EP3771049B1 - Spark plug and method for manufacturing same - Google Patents

Spark plug and method for manufacturing same Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3771049B1
EP3771049B1 EP20198706.2A EP20198706A EP3771049B1 EP 3771049 B1 EP3771049 B1 EP 3771049B1 EP 20198706 A EP20198706 A EP 20198706A EP 3771049 B1 EP3771049 B1 EP 3771049B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
housing
housing portion
spark plug
plug according
insulator
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EP20198706.2A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3771049A1 (en
Inventor
Steffen Kuhnert
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DKT Verwaltungs GmbH
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DKT Verwaltungs GmbH
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T13/00—Sparking plugs
    • H01T13/20—Sparking plugs characterised by features of the electrodes or insulation
    • H01T13/36—Sparking plugs characterised by features of the electrodes or insulation characterised by the joint between insulation and body, e.g. using cement
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T13/00—Sparking plugs
    • H01T13/54—Sparking plugs having electrodes arranged in a partly-enclosed ignition chamber
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T21/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture or maintenance of spark gaps or sparking plugs
    • H01T21/02—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for the manufacture or maintenance of spark gaps or sparking plugs of sparking plugs

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a spark plug, in particular a prechamber spark plug, with a housing, a center electrode and a ground electrode. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for producing a spark plug.
  • Prechamber spark plugs of the type in question are well known from practice.
  • prechamber spark plugs are also known, which are used in particular for internal combustion engines that work on the principle of lean combustion.
  • Prechamber spark plugs have a prechamber that interacts with the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine through transfer openings.
  • the fuel-air mixture is ignited by means of ignition sparks in the prechamber, after which the combustion continues in the form of ignition flares through the transfer openings into the combustion chamber of the combustion engine, where the lean mixture, which tends to be reluctant to ignite, is ignited.
  • a pre-chamber spark plug is, for example, from WO 03/071644 A1 previously known.
  • the well-known prechamber spark plug comprises a housing, an insulator with an internal center electrode, a prechamber in the front housing area with at least one overflow channel to the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, and a device for forming a spark gap.
  • the insulator is clamped in a two-part housing, with the housing parts being welded to one another around the circumference.
  • the insulator is held in the housing by the prestress that is generated by the residual stress or the shrinking process after welding.
  • a spark plug comprising a housing and an insulator with an internal center electrode is already known.
  • the housing is designed in one piece.
  • the insulator is inserted into the housing and the upper edge of the housing is flanged. Furthermore, a deformation area is formed on the housing.
  • the problem with this spark plug is that the beading of the upper edge of the one-piece housing means that the housing cannot be made solid in this area. As a result, the housing cannot be sufficiently resistant to pressure against the insulator and there is a risk of the insulator being pushed out of the housing in the event of a particularly high pressure load.
  • the present invention is therefore based on the object of designing and developing a spark plug in such a way that a stable and gas-tight spark plug is realized with structurally simple means. Furthermore, a manufacturing method for a spark plug is to be specified.
  • the housing is designed in two parts and has a deformation area that is used to brace the housing parts with the insulator. Due to the two-part design of the housing, it is possible to use the one facing away from the combustion chamber Design housing part particularly massive, so that the risk of the insulator being pushed out at high pressure loads is significantly reduced.
  • the deformation area it can be heated and the two housing parts can be pressed against one another, so that the deformation of the deformation area and after the cooling of the deformation area results in a tensioning of the insulator in the housing. This ensures that there is a constant preload around the circumference of the housing.
  • the deformation area can advantageously have a reduced cross-sectional area. This constructive measure makes it possible to process the deformation area in an extremely simple manner, namely to press the housing parts together in the heated state.
  • the insulator can be made of a ceramic, for example.
  • the first housing part and the second housing part can consist of different materials.
  • the materials can be steel, a nickel-based alloy, a copper-based alloy, etc., for example.
  • the coefficients of expansion of the insulator and the housing can be coordinated and the thermal conductivity can be increased in a targeted manner.
  • At least one ventilation opening can be formed on the first housing part and/or on the second housing part, in order in particular to discharge any leakage gases that may occur during manufacture (welding) or during operation.
  • the vent opening has the further advantage that if the sealing function fails, the pressure can be reduced via the vent opening before the insulator is pressed out of the housing.
  • the first housing part and the second housing part can be connected to one another via a weld seam.
  • the weld seam can be produced, for example, using tungsten inert gas welding and/or a plasma welding process and/or a laser welding process.
  • a housing extension in particular a tubular one, can advantageously be arranged on the housing.
  • the housing extension can be fixed to the housing, in particular the second housing part, via a welded connection.
  • the housing extension has a passage for an ignition cable and/or that an electrically insulating material is arranged between the housing extension and the ignition cable, in particular with a dielectric strength of more than 5 kV/mm.
  • the electrically insulating material can be a gel, for example, in particular a silicone gel. This can preferably be a pourable two-component mixture.
  • At least one ventilation opening can be formed on the housing extension in order to discharge leakage gases occurring during manufacture or during operation of the spark plug. This also serves as a safety element, since pressure can escape through the ventilation opening in the event of a failure of the sealing function of the spark plug before the insulator is pressed out of the housing.
  • a gripping element in particular a hexagon, for an assembly tool can be formed on the first housing part or on the housing extension. If the engagement means is realized on the first housing part, which faces the combustion chamber, the connection between the first and the second housing part is not stressed when the spark plug is screwed in, so that there is no risk of damage to the connection.
  • a particularly robust and gas-tight spark plug can be produced through the combination of a two-part housing and a deformation area.
  • the deformation area is heated in a targeted manner, preferably to a temperature of over 600° C., and the housing parts are then pressed together.
  • the heated deformation area is deformed and, after the deformation area has cooled down, the insulator is strained in the housing.
  • the deformation area can directly or indirectly bear against the insulator under prestress after the pressing.
  • the housing parts can advantageously be welded to one another, for example by means of a tungsten inert gas welding process or a plasma welding process or a laser welding process.
  • the deformation area is heated by means of inductive heating. This has the advantage that the deformation area can be heated in a targeted, annular and homogeneous manner.
  • spark plug In the 1 and 2 a first exemplary embodiment of a spark plug according to the invention is shown.
  • the spark plug is designed as a pre-chamber spark plug, it being expressly pointed out that the spark plug according to the invention does not necessarily have to be designed as a pre-chamber spark plug.
  • the spark plug comprises a housing 1 which partially encloses an insulator 2 .
  • the housing 1 has a first housing part 3 and a second housing part 4 .
  • the housing parts 3, 4 are connected to one another via a weld seam 5.
  • a supply line (not shown) runs inside the insulator 2, via which the central electrode 6 can be supplied with an electrical voltage.
  • the center electrode 6 is realized in the form of two strips, each with ends that are curved in an arc shape. The ends of the strips each act as an ignition surface.
  • the first housing part 3 serves as a ground electrode 7 in the illustrated embodiment.
  • the antechamber 8 is closed off by a cap 9, with transfer openings 10 in the cap 9 are formed, through which the ignition flares can extend into the combustion chamber.
  • the cap 9 is connected to the first housing part 3 via a weld seam 5'.
  • a deformation area 11 is provided on the second housing part 4 .
  • this area of the second housing part 4 is heated in a ring-shaped, homogeneous manner after the first housing part 3 and the second housing part 4 have been welded to one another.
  • the deformation area 11 has a corresponding temperature—preferably above 600° C.—the housing parts 3, 4 are pressed against one another with a force F, preferably along the arrows shown in the figures.
  • the deformation region 11 shrinks as a result of the cooling, so that the insulator 2 is strained in the housing 3, 4, as is shown in the figures.
  • the deformation area 11 rests directly or indirectly on the insulator 2 .
  • the deformation area 11 can also be realized exclusively on the first housing part 3 or that at least one deformation area 11 can be formed on each of the two housing parts 3, 4.
  • the end of the second housing part 4 facing away from the combustion chamber can be designed to be particularly solid and robust, which significantly minimizes the risk of the insulator 2 being pushed out of the housing 1, particularly in comparison to a one-piece housing that in is crimped in this area.
  • a connection means 12 for connecting the supply line to an ignition system is formed on the end of the insulator 2 facing away from the combustion chamber.
  • a ventilation opening 13 and an engagement means 14 are formed on the second housing part 4 .
  • the attack means 14 is implemented as a hexagon.
  • a sealing ring 15, for example made of steel or copper, is provided between the first housing part 3 and the insulator 2.
  • a thread 16 and a further sealing ring 17 are formed on the outer wall of the first housing part 3, which seals with the combustion chamber cover.
  • FIG. 3 and 4 a further exemplary embodiment of a spark plug according to the invention is shown.
  • This essentially corresponds to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG 1 and 2 ,
  • a housing extension 18 being connected to the first housing part 3 via a weld seam 19 .
  • An ignition line 20 runs inside the housing extension 18 .
  • the area between the ignition line 20 and the tubular housing extension 18 is filled with an electrically insulating material 21 , for example a silicone gel, and sealed with a sealing ring 22 .
  • a passage 23 for the ignition line 20 is formed on the end of the housing extension 18 facing away from the combustion chamber.
  • a means of engagement 14 for a tool and a ventilation opening 13 are formed on the housing extension 18 .
  • the engagement means 14 can be a hexagon, for example, so that the spark plug can be screwed into the ignition chamber with a tool that fits it.

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

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Zündkerze, insbesondere eine Vorkammerzündkerze, mit einem Gehäuse, einer Mittelelektrode und einer Masseelektrode. Des Weiteren betrifft die vorliegende Erfindung ein Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Zündkerze.The present invention relates to a spark plug, in particular a prechamber spark plug, with a housing, a center electrode and a ground electrode. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for producing a spark plug.

Zündkerzen der in Rede stehenden Art sind hinlänglich aus der Praxis bekannt. Insbesondere sind auch Vorkammerzündkerzen bekannt, welche insbesondere für Verbrennungsmotoren eingesetzt werden, die nach dem Prinzip der Magerverbrennung arbeiten. Vorkammerzündkerzen weisen eine Vorkammer auf, die durch Übertrittsöffnungen mit dem Brennraum eines Verbrennungsmotors zusammenwirkt. Das Kraftstoff-Luft-Gemisch wird mittels Zündfunken in der Vorkammer gezündet, wonach sich die Verbrennung in Form von Zündfackeln durch die Übertrittsöffnungen in den Brennraum des Verbrennungsmotors fortsetzt und dort das tendenziell zündunwillige, magere Gemisch entzündet.Spark plugs of the type in question are well known from practice. In particular, prechamber spark plugs are also known, which are used in particular for internal combustion engines that work on the principle of lean combustion. Prechamber spark plugs have a prechamber that interacts with the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine through transfer openings. The fuel-air mixture is ignited by means of ignition sparks in the prechamber, after which the combustion continues in the form of ignition flares through the transfer openings into the combustion chamber of the combustion engine, where the lean mixture, which tends to be reluctant to ignite, is ignited.

Eine Vorkammerzündkerze ist beispielsweise aus der WO 03/071644 A1 vorbekannt. Die bekannte Vorkammerzündkerze umfasst ein Gehäuse, einen Isolator mit innenliegender Mittelelektrode, eine Vorkammer im vorderen Gehäusebereich mit mindestens einem Überströmkanal zum Brennraum eines Verbrennungsmotors sowie eine Einrichtung zur Ausbildung einer Funkenstrecke. Der Isolator ist dabei in einem zweiteiligen Gehäuse eingespannt, wobei die Gehäuseteile am Umfang miteinander verschweißt sind. Der Isolator wird über die Vorspannung in dem Gehäuse gehalten, die über die Eigenspannung bzw. den Schrumpfvorgang nach dem Schweißen erzeugt wird.A pre-chamber spark plug is, for example, from WO 03/071644 A1 previously known. The well-known prechamber spark plug comprises a housing, an insulator with an internal center electrode, a prechamber in the front housing area with at least one overflow channel to the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, and a device for forming a spark gap. The insulator is clamped in a two-part housing, with the housing parts being welded to one another around the circumference. The insulator is held in the housing by the prestress that is generated by the residual stress or the shrinking process after welding.

Bei einer solchen Konstruktion ist problematisch, dass die lokale, punktuelle Wärmeeinbringung während des Schweißens zu einer über den Umfang hinweg inhomogenen Vorspannung im Gehäuse und an den Dichtflächen führt. Daher treten bei entsprechenden Zündkerzen oftmals Undichtigkeiten auf, die es zu vermeiden gilt.The problem with such a construction is that the local, point-by-point introduction of heat during the welding leads to an inhomogeneous prestress in the housing and on the sealing surfaces over the circumference. Therefore, leaks often occur with corresponding spark plugs, which must be avoided.

Des Weiteren ist aus der WO 2008/017069 A2 eine Zündkerze umfassend ein Gehäuse und einen Isolator mit innenliegender Mittelelektrode vorbekannt. Das Gehäuse ist dabei einteilig ausgebildet. Zur Herstellung der Zündkerze wird der Isolator in das Gehäuse eingesetzt und die obere Gehäusekante umgebördelt. Des Weiteren ist an dem Gehäuse ein Deformationsbereich ausgebildet. Bei dieser Zündkerze ist proble-matisch, dass durch das Umbördeln des oberen Randes des einteiligen Gehäuses eine massive Ausgestaltung des Gehäuses in diesem Bereich nicht möglich ist. Dadurch kann keine ausreichende Druckfestigkeit des Gehäuses gegen den Isolator erreicht werden und es besteht die Gefahr des Herausdrückens des Isolators aus dem Gehäuse bei besonders hoher Druckbelastung.Furthermore, from the WO 2008/017069 A2 a spark plug comprising a housing and an insulator with an internal center electrode is already known. The housing is designed in one piece. To manufacture the spark plug, the insulator is inserted into the housing and the upper edge of the housing is flanged. Furthermore, a deformation area is formed on the housing. The problem with this spark plug is that the beading of the upper edge of the one-piece housing means that the housing cannot be made solid in this area. As a result, the housing cannot be sufficiently resistant to pressure against the insulator and there is a risk of the insulator being pushed out of the housing in the event of a particularly high pressure load.

Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Zündkerze derart auszugestalten und weiterzubilden, dass mit konstruktiv einfachen Mitteln eine stabile und gasdichte Zündkerze realisiert ist. Des Weiteren soll ein Herstellungsverfahren für eine Zündkerze angegeben werden.The present invention is therefore based on the object of designing and developing a spark plug in such a way that a stable and gas-tight spark plug is realized with structurally simple means. Furthermore, a manufacturing method for a spark plug is to be specified.

Erfindungsgemäß wird die voranstehende Aufgabe durch die Merkmale des Anspruchs 1 gelöst.According to the invention, the above object is achieved by the features of claim 1.

In erfindungsgemäßer Weise ist erkannt worden, dass eine besonders stabile und druckdichte Ausgestaltung der Zündkerze realisierbar ist, wenn das Gehäuse zweiteilig ausgebildet ist und einen Deformationsbereich aufweist, der zur Verspannung der Gehäuseteile mit dem Isolator dient. Durch die zweiteilige Ausbildung des Gehäuses ist es möglich, das dem Brennraum abgewandte Gehäuseteil besonders massiv auszugestalten, so dass die Gefahr eines Herausdrückens des Isolators bei hohen Druckbelastungen wesentlich reduziert ist. Zur Realisierung des Deformationsbereichs kann dieser erhitzt werden und können die beiden Gehäuseteile gegeneinander verpresst werden, so dass sich durch die Verformung des Deformationsbereichs und nach dem Abkühlen des Deformationsbereichs eine Verspannung des Isolators in dem Gehäuse einstellt. Somit ist gewährleistet, dass um den Umfang des Gehäuses eine konstante Vorspannung vorliegt. Dadurch ist eine über den Umfang konstante, homogene Druckverteilung in den Kontaktflächen zwischen Gehäuseteil und Isolator realisiert. Insgesamt wird eine dauerhaft gasdichte Funktion sichergestellt. Dabei ist denkbar, dass der Deformationsbereich mittelbar oder unmittelbar unter Vorspannung an dem Isolator anliegt.In a manner according to the invention, it has been recognized that a particularly stable and pressure-tight design of the spark plug can be realized if the housing is designed in two parts and has a deformation area that is used to brace the housing parts with the insulator. Due to the two-part design of the housing, it is possible to use the one facing away from the combustion chamber Design housing part particularly massive, so that the risk of the insulator being pushed out at high pressure loads is significantly reduced. To realize the deformation area, it can be heated and the two housing parts can be pressed against one another, so that the deformation of the deformation area and after the cooling of the deformation area results in a tensioning of the insulator in the housing. This ensures that there is a constant preload around the circumference of the housing. This results in a constant, homogeneous pressure distribution over the circumference in the contact surfaces between the housing part and the insulator. Overall, a permanently gas-tight function is ensured. It is conceivable that the deformation area bears against the insulator directly or indirectly under prestress.

In vorteilhafter Weise kann der Deformationsbereich eine verringerte Querschnittsfläche aufweisen. Durch diese konstruktive Maßnahme ist es möglich, den Deformationsbereich äußerst einfach zu bearbeiten, nämlich im erhitzten Zustand die Gehäuseteile miteinander zu verpressen. Der Isolator kann beispielsweise aus einer Keramik hergestellt sein.The deformation area can advantageously have a reduced cross-sectional area. This constructive measure makes it possible to process the deformation area in an extremely simple manner, namely to press the housing parts together in the heated state. The insulator can be made of a ceramic, for example.

In weiter vorteilhafter Weise können der erste Gehäuseteil und der zweite Gehäuseteil aus unterschiedlichen Werkstoffen bestehen. Bei den Werkstoffen kann es sich beispielsweise um Stahl, eine Nickel-Basis-Legierung, eine KupferBasis-Legierung etc. handeln. Durch eine entsprechende Materialwahl sind eine Abstimmung der Ausdehnungskoeffizienten des Isolators und des Gehäuses sowie eine gezielte Erhöhung der Wärmeleitfähigkeit realisierbar.In a further advantageous manner, the first housing part and the second housing part can consist of different materials. The materials can be steel, a nickel-based alloy, a copper-based alloy, etc., for example. By selecting the right material, the coefficients of expansion of the insulator and the housing can be coordinated and the thermal conductivity can be increased in a targeted manner.

Um insbesondere während der Fertigung (Schweißen) oder im Betrieb evtl. auftretende Leckagegase abzuleiten, kann an dem ersten Gehäuseteil und/oder an dem zweiten Gehäuseteil zumindest eine Entlüftungsöffnung ausgebildet sein. Die Entlüftungsöffnung hat den weiteren Vorteil, dass bei einem Versagen der Dichtfunktion der Druck über die Entlüftungsöffnung abbaubar ist, bevor es zu einem Ausdrücken des Isolators aus dem Gehäuse kommt.At least one ventilation opening can be formed on the first housing part and/or on the second housing part, in order in particular to discharge any leakage gases that may occur during manufacture (welding) or during operation. The vent opening has the further advantage that if the sealing function fails, the pressure can be reduced via the vent opening before the insulator is pressed out of the housing.

In besonders vorteilhafter Weise können das erste Gehäuseteil und das zweite Gehäuseteil über eine Schweißnaht miteinander verbunden sein. Die Schweißnaht kann beispielsweise über Wolfram-Inertgasschweißen und/oder ein Plasmaschweißverfahren und/oder ein Laserschweißverfahren hergestellt sein.In a particularly advantageous manner, the first housing part and the second housing part can be connected to one another via a weld seam. The weld seam can be produced, for example, using tungsten inert gas welding and/or a plasma welding process and/or a laser welding process.

In vorteilhafter Weise kann an dem Gehäuse eine, insbesondere rohrförmige, Gehäuseverlängerung angeordnet sein. Die Gehäuseverlängerung kann an dem Gehäuse, insbesondere dem zweiten Gehäuseteil, über eine Schweißverbindung festgelegt sein. Weiterhin ist denkbar, dass die Gehäuseverlängerung eine Durchführung für eine Zündleitung aufweist und/oder dass zwischen der Gehäuseverlängerung und der Zündleitung ein elektrisch isolierendes Material angeordnet ist, insbesondere mit einer Durchschlagfestigkeit von über 5 kV/mm. Das elektrisch isolierende Material kann beispielsweise ein Gel, insbesondere ein Silikongel sein. Vorzugsweise kann es sich dabei um eine gießbare Zwei-Komponenten-Mischung handeln.A housing extension, in particular a tubular one, can advantageously be arranged on the housing. The housing extension can be fixed to the housing, in particular the second housing part, via a welded connection. It is also conceivable that the housing extension has a passage for an ignition cable and/or that an electrically insulating material is arranged between the housing extension and the ignition cable, in particular with a dielectric strength of more than 5 kV/mm. The electrically insulating material can be a gel, for example, in particular a silicone gel. This can preferably be a pourable two-component mixture.

Um während der Fertigung oder im Betrieb der Zündkerze auftretende Leckagegase abzuleiten, kann an der Gehäuseverlängerung zumindest eine Entlüftungsöffnung ausgebildet sein. Diese dient des Weiteren als Sicherheitselement, da durch die Entlüftungsöffnung im Falle eines Versagens der Dichtfunktion der Zündkerze Druck entweichen kann, bevor es zu einem Ausdrücken des Isolators aus dem Gehäuse kommt.At least one ventilation opening can be formed on the housing extension in order to discharge leakage gases occurring during manufacture or during operation of the spark plug. This also serves as a safety element, since pressure can escape through the ventilation opening in the event of a failure of the sealing function of the spark plug before the insulator is pressed out of the housing.

Gemäß einer weiter vorteilhaften Ausgestaltung kann an dem ersten Gehäuseteil oder an der Gehäuseverlängerung ein Angriffsmitteil, insbesondere ein Sechskant, für ein Montagewerkzeug ausgebildet sein. Bei einer Realisierung des Angriffsmittels an dem ersten Gehäuseteil, der dem Brennraum zugewandt ist, wird die Verbindung zwischen dem ersten und dem zweiten Gehäuseteil beim Eindrehen der Zündkerze nicht belastet, so dass keine Gefahr von Beschädigungen der Verbindung besteht.According to a further advantageous embodiment, a gripping element, in particular a hexagon, for an assembly tool can be formed on the first housing part or on the housing extension. If the engagement means is realized on the first housing part, which faces the combustion chamber, the connection between the first and the second housing part is not stressed when the spark plug is screwed in, so that there is no risk of damage to the connection.

Die hier zugrundeliegende Aufgabe wird des Weiteren durch das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 11 gelöst.The object on which this is based is also achieved by the method according to the invention as claimed in claim 11 .

In erfindungsgemäßer Weise ist erkannt worden, dass durch die Kombination eines zweiteilig ausgebildeten Gehäuse und eines Deformationsbereichs eine besonders robuste und gasdichte Zündkerze herstellbar ist. Dazu wird nach dem Verbinden der Gehäuseteile der Deformationsbereich gezielt erhitzt, vorzugsweise auf eine Temperatur von über 600°C, und werden die Gehäuseteile sodann miteinander verpresst. Dadurch verformt sich der erhitze Deformationsbereich und stellt sich nach dem Abkühlen des Deformationsbereichs eine Verspannung des Isolators in dem Gehäuse ein. In besonders vorteilhafter Weise kann der Deformationsbereich nach dem Verpressen mittelbar oder unmittelbar unter Vorspannung an dem Isolator anliegen.In a manner according to the invention, it has been recognized that a particularly robust and gas-tight spark plug can be produced through the combination of a two-part housing and a deformation area. For this purpose, after the connection of the housing parts, the deformation area is heated in a targeted manner, preferably to a temperature of over 600° C., and the housing parts are then pressed together. As a result, the heated deformation area is deformed and, after the deformation area has cooled down, the insulator is strained in the housing. In a particularly advantageous manner, the deformation area can directly or indirectly bear against the insulator under prestress after the pressing.

In vorteilhafter Weise können die Gehäuseteile miteinander verschweißt werden, beispielsweise mittels eines Wolfram-Inertgas-Schweißverfahrens oder eines Plasmaschweißverfahrens oder eines Laserschweißverfahrens.The housing parts can advantageously be welded to one another, for example by means of a tungsten inert gas welding process or a plasma welding process or a laser welding process.

Des Weiteren ist denkbar, dass der Deformationsbereich mittels induktiver Erwärmung erhitzt wird. Dies hat den Vorteil, dass der Deformationsbereich gezielt ringförmig und homogen erwärmt werden kann.Furthermore, it is conceivable that the deformation area is heated by means of inductive heating. This has the advantage that the deformation area can be heated in a targeted, annular and homogeneous manner.

Es gibt nun verschiedene Möglichkeiten, die Lehre der vorliegenden Erfindung in vorteilhafter Weise auszugestalten und weiterzubilden. Dazu ist einerseits auf die den Ansprüchen 1 und 10 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 zeigen

Fig. 1
in einer schematischen, teilweise geschnittenen Darstellung ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Zündkerze
Fig. 2
in einer schematischen Seitenansicht die Zündkerze gemäß Fig. 1,
Fig. 3
in einer schematischen, geschnittenen Darstellung ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Zündkerze und
Fig. 4
in einer schematischen Darstellung einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt aus Fig. 4.
There are now various possibilities for embodying and developing the teaching of the present invention in an advantageous manner. For this purpose, on the one hand, reference is made to the claims subordinate to claims 1 and 10 and, on the other hand, to the following explanation of preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing. In connection with the explanation of the preferred Exemplary embodiments of the invention are also explained in general with reference to the drawing, preferred configurations and developments of the teaching. Show in the drawing
1
in a schematic, partially sectional view, a first embodiment of a spark plug according to the invention
2
in a schematic side view the spark plug according to FIG 1 ,
3
in a schematic, sectional view, a second embodiment of a spark plug according to the invention and
4
shows an enlarged section in a schematic representation 4 .

In den Fig. 1 und 2 ist ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Zündkerze dargestellt. Die Zündkerze ist dabei als Vorkammerzündkerze ausgebildet, wobei ausdrücklich darauf hingewiesen wird, dass die erfindungsgemäße Zündkerze nicht zwangsweise als Vorkammerzündkerze ausgebildet sein muss.In the 1 and 2 a first exemplary embodiment of a spark plug according to the invention is shown. The spark plug is designed as a pre-chamber spark plug, it being expressly pointed out that the spark plug according to the invention does not necessarily have to be designed as a pre-chamber spark plug.

Die Zündkerze umfasst ein Gehäuse 1, das einen Teil eines Isolators 2 umschließt. Das Gehäuse 1 weist einen ersten Gehäuseteil 3 und einen zweiten Gehäuseteil 4 auf. Die Gehäuseteile 3, 4 sind über eine Schweißnaht 5 miteinander verbunden. Innerhalb des Isolators 2 verläuft eine nicht dargestellte Versorgungsleitung, über welche die Mittelelektrode 6 mit elektrischer Spannung beaufschlagbar ist.The spark plug comprises a housing 1 which partially encloses an insulator 2 . The housing 1 has a first housing part 3 and a second housing part 4 . The housing parts 3, 4 are connected to one another via a weld seam 5. A supply line (not shown) runs inside the insulator 2, via which the central electrode 6 can be supplied with an electrical voltage.

Die Mittelelektrode 6 ist im hier darstellten Ausführungsbeispiel in Form von zwei Streifen mit jeweils bogenförmig gekrümmten Enden realisiert. Die Enden der Streifen wirken dabei jeweils als Zündfläche. Das erste Gehäuseteil 3 dient in dem dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel als Masseelektrode 7. Die Vorkammer 8 wird von einer Kappe 9 abgeschlossen, wobei in der Kappe 9 Übertrittsöffnungen 10 ausgebildet sind, durch welche sich die Zündfackeln in den Brennraum erstrecken können. Die Kappe 9 ist über eine Schweißnaht 5' mit dem ersten Gehäuseteil 3 verbunden.In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the center electrode 6 is realized in the form of two strips, each with ends that are curved in an arc shape. The ends of the strips each act as an ignition surface. The first housing part 3 serves as a ground electrode 7 in the illustrated embodiment. The antechamber 8 is closed off by a cap 9, with transfer openings 10 in the cap 9 are formed, through which the ignition flares can extend into the combustion chamber. The cap 9 is connected to the first housing part 3 via a weld seam 5'.

An dem zweiten Gehäuseteil 4 ist ein Deformationsbereich 11 vorgesehen. Zur Erzeugung des Deformationsbereichs 11 wird dieser Bereich des zweiten Gehäuseteils 4 ringförmig, homogen erwärmt, nachdem der erste Gehäuseteil 3 und der zweite Gehäuseteil 4 miteinander verschweißt worden sind. Sobald der Deformationsbereich 11 eine entsprechende Temperatur - vorzugsweise von über 600°C - aufweist, werden die Gehäuseteile 3, 4 mit einer Kraft F gegeneinander verpresst, vorzugsweise entlang der in den Figuren dargestellten Pfeile. Durch das Abkühlen schrumpft der Deformationsbereich 11, so dass sich eine Verspannung des Isolators 2 im Gehäuse 3, 4 einstellt, wie dies in den Figuren dargestellt ist. Insbesondere ist denkbar, dass der Deformationsbereich 11 mittelbar oder unmittelbar an dem Isolator 2 anliegt. Es wird ausdrücklich darauf hingewiesen, dass der Deformationsbereich 11 auch ausschließlich an dem ersten Gehäuseteil 3 realisiert sein kann oder dass an beiden Gehäuseteilen 3, 4 jeweils mindestens ein Deformationsbereich 11 ausgebildet sein kann.A deformation area 11 is provided on the second housing part 4 . To produce the deformation area 11, this area of the second housing part 4 is heated in a ring-shaped, homogeneous manner after the first housing part 3 and the second housing part 4 have been welded to one another. As soon as the deformation area 11 has a corresponding temperature—preferably above 600° C.—the housing parts 3, 4 are pressed against one another with a force F, preferably along the arrows shown in the figures. The deformation region 11 shrinks as a result of the cooling, so that the insulator 2 is strained in the housing 3, 4, as is shown in the figures. In particular, it is conceivable that the deformation area 11 rests directly or indirectly on the insulator 2 . It is expressly pointed out that the deformation area 11 can also be realized exclusively on the first housing part 3 or that at least one deformation area 11 can be formed on each of the two housing parts 3, 4.

Aufgrund der zweiteiligen Ausgestaltung des Gehäuses 1 kann das dem Brennraum abgewandte Ende des zweiten Gehäuseteils 4 besonders massiv und robust ausgebildet sein, wodurch die Gefahr des Herausdrückens des Isolators 2 aus dem Gehäuse 1 erheblich minimiert wird, insbesondere im Vergleich zu einem einteiligen Gehäuse, dass in diesem Bereich umgebördelt ist. An dem dem Brennraum abgewandten Ende des Isolators 2 ist ein Anschlussmittel 12 zur Verbindung der Versorgungsleitung mit einer Zündanlage ausgebildet. An dem zweiten Gehäuseteil 4 sind des Weiteren eine Entlüftungsöffnung 13 sowie ein Angriffsmittel 14 ausgebildet. Das Angriffsmittel 14 ist als Sechskant realisiert. Zwischen dem ersten Gehäuseteil 3 und dem Isolator 2 ist ein Dichtring 15, beispielsweise aus Stahl oder Kupfer, vorgesehen. Zusätzlich sind an der äußeren Wandung des ersten Gehäuseteils 3 ein Gewinde 16 und ein weiterer Dichtring 17 ausgebildet, der mit dem Brennraumdeckel abdichtet.Due to the two-part design of the housing 1, the end of the second housing part 4 facing away from the combustion chamber can be designed to be particularly solid and robust, which significantly minimizes the risk of the insulator 2 being pushed out of the housing 1, particularly in comparison to a one-piece housing that in is crimped in this area. A connection means 12 for connecting the supply line to an ignition system is formed on the end of the insulator 2 facing away from the combustion chamber. Furthermore, a ventilation opening 13 and an engagement means 14 are formed on the second housing part 4 . The attack means 14 is implemented as a hexagon. A sealing ring 15, for example made of steel or copper, is provided between the first housing part 3 and the insulator 2. In addition, a thread 16 and a further sealing ring 17 are formed on the outer wall of the first housing part 3, which seals with the combustion chamber cover.

In den Fig. 3 und 4 ist ein weitere Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemäßen Zündkerze dargestellt. Diese entspricht im Wesentlichen dem Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß den Fig. 1 und 2, wobei mit dem ersten Gehäuseteil 3 eine Gehäuseverlängerung 18 über eine Schweißnaht 19 verbunden ist. Innerhalb der Gehäuseverlängerung 18 verläuft eine Zündleitung 20. Der Bereich zwischen der Zündleitung 20 und der rohrförmigen Gehäuseverlängerung 18 ist mit einem elektrisch isolierenden Material 21, beispielsweise einem Silikongel, aufgefüllt und mit einem Dichtring 22 abgedichtet. An dem dem Brennraum abgewandten Ende der Gehäuseverlängerung 18 ist eine Durchführung 23 für die Zündleitung 20 ausgebildet. Des Weiteren ist an der Gehäuseverlängerung 18 ein Angriffsmittel 14 für ein Werkzeug sowie eine Entlüftungsöffnung 13 ausgebildet. Bei dem Angriffsmittel 14 kann es sich beispielsweise um einen Sechskant handeln, so dass die Zündkerze mit einem damit passenden Werkzeug in den Zündraum einschraubbar ist.In the 3 and 4 a further exemplary embodiment of a spark plug according to the invention is shown. This essentially corresponds to the exemplary embodiment according to FIG 1 and 2 , A housing extension 18 being connected to the first housing part 3 via a weld seam 19 . An ignition line 20 runs inside the housing extension 18 . The area between the ignition line 20 and the tubular housing extension 18 is filled with an electrically insulating material 21 , for example a silicone gel, and sealed with a sealing ring 22 . A passage 23 for the ignition line 20 is formed on the end of the housing extension 18 facing away from the combustion chamber. Furthermore, a means of engagement 14 for a tool and a ventilation opening 13 are formed on the housing extension 18 . The engagement means 14 can be a hexagon, for example, so that the spark plug can be screwed into the ignition chamber with a tool that fits it.

Zur Vermeidung von Wiederholungen wird des Weiteren auf die Beschreibung der Fig. 1 und 2 verwiesen, wobei in den Fig. 3 und 4 zur besseren Übersicht die die Richtung der Kraft F darstellenden Pfeile nicht enthalten sind.To avoid repetition, reference is also made to the description of 1 and 2 referenced, being in the 3 and 4 for a better overview, the arrows showing the direction of the force F are not included.

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

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 claimed teaching, but do not restrict it to the exemplary embodiments.

BezugszeichenlisteReference List

11
GehäuseHousing
22
Isolatorinsulator
33
erstes Gehäuseteilfirst housing part
44
zweites Gehäuseteilsecond housing part
5, 5'5, 5'
SchweißnahtWeld
66
Mittelelektrodecenter electrode
77
Masseelektrodeground electrode
88th
Vorkammerantechamber
99
Kappecap
1010
Übertrittsöffnungentransition openings
1111
Deformationsbereichdeformation area
1212
Anschlussmittelconnection means
1313
Entlüftungsöffnungvent hole
1414
Angriffsmittelmeans of attack
1515
Dichtringsealing ring
1616
Gewindethread
1717
Dichtringsealing ring
1818
Gehäuseverlängerunghousing extension
1919
SchweißnahtWeld
2020
Zündleitungignition wire
2121
elektrisch isolierendes Materialelectrically insulating material
2222
Dichtringsealing ring
2323
Durchführungexecution

Claims (13)

  1. Prechamber spark plug, having a housing (1) a central electrode (6) and an earth electrode (7), wherein electrical voltage can be applied to the central electrode (6) via a supply line which extends at least partially in an insulator (2), and wherein the housing (1) comprises a first housing portion (3) and a second housing portion (4) and receives at least a portion of the insulator (2) therein, characterised in that the first housing portion (3) which faces a combustion chamber has a deformation region (11) in order to tension the insulator (2) within the first housing portion (3) and the second housing portion (4).
  2. Spark plug according to claim 1, characterised in that the deformation region (11) has a reduced cross-sectional surface-area.
  3. Spark plug according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the first housing portion (3) and the second housing portion (4) comprise different materials.
  4. Spark plug according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that at least one ventilation opening (13) is formed in the first housing portion (3) and/or in the second housing portion (4).
  5. Spark plug according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the first housing portion (3) and the second housing portion (4) are connected to each other by means of a weld seam (5).
  6. Spark plug according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that an in particular tubular housing extension (18) is arranged on the housing (3, 4).
  7. Spark plug according to claim 6, characterised in that the housing extension (18) is welded to the housing (3, 4).
  8. Spark plug according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the housing extension (18) has a duct (23) for an ignition lead (20).
  9. Spark plug according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterised in that at least one ventilation opening (13) is formed in the housing extension (18).
  10. Spark plug according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that an engagement means (14), in particular a hexagonal socket, for an assembly tool is formed on the first housing portion (3) or on the housing extension (18).
  11. Method for producing a prechamber spark plug according to any one of claims 1 to 10, having the following method steps:
    - arranging at least one region of an insulator (2) in a first housing portion (3) and a second housing portion (4),
    - connecting the first housing portion (3) to the second housing portion (4),
    - heating a deformation region (11) of the first housing portion (3) facing a combustion chamber, preferably to more than 600°C, and pressing the first housing portion (3) and the second housing portion (4) against each other so that the insulator (2) is tensioned inside the first housing portion (3) and the second housing portion (4).
  12. Method according to claim 11, characterised in that the housing portions (3, 4) are welded together, for example, by means of a tungsten inert gas welding method or a plasma welding method or a laser welding method.
  13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that the deformation region (11) is heated by means of inductive heating.
EP20198706.2A 2017-02-13 2017-12-08 Spark plug and method for manufacturing same Active EP3771049B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102017202238.8A DE102017202238B3 (en) 2017-02-13 2017-02-13 Spark plug and a method of making a spark plug
PCT/DE2017/200132 WO2018145679A1 (en) 2017-02-13 2017-12-08 Spark plug and method for producing a spark plug
EP17832910.8A EP3406009B1 (en) 2017-02-13 2017-12-08 Spark plug and method for producing a spark plug

Related Parent Applications (1)

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EP3771049A1 EP3771049A1 (en) 2021-01-27
EP3771049B1 true EP3771049B1 (en) 2022-06-22

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* 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
JP7494617B2 (en) 2020-07-22 2024-06-04 株式会社デンソー Spark plug for internal combustion engine and manufacturing method thereof
JP7468257B2 (en) 2020-09-02 2024-04-16 株式会社デンソー Spark plug for internal combustion engine and internal combustion engine equipped with same
DE102021203101A1 (en) * 2021-03-29 2022-09-29 Dkt Verwaltungs-Gmbh Spark plug and a method of manufacturing a spark plug
US11569640B2 (en) 2021-06-23 2023-01-31 Caterpillar Inc. Spark plug

Family Cites Families (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE889386C (en) * 1948-12-04 1953-09-10 Gen Motors Corp Spark plug for internal combustion engines
US2863080A (en) * 1955-04-15 1958-12-02 Gen Motors Corp Spark plug and method for making same
ATE330348T1 (en) * 2002-02-22 2006-07-15 Dieter Dr Kuhnert PRECHAMBER SPARK PLUG AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SAME
ES2235130T3 (en) * 2002-07-22 2005-07-01 Jenbacher Aktiengesellschaft SPARK PLUG.
BRPI0714695A2 (en) * 2006-08-03 2013-05-14 Federal Mogul Corp spark plug
DE102006043593B3 (en) * 2006-09-16 2008-04-10 Multitorch Gmbh spark plug
US8030831B1 (en) * 2010-04-01 2011-10-04 Fram Group Ip Llc High thread spark plug with undercut insulator
JP2017004882A (en) * 2015-06-15 2017-01-05 富士重工業株式会社 Ignition plug

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EP3406009B1 (en) 2020-10-28
WO2018145679A1 (en) 2018-08-16
EP3406009A1 (en) 2018-11-28
EP3771049A1 (en) 2021-01-27
DE102017202238B3 (en) 2018-02-08

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