EP2845274B1 - Spark plug and a method for producing a spark plug - Google Patents

Spark plug and a method for producing a spark plug Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2845274B1
EP2845274B1 EP13713814.5A EP13713814A EP2845274B1 EP 2845274 B1 EP2845274 B1 EP 2845274B1 EP 13713814 A EP13713814 A EP 13713814A EP 2845274 B1 EP2845274 B1 EP 2845274B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
thread
sealing element
ignition plug
spark plug
combustion chamber
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EP13713814.5A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2845274A1 (en
Inventor
Thomas Buchberger
Bernd Mueller
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Robert Bosch GmbH
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Robert Bosch GmbH
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Publication date
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Publication of EP2845274A1 publication Critical patent/EP2845274A1/en
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T13/00—Sparking plugs
    • H01T13/02—Details
    • H01T13/08—Mounting, fixing or sealing of sparking plugs, e.g. in combustion chamber
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T21/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture or maintenance of spark gaps or sparking plugs
    • H01T21/02—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture or maintenance of spark gaps or sparking plugs of sparking plugs

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a spark plug and a spark plug.
  • spark plugs have a thread for screwing the spark plug in an internal combustion engine, in particular in the cylinder head on.
  • the manufacture of these spark plugs it is possible to position the thread or the thread start or the threaded end relative to the ground electrode.
  • the angular position of the ground electrode is defined in the combustion chamber.
  • a sealing washer is pushed over the finished thread on the spark plug housing. This sealing washer seals the spark plug against the cylinder head.
  • the gasket is usually caulked or crimped for a captive installation.
  • the thickness tolerance and the type of captive attachment of the sealing disc have a negative effect on the achievable positional orientation of the ground electrode.
  • the thickness of the sealing disc influences the angle of rotation up to the tight fit of the spark plug in the cylinder head, and thus also the angular position of the ground electrode in the combustion chamber.
  • a thread pitch of 1.25 mm causes a change in thickness of the sealing disc of 0.01 mm, a change in the rotation angle of about 3 °.
  • the EP 1 965 475 A1 discloses a manufacturing method of a spark plug as well as a spark plug according to the invention, which has a spark plug housing with a formed by forming thread and a sealing element, wherein the inner diameter of the sealing element is smaller than the nominal diameter of the thread.
  • the inventive method for producing a spark plug having the features of claim 1 enables the thickness tolerance of Sealing disk (in general: sealing element) no longer has to be taken into account in the positional orientation of the ground electrode.
  • Sealing disk in general: sealing element
  • the sealing element is mounted on the spark plug housing before the thread is made.
  • the position accuracy of the angular position of the ground electrode in the combustion chamber can be increased.
  • a captive attachment of the sealing element can be achieved by mounting the sealing element before forming the thread, without compressing or caulking the sealing element.
  • a sealing element is used whose inner diameter is smaller than the nominal diameter of the thread.
  • a method of manufacturing a spark plug comprising the following steps in a given order: (i) providing a spark plug housing with a cylindrical portion, (ii) fitting a sealing element onto the portion, and (iii) forming a thread the section by reshaping.
  • the inner diameter of the sealing element is chosen smaller than the nominal diameter of the thread.
  • the sealing element is a sealing washer.
  • the sealing disc is preferably not a molded sealing ring, but a massive sealing disc. In contrast to the molded sealing ring, the massive sealing disc has no cavities or undercuts in its cross section. Particularly in the case of the solid sealing disk, the method according to the invention for captive assembly is advantageously used.
  • an original diameter of the section before the formation of the thread is smaller than the diameter of the sealing element.
  • the portion adjacent to a combustion chamber facing end face of the spark plug housing is attached to the section before forming the thread up to this end face. Then, the thread is then formed on the section. As a result, the sealing element is fixed on one side by the end face and on the other side by the thread flanks and thus captive.
  • the combustion chamber facing side of the plugged sealing element is used as a reference point for the positioning of the thread.
  • a beginning or an end of the thread is positioned in a defined angular position to a ground electrode of the spark plug and with a defined distance to the combustion chamber facing side of the plugged sealing element.
  • the sealing element is now attached before the formation of the thread.
  • the combustion chamber facing side of the plugged sealing element serves as a reference point for the positioning of the thread, so that the thickness of the sealing element has no influence on the positional orientation of the thread or the ground electrode.
  • the thread is formed on the portion by cold forming.
  • a method for thread rolling is used here. Therefore, the portion on which the thread is formed may also be referred to as a rolling portion. Thread rolling is also referred to as thread rolling.
  • the production of the thread by a forming process results in that the nominal diameter of the thread is greater than the original diameter of the section.
  • the captive assembly of the sealing element is possible.
  • the sealing element is not mounted captive by further process steps. So there is no change in the inner diameter of the sealing element after plugging, for example by caulking.
  • the sealing element is not connected by cohesive connections, such as welding, with the housing. According to the invention it is sufficient that the inner diameter of the sealing element is smaller than the nominal diameter of the thread, so as to ensure a captive installation.
  • the invention further comprises a spark plug according to claim 7.
  • This spark plug comprises a spark plug housing having a combustion chamber facing end face and a thread for screwing the spark plug in an internal combustion engine. As described above, this thread is formed on the portion by a forming process. Furthermore, the spark plug includes a captive on the spark plug housing plugged sealing element between the thread and the end face. In this case, an inner diameter of the sealing element is smaller than a nominal diameter of the thread. Preferably, the inner diameter of the sealing element is fully formed the same extent, and thus not caulked. In addition, no cohesive connection between the sealing element and the spark plug housing is provided. The provided within the scope of the inventive advantageous embodiments and subclaims find correspondingly advantageous application to the spark plug according to the invention.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 show an embodiment of the spark plug 1 according to the invention, prepared by the method according to the invention.
  • the spark plug 1 comprises a spark plug housing 2.
  • this spark plug housing 2 is an insulator 3.
  • a center electrode 4 is accommodated. This center electrode 4 is on the combustion chamber side beyond the insulator.
  • a bent ground electrode 5 is fixed.
  • a connection 6 for a cable is provided on the combustion chamber side facing away from the spark plug 1 .
  • the spark plug housing 2 has a cylindrical portion 7. On this section 7, a thread 8 is formed.
  • the section 7 is also called “rolling section", since the thread 8 has been produced by a forming process, namely "thread rolling".
  • a shoulder 9 is formed on the spark plug housing 2. At the shoulder 9, a combustion chamber facing end surface 10 is defined. This end face 10 thus limits the section 7.
  • the sealing element 11 is, as the sectional view in FIG. 1 shows a massive gasket.
  • the sealing element 11 is preferably made of metal.
  • the spark plug 1 is screwed in a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine.
  • the sealing element 11 seals the spark plug housing 2 relative to the cylinder head.
  • the ground electrode 5 and the center electrode 4 are located in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. Between the center electrode 4 and the ground electrode 5, a spark gap is formed. A spark for igniting a gas in the combustion chamber is generated via this ignition gap.
  • the angular position of the ground electrode 5 within the combustion chamber is crucial for effective combustion.
  • the thread 8, in particular the beginning or the end of the thread 8 must be positioned exactly at the section 7. Since, according to the invention, the sealing element 11 is attached before the formation of the thread 8, a combustion chamber facing Side 16 of the sealing element 11 can be used as a reference point for the positioning of the thread 8.
  • a threaded recess can be provided in the region of the sealing seat.
  • the threaded recess is due to the production technology:
  • the combustion chamber facing end face 10 is produced by machining turning.
  • section 7 must also be machined at least slightly.
  • FIG. 2 shows a detail FIG. 1 , You can see a section of the sealing element 11 and the thread 8 in section.
  • the sealing element 11 has a consistently uniform inner diameter 12.
  • a nominal diameter 13 is defined. This nominal diameter 13 is the maximum outer diameter of the thread 8. For example, in the case of an M12 thread, the nominal diameter 13 is 12 mm.
  • a core diameter 15 is defined on the thread 8.
  • FIG. 2 also shows an original diameter 14 of the section 7. Before forming the thread 8, the section 7 had the original diameter 14. This original diameter 14 is smaller than the inner diameter 12 of the sealing element 11. Thus, before the formation of the thread 8, the sealing element 11 could without further be pushed over the section 7 to the plant on the end face 10. Only after the thread 8 was produced by thread rolling. In this forming process, the diameter increased in places up to the nominal diameter of 13. How FIG. 2 shows, the nominal diameter 13 of the thread 8 is greater than the inner diameter 12 of the sealing element 11, whereby the sealing element 11 is taken captive.
  • the diameters in FIG. 2 are perpendicular to the central axis 16 (s. Fig. 1 ) of the spark plug 1 defined.

Description

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Herstellen einer Zündkerze sowie eine Zündkerze.The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a spark plug and a spark plug.

Verschiedene vorbekannte Zündkerzen weisen ein Gewinde zum Einschrauben der Zündkerze in eine Brennkraftmaschine, insbesondere in den Zylinderkopf, auf. Bei der Herstellung dieser Zündkerzen ist es möglich, das Gewinde bzw. den Gewindeanfang oder das Gewindeende, relativ zur Masseelektrode zu positionieren. Dadurch wird die Winkellage der Masseelektrode im Brennraum definiert. Solch eine Lageorientierung der Masseelektrode kommt insbesondere bei modernen Brennkraftmaschinen mit Direkteinspritzung zum Einsatz. Des Weiteren wird über das fertige Gewinde hinweg eine Dichtscheibe auf das Zündkerzengehäuse aufgeschoben. Diese Dichtscheibe dichtet die Zündkerze gegenüber dem Zylinderkopf ab. Die Dichtscheibe wird für eine verliersichere Montage in der Regel verstemmt oder verpresst. Die Dickentoleranz sowie die Art der verliersicheren Befestigung der Dichtscheibe wirken sich auf die erzielbare Lageorientierung der Masseelektrode negativ aus. Die Dicke der Dichtscheibe beeinflusst nämlich den Drehwinkel bis zum Festsitz der Zündkerze im Zylinderkopf, und damit auch die Winkellage der Masseelektrode im Brennraum. Beispielsweise bei einer Gewindesteigung von 1,25 mm bewirkt eine Dickenänderung der Dichtscheibe von 0,01 mm eine Änderung des Drehwinkels von ca. 3°.Various previously known spark plugs have a thread for screwing the spark plug in an internal combustion engine, in particular in the cylinder head on. In the manufacture of these spark plugs, it is possible to position the thread or the thread start or the threaded end relative to the ground electrode. As a result, the angular position of the ground electrode is defined in the combustion chamber. Such a positional orientation of the ground electrode is used in particular in modern internal combustion engines with direct injection. Furthermore, a sealing washer is pushed over the finished thread on the spark plug housing. This sealing washer seals the spark plug against the cylinder head. The gasket is usually caulked or crimped for a captive installation. The thickness tolerance and the type of captive attachment of the sealing disc have a negative effect on the achievable positional orientation of the ground electrode. Namely, the thickness of the sealing disc influences the angle of rotation up to the tight fit of the spark plug in the cylinder head, and thus also the angular position of the ground electrode in the combustion chamber. For example, with a thread pitch of 1.25 mm causes a change in thickness of the sealing disc of 0.01 mm, a change in the rotation angle of about 3 °.

Die EP 1 965 475 A1 offenbart ein Herstellungsverfahren einer Zündkerze ebenso wie eine verfahrensgemäße Zündkerze, welche ein Zündkerzengehäuse mit einem durch Umformen ausgebildeten Gewinde und ein Dichtelement aufweist, wobei der Innendurchmesser des Dichtelements kleiner als der Nenndurchmesser des Gewindes ist.The EP 1 965 475 A1 discloses a manufacturing method of a spark plug as well as a spark plug according to the invention, which has a spark plug housing with a formed by forming thread and a sealing element, wherein the inner diameter of the sealing element is smaller than the nominal diameter of the thread.

Offenbarung der ErfindungDisclosure of the invention

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren zum Herstellen einer Zündkerze mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 ermöglicht es, dass die Dickentoleranz der Dichtscheibe (allgemein: Dichtelement) nicht mehr bei der Lageorientierung der Masseelektrode berücksichtigt werden muss. Erfindungsgemäß wird nämlich das Dichtelement auf das Zündkerzengehäuse montiert, bevor das Gewinde gefertigt wird. Dadurch kann die Positionsgenauigkeit der Winkellage der Masseelektrode im Brennraum erhöht werden. Gleichzeitig wurde erfindungsgemäß erkannt, dass durch eine Montage des Dichtelements vor dem Ausbilden des Gewindes eine verliersichere Befestigung des Dichtelements erreicht werden kann, ohne das Dichtelement zu verpressen oder zu verstemmen. Wird nämlich ein Gewinde durch einen Umformprozess, und nicht beispielsweise durch Gewindeschneiden, hergestellt, so ist der letztendlich erhaltene Nenndurchmesser des Gewindes größer als der ursprüngliche Außendurchmesser des Abschnittes, auf den das Gewinde aufgebracht wird. Erfindungsgemäß wird deshalb ein Dichtelement verwendet, dessen Innendurchmesser kleiner dem Nenndurchmesser des Gewindes ist. Dadurch ist eine verliersichere Montage des Dichtelements ohne einen weiteren Herstellungsschritt gegeben. All diese Vorteile werden erreicht durch ein Verfahren zum Herstellen einer Zündkerze, umfassend die folgenden Schritte in gegebener Reihenfolge: (i) Bereitstellen eines Zündkerzengehäuses mit einem zylindrischen Abschnitt, (ii) Aufstecken eines Dichtelements auf den Abschnitt, und (iii) Ausbilden eines Gewindes auf dem Abschnitt durch Umformen. Der Innendurchmesser des Dichtelementes ist dabei kleiner gewählt als der Nenndurchmesser des Gewindes.The inventive method for producing a spark plug having the features of claim 1 enables the thickness tolerance of Sealing disk (in general: sealing element) no longer has to be taken into account in the positional orientation of the ground electrode. According to the invention, namely, the sealing element is mounted on the spark plug housing before the thread is made. As a result, the position accuracy of the angular position of the ground electrode in the combustion chamber can be increased. At the same time it has been recognized according to the invention that a captive attachment of the sealing element can be achieved by mounting the sealing element before forming the thread, without compressing or caulking the sealing element. Namely, if a thread is produced by a forming process, and not, for example, by threading, the final nominal diameter of the thread obtained is greater than the original outside diameter of the section to which the thread is applied. According to the invention, therefore, a sealing element is used whose inner diameter is smaller than the nominal diameter of the thread. As a result, a captive assembly of the sealing element is given without a further manufacturing step. All of these advantages are achieved by a method of manufacturing a spark plug, comprising the following steps in a given order: (i) providing a spark plug housing with a cylindrical portion, (ii) fitting a sealing element onto the portion, and (iii) forming a thread the section by reshaping. The inner diameter of the sealing element is chosen smaller than the nominal diameter of the thread.

Die Unteransprüche zeigen bevorzugte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung.The dependent claims show preferred developments of the invention.

Besonders bevorzugt ist vorgesehen, dass das Dichtelement eine Dichtscheibe ist. Die Dichtscheibe ist vorzugsweise kein Formdichtring, sondern eine massive Dichtscheibe. Im Gegensatz zum Formdichtring weist die massive Dichtscheibe in ihrem Querschnitt keine Hohlräume oder Hinterschneidungen auf. Insbesondere bei der massiven Dichtscheibe kommt die erfindungsgemäße Methode zur verliersicheren Montage vorteilhaft zum Einsatz.It is particularly preferably provided that the sealing element is a sealing washer. The sealing disc is preferably not a molded sealing ring, but a massive sealing disc. In contrast to the molded sealing ring, the massive sealing disc has no cavities or undercuts in its cross section. Particularly in the case of the solid sealing disk, the method according to the invention for captive assembly is advantageously used.

Des Weiteren ist bevorzugt vorgesehen, dass ein ursprünglicher Durchmesser des Abschnitts vor dem Ausbilden des Gewindes kleiner ist als der Durchmesser des Dichtelements. Dadurch kann das Dichtelement über den Abschnitt problemlos aufgeschoben werden.Furthermore, it is preferably provided that an original diameter of the section before the formation of the thread is smaller than the diameter of the sealing element. As a result, the sealing element can be easily pushed over the section.

Vorteilhafterweise grenzt der Abschnitt an eine brennraumzugewandte Stirnfläche des Zündkerzengehäuses. Das Dichtelement wird vor dem Ausbilden des Gewindes bis zu dieser Stirnfläche auf den Abschnitt aufgesteckt. Daraufhin wird dann auf dem Abschnitt das Gewinde ausgebildet. Dadurch ist das Dichtelement auf der einen Seite durch die Stirnfläche und auf der anderen Seite durch die Gewindeflanken fixiert und somit verliersicher.Advantageously, the portion adjacent to a combustion chamber facing end face of the spark plug housing. The sealing element is attached to the section before forming the thread up to this end face. Then, the thread is then formed on the section. As a result, the sealing element is fixed on one side by the end face and on the other side by the thread flanks and thus captive.

Erfindungsgemäß ist vorgesehen, dass die brennraumzugewandte Seite des aufgesteckten Dichtelements als Referenzpunkt für die Positionierung des Gewindes genutzt wird. Ebenso wird ein Anfang oder ein Ende des Gewindes in einer definierten Winkelposition zu einer Masseelektrode der Zündkerze und mit einem definierten Abstand zur brennraumzugewandten Seite des aufgesteckten Dichtelementes positioniert. Im Stand der Technik bestand stets das Problem, dass die Winkelorientierung der Masseelektrode durch die Dickentoleranz der nachträglich aufgesteckten Dichtscheibe beeinflusst wurde. Erfindungsgemäß wird nun das Dichtelement vor dem Ausbilden des Gewindes aufgesteckt. Die brennraumzugewandte Seite des aufgesteckten Dichtelements dient als Referenzpunkt für die Positionierung des Gewindes, so dass die Dicke des Dichtelements keinen Einfluss mehr auf die Lageorientierung des Gewindes bzw. der Masseelektrode hat.
In bevorzugter Ausführung wird das Gewinde auf dem Abschnitt durch Kaltumformen ausgebildet. Insbesondere kommt hierbei ein Verfahren zum Gewinderollen zum Einsatz. Deshalb kann der Abschnitt auf dem das Gewinde ausgebildet wird auch als Rollabschnitt bezeichnet werden. Das Gewinderollen wird auch als Gewindewalzen bezeichnet. Die Herstellung des Gewindes durch einen Umformprozess führt dazu, dass der Nenndurchmesser des Gewindes größer ist als der ursprüngliche Durchmesser des Abschnittes. Dadurch ist die verliersichere Montage des Dichtelements möglich.
Des Weiteren ist bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren bevorzugt vorgesehen, dass das Dichtelement nicht durch weitere Verfahrensschritte verliersicher montiert wird. Es erfolgt also keine Veränderung des Innendurchmessers des Dichtelements nach dem Aufstecken, beispielsweise durch Verstemmen. Des Weiteren wird das Dichtelement auch nicht durch stoffschlüssige Verbindungen, wie beispielsweise Verschweißen, mit dem Gehäuse verbunden. Erfindungsgemäß reicht es aus, dass der Innendurchmesser des Dichtelements kleiner dem Nenndurchmesser des Gewindes ist, um so eine verliersichere Montage zu gewährleisten.According to the invention, it is provided that the combustion chamber facing side of the plugged sealing element is used as a reference point for the positioning of the thread. Likewise, a beginning or an end of the thread is positioned in a defined angular position to a ground electrode of the spark plug and with a defined distance to the combustion chamber facing side of the plugged sealing element. In the prior art, there has always been the problem that the angular orientation of the ground electrode was influenced by the thickness tolerance of the subsequently plugged sealing disc. According to the invention, the sealing element is now attached before the formation of the thread. The combustion chamber facing side of the plugged sealing element serves as a reference point for the positioning of the thread, so that the thickness of the sealing element has no influence on the positional orientation of the thread or the ground electrode.
In a preferred embodiment, the thread is formed on the portion by cold forming. In particular, a method for thread rolling is used here. Therefore, the portion on which the thread is formed may also be referred to as a rolling portion. Thread rolling is also referred to as thread rolling. The production of the thread by a forming process results in that the nominal diameter of the thread is greater than the original diameter of the section. As a result, the captive assembly of the sealing element is possible.
Furthermore, it is preferably provided in the method according to the invention that the sealing element is not mounted captive by further process steps. So there is no change in the inner diameter of the sealing element after plugging, for example by caulking. Furthermore, the sealing element is not connected by cohesive connections, such as welding, with the housing. According to the invention it is sufficient that the inner diameter of the sealing element is smaller than the nominal diameter of the thread, so as to ensure a captive installation.

Die Erfindung umfasst des Weiteren eine Zündkerze gemäß Anspruch 7. Diese Zündkerze umfasst ein Zündkerzengehäuse mit einer brennraumzugewandten Stirnfläche und einem Gewinde zum Einschrauben der Zündkerze in eine Brennkraftmaschine. Wie oben beschrieben, ist dieses Gewinde auf dem Abschnitt durch einen Umformprozess ausgebildet. Des Weiteren umfasst die Zündkerze ein verliersicher auf dem Zündkerzengehäuse aufgestecktes Dichtelement zwischen dem Gewinde und der Stirnfläche. Dabei ist ein Innendurchmesser des Dichtelements kleiner als ein Nenndurchmesser des Gewindes. Vorzugsweise ist der Innendurchmesser des Dichtelements voll umfänglich gleich ausgebildet, und somit nicht etwa verstemmt. Darüber hinaus ist auch keine stoffschlüssige Verbindung zwischen dem Dichtelement und dem Zündkerzengehäuse vorgesehen.
Die im Rahmen des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens vorgesehenen vorteilhaften Ausgestaltungen und Unteransprüche finden entsprechend vorteilhafte Anwendung auf die erfindungsgemäße Zündkerze.The invention further comprises a spark plug according to claim 7. This spark plug comprises a spark plug housing having a combustion chamber facing end face and a thread for screwing the spark plug in an internal combustion engine. As described above, this thread is formed on the portion by a forming process. Furthermore, the spark plug includes a captive on the spark plug housing plugged sealing element between the thread and the end face. In this case, an inner diameter of the sealing element is smaller than a nominal diameter of the thread. Preferably, the inner diameter of the sealing element is fully formed the same extent, and thus not caulked. In addition, no cohesive connection between the sealing element and the spark plug housing is provided.
The provided within the scope of the inventive advantageous embodiments and subclaims find correspondingly advantageous application to the spark plug according to the invention.

Kurze Beschreibung der ZeichnungShort description of the drawing

Nachfolgend wird ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung unter Bezugnahme auf die begleitende Zeichnung im Detail beschrieben. Dabei zeigen:

Figur 1
eine erfindungsgemäße Zündkerze gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel, und
Figur 2
ein Detail der erfindungsgemäßen Zündkerze gemäß dem
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Showing:
FIG. 1
a spark plug according to an embodiment of the invention, and
FIG. 2
a detail of the spark plug according to the invention according to the

Ausführungsform der ErfindungEmbodiment of the invention

Die Figuren 1 und 2 zeigen ein Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Zündkerze 1, hergestellt nach dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren.The FIGS. 1 and 2 show an embodiment of the spark plug 1 according to the invention, prepared by the method according to the invention.

Gemäß Figur 1 umfasst die Zündkerze 1 ein Zündkerzengehäuse 2. In diesem Zündkerzengehäuse 2 steckt ein Isolator 3. In dem Isolator 3 ist eine Mittelelektrode 4 aufgenommen. Diese Mittelelektrode 4 steht brennraumseitig über den Isolator hinaus. An dem Zündkerzengehäuse 2 ist eine gebogene Masseelektrode 5 befestigt. An der brennraumabgewandten Seite der Zündkerze 1 befindet sich ein Anschluss 6 für ein Kabel.According to FIG. 1 the spark plug 1 comprises a spark plug housing 2. In this spark plug housing 2 is an insulator 3. In the insulator 3, a center electrode 4 is accommodated. This center electrode 4 is on the combustion chamber side beyond the insulator. On the spark plug housing 2, a bent ground electrode 5 is fixed. On the combustion chamber side facing away from the spark plug 1 is a connection 6 for a cable.

Das Zündkerzengehäuse 2 weist einen zylindrischen Abschnitt 7 auf. Auf diesem Abschnitt 7 ist ein Gewinde 8 ausgebildet. Der Abschnitt 7 wird auch als "Rollabschnitt" bezeichnet, da das Gewinde 8 durch einen Umformprozess, nämlich "Gewinderollen", hergestellt wurde.The spark plug housing 2 has a cylindrical portion 7. On this section 7, a thread 8 is formed. The section 7 is also called "rolling section", since the thread 8 has been produced by a forming process, namely "thread rolling".

Auf der brennraumabgewandten Seite des Abschnittes 7 ist ein Absatz 9 am Zündkerzengehäuse 2 ausgebildet. An dem Absatz 9 ist eine brennraumzugewandte Stirnfläche 10 definiert. Diese Stirnfläche 10 begrenzt somit den Abschnitt 7.On the combustion chamber side facing away from the section 7, a shoulder 9 is formed on the spark plug housing 2. At the shoulder 9, a combustion chamber facing end surface 10 is defined. This end face 10 thus limits the section 7.

Noch vor dem Ausbilden des Gewindes 8 am Abschnitt 7 wurde ein Dichtelement 11 über den Abschnitt 7 bis zur Stirnfläche 10 aufgeschoben. Das Dichtelement 11 ist, wie die Schnittdarstellung in Figur 1 zeigt, eine massive Dichtscheibe. Das Dichtelement 11 besteht bevorzugt aus Metall.Even before the formation of the thread 8 at section 7, a sealing element 11 was pushed over the section 7 to the end face 10. The sealing element 11 is, as the sectional view in FIG. 1 shows a massive gasket. The sealing element 11 is preferably made of metal.

Mittels des Gewindes 8 wird die Zündkerze 1 in einem Zylinderkopf einer Brennkraftmaschine verschraubt. Das Dichtelement 11 dichtet dabei das Zündkerzengehäuse 2 gegenüber dem Zylinderkopf ab. Die Masseelektrode 5 und die Mittelelektrode 4 befinden sich im Brennraum der Brennkraftmaschine. Zwischen der Mittelelektrode 4 und der Masseelektrode 5 ist ein Zündspalt ausgebildet. Über diesen Zündspalt wird ein Funken zum Zünden eines Gases im Brennraum erzeugt. Bei modernen Brennkraftmaschinen, beispielsweise mit Direkteinspritzung, ist die Winkellage der Masseelektrode 5 innerhalb des Brennraumes entscheidend für eine effektive Verbrennung. Um eine exakte Winkellage der Masseelektrode 5 zu erreichen, muss das Gewinde 8, insbesondere der Anfang bzw. das Ende des Gewindes 8, exakt am Abschnitt 7 positioniert werden. Da erfindungsgemäß das Dichtelement 11 vor dem Ausbilden des Gewindes 8 aufgesteckt wird, kann eine brennraumzugewandte Seite 16 des Dichtelements 11 als Referenzpunkt für die Positionierung des Gewindes 8 genutzt werden.By means of the thread 8, the spark plug 1 is screwed in a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine. The sealing element 11 seals the spark plug housing 2 relative to the cylinder head. The ground electrode 5 and the center electrode 4 are located in the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine. Between the center electrode 4 and the ground electrode 5, a spark gap is formed. A spark for igniting a gas in the combustion chamber is generated via this ignition gap. In modern internal combustion engines, for example, with direct injection, the angular position of the ground electrode 5 within the combustion chamber is crucial for effective combustion. In order to achieve an exact angular position of the ground electrode 5, the thread 8, in particular the beginning or the end of the thread 8, must be positioned exactly at the section 7. Since, according to the invention, the sealing element 11 is attached before the formation of the thread 8, a combustion chamber facing Side 16 of the sealing element 11 can be used as a reference point for the positioning of the thread 8.

Zusätzlich kann im Bereich des Dichtsitzes ein Gewindeeinstich vorgesehen werden. Der Gewindeeinstich ist bedingt durch die Fertigungstechnik: Die brennraumzugewandte Stirnfläche 10 wird durch zerspanende Drehbearbeitung hergestellt. Hierbei muss aus Gründen der Fertigungstoleranzen auch der Abschnitt 7 zumindest etwas zerspant werden.In addition, a threaded recess can be provided in the region of the sealing seat. The threaded recess is due to the production technology: The combustion chamber facing end face 10 is produced by machining turning. For reasons of manufacturing tolerances, section 7 must also be machined at least slightly.

Figur 2 zeigt einen Detailausschnitt aus Figur 1. Zu sehen ist ein Ausschnitt des Dichtelements 11 und des Gewindes 8 im Schnitt. FIG. 2 shows a detail FIG. 1 , You can see a section of the sealing element 11 and the thread 8 in section.

Das Dichtelement 11 weist einen durchgehend einheitlichen Innendurchmesser 12 auf. Am Gewinde 8 wird ein Nenndurchmesser 13 definiert. Dieser Nenndurchmesser 13 ist der maximale Außendurchmesser des Gewindes 8. Beispielsweise bei einem M12-Gewinde beträgt der Nenndurchmesser 13 12mm. Des Weiteren wird am Gewinde 8 ein Kerndurchmesser 15 definiert. Figur 2 zeigt auch einen ursprünglichen Durchmesser 14 des Abschnittes 7. Vor dem Ausbilden des Gewindes 8 hatte der Abschnitt 7 den ursprünglichen Durchmesser 14. Dieser ursprüngliche Durchmesser 14 ist kleiner dem Innendurchmesser 12 des Dichtelements 11. Vor dem Ausbilden des Gewindes 8 konnte somit das Dichtelement 11 ohne weiteres über den Abschnitt 7 bis zur Anlage an der Stirnfläche 10 aufgeschoben werden. Erst im Anschluss wurde das Gewinde 8 durch Gewinderollen erzeugt. Bei diesem Umformprozess erhöhte sich stellenweise der Durchmesser bis auf den Nenndurchmesser 13. Wie Figur 2 zeigt, ist der Nenndurchmesser 13 des Gewindes 8 größer als der Innendurchmesser 12 des Dichtelements 11, wodurch das Dichtelement 11 verliersicher aufgenommen ist.The sealing element 11 has a consistently uniform inner diameter 12. At the thread 8, a nominal diameter 13 is defined. This nominal diameter 13 is the maximum outer diameter of the thread 8. For example, in the case of an M12 thread, the nominal diameter 13 is 12 mm. Furthermore, a core diameter 15 is defined on the thread 8. FIG. 2 also shows an original diameter 14 of the section 7. Before forming the thread 8, the section 7 had the original diameter 14. This original diameter 14 is smaller than the inner diameter 12 of the sealing element 11. Thus, before the formation of the thread 8, the sealing element 11 could without further be pushed over the section 7 to the plant on the end face 10. Only after the thread 8 was produced by thread rolling. In this forming process, the diameter increased in places up to the nominal diameter of 13. How FIG. 2 shows, the nominal diameter 13 of the thread 8 is greater than the inner diameter 12 of the sealing element 11, whereby the sealing element 11 is taken captive.

Die Durchmesser in Figur 2 sind senkrecht zur Mittelachse 16 (s. Fig. 1) der Zündkerze 1 definiert.The diameters in FIG. 2 are perpendicular to the central axis 16 (s. Fig. 1 ) of the spark plug 1 defined.

Claims (8)

  1. Method for producing an ignition plug (1), comprising the following steps in the stated sequence:
    - providing an ignition plug housing (2) having a cylindrical portion (7),
    - mounting a sealing element (11) onto the portion (7), and
    - forming a thread (8) on the portion (7) by deformation, wherein that side (16) of the mounted sealing element (11) which faces towards the combustion chamber is utilized as a reference point for the positioning of the thread (8),
    - wherein a start and an end of the thread (8) are positioned in a defined angular position with respect to a ground electrode (5) of the ignition plug (1) and with a defined spacing to that side (16) of the mounted sealing element (11) which faces toward the combustion chamber,
    - wherein an internal diameter (12) of the sealing element (11) is smaller than a nominal diameter (13) of the thread (8).
  2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the sealing element (11) is a sealing disk, preferably a solid sealing disk.
  3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an original diameter (14) of the portion (7) before the formation of the thread (8) is smaller than the internal diameter (12) of the sealing element (11).
  4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portion (7) adjoins an end surface (10), facing toward the combustion chamber, of the ignition plug housing (2), wherein the sealing element (11) is mounted onto the portion (7) as far as the end surface (10) before the formation of the thread (8).
  5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thread (8) is formed by cold working, preferably by thread rolling.
  6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the internal diameter (12) of the sealing element (11) is not changed after the mounting process, and in particular, the sealing element (11) is not caulked.
  7. Ignition plug (1) comprising
    - an ignition plug housing (2) with an end surface (10) facing toward the combustion chamber and with a thread (8) for the screwing of the ignition plug (1) into an internal combustion engine, and
    - a sealing element (11), which is mounted captively on the ignition plug housing (2), between the thread (8) and the end surface (10), wherein that side (16) of the mounted sealing element (11) which faces toward the combustion chamber is the reference point for the positioning of the thread (8), and a start or an end of the thread (8) is positioned in a defined angular position with respect to a ground electrode (5) of the ignition plug (1) and with a defined spacing to that side (16) of the mounted sealing element (11) which faces toward the combustion chamber,
    - wherein an internal diameter (12) of the sealing element (11) is smaller than a nominal diameter (13) of the thread (8).
  8. Ignition plug according to Claim 7, characterized in that the sealing element (11) is a sealing disk, preferably a solid sealing disk.
EP13713814.5A 2012-05-03 2013-03-22 Spark plug and a method for producing a spark plug Active EP2845274B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102012207319A DE102012207319A1 (en) 2012-05-03 2012-05-03 Spark plug and method of making a spark plug
PCT/EP2013/056047 WO2013164130A1 (en) 2012-05-03 2013-03-22 Spark plug and a method for producing a spark plug

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EP2845274A1 EP2845274A1 (en) 2015-03-11
EP2845274B1 true EP2845274B1 (en) 2018-10-17

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DE (1) DE102012207319A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2013164130A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (7)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9972978B2 (en) 2015-06-15 2018-05-15 Federal-Mogul Ignition Company Spark plug gasket and method of attaching the same
DE102015221394B4 (en) * 2015-11-02 2024-02-01 Robert Bosch Gmbh Spark plug with increased tightening torque and internal combustion engine
DE102017109844B4 (en) 2017-05-08 2019-08-14 Federal-Mogul Ignition Gmbh A method of manufacturing a spark plug assembly and spark plug assembly
DE102020209834A1 (en) * 2020-08-05 2022-02-10 Robert Bosch Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung batch of spark plugs
DE102020209858A1 (en) 2020-08-05 2022-02-10 Robert Bosch Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung Spark plug with sealing washer and sealing washer for a spark plug
DE102021207100A1 (en) 2021-07-06 2023-01-12 Robert Bosch Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung Sealing washer and spark plug with sealing washer
DE102022121764A1 (en) 2022-08-29 2024-02-29 Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft Method for mounting spark plugs on a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine and internal combustion engine

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2941105A (en) * 1952-08-02 1960-06-14 Avco Mfg Corp Gasket
JP2000215963A (en) * 1999-01-25 2000-08-04 Ngk Spark Plug Co Ltd Manufacturing equipment for spark plug and manufacture of spark plug
JP4296202B2 (en) * 2007-02-27 2009-07-15 日本特殊陶業株式会社 Spark plug manufacturing method and spark plug manufactured by the manufacturing method

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Title
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EP2845274A1 (en) 2015-03-11
WO2013164130A1 (en) 2013-11-07
DE102012207319A1 (en) 2013-11-07

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