EP2559119B1 - Spark plug provided with a means for preventing short circuits - Google Patents

Spark plug provided with a means for preventing short circuits Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2559119B1
EP2559119B1 EP11730372.7A EP11730372A EP2559119B1 EP 2559119 B1 EP2559119 B1 EP 2559119B1 EP 11730372 A EP11730372 A EP 11730372A EP 2559119 B1 EP2559119 B1 EP 2559119B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
electrode
spark plug
cavity
plug according
metal
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP11730372.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2559119A1 (en
Inventor
Maxime Makarov
Marc Pariente
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Renault SAS
Original Assignee
Renault SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Renault SAS filed Critical Renault SAS
Publication of EP2559119A1 publication Critical patent/EP2559119A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2559119B1 publication Critical patent/EP2559119B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T13/00—Sparking plugs
    • H01T13/50—Sparking plugs having means for ionisation of gap

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a spark plug, radiofrequency plasma type (RF), for internal combustion engine.
  • RF radiofrequency plasma type
  • the candle of the invention is equipped with means making it possible to avoid short-circuit phenomena.
  • This phenomenon is due to the fact that the outer face of the insulating body which is in contact with the gaseous fuel mixture and the flame, clogs with the combustion residues.
  • the spurious spark can either consume only a portion of the available energy in the radio frequency (RF) supply, which nevertheless reduces the volume of the main spark, or cause a short circuit which blocks the emission of the main spark.
  • RF radio frequency
  • the origin of the problem lies in the profile of the junction between the outer face of the insulating body and the central electrode where the dielectric-metal-air media are in contact.
  • the body has a central duct in which is housed the central electrode.
  • the intensity of the electric field is enhanced in the local body-electrode junction zone where the threshold of ionization of the air proves to be largely exceeded.
  • the inclined or curvilinear surface of the insulating body in the junction zone generates a tangential component of the field which favors the propagation of an ionization avalanche phenomenon.
  • Radiofrequency candles of the prior art have only sought to reduce the fouling of the body.
  • the present invention aims to solve the technical problem set out above by intervening on the origin of the problem, that is to say, by aiming at avoiding the strengthening of the electric field at the junction between the external face of the body. dielectric and the central electrode.
  • said cavity is provided with at least one metal lining element extending, at least partially, along the internal lateral face of the body in contact with the electrode and whose thermal expansion coefficient is similar. of that of the dielectric material of said body.
  • said packing element is formed of a metal layer covering the inner wall of said cavity.
  • said metallic lining element is made in one piece with the electrode.
  • said body is made by sintering a ceramic composition around the electrode carrying said lining element.
  • said electrode is made with the metal filling element by casting of metal in situ in said cavity.
  • said metal lining element is soldered.
  • said packing element is an alloy of one or more metals chosen from molybdenum, tungsten, invar and kovar.
  • the junction between the outer face of the body and the electrode has a convex curvature whose radius is less than or equal to half the distance separating said face of said cavity.
  • the wall of said cavity has a semi-elliptical profile whose half small axis is greater than or equal to three times the radius of curvature of the junction between the outer face of the body and the electrode and the half major axis is greater than or six times the radius.
  • the spark plug of the invention makes it possible to protect the radiofrequency candles from fouling by acting on the very cause of the phenomenon.
  • the invention is based on an attenuation of the field at the junction between the outer face of the body and the electrode obtained by a modification of their internal interface in contact.
  • the body 3 has an internal lateral face 3b of contact with a portion 4b of the electrode and beyond which a pointed end portion 4a of the electrode 4 protrudes.
  • the electrode 4 is brought to a high RF voltage and is thus isolated by the body 3 of the base 2 which is, in turn, connected to the ground.
  • the body 3 is generally made of a dielectric material such as a ceramic.
  • the diameter A of the multi-filament spark 5 is of the order of one centimeter.
  • the outer face 3a of the body 3 which is flat on most of its surface is exposed to the gaseous fuel mixture and the flame and is therefore likely to be fouled by a carbon deposit.
  • the Figure 2A is a detailed sectional view of a traditional RF spark plug.
  • the junction of the outer face 3a of the dielectric body 3 with the electrode 4 has an inclined or chamfered profile or more generally, as in the embodiment shown, a curvilinear profile with a radius of curvature R of a hundred microns ( 0.1 mm).
  • Such a profile delimits a restricted and confined empty space where a very intense electric field prevails (of the order of 3.10 7 V / m) favoring the appearance of an air ionization mechanism which is likely to propagate. along the curve and extend along the face 3a by creating a surface parasitic spark.
  • This parasitic phenomenon is all the more likely that the face 3a is strongly exposed to the flame and is gradually covered with a layer of carbon.
  • the candle represented on the Figure 2B is modified, according to the invention, by the embodiment, on the body 3, of at least one annular cavity 30 of axis X.
  • This cavity is formed on the internal lateral face 3b of the body 3 ensuring contact with the electrode 4.
  • the function of the cavity 30 is to locally modify the lines of the electrostatic field and, in particular, at the junction between the external face 3a of the body 3 and the electrode 4 so as to avoid the increase of the electric field in this zone and to prevent the initiation of ionization.
  • the junction between the outer face 3a of the body 3 and the electrode 4 here has a convex curvature whose radius R is less than or equal to half the distance (c) separating the face 3a of the cavity 30.
  • the wall of the cavity 30 has a semi-elliptical profile whose half small axis (b) is greater than or equal to three times the radius of curvature R of the junction between the outer face 3a of the body 3 and the electrode 4 and the half major axis (a) is greater than or equal to six times said radius.
  • the cavity 30 is provided with at least one metal lining element 5 whose thermal expansion coefficient is close to that of the dielectric material of the body 3.
  • the metallic lining element 5 also extends and, at least partially, along the internal lateral face 3b of the body 3 in contact with the electrode 4 in the form of a coating 53 intended to fill the small interspace space between these parts.
  • the gaseous fuel mixture would then be able to penetrate into this space and come into contact with the high walls. temperature before igniting and causing rupture of the body 3.
  • the coating 53 is in electrical contact with the electrode 4 inside the spark plug 1 so that the entire inner surface of the body 3 is equipotential with the electrode which is under high voltage.
  • FIGS. 3A to 3C represent alternative embodiments of the candle of the invention.
  • the packing element 5 is formed of a metal layer 50 covering the inner wall of the cavity 30 and extending from one side to the other. other of the cavity and along the electrode 4 by the coating 53.
  • the layer 50 and the coating 53 are made from alloys of molybdenum and / or tungsten.
  • a second packing element 51 made by filling the cavity 30 with a metal alloy based on Kovar and / or Invar.
  • the assembly is carried out by soldering in order to ensure good contact between the respective facing faces of the body 3 and the element 51.
  • the second packing element 52 is made in one piece with the electrode 4 and is itself provided with a first packing element in the form of the metal coating 53.
  • the body 3 can be made by sintering a ceramic composition around the electrode 4 carrying the metal element 5.
  • An alternative may consist in directly producing the electrode 4 with a metal element 52 by metal casting in situ in the central duct and the cavity 30 of the body 3.

Landscapes

  • Spark Plugs (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne une bougie d'allumage, du type plasma à radiofréquence (RF), pour moteur à combustion interne.The present invention relates to a spark plug, radiofrequency plasma type (RF), for internal combustion engine.

Plus précisément la bougie de l'invention est équipée de moyens permettant d'éviter les phénomènes de court-circuit.More precisely, the candle of the invention is equipped with means making it possible to avoid short-circuit phenomena.

Pour augmenter les dimensions de l'étincelle produite lors de l'allumage, il est connu d'utiliser une bougie à plasma radiofréquence ayant une électrode centrale à extrémité pointue portée à haute tension et générant une étincelle multifilamentaire de très grande taille.To increase the dimensions of the spark produced during ignition, it is known to use a radiofrequency plasma candle having a central electrode pointed end carried high voltage and generating a multifilament spark of very large size.

Une telle bougie qui est décrite, par exemple, dans les FR 2 878 086 , FR 2 886 776 , FR 2 888 421 , FR2 895 169 et FR 2 895 170 , comporte :

  • un culot cylindrique d'axe principal formé dans un premier matériau électriquement conducteur,
  • une électrode centrale formée dans un second matériau conducteur et s'étendant selon l'axe principal et,
  • un corps formé dans un matériau électriquement isolant, disposé entre ledit culot et ladite électrode, en présentant une face latérale interne de contact avec l'électrode et au-delà de laquelle une portion d'extrémité de l'électrode fait saillie.
Such a candle which is described, for example, in FR 2,878,086 , FR 2,886,776 , FR 2,888,421 , FR2 895 169 and FR 2,895,170 , includes:
  • a cylindrical base of main axis formed in a first electrically conductive material,
  • a central electrode formed in a second conductive material and extending along the main axis and,
  • a body formed in an electrically insulating material, disposed between said base and said electrode, having an internal lateral face of contact with the electrode and beyond which an end portion of the electrode protrudes.

US 2007/0283916 décrit une bougie d'allumage selon le préambule de la revendication 1. US 2007/0283916 discloses a spark plug according to the preamble of claim 1.

Cependant, il a été observé qu'au fur et à mesure de l'utilisation de ces bougies, la taille de l'étincelle diminue progressivement.However, it has been observed that as and when the use of these candles, the size of the spark gradually decreases.

Ce phénomène est dû au fait que la face externe du corps isolant qui est au contact du mélange gazeux carburé et de la flamme, s'encrasse avec les résidus de combustion.This phenomenon is due to the fact that the outer face of the insulating body which is in contact with the gaseous fuel mixture and the flame, clogs with the combustion residues.

En outre, une étincelle parasite apparaît sur la face externe encrassée entre l'électrode centrale et le culot de masse périphérique.In addition, a parasitic spark appears on the fouled external face between the central electrode and the peripheral mass pellet.

En fonction du niveau d'encrassement, l'étincelle parasite peut, soit seulement consommer une partie de l'énergie disponible dans l'alimentation radiofréquence (RF) ce qui réduit néanmoins le volume de l'étincelle principale, soit provoquer un court-circuit qui bloque l'émission de l'étincelle principale.Depending on the degree of fouling, the spurious spark can either consume only a portion of the available energy in the radio frequency (RF) supply, which nevertheless reduces the volume of the main spark, or cause a short circuit which blocks the emission of the main spark.

L'origine du problème réside dans le profil de la jonction entre la face externe du corps isolant et l'électrode centrale où les milieux diélectrique-métal-air sont en contact.The origin of the problem lies in the profile of the junction between the outer face of the insulating body and the central electrode where the dielectric-metal-air media are in contact.

Plus précisément, le corps présente un conduit central dans lequel est logée l'électrode centrale.More specifically, the body has a central duct in which is housed the central electrode.

Pour des raisons de fabrication industrielle, il est impossible de réaliser un conduit à bord vif de sorte que la face externe du corps diélectrique ne peut être orientée perpendiculairement à la paroi de l'électrode et présente alors une légère inclinaison ou une courbure.For reasons of industrial manufacture, it is impossible to make a conduit with a sharp edge so that the outer face of the dielectric body can not be oriented perpendicular to the wall of the electrode and then has a slight inclination or curvature.

Il subsiste donc un faible espace libre où les lignes de champ électrostatique traversent un volume d'air dont la constante diélectrique est voisine de l'unité avant de rentrer dans le corps dont la constante diélectrique est plus élevée et de l'ordre de 7 à 9.There is therefore a small free space where the electrostatic field lines pass through a volume of air whose dielectric constant is close to the unit before entering the body whose dielectric constant is higher and of the order of 7 to 9.

Dans ces conditions, l'intensité du champ électrique se trouve renforcée dans la zone locale de jonction corps-électrode où le seuil d'ionisation de l'air s'avère être largement dépassé.Under these conditions, the intensity of the electric field is enhanced in the local body-electrode junction zone where the threshold of ionization of the air proves to be largely exceeded.

En conséquence, la surface inclinée ou curviligne du corps isolant dans la zone de jonction génère une composante tangentielle du champ qui favorise la propagation d'un phénomène d'avalanche d'ionisation.Consequently, the inclined or curvilinear surface of the insulating body in the junction zone generates a tangential component of the field which favors the propagation of an ionization avalanche phenomenon.

Or, ce phénomène contribue à l'amorçage d'une étincelle parasite de surface entretenue par la présence d'une couche semi-conductrice de carbone liée à l'encrassement de la face externe du corps.However, this phenomenon contributes to the initiation of a spurious surface spark maintained by the presence of a semiconductor layer of carbon bonded to the fouling of the outer face of the body.

Les bougies radiofréquence de l'art antérieur ont seulement cherché à réduire l'encrassement du corps.Radiofrequency candles of the prior art have only sought to reduce the fouling of the body.

La présente invention a pour but de résoudre le problème technique exposé ci-dessus en intervenant sur l'origine du problème, c'est-à-dire, en visant à éviter le renforcement du champ électrique à la jonction entre la face externe du corps diélectrique et l'électrode centrale.The present invention aims to solve the technical problem set out above by intervening on the origin of the problem, that is to say, by aiming at avoiding the strengthening of the electric field at the junction between the external face of the body. dielectric and the central electrode.

Ce but est atteint, selon l'invention, au moyen d'une bougie avec les caractéristiques de la revendication 1 dont le corps diélectrique comporte au moins une cavité annulaire d'axe central, ménagée sur sa face latérale de contact avec l'électrode de façon à modifier localement les lignes du champ électrostatique à la jonction entre la face externe du dit corps et l'électrode.This object is achieved, according to the invention, by means of a spark plug with the characteristics of claim 1, the dielectric body of which comprises at least one annular cavity of central axis, formed on its lateral face of contact with the electrode of way to locally modify the electrostatic field lines at the junction between the outer face of said body and the electrode.

Selon l'invention, ladite cavité est pourvue d'au moins un élément métallique de garnissage s'étendant, au moins partiellement, le long de la face latérale interne du corps en contact avec l'électrode et dont le coefficient de dilatation thermique est voisin de celui du matériau diélectrique du dit corps.According to the invention, said cavity is provided with at least one metal lining element extending, at least partially, along the internal lateral face of the body in contact with the electrode and whose thermal expansion coefficient is similar. of that of the dielectric material of said body.

Selon une première variante de réalisation ledit élément de garnissage est formé d'une couche métallique recouvrant la paroi interne de ladite cavité.According to a first variant embodiment, said packing element is formed of a metal layer covering the inner wall of said cavity.

De préférence, ledit élément métallique de garnissage est réalisé d'une seule pièce avec l'électrode.Preferably, said metallic lining element is made in one piece with the electrode.

Selon une seconde variante de réalisation, ledit corps est réalisé par frittage d'une composition de céramique autour de l'électrode portant ledit élément de garnissage.According to a second variant embodiment, said body is made by sintering a ceramic composition around the electrode carrying said lining element.

Selon une autre variante, ladite électrode est réalisée avec l'élément métallique de garnissage par coulée de métal in situ dans ladite cavité.According to another variant, said electrode is made with the metal filling element by casting of metal in situ in said cavity.

Selon encore une autre variante, ledit élément métallique de garnissage est rapporté par brasage.According to yet another variant, said metal lining element is soldered.

Selon une autre caractéristique avantageuse, ledit élément de garnissage est un alliage d'un ou plusieurs métaux choisis parmi le molybdène, le Tungstène, l'Invar et le Kovar.According to another advantageous characteristic, said packing element is an alloy of one or more metals chosen from molybdenum, tungsten, invar and kovar.

Selon l'invention, il est aussi prévu que la jonction entre la face externe du corps et l'électrode présente une courbure convexe dont le rayon est inférieur ou égal à la moitié de la distance séparant ladite face de ladite cavité.According to the invention, it is also provided that the junction between the outer face of the body and the electrode has a convex curvature whose radius is less than or equal to half the distance separating said face of said cavity.

De préférence, la paroi de ladite cavité a un profil semi-elliptique dont le demi petit axe est supérieur ou égal à trois fois le rayon de courbure de la jonction entre la face externe du corps et l'électrode et le demi grand axe est supérieur ou égal à six fois ledit rayon.Preferably, the wall of said cavity has a semi-elliptical profile whose half small axis is greater than or equal to three times the radius of curvature of the junction between the outer face of the body and the electrode and the half major axis is greater than or six times the radius.

La bougie d'allumage de l'invention permet de protéger les bougies radiofréquence de l'encrassement en agissant sur la cause même du phénomène.The spark plug of the invention makes it possible to protect the radiofrequency candles from fouling by acting on the very cause of the phenomenon.

L'invention repose sur une atténuation du champ à la jonction entre la face externe du corps et l'électrode obtenu par une modification de leur interface interne en contact.The invention is based on an attenuation of the field at the junction between the outer face of the body and the electrode obtained by a modification of their internal interface in contact.

En conséquence, le fonctionnement et la fiabilité des bougies (RF) sont améliorés et leur durée de vie est notablement prolongée.As a result, the operation and reliability of the candles (RF) are improved and their service life is significantly extended.

L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description qui va suivre, en se référant aux dessins annexés sur lesquels :

  • La figure 1 représente une vue latérale en coupe d'un mode de réalisation de la bougie de l'invention en phase d'allumage.
  • Les figures 2A et 2B représentent des vues de détail agrandies et en coupe respectivement d'une bougie RF selon l'art antérieur et selon l'invention avec les lignes de champ.
  • Les figures 3A, 3B et 3C représentent des demi-vues de détail en coupe de trois variantes de réalisation de la bougie de l'invention.
The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, with reference to the appended drawings in which:
  • The figure 1 is a sectional side view of an embodiment of the candle of the invention in the ignition phase.
  • The Figures 2A and 2B show enlarged and sectional detail views respectively of an RF candle according to the prior art and according to the invention with the field lines.
  • The FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C represent half-views of detail in section of three embodiments of the candle of the invention.

La bougie radiofréquence 1 représentée sur la figure 1 a une structure coaxiale comprenant :

  • un culot cylindrique 2 d'axe principal X formé dans un premier matériau électriquement conducteur,
  • une électrode centrale 4 formée dans un second matériau conducteur et s'étendant selon l'axe central X et,
  • un corps 3 formé dans un matériau électriquement isolant (diélectrique), disposé entre le culot 2 et l'électrode 4.
The radiofrequency candle 1 represented on the figure 1 has a coaxial structure comprising:
  • a cylindrical base 2 of main axis X formed in a first electrically conductive material,
  • a central electrode 4 formed in a second conductive material and extending along the central axis X and,
  • a body 3 formed in an electrically insulating material (dielectric), disposed between the base 2 and the electrode 4.

Le corps 3 présente une face latérale interne 3b de contact avec une portion 4b de l'électrode et au-delà de laquelle une portion d'extrémité en pointe 4a de l'électrode 4 fait saillie.The body 3 has an internal lateral face 3b of contact with a portion 4b of the electrode and beyond which a pointed end portion 4a of the electrode 4 protrudes.

L'électrode 4 est portée à une haute tension RF et est donc isolée par le corps 3 du culot 2 qui est, quant à lui, relié à la masse.The electrode 4 is brought to a high RF voltage and is thus isolated by the body 3 of the base 2 which is, in turn, connected to the ground.

Le corps 3 est en général réalisé en un matériau diélectrique tel qu'une céramique.The body 3 is generally made of a dielectric material such as a ceramic.

Dans des conditions normales d'excitation électrique RF, le diamètre A de l'étincelle à multi filaments 5 est de l'ordre du centimètre.Under normal conditions of RF electrical excitation, the diameter A of the multi-filament spark 5 is of the order of one centimeter.

La face externe 3a du corps 3 qui est plane sur la plus grande partie de sa surface est exposée au mélange gazeux carburé et à la flamme et est donc susceptible d'être encrassée par un dépôt de carbone.The outer face 3a of the body 3 which is flat on most of its surface is exposed to the gaseous fuel mixture and the flame and is therefore likely to be fouled by a carbon deposit.

Les propriétés semi-conductrices de ce dépôt de surface entraînent un risque important de court-circuit entre le culot 2 et l'électrode 4.The semiconducting properties of this surface deposit cause a significant risk of short circuit between the base 2 and the electrode 4.

La figure 2A représente une vue de détail en coupe d'une bougie d'allumage RF traditionnelle.The Figure 2A is a detailed sectional view of a traditional RF spark plug.

La jonction de la face externe 3a du corps diélectrique 3 avec l'électrode 4 a un profil incliné ou chanfreiné ou plus généralement, comme dans le mode de réalisation représenté, un profil curviligne avec un rayon de courbure R d'une centaine de microns (0,1 mm).The junction of the outer face 3a of the dielectric body 3 with the electrode 4 has an inclined or chamfered profile or more generally, as in the embodiment shown, a curvilinear profile with a radius of curvature R of a hundred microns ( 0.1 mm).

Un tel profil délimite un espace vide restreint et confiné où règne un champ électrique très intense (de l'ordre de 3.107 V/m) favorisant l'apparition d'un mécanisme d'ionisation de l'air qui est susceptible de se propager le long de la courbe et de se prolonger le long de la face 3a en créant une étincelle parasite de surface.Such a profile delimits a restricted and confined empty space where a very intense electric field prevails (of the order of 3.10 7 V / m) favoring the appearance of an air ionization mechanism which is likely to propagate. along the curve and extend along the face 3a by creating a surface parasitic spark.

Ce phénomène parasite est d'autant plus probable que la face 3a est fortement exposée à la flamme et est progressivement recouverte d'une couche de carbone.This parasitic phenomenon is all the more likely that the face 3a is strongly exposed to the flame and is gradually covered with a layer of carbon.

La bougie représentée sur la figure 2B est modifiée, selon l'invention, par la réalisation, sur le corps 3, d'au moins une cavité annulaire 30 d'axe X.The candle represented on the Figure 2B is modified, according to the invention, by the embodiment, on the body 3, of at least one annular cavity 30 of axis X.

Cette cavité est ménagée sur la face latérale interne 3b du corps 3 assurant le contact avec l'électrode 4.This cavity is formed on the internal lateral face 3b of the body 3 ensuring contact with the electrode 4.

La cavité 30 a pour fonction de modifier localement les lignes du champ électrostatique et, en particulier, à la jonction entre la face externe 3a du corps 3 et l'électrode 4 de façon à éviter l'augmentation du champ électrique dans cette zone et à prévenir l'amorçage de l'ionisation.The function of the cavity 30 is to locally modify the lines of the electrostatic field and, in particular, at the junction between the external face 3a of the body 3 and the electrode 4 so as to avoid the increase of the electric field in this zone and to prevent the initiation of ionization.

La jonction entre la face externe 3a du corps 3 et l'électrode 4 présente ici une courbure convexe dont le rayon R est inférieur ou égal à la moitié de la distance (c) séparant la face 3a de la cavité 30.The junction between the outer face 3a of the body 3 and the electrode 4 here has a convex curvature whose radius R is less than or equal to half the distance (c) separating the face 3a of the cavity 30.

De préférence, la paroi de la cavité 30 a un profil semi-elliptique dont le demi petit axe (b) est supérieur ou égal à trois fois le rayon de courbure R de la jonction entre la face externe 3a du corps 3 et l'électrode 4 et le demi grand axe (a) est supérieur ou égal à six fois ledit rayon.Preferably, the wall of the cavity 30 has a semi-elliptical profile whose half small axis (b) is greater than or equal to three times the radius of curvature R of the junction between the outer face 3a of the body 3 and the electrode 4 and the half major axis (a) is greater than or equal to six times said radius.

La cavité 30 est pourvue d'au moins un élément métallique de garnissage 5 dont le coefficient de dilatation thermique est voisin de celui du matériau diélectrique du corps 3.The cavity 30 is provided with at least one metal lining element 5 whose thermal expansion coefficient is close to that of the dielectric material of the body 3.

L'élément métallique de garnissage 5 s'étend aussi et, au moins partiellement, le long de la face latérale interne 3b du corps 3 en contact avec l'électrode 4 sous forme d'un revêtement 53 destiné à combler le faible espace intercalaire entre ces pièces.The metallic lining element 5 also extends and, at least partially, along the internal lateral face 3b of the body 3 in contact with the electrode 4 in the form of a coating 53 intended to fill the small interspace space between these parts.

En effet, si l'espace intercalaire entre la face latérale interne 3b du corps 3 et l'électrode 4 n'était pas hermétique, le mélange gazeux carburé serait alors susceptible de pénétrer dans cet espace et de venir en contact avec les parois à haute température avant de s'enflammer et de provoquer la rupture du corps 3.Indeed, if the intermediate space between the internal lateral face 3b of the body 3 and the electrode 4 was not hermetic, the gaseous fuel mixture would then be able to penetrate into this space and come into contact with the high walls. temperature before igniting and causing rupture of the body 3.

En outre, le revêtement 53 est en contact électrique avec l'électrode 4 à l'intérieur de la bougie 1 de façon à ce que toute la surface interne du corps 3 soit équipotentielle avec l'électrode qui est sous haute tension.In addition, the coating 53 is in electrical contact with the electrode 4 inside the spark plug 1 so that the entire inner surface of the body 3 is equipotential with the electrode which is under high voltage.

Les figures 3A à 3C représentent des variantes de réalisation de la bougie de l'invention.The FIGS. 3A to 3C represent alternative embodiments of the candle of the invention.

Dans la variante de la figure 3A, l'élément de garnissage 5 est formé d'une couche métallique 50 recouvrant la paroi interne de la cavité 30 et se prolongeant de part et d'autre de la cavité et le long de l'électrode 4 par le revêtement 53.In the variant of the figure 3A , the packing element 5 is formed of a metal layer 50 covering the inner wall of the cavity 30 and extending from one side to the other. other of the cavity and along the electrode 4 by the coating 53.

La couche 50 et le revêtement 53 sont réalisés à partir d'alliages de Molybdène et/ou de Tungstène.The layer 50 and the coating 53 are made from alloys of molybdenum and / or tungsten.

Dans la variante de la figure 3B, au revêtement 53 est ajouté un second élément de garnissage 51 réalisé par remplissage de la cavité 30 avec un alliage métallique à base de Kovar et/ou d'Invar.In the variant of the figure 3B to the coating 53 is added a second packing element 51 made by filling the cavity 30 with a metal alloy based on Kovar and / or Invar.

L'assemblage est effectué par brasage afin d'assurer un bon contact entre les faces en regard respectives du corps 3 et de l'élément 51.The assembly is carried out by soldering in order to ensure good contact between the respective facing faces of the body 3 and the element 51.

Dans la variante de la figure 3C qui correspond à celle de la figure 2B, le second élément de garnissage 52 est réalisé d'une seule pièce avec l'électrode 4 et est lui-même pourvu d'un premier élément de garnissage sous forme du revêtement métallique 53.In the variant of the figure 3C which corresponds to that of the Figure 2B the second packing element 52 is made in one piece with the electrode 4 and is itself provided with a first packing element in the form of the metal coating 53.

Dans ce cas, le corps 3 peut être réalisé par frittage d'une composition de céramique autour de l'électrode 4 portant l'élément métallique 5.In this case, the body 3 can be made by sintering a ceramic composition around the electrode 4 carrying the metal element 5.

Une alternative peut consister à réaliser directement, l'électrode 4 avec un élément métallique 52 par coulée de métal in situ dans le conduit central et la cavité 30 du corps 3.An alternative may consist in directly producing the electrode 4 with a metal element 52 by metal casting in situ in the central duct and the cavity 30 of the body 3.

Claims (8)

  1. Spark plug of the radio frequency plasma type comprising:
    - a cylindrical base (2) of main axis (X) made of a first electrically conductive material,
    - a central electrode (4) made of a second conductive material and extending along the main axis (X), and
    - a body (3), made of a dielectric material, arranged between said base (2) and said electrode (4), having an internal lateral face (3b) in contact with the electrode and from which an end portion (4a) of the electrode (4) protrudes, said body (3) comprising at least one annular cavity (30) of axis (X), formed on its lateral face (3b) in contact with the electrode (4) so as to locally modify the lines of the electrostatic field at the junction between the external face (3a) of said body and the electrode (4), characterized in that said cavity (30) is provided with at least one metal lining element (5, 50, 51, 52, 53) extending at least partially along the internal lateral face (3b) of the body in contact with the electrode (4) and the thermal expansion coefficient of which is close to that of the dielectric material of said body, and the junction between the external face (3a) of the body (3) and the electrode (4) has a convex curvature, the radius (R) of which is less than or equal to half the distance (c) separating said face from said cavity (30).
  2. Spark plug according to Claim 1, characterized in that said lining element (5) is made of a metal layer (50) covering the internal wall of said cavity (30).
  3. Spark plug according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said metal lining element is produced in a single piece with the electrode (4).
  4. Spark plug according to Claim 3, characterized in that said body (3) is produced by sintering a ceramic composition around the electrode (4) bearing said metal element.
  5. Spark plug according to Claim 3, characterized in that said electrode (4) is produced with the metal lining element (5) by casting metal in situ in said cavity (30).
  6. Spark plug according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said metal lining element (5) is added by hard soldering.
  7. Spark plug according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said lining element (5) is an alloy of one or more metals chosen from molybdenum, tungsten, invar and kovar.
  8. Spark plug according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the wall of said cavity (30) has a semi-elliptical profile of which the half small axis (b) is greater than or equal to three times the radius of curvature (R) of the junction between the external face (3a) of the body and the electrode and the half large axis (a) is greater than or equal to six times said radius (R).
EP11730372.7A 2010-04-16 2011-04-14 Spark plug provided with a means for preventing short circuits Not-in-force EP2559119B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1052908A FR2959071B1 (en) 2010-04-16 2010-04-16 SPARK PLUG EQUIPPED WITH MEANS FOR PREVENTING SHORT CIRCUITS
PCT/FR2011/050848 WO2011128589A1 (en) 2010-04-16 2011-04-14 Spark plug provided with a means for preventing short circuits

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2559119A1 EP2559119A1 (en) 2013-02-20
EP2559119B1 true EP2559119B1 (en) 2014-12-17

Family

ID=43038026

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP11730372.7A Not-in-force EP2559119B1 (en) 2010-04-16 2011-04-14 Spark plug provided with a means for preventing short circuits

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2559119B1 (en)
CN (1) CN102884686B (en)
FR (1) FR2959071B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2011128589A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP6524136B2 (en) * 2017-03-31 2019-06-05 日本特殊陶業株式会社 Spark plug

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3883762A (en) * 1974-06-17 1975-05-13 Bendix Corp Electrical discharge device comprising an insulator body having an electrically semi-conducting coating formed thereon
DE102004039406A1 (en) * 2004-08-13 2006-02-23 Siemens Ag Plasma ignition method and apparatus for igniting fuel / air mixtures in internal combustion engines
FR2878086B1 (en) 2004-11-16 2007-03-09 Renault Sas PLASMA RADIOFREQUENCY CANDLE
FR2881281B1 (en) * 2005-01-26 2011-04-22 Renault Sas PLASMA GENERATION CANDLE
FR2886776B1 (en) * 2005-06-07 2012-08-17 Renault Sas ELECTRODE IN PARTICULAR FROM AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE IGNITION CANDLE
FR2887083B1 (en) * 2005-06-08 2007-08-10 Renault Sas RADIOFREQUENCY PLASMA CANDLE FOR IGNITION CONTROL OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
FR2888421B1 (en) 2005-07-06 2007-08-31 Renault Sas DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING A HIGH VOLTAGE TRANSISTOR, IN PARTICULAR A MOS TRANSITOR OF A HIGH-VOLTAGE RADIO FREQUENCY GENERATOR FOR CONTROLLING IGNITION OF AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
FR2895169B1 (en) 2005-12-15 2008-08-01 Renault Sas OPTIMIZING THE EXCITATION FREQUENCY OF A RESONATOR
FR2895170B1 (en) 2005-12-15 2008-03-07 Renault Sas OPTIMIZING THE EXCITATION FREQUENCY OF A RESONATOR
FR2907269B1 (en) * 2006-10-17 2009-01-30 Renault Sas DEVICE FOR GENERATING RADIOFREQUENCY PLASMA.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2559119A1 (en) 2013-02-20
WO2011128589A1 (en) 2011-10-20
FR2959071A1 (en) 2011-10-21
CN102884686B (en) 2014-06-18
FR2959071B1 (en) 2012-07-27
CN102884686A (en) 2013-01-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2628220B1 (en) Short-circuit prevention in an rf spark plug
EP1875571B1 (en) Plasma-generating plug
EP1815570B1 (en) Radiofrequency plasma spark plug
EP1869739B1 (en) Open-chamber multi-spark plug
CH624509A5 (en)
FR2860654A1 (en) IGNITION CANDLE FOR HIGH TEMPERATURES
EP1920510B1 (en) Plasma spark plug for an internal combustion engine
FR2893455A1 (en) IGNITION CANDLE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
FR2886689A1 (en) Internal combustion engine ignition system for e.g. aircraft, has hollow body, and head forming electrode which surrounds end portion so that corona discharge takes place in precombustion chamber between head and central electrode
EP2210079B1 (en) Spark ignition device with in-built combustion sensor
FR2892240A1 (en) IGNITION CANDLES FOR THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE
EP2559119B1 (en) Spark plug provided with a means for preventing short circuits
EP1202411B1 (en) Gliding discharge spark plug with radial spark
WO2006131675A1 (en) High-frequency multispark plug
FR2949538A1 (en) PREHEATING CANDLE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING SUCH CANDLE
FR2771558A1 (en) Surface effect sparking plug
FR2976133A1 (en) Spark plug for use in combustion chamber of internal combustion engine of car, has insulating part including parts formed of dielectric permittivity material that is similar to material of organic fluid insulator
FR2641136A1 (en) Sparkplug of the high energy/low voltage type
FR2995460A1 (en) Multi-filament radio frequency sparking type spark plug for positive ignition thermal engine, has starter arranged in determined zone such that rupture of body under pressure does not present risks for operator during tightening process
EP1526618A1 (en) Surface discharge spark plug with a directed spark
FR2860929A1 (en) Spark plug for an internal combustion engine with improved seating in the cylinder head to provide more thermodynamic combustion and enhanced power output
FR2860655A1 (en) Spark plug for internal combustion engine e.g. car engine, has ground electrode with edge arranged to form ignition spark discharge space, where shortest distance between edges head end surface and joining part is of specific value
BE419356A (en)
FR2525737A1 (en) SPARK IGNITION NOZZLE FOR TORCH
BE479354A (en)

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20120927

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20140707

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 702466

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20150115

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602011012334

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20150212

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

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141217

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141217

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150317

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

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

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141217

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141217

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141217

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150318

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141217

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 702466

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20141217

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

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141217

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

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141217

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141217

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141217

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141217

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141217

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

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141217

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150417

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141217

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602011012334

Country of ref document: DE

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

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

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

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

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141217

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20150918

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

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150414

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141217

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

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

Effective date: 20150414

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

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141217

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

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

Ref country code: CH

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

Effective date: 20150430

Ref country code: GB

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

Effective date: 20150414

Ref country code: LI

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

Effective date: 20150430

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

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141217

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 6

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

Ref country code: IE

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

Effective date: 20150414

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

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141217

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 7

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

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141217

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141217

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20110414

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

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141217

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

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150417

Ref country code: BE

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

Effective date: 20150430

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

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141217

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 8

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

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141217

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

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20141217

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20220421

Year of fee payment: 12

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20220420

Year of fee payment: 12

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602011012334

Country of ref document: DE

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

Ref country code: FR

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

Effective date: 20230430

Ref country code: DE

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

Effective date: 20231103