a possible embodiment of a non-claimed spark plug without an end part. Figure 4b shows an embodiment of a non-claimed spark plug with an attached end part. Figure 4c shows a spark plug, not claimed, with an attached end part which is made in one piece with the wall of the chamber, the ground electrode support being welded to this end part. Figures 5 and 6 show embodiments of spark plugs in which the ground electrodes or the ground electrode carrier are located within the wall on an end part or are integrally connected to the end part, with only in figure 5 an embodiment according to the invention is shown. Figures 7 to 9 show non-claimed embodiments of spark plugs with an end part placed on the spark plug housing and electrodes surrounded by a prechamber.

Im Folgenden wird die Erfindung anhand der Zeichnung beispielsweise näher erläutert.In the following, the invention is explained in more detail by way of example with reference to the drawing.

Fig. 1 zeigt eine Zündkerze für den Einsatz in einer Brennkraftmaschine, insbesondere für einen Otto-Gas-Motor. Von einem Isolationskörper 1 wird ein Zündkerzengehäuse 2 getragen, wobei von dem Isolationskörper 1 eine Basismittelelektrode 3a umschlossen ist bzw. abgeht. Auf dieser Basismittelelektrode 3a der Zündkerze ist die zumindest eine Zündfläche 12 besitzende Mittelelektrode aufgesetzt. Die Zündflächen 12 liegen auf austragenden Vorsprüngen der Mittelelektrode 3. 1 shows a spark plug for use in an internal combustion engine, in particular for an Otto gas engine. A spark plug housing 2 is carried by an insulating body 1 , with a base center electrode 3 a being enclosed or extending from the insulating body 1 . The center electrode having at least one ignition surface 12 is placed on this base center electrode 3a of the spark plug. The ignition surfaces 12 lie on projecting projections of the center electrode 3.

Zur Ausbildung zumindest eines Zündspaltes 13 ist zumindest eine von einem Masseelektrodenträger 6 getragene Masseelektrode 4 vorgesehen. Vorteilhafterweise werden die Massenelektroden 4 auf dem Masseelektrodenträger 6 in gleichen Abständen zueinander um die Mittelelektrode 3 verteilt angeordnet. Der Masseelektrodenträger 6 wird von einem auf das Zündkerzengehäuse 2 aufgesetzter Endteil 60 getragen bzw. ist auf diesem befestigt.At least one ground electrode 4 carried by a ground electrode carrier 6 is provided to form at least one ignition gap 13 . Advantageously, the ground electrodes 4 are distributed on the ground electrode carrier 6 at equal distances from one another around the center electrode 3 . The ground electrode support 6 is supported or fixed on an end portion 60 fitted onto the spark plug shell 2 .

Wie aus Fig. 1 ersichtlich ist, gehen die Masseelektroden 4 jeweils in Form eines Fingers mit einem Abschnitt 41 vom Masseelektrodenträger 6 ab und sind am Träger 6 befestigt, vorzugsweise angeschweißt. Die Masseelektrode 4 und der Träger 6 können gegebenenfalls als einstückiger Bauteil ausgeführt sein. Der brennraumseitige Endbereich bzw. die Zündfläche 26 der Masseelektrode 4 liegen auf einem Zündflächenträger 51 und erstrecken sich parallel zur Längsachse A der Zündkerze bzw. parallel zur zugewendeten Zündfläche 12 der Mittelelektrode 3. Der Zündspalt 13 ist zwischen den einander gegenüberliegenden Zündflächen 26, 12 der Masseelektrode 4 und der Mittelelektrode 3 ausgebildet. Diese Zündflächen 26, 12 können vorzugsweise mit Edelmetall oder Edelmetalllegierungen in Form von Bahnen oder Plättchen belegt sein.How out 1 As can be seen, the ground electrodes 4 each come in the form of a finger with a section 41 from the ground electrode carrier 6 and are attached to the carrier 6, preferably welded. The ground electrode 4 and the carrier 6 can optionally be designed as a one-piece component. The end area on the combustion chamber side or the ignition surface 26 of the ground electrode 4 lies on an ignition surface carrier 51 and extends parallel to the longitudinal axis A of the spark plug or parallel to the facing ignition surface 12 of the center electrode 3. The ignition gap 13 is between the opposite ignition surfaces 26, 12 of the ground electrode 4 and the center electrode 3 are formed. These ignition surfaces 26, 12 can preferably be covered with noble metal or noble metal alloys in the form of tracks or plates.

Zur Befestigung des Masseelektrodenträgers 6 am Endteil 60 ist vorgesehen, dass der Endteil 60 zwei konzentrisch liegende, zylindrische Endabsätze 17, 18 aufweist, von denen der innenliegende Endabsatz 17 den außenliegenden Endabsatz 18 in Richtung Brennraum überragt. Auf dem außenliegenden Endabsatz 18 ist der Masseelektrodenträger 6 und auf dem innenliegenden Endabsatz 17 ist eine eine brennraumseitig offenen Kammer 5 ausgebildete Wandung 8 aufgesetzt, aufgesteckt oder aufgeschraubt und/oder gegebenenfalls durch, insbesondere punkt- oder nahtförmiges, Schweißen befestigt. Die Innenabmessungen der Wandung 8 und des Masseelektrodenträgers 6 sind an die jeweiligen Außenabmessungen der Endabsätze 17, 18 angepasst. Die Wandung 8 bildet einen Schirm bzw. Schild bzw. eine offene Kammer und die erfindungsgemäße Zündkerze kann auch als Schirmzündkerze bezeichnet werden.To fasten the ground electrode carrier 6 to the end part 60, the end part 60 has two concentric, cylindrical end shoulders 17, 18, of which the inner end shoulder 17 projects beyond the outer end shoulder 18 in the direction of the combustion chamber. On the outer end shoulder 18 is the ground electrode carrier 6 and on the inner end shoulder 17 a wall 8 embodied in a chamber 5 that is open on the combustion chamber side is placed, slipped on or screwed on and/or fastened, if necessary, by welding, in particular at points or seams. The inner dimensions of the wall 8 and the ground electrode carrier 6 are adapted to the respective outer dimensions of the end sections 17, 18. The wall 8 forms a screen or shield or an open chamber and the spark plug according to the invention can also be referred to as a screen spark plug.

Der Masseelektrodenträger 6 und insbesondere auch der Abschnitt 41 jeder der vom Masseelektrodenträger 6 abgehenden Masseelektroden 4 sind im Abstand von der Außenfläche 7 der Wandung 8 Kammer 5, allenfalls gegenüber der Mittelelektrode 3 nach unten in Richtung auf das Zündkerzengehäuse 2 versetzt, angeordnet. Dieser Abstand ist vorgesehen, um einen definierten bzw. unbeeinflussten Stromfluss im Masseelektrodenträger 6 zu gewährleisten. Weiters wird durch den Abstand 21, wie bereits oben erwähnt, eine eigenständige bzw. definierte Wärmeableitung von den Masseelektroden 4 zum Zündkerzengehäuse 2 ermöglicht.The ground electrode carrier 6 and in particular also the section 41 of each of the ground electrodes 4 emanating from the ground electrode carrier 6 are arranged at a distance from the outer surface 7 of the wall 8 of the chamber 5, possibly offset downwards in relation to the center electrode 3 in the direction of the spark plug housing 2. This distance is provided in order to ensure a defined or unaffected flow of current in the ground electrode carrier 6 . Furthermore, as already mentioned above, the distance 21 enables independent or defined heat dissipation from the ground electrodes 4 to the spark plug housing 2 .

In Fig. 1 ist eine Zündkerze mit einer zylinderringförmigen Wandung 8 dargestellt, welche die Mittelelektrode 3 umfangsmäßig umgibt. Auch Abwandlungen der Form derartiger Wandungen bzw. Kammern können vorgesehen werden.In 1 a spark plug is shown with a cylindrical ring-shaped wall 8 which surrounds the center electrode 3 on the circumference. Modifications to the shape of such walls or chambers are also possible be provided.

Ein einfacher Aufbau und eine einfache Herstellung der Teile ergeben sich, wenn die Wandung 8 der brennraumseitig offenen Wirbelkammer 5 und der Masseelektrodenträger 6 zumindest abschnittsweise kreisringförmigen Querschnitt besitzen bzw. jeweils von einem Zylinderring gebildet sind.A simple construction and a simple production of the parts result when the wall 8 of the combustion chamber side open swirl chamber 5 and the ground electrode carrier 6 have at least partially annular cross-section or are each formed by a cylinder ring.

In der Wandung 8 können Durchtrittsausnehmungen 10 für den Durchlass des Gases ausgebildet sein.Through-holes 10 for the passage of the gas can be formed in the wall 8 .

Jede fingerförmige Masseelektrode 4 ist vorteilhafterweise vom Masseelektrodenträger 6 unter Ausbildung eines parallel zur Wandung 8 verlaufenden Abschnittes 41 auf die Mittelelektrode 3 hin in Form eines Zündflächenträgers 51 abgebogen und endet vor der Mittelelektrode 3. In der Wandung 8 sind dazu Schlitze 50 ausgebildet. Die Breite dieser Schlitze 50 entspricht im Wesentlichen der Breite des Abschnittes 41 bzw. übersteigt geringfügig diese Breite. Diese Schlitze 50 erstrecken sich im Wesentlichen über die gesamte Höhe der Wandung 8, das heißt sie gehen insbesondere von einem Bereich der Wandung 8 aus, der etwa auf dem Niveau der Stirnfläche des Endteils 60 liegt, und enden an der brennraumseitigen Stirnfläche der Wandung 8. Durch diesen Schlitz 50 erstreckt sich der abgebogene radial verlaufende Zündflächenträger 51 der Masseelektrode 4 in Richtung Mittelelektrode 3. An den sich von dem Abschnitt 41 radial durch den Schlitz 50 ins Innere der Kammer 5 erstreckenden Zündflächenträger 51 schließt ein sich parallel zur bzw. sich in Richtung der Längsachse A der Zündkerze erstreckender Anschlussteil 52 an. Der Anschlussteil 52 folgt dem Umfangsverlauf der Wandung 8 und verschließt in diesem Bereich zumindest teilweise den Schlitz 50 bzw. liegt vorzugsweise innerhalb des Schlitzes 50. Dieser Anschlussteil 52 geht vom Zündflächenträger 51 in Richtung auf den Brennraum ab und endet mit der Stirnfläche der Wandung 8 und trägt zur geregelten Gaszirkulation bei.Each finger-shaped ground electrode 4 is advantageously bent from the ground electrode carrier 6, forming a section 41 running parallel to the wall 8, towards the center electrode 3 in the form of an ignition surface carrier 51 and ends in front of the center electrode 3. Slots 50 are formed in the wall 8 for this purpose. The width of these slots 50 essentially corresponds to the width of section 41 or slightly exceeds this width. These slots 50 extend essentially over the entire height of the wall 8, i.e. they start in particular from an area of the wall 8 that is approximately at the level of the end face of the end part 60 and end at the end face of the wall 8 on the combustion chamber side. The bent, radially extending ignition surface carrier 51 of the ground electrode 4 extends through this slot 50 in the direction of the center electrode 3. The ignition surface carrier 51, which extends radially from the section 41 through the slot 50 into the interior of the chamber 5, is joined by a parallel to or in direction the longitudinal axis A of the spark plug extending connection part 52. The connecting part 52 follows the circumferential course of the wall 8 and in this area at least partially closes the slot 50 or is preferably located within the slot 50. This connecting part 52 extends from the ignition surface carrier 51 in the direction of the combustion chamber and ends with the end face of the wall 8 and contributes to the regulated gas circulation.

Wie aus Fig. 2 und 3 ersichtlich besitzt die Mittelelektrode 3 drei zentrisch symmetrisch angeordnete Zündflächen 12, denen jeweils eine Zündfläche 26 einer Masseelektrode 4 gegenüberliegt.How out 2 and 3 As can be seen, the center electrode 3 has three ignition surfaces 12 arranged centrally and symmetrically, each of which faces an ignition surface 26 of a ground electrode 4 .

Auf den radial nach außen weisenden Flächenbereichen 12 der Mittelelektrode 3 und/oder auf den der Mittelelektrode 3 zugewandten Flächen 26 der jeweils gegenüberliegenden Masseelektroden 4 können nebeneinanderliegende Bahnen 40 aus einer Edelmetalllegierung aufgebracht bzw. aufgeschmolzen sein. Anstatt direkt aufgebrachter bzw. aufgeschmolzener Edelmetalllegierungsbahnen 40 gemäß Fig. 2a kann die Edelmetalllegierung auch auf auskragende Bereiche 48 des zylindrischen Teiles der Mittelelektrode 3 in Form von Edelmetallplättchen 40' aufgebracht oder aufgeschweißt oder aufgeschmolzen sein, welche Bereiche 48 von angeschweißten oder einstückig angeformten Erhebungen gebildet sind. Auch auf den Masseelektroden 4 können derartige erhabene Bereiche 48 ausgebildet oder angebracht werden, auf die Edelmetalllegierung, gegebenenfalls in Form von Edelmetallplättchen, aufgebracht oder aufgeschweißt oder aufgeschmolzen ist. Auf der brennraumfernen Seite der Zündflächen 12 bzw. direkt unterhalb der Erhebungen 48 der Mittelelektrode 3 kann eine umlaufende Ringnut 61 ausgebildet sein. Diese Ringnut 61 stellt eine definierte Begrenzung der Zündflächen 12 dar und erleichtert das Anschweißen und Aufbringen von Edelmetallplättchen und/oder -bahnen 40, 40'.Adjacent tracks 40 made of a noble metal alloy can be applied or melted onto the radially outwardly pointing surface areas 12 of the center electrode 3 and/or onto the surfaces 26 of the respectively opposite ground electrodes 4 facing the center electrode 3 . Instead of directly applied or melted precious metal alloy tracks 40 according to FIG Figure 2a the noble metal alloy can also be applied or welded or melted onto protruding areas 48 of the cylindrical part of the central electrode 3 in the form of noble metal plates 40', which areas 48 are formed by elevations which are welded on or formed in one piece. Such raised areas 48 can also be formed or attached to the ground electrodes 4, onto which noble metal alloy, optionally in the form of noble metal plates, is applied or welded or melted. A circumferential annular groove 61 can be formed on the side of the ignition surfaces 12 that is remote from the combustion chamber or directly below the elevations 48 of the center electrode 3 . This annular groove 61 represents a defined delimitation of the ignition surfaces 12 and facilitates the welding and application of noble metal plates and/or strips 40, 40'.

Die Wandung 8 der Kammer 5 und/oder die Massenelektroden 4 und/oder der Masseelektrodenträger 6 sind aus Nickelbasislegierung und/oder Hochtemperaturedelstahl und/oder heißkorrosionsbeständigen, gut wärmeleitfähigen Metalllegierungen gefertigt; die Wandung 8 kann auch aus Messing gefertigt sein.The wall 8 of the chamber 5 and/or the ground electrodes 4 and/or the ground electrode carrier 6 are made of nickel-based alloy and/or high-temperature stainless steel and/or hot-corrosion-resistant metal alloys with good thermal conductivity; the wall 8 can also be made of brass.

Für die Herstellung und den Betrieb der Zündkerzen hat es sich als vorteilhaft erwiesen, wenn die Anzahl der Masseelektroden 4 ungerade ist bzw. dass die Masseelektroden 4 einander bezüglich der Mittelachse der Mittelelektrode 3 nicht gegenüberliegen. Damit wird das Aufbringen von Edelmetalllegierungen auf die vom Träger 6 abgehenden Masseelektroden 4 einfach möglich.For the manufacture and operation of the spark plugs, it has proven to be advantageous if the number of ground electrodes 4 is odd or that the ground electrodes 4 are not opposite one another with respect to the center axis of the center electrode 3 . This makes it easy to apply noble metal alloys to the ground electrodes 4 extending from the carrier 6 .

Der vorgesehene Schlitz 50 erleichtert erforderliche Wartungsarbeiten bzw. Nachjustierungen.The slot 50 provided facilitates the necessary maintenance work or readjustments.

Der Masseelektrodenträger 6 und die Wandung 8 der Kammer 5 sind elektrisch leitend mit dem Zündkerzengehäuse 2 verbunden. Die Mittelelektrode 3 ist mit der Basismittelelektrode 3a der Zündkerze vorzugsweise durch Verschweißen verbunden; die Basismittelelektrode 3a ist im Isolatorkörper 1 geführt und zum Zündkerzengehäuse 2 hin durch den Isolatorkörper 1 elektrisch isoliert.The ground electrode carrier 6 and the wall 8 of the chamber 5 are electrically conductively connected to the spark plug housing 2 . The center electrode 3 is connected to the base center electrode 3a of the spark plug preferably by welding; the base center electrode 3a is guided in the insulator body 1 and is electrically insulated from the spark plug housing 2 by the insulator body 1 .

Die Masseelektroden 4 sind derart ausgestaltet, dass der Abschnitt 41 sich im Wesentlichen gerade und ohne Abbiegung parallel zur Wandung 8 erstreckt und vorzugsweise über diese Längserstreckung gleichbleibende Querschnittsform besitzt. Der Übergang vom Masseelektrodenträger 6 zum Abschnitt 41 kann gerundet verlaufen.The ground electrodes 4 are designed in such a way that the section 41 extends parallel to the wall 8 essentially straight and without bending and preferably has a constant cross-sectional shape over this longitudinal extension. The transition from the ground electrode carrier 6 to the section 41 can be rounded.

In Fig. 4a ist eine bekannte Zündkerze dargestellt. Mit L ist die Länge des Zündkerzengehäuses 2 bezeichnet, wobei am brennraumseitigen Endbereich der Zündkerze 2 der Masseelektrodenträger 6 und die Wandung 8 auf entsprechenden Absätzen 17, 18 des Zündkerzengehäuses 2 montiert bzw. insbesondere durch Anschweißen befestigt sind. Bei der Zündkerze gemäß Fig. 4b ist auf den brennraumseitigen Endbereich des Zündkerzengehäuses 2 der Endteil 60 in Form eines Zwischenringes aufgesetzt, beispielsweise aufgesteckt oder aufgeschraubt und gegebenenfalls durch punktförmiges oder nahtförmiges Schweißen befestigt. Dieser Endteil 60 dient zur Verlängerung des Zündkerzengehäuses 2. Dieser Endteil 60 trägt einen Absatz 18, an dem der Masseelektrodenträger 6 befestigt und/oder verschweißt ist und trägt des Weiteren einen Absatz 17, der die Wandung 8 trägt. Es ergibt sich damit eine Länge L1 von Zündkerzengehäuse 2 und aufgesetztem Endteil 60, die größer ist als die Länge L. Damit werden die für die Zündung erforderlichen Teile, nämlich die Massenelektrode 4 und die Wandung 8 kürzer gestaltet und der Abstand B zwischen der Wandung 8 und dem Schaft bzw. Abschnitt 41 der Massenelektrode kann größer gestaltet werden. Damit werden die Wärmeableitung und die Zündsicherheit verbessert.In Figure 4a a known spark plug is shown. L denotes the length of the spark plug housing 2, with the ground electrode carrier 6 and the wall 8 being mounted on corresponding shoulders 17, 18 of the spark plug housing 2 or in particular fixed by welding on the end region of the spark plug 2 on the combustion chamber side. For the spark plug according to Figure 4b the end part 60 in the form of an intermediate ring is placed on the combustion chamber-side end region of the spark plug housing 2, for example slipped on or screwed on and optionally fastened by spot or seam welding. This end part 60 serves to extend the spark plug housing 2. This end part 60 carries a shoulder 18 to which the ground electrode carrier 6 is fastened and/or welded and also carries a shoulder 17 which carries the wall 8. This results in a length L1 of the spark plug housing 2 and the attached end part 60, which is greater than the length L. The parts required for ignition, namely the ground electrode 4 and the wall 8, are made shorter and the distance B between the wall 8 and the shaft or section 41 of the ground electrode can be made larger. This improves heat dissipation and ignition security.

Bei der Ausführungsform der Zündkerze gemäß Fig. 4c ist die Wandung 8 mit dem Endteil 60 einstückig ausgebildet, der am brennraumseitigen Endbereich des Zündkerzengehäuses 2 befestigt ist. Am Zündkerzengehäuse kann ein Absatz 64 ausgebildet sein, auf dem der Endteil 60 aufgesetzt, aufgeschraubt und gegebenenfalls durch naht- oder punktförmiges Schweißen befestigt ist. Auf dem Endteil 60 ist der Masseelektrodenträger 6 aufgesetzt, insbesondere angeschweißt. Der Masseelektrodenträger 6 kann auf einem Absatz 18 des Endteils 60 aufgesetzt und dort durch Schweißen festgelegt werden.In the embodiment of the spark plug according to Figure 4c the wall 8 is formed in one piece with the end part 60 which is fastened to the end region of the spark plug housing 2 on the combustion chamber side. A shoulder 64 can be formed on the spark plug housing, on which the end part 60 is placed, screwed and optionally fastened by seam or spot welding. The ground electrode carrier 6 is placed, in particular welded, on the end part 60 . The ground electrode carrier 6 can be placed on a shoulder 18 of the end part 60 and fixed there by welding.

Die dunklen Pfeile, die zur Längsachse A der Zündkerze gerichtet sind, stellen mögliche Schweißnähte oder Schweißpunkte dar, mit denen der Endteil 60 und/oder der Masseelektrodenträger 6 und/oder die Wandung 8 an den Sie jeweiligen tragenden Bauteilen angeschweißt sein können.The dark arrows directed to the longitudinal axis A of the spark plug represent possible weld seams or spot welds with which the end part 60 and/or the ground electrode carrier 6 and/or the wall 8 can be welded to the respective supporting components.

Die in den Fig. 5 und 6 dargestellte Zündkerze besitzt im Wesentlichen denselben Aufbau wie die in den übrigen Figuren dargestellten Zündkerzen, bis auf die Abänderung, dass die Masseelektroden 4 bzw. der Masseelektrodenträger 6 innerhalb der Wandung 8, und zwar im Abstand von der Innenwandfläche 19 der Wandung 8 in Richtung auf die Mittelelektrode 3 zu gelegen sind. Von dem Isolationskörper 1 wird ein Zündkerzengehäuse 2 getragen, wobei von dem Isolationskörper 1 eine Basismittelelektrode 3a abgeht, auf die die Mittelelektrode 3 aufgesetzt ist. Die um die Mittelelektrode 3 herum angeordneten Masseelektroden 4 werden von einem Masseelektrodenträger 6 getragen, der auf einem Endabsatz 17 des Endteils 60 aufgesetzt und gegebenenfalls durch Schweißen daran befestigt ist. Auf einem weiteren Absatz 18 ist die Wandung 8 aufgesetzt und gegebenenfalls durch Schweißen befestigt. Der Masseelektrodenträger 6 und die Masseelektroden 4 liegen im Abstand D entfernt von der Innenwandfläche 19 der Wandung 8. Damit folgt eine strommäßige und wärmeableitungsmäßige Trennung der Masseelektroden 4 von der Wandung 8 und die Wärme kann gut über den Endteil 60 abgeführt werden bzw. erfolgt über den Endteil 60 eine exakte und sichere Stromleitung.The in the Figures 5 and 6 The spark plug shown has essentially the same structure as the spark plugs shown in the other figures, with the exception that the ground electrodes 4 or the ground electrode carrier 6 are located within the wall 8, at a distance from the inner wall surface 19 of the wall 8 in the direction of the Center electrode 3 are located too. A spark plug housing 2 is carried by the insulating body 1, with a base center electrode 3a extending from the insulating body 1, on which the center electrode 3 is placed. The ground electrodes 4 arranged around the central electrode 3 are carried by a ground electrode carrier 6 which is fitted onto an end shoulder 17 of the end part 60 and optionally fixed thereto by welding. On a further shoulder 18, the wall 8 is placed and optionally fixed by welding. The ground electrode carrier 6 and the ground electrodes 4 are at a distance D from the inner wall surface 19 of the wall 8. This results in a current-related and heat dissipation-related separation of the ground electrodes 4 from the wall 8 and the heat can be easily dissipated via the end part 60 or takes place via the End part 60 an exact and safe power line.

Wie in Fig. 6 dargestellt, können die Masseelektroden 4 auch von einem Masseelektrodenträger 6 abgehen, der einstückig mit dem Endteil 60 ausgebildet ist. In diesem Fall wird die Wandung 8 auf den Endteil 60 auf den Absatz 18 aufgesetzt und allenfalls dort durch Schweißen festgelegt. Auch bei dieser Ausführungsform wird eine kürzer aufgebaute Elektrodenanordnung erreicht, womit die Wärme- und Stromleitung günstig beeinflusst wird. Auch in diesem Fall umgibt der Endteil 60 den brennraumseitigen Endbereich des Isolierkörpers 1 und/oder den brennraumfernen Basisteil der Elektrode 3. Durch die einstückige Ausbildung von Endteil 60 und Masseelektrodenträger 6 bzw. mit den Masseelektroden 4 ergibt sich eine vereinfachte Herstellung der Zündkerze, da auf den einstückigen, von Masseelektroden 4 und Endteil 60 gebildeten Bauteil lediglich die Wandung 8 aufgesetzt und gegebenenfalls angeschweißt werden muss.As in 6 shown, the ground electrodes 4 can also extend from a ground electrode carrier 6 which is formed in one piece with the end part 60 . In this case, the wall 8 is placed on the end part 60 on the paragraph 18 and possibly fixed there by welding. A shorter electrode arrangement is also achieved in this embodiment, which has a favorable effect on heat and current conduction. In this case too, the end part 60 surrounds the end region of the insulating body 1 on the combustion chamber side and/or the base part of the electrode 3 remote from the combustion chamber the one-piece component formed by the ground electrodes 4 and the end part 60 only has to be placed on the wall 8 and, if necessary, welded on.

Es ist auch möglich, andere Befestigungsarten für den Endteil 60 am Zündkerzengehäuse 2 bzw. für die Wandung 8 und/oder der Masseelektrodenträger am Endteil 60 und/oder am Zündkerzengehäuse 2 vorzusehen, z.B. Verpressen. Jedenfalls wird der Endteil 60 nicht auf den sich verjüngenden Isolatorkörper aufgesetzt werden. Die Teile sind aus Isolationsgründen unbedingt beabstandet. Der Endteil 60 umgibt den Endbereich des Isolationskörpers 1 mit Abstand.It is also possible to provide other types of fastening for the end part 60 on the spark plug housing 2 or for the wall 8 and/or the ground electrode carrier on the end part 60 and/or on the spark plug housing 2, e.g. pressing. In any case, the end portion 60 will not be seated on the tapered insulator body. The parts are necessarily spaced apart for insulation reasons. The end part 60 surrounds the end area of the insulating body 1 at a distance.

Unter einstückig wird vor allem verstanden, dass der bzw. die jeweilige(n) Bauteil(e) keine Schweiß- oder Lötverbindung besitzen und aus dem gleichen Material gebildet bzw. als ein einziger nicht zusammengesetzter Teil vorliegen bzw. aus demselben Bauteil ausgeformt sind.One-piece means above all that the respective component(s) have no welded or soldered connection and are formed from the same material or are present as a single non-assembled part or are formed from the same component.

Zündkerzen mit offenen Kammern 5 sind in den Fig. 1 bis 6 dargestellt, Zündkerzen mit Vorkammern 5' sind in den Fig. 7 bis 9 dargestellt. Die Anzahl der in den Kammern 5 und Vorkammern 5' ausgebildeten Durchtrittsöffnungen 10 und deren Form bzw. Lage ist wählbar bzw. wird durch die Anwendung der Zündkerze bestimmt.Spark plugs with open chambers 5 are in the Figures 1 to 6 shown, spark plugs with prechambers 5 'are in the Figures 7 to 9 shown. The number of passage openings 10 formed in the chambers 5 and antechambers 5' and their shape or position can be selected or is determined by the use of the spark plug.

In Fig. 7 ist eine Ausführungsform einer Zündkerze dargestellt, bei der der Masseelektrodenträger 6, so wie in Fig. 6, einstückig mit dem Endteil 60 ausgebildet ist. Die brennraumferne Endfläche des Endteils 60 ist auf einem Absatz 61 des Zündkerzengehäuses 2 aufgesetzt. Insbesondere kann dieser Bereich des Endteils 60, so wie in Fig. 8 mit 55 dargestellt, mit dem Zündkerzengehäuse 2 verschweißt werden. Das Zündkerzengehäuse 2 trägt an seinem Außenumfang ein Gewinde 51, mit dem es in einen Motorblock einschraubbar ist. Es ist vorgesehen, dass der Endteil 60 Ringform besitzt und mit der Innenfläche seines brennraumfernen Endbereiches und/oder mit seiner brennraumfernen Endfläche mit dem Zündkerzengehäuse 2 verbunden oder auf dieses, vorzugsweise auf einen Absatz 61, aufgesetzt ist. Des Weiteren kann vorgesehen sein, dass der brennraumferne Endbereich des Endteiles 60 einen brennraumnahen Endbereich 64 des Zündkerzengehäuses 2, gegebenenfalls unter Ausbildung eines Abstandes 56, von außen umgreift oder mit dessen Außenwandfläche verbunden ist. Zwischen dem Endbereich 56 des Zündkerzengehäuses 2 und dem brennraumfernen Endbereich des Endteils 60 kann der Ringspalt 56 ausgebildet sein.In 7 an embodiment of a spark plug is shown in which the ground electrode carrier 6, as in FIG 6 , is formed integrally with the end portion 60. The end surface of the end part 60 remote from the combustion chamber is placed on a shoulder 61 of the spark plug housing 2 . In particular, this area of the end part 60, as in 8 shown at 55, are welded to the spark plug shell 2. The spark plug housing 2 has a thread 51 on its outer circumference, with which it can be screwed into an engine block. It is provided that the end part 60 has an annular shape and is connected to the inner surface of its end region remote from the combustion chamber and/or with its end surface remote from the combustion chamber to the spark plug housing 2 or placed on it, preferably on a shoulder 61 . Furthermore, it can be provided that the end region of the end part 60 remote from the combustion chamber encompasses an end region 64 of the spark plug housing 2 near the combustion chamber, possibly forming a distance 56, from the outside or is connected to the outer wall surface thereof. The annular gap 56 can be formed between the end region 56 of the spark plug housing 2 and the end region of the end part 60 remote from the combustion chamber.

Der Isolierkörper 1, der die Basismittelelektrode 3a umgibt, welche die Elektrodenanordnung 3 bzw. die einzelnen Elektroden der Mittelelektrode 3 trägt, ist in das Zündkerzengehäuse 2 unter Verwendung einer Dichtung 52 eingesetzt.The insulator 1, which surrounds the base center electrode 3a, which carries the electrode assembly 3 or the individual electrodes of the center electrode 3 is in the spark plug shell 2 using a Seal 52 used.

Der Endteil 60 trägt mit einem Absatz 58 die Wandung 8 einer Vorkammer 5', welche die Elektroden, d.h. die Mittelelektrode 3 und die Masseelektroden 4 sowie die Masseelektrodenträger 6 überdacht. In der Vorkammer 5' sind entsprechende Durchtrittsöffnungen 10 ausgebildet.The end part 60 carries with a shoulder 58 the wall 8 of an antechamber 5', which covers the electrodes, i.e. the central electrode 3 and the ground electrodes 4 as well as the ground electrode supports 6. Corresponding passage openings 10 are formed in the antechamber 5'.

Zwischen den vom Endteil 60 abgehenden Masseelektroden 6 und der Innenfläche der Wandung 8 ist jeweils ein Spalt 53 ausgespart, sodass die Stromverteilung und Wärmeableitung definiert sind.A gap 53 is cut out between each of the ground electrodes 6 extending from the end part 60 and the inner surface of the wall 8, so that the current distribution and heat dissipation are defined.

Es ist des Weiteren vorgesehen, dass die Masseelektrodenträger 6 vom Endteil 60 in dem Bereich bzw. auf dem Niveau abgehen, in bzw. auf dem die brennraumferne Endfläche der Wandung 8 mit dem Endteil 60 verbunden ist bzw. der Absatz 58 liegt. Der Masseelektrodenträger 6 ist bei dieser Ausführungsform sehr kurz bzw. gedrungen gestaltet und die Elektroden 4 liegen nahe dem Endteil 60.Provision is also made for the ground electrode carrier 6 to extend from the end part 60 in the area or at the level in which or on which the end surface of the wall 8 remote from the combustion chamber is connected to the end part 60 or where the shoulder 58 lies. In this embodiment, the ground electrode carrier 6 is very short or squat and the electrodes 4 are close to the end part 60.

Die Mittelelektrode 3 ist derart ausgestaltet, dass das brennraumseitige Ende der Mittelelektrode 3 mit dem Ende der Mittelelektrode 3 die Basismittelelektrode 3a abschließt bzw. das brennraumseitige Ende der Basismittelelektrode 3a nicht überragt bzw. dass die von der Mittelelektrode 3 und/oder die von den Masseelektroden 6 getragenen Elektroden 4 und/oder Zündplättchen 24 das brennraumseitige Ende der Basismittelelektrode 3a brennraumseitig nicht überragen. Damit wird eine kurze, gedrungene Bauweise der Elektroden erreicht, womit die Wärmeübergänge und Stromverteilung vorteilhaft beeinflusst werden.The center electrode 3 is designed in such a way that the end of the center electrode 3 on the combustion chamber side closes off the base center electrode 3a with the end of the center electrode 3 or does not protrude beyond the end of the base center electrode 3a on the combustion chamber side or that the ends of the center electrode 3 and/or those of the ground electrodes 6 supported electrodes 4 and / or ignition pads 24 do not protrude beyond the combustion chamber end of the base center electrode 3a combustion chamber side. This achieves a short, squat construction of the electrodes, with which the heat transfer and current distribution are advantageously influenced.

Bei einer Ausführungsform einer Vorkammerzündkerze gemäß Fig. 8 sind vorteilhaft anzubringende Schweißnähte 55 dargestellt, mit denen das Zündkerzengehäuse 2 mit dem Endteil 60 bzw. der Endteil 60 mit der Wandung 8 der Vorkammer 5' verbunden werden können. Derartige Schweißnähte 55 können auch eingesetzt werden, um die Mittelelektrode 3 mit der Basismittelelektrode 3a zu verbinden.In one embodiment of a prechamber spark plug according to FIG 8 Weld seams 55 that are advantageously to be applied are shown, with which the spark plug housing 2 can be connected to the end part 60 or the end part 60 to the wall 8 of the antechamber 5'. Such weld seams 55 can also be used to connect the center electrode 3 to the base center electrode 3a.

Prinzipiell könnte der Spalt 53 auch weggelassen werden bzw. könnte die Innenfläche der Wandung 8 an der nach außen gerichteten Fläche des Masseelektrodenträgers 6 anliegen oder mit dieser verbunden werden. Die Ausbildung eines Spaltes 53 bringt jedoch definierte Wärme- und Stromverhältnisse.In principle, the gap 53 could also be omitted or the inner surface of the wall 8 could bear against the outwardly directed surface of the ground electrode carrier 6 or be connected to it. However, the formation of a gap 53 brings defined heat and current conditions.

In Fig. 9 ist eine Vorkammerzündkerze dargestellt, bei der die Kammer 5' eine andere Form besitzt als die Kammer 5' der Zündkerzen gemäß Fig. 7 und 8. Im Vergleich zu Fig. 8 ragt ferner die Elektrodenanordnung 3 brennraumseitig nicht über die Basiselektrode 3a hinaus, so wie dies bei der Zündkerze gemäß Fig. 8 der Fall ist. Man erkennt bei der Zündkerze nach Fig. 8, dass der Endteil 60 eine größere Höhe besitzt als der Endteil 60 der in Fig. 7 und 9 dargestellten Zündkerzen. Die Mittelelektrode 3 überragt in Fig. 8 die Basismittelelektrode 3a, sodass sich ein höherer Elektrodenaufbau bzw. ein höherer Aufbau des Endteils 60 mit dem von ihm getragenen Massenelektrodenträgern 6 ergibt.In 9 1 shows a prechamber spark plug in which the chamber 5' has a different shape than the chamber 5' of the spark plugs in FIG 7 and 8th . Compared to 8 Furthermore, the electrode arrangement 3 does not protrude beyond the base electrode 3a on the combustion chamber side, as is the case with the spark plug according to FIG 8 the case is. You can tell by looking at the spark plug 8 , that the end part 60 has a greater height than the end part 60 of FIG 7 and 9 illustrated spark plugs. The center electrode 3 protrudes in 8 the base center electrode 3a, resulting in a higher electrode structure or a higher structure of the end part 60 with the ground electrode carrier 6 carried by it.

Claims (11)

  1. Spark plug of an internal combustion engine, preferably for Otto gas engines, having a spark plug housing (2), which encompasses an insulating body (1), and also a centre electrode (3) and at least one ground electrode (4) which is supported by a ground electrode carrier (6), wherein the ignition surfaces (12) of the centre electrode (3) and the ignition surface (26) of the ground electrode (4) are encompassed by a wall (8) which forms a chamber (5) which is open on the combustion chamber side, characterized in
    that an end part (60) is seated on the combustion chamber-side end region of the spark plug housing (2),
    in that the ground electrode carrier (6) and the wall (8) are supported by this end part (60) and that the wall (8) is separated from the ground electrode carrier (6) at a distance by means of a surrounding gap (53).
  2. Spark plug according to Claim 1, characterized in that
    the ground electrode carrier (6), as seen perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (A) of the spark plug (2), has a smaller distance from the centre electrode (3) than the inner surface (19) of the wall (8) of the chamber (5) and supports at least one finger-like ground electrode (4) with an ignition surface (26) which lies preferably at the height level of the ignition surface (12) of the centre electrode (3) in the chamber (5).
  3. Spark plug according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that two concentrically disposed cylindrical end shoulders (17, 18) are formed on the end part (60), of which the inner end shoulder (17), if applicable, possibly projects beyond the outer end shoulder (18) in the direction of the combustion chamber,
    wherein the wall (8) of the chamber (5) is seated, pushed or screwed on the outer end shoulder (18) and/or fastened by means of spot welding or seam welding, as applicable, and the ground electrode carrier (6), which lies at a distance from the inner surface (19) of the wall (8), is seated, pushed or screwed on the inner end shoulder (17) and/or fastened by means of spot welding or seam welding, as applicable.
  4. Spark plug according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the ground electrode carrier (6) and/or the wall (8), as seen in section perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (A) of the spark plug, has, or have, an at least partially circular cross section or is, or are, formed by a cylindrical ring and/or that the at least one ground electrode (4) and the ground electrode carrier (6) are formed in one piece or are interconnected by means of welding and/or that through-openings (10) are formed in the wall (8) for passage of the combustible gas.
  5. Spark plug according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the ground electrode carrier (6) supports one, three or five ground electrodes (4) and/or in that the ground electrodes (4) are arranged on the ground electrode carrier (6) in a distributed manner around the centre electrode (3) at equal distances from each other and/or in that each of the ground electrodes (4) which project from the ground electrode carrier (6) has in one section (41) a rectangular cross section or cylindrical ring segment-like cross section, at least in sub-sections of its longitudinal extent and/or that the spark gap (13) is formed between surface regions of the ground electrode (4) and of the centre electrode (3) which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis (A), are disposed opposite one another, form the ignition surfaces (12, 26) and, if applicable, have a noble metal or noble metal alloy coating.
  6. Spark plug according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a male thread is formed in each case on the two concentrically disposed end shoulders (17, 18) of the end part (60) and a female thread, which is matched to the respective male thread, is formed in each case on the inner wall surface (19) of the wall (8) and an the inner wall surface (20) of the ground electrode carrier (6) and/or in that the ground electrode carrier (6) and the wall (8) are arranged concentrically to each other, forming a pre-specified radial gap (21) and possibly a height offset and/or in that the wall (8) and/or the ground electrode carrier (6) is pushed on the respective end shoulder (17, 18) and fastened there by means of welding.
  7. Spark plug according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a number of slots (50), which extend parallel to the direction of the longitudinal axis (A) of the spark plug, are formed in the wall (8), through which slots the ground electrodes (4) are guided into the interior of the chamber (5), wherein the slots (50), if applicable, extend from the combustion chamber-side end face of the wall (8) up to the level region of the end face of the end section (17) or up to the end face level of the end part (60).
  8. Spark plug according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the centre electrode (3) has a number of radially outwardly projecting, preferably centrally symmetrically formed, electrodes which in their respective end region have an ignition surface (12) which in each case lies opposite an ignition surface (26) of a ground electrode (4), wherein the ignition surfaces, if applicable, support welded on or fused on small noble metal plates or small noble metal alloy plates and/or that an encompassing annular groove (61), which adjoins the insulated end region of the ignition surfaces (12) of the centre electrode (3), is formed in said centre electrode (3).
  9. Spark plug according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the end part (60), which is seated on the end region of the spark plug housing (2), preferably encompassing this, is designed in the form of a cylindrical ring and is arranged centrally to the longitudinal axis (A) of the spark plug and extends the spark plug housing (2) on the combustion chamber side in form of an extension piece or intermediate piece and/or that the end part(60), by its combustion chamber-side end region, encompasses the base section of the centre electrode (3) which is remote from the combustion chamber, forming a gap and/or that the end part (60) is connected to the spark plug housing (2) by means of welding and/or screwing and/or that the end part (60) encompasses the base of the centre electrode (3) and/or the combustion chamber-side, preferably tapering, end region of the insulating body (1), forming a gap (63) and/or that the end part (60) has an annular shape and by the inner surface of its end region which is remote from the combustion chamber and/or by its end face which is remote from the combustion chamber, is connected to the spark plug housing (2) or is seated upon this, preferably upon a shoulder (61) and/or that the end region of the end part (60) which is remote from the combustion chamber externally encompasses an end region (64) of the spark plug housing (2) which is close to the combustion chamber, forming a gap (56), if applicable, or is connected to its outer wall surface and/or that the end face of the wall (8) which is remote from the combustion chamber is seated upon the end part (60), preferably upon the shoulder (58), and is connected to this, preferably by means of welding and/or in that the ground electrode carrier (6) projects from the end part (60) in the region of the height or a level at which the end face of the wall (8) which is remote from the combustion chamber is connected to the end part (60).
  10. Spark plug according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the wall (8) encompasses the ground electrode carrier (6) at a distance, forming a gap (53) and/or that the combustion chamber-side end of the centre electrode (3) terminates at the level of the end of the centre electrode base (3a) or does not project beyond the combustion chamber-side end of the centre electrode base (3a) and/or that the electrodes (4) and/or small ignition plates (24) which are supported by the centre electrode (3) and/or by the ground electrode carrier (6) do not project beyond the combustion chamber-side end of the centre electrode base (3a) an the combustion chamber side.
  11. Spark plug according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the outer wall of the spark plug housing (2) is thread-free or turned.
EP12717578.4A 2011-02-21 2012-02-20 Spark plug having an end part Active EP2678907B2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ATA230/2011A AT511157B1 (en) 2011-02-21 2011-02-21 SPARK PLUG
PCT/AT2012/000037 WO2012113002A1 (en) 2011-02-21 2012-02-20 Spark plug having an end part

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2678907A1 EP2678907A1 (en) 2014-01-01
EP2678907B1 EP2678907B1 (en) 2016-10-19
EP2678907B2 true EP2678907B2 (en) 2023-06-21

Family

ID=46021941

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP12717578.4A Active EP2678907B2 (en) 2011-02-21 2012-02-20 Spark plug having an end part

Country Status (8)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2678907B2 (en)
AT (1) AT511157B1 (en)
AU (1) AU2012220326A1 (en)
BR (1) BR112013021147B1 (en)
CA (1) CA2826807A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2611904T5 (en)
FI (1) FI2678907T4 (en)
WO (1) WO2012113002A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AT511157B1 (en) 2011-02-21 2014-01-15 Francesconi Christian SPARK PLUG
DE102013221963B4 (en) * 2013-10-29 2019-10-17 Dkt Verwaltungs-Gmbh prechamber
JP6057960B2 (en) * 2014-09-16 2017-01-11 日本特殊陶業株式会社 Spark plug and method of manufacturing spark plug
DE102014117714B4 (en) 2014-12-02 2016-06-09 Federal-Mogul Ignition Gmbh Spark plug for a gas-powered internal combustion engine
DE102017102128B4 (en) 2016-02-18 2019-01-24 Federal-Mogul Ignition Gmbh Spark plug for a gas-fueled internal combustion engine
US10641159B2 (en) 2016-09-23 2020-05-05 Caterpillar Inc. Pre-chamber assembly for fuel injector
US10273869B2 (en) 2016-10-14 2019-04-30 Caterpillar Inc. Prechamber ignition device for internal combustion engine, and method
DE102016120984B4 (en) 2016-11-03 2018-10-18 Federal-Mogul Ignition Gmbh Prechamber spark plug for a gas-fueled internal combustion engine and method for its production
DE102017107728A1 (en) 2017-04-10 2018-10-11 Federal-Mogul Ignition Gmbh Pre-chamber spark plug and method for its production
DE102020213737A1 (en) * 2020-11-02 2022-05-05 Robert Bosch Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung prechamber spark plug
AT524410A1 (en) * 2020-11-09 2022-05-15 Greenwood Power Gmbh Arrangement of a measuring device

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1542631A (en) † 1923-07-13 1925-06-16 Morrison Lewis Spark plug
FR1001923A (en) † 1946-07-02 1952-02-29 Improvement in spark plugs
US2702537A (en) † 1951-08-14 1955-02-22 Boeing Co Cool core hot cavity spark plug
JPS5669416A (en) † 1979-11-11 1981-06-10 Yariichi Hisada Unit consisting of accessory chamber and spark plug
EP1265329B1 (en) † 2001-06-05 2004-08-04 GE Jenbacher GmbH & Co. OHG Spark plug of an internal combustion engine
JP2006144648A (en) † 2004-11-18 2006-06-08 Nissan Motor Co Ltd Precombustion chamber spark ignition internal combustion engine
DE102008000163A1 (en) † 2007-01-29 2008-08-14 Denso Corp., Kariya Spark plug i.e. pre-chamber spark plug, for internal-combustion engine, has spark gap arranged with respect to longitudinal direction of metal casing centrically from front end of front section of metal casing
DE102010004851A1 (en) † 2009-12-18 2011-06-22 BorgWarner BERU Systems GmbH, 71636 Spark plug for a gas-powered internal combustion engine
WO2012091739A2 (en) † 2010-12-31 2012-07-05 Prometheus Applied Technologies, Llc Prechamber ignition system
WO2012113002A1 (en) † 2011-02-21 2012-08-30 Christian Francesconi Spark plug having an end part

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
RU2154002C1 (en) * 1999-10-14 2000-08-10 Архипов Владимир Алексеевич Propulsor using wave energy
AT506140B1 (en) * 2007-11-05 2009-11-15 Francesconi Christian SPARK PLUG

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1542631A (en) † 1923-07-13 1925-06-16 Morrison Lewis Spark plug
FR1001923A (en) † 1946-07-02 1952-02-29 Improvement in spark plugs
US2702537A (en) † 1951-08-14 1955-02-22 Boeing Co Cool core hot cavity spark plug
JPS5669416A (en) † 1979-11-11 1981-06-10 Yariichi Hisada Unit consisting of accessory chamber and spark plug
EP1265329B1 (en) † 2001-06-05 2004-08-04 GE Jenbacher GmbH & Co. OHG Spark plug of an internal combustion engine
JP2006144648A (en) † 2004-11-18 2006-06-08 Nissan Motor Co Ltd Precombustion chamber spark ignition internal combustion engine
DE102008000163A1 (en) † 2007-01-29 2008-08-14 Denso Corp., Kariya Spark plug i.e. pre-chamber spark plug, for internal-combustion engine, has spark gap arranged with respect to longitudinal direction of metal casing centrically from front end of front section of metal casing
DE102010004851A1 (en) † 2009-12-18 2011-06-22 BorgWarner BERU Systems GmbH, 71636 Spark plug for a gas-powered internal combustion engine
WO2012091739A2 (en) † 2010-12-31 2012-07-05 Prometheus Applied Technologies, Llc Prechamber ignition system
WO2012113002A1 (en) † 2011-02-21 2012-08-30 Christian Francesconi Spark plug having an end part

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2012113002A1 (en) 2012-08-30
EP2678907A1 (en) 2014-01-01
BR112013021147A2 (en) 2019-09-17
AU2012220326A1 (en) 2013-09-26
ES2611904T3 (en) 2017-05-11
AT511157A1 (en) 2012-09-15
AT511157B1 (en) 2014-01-15
EP2678907B1 (en) 2016-10-19
ES2611904T5 (en) 2023-12-12
BR112013021147B1 (en) 2021-11-03
CA2826807A1 (en) 2012-08-30
FI2678907T4 (en) 2023-09-12

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2678907B2 (en) Spark plug having an end part
AT510582B1 (en) SPARK PLUG
EP3123575B1 (en) Prechamer spark plug for igniting a fuel-air mixture in an internal combustion engine
EP0675272B1 (en) Prechamber ignition device
AT506140B1 (en) SPARK PLUG
DE102015114453B4 (en) Spark plug for an internal combustion engine and method of manufacturing a spark plug
DE102005036971B4 (en) Spark plug with high ignition capability
DE102010004851A1 (en) Spark plug for a gas-powered internal combustion engine
DE102006000070A1 (en) Spark plug with a shield for a ground electrode
DE102010045175A1 (en) Igniter for igniting a fuel-air mixture by means of an RF corona discharge and engine with such detonators
AT509313B1 (en) SPARK PLUG WITH HOLE TO ADJUST
DE3533124A1 (en) SPARK PLUG WITH GLIDING RANGE
DE102014117714B4 (en) Spark plug for a gas-powered internal combustion engine
DE102007050634A1 (en) spark plug
DE69820452T2 (en) SPARK PLUG
EP1881573B1 (en) Ignition device, in particular ignition plug for a combustion engine and method for positioning at least one ground electrode in the ignition device
WO2009059340A1 (en) Noble metal-coated spark plug
DE2734475A1 (en) SPARK PLUG
DE112016000670B4 (en) Spark plug for an internal combustion engine
EP1006630B1 (en) Combustion chamber for vehicle
DE102019101690B4 (en) spark plug
AT522986B1 (en) spark plug
DD276570A1 (en) LANGLEBENSDAUERZUENDKERZE
DE3935174A1 (en) Long-life sparking plug with radially asymmetric gaps - has earthed electrodes of rectangular section bent towards centre with angular deviation of up to 10 deg.
DE647734C (en) Shielded spark plug

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20130806

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20140228

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: FRANCESCONI TECHNOLOGIE GMBH

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: FRANCESCONI, CHRISTIAN

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: GE KAPFENBERG GMBH

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: GE JENBACHER GMBH & CO OG

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20160608

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 839069

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20161115

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502012008577

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: FP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 6

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161019

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161019

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170120

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170119

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161019

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2611904

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

Effective date: 20170511

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170219

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161019

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161019

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170220

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161019

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R026

Ref document number: 502012008577

Country of ref document: DE

PLBI Opposition filed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009260

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161019

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161019

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161019

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161019

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161019

26 Opposition filed

Opponent name: FEDERAL-MOGUL IGNITION GMBH

Effective date: 20170714

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170119

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161019

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161019

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PLAX Notice of opposition and request to file observation + time limit sent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS2

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20170220

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170228

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170228

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161019

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170220

PLBB Reply of patent proprietor to notice(s) of opposition received

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNOBS3

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 7

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170220

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170220

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MM01

Ref document number: 839069

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20170220

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170220

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161019

RAP2 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

Owner name: INNIO JENBACHER GMBH & CO OG

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20120220

APBM Appeal reference recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREFNO

APBP Date of receipt of notice of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA2O

APAH Appeal reference modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSCREFNO

APBM Appeal reference recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNREFNO

APBP Date of receipt of notice of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA2O

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20161019

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161019

APAW Appeal reference deleted

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSDREFNO

APBQ Date of receipt of statement of grounds of appeal recorded

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA3O

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161019

PLAB Opposition data, opponent's data or that of the opponent's representative modified

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009299OPPO

R26 Opposition filed (corrected)

Opponent name: FEDERAL-MOGUL IGNITION GMBH

Effective date: 20170714

PLBP Opposition withdrawn

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009264

APBU Appeal procedure closed

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNNOA9O

PUAH Patent maintained in amended form

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009272

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: PATENT MAINTAINED AS AMENDED

27A Patent maintained in amended form

Effective date: 20230621

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B2

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R102

Ref document number: 502012008577

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: FP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: DC2A

Ref document number: 2611904

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T5

Effective date: 20231212

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20240123

Year of fee payment: 13

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20240301

Year of fee payment: 13

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Payment date: 20240123

Year of fee payment: 13

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240123

Year of fee payment: 13

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Payment date: 20240129

Year of fee payment: 13

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20240123

Year of fee payment: 13

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20240123

Year of fee payment: 13

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20240123

Year of fee payment: 13