EP3432430B1 - Spark plug - Google Patents

Spark plug Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3432430B1
EP3432430B1 EP18182648.8A EP18182648A EP3432430B1 EP 3432430 B1 EP3432430 B1 EP 3432430B1 EP 18182648 A EP18182648 A EP 18182648A EP 3432430 B1 EP3432430 B1 EP 3432430B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
electrode
spark plug
ignition
plug according
central
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
EP18182648.8A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3432430A1 (en
Inventor
Ruediger Herdin
Andreas Herdin
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.)
PGES Guenther Herdin Technisches Buero GmbH
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PGES Guenther Herdin Technisches Buero GmbH
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Publication of EP3432430A1 publication Critical patent/EP3432430A1/en
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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T13/00—Sparking plugs
    • H01T13/46—Sparking plugs having two or more spark gaps
    • H01T13/467—Sparking plugs having two or more spark gaps in parallel connection
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T13/00—Sparking plugs
    • H01T13/20—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
    • 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
    • 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
    • H01T13/24—Sparking plugs characterised by features of the electrodes or insulation having movable electrodes
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T13/00—Sparking plugs
    • H01T13/54—Sparking plugs having electrodes arranged in a partly-enclosed ignition chamber

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a spark plug for internal combustion engines with a center electrode arranged along a center axis of a spark plug body and with a ground electrode that is spaced from the center axis, the center electrode having at least one ignition electrode extending radially away from the center axis, with between the center electrode and the Ground electrode is an ignition gap and wherein the ignition electrode of the center electrode and the ground electrode have an overlapping area in the radial direction, between which the ignition gap lies, so that an ignition spark extending essentially parallel and at a distance from the central axis can form.
  • a similar spark plug is, for example, from EP 0 675 272 A1 known.
  • Disadvantages of this electrode shape are the high production and material costs, because the ignition electrodes have inclined, that is to say in the sense of the invention essentially also radially, ignition electrodes with subsequent ignition regions running parallel to the central axis.
  • Another disadvantage is the lack of possibility of being able to compensate for the wear of the electrodes in a simple manner by readjusting the ignition electrodes of the center electrode that limit the ignition gap.
  • More spark plugs are off DE 10 2014 216 582 A1 , US 2012/0133264 A1 and WO 2016/057556 A1 known.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object of creating a spark plug of the type mentioned at the beginning, which can be produced simply and inexpensively and preferably also readjusted.
  • the ground electrode has a projection which projects radially inward and delimits the ignition gap.
  • an ignition spark arises in the direction of the central axis of the spark plug, but is offset radially outward from the central axis.
  • the ignition gap or the area in which the spark ignites is thus offset radially outward and closer to the thread of the spark plug, which is advantageous for the cooling conditions of the ground electrode.
  • the ignition electrode of the center electrode can also be compared to EP 0 675 272 A1 be made much shorter and simpler, which reduces the manufacturing costs due to the manufacturing effort and the cost of high-quality electrode material. Finally, the size of the ignition gap can be set or readjusted very easily, as with the classic electrode shapes of the G or J type.
  • the spark plug according to the invention can be used both with and without an antechamber.
  • a first embodiment of a spark plug 1 according to the invention is shown with a central axis 3 which, as usual, has an insulator 2 and a central electrode 4 arranged along the central axis 3.
  • the center electrode 4 and the insulator 2 are surrounded at the front end of the spark plug 1 by a metal housing 5 to which a thread 6 is attached, with which the spark plug 1 can be screwed into a cylinder head, for example.
  • the spark plug 1 has a connection 7 which is electrically connected to the center electrode 4.
  • the illustrated embodiment of the spark plug 1 according to the invention is a spark plug with a prechamber which is arranged at the front end of the metal housing 5 and is delimited by a prechamber wall 8.
  • an ignition electrode 9 is arranged and electrically connected to the center electrode 4, which functionally represents an extension of the center electrode 4 and protrudes radially outward from the center electrode 4 or the center axis 3.
  • the arrangement or shape of the ignition electrode 9 is with reference to Figures 2 to 8 to be described in different variants.
  • an electrode element of the ground electrode in the form of a ring 10 made of a material resistant to spark erosion, for example made of nickel or a nickel alloy, is attached to the metal housing 5 opposite the ignition electrode 9.
  • An ignition gap 11 is formed between the ring 10 and the ignition electrode 9. Since the ignition electrode 9 and the ring 10 are offset in the direction of the central axis 3, an ignition spark will jump between these two parts essentially parallel to and at a distance from the central axis from the ignition electrode 9 to the ring 10.
  • the ignition electrode 9 is in the form of a rod, in particular in the form of a rod-shaped, rectangular plate, so that two ignition electrodes 9 are created, through which two spark gaps can be formed that extend away from the central axis 3 on opposite sides .
  • ground electrode which in this embodiment is formed by the ring 10
  • two radially inwardly projecting projections 12 are arranged, which delimit the ignition gap 11 towards the ground electrode. This allows the space between the remaining areas of the ring 10 and the center electrode 4 to be kept as free as possible, which enables the fuel mixture or combustion gases to flow as freely as possible in this area, which is advantageous for the ignition behavior of the internal combustion engine.
  • FIG. 3a and 3b is another embodiment of a spark plug shown, which in connection with the Fig. 1 and 2 described embodiment is similar, but with the difference that the ring 10 in the embodiment of FIG Figures 3a and 3b does not exist. Accordingly, the metal housing 5 itself forms the ground electrode and the ignition gap 11 is delimited on both sides between the respective ignition electrode 9 and the end face 14 of the metal housing 5.
  • Figure 4a corresponds largely to the embodiment of Fig. 2 , the ignition electrodes 9 being omitted in the drawings so that the view of the projections 12 is free. It is in Figure 4a It can be seen that slots 15 are provided in the projections 12 in the area of the end face of the projections 12 facing the central axis 3, which facilitate the inflow and outflow of fuel mixture or combustion gases in this area, which improves the ignition behavior.
  • FIGS Figures 3a and 3b a further embodiment of the invention is shown in which two rod-shaped ignition electrodes 9, which are arranged parallel to one another, are arranged on the center electrode 4.
  • this embodiment there are a total of four ignition electrodes 9, each of which delimits an ignition gap 11 with the ring 10 or its projections 12, if these are present.
  • the arrangement of the ignition electrodes 9 according to FIG Figures 5a and 5b can also be used when there is no ring 10, as is shown, for example, in FIGS Figures 3a and 3b is shown.
  • the illustrated embodiment of a spark plug 1 according to the invention also provides rod-shaped ignition electrodes 9, although these extend away from the central axis 3 on opposite sides and are arranged offset from one another in their longitudinal direction, so that only two effective ignition electrodes 9 are present.
  • FIGS 7a and 7b an embodiment of a spark plug 1 according to the invention is shown with an antechamber which is delimited by an antechamber wall 8. If, as in this embodiment of the invention, a ring 10 is provided, this can be used to center the antechamber over the antechamber wall 8.
  • Overflow openings 16 are arranged in the antechamber wall 8, through which the fuel mixture and combustion gases can enter and exit the antechamber.
  • Only a single ignition electrode 9 is shown on the center electrode 4, although all other embodiments of ignition electrodes 9 shown in the drawings and described above can of course also be used.
  • the arrangement or the position of the ignition electrode 9 or the ignition electrodes 9 on the one hand and the overflow openings 16 on the other hand is preferably made such that they lie in an area or have an orientation that the ignition electrode (s) 9 from the outside for a preferably rod-shaped Tool 17 is / are accessible.
  • This has the advantage that the size of the ignition gap 11 can be changed with the aid of the tool 17 when the ignition gap 11 has reached a size at which reliable ignition is no longer guaranteed.
  • the earth electrode is either in the form of the metal housing 5 or the ring 10 behind the ignition electrodes 9 of the center electrode 4, i. on the side of the ignition electrodes 9 facing the connection 7.
  • the ignition gap 11 is defined in the radial direction essentially by the radially inner end of the ring 10, the projection 12 or the metal housing 5 and the radially outer end of the ignition electrodes 9, and otherwise by the Width of the overlap, measured in the circumferential direction, between the ignition electrodes 9 and the ring 10, the projection 12 or the metal housing 5.
  • the overlap in the radial direction is concerned, in the case of the invention it is preferably in a range between 0.5D to 0.9D, D being the in Fig. 1 drawn thread diameter of the spark plug.
  • D being the in Fig. 1 drawn thread diameter of the spark plug.
  • the ignition gap 11 lies in a plane which is oriented at right angles to the central axis 3.
  • the ignition gap it is also possible for the ignition gap to be arranged at an angle to the central axis 3 which deviates somewhat from 90 °, so that an ignition spark will not jump over exactly parallel to the central axis 3. Such deviations also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Zündkerze für Verbrennungskraftmaschinen mit einer entlang einer Mittelachse eines Zündkerzenkörpers angeordneten Mittelelektrode und mit einer Masseelektrode, die mit Abstand zur Mittelachse angeordnet ist, wobei die Mittelelektrode wenigstens eine sich radial von der Mittelachse weg erstreckende Zündelektrode aufweist, wobei zwischen der Mittelelektrode und der Masseelektrode ein Zündspalt liegt und wobei die Zündelektrode der Mittelelektrode und die Masseelektrode einen sich in radialer Richtung überlappenden Bereich aufweisen, zwischen denen der Zündspalt liegt, sodass ein sich im Wesentlichen parallel und mit Abstand von der Mittelachse erstreckender Zündfunke bilden kann.The invention relates to a spark plug for internal combustion engines with a center electrode arranged along a center axis of a spark plug body and with a ground electrode that is spaced from the center axis, the center electrode having at least one ignition electrode extending radially away from the center axis, with between the center electrode and the Ground electrode is an ignition gap and wherein the ignition electrode of the center electrode and the ground electrode have an overlapping area in the radial direction, between which the ignition gap lies, so that an ignition spark extending essentially parallel and at a distance from the central axis can form.

Eine ähnliche Zündkerze ist beispielsweise aus der EP 0 675 272 A1 bekannt. Nachteil dieser Elektrodenform sind die hohen Fertigungs- und Materialkosten, weil die Zündelektroden schräg, also im Sinne der Erfindung im Wesentlichen auch radial, verlaufende Zündelektroden mit anschließenden, parallel zur Mittelachse verlaufenden Zündbereichen aufweisen. Ein weiterer Nachteil ist die mangelnde Möglichkeit, den Verschleiß der Elektroden auf einfache Weise durch Nachjustieren der den Zündspalt begrenzenden Zündelektroden der Mittelelektrode kompensieren zu können.A similar spark plug is, for example, from EP 0 675 272 A1 known. Disadvantages of this electrode shape are the high production and material costs, because the ignition electrodes have inclined, that is to say in the sense of the invention essentially also radially, ignition electrodes with subsequent ignition regions running parallel to the central axis. Another disadvantage is the lack of possibility of being able to compensate for the wear of the electrodes in a simple manner by readjusting the ignition electrodes of the center electrode that limit the ignition gap.

Weitere Zündkerzen sind aus DE 10 2014 216 582 A1 , US 2012/0133264 A1 und WO 2016/057556 A1 bekannt.More spark plugs are off DE 10 2014 216 582 A1 , US 2012/0133264 A1 and WO 2016/057556 A1 known.

Der Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Zündkerze der eingangs genannten Art zu schaffen, die einfach und kostengünstig hergestellt und vorzugsweise auch nachjustiert werden kann.The invention is therefore based on the object of creating a spark plug of the type mentioned at the beginning, which can be produced simply and inexpensively and preferably also readjusted.

Gelöst wird diese Aufgabe bei einer Zündkerze der eingangs genannten Art dadurch, dass die Masseelektrode einen radial nach innen ragenden, den Zündspalt begrenzenden, Vorsprung aufweist. Bei der erfindungsgemäßen Zündkerze entsteht ein Zündfunke, wie an sich von den klassischen Elektrodenformen des G- oder J-Typs bekannt, in Richtung der Mittelachse der Zündkerze, ist allerdings radial von der Mittelachse weg nach außen versetzt. Damit wird der Zündspalt bzw. der Bereich, in welchem der Funke zündet, radial nach außen und näher zum Gewinde der Zündkerze versetzt, was für die Kühlbedingungen der Masseelektrode vorteilhaft ist. Auch kann die Zündelektrode der Mittelelektrode im Vergleich zur EP 0 675 272 A1 wesentlich kürzer und einfacher gestaltet werden, was die Herstellungskosten aufgrund des Fertigungsaufwandes sowie die Kosten hochwertigen Elektrodenmaterials verringert. Schließlich kann die Größe des Zündspalts wie bei den klassischen Elektrodenformen des G- oder J-Typs sehr einfach eingestellt bzw. nachjustiert werden.In the case of a spark plug of the type mentioned at the outset, this object is achieved in that the ground electrode has a projection which projects radially inward and delimits the ignition gap. In the spark plug according to the invention, an ignition spark, as known per se from the classic electrode shapes of the G or J type, arises in the direction of the central axis of the spark plug, but is offset radially outward from the central axis. The ignition gap or the area in which the spark ignites is thus offset radially outward and closer to the thread of the spark plug, which is advantageous for the cooling conditions of the ground electrode. The ignition electrode of the center electrode can also be compared to EP 0 675 272 A1 be made much shorter and simpler, which reduces the manufacturing costs due to the manufacturing effort and the cost of high-quality electrode material. Finally, the size of the ignition gap can be set or readjusted very easily, as with the classic electrode shapes of the G or J type.

Die erfindungsgemäße Zündkerze kann sowohl mit Vorkammer als auch ohne Vorkammer verwendet werden.The spark plug according to the invention can be used both with and without an antechamber.

Bevorzugte Ausführungsformen der Erfindung sind Gegenstand der übrigen Unteransprüche.Preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject of the remaining subclaims.

Weitere Merkmale und Vorteile der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung bevorzugter, den Schutzbereich nicht beschränkender, Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung unter Bezugnahme auf die angeschlossenen Zeichnungen. Es zeigt:

Fig. 1
eine erste erfindungsgemäße Zündkerze im Teilschnitt,
Fig. 2a bis 2c
eine zweite erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform einer Zündkerze im Schrägriss, von vorne und im Schnitt,
Fig. 3a und 3b
eine dritte erfindungsgemäße Ausführungsform einer Zündkerze im Schrägriss und im Schnitt
Fig. 4
eine vierte Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Zündkerze im Schrägriss,
Fig. 5a und 5b
eine fünfte Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Zündkerze im Schrägriss und im Schnitt,
Fig. 6a bis 6c
eine sechste Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Zündkerze im Schrägriss, von vorne und im Schnitt,
Fig. 7a und 7b
eine siebente Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Zündkerze im Schrägriss und im Schnitt, und
Fig. 8a und 8b
eine achte Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Zündkerze im Schrägriss von vorne (mit teilweise weggeschnittener Vorkammerwand) und im Schnitt.
Further features and advantages of the invention emerge from the following description of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention, which do not restrict the scope of protection, with reference to the attached drawings. It shows:
Fig. 1
a first spark plug according to the invention in partial section,
Figures 2a to 2c
a second embodiment of a spark plug according to the invention in an oblique view, from the front and in section,
Figures 3a and 3b
a third embodiment according to the invention of a spark plug in an oblique view and in section
Fig. 4
a fourth embodiment of a spark plug according to the invention in an oblique view,
Figures 5a and 5b
a fifth embodiment of a spark plug according to the invention in an oblique view and in section,
Figures 6a to 6c
a sixth embodiment of a spark plug according to the invention in an oblique view, from the front and in section,
Figures 7a and 7b
a seventh embodiment of a spark plug according to the invention in an oblique view and in section, and
Figures 8a and 8b
an eighth embodiment of a spark plug according to the invention in an oblique view from the front (with partially cut away antechamber wall) and in section.

In Fig. 1 ist eine erste Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Zündkerze 1 mit einer Mittelachse 3 dargestellt, welche wie üblich einen Isolator 2 und eine entlang der Mittelachse 3 angeordnete Mittelelektrode 4 aufweist. Die Mittelelektrode 4 und der Isolator 2 sind am vorderen Ende der Zündkerze 1 von einem Metallgehäuse 5 umgeben, an dem ein Gewinde 6 angebracht ist, mit welchem die Zündkerze 1 zum Beispiel in einen Zylinderkopf eingeschraubt werden kann. Am hinteren Ende weist die Zündkerze 1 einen Anschluss 7 auf, der mit der Mittelelektrode 4 elektrisch verbunden ist.In Fig. 1 a first embodiment of a spark plug 1 according to the invention is shown with a central axis 3 which, as usual, has an insulator 2 and a central electrode 4 arranged along the central axis 3. The center electrode 4 and the insulator 2 are surrounded at the front end of the spark plug 1 by a metal housing 5 to which a thread 6 is attached, with which the spark plug 1 can be screwed into a cylinder head, for example. At the rear end, the spark plug 1 has a connection 7 which is electrically connected to the center electrode 4.

Bei der in Fig. 1 dargestellten Ausführungsform der erfindungsgemäßen Zündkerze 1 handelt es sich um eine Zündkerze mit einer Vorkammer, die am vorderen Ende des Metallgehäuses 5 angeordnet ist und von einer Vorkammerwand 8 begrenzt wird.At the in Fig. 1 The illustrated embodiment of the spark plug 1 according to the invention is a spark plug with a prechamber which is arranged at the front end of the metal housing 5 and is delimited by a prechamber wall 8.

Am vorderen Ende der Mittelelektrode 4 ist eine Zündelektrode 9 angeordnet und mit der Mittelelektrode 4 elektrisch verbunden, welche funktionell eine Verlängerung der Mittelelektrode 4 darstellt und von der Mittelelektrode 4 bzw. der Mittelachse 3 radial nach außen ragt. Die Anordnung bzw. Form der Zündelektrode 9 wird mit Bezug auf die Figuren 2 bis 8 in verschiedenen Varianten noch beschrieben werden.At the front end of the center electrode 4, an ignition electrode 9 is arranged and electrically connected to the center electrode 4, which functionally represents an extension of the center electrode 4 and protrudes radially outward from the center electrode 4 or the center axis 3. The arrangement or shape of the ignition electrode 9 is with reference to Figures 2 to 8 to be described in different variants.

In der in Fig. 1 dargestellten Ausführungsform ist der Zündelektrode 9 gegenüberliegend ein Elektrodenelement der Masseelektrode in Form eines Ringes 10 aus einem gegenüber Funkenerosion widerstandsfähigen Material, beispielsweise aus Nickel bzw. einer Nickellegierung, am Metallgehäuse 5 angebracht. Zwischen dem Ring 10 und der Zündelektrode 9 wird ein Zündspalt 11 gebildet. Da die Zündelektrode 9 und der Ring 10 in Richtung der Mittelachse 3 versetzt angeordnet sind, wird ein Zündfunke zwischen diesen beiden Teilen im Wesentlichen parallel zur und im Abstand von der Mittelachse von der Zündelektrode 9 zum Ring 10 überspringen.In the in Fig. 1 In the illustrated embodiment, an electrode element of the ground electrode in the form of a ring 10 made of a material resistant to spark erosion, for example made of nickel or a nickel alloy, is attached to the metal housing 5 opposite the ignition electrode 9. An ignition gap 11 is formed between the ring 10 and the ignition electrode 9. Since the ignition electrode 9 and the ring 10 are offset in the direction of the central axis 3, an ignition spark will jump between these two parts essentially parallel to and at a distance from the central axis from the ignition electrode 9 to the ring 10.

In den Fig. 2a, 2b und 2c ist eine Ausführungsform der Zündelektrode 9 und des Ringes 10 dargestellt, welche im Wesentlichen der Ausführungsform von Fig. 1 entspricht, jedoch ohne Vorkammer.In the Figures 2a, 2b and 2c an embodiment of the ignition electrode 9 and the ring 10 is shown, which is essentially the embodiment of Fig. 1 corresponds, but without an antechamber.

Insbesondere in den Fig. 2a und 2b ist zu erkennen, dass die Zündelektrode 9 in Form eines Stabes, insbesondere in Form eines stabförmigen, rechteckigen Plättchens, ausgeführt ist, sodass zwei Zündelektroden 9 entstehen, durch welche zwei Funkenstrecken gebildet werden können, die sich auf gegenüberliegenden Seiten von der Mittelachse 3 weg erstrecken.Especially in the Figures 2a and 2b It can be seen that the ignition electrode 9 is in the form of a rod, in particular in the form of a rod-shaped, rectangular plate, so that two ignition electrodes 9 are created, through which two spark gaps can be formed that extend away from the central axis 3 on opposite sides .

An der Masseelektrode, welche in diesem Ausführungsbeispiel vom Ring 10 gebildet wird, sind, wie insbesondere in den Fig. 2a und 2b zu erkennen ist, zwei radial nach innen ragende Vorsprünge 12 angeordnet, die den Zündspalt 11 zur Masseelektrode hin begrenzen. Damit kann der Freiraum zwischen den übrigen Bereichen des Rings 10 und der Mittelelektrode 4 möglichst frei gehalten werden, womit eine möglichst ungehinderte Strömung von Brennstoffgemisch bzw. Verbrennungsgasen in diesem Bereich ermöglicht wird, was für das Zündverhalten der Verbrennungskraftmaschine von Vorteil ist.On the ground electrode, which in this embodiment is formed by the ring 10, are, as in particular in FIG Figures 2a and 2b can be seen, two radially inwardly projecting projections 12 are arranged, which delimit the ignition gap 11 towards the ground electrode. This allows the space between the remaining areas of the ring 10 and the center electrode 4 to be kept as free as possible, which enables the fuel mixture or combustion gases to flow as freely as possible in this area, which is advantageous for the ignition behavior of the internal combustion engine.

In den Fig. 3a und 3b ist eine weitere Ausführungsform einer Zündkerze dargestellt, welche der in Verbindung mit den Fig. 1 und 2 beschriebenen Ausführungsform ähnlich ist, jedoch mit dem Unterschied, dass der Ring 10 in der Ausführungsform der Fig. 3a und 3b nicht vorhanden ist. Dementsprechend bildet das Metallgehäuse 5 selbst die Masseelektrode und der Zündspalt 11 wird auf beiden Seiten zwischen der jeweiligen Zündelektrode 9 und der Stirnfläche 14 des Metallgehäuses 5 begrenzt.In the Figures 3a and 3b is another embodiment of a spark plug shown, which in connection with the Fig. 1 and 2 described embodiment is similar, but with the difference that the ring 10 in the embodiment of FIG Figures 3a and 3b does not exist. Accordingly, the metal housing 5 itself forms the ground electrode and the ignition gap 11 is delimited on both sides between the respective ignition electrode 9 and the end face 14 of the metal housing 5.

Die Ausführungsform von Fig. 4a entspricht weitgehend der Ausführungsform von Fig. 2, wobei die Zündelektroden 9 in den Zeichnungen weggelassen wurden, damit die Sicht auf die Vorsprünge 12 frei ist. Es ist in Fig. 4a zu sehen, dass in den Vorsprüngen 12 im Bereich der der Mittelachse 3 zugewandten Stirnseite der Vorsprünge 12 Schlitze 15 angebracht sind, welche das Zu- und Abströmen von Brennstoffgemisch bzw. Verbrennungsgasen in diesem Bereich erleichtert, was das Zündverhalten verbessert.The embodiment of Figure 4a corresponds largely to the embodiment of Fig. 2 , the ignition electrodes 9 being omitted in the drawings so that the view of the projections 12 is free. It is in Figure 4a It can be seen that slots 15 are provided in the projections 12 in the area of the end face of the projections 12 facing the central axis 3, which facilitate the inflow and outflow of fuel mixture or combustion gases in this area, which improves the ignition behavior.

In den Fig. 5a und 5b ist eine weitere Ausführungsform der Erfindung dargestellt, bei der zwei parallel zueinander angeordnete, stabförmige Zündelektroden 9 an der Mittelelektrode 4 angeordnet sind. Es gibt in dieser Ausführungsform insgesamt vier Zündelektroden 9, welche jeweils einen Zündspalt 11 mit dem Ring 10 bzw. dessen Vorsprüngen 12, falls diese vorhanden sind, begrenzen. Es versteht sich, dass die Anordnung der Zündelektroden 9 gemäß Fig. 5a und 5b auch dann verwendet werden kann, wenn kein Ring 10 vorhanden ist, wie dies beispielsweise in den Fig. 3a und 3b dargestellt ist.In the Figures 5a and 5b a further embodiment of the invention is shown in which two rod-shaped ignition electrodes 9, which are arranged parallel to one another, are arranged on the center electrode 4. In this embodiment there are a total of four ignition electrodes 9, each of which delimits an ignition gap 11 with the ring 10 or its projections 12, if these are present. It goes without saying that the arrangement of the ignition electrodes 9 according to FIG Figures 5a and 5b can also be used when there is no ring 10, as is shown, for example, in FIGS Figures 3a and 3b is shown.

Bei der in den Fig. 6a bis 6c dargestellten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Zündkerze 1 sind ebenfalls stabförmige Zündelektroden 9 vorgesehen, wobei sich diese allerdings auf gegenüberliegenden Seiten von der Mittelachse 3 weg erstrecken und in ihrer Längsrichtung zueinander versetzt angeordnet sind, sodass insgesamt nur zwei wirksame Zündelektroden 9 vorhanden sind.In the Figures 6a to 6c The illustrated embodiment of a spark plug 1 according to the invention also provides rod-shaped ignition electrodes 9, although these extend away from the central axis 3 on opposite sides and are arranged offset from one another in their longitudinal direction, so that only two effective ignition electrodes 9 are present.

Im Rahmen der Erfindung sind auch in den Zeichnungen nicht dargestellte Ausführungsformen denkbar, bei denen drei oder mehr Zündelektroden 9 vorhanden sind, die nach außen ragend an der Mittelelektrode 4 angeordnet sind. Ebenso ist es möglich, an der Mittelelektrode ein Plättchen oder dergleichen anzuordnen, das einen zentralen Mittelbereich und sternförmig oder speichenförmig angeordnete, radiale Verlängerungen nach außen aufweist, welche die Zündelektroden 9 bilden.In the context of the invention, embodiments not shown in the drawings are also conceivable in which three or more ignition electrodes 9 are present, which are arranged on the center electrode 4 so as to protrude outward. It is also possible to arrange a plate or the like on the central electrode which has a central central region and radial extensions to the outside which are arranged in a star or spoke shape and which form the ignition electrodes 9.

In den Fig. 7a und 7b ist eine Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Zündkerze 1 mit einer Vorkammer dargestellt, die von einer Vorkammerwand 8 begrenzt wird. Wenn, wie in dieser Ausführungsform der Erfindung, ein Ring 10 vorgesehen ist, kann dieser zum Zentrieren der Vorkammer über die Vorkammerwand 8 verwendet werden.In the Figures 7a and 7b an embodiment of a spark plug 1 according to the invention is shown with an antechamber which is delimited by an antechamber wall 8. If, as in this embodiment of the invention, a ring 10 is provided, this can be used to center the antechamber over the antechamber wall 8.

In der Vorkammerwand 8 sind Überströmöffnungen 16 angeordnet, durch welche Brennstoffgemisch und Verbrennungsgase in die Vorkammer ein- und aus der Vorkammer austreten können. Im dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel ist nur eine einzige Zündelektrode 9 an der Mittelelektrode 4 dargestellt, wobei natürlich auch alle anderen, in den Zeichnungen dargestellten und vorstehend beschriebenen Ausführungsformen von Zündelektroden 9 zum Einsatz kommen können.Overflow openings 16 are arranged in the antechamber wall 8, through which the fuel mixture and combustion gases can enter and exit the antechamber. In the exemplary embodiment shown, only a single ignition electrode 9 is shown on the center electrode 4, although all other embodiments of ignition electrodes 9 shown in the drawings and described above can of course also be used.

Die Anordnung bzw. die Position der Zündelektrode 9 bzw. der Zündelektroden 9 einerseits und der Überströmöffnungen 16 andererseits wird bevorzugt so getroffen, dass sie in einem Bereich liegen bzw. eine Ausrichtung haben, dass die Zündelektrode(n) 9 von außen für ein vorzugsweise stabförmiges Werkzeug 17 zugänglich ist/sind. Dies bietet den Vorteil, dass die Größe des Zündspalts 11 mit Hilfe des Werkzeugs 17 verändert werden kann, wenn der Zündspalt 11 eine Größe erreicht hat, bei der ein zuverlässiges Zünden nicht mehr gewährleistet ist.The arrangement or the position of the ignition electrode 9 or the ignition electrodes 9 on the one hand and the overflow openings 16 on the other hand is preferably made such that they lie in an area or have an orientation that the ignition electrode (s) 9 from the outside for a preferably rod-shaped Tool 17 is / are accessible. This has the advantage that the size of the ignition gap 11 can be changed with the aid of the tool 17 when the ignition gap 11 has reached a size at which reliable ignition is no longer guaranteed.

In den bisher beschriebenen Ausführungsformen der Erfindung liegt die Masseelektrode entweder in Form des Metallgehäuses 5 oder des Rings 10 hinter den Zündelektroden 9 der Mittelelektrode 4, d.h. auf der dem Anschluss 7 zugewandten Seite der Zündelektroden 9.In the embodiments of the invention described so far, the earth electrode is either in the form of the metal housing 5 or the ring 10 behind the ignition electrodes 9 of the center electrode 4, i. on the side of the ignition electrodes 9 facing the connection 7.

Bei der in Fig. 8a und 8b dargestellten, alternativen Ausführungsform liegt die Masseelektrode in Form eines Vorsprungs 18 vor der jeweiligen Zündelektrode 9, wobei die Zündelektroden 9 wie in Fig. 6a und 6b dargestellt angeordnet sind.At the in Figures 8a and 8b The alternative embodiment shown is the ground electrode in the form of a projection 18 in front of the respective ignition electrode 9, the ignition electrodes 9 as in FIG Figures 6a and 6b are arranged.

Für alle Ausführungsformen der Erfindung gilt, dass der Zündspalt 11 in radialer Richtung im Wesentlichen durch das radial innen liegende Ende des Rings 10, des Vorsprungs 12 oder des Metallgehäuses 5 und das radial außen liegende Ende der Zündelektroden 9 definiert wird, und im Übrigen durch die in Umfangsrichtung gemessene Breite der Überlappung zwischen den Zündelektroden 9 und dem Ring 10, dem Vorsprung 12 oder dem Metallgehäuse 5.For all embodiments of the invention, the ignition gap 11 is defined in the radial direction essentially by the radially inner end of the ring 10, the projection 12 or the metal housing 5 and the radially outer end of the ignition electrodes 9, and otherwise by the Width of the overlap, measured in the circumferential direction, between the ignition electrodes 9 and the ring 10, the projection 12 or the metal housing 5.

Soweit die Überlappung in radialer Richtung betroffen ist, liegt diese bei der Erfindung bevorzugt in einem Bereich zwischen 0,5D bis 0,9D, wobei D der in Fig. 1 eingezeichnete Gewindedurchmesser der Zündkerze ist. Der Vorteil dieser Bereiche ergibt sich aus einem Kompromiss zwischen möglichst kurzen und stabilen Zündelektroden 9, welche bevorzugt aus einem hochwertigen und somit teurem Material hergestellt sind, und andererseits der vorteilhaften Kühlung der Masseelektrode, die umso besser ist, je näher der Zündspalt 11 am Gewinde 9 der Zündkerze 1 liegt.As far as the overlap in the radial direction is concerned, in the case of the invention it is preferably in a range between 0.5D to 0.9D, D being the in Fig. 1 drawn thread diameter of the spark plug. The advantage of these areas results from a compromise between the shortest possible and stable ignition electrodes 9, which are preferably made of a high-quality and therefore expensive material, and on the other hand the advantageous cooling of the ground electrode, which is better the closer the ignition gap 11 to the thread 9 the spark plug 1 is lying.

Bei allen in den Zeichnungen dargestellten und in Verbindung mit den Zeichnungen beschriebenen Ausführungsformen liegt der Zündspalt 11 in einer Ebene, welche zur Mittelachse 3 im rechten Winkel ausgerichtet ist. Es ist im Rahmen der Erfindung allerdings auch möglich, dass der Zündspalt in einem Winkel zur Mittelachse 3 angeordnet ist, der etwas von 90° abweicht, womit auch ein Zündfunke nicht exakt parallel zur Mittelachse 3 überspringen wird. Derartige Abweichungen fallen ebenfalls unter den Schutzbereich der vorliegenden Erfindung.In all of the embodiments shown in the drawings and described in connection with the drawings, the ignition gap 11 lies in a plane which is oriented at right angles to the central axis 3. However, within the scope of the invention it is also possible for the ignition gap to be arranged at an angle to the central axis 3 which deviates somewhat from 90 °, so that an ignition spark will not jump over exactly parallel to the central axis 3. Such deviations also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Alle in den Zeichnungen dargestellten Ausführungsformen können im Rahmen der Erfindung miteinander kombiniert werden, ohne den Schutzbereich der Erfindung zu verlassen. Insbesondere können die Anordnungen mit und ohne Ring 10 einerseits, mit und ohne Vorkammer andererseits, sowie schließlich die verschiedenen Ausführungsformen und Anordnungen von Zündelektroden 9 im Rahmen der Erfindung beliebig miteinander kombiniert werden.All embodiments shown in the drawings can be combined with one another within the scope of the invention without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. In particular, the arrangements with and without ring 10 on the one hand, with and without antechamber on the other hand, and finally the various embodiments and arrangements of ignition electrodes 9 can be combined with one another as desired within the scope of the invention.

Claims (15)

  1. Spark plug (1) for internal combustion engines, comprising a central electrode (4) arranged along a central axis (3) of the spark plug (1) and an earth electrode arranged at a distance from the central axis (3), wherein the central electrode (4) has at least one ignition electrode (9) extending radially away from the central axis (3), wherein an ignition gap (11) is disposed between the central electrode (4) and the earth electrode, and wherein the ignition electrode (9) of the central electrode (4) and the earth electrode have a region overlapping in the radial direction, and between which the ignition gap (11) is disposed, so that an ignition spark extending substantially parallel to and at a distance from the central axis (3) can form, characterized in that the earth electrode has a radially inwardly protruding projection (12, 18) delimiting the ignition gap (11).
  2. Spark plug according to claim 1, characterized in that the ignition gap (11) lies substantially in a radial plane which is at a right angle to the central axis (3).
  3. Spark plug according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the ignition electrode (9) of the central electrode (4) and the earth electrode extend substantially in a radial direction.
  4. Spark plug according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the ignition electrode (9) of the central electrode (4) is formed in a substantially rod-shaped or plate-shaped manner.
  5. Spark plug according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least two ignition electrodes (9) of the central electrode (4) are provided, which extend on opposite sides away from the central axis (3).
  6. Spark plug according to claim 5, characterized in that two ignition electrodes (9) are formed by a single rod or small plate, or in that the ignition electrodes (9) are arranged offset to each other in their longitudinal direction.
  7. Spark plug according to claim 4, characterized in that more than two ignition electrodes (9) of the central electrode (4) are provided, which extend in a substantially star-shaped or spoke-shaped manner away from the central axis (3).
  8. Spark plug according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a slot (15) lying in an axial plane is arranged in the projection (12) .
  9. Spark plug according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the earth electrode lies in front of or behind the ignition electrode (9) of the central electrode (4) in the direction of the central axis (3).
  10. Spark plug according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the region of the earth electrode delimiting the ignition gap (11) is formed by the metal housing (5) of the spark plug (1), or in that an electrode element, preferably in the form of a ring (10), which delimits the ignition gap (11), is arranged on the metal housing (5) of the spark plug (1).
  11. Spark plug according to claim 10, characterized in that the electrode element consists of nickel or a nickel alloy.
  12. Spark plug according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that an antechamber with an antechamber wall (8) is arranged on the spark plug (1).
  13. Spark plug according to claims 10 and 12, characterized in that the antechamber (8) is centered on the ring (10).
  14. Spark plug according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the projection (18) is arranged on the antechamber wall (8).
  15. Spark plug according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that overflow openings (16) are arranged in the antechamber wall (8), at least one of which is arranged or aligned with the ignition electrode (9) of the central electrode (4) in such a way that the ignition electrode (9) is accessible from the outside for a preferably rod-shaped tool (17).
EP18182648.8A 2017-07-19 2018-07-10 Spark plug Active EP3432430B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ATA50602/2017A AT520394B1 (en) 2017-07-19 2017-07-19 spark plug

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EP3432430A1 EP3432430A1 (en) 2019-01-23
EP3432430B1 true EP3432430B1 (en) 2020-11-04

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AT (1) AT520394B1 (en)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB191007617A (en) * 1910-03-29 1910-11-10 Leopold Podszus Electric Igniter for Explosion-motors.
US2900546A (en) * 1956-07-09 1959-08-18 Andrew C Russell Spark plug assembly
AU3925993A (en) * 1992-04-09 1993-11-18 Augustus J. Hipp High performance spark plug
US5731655A (en) * 1996-03-12 1998-03-24 Corrado; Paul A. Spark plug with 360 degree firing tip
US6628049B2 (en) * 2001-02-02 2003-09-30 Pyrostars, Llc Spark plug with simultaneously multi-firing cap
KR200262294Y1 (en) * 2001-10-23 2002-03-18 김세영 Ignition spark plug
US8853926B2 (en) * 2004-09-28 2014-10-07 Robert Morin Spark plug with firing end having downward extending tines
JP5451510B2 (en) * 2010-04-28 2014-03-26 株式会社日本自動車部品総合研究所 Spark plug for internal combustion engine
DE102014216582A1 (en) * 2014-08-21 2016-02-25 Robert Bosch Gmbh Spark plug with multi-mass electrode
WO2016057557A1 (en) * 2014-10-06 2016-04-14 Advanced Green Innovations, LLC Structures and techniques to form repeatable gas mixtures at specific locations within a prechamber for ignition
EP3173596B1 (en) * 2015-11-25 2020-04-01 Caterpillar Energy Solutions GmbH Pre-combustion chamber assembly for internal combustion engines
CN105977790B (en) * 2016-05-18 2017-11-24 燕山大学 A kind of positive pole ceramics coated multi-gap spark plug

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Publication number Publication date
EP3432430A1 (en) 2019-01-23
AT520394A1 (en) 2019-03-15
AT520394B1 (en) 2020-04-15

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