EP4311047A1 - Électrode de bougie d'allumage pourvu de pointe métallique du groupe du platine fabriquée de manière additive - Google Patents

Électrode de bougie d'allumage pourvu de pointe métallique du groupe du platine fabriquée de manière additive Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4311047A1
EP4311047A1 EP22186378.0A EP22186378A EP4311047A1 EP 4311047 A1 EP4311047 A1 EP 4311047A1 EP 22186378 A EP22186378 A EP 22186378A EP 4311047 A1 EP4311047 A1 EP 4311047A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
electrode
platinum group
group metal
connection zone
base body
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EP22186378.0A
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German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Stephan DR. HUMM
Per DR. SÖRENSEN
Andreas DR. HERZOG
Silvia HELLENKAMP
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Heraeus Deutschland GmbH and Co KG
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Heraeus Deutschland GmbH and Co KG
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Priority to EP23182276.8A priority Critical patent/EP4312326A1/fr
Priority to EP22186378.0A priority patent/EP4311047A1/fr
Publication of EP4311047A1 publication Critical patent/EP4311047A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • 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
    • H01T13/39—Selection of materials for 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
    • 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 invention relates to a spark plug electrode having an electrode base body made of nickel or a nickel-based alloy and an electrode tip, wherein the electrode tip consists of a platinum group metal or a platinum group metal-based alloy at least on a distal side facing away from the electrode base body.
  • the invention also relates to a method for producing a spark plug electrode, in which an electrode base body made of a nickel-based alloy is provided, a spark plug electrode produced using such a method, a spark plug having such a spark plug electrode and a method for producing a spark plug.
  • spark plug electrodes have mostly been made from two metallic materials by welding a conventionally produced precious metal blank made of, for example, IrRh2.5Zr or IrRh as an electrode tip onto an electrode base body made of a cheaper metallic material such as nickel or a nickel-based alloy or another non-precious metal.
  • Such spark plug electrodes and methods for their production are, for example, from WO 00/013274 A1 , the US 2020/0321756 A1 , the EP 2133968 B1 , the EP 3378593 A1 , the JP 4392130 B2 and the DE 10 2019 203 431 A1 known.
  • the weld seam created between the electrode tip and the electrode base body has the disadvantages that an uneven joining zone is created in terms of thickness and homogeneity, that only defined and uniform geometries such as cylinders are possible as a geometric shape for the spark plug electrode and that, depending on the welding process used, only one A weld seam running around the outside of the edge is created so that the connection only takes place at the edge of the surface of the electrode base body (see Figure 8 ).
  • the transition between the electrode tip and the electrode base body is weakened, which affects the durability (service life) and mechanical stability of the spark plug electrode.
  • the same problem arises with the electrode tip sintered from two metallic materials US 2017/0085061 A1 , which is also welded onto an electrode base body after its production.
  • the options for shaping the electrode tip are limited. From the WO 2019/025795 A1 and the US 2006/028106 A1 Methods for producing a spark plug electrode using an additive manufacturing process (AM) such as 3D printing are known.
  • An electrode tip is constructed or manufactured in layers from a noble metal onto an electrode base body. In this way, it should and can be achieved that even more complex geometries can be manufactured as electrode tips on the electrode base body.
  • precious metals for spark plug applications cannot be combined reliably with nickel-based alloys such as Inconel ® using additive manufacturing processes. In a normal 3D printing process, the first layer of powder is exposed to high volume energy. This is needed to melt the precious metal and create a dense body in the connection zone.
  • spark plug electrodes manufactured in this way do not have good durability and service life, or even have reduced and therefore worsened durability compared to welded precious metal electrode tips.
  • the connection between the electrode base body and the electrode tip therefore still represents a weak point. It was found in the context of the present invention that in the additive processes for applying the electrode tip to the electrode base body, in which the material of the electrode tip is melted onto the electrode base body with radiation Due to thermal stresses caused by melting and re-solidification, cracks will arise in the area of a connection zone, which forms the transition from the electrode base body to the electrode tip, and the connection zone will be weakened. In addition, pores can arise in the connection zone, which further weaken the connection zone. In the context of the present invention, it was further found that the pores are created by evaporation of the material, in particular by evaporation of nickel.
  • the object of the invention is therefore to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.
  • a spark plug electrode and a method for producing such a spark plug electrode are to be found, which can be implemented as cost-effectively and variably as possible and is suitable for inexpensive mass production, so that the spark plug electrode is stable and durable and therefore has a long and improved service life.
  • the total crack length can preferably be determined or determined using an imaging method. When determining the total crack length, care must be taken when preparing the cross section to ensure that no cracks are caused by the preparation.
  • the total crack length can preferably be determined in an optically polished cross section of the spark plug electrode.
  • An optically polished cross section is understood to mean a flat axial cross section of the spark plug electrode, which is final ground with a polish whose grain size is smaller than the wavelength of visible light, preferably with a grain size of a maximum of 200 ⁇ m, so that grooves with a depth are formed during the final polish and with a maximum width of 200 nm.
  • the cross section contains an axis that runs parallel to the layer-by-layer 3D build direction of the additive manufacturing of the electrode tip.
  • the cross section or the cross-sectional area of the spark plug electrode takes place along this axis, this axis preferably being a central axis of symmetry of the spark plug electrode from the center of a proximal base of the electrode base body of the spark plug electrode to the distal tip of the electrode tip, the central axis of symmetry of the spark plug electrode lying in the cross-sectional area.
  • the average pore diameter can preferably be determined using an imaging method, with the pore diameters of pores in an optically polished cross section of the spark plug electrode preferably being determined.
  • the cross section can be created by grinding or by cutting and then polishing the spark plug electrode. This applies to both the cross section to determine the average pore diameter as well as for the cross section to determine the total crack length.
  • Platinum group metals are the chemical elements ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh) and palladium (Pd) as well as osmium (Os), iridium (Ir) and platinum (Pt).
  • Preferred platinum group metals are the chemical elements Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir and Pt.
  • Particularly preferred platinum group metals are the chemical elements Rh and Ir.
  • the platinum group metal is iridium and the platinum group metal base alloy is an iridium base alloy. As spark plug tips, iridium and rhodium have a particularly high level of long-term stability in use compared to other metals and even compared to other platinum group metals.
  • the platinum group metal can of course contain impurities due to manufacturing. The same applies to nickel or the nickel-based alloy.
  • a nickel-based alloy is a metallic alloy with at least 50 atomic percent nickel.
  • a platinum group base alloy is accordingly to be understood as meaning a metallic alloy with at least 50 atomic percent of at least one of the chemical elements selected from the group consisting of ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium, iridium and platinum.
  • An iridium-based alloy is a metallic alloy with at least 50 atomic percent iridium.
  • a copper core can be arranged in or on the electrode base body.
  • the electrode base body can preferably consist of nickel or a nickel-based alloy, with the exception of the copper core if necessary.
  • connection zone as well as the electrode base body and the electrode tip outside the connection zone meet requirements A and B.
  • connection zone as well as the electrode base body and the electrode tip outside the connection zone meet requirements A and C.
  • connection zone as well as the electrode base body and the electrode tip outside the connection zone meet requirements B and C.
  • connection zone as well as the electrode base body and the electrode tip outside the connection zone fulfill requirement A.
  • connection zone as well as the electrode base body and the electrode tip outside the connection zone fulfill requirement B.
  • connection zone as well as the electrode base body and the electrode tip outside the connection zone fulfill the requirement C.
  • a composition containing at least 5 atomic percent nickel and containing at least 5 atomic percent platinum group metal is present in the connecting zone and that outside the connecting zone in the electrode base body and in the electrode tip there is less nickel than in the connecting zone or less platinum group metal than in the connecting zone , wherein preferably the content of nickel and platinum group metal refers to an average over a standard area of at least 50 ⁇ m by 50 ⁇ m of an optically polished cross section of the spark plug electrode and the connection zone in each standard area of at least 50 ⁇ m by 50 ⁇ m contains a mixture of nickel and platinum group metal this area, or in the connection zone there is a composition containing at least 10 atom% nickel and containing at least 10 atom% platinum group metal and outside the connection zone in the electrode base body and in the electrode tip less than 10 atom% nickel or less than 10 atom% platinum group metal is contained, the content preferably being the same of nickel and platinum group metal refers to the averaging over a standard area of at least 50 ⁇ m by 50 ⁇ m of
  • connection zone is defined by a mixture of chemical elements.
  • the exact measurement method is suitable regardless of the depth of penetration into the standard surface of the optically polished cross section.
  • energy dispersive X-ray analysis EDX
  • wavelength dispersive X-ray analysis WDX
  • X-ray fluorescence analysis can be used to determine the chemical composition in the cross section.
  • the measurements are always comparable and therefore suitable.
  • the manufacturing process described it is not to be expected that a different composition will be present in the plane of the cross-section than in the bulk.
  • the electrode base body and the electrode tip are connected to one another via a connecting surface, the connecting surface being arranged within the connecting zone, the connecting zone being delimited by a first interface in the electrode base body and by a second interface in the electrode tip, the first Interface and the second interface parallel to the connecting surface lie between the electrode base body and the electrode tip, the first interface being defined by the fact that within a volume of 1 ⁇ m thickness, starting from the first interface in the direction of the distal side of the electrode tip, in the electrode base body there is a composition with a proportion of the platinum group metal or the platinum group metals at least 5 atom% is contained and in each volume section of 1 ⁇ m thickness, starting from the first interface in the direction away from the connecting surface in the electrode base body, a composition with a proportion of the platinum group metal or metals of less than 5 atom% is contained and wherein the second Interface is defined by the fact that a composition with a proportion of nickel of at least 5 atom% is contained within a volume of 1 ⁇ m thickness starting from
  • connection zone is particularly easy to understand and measurable.
  • the connecting surface can be a partial area of the original surface of the electrode base body before the electrode tip is additively applied (manufactured) to this surface of the electrode base body.
  • the connecting surface can preferably be a flat surface which, on average, forms the best possible approximation to the potentially uneven interface between the electrode base body and the electrode tip, viewed microscopically.
  • the position of the flat connecting surface can be determined, for example, by regression. However, the exact location of the connecting surface is not important. It is sufficient to estimate the position of the connecting surface very roughly, since the first interface and the second interface are determined within the accuracy of 1 ⁇ m independently of the exact positioning of the connecting surface.
  • the nickel content and the platinum group metal content can be determined using energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) or wavelength-dispersive X-ray analysis (WDX) using an electron microscope or even using X-ray fluorescence. Other possible analysis methods are known to those skilled in the art.
  • EDX energy-dispersive X-ray analysis
  • WDX wavelength-dispersive X-ray analysis
  • the electrode base body and the electrode tip are connected to one another via a connecting surface, the connecting surface is arranged within the connection zone, the strength of the connection zone being determined with the aid of an X-ray analysis to determine a content of platinum group metal or a content of nickel with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) or by means of X-ray fluorescence, for this purpose a polished, parallel to the 3D -Structural direction cross-section through the spark plug electrode is analyzed, with a first boundary line running in the cross-section of the electrode base body and a second boundary line in the cross-section of the electrode tip and the connecting surface forming a connecting line in the cross-section of the spark plug electrode, the first boundary line and the second boundary line being parallel to the Connecting line in cross section between the electrode base body and the electrode tip are arranged, the first boundary line being defined by the fact that within a distance of 1 ⁇ m thickness starting from the first boundary line in the direction of the distal side of the electrode tip in the electrode base body a composition
  • connection zone is particularly easy to understand and measurable using SEM.
  • a longitudinal axis of the electrode tip lies in the plane of the cross section, the longitudinal axis running through the center of gravity of the electrode tip and through the geometric center of the connecting surface.
  • connection zone The strength of the connection zone can also be referred to as the thickness of the connection zone. However, the term thickness has been avoided herein to distinguish the thickness of the bonding zone from the thickness of the interface.
  • the scanning electron microscope may preferably be a Zeiss Ultra 55 Gemini SEM equipped with a field emission cathode and an acceleration voltage of 20 kV is operated.
  • An Oxford analyzer “AZtec” can be used as a detector for the EDX measurements.
  • the measurement is preferably carried out integrally over the said surface with a thickness of 1 ⁇ m or integrally in sections of surfaces with an edge length of 1 ⁇ m, the content of platinum group metal or platinum group metals or nickel being determined from the sections by averaging.
  • the cross section is preferably polished with sandpaper with a grain size of less than 100 ⁇ m and finally polished to 3 ⁇ m with a diamond paste.
  • a wavelength-dispersive X-ray analysis (WDX) or an X-ray fluorescence analysis or an energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) can preferably be used as the measuring method, particularly preferably an Oxford analyzer "AZtec" can be used as EDX.
  • the connecting line preferably lies in the plane of the original surface of the electrode base body before the electrode tip is applied additively.
  • the connecting line can be a straight connecting line which, on average, forms the best possible approximation to the microscopically uneven boundary line between the electrode base body and the electrode tip.
  • the straight connecting line can be determined computationally, for example, using a linear regression, for example by selecting the straight connecting line for which the sum of the squares of the points of the uneven boundary line that deviate from the line is the smallest.
  • the first boundary line is preferably also a straight first boundary line and the second boundary line is preferably also a straight second boundary line.
  • the boundary line can also simply be a straight boundary line between two corner points of the cross section, with the electrode tip, the electrode base body and the outer boundary (i.e. to the surroundings of the spark plug electrode) meeting at each corner point. It can also be provided that the electrode tip only covers a portion of a flat surface of the electrode base body, this portion preferably forming a connecting surface between the electrode tip and the electrode base body. This allows a stable connection of the electrode tip to the electrode base body to be achieved.
  • connection zone has a thickness of a maximum of 350 ⁇ m, preferably a thickness of a maximum of 300 ⁇ m, particularly preferably a thickness of a maximum of 250 ⁇ m.
  • connection zone The smaller the connection zone, the more stable and long-lasting the spark plug electrode is.
  • the connecting zone has a thickness of at least 50 ⁇ m, preferably has a thickness of at least 100 ⁇ m, particularly preferably has a thickness of at least 150 ⁇ m.
  • connection zones with even smaller thicknesses can only be produced with great effort, so that the minimum thicknesses mentioned ensure cost-effective production of the spark plug electrode.
  • connection zone has a thickness of a minimum of 50 ⁇ m and a maximum of 350 ⁇ m, preferably a thickness of a minimum of 100 ⁇ m and a maximum of 300 ⁇ m, particularly preferably a thickness of a minimum of 150 ⁇ m and a maximum of 250 ⁇ m. It can also be provided that the connection zone has a thickness of a minimum of 50 ⁇ m and a maximum of 350 ⁇ m, preferably a thickness of a minimum of 50 ⁇ m and a maximum of 300 ⁇ m, particularly preferably a thickness of a minimum of 50 ⁇ m and a maximum of 250 ⁇ m.
  • a total crack length per ⁇ m 2 of cracks in an optically polished cross section of the spark plug electrode can be measured and outside the connection zone in the electrode base body and in the electrode tip there are no cracks to determine the total crack length per ⁇ m 2 in the optically polished cross section of the spark plug electrode can be measured or the connection zone has a higher total crack length per ⁇ m 2 of cracks in an optically polished cross section of the spark plug electrode compared to the electrode tip and the electrode base body outside the connection zone, preferably the total crack length per ⁇ m 2 of cracks in the optically polished cross section in the connection zone is at least 50% higher than the average total crack length per ⁇ m 2 of an optically polished cross-section of the electrode tip at a distance of more than 10 ⁇ m from the connection zone, particularly preferably the total crack length per ⁇ m 2 of cracks of the optically polished cross-section in the connection zone is at least twice is as high as the average total crack length per ⁇ m 2 of an optical
  • a thin connection zone (thickness less than 400 ⁇ m) in which there is an increased total crack length per ⁇ m 2 can provide a more stable and long-lasting spark plug electrode compared to a spark plug electrode with a thicker connection zone.
  • the total crack length per ⁇ m 2 is defined as the sum of all crack lengths measured in a standard area (for example in a square with an edge length of 1 ⁇ m) using a defined and standardized method based on the area of the standard area.
  • the lengths of the cracks can, for example, be determined using a light microscope or also Determined by electron microscopy on the optically polished cross section.
  • the exact method of determining the length is not important, since only a relative total crack length per ⁇ m 2 is used to determine the connection zone - namely the total crack length per ⁇ m 2 within the connection zone compared to the total crack length per ⁇ m 2 outside the connection zone Electrode base body and in the electrode tip. It is therefore only necessary to always use the same measuring method (if necessary with the same sample preparation for the optically polished cross section) to determine the total crack length per ⁇ m 2 in the connection zone and in the electrode tip and in the electrode base body.
  • an optically polished cross section or an optically polished cross section can be recorded with a reflected light microscope (for example of the Leica type, DM6000M) at a magnification between 50 and 500 with a camera, preferably recorded at a magnification of 200 and then with image analysis software be evaluated.
  • An optically polished surface has grooves caused by the polishing agent with a width of less than 200 nm, which can generally be distinguished from cracks.
  • the crack length of a crack can be determined computationally, for example, through an appropriate structural analysis, for example through the length of a polygon along a dark line in the image recorded under the light microscope.
  • the software from Imagic “Imagic IMS” can be used for the evaluation.
  • the total crack length per ⁇ m 2 is determined by analyzing and summing the crack lengths of cracks on images of optically polished cross sections with a light microscope or with a scanning electron microscope (SEM).
  • the total crack length per ⁇ m 2 in the connection zone is a maximum of 0.1 ⁇ m/ ⁇ m 2 , preferably a maximum of 0.05 ⁇ m/ ⁇ m 2 , particularly preferably a maximum of 0.02 ⁇ m/ ⁇ m 2 .
  • a small total crack length per ⁇ m 2 results in greater durability and longevity of the spark plug electrode.
  • the total crack length per ⁇ m 2 in the connection zone is at least 0.001 ⁇ m/ ⁇ m 2 , preferably at least 0.005 ⁇ m/ ⁇ m 2 , particularly preferably at least 0.01 ⁇ m/ ⁇ m 2 .
  • connection zone This allows the connection zone to be clearly distinguished from its surroundings.
  • the measurement is preferably carried out using a light microscope using a Leica DM6000M light microscope with reflected light at a magnification of 200 of an optically polished surface of a cross section of the spark plug electrode.
  • the crack length per ⁇ m 2 is particularly preferably determined using the Imagic software “Imagic IMS”.
  • connection zone has a higher average pore diameter compared to the electrode tip outside the connection zone, preferably at least 50% higher average pore diameter than the average pore diameter of the electrode tip at a distance of more than 10 ⁇ m from the connection zone, particularly preferably one has at least twice as high a mean pore diameter as the mean pore diameter of the electrode tip and the electrode base body at a distance of more than 10 ⁇ m from the connection zone. This specifies and defines the connection zone more precisely.
  • the average pore diameter can be determined, for example, by the average of all average or maximum diameters of all visible pores or all pores with a minimum diameter.
  • the diameters of the pores can be determined, for example, by light microscopy or electron microscopy in an optically polished cross section or cross section. The exact manner in which the diameter of the pores is determined is not important, since only a relative mean pore diameter is used to determine the connection zone and its strength - i.e. the comparison of the mean pore diameters inside the connection zone and outside the connection zone. Therefore, the same standardized measuring method (possibly with the same sample preparation) must always be used to determine the average pore diameter in the connection zone and in the electrode tip and in the electrode base body.
  • an optically polished flat cross section or an optically polished flat cross section can be recorded with an reflected light microscope (for example of the Leica type, DM6000M) at a magnification between 50 and 500, preferably recorded at a magnification of 200.
  • An optically polished surface has grooves caused by the polishing agent with a width that is smaller than the wavelength of the light used, for example smaller than 200 nm.
  • the average pore diameter can be determined computationally, for example, through an appropriate structural analysis, for example by determining the maximum and minimum diameters of dark-appearing pores in an image recorded under a light microscope.
  • software from Imagic “Imagic IMS” can be used for evaluation.
  • the average pore diameter in the connection zone is a maximum of 50 ⁇ m, preferably a maximum of 35 ⁇ m, particularly preferably a maximum of 25 ⁇ m.
  • the average pore diameter in the connection zone is at least 3 ⁇ m, preferably at least 5 ⁇ m, particularly preferably at least 10 ⁇ m.
  • connection zone This allows the connection zone to be clearly distinguished from its surroundings.
  • the measurement is carried out using a light microscope using a Leica DM6000M light microscope with reflected light at a magnification of 200 of an optically polished surface of a cross section of the spark plug electrode.
  • the mean pore diameter was determined using the Imagic software “Imagic IMS” by determining the average of the maximum diameter of all measurable pores.
  • the nickel-based alloy contains at least 50% by weight of nickel, preferably at least 80% by weight of nickel.
  • nickel-based alloys can be used particularly well as electrode base bodies.
  • the nickel-based alloy is an Inconel alloy or a nickel-based alloy with chromium as the second most common secondary component, wherein preferably the nickel-based alloy with chromium as the second most common secondary component additionally contains at least one of the chemical elements that is selected from the group consisting of iron, molybdenum, niobium, cobalt, manganese, copper, aluminum, titanium, silicon, carbon, sulfur, phosphorus and boron.
  • Such nickel-based alloys can be used particularly well as electrode base bodies. It can also preferably be provided that the platinum group metal is selected from the group consisting of ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), palladium (Pd), iridium (Ir) and platinum (Pt), or the platinum group metal or the platinum group metals Platinum group metal base alloy is selected from the group consisting of ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), palladium (Pd), iridium (Ir) and platinum (Pt), with preference being given to the platinum group metal is selected from the group consisting of rhodium (Rh) and iridium (Ir), or the platinum group metal or metals of the platinum group metal base alloy is selected from the group consisting of rhodium (Rh) and iridium (Ir), in particular preferably the electrode tip consists of an iridium-based alloy, very particularly preferably of an iridium-based alloy containing rhodium as the second most common
  • platinum group metals are particularly suitable for use as electrode tips and ensure a high level of durability and longevity for the spark plug electrodes made with them.
  • the electrode tip outside the connection zone consists of the platinum group metal or of the platinum group metal base alloy, with the electrode tip preferably consisting of the platinum group metal and a platinum group metal base alloy or of a platinum group metal base alloy.
  • the electrode tip outside the connection zone consists of the platinum group metal or the platinum group metal base alloy means that the electrode tip outside the connection zone consists of the platinum group metal or the platinum group metal base alloy except for impurities.
  • the expert knows that a certain level of contamination cannot be prevented or cannot be prevented with reasonable effort. This ensures high stability of the spark plug electrode.
  • a base material from which the electrode tip is additively manufactured is a powder, preferably a metallic powder, particularly preferably a powder made of a platinum group metal or of several platinum group metals or of at least one platinum group metal base alloy.
  • the powder can of course also contain impurities that are unavoidable or cannot be avoided with reasonable effort.
  • the electrode tip in the area of the connection to the electrode base body has a larger diameter than the remaining areas of the electrode tip.
  • the spark plug electrode is preferably produced using a method according to the invention described below.
  • the volume energy is the power that is irradiated per unit of volume (per mm 3 ) and per unit of time (per second) with the radiation into the layer of the base material and possibly also to part of the material arranged underneath.
  • the volume energy is the laser power divided by the scanning speed of the laser times the track spacing of the laser times the layer thickness (the layer in which the energy is absorbed) and has the unit W/ ((mm/s) * mm *mm), which is the unit J / mm 3 corresponds.
  • the volume energies in the upper volume energy range are preferably at least 6% higher on average than the volume energies in the lower volume energy range. Particularly preferably, the volume energies in the upper volume energy range are on average 8% higher than the volume energies in the lower volume energy range.
  • the volume energy can be reduced in the lower volume energy range by reducing the power with which the radiation source, such as and preferably a laser, is operated or by changing the hatch distance or by the speed at which the radiation passes over the surface of the layers of the base material or by a combination of at least two of these three measures. It can preferably be provided that the nickel-based alloy contains at least 70% by weight of nickel, preferably at least 80% by weight of nickel.
  • the nickel-based alloy is an Inconel alloy or a nickel-based alloy with chromium as the second most common secondary component.
  • the nickel-based alloy is a nickel-based alloy with chromium as the second most common secondary component and additionally contains at least one of the chemical elements selected from the group consisting of iron, molybdenum, niobium, cobalt, manganese, copper, aluminum, titanium, Silicon, carbon, sulfur, phosphorus and boron.
  • a spark plug electrode according to the invention is preferably produced using the method. In the method according to the invention it can be provided that in step C) and in step D) the radiation is guided over the powder with a first hatch distance and in step E) the radiation is guided over the powder with a second hatch distance, the second hatch distance being smaller is as the first hatch distance.
  • the hatch distance is the distance between two parallel scan vectors and is the distance between two lines along which the powder is melted locally with the radiation, in particular with a laser beam or with an electron beam.
  • At least 2 and a maximum of 30 layers of the base material are fused in steps C) and D) with the volume energy in the lower volume energy range and at least 2 layers of the base material are fused in step E) with the volume energy in the upper volume energy range, wherein preferably at least 10 and a maximum of 25 layers of the base material are fused in steps C) and D) with the volume energy in the lower volume energy range and particularly preferably 20 layers of the base material are fused in steps C) and D) with the volume energy in the upper volume energy range .
  • the platinum group metal is selected from the group consisting of ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), palladium (Pd), iridium (Ir) and platinum (Pt), or the platinum group metal or the platinum group metals of the platinum group metal -Base alloy is selected from the group consisting of ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), palladium (Pd), iridium (Ir) and platinum (Pt), with the platinum group metal preferably being selected from the group consisting of rhodium ( Rh) and iridium (Ir), or the platinum group metal or metals of the platinum group metal base alloy is selected from the group, which consists of rhodium (Rh) and iridium (Ir), the powder particularly preferably consisting of an iridium-based alloy, very particularly preferably an
  • platinum group metals are particularly suitable for use as electrode tips and ensure a high level of durability and longevity for the spark plug electrodes made with them.
  • the volume energies of the lower volume energy range are a maximum of 13.75 J/mm 3 and the volume energies of the upper volume energy range are above 14.17 J/mm 3 , with the lower volume energy range preferably being at least 12.5 J /mm 3 to a maximum of 13.75 J/mm 3 and the upper volume energy range ranges from a minimum of 14.17 J/mm 3 to a maximum of 16.7 J/mm 3 .
  • volume energy ranges are particularly well suited for the use of common additive processes such as laser zone melting.
  • the base material from which the electrode tip is additively manufactured is a powder, preferably a metallic powder, particularly preferably powder made of a platinum group metal or of several platinum group metals or of at least one platinum group metal base alloy.
  • Such powders are particularly easy to apply as a base material and can be easily bonded to the underlying layers through local melting.
  • the powder has particle sizes in the range between 0.1 ⁇ m and a maximum of 100 ⁇ m, preferably the powder has particle sizes in the range between 5 ⁇ m and a maximum of 50 ⁇ m.
  • Powders of these particle sizes are easy to process.
  • the particle distributions can be determined, for example, with the help of sieve fractions by sieving the powder through sieves (in particular a sieve tower) with different (in particular decreasing) mesh sizes, each of which retains powder above or above a certain grain size.
  • the particle sizes can also be determined using laser diffraction in a liquid medium or dry, e.g. with a Mastersizer 3000.
  • the fusion takes place with a laser beam or with an electron beam, preferably with a laser beam.
  • the radiation from a laser can be used to melt the base material in a highly localized and well-controlled manner.
  • a spark plug electrode according to the invention is produced using the method.
  • a spark plug electrode produced using a method according to the invention by a spark plug having a spark plug electrode according to the invention and by a method for producing a spark plug, in which a spark plug electrode according to the invention is produced using a method according to the invention and then adjacent to a second one Spark plug electrode is attached, preferably adjacent and opposite to a second spark plug electrode.
  • the second spark plug electrode is preferably also produced using a method according to the invention.
  • the invention is based on the surprising finding that there is an at least two-stage process in the additive application/manufacture of the electrode tip onto the electrode base body, in which the first layer(s) of the electrode tip is made of the platinum group metal with a reduced volume energy on the electrode base body is melted, it is possible to ensure a connection zone with a low thickness of a maximum of 400 ⁇ m or less, with the spark plug electrode within the connection zone through cracks, pores and / or the material transition as such (i.e. a gradient in the mixture of the chemical elements of the electrode base body). the electrode tip) is weakened and is not or less weakened outside in the electrode base body and in the electrode tip. Due to the comparatively low thickness of the connection zone, a longer-lasting spark plug electrode with a longer service life is achieved compared to the spark plug electrodes known from the prior art and produced using additive manufacturing.
  • connection zone represents a weak point of the spark plug electrode and adversely affects its service life or service life
  • an improvement can be achieved according to the invention in that the connection zone has the lowest possible strength (or thickness). To do this, however, we first had to find a way to produce such a connection zone with a lower thickness.
  • connection zone with reduced volume energy is printed onto the electrode base body made of nickel or nickel-based alloy.
  • small webs can be formed parallel to the connecting surface between the electrode base body and the electrode tip, which then connect the proximal underside of the electrode tip with the distal top side of the electrode base body (as a building board). This reduces mechanical stresses that occur due to the different thermal expansion coefficients between the electrode tip and the electrode base body.
  • the first layers can be exposed or irradiated with reduced energy and/or a larger hatch distance, if possible in such a way that the power of the radiation used is still sufficient to transfer the platinum group metal of the electrode tip to the nickel or the nickel-based alloy to bind, but the power of the radiation used is not so high that too much nickel evaporates from the electrode base body.
  • the energy density or the volume energy is increased to the values that are optimal for the remaining structure of the electrode tip.
  • connection zone no metals evaporate from the electrode base body or no or hardly any nickel evaporates and therefore the connection zone is not as porous and the thermally induced mechanical stresses and therefore the crack formation are not as high. This means that fewer cracks appear in the connection zone, as will be shown in the following studies.
  • the method according to the invention also enables more specific geometries for the spark plug electrode through the use of additive manufacturing such as 3D printing.
  • the electrode tip can be manufactured as a cylinder, as a tip, as a cone or as a truncated cone without having to remove parts of the electrode tip.
  • connection zones 4, 24, 44 are always identified by the letter S in different exemplary embodiments and comparative examples and so for the two versions Figure 2 and Figure 3 the same reference numbers are used to improve the comparability of the exemplary embodiments.
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a spark plug electrode 1 according to the invention, which is produced using a method according to the invention.
  • the cross section contains the longitudinal axis of the spark plug electrode 1.
  • the spark plug electrode 1 has an electrode base body 2, which consists of nickel or a nickel-based alloy. Alternatively, a copper core (not shown) can also be arranged in the electrode base body.
  • An electrode tip 3 can be printed in layers on a distal (and preferably flat) surface 8 of the electrode base body 2, the electrode tip 3 being made of consists of at least one platinum group metal or a platinum group metal base alloy.
  • the electrode base body 2 and the electrode tip 3 are cylindrical to a good approximation.
  • a connection zone 4 is created, which is characterized by a mixing of the chemical elements of the electrode base body 2 and the electrode tip 3, in particular nickel with the at least one platinum group metal, and/or is characterized by a connection zone 4 in comparison to the remaining areas of the electrode tip 3 and the electrode base body 2 are characterized by higher porosity and/or a higher total crack length (per ⁇ m 2 ).
  • the first two layers of the electrode tip 3 on the distal surface 8 of the electrode base body 2 are melted with a radiation (preferably a laser beam, although an electron beam is also possible) with a lower volume energy than the subsequent layers , which form the electrode tip 3 up to a distal front side 7 of the electrode tip 3.
  • a radiation preferably a laser beam, although an electron beam is also possible
  • powdery particles made of at least one platinum group metal or a platinum group metal base alloy can be applied as base material on the distal surface 8 of the electrode base body 2 or on layers already connected to the electrode base body 2 and melted at least in areas with the radiation.
  • Such processes are known to those skilled in the art from 3D printing.
  • the volume energies in an upper volume energy range for producing the distal side of the electrode tip 3 are on average at least 5% higher than the volume energies in a lower volume energy range for producing the proximal side of the electrode tip 3 on the distal surface 8 of the electrode base body 2.
  • the entry can be The volume energy can be done, for example, in two stages or, for example, become larger the more layers have already been applied.
  • the areas of the electrode tip 3 produced with the first layers, which are printed with reduced volume energy, preferably have a larger diameter than the remaining areas of the electrode tip 3. This achieves an additional reduction in the formation of cracks.
  • connection zone 4 can be divided into a mixing zone 5 in the electrode base body 2 and into a transition zone 6 in the electrode tip 3.
  • the mixing zone 5 is created by melting the distal surface 8 of the electrode base body 2 when the first few layers of the electrode tip 3 melt.
  • the mixing zone 5 can be delimited by a first interface 10, up to which the chemical elements of the electrode tip 3 and the electrode tip 3 are mixed Electrode base body 2 and/or by increased crack formation and/or pore formation compared to adjacent areas outside the mixing zone 5 in the electrode base body 2.
  • the first interface 10 is arranged parallel to a connecting surface which forms a partial area of the distal surface 8 of the electrode base body 2 and which forms the connection between the electrode base body 2 and the electrode tip 3. Pores can arise from the evaporation of nickel from the mixing zone 5 of the electrode base body 2. Due to the lower volume energy when producing the first layers (the proximal underside) of the electrode tip 3, the penetration depth of the radiation is reduced and the depth of the mixing zone 5 in the electrode base body 2 is kept low.
  • the transition zone 6 in the electrode tip 3 is created by mixing the material of the electrode tip 3 with the material of the electrode base body 2 when the first few layers are melted.
  • the transition zone 6 can be delimited by a second interface 12, up to which there is a mixing of the chemical elements of the electrode tip 3 and the electrode base body 2 and/or through increased crack formation and/or pore formation compared to neighboring areas outside the transition zone 6 in the electrode tip 3 can be seen and can be delimited from the environment in the electrode tip 3.
  • the second interface 12 is arranged parallel to the connecting surface, which forms a partial area of the distal surface 8 of the electrode base body 2 and which forms the connection between the electrode base body 2 and the electrode tip 3. Pores can arise due to incomplete melting of the material of the electrode tip 3 and cracks due to thermally induced mechanical stresses when the first layers on the electrode base body 2 cool, which are caused by different thermal expansion coefficients of the materials of the electrode base body 2 and the electrode tip 3.
  • the thickness S of the connection zone 4 is lower than in known methods with printed electrode tips and in known spark plug electrodes with printed electrode tips. This is shown below through comparative measurements.
  • Figure 2 shows an SEM image of a partial area of a cross section through a spark plug electrode according to the invention, produced using a method according to the invention and Figure 3 a light microscopic image of a section of a cross section through a spark plug electrode produced using a method according to the invention in the area of its connection zone 24.
  • the cross section contains the longitudinal axis of the spark plug electrode.
  • the Spark plug electrodes Figures 2 and 3 were manufactured with the same parameters regarding volume energy, the powder used and the layer thicknesses used.
  • the spark plug electrode Figure 2 differs from the spark plug electrode in terms of production Figure 3 in that it has a base area in the connection to the interface.
  • the spark plug electrode according to the Figures 2 and 3 has an electrode base body 22 which consists of nickel. Alternatively, a copper core (not shown) can also be arranged in the electrode base body.
  • a layered electrode tip 23 can be printed on a distal (and preferably flat) surface 28 of the electrode base body 22, the electrode tip 23 being made of an IrRh10 alloy consisting of iridium and rhodium in a weight ratio of 9:1 iridium/rhodium as well as representation-related impurities the metals iridium and rhodium.
  • the electrode base body 22 and the electrode tip 23 are cylindrical to a good approximation. However, other geometries, in particular for the electrode tip 23 but also for the electrode base body 22, are easily possible according to the invention.
  • the areas of the electrode tip 23 produced with the first layers, which are printed with reduced volume energy, preferably have a larger diameter than the remaining areas of the electrode tip 23.
  • the electrode tip 23 can therefore have two cylindrical areas with different diameters. This achieves an additional reduction in the formation of cracks.
  • connection zone 24 is created, which is characterized by a mixing of the chemical elements of the electrode base body 22 and the electrode tip 23, here nickel with iridium and rhodium, and / or is characterized by a mixing zone in comparison to the remaining areas of the electrode tip 23 and of the electrode base body 22 higher porosity and/or total crack length (per ⁇ m 2 ) can be easily delineated. The transition can be seen quite clearly, especially in the REM, and can therefore be easily distinguished.
  • At least the first twenty layers of the electrode tip 23 were melted on the distal surface 28 of the electrode base body 22 with a lower volume energy with a laser radiation (an electron beam is also possible as an alternative) than the subsequent layers, which cover the electrode tip 23 up to one distal front side 27 of the electrode tip 23 form.
  • a laser radiation an electron beam is also possible as an alternative
  • more or fewer of the first layers can be produced with reduced volume energy, preferably between two and thirty of the first layers.
  • volume energies in an upper volume energy range for producing the distal side of the electrode tip 23 at 14.6 J/mm 3 were approximately 9% higher than the volume energies at 13.42 J/mm 3 for producing the first twenty layers of the proximal side of the electrode tip 23 on the distal surface 28 of the electrode base body 22.
  • the volume energy can also be successively increased from 13.42 J/mm 3 to 14.6 J/mm 3 .
  • connection zone 24 can be divided into a mixing zone 25 in the electrode base body 22 and into a transition zone 26 in the electrode tip 23.
  • the mixing zone 25 is created by melting the distal surface 28 of the electrode base body 22 when the first and the first few layers of the electrode tip 23 melt.
  • the mixing zone 25 can be delimited by a first interface 30, up to which the chemical elements of the electrode tip 23 are mixed and the electrode base body 22 and/or by increased crack formation and/or pore formation compared to neighboring areas outside the mixing zone 25 in the electrode base body 22.
  • the first interface 30 is arranged parallel to a connecting surface which forms a partial area of the distal surface 28 of the electrode base body 22 and which forms the connection between the electrode base body 22 and the electrode tip 23.
  • Pores 36 can arise from the evaporation of nickel from the mixing zone 25 of the electrode base body 22. Due to the lower volume energy when producing the first layers (the proximal underside) of the electrode tip 23, the penetration depth of the radiation is reduced and the depth of the mixing zone 25 in the electrode base body 22 is kept low.
  • the transition zone 26 in the electrode tip 23 is created by mixing the material of the electrode tip 23 with the material of the electrode base body 22 when the first layers of the material for the electrode tip 23 are melted.
  • the transition zone 26 can be limited by a second interface 32, up to one Mixing of the chemical elements of the electrode tip 23 and the electrode base body 22 and / or through increased crack formation and / or pore formation compared to neighboring areas outside the transition zone 26 in the electrode tip 23 can be seen.
  • the second interface 32 is arranged parallel to the connecting surface, which is a partial surface of the distal surface 28 of the Electrode base body 22 forms and which forms the connection between the electrode base body 22 and the electrode tip 23.
  • Pores can arise due to incomplete melting of the material of the electrode tip 23 and cracks 34 due to thermally induced mechanical stresses when the first layers on the electrode base body 22 cool, which are caused by different thermal expansion coefficients of the materials of the electrode base body 22 and the electrode tip 23.
  • the thickness S of the connection zone 24 is approximately 250 ⁇ m, lower than in known methods with printed electrode tips and in known spark plug electrodes with printed electrode tips, as can be seen in comparison with Figures 4 and 5 can be seen, which is an SEM image of a partial area of a cross section through a spark plug electrode according to the state of the art with an additively printed electrode tip with constant volume energy ( Figure 4 ) and a light microscope image ( Figure 5 ) of a section of a cross section through the spark plug electrode Figure 4 in the area of the connection zone as a comparison.
  • the cross section contains the longitudinal axis of the spark plug electrode.
  • the spark plug electrode according to the Figures 4 and 5 has an electrode base body 42, which consists of a nickel-based alloy.
  • a layered electrode tip 43 is printed on a distal surface 48 of the electrode base body 42, the electrode tip 43 being made of an IrRh10 alloy consisting of iridium and rhodium in a ratio of 9:1 iridium/rhodium as well as representation-related impurities of the metals iridium and rhodium.
  • connection zone 44 is created, which is characterized by a mixing of the chemical elements of the electrode base body 42 and the electrode tip 43, here nickel (from the nickel-based alloy) with iridium and rhodium, and / or is characterized by a comparison to the remaining areas of the electrode tip 43 and the electrode base body 42 is characterized by higher porosity and/or total crack length (per ⁇ m 2 ).
  • the ignition electrode Figure 4 and 5 all layers of the electrode tip 43 on the distal surface 48 are melted with laser radiation with the same volume energy.
  • the volume energies for producing the electrode tip 43 were 175 watts of radiation power the first twenty layers higher compared to the one after Figures 2 and 3 Spark plug electrode produced with a method according to the invention and in comparison to the volume energy in a method according to the invention.
  • connection zone 44 can be divided into a mixing zone 45 in the electrode base body 42 and into a transition zone 46 in the electrode tip 43.
  • the mixing zone 45 is created by melting the distal surface 48 of the electrode base body 42 when the first and the first few layers of the electrode tip 43 melt.
  • the mixing zone 45 can be delimited by a first interface 50, up to which the chemical elements of the electrode tip 43 are mixed and the electrode base body 42 and/or by increased crack formation and/or pore formation compared to adjacent areas outside the mixing zone 45 in the electrode base body 42.
  • the first interface 50 is arranged parallel to a connecting surface which forms a partial area of the distal surface 58 of the electrode base body 42 and which forms the connection between the electrode base body 42 and the electrode tip 43.
  • Pores 56 can arise from the evaporation of nickel from the mixing zone 55 of the electrode base body 42. Due to the higher volume energy compared to the method according to the invention when producing the first twenty layers (the proximal underside) of the electrode tip 43, the depth of the mixing zone 45 in the electrode base body 42 is higher in comparison.
  • the transition zone 46 in the electrode tip 43 is created by mixing the material of the electrode tip 43 with the material of the electrode base body 42 when the first few layers of the material for the electrode tip 43 are melted.
  • the transition zone 46 can be limited by a second interface 52, up to which a mixing of the chemical elements of the electrode tip 43 and the electrode base body 42 and/or through increased crack formation and/or pore formation compared to neighboring areas outside the transition zone 46 in the electrode tip 43 can be seen.
  • the second interface 52 is arranged parallel to the connecting surface, which forms a partial area of the distal surface 48 of the electrode base body 42 and which forms the connection between the electrode base body 42 and the electrode tip 43.
  • Pores can result from incomplete melting of the material of the electrode tip 43 and cracks 54 due to thermally induced mechanical stresses when the first layers on the electrode base body 42 cool, which are caused by different thermal expansion coefficients of the materials of the electrode base body 42 and the electrode tip 43.
  • the thickness S of the connection zone 44 is approximately 450 ⁇ m higher than in the method according to the invention and in spark plug electrodes 1 according to the invention with printed electrode tips 3, 23.
  • spark plug electrodes 1 Due to the lower thickness S of the connection zone 4, 24, the service life (service life) of the spark plug electrodes 1 is increased in spark plug electrodes 1 according to the invention.
  • the spark plug electrodes according to the invention show the Figures 2 and 3 significantly fewer cracks, a more homogeneous structure and smaller pores (due to less evaporation) compared to the spark plug electrode according to the state of the art Figures 4 and 5 .
  • the values were measured geometrically in the SEM. Maximum lengths and maximum pore diameters were determined over the entire joining zone. The crack lengths per ⁇ m 2 were determined as an average for each joining procedure from 5 areas of the connection zone per height of the connection zone S (24, 44) and 200 ⁇ m width.
  • Figure 6 shows four photographs of the spark plug electrode according to the invention after operation of the spark plug electrode with different numbers of ignition processes, which are referred to as events. This results in a wear gradient per 10 6 events of -1.520*10 -3 mm 3 /10 6 events and converted to -3.948*10 -3 mm/10 6 events.
  • Figure 7 shows four photographs of the "Denso" GE2-3 M14DDI spark plug electrode according to the state of the art after operation with different numbers of ignition processes, which are referred to as events are designated. This results in a wear gradient of -1.821*10 -3 mm 3 /10 6 events and of -4.731*10 -3 mm/10 6 events.
  • the aforementioned measurements were carried out on an IAV ignition test bench.
  • the test stand is used to examine ignition systems or components under conditions close to the engine.
  • the test chamber is connected to a fan via a closed piping system.
  • the interior of the entire system can be pressurized using a gas pressure bottle with up to 40 bar, in the experiment 10 bar. All non-explosive gases and gas mixtures are suitable as gases. In the present application, synthetic air was used.
  • the speed of the fan By adjusting the speed of the fan, the flow speed through the chamber can be influenced in a defined manner between 0 and 30 m/s, in the experiment 20 m/s.
  • the gas temperature in the chamber results from the heat exchange with the environment and is around 30°C.
  • the printed and commercially available material samples with a diameter of 0.7 mm were installed in the test chamber.
  • the plastic used also serves as an insulator to withstand the breakdown voltages of up to approx. 26 kV. These transducers are then inserted into the entrances to the test chamber.
  • this operating point corresponds to the typical boundary conditions of a gasoline engine at the time of the ignition event.
  • the flow speed was set at 20 m/s in order to represent spark drifts, which after the first breakthrough sparks lead to further breakthroughs until the ignition coil is discharged.
  • the ignition energy is provided by VW standard ignition coils with approx. 90 mJ.
  • EMC ignition current
  • a spark plug connector with 5 k ⁇ impedance and high-voltage Beru ignition cables with 1 k ⁇ are used.
  • the material samples are installed in the sample carriers, they are weighed on a precision scale. Installation in the sample holder is then carried out. This is installed in the sample carrier and the electrode distance of 0.7 mm is adjusted by moving the material samples relative to each other. A photographic image is then taken using an reflected light microscope from the sample end face (facing the spark), i.e. the distal front side of the electrode tips and the two adjacent jacket sides for each sample holder with material sample. Finally, the sample carriers are mounted in the test chamber.
  • the voltage in the secondary circuit is measured using a probe from PinTEC and recorded at 25 ms.
  • the spark rate is 55.5 [1/s].
  • the endurance test becomes an interim finding according to 8.3; 18.7; 30.8 and 39.1 million events interrupted: Secondary voltage measurements and photographic recordings of the wear progression were carried out.
  • the electrode gap resulting from the continuous run is determined using a feeler gauge with an accuracy of ⁇ 0.05 mm and, if necessary, readjusted to 0.7 mm.
  • the result shows a wear gradient of the spark plug electrode according to the invention and the conventional spark plug “Denso” GE2-3 that is comparable in terms of erosion and cycles M14DDI.
  • the manufacturing method according to the invention therefore does not lead to a reduced service life (service life) of the spark plug electrode according to the invention.
  • FIG 8 shows an optical micrograph through a spark plug electrode "Federal Mogul", Z212, 14FR-4 DIU, which was produced by welding on a precious metal electrode tip and is comparable to the spark plug "Denso" GE2-3 M14DDI according to the prior art.
  • the spark plug electrode has an electrode base body 62 made of Inconel and an electrode tip 63 made of an iridium alloy.
  • the electrode tip 63 is welded to the electrode base body 62 with a weld seam 65 on a distal surface 68 of the electrode base body 62.
  • a distal surface 67 of the electrode tip 63 is provided for igniting sparks.
  • Figure 9 shows a flow chart to illustrate a method according to the invention.
  • an electrode base body made of nickel or a nickel-based alloy, preferably with a clean and flat distal surface, is provided.
  • the electrode base body is then installed in a device for additive manufacturing, such as a powder bed-based 3D printer.
  • connection zone As soon as the desired layer thickness of the connection zone is reached, further layers of the base material are applied and melted individually and one after the other on the respective support with a volume energy E2 > E1, the second volume energy E2 preferably enabling an optimal connection of the layers and being at least 5% higher as the first volume energy E1.
  • a special shape of the electrode tip can also be created here.
  • the spark plug electrode produced in this way can be removed with the electrode tip printed on the electrode base body and optionally cleaned.
  • Such a spark plug electrode or several such spark plug electrodes can then be installed in a spark plug.

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EP22186378.0A 2022-07-22 2022-07-22 Électrode de bougie d'allumage pourvu de pointe métallique du groupe du platine fabriquée de manière additive Pending EP4311047A1 (fr)

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EP22186378.0A EP4311047A1 (fr) 2022-07-22 2022-07-22 Électrode de bougie d'allumage pourvu de pointe métallique du groupe du platine fabriquée de manière additive

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EP23182276.8A Division EP4312326A1 (fr) 2022-07-22 2022-07-22 Électrode de bougie d'allumage dotée d'une pointe métallique du groupe du platine fabriquée de manière additive

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EP22186378.0A Pending EP4311047A1 (fr) 2022-07-22 2022-07-22 Électrode de bougie d'allumage pourvu de pointe métallique du groupe du platine fabriquée de manière additive

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Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000013274A1 (fr) 1998-08-25 2000-03-09 Robert Bosch Gmbh Electrode de bougie d'allumage
US20060028106A1 (en) 2004-08-03 2006-02-09 Lineton Warran B Ignition device having a reflowed firing tip and method of making
JP4392130B2 (ja) 2001-01-30 2009-12-24 日本特殊陶業株式会社 内燃機関用スパークプラグ
EP2133968B1 (fr) 2007-03-29 2013-12-25 NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd. Procédé de fabrication d'une bougie d'allumage
CZ306282B6 (cs) * 2013-03-22 2016-11-16 BRISK Tábor a. s. Způsob vytváření elektrody zapalovací svíčky s nánosem přídavného materiálu metodou laserového navařování
US20170085061A1 (en) 2015-09-17 2017-03-23 Federal-Mogul Ignition Gmbh Method for manufacturing an ignition electrode for spark plugs and spark plug manufactured therewith
EP3378593A1 (fr) 2017-03-15 2018-09-26 NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd. Procédé de fabrication d'une bougie d'allumage avec premier et deuxieme etapes de soudage laser
WO2019025795A1 (fr) 2017-08-03 2019-02-07 Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company Élément produit par fabrication additive
DE102019203431A1 (de) 2019-03-13 2020-09-17 Robert Bosch Gmbh Zündkerzenelektrode mit einem in einem Körper eingebetteten Edelmetall-haltigen Element als Zündfläche sowie Zündkerze mit einer solchen Zündkerzenelektrode
US20200321756A1 (en) 2017-12-19 2020-10-08 Denso Corporation Spark plug electrode and spark plug
CZ308814B6 (cs) * 2013-04-18 2021-06-09 BRISK Tábor a. s. Způsob vytváření koncové části vnější elektrody zapalovací svíčky s nánosem přídavného materiálu metodou laserového navařování
US20220059999A1 (en) * 2020-08-21 2022-02-24 Federal-Mogul Ignition Llc Spark plug electrode and method of manufacturing the same

Patent Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2000013274A1 (fr) 1998-08-25 2000-03-09 Robert Bosch Gmbh Electrode de bougie d'allumage
JP4392130B2 (ja) 2001-01-30 2009-12-24 日本特殊陶業株式会社 内燃機関用スパークプラグ
US20060028106A1 (en) 2004-08-03 2006-02-09 Lineton Warran B Ignition device having a reflowed firing tip and method of making
EP2133968B1 (fr) 2007-03-29 2013-12-25 NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd. Procédé de fabrication d'une bougie d'allumage
CZ306282B6 (cs) * 2013-03-22 2016-11-16 BRISK Tábor a. s. Způsob vytváření elektrody zapalovací svíčky s nánosem přídavného materiálu metodou laserového navařování
CZ308814B6 (cs) * 2013-04-18 2021-06-09 BRISK Tábor a. s. Způsob vytváření koncové části vnější elektrody zapalovací svíčky s nánosem přídavného materiálu metodou laserového navařování
US20170085061A1 (en) 2015-09-17 2017-03-23 Federal-Mogul Ignition Gmbh Method for manufacturing an ignition electrode for spark plugs and spark plug manufactured therewith
EP3378593A1 (fr) 2017-03-15 2018-09-26 NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd. Procédé de fabrication d'une bougie d'allumage avec premier et deuxieme etapes de soudage laser
WO2019025795A1 (fr) 2017-08-03 2019-02-07 Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company Élément produit par fabrication additive
US20200321756A1 (en) 2017-12-19 2020-10-08 Denso Corporation Spark plug electrode and spark plug
DE102019203431A1 (de) 2019-03-13 2020-09-17 Robert Bosch Gmbh Zündkerzenelektrode mit einem in einem Körper eingebetteten Edelmetall-haltigen Element als Zündfläche sowie Zündkerze mit einer solchen Zündkerzenelektrode
US20220059999A1 (en) * 2020-08-21 2022-02-24 Federal-Mogul Ignition Llc Spark plug electrode and method of manufacturing the same

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