EP3281263B1 - Spark plug - Google Patents

Spark plug Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3281263B1
EP3281263B1 EP17713153.9A EP17713153A EP3281263B1 EP 3281263 B1 EP3281263 B1 EP 3281263B1 EP 17713153 A EP17713153 A EP 17713153A EP 3281263 B1 EP3281263 B1 EP 3281263B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
spark plug
housing portion
insulator
rear housing
housing 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
EP17713153.9A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3281263A1 (en
EP3281263B8 (en
Inventor
Georg Maul
Steffen Kuhnert
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.)
DKT Verwaltungs GmbH
Original Assignee
DKT Verwaltungs GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by DKT Verwaltungs GmbH filed Critical DKT Verwaltungs GmbH
Publication of EP3281263A1 publication Critical patent/EP3281263A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3281263B1 publication Critical patent/EP3281263B1/en
Publication of EP3281263B8 publication Critical patent/EP3281263B8/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
    • H01T13/54—Sparking plugs having electrodes arranged in a partly-enclosed ignition chamber
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T13/00—Sparking plugs
    • H01T13/02—Details
    • H01T13/16—Means for dissipating heat
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T13/00—Sparking plugs
    • H01T13/20—Sparking plugs characterised by features of the electrodes or insulation
    • H01T13/32—Sparking plugs characterised by features of the electrodes or insulation characterised by features of the earthed electrode

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a spark plug, in particular a prechamber spark plug, with a housing, an ignition electrode and a ground electrode, wherein the ignition electrode can be subjected to an electrical voltage via a supply line and wherein the supply line runs at least partially within an insulator.
  • Spark plugs of the type in question have been known from practice for years. In an internal combustion engine, these serve to ignite the compressed fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber of the cylinder. A high-voltage spark ignites the compressed fuel-air mixture on the spark plug.
  • a spark plug comprising an ignition electrode and a ground electrode.
  • the spark plug has a housing which is formed from a housing head and a holder and which accommodates part of an insulator.
  • the insulator encloses a supply line which is used to apply electrical voltage to the ignition electrode.
  • the housing head is made of steel and connected to the holder made of a nickel-iron alloy via a welded seam.
  • the nickel-iron alloy has a coefficient of thermal expansion which is lower than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the insulator, so that the preload with which the insulator is arranged in the housing also increases with increasing temperature.
  • the problem with the known spark plug is that it heats up too much during operation, which has a negative effect on the areas relevant to the service life of the spark plug, such as the electrodes and any interference suppression resistor that may be present. In extreme cases, glow ignitions or knocking burns can occur in the area of the spark plug so that the function of the engine is severely impaired.
  • the present invention is therefore based on the object of designing and developing a spark plug of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that overheating of the spark plug is avoided with structurally simple means.
  • the above object is achieved by the features of claim 1.
  • the spark plug in question is characterized in that at least one discharge area of the housing is made from a material with a thermal conductivity of over 150 W / mK.
  • the underlying object can be achieved in an incredibly simple manner by arranging a discharge area on the housing.
  • the dissipation area serves to dissipate the heat of combustion entered into the spark plug to the environment.
  • the dissipation area is made of a material with a thermal conductivity of over 150 W / mK, so that a sufficiently high dissipation of heat is ensured and can advantageously connect directly to the ground electrode.
  • This simple design measure reliably prevents overheating of the spark plug, in particular of the areas relevant to the service life of the spark plug. This can significantly reduce the occurrence of glow ignitions or knocking burns in the area of the spark plug.
  • the discharge area has a thermal conductivity that is higher than the thermal conductivity of steel, which is the material known from the prior art for manufacturing the housing. Contrary to a prejudice of experts, it has been shown that materials with a higher thermal conductivity are suitable for the production of at least one area of the housing of a spark plug despite the higher coefficient of thermal expansion usually associated therewith.
  • the specified thermal conductivity relates in particular to the temperature range relevant for a spark plug.
  • the thermal conductivity is specified in the units of watts per meter and Kelvin.
  • the discharge area can advantageously have a thermal conductivity of over 200 W / mK. With such a high thermal conductivity, overheating of the spark plug is almost impossible, so that the problems caused by overheating are effectively avoided.
  • the discharge area can be made of copper, a copper alloy or a copper-based alloy comprising proportions of nickel and / or beryllium.
  • the housing can advantageously be designed in one piece. As a result, a particularly simple construction of the spark plug is realized, so that it is inexpensive to manufacture.
  • the entire housing can be designed as a discharge area.
  • the housing has a front housing part and a rear housing part, and is thus constructed in two parts.
  • the front housing part can advantageously be connected to the rear housing part via a weld seam.
  • the weld seam can be produced, for example, via tungsten inert gas welding (TIG), plasma welding, electron welding or laser welding.
  • the dissipation area can be implemented by the front housing part, which is thus made entirely of a material with a thermal conductivity of over 150 W / mK. This further improves the dissipation of process heat and simplifies the design of the spark plug.
  • the front housing part is particularly suitable for one of the above welding processes due to its high thermal conductivity.
  • the discharge area can be formed by the rear housing part.
  • the rear housing part can have a coefficient of thermal expansion that is less than or equal to is equal to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the insulator.
  • the rear housing part can consist of a nickel-iron alloy, for example Ni Co 29/18 with a coefficient of thermal expansion ⁇ of 5 • 10 -6 1 / K to 8 • 10 -6 1 / K), the insulator from a Ceramic, in particular aluminum oxide (coefficient of thermal expansion ⁇ of approx. 8.5 • 10 -6 1 / K) or aluminum nitride can be produced.
  • the outside of the housing can advantageously be conical at least in some areas and / or have a thread. In a particularly advantageous manner, this can be a correspondingly designed front housing part. This ensures a secure connection and seal between the spark plug and cylinder.
  • a particularly secure connection between the housing and the insulator can be implemented in that the housing engages behind the insulator and holds it in the housing under prestress, preferably pressing it against a sealing ring, in particular made of copper.
  • the rear housing part can engage behind the insulator and hold it in the housing under prestress.
  • a special combinatorial effect can be achieved in that the front housing part is designed as a discharge area and is connected to the rear housing part via a weld, the rear housing part having a coefficient of thermal expansion that is less than or equal to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the insulation body.
  • the heat from the spark plug can be dissipated through the front housing part, the rear housing part, due to its low coefficient of thermal expansion, holding the insulator in the housing with a higher preload the higher the temperature rises. This compensates for a higher coefficient of thermal expansion of the front housing part, which has a high thermal conductivity, and the cylinder is reliably closed by the spark plug.
  • the single figure shows an embodiment of a spark plug according to the invention. This is a prechamber spark plug, it being expressly pointed out that the device according to the invention can be designed as any type of spark plug.
  • the spark plug comprises a cap 2 which serves as a ground electrode 1 and which is made of nickel or a nickel alloy, for example.
  • An ignition electrode 4 is arranged within the antechamber 3 formed by the cap 2.
  • the cap 2 is connected to the housing 6 via a weld 5.
  • the housing 6 is formed by a front housing part 7 and a rear housing part 8.
  • the front housing part 7 directly adjoins the ground electrode 1 and serves as a dissipation area 9, namely to dissipate the combustion heat introduced into the spark plug.
  • the discharge area 9, i.e. the front housing part 7, is made of a material with a high thermal conductivity of more than 150 W / mK or more than 200 W / mK.
  • the discharge area can be made of copper or a copper-based alloy with small proportions of nickel and / or beryllium.
  • a thread 10 is formed on the front housing part 7, by means of which the spark plug can be screwed into the cylinder.
  • the front housing part 7 are at least partially conical in order to achieve a clamping with the cylinder.
  • the ignition electrode 4 is implemented in the form of two strips, each with ends curved in an arc.
  • the strips each have two ends that act as ignition surfaces. It is conceivable that the strips consist of an iridium alloy or a platinum alloy.
  • a supply line (not shown) which runs within the insulator 11.
  • the insulator 11 consists for example of a ceramic, in particular aluminum oxide (coefficient of thermal expansion ⁇ of approx. 8.5 ⁇ 10 -6 1 / K) or aluminum nitride.
  • the single figure also shows that the front housing part 7 is connected to the rear housing part 8 via a weld 12.
  • the rear housing part 8 engages behind a projection 13 of the insulator 11, so that the insulator 11 is held within the housing 6 with prestress.
  • the rear housing part 8 is made of a material which - at least in the temperature range relevant for a spark plug - has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the material of the insulator 11.
  • a nickel-iron alloy Ni Co 29/18 with a coefficient of thermal expansion ⁇ of 5 • 10 -6 1 / K to 8 • 10 -6 1 / K).
  • a sealing ring 14 is arranged, which is made of copper, for example.
  • the rear housing part 8 has an engagement point 15, for example a hexagon, for a handling means, so that the spark plug can be screwed into the ignition chamber with a corresponding tool.

Landscapes

  • Spark Plugs (AREA)

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Zündkerze, insbesondere Vorkammerzündkerze, mit einem Gehäuse, einer Zündelektrode und einer Masseelektrode, wobei die Zündelektrode über eine Versorgungsleitung mit einer elektrischen Spannung beaufschlagbar ist und wobei die Versorgungsleitung zumindest teilweise innerhalb eines Isolators verläuft.The present invention relates to a spark plug, in particular a prechamber spark plug, with a housing, an ignition electrode and a ground electrode, wherein the ignition electrode can be subjected to an electrical voltage via a supply line and wherein the supply line runs at least partially within an insulator.

Zündkerzen der in Rede stehenden Art sind seit Jahren aus der Praxis bekannt. Diese dienen bei einem Verbrennungsmotor der Entflammung des verdichteten Kraftstoff-Luft-Gemisches im Brennraum des Zylinders. Dabei zündet ein Hochspannungsfunken an der Zündkerze das verdichtete Kraftstoff-Luft-Gemisch.Spark plugs of the type in question have been known from practice for years. In an internal combustion engine, these serve to ignite the compressed fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber of the cylinder. A high-voltage spark ignites the compressed fuel-air mixture on the spark plug.

Beispielsweise ist aus der WO 2008/031482 A1 eine Zündkerze umfassend eine Zündelektrode und eine Masseelektrode beschrieben. Die Zündkerze weißt ein aus einem Gehäusekopf und einer Halterung ausgebildetes Gehäuse auf, das einen Teil eines Isolators in sich aufnimmt. Der Isolator umschließt eine Versorgungsleitung, welche zur Beaufschlagung der Zündelektrode mit elektrischer Spannung dient. Der Gehäusekopf ist aus Stahl hergestellt und mit der aus einer Nickel-Eisen-Legierung bestehenden Halterung über eine Schweißnaht verbunden. Die Nickel-Eisen-Legierung weißt einen Wärmeausdehnungskoeffizienten auf, der geringer ist als der Wärmeausdehnungskoeffizient des Isolators, so dass die Vorspannung, mit welcher der Isolator in dem Gehäuse angeordnet ist, mit steigender Temperatur ebenfalls ansteigt.For example, from the WO 2008/031482 A1 describes a spark plug comprising an ignition electrode and a ground electrode. The spark plug has a housing which is formed from a housing head and a holder and which accommodates part of an insulator. The insulator encloses a supply line which is used to apply electrical voltage to the ignition electrode. The housing head is made of steel and connected to the holder made of a nickel-iron alloy via a welded seam. The nickel-iron alloy has a coefficient of thermal expansion which is lower than the coefficient of thermal expansion of the insulator, so that the preload with which the insulator is arranged in the housing also increases with increasing temperature.

Bei der bekannten Zündkerze ist problematisch, dass sich diese im Betrieb zu stark aufheizt, was sich negativ auf die für die Lebensdauer der Zündkerze relevanten Bereiche, wie zum Beispiel die Elektroden und einen ggf. vorhandenen Entstörwiderstand auswirkt. Im Extremfall kann es zu Glühzündungen oder klopfenden Verbrennungen im Bereich der Zündkerze kommen, so dass die Funktion des Motors stark beeinträchtigt ist.The problem with the known spark plug is that it heats up too much during operation, which has a negative effect on the areas relevant to the service life of the spark plug, such as the electrodes and any interference suppression resistor that may be present. In extreme cases, glow ignitions or knocking burns can occur in the area of the spark plug so that the function of the engine is severely impaired.

Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Zündkerze der eingangs genannten Art derart auszugestalten und weiterzubilden, dass mit konstruktiv einfachen Mitteln eine Überhitzung der Zündkerze vermieden wird.The present invention is therefore based on the object of designing and developing a spark plug of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that overheating of the spark plug is avoided with structurally simple means.

Erfindungsgemäß wird die voranstehende Aufgabe durch die Merkmale des Anspruchs 1 gelöst. Danach ist die in Rede stehende Zündkerze dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zumindest ein Ableitungsbereich des Gehäuses aus einem Material mit einer Wärmeleitfähigkeit von über 150 W/mK hergestellt ist.According to the invention, the above object is achieved by the features of claim 1. According to this, the spark plug in question is characterized in that at least one discharge area of the housing is made from a material with a thermal conductivity of over 150 W / mK.

In erfindungsgemäßer Weise ist erkannt worden, dass die zugrundeliegende Aufgabe durch die Anordnung eines Ableitungsbereichs an dem Gehäuse in verblüffend einfacher Weise gelöst werden kann. Der Ableitungsbereich dient dabei zur Ableitung der in die Zündkerze eingetragenen Verbrennungswärme an die Umgebung. Der Ableitungsbereich ist aus einem Material mit einer Wärmeleitfähigkeit von über 150 W/mK hergestellt, so dass eine ausreichend hohe Wärmeableitung gewährleistet ist und kann sich in vorteilhafter Weise unmittelbar an die Masseelektrode anschließen. Durch diese einfache konstruktive Maßnahme wird eine Überhitzung der Zündkerze, insbesondere der für die Lebensdauer der Zündkerze relevanten Bereiche, zuverlässig verhindert. Dadurch kann das Auftreten von Glühzündungen oder klopfenden Verbrennungen im Bereich der Zündkerze erheblich reduziert werden. Wesentlich für die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung ist, dass der Ableitungsbereich eine Wärmeleitfähigkeit aufweist, die über der Wärmeleitfähigkeit von Stahl liegt, was das aus dem Stand der Technik bekannte Material zur Fertigung des Gehäuses ist. Entgegen eines Vorurteils der Fachwelt hat sich gezeigt, dass sich Materialien mit einer höheren Wärmeleitfähigkeit trotz des damit meist einhergehenden höheren Wärmeausdehnungskoeffizienten zur Fertigung zumindest eines Bereichs des Gehäuses einer Zündkerze eignen.According to the invention, it has been recognized that the underlying object can be achieved in an amazingly simple manner by arranging a discharge area on the housing. The dissipation area serves to dissipate the heat of combustion entered into the spark plug to the environment. The dissipation area is made of a material with a thermal conductivity of over 150 W / mK, so that a sufficiently high dissipation of heat is ensured and can advantageously connect directly to the ground electrode. This simple design measure reliably prevents overheating of the spark plug, in particular of the areas relevant to the service life of the spark plug. This can significantly reduce the occurrence of glow ignitions or knocking burns in the area of the spark plug. It is essential for the device according to the invention that the discharge area has a thermal conductivity that is higher than the thermal conductivity of steel, which is the material known from the prior art for manufacturing the housing. Contrary to a prejudice of experts, it has been shown that materials with a higher thermal conductivity are suitable for the production of at least one area of the housing of a spark plug despite the higher coefficient of thermal expansion usually associated therewith.

An dieser Stelle sei darauf hingewiesen, dass sich die angegebene Wärmeleitfähigkeit insbesondere auf den für eine Zündkerze relevanten Temperaturbereich bezieht. Die Angabe der Wärmeleitfähigkeit erfolgt in den Einheiten Watt pro Meter und Kelvin.At this point it should be pointed out that the specified thermal conductivity relates in particular to the temperature range relevant for a spark plug. The thermal conductivity is specified in the units of watts per meter and Kelvin.

In vorteilhafter Weise kann der Ableitungsbereich eine Wärmeleitfähigkeit von über 200 W/mK aufweisen. Bei einer solch hohen Wärmeleitfähigkeit ist eine Überhitzung der Zündkerze nahezu ausgeschlossen, so dass die durch die Überhitzung bedingten Probleme effektiv vermieden werden.The discharge area can advantageously have a thermal conductivity of over 200 W / mK. With such a high thermal conductivity, overheating of the spark plug is almost impossible, so that the problems caused by overheating are effectively avoided.

Zur Realisierung eines Ableitungsbereiches mit einer entsprechend hohen Wärmeleitfähigkeit kann der Ableitungsbereich aus Kupfer, einer Kupferlegierung oder einer Kupferbasislegierung umfassend Anteile von Nickel und/oder Beryllium hergestellt sein.To implement a discharge area with a correspondingly high thermal conductivity, the discharge area can be made of copper, a copper alloy or a copper-based alloy comprising proportions of nickel and / or beryllium.

In vorteilhafter Weise kann das Gehäuse einteilig ausgebildet sein. Dadurch wird eine besonders einfache Konstruktion der Zündkerze realisiert, so dass diese kostengünstig in der Herstellung ist. Dabei kann das gesamte Gehäuse als Ableitungsbereich ausgebildet sein.The housing can advantageously be designed in one piece. As a result, a particularly simple construction of the spark plug is realized, so that it is inexpensive to manufacture. The entire housing can be designed as a discharge area.

Alternativ ist denkbar, dass das Gehäuse einen vorderen Gehäuseteil und einen hinteren Gehäuseteil aufweist, somit zweiteilig aufgebaut ist. In vorteilhafter Weise kann der vordere Gehäuseteil mit dem hinteren Gehäuseteil über eine Schweißnaht verbunden ist. Die Schweißnaht kann beispielsweise über Wolfram-Inertgas-Schweißen (WIG), Plasmaschweißen, Elektronenschweißen oder Laserschweißen hergestellt sein.Alternatively, it is conceivable that the housing has a front housing part and a rear housing part, and is thus constructed in two parts. The front housing part can advantageously be connected to the rear housing part via a weld seam. The weld seam can be produced, for example, via tungsten inert gas welding (TIG), plasma welding, electron welding or laser welding.

In weiter vorteilhafter Weise kann der Ableitungsbereich durch den vorderen Gehäuseteil realisiert sein, dieser somit insgesamt aus einem Material mit einer Wärmeleitfähigkeit von über 150 W/mK hergestellt sein. Dadurch ist die Ableitung der Prozesswärme nochmals verbessert und die Konstruktion der Zündkerze vereinfacht. Ein weiterer Vorteil einer solchen Ausgestaltung besteht darin, dass sich der vordere Gehäuseteil aufgrund seiner hohen Wärmeleitfähigkeit für eines der voranstehenden Schweißverfahren besonders eignet. Alternativ oder zusätzlich kann der Ableitungsbereich durch den hinteren Gehäuseteil gebildet sein.In a further advantageous manner, the dissipation area can be implemented by the front housing part, which is thus made entirely of a material with a thermal conductivity of over 150 W / mK. This further improves the dissipation of process heat and simplifies the design of the spark plug. Another advantage of such a configuration is that the front housing part is particularly suitable for one of the above welding processes due to its high thermal conductivity. Alternatively or additionally, the discharge area can be formed by the rear housing part.

Um eine ausreichend stabile Konstruktion zu gewährleisten kann der hintere Gehäuseteil einen Wärmeausdehnungskoeffizienten aufweisen, der kleiner oder gleich dem Wärmeausdehnungskoeffizienten des Isolators ist. Im Konkreten kann der hintere Gehäuseteil aus einer Nickel-Eisen-Legierung bestehen, beispielsweise Ni Co 29/18 mit einem Wärmeausdehnungskoeffizient α von 5•10-6 1/K bis 8•10-6 1/K), wobei der Isolator aus einer Keramik, insbesondere Aluminiumoxid (Wärmeausdehnungskoeffizient α von ca. 8,5•10-6 1/K) oder Aluminiumnitrid hergestellt sein kann.In order to ensure a sufficiently stable construction, the rear housing part can have a coefficient of thermal expansion that is less than or equal to is equal to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the insulator. In concrete terms, the rear housing part can consist of a nickel-iron alloy, for example Ni Co 29/18 with a coefficient of thermal expansion α of 5 • 10 -6 1 / K to 8 • 10 -6 1 / K), the insulator from a Ceramic, in particular aluminum oxide (coefficient of thermal expansion α of approx. 8.5 • 10 -6 1 / K) or aluminum nitride can be produced.

In vorteilhafter Weise kann die Außenseite des Gehäuses zumindest bereichsweise konisch ausgebildet sein und/oder ein Gewinde aufweisen. Dabei kann es sich in besonders vorteilhafter Weise um einen entsprechend ausgebildeten vorderen Gehäuseteil handeln. Dadurch ist eine sichere Verbindung und Abdichtung zwischen Zündkerze und Zylinder gewährleistet.The outside of the housing can advantageously be conical at least in some areas and / or have a thread. In a particularly advantageous manner, this can be a correspondingly designed front housing part. This ensures a secure connection and seal between the spark plug and cylinder.

Eine besonders sichere Verbindung zwischen Gehäuse und Isolator kann realisiert sein, indem das Gehäuse den Isolator hintergreift und unter Vorspannung in dem Gehäuse hält, vorzugsweise an einen Dichtring, insbesondere aus Kupfer, presst. In besonders vorteilhafter Weise kann der hintere Gehäuseteil den Isolator hintergreifen und unter Vorspannung in dem Gehäuse halten.A particularly secure connection between the housing and the insulator can be implemented in that the housing engages behind the insulator and holds it in the housing under prestress, preferably pressing it against a sealing ring, in particular made of copper. In a particularly advantageous manner, the rear housing part can engage behind the insulator and hold it in the housing under prestress.

Ein besondere kombinatorischer Effekt ist erzielbar, indem der vordere Gehäuseteil insgesamt als Ableitungsbereich ausgebildet ist und mit dem hinteren Gehäuseteil über eine Schweißnaht verbunden ist, wobei der hintere Gehäuseteil einen Wärmeausdehnungskoeffizienten aufweist, der kleiner oder gleich dem Wärmeausdehnungskoeffizienten des Isolationskörpers ist. Bei einer solchen Ausgestaltung ist die Ableitung der Wärme von der Zündkerze durch den vorderen Gehäuseteil ermöglicht, wobei der hintere Gehäuseteil aufgrund seines geringen Wärmeausdehnungskoeffizienten den Isolator mit einer höheren Vorspannung in dem Gehäuse hält, je höher die Temperatur ansteigt. Dadurch wird ein höherer Wärmeausdehnungskoeffizient des vorderen Gehäuseteils, welches eine hohe Wärmeleitfähigkeit aufweist, kompensiert und der Zylinder zuverlässig durch die Zündkerze verschlossen.A special combinatorial effect can be achieved in that the front housing part is designed as a discharge area and is connected to the rear housing part via a weld, the rear housing part having a coefficient of thermal expansion that is less than or equal to the coefficient of thermal expansion of the insulation body. In such a configuration, the heat from the spark plug can be dissipated through the front housing part, the rear housing part, due to its low coefficient of thermal expansion, holding the insulator in the housing with a higher preload the higher the temperature rises. This compensates for a higher coefficient of thermal expansion of the front housing part, which has a high thermal conductivity, and the cylinder is reliably closed by the spark plug.

Es gibt nun verschiedene Möglichkeiten, die Lehre der vorliegenden Erfindung in vorteilhafter Weise auszugestalten und weiterzubilden. Dazu ist einerseits auf die dem Anspruch 1 nachgeordneten Ansprüche und andererseits auf die nachfolgende Erläuterung bevorzugter Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung anhand der Zeichnung zu verweisen. In Verbindung mit der Erläuterung der bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung anhand der Zeichnung werden auch im Allgemeinen bevorzugte Ausgestaltungen und Weiterbildungen der Lehre erläutert. In der Zeichnung zeigt die

einzige Fig.
in einer schematischen, geschnittenen Darstellung ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Zündkerze.
There are now various possibilities for designing and developing the teaching of the present invention in an advantageous manner. This is on the one hand on the to the claims subordinate to claim 1 and on the other hand to refer to the following explanation of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing. In connection with the explanation of the preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing, generally preferred configurations and developments of the teaching are also explained. In the drawing shows the
single fig.
in a schematic, sectional illustration an embodiment of a spark plug according to the invention.

Die einzige Figur zeigt ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Zündkerze. Dabei handelt es sich um eine Vorkammerzündkerze, wobei ausdrücklich darauf hingewiesen wird, dass die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung als eine beliebige Zündkerzenart ausgebildet sein kann.The single figure shows an embodiment of a spark plug according to the invention. This is a prechamber spark plug, it being expressly pointed out that the device according to the invention can be designed as any type of spark plug.

Die Zündkerze umfasst eine als Masseelektrode 1 dienende Kappe 2, die beispielsweise aus Nickel oder einer Nickellegierung besteht. Innerhalb des von der Kappe 2 gebildeten Vorraums 3 ist eine Zündelektrode 4 angeordnet. Die Kappe 2 ist über eine Schweißnaht 5 mit dem Gehäuse 6 verbunden. In dem hier dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel ist das Gehäuse 6 durch einen vorderen Gehäuseteil 7 und einen hinteren Gehäuseteil 8 gebildet.The spark plug comprises a cap 2 which serves as a ground electrode 1 and which is made of nickel or a nickel alloy, for example. An ignition electrode 4 is arranged within the antechamber 3 formed by the cap 2. The cap 2 is connected to the housing 6 via a weld 5. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the housing 6 is formed by a front housing part 7 and a rear housing part 8.

Der vordere Gehäuseteil 7 schließt sich unmittelbar an die Masseelektrode 1 an und dient als Ableitungsbereich 9, um nämlich die in die Zündkerze eingetragene Verbrennungswärme abzuleiten. Dazu ist der Ableitungsbereich 9, d.h. der vordere Gehäuseteil 7, aus einem Material mit einer hohen Wärmeleitfähigkeit von über 150 W/mK bzw. von über 200 W/mK hergestellt. Im Konkreten kann der Ableitungsbereich aus Kupfer bzw. einer Kupferbasislegierung mit geringen Anteilen von Nickel und/oder Beryllium hergestellt sein.The front housing part 7 directly adjoins the ground electrode 1 and serves as a dissipation area 9, namely to dissipate the combustion heat introduced into the spark plug. For this purpose, the discharge area 9, i.e. the front housing part 7, is made of a material with a high thermal conductivity of more than 150 W / mK or more than 200 W / mK. Specifically, the discharge area can be made of copper or a copper-based alloy with small proportions of nickel and / or beryllium.

An dem vorderen Gehäuseteil 7 ist ein Gewinde 10 ausgebildet, über das die Zündkerze in den Zylinder einschraubbar ist. Alternativ oder zusätzlich kann der vordere Gehäuseteil 7 zumindest bereichsweise konisch verlaufen, um eine Klemmung mit dem Zylinder zu erreichen.A thread 10 is formed on the front housing part 7, by means of which the spark plug can be screwed into the cylinder. Alternatively or additionally, the front housing part 7 are at least partially conical in order to achieve a clamping with the cylinder.

Die Zündelektrode 4 ist in dem hier dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel in Form von zwei Streifen mit jeweils bogenförmig gekrümmten Enden realisiert. Die Streifen weisen jeweils zwei Enden auf, die als Zündflächen wirken. Dabei ist denkbar, dass die Streifen aus einer Iridiumlegierung oder einer Platinlegierung bestehen.In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the ignition electrode 4 is implemented in the form of two strips, each with ends curved in an arc. The strips each have two ends that act as ignition surfaces. It is conceivable that the strips consist of an iridium alloy or a platinum alloy.

Um die Zündelektrode 4 mit elektrischer Spannung zu versorgen, ist eine nicht dargestellte Versorgungsleitung vorgesehen, die innerhalb des Isolators 11 verläuft. Der Isolator 11 besteht beispielsweise aus einer Keramik, insbesondere Aluminiumoxid (Wärmeausdehnungskoeffizient α von ca. 8,5•10-6 1/K) oder Aluminiumnitrid.In order to supply the ignition electrode 4 with electrical voltage, a supply line (not shown) is provided which runs within the insulator 11. The insulator 11 consists for example of a ceramic, in particular aluminum oxide (coefficient of thermal expansion α of approx. 8.5 · 10 -6 1 / K) or aluminum nitride.

In der einzigen Figur ist des Weiteren gezeigt, dass der vordere Gehäuseteil 7 mit dem hinteren Gehäuseteil 8 über eine Schweißnaht 12 verbunden ist. Der hintere Gehäuseteil 8 hintergreift einen Vorsprung 13 des Isolators 11, so dass der Isolator 11 mit Vorspannung innerhalb des Gehäuses 6 gehalten ist. In dem dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel ist der hintere Gehäuseteil 8 aus einem Material hergestellt, das - zumindest in dem für eine Zündkerze relevanten Temperaturbereich - einen geringeren Wärmeausdehnungskoeffizienten aufweist, als das Material des Isolators 11. Hierbei kann es sich insbesondere eine Nickel-Eisen-Legierung (Ni Co 29/18 mit Wärmeausdehnungskoeffizient α von 5•10-6 1/K bis 8•10-6 1/K) handeln. Bei der im Betrieb erfolgenden Erwärmung der Zündkerze erhöht sich somit die Vorspannung, unter welcher der Isolator 11 in dem Gehäuse 6 gehalten ist, so dass eine zuverlässige Abdichtung der Zündkerze gegenüber dem Brennraum erzielt wird. Zur Abdichtung zwischen Isolator 11 und vorderem Gehäuseteil 7 ist ein Dichtring 14 angeordnet, der beispielsweise aus Kupfer besteht.The single figure also shows that the front housing part 7 is connected to the rear housing part 8 via a weld 12. The rear housing part 8 engages behind a projection 13 of the insulator 11, so that the insulator 11 is held within the housing 6 with prestress. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear housing part 8 is made of a material which - at least in the temperature range relevant for a spark plug - has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the material of the insulator 11. In particular, a nickel-iron alloy (Ni Co 29/18 with a coefficient of thermal expansion α of 5 • 10 -6 1 / K to 8 • 10 -6 1 / K). When the spark plug is heated during operation, the preload under which the insulator 11 is held in the housing 6 increases, so that a reliable sealing of the spark plug with respect to the combustion chamber is achieved. For sealing between the insulator 11 and the front housing part 7, a sealing ring 14 is arranged, which is made of copper, for example.

Des Weiteren weist der hintere Gehäuseteil 8 eine Angriffstelle 15, beispielsweise ein Sechskant, für ein Handhabungsmittel auf, so dass die Zündkerze mit einem korrespondierenden Werkzeug in den Zündraum einschraubbar ist.Furthermore, the rear housing part 8 has an engagement point 15, for example a hexagon, for a handling means, so that the spark plug can be screwed into the ignition chamber with a corresponding tool.

Hinsichtlich weiterer vorteilhafter Ausgestaltungen der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung wird zur Vermeidung von Wiederholungen auf den allgemeinen Teil der Beschreibung sowie auf die beigefügten Ansprüche verwiesen.With regard to further advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention, reference is made to the general part of the description and to the appended claims in order to avoid repetition.

Schließlich sei ausdrücklich darauf hingewiesen, dass die voranstehend beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispiele der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung lediglich zur Erörterung der beanspruchten Lehre dienen, diese jedoch nicht auf die Ausführungsbeispiele einschränken.Finally, it should be expressly pointed out that the above-described exemplary embodiments of the device according to the invention only serve to explain the teaching claimed, but do not restrict them to the exemplary embodiments.

BezugszeichenlisteList of reference symbols

11
MasseelektrodeGround electrode
22
Kappecap
33
VorkammerAntechamber
44th
ZündelektrodeIgnition electrode
55
SchweißnahtWeld
66th
Gehäusecasing
77th
vorderer Gehäuseteilfront housing part
88th
hinterer Gehäuseteilrear housing part
99
AbleitungsbereichDerivation area
1010
Gewindethread
1111
Isolatorinsulator
1212th
SchweißnahtWeld
1313th
Vorsprunghead Start
1414th
DichtringSealing ring
1515th
AngriffstelleAttack point

Claims (7)

  1. Spark plug, in particular prechamber spark plug, having a housing (6), an ignition electrode (4) and an earth electrode (1), wherein the ignition electrode (4) can be acted on with an electrical voltage via a supply line, wherein the supply line extends at least partially inside an insulator (11), wherein the housing (6) has a front housing portion (7) and a rear housing portion (8), and wherein the rear housing portion (8) engages behind the insulator (11) so that the insulator (11) is arranged with pretensioning between the front housing portion (7) and the rear housing portion (8), characterised in that the front housing portion (7) is generally produced from a material having a thermal conductivity of more than 150 W/mK and consequently acts as a discharge region (9).
  2. Spark plug according to claim 1, characterised in that the discharge region (9) directly adjoins the earth electrode (1) and/or in that the discharge region (9) has a thermal conductivity of more than 200 W/mK.
  3. Spark plug according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the discharge region (9) is produced from copper or from a copper alloy or from a copper-based alloy comprising portions of nickel and/or beryllium.
  4. Spark plug according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the front housing portion (7) is connected to the rear housing portion (8) by means of a weld seam (12).
  5. Spark plug according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the rear housing portion (8) has a thermal expansion coefficient which is less than or equal to the thermal expansion coefficient of the insulator (11).
  6. Spark plug according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the rear housing portion (8) comprises a nickel/iron alloy.
  7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the housing (6), in particular the front housing portion (7), is constructed at least in regions in a conical manner at the outer side thereof and/or has a thread (10).
EP17713153.9A 2016-04-25 2017-01-23 Spark plug Active EP3281263B8 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102016206992.6A DE102016206992A1 (en) 2016-04-25 2016-04-25 spark plug
PCT/DE2017/200004 WO2017186238A1 (en) 2016-04-25 2017-01-23 Spark plug

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3281263A1 EP3281263A1 (en) 2018-02-14
EP3281263B1 true EP3281263B1 (en) 2021-03-24
EP3281263B8 EP3281263B8 (en) 2021-04-28

Family

ID=58410060

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP17713153.9A Active EP3281263B8 (en) 2016-04-25 2017-01-23 Spark plug

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3281263B8 (en)
DE (1) DE102016206992A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2017186238A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (28)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102018206784A1 (en) * 2018-05-03 2019-11-07 Robert Bosch Gmbh Prechamber spark plug
JP7159810B2 (en) * 2018-11-22 2022-10-25 トヨタ自動車株式会社 Internal combustion engine with pre-chamber
JP7227842B2 (en) * 2019-05-07 2023-02-22 日本特殊陶業株式会社 Spark plug
DE102019116191A1 (en) * 2019-06-14 2020-12-17 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Pre-chamber ignition system for an externally ignited reciprocating internal combustion engine
DE102019122532A1 (en) * 2019-08-21 2021-02-25 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Pre-chamber ignition system for an externally ignited reciprocating internal combustion engine
DE102019122529A1 (en) * 2019-08-21 2021-02-25 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Pre-chamber ignition system for an externally ignited reciprocating internal combustion engine
DE102019122526A1 (en) * 2019-08-21 2021-02-25 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Pre-chamber ignition system for an externally ignited reciprocating internal combustion engine
DE102019122530A1 (en) * 2019-08-21 2021-02-25 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Pre-chamber ignition system for an externally ignited reciprocating internal combustion engine
DE102019122531A1 (en) * 2019-08-21 2021-02-25 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Externally ignited reciprocating internal combustion engine with a prechamber ignition system
DE102019122527A1 (en) * 2019-08-21 2021-02-25 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Pre-chamber ignition system for an externally ignited reciprocating internal combustion engine
DE102019122559A1 (en) * 2019-08-22 2021-02-25 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Externally ignited reciprocating internal combustion engine with a prechamber ignition system
DE102019126963A1 (en) * 2019-10-08 2021-04-08 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Pre-chamber ignition system for an externally ignited reciprocating internal combustion engine
DE102019126964A1 (en) * 2019-10-08 2021-04-08 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Method for operating an externally ignited four-stroke reciprocating internal combustion engine with a prechamber ignition system
DE102019131360B4 (en) 2019-11-20 2024-05-02 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Cylinder head for a spark-ignited reciprocating piston internal combustion engine
DE102020101552A1 (en) 2020-01-23 2021-07-29 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Method for operating an externally ignited reciprocating internal combustion engine
DE102020103863B4 (en) 2020-02-14 2023-04-27 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Spark-ignited reciprocating internal combustion engine with a pre-chamber ignition system
DE102020105924A1 (en) 2020-03-05 2021-09-09 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Externally ignited reciprocating internal combustion engine with a prechamber ignition system
DE102020105921A1 (en) 2020-03-05 2021-09-09 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Externally ignited reciprocating internal combustion engine with a prechamber ignition system
DE102020106397B4 (en) 2020-03-10 2024-08-29 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Externally ignited reciprocating piston internal combustion engine with a pre-chamber ignition system
DE102020106398A1 (en) 2020-03-10 2021-09-16 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Externally ignited reciprocating internal combustion engine with a prechamber ignition system
DE102020107370A1 (en) 2020-03-18 2021-09-23 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Externally ignited reciprocating internal combustion engine with a prechamber ignition system
DE102020107368A1 (en) 2020-03-18 2021-09-23 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Externally ignited reciprocating internal combustion engine with a prechamber ignition system
DE102020107841A1 (en) 2020-03-23 2021-09-23 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Externally ignited reciprocating internal combustion engine with a prechamber ignition system
DE102020108564A1 (en) 2020-03-27 2021-09-30 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Externally ignited reciprocating internal combustion engine with a prechamber ignition system
DE102020109161A1 (en) 2020-04-02 2021-10-07 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Method for operating an externally ignited four-stroke reciprocating internal combustion engine with a prechamber ignition system
DE102020110395A1 (en) 2020-04-16 2021-10-21 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Externally ignited reciprocating internal combustion engine with a prechamber ignition system
DE102020215946A1 (en) 2020-12-15 2022-06-15 Robert Bosch Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung Heat-optimized prechamber spark plug
DE102023105825B3 (en) 2023-03-09 2024-08-01 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Pre-chamber ignition device for an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, and internal combustion engine, in particular for a motor vehicle

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE68924526T2 (en) * 1989-01-09 1996-04-04 Ngk Spark Plug Co Spark plug assembly.

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2012516A1 (en) * 1970-03-17 1971-09-30 Daimler Benz Ag Spark plugs, especially for rotary piston internal combustion engines
FR2846042B1 (en) * 2002-10-18 2005-02-04 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa PRE-BRAKE IGNITION DEVICE MADE IN HIGH THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY MATERIAL FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE AND PRE-BURST IGNITER
DE102006043593B3 (en) * 2006-09-16 2008-04-10 Multitorch Gmbh spark plug
US8912716B2 (en) * 2011-03-21 2014-12-16 Denso International America, Inc. Copper core combustion cup for pre-chamber spark plug
JP2014007071A (en) * 2012-06-25 2014-01-16 Nippon Soken Inc Ignition plug

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE68924526T2 (en) * 1989-01-09 1996-04-04 Ngk Spark Plug Co Spark plug assembly.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2017186238A1 (en) 2017-11-02
EP3281263A1 (en) 2018-02-14
DE102016206992A1 (en) 2017-10-26
EP3281263B8 (en) 2021-04-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP3281263B1 (en) Spark plug
DE102015204814B9 (en) Pre-chamber spark plug for igniting a fuel-air mixture in an internal combustion engine
DE102015114453B4 (en) Spark plug for an internal combustion engine and method of manufacturing a spark plug
EP3406009B1 (en) Spark plug and method for producing a spark plug
AT516835B1 (en) spark plug
EP4136332B1 (en) External ignition piston combustion engine with a prechamber external ignition system
EP3255744B1 (en) Pre-chamber spark plug
EP3281264B1 (en) Spark plug
DE102007050634A1 (en) spark plug
DE102020106397B4 (en) Externally ignited reciprocating piston internal combustion engine with a pre-chamber ignition system
EP3420615B1 (en) Prechamber spark plug
DE102015102745B4 (en) Spark plug for a prechamber internal combustion engine
DE10340043A1 (en) spark plug
DE102014105687B3 (en) spark plug
DE112020007183T5 (en) spark plug
DE102019122532A1 (en) Pre-chamber ignition system for an externally ignited reciprocating internal combustion engine
WO2020126667A1 (en) Spark plug comprising a rounded insulator base portion and a rounded housing portion
DE10156949B4 (en) spark plug
DE102020103863B4 (en) Spark-ignited reciprocating internal combustion engine with a pre-chamber ignition system
DE10340042B4 (en) spark plug
DE3726714C2 (en)
EP4068536A1 (en) Pre-chamber spark plug and method for manufacturing same
DE102005046431A1 (en) Spark plug for internal combustion engines comprises an electrically conducting region made from a ceramic electrically conducting material containing molybdenum disulphide
DE112017007557T5 (en) spark plug

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN

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

Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE

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

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

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20171108

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

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20200228

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

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

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20201021

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: PK

Free format text: BERICHTIGUNG B8

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502017009803

Country of ref document: DE

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: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 1375464

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20210415

RAP4 Party data changed (patent owner data changed or rights of a patent transferred)

Owner name: DKT VERWALTUNGS-GMBH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG9D

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

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: 20210624

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: 20210324

Ref country code: FI

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: 20210324

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: 20210625

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: 20210624

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

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: 20210324

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: 20210324

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: 20210324

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20210324

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

Ref country code: NL

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: 20210324

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

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: 20210324

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: 20210324

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: 20210324

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: 20210324

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: 20210724

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: 20210726

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: 20210324

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: 20210324

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: 20210324

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 502017009803

Country of ref document: DE

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

Ref country code: ES

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: 20210324

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: 20210324

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: 20210324

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

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

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

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: 20210324

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20220104

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: 20210724

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: 20210324

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

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

Effective date: 20220123

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20220131

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: 20220123

Ref country code: GB

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

Effective date: 20220123

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

Ref country code: BE

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

Effective date: 20220131

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

Ref country code: LI

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

Effective date: 20220131

Ref country code: CH

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

Effective date: 20220131

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

Ref country code: IT

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: 20210324

Ref country code: IE

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

Effective date: 20220123

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230522

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: 20170123

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

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20240118

Year of fee payment: 8

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: 20210324

Ref country code: CY

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: 20210324

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240328

Year of fee payment: 8

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20240123

Year of fee payment: 8

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

Ref country code: TR

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: 20210324

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: 20210324