EP3552283B1 - Spark plug electrode and method for producing a spark plug electrode - Google Patents

Spark plug electrode and method for producing a spark plug electrode Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP3552283B1
EP3552283B1 EP17784914.8A EP17784914A EP3552283B1 EP 3552283 B1 EP3552283 B1 EP 3552283B1 EP 17784914 A EP17784914 A EP 17784914A EP 3552283 B1 EP3552283 B1 EP 3552283B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
electrode
spark plug
mass
core
connection region
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP17784914.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP3552283A1 (en
Inventor
Mario Fleischhauer
Manfred Roeckelein
Alexander Schramm
Gabriel PETERSEN
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.)
Robert Bosch GmbH
Original Assignee
Robert Bosch GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Robert Bosch GmbH filed Critical Robert Bosch GmbH
Publication of EP3552283A1 publication Critical patent/EP3552283A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP3552283B1 publication Critical patent/EP3552283B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T13/00—Sparking plugs
    • H01T13/02—Details
    • H01T13/16—Means for dissipating heat
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01T—SPARK GAPS; OVERVOLTAGE ARRESTERS USING SPARK GAPS; SPARKING PLUGS; CORONA DEVICES; GENERATING IONS TO BE INTRODUCED INTO NON-ENCLOSED GASES
    • H01T13/00—Sparking plugs
    • H01T13/20—Sparking plugs characterised by features of the electrodes or insulation
    • H01T13/32—Sparking plugs characterised by features of the electrodes or insulation characterised by features of the earthed electrode
    • 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 present invention relates to a spark plug electrode with improved connectivity to a component of a spark plug and to a spark plug with a permanently stable connected spark plug electrode.
  • the present invention also relates to a method for producing a spark plug electrode.
  • a spark plug electrode comprises an electrode core with high thermal conductivity and an electrode jacket surrounding the electrode core, wherein the electrode core is exposed at the electrode base before being connected to a component of the spark plug.
  • the material of the electrode jacket is selected with a view to high corrosion resistance and erosion resistance.
  • connection area is provided on the electrode base, which prevents removal or flow of material from the Spark plug electrode is prevented and thus an improvement in the ability to connect to another component of a spark plug, in particular by a thermal connection process, such as preferably welding.
  • a thermal connection process such as preferably welding.
  • the materials of the connection area and the electrode jacket differ.
  • the connection area can be specifically designed with regard to
  • connection area forms a type of protective area that helps to maintain the shape and form of the electrode core during connection to a component of a spark plug.
  • the spark plug electrode can thus be connected to a component of the spark plug in an uncomplicated manner, even thermally induced, without leaked or flowed-off electrode core material causing disruptions in the connection formation of the electrode base with a component of the spark plug.
  • the spark plug electrode according to the invention with an electrode core surrounded by an electrode jacket is characterized not only by high corrosion and erosion stability but also by very good connectability to a component of a spark plug.
  • connection region at least partially covers the electrode core on the electrode base.
  • the electrode core on the electrode base is completely covered by the connection region. This makes it particularly efficient to prevent flowing off, removing or transferring electrode core material.
  • connection area extends over as large an area as possible on the electrode base. According to the invention, the connection area therefore completely covers not only the electrode core but also the electrode jacket on the electrode base.
  • the electrode core is made of a highly thermally conductive material that is able to absorb the heat generated at the electrode tip during the intended use of the Spark plug electrodes are designed to quickly dissipate the high heat that occurs in the spark plasma from the electrode tip.
  • the electrode core is made of copper, silver, a copper alloy, with a copper content in the copper alloy being at least 90% by mass, or a silver alloy, with a silver content in the silver alloy being at least 90% by mass.
  • the metals silver and copper not only have a high thermal conductivity, but are also characterized by good processability and affordability at moderate prices.
  • the material of the electrode sheath is preferably made of a nickel-based alloy with nickel as the main component in mass%.
  • a further stabilization of the electrode material that comes into spark contact can advantageously be achieved by the nickel-based alloy of the material of the electrode sheath containing chromium in a proportion of at least 20% by mass, in particular of at least 25% by mass.
  • the material of the connection region has a thermal conductivity in a temperature range of 400 to 450 °C that is higher than that of the material of the electrode jacket. This can in particular improve a thermally induced connection with a component of a spark plug.
  • the material of the connection area advantageously has better weldability than that of the material of the electrode core.
  • Improved "weldability" of the material of the connection area means that the material of the connection area is easier to activate thermally than that of the electrode core and can therefore also be alloyed. In this way, a homogeneous and stable weld seam can be formed without any significant changes to the electrode core.
  • Weldability in the sense of the invention also means that the spark plug electrode according to the invention and a component of the spark plug can be welded together in compliance with the required features with regard to geometry, weld seam strength and avoidance of welding spatter, can be reproducibly joined using the existing joining process.
  • connection area is a low-alloy nickel-based alloy or a low-alloy iron-based alloy. These alloys are characterized by good weldability and in particular by good connectability with conventional jacket materials and spark plug materials, so that the spark plug electrode can be very well and permanently stably connected to a component of a spark plug.
  • the material of the connection area has the following composition, whereby the specified values refer to mass%: aluminum: 2.0 to 2.3 mass%, silicon: 1.8 to 2.1 mass%, yttrium: 0.05 to 0.1 mass%, chromium: maximum 0.1 mass%, manganese: maximum 0.1 mass%, iron: maximum 0.2 mass%, copper: maximum 0.1 mass%, magnesium: maximum 0.08 mass%, carbon: maximum 0.045 mass%, sulfur: maximum 0.002 mass%, nitrogen: maximum 0.008 mass% and lead: maximum 0.002 mass%, with nickel to balance out to 100 mass%.
  • the specified values refer to mass%: aluminum: 2.0 to 2.3 mass%, silicon: 1.8 to 2.1 mass%, yttrium: 0.05 to 0.1 mass%, chromium: maximum 0.1 mass%, manganese: maximum 0.1 mass%, iron: maximum 0.2 mass%, copper: maximum 0.1 mass%, magnesium: maximum 0.08 mass%, carbon: maximum 0.045 mass%, sulfur: maximum 0.002 mass%, nitrogen: maximum
  • the invention also discloses a spark plug which comprises a spark plug electrode as described above.
  • the spark plug electrode according to the invention By using the spark plug electrode according to the invention, it is permanently and stably connected to a component of the spark plug.
  • the connection between the connection area of the spark plug electrode and the connection area on the component of the spark plug is uniform and stable and is not penetrated by material from the electrode core.
  • the spark plug according to the invention is therefore not only characterized by high corrosion and erosion resistance but also by very good mechanical stability.
  • the spark plug according to the invention can have the spark plug electrode according to the invention as a ground electrode and/or as a center electrode.
  • the electrode produced according to the invention has an electrode base and an electrode tip and comprises an electrode core, an electrode jacket surrounding the electrode core and a connecting region for connecting the spark plug electrode to a another component of a spark plug.
  • a material of the electrode jacket is first provided.
  • a recess is then provided in the material of the electrode jacket.
  • the recess extends from the electrode base in the direction of the electrode tip.
  • a material of the electrode core is introduced into this recess, in such a way that the material of the electrode core at least partially fills the recess. Completely filling the recess with the material of the electrode core is also possible.
  • connection area is then introduced into or onto the recess at least partially filled with the material of the electrode core. This results in a stacked arrangement of the material of the electrode core and the material of the connection area. Rather, the connection area covers the electrode core at least partially and in particular completely. The electrode core is thus prevented from flowing off, being removed or transferred to surrounding areas even when exposed to thermal influences.
  • the connection area can therefore be very easily connected to a component of a spark plug without any significant geometric change in the electrode core occurring even when exposed to high temperatures.
  • the process is simple, can be implemented without high technical effort and enables the production of a spark plug electrode with a functional connection area.
  • spark plug electrode according to the invention also apply to the spark plug according to the invention and the method according to the invention for producing a spark plug electrode.
  • the method advantageously comprises a step of forming the sheath material with the material of the electrode core in the recess and/or a step of forming the material of the connection region with the material of the electrode core.
  • the forming includes a pressing step.
  • a pressing step By pressing the jacket material with the material of the electrode core and/or by pressing the material of the connection area with the material of the electrode core, in particular a force-fit connection is created between the pressed materials, which ensures a particularly permanent connection.
  • a very simple and targeted connection between adjacent materials, such as the stacked materials of the electrode core and the connection area, can be advantageously carried out by extrusion.
  • the method advantageously also includes a forming step to adapt the geometry of the spark plug electrode.
  • the spark plug can be curved. This is particularly advantageous in the production of ground electrodes.
  • the spark plug 1 comprises a ground electrode 2 and a center electrode 3.
  • An insulator 4 is provided such that the center electrode 3 is in a known manner somewhat Insulator 4 protrudes.
  • the insulator 4 itself is partially surrounded by a housing 5.
  • the reference number 6 denotes an electrical connection nut.
  • An electrically conductive connection is provided from the electrical connection nut 6 to the center electrode 3 via a connection bolt 7 and a connecting element 8 made of a conductive glass.
  • At least one of the electrodes is specifically designed.
  • Figure 2 shows one of the spark plug electrodes, for example a ground electrode 2, in a sectional view.
  • the ground electrode 2 has an electrode tip 9 and an electrode base 10.
  • the electrode base 10 is the area that can be connected to a component of a spark plug, for example to a housing section, so that the ground electrode 2 becomes an integral part of the spark plug.
  • the electrode tip 9 represents the end of the ground electrode 2 opposite the electrode base 10.
  • the electrode tip 9 is the area in which an ignition spark plasma is generated when the ground electrode 2 is used as intended.
  • the electrode tip 9 can also have a precious metal pin (not shown) that serves to generate the ignition sparks. However, this is not absolutely necessary.
  • the ground electrode 2 comprises an electrode core 11, an electrode sheath 12 surrounding the electrode core 11 and a connecting region 13 for connecting the ground electrode 2 to another spark plug component, wherein the connecting region 13 is provided on the electrode base 10.
  • connection region 13 completely covers both the electrode core 11 on the electrode base 10 and the electrode jacket 12. In the region of the electrode base 10 that is to be connected to another component of a spark plug, only material from the connection region 13 is present. Both the electrode core 11 and the electrode jacket 12 are shielded by the connection region 13 and do not protrude from the electrode base 10.
  • connection area 13 is used to form the connection, i.e. to form the weld seam.
  • the electrode core 11 and the electrode jacket 12 remain unaffected by this.
  • the material of the electrode core 11 is prevented from flowing away or being carried away or transferred by the locally high temperatures prevailing during the welding process and the electrode core 11 remains essentially unchanged in the electrode jacket 12 so that it can effectively dissipate the heat that acts on the electrode tip 9 in the ignition spark plasma from the electrode tip 9.
  • a high level of corrosion resistance and erosion resistance of the ground electrode 2 is thus achieved.
  • connection area 13 The material of the connection area 13 and the material of the electrode jacket 12 are different from one another.
  • the connection area 13 can be specifically selected and designed for its function, i.e. to prevent flow or removal or transfer of material from the electrode core 11 and to form a good connection to a component of a spark plug.
  • the jacket material can be selected with regard to high erosion stability and corrosion stability.
  • the material of the electrode jacket 12 is made in particular from a nickel-based alloy with nickel as the main component.
  • the material of the electrode jacket can contain chromium with at least 20 mass%, in particular with at least 25 mass%.
  • connection region 13 is preferably a low-alloyed nickel-based alloy or a low-alloyed iron-based alloy. These alloys are characterized by good weldability and, at the same time, high thermal conductivity, whereby the thermal conductivity of the material of the connection region 13 is higher than the thermal conductivity of the material of the electrode jacket 12 in a temperature range of 400 to 450 °C.
  • the electrode core 11 is made of copper, silver, a copper alloy due to its good thermal conductivity, with a copper content in the Copper alloy is at least 90% by mass, or a silver alloy, wherein the silver content in the silver alloy is at least 90% by mass.
  • Figure 3 shows a diagram to illustrate a method for producing a spark plug electrode according to an embodiment.
  • the spark plug electrode to be produced according to the method is, for example, a ground electrode 2.
  • a material 14 of the electrode casing 12 is provided, in which a recess 15 is provided in a method step A.
  • the recess 15 can be produced, for example, by removing material or by pressing the material 14 of the electrode casing 12 together. Other methods are also conceivable for this purpose.
  • a material 16 of the electrode core 11 is introduced into the recess 15.
  • the recess 15 is thus at least partially filled with the material 16 of the electrode core 11.
  • step C material 17 of the connection region 13 is introduced into the recess 15 which is at least partially filled with the material 16 of the electrode core 11.
  • the material 17 of the connection region 13 and the material 16 of the electrode core 11 are thus stacked in the recess 15.
  • step D pressure is applied from the direction of the material 17 of the connection region 13, which is indicated by the arrow P.
  • the material 16 of the electrode core 11 is pressed with the material 14 of the electrode jacket 12, so that a force-fitting connection is created between the resulting electrode core 11 and the electrode jacket 12, so that the electrode core 11 is permanently fixed in the electrode jacket 12.
  • connection area 13 is pressed with the material 16 of the electrode core 11, whereby between the electrode core 11 and the connecting area 13 also a particularly force-fitting connection is established.
  • the pressing operations are advantageously carried out by extrusion, in particular by full forward extrusion.
  • a pressing step can also follow after step B, i.e. after the at least partial filling of the recess 15 with material 16 of the electrode core 11.
  • a second pressing step is then carried out, as shown in the embodiment shown, after the arrangement of material 17 of the connection region 13, as shown in step D.
  • the method illustrated for producing a spark plug electrode produces, by way of example, a ground electrode 2 with an electrode base 10 and an electrode tip 9, wherein the ground electrode 2 comprises an electrode core 11, an electrode jacket 12 surrounding the electrode core 11 and a connecting region 13 for connecting the ground electrode 2 to a further spark plug component.
  • the material 14 of the electrode jacket 12 is different from the material 17 of the connection area 13, as is the case, for example, with regard to the ground electrode 2 in Figure 2 is executed.
  • the ground electrode 2 can be reshaped after pressing in order to adapt the geometry of the ground electrode 2.

Landscapes

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

Description

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Zündkerzenelektrode mit verbesserter Verbindbarkeit mit einer Komponente einer Zündkerze sowie eine Zündkerze mit dauerhaft stabil verbundener Zündkerzenelektrode. Darüber hinaus betrifft die vorliegende Erfindung auch ein Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Zündkerzenelektrode.The present invention relates to a spark plug electrode with improved connectivity to a component of a spark plug and to a spark plug with a permanently stable connected spark plug electrode. In addition, the present invention also relates to a method for producing a spark plug electrode.

Zur Verbesserung der Wärmeleitfähigkeit einer Zündkerzenelektrode und damit auch der Temperaturbeständigkeit derselben, umfasst eine Zündkerzenelektrode einen Elektrodenkern mit hoher Wärmeleitfähigkeit und einen den Elektrodenkern umgebenden Elektrodenmantel, wobei der Elektrodenkern vor dem Verbinden mit einer Komponente der Zündkerze am Elektrodenfuß freiliegt. Das Material des Elektrodenmantels wird im Hinblick auf eine hohe Korrosionsbeständigkeit und Erosionsbeständigkeit ausgewählt. Nachteilig an diesen herkömmlichen Zündkerzenelektroden ist, dass beim Verbinden der Zündkerzenelektrode mit einer Komponente einer Zündkerze, das in der Regel durch einen Schweißvorgang ausgeführt wird, Material des freiliegenden, stark wärmeleitenden Elektrodenkerns abfließt und sich auf umliegende Bereiche der Zündkerzenelektrode oder der mit der Zündkerzenelektrode zu verbindenden Zündkerze überträgt.To improve the thermal conductivity of a spark plug electrode and thus also its temperature resistance, a spark plug electrode comprises an electrode core with high thermal conductivity and an electrode jacket surrounding the electrode core, wherein the electrode core is exposed at the electrode base before being connected to a component of the spark plug. The material of the electrode jacket is selected with a view to high corrosion resistance and erosion resistance. The disadvantage of these conventional spark plug electrodes is that when the spark plug electrode is connected to a component of a spark plug, which is usually carried out by a welding process, material from the exposed, highly thermally conductive electrode core flows off and is transferred to surrounding areas of the spark plug electrode or the spark plug to be connected to the spark plug electrode.

Aus der JP 2012 099 496 A ist eine Zündkerzenelektrode und ein Verfahren zu ihrer Herstellung bekannt. DE102014226215A1 beschreibt eine weitere Zündkerzenelektrode.From the JP 2012 099 496 A A spark plug electrode and a method for its production are known. DE102014226215A1 describes another spark plug electrode.

Offenbarung der ErfindungDisclosure of the invention

Die erfindungsgemäße Zündkerzenelektrode gemäß Anspruch 1, zeichnet sich hingegen dadurch aus, dass am Elektrodenfuß ein Verbindungsbereich vorgesehen ist, der einen Abtrag oder ein Abfließen von Material von der Zündkerzenelektrode verhindert und damit eine Verbesserung der Verbindbarkeit mit einer weiteren Komponente einer Zündkerze, insbesondere durch ein thermisches Verbindungsverfahren, wie vorzugsweise Schweißen, bedingt. Hierzu unterscheiden sich die Materialien des Verbindungsbereichs und des Elektrodenmantels. Somit kann der Verbindungsbereich gezielt im Hinblick aufThe spark plug electrode according to the invention according to claim 1, however, is characterized in that a connection area is provided on the electrode base, which prevents removal or flow of material from the Spark plug electrode is prevented and thus an improvement in the ability to connect to another component of a spark plug, in particular by a thermal connection process, such as preferably welding. For this purpose, the materials of the connection area and the electrode jacket differ. Thus, the connection area can be specifically designed with regard to

ein Verbinden mit einer Komponente der Zündkerze ausgewählt werden. Durch den Verbindungsbereich wird eine Art Schutzbereich gebildet, der dazu beiträgt, den Elektrodenkern während des Verbindens mit einer Komponente einer Zündkerze in Form und Gestalt zu erhalten. So kann das Verbinden der Zündkerzenelektrode mit einer Komponente der Zündkerze unkompliziert, auch thermisch induziert, ausgeführt werden, ohne dass ausgetretenes oder abgeflossenes Elektrodenkernmaterial für Störungen bei der Verbindungsbildung des Elektrodenfußes mit einer Komponente der Zündkerze sorgt. Die erfindungsgemäße Zündkerzenelektrode mit von einem Elektrodenmantel umgebenen Elektrodenkern, zeichnet sich neben einer hohen Korrosions- und Erosionsstabilität somit auch durch eine sehr gute Verbindbarkeit mit einer Komponente einer Zündkerze aus.a connection to a component of the spark plug. The connection area forms a type of protective area that helps to maintain the shape and form of the electrode core during connection to a component of a spark plug. The spark plug electrode can thus be connected to a component of the spark plug in an uncomplicated manner, even thermally induced, without leaked or flowed-off electrode core material causing disruptions in the connection formation of the electrode base with a component of the spark plug. The spark plug electrode according to the invention with an electrode core surrounded by an electrode jacket is characterized not only by high corrosion and erosion stability but also by very good connectability to a component of a spark plug.

Die Unteransprüche zeigen bevorzugte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung.The subclaims show preferred developments of the invention.

In einem Beispiel zum besseren Verständnis, aber nicht zur Erfindung gehörend bedeckt der Verbindungsbereich den Elektrodenkern am Elektrodenfuß mindestens teilweise. Gemäß der Erfindung wird der Elektrodenkern am Elektrodenfuß vollständig vom Verbindungsbereich bedeckt. Hierdurch kann besonders effizient einem Abfließen, Abtrag oder Übertrag von Elektrodenkernmaterial vorgebeugt werden.In an example for better understanding, but not part of the invention, the connection region at least partially covers the electrode core on the electrode base. According to the invention, the electrode core on the electrode base is completely covered by the connection region. This makes it particularly efficient to prevent flowing off, removing or transferring electrode core material.

Um eine Anbindung der Zündkerzenelektrode an eine Komponente einer Zündkerze zu erleichtern, erstreckt sich der Verbindungsbereich über einen möglichst großen Bereich am Elektrodenfuß. Gemäß der Erfindung bedeckt der Verbindungsbereich somit nicht nur den Elektrodenkern sondern auch den Elektrodenmantel am Elektrodenfuß vollständig.In order to facilitate the connection of the spark plug electrode to a component of a spark plug, the connection area extends over as large an area as possible on the electrode base. According to the invention, the connection area therefore completely covers not only the electrode core but also the electrode jacket on the electrode base.

Zur Verbesserung der Korrosions- und Erosionsbeständigkeit der Zündkerzenelektrode ist der Elektrodenkern insbesondere aus einem hoch wärmeleitenden Material gebildet, das in der Lage ist, die an der Elektrodenspitze während der bestimmungsgemäßen Verwendung der Zündkerzenelektrode im Funkenplasma auftretende hohe Wärme schnell von der Elektrodenspitze abzuleiten. Gemäß einer vorteilhaften Weiterbildung ist daher vorgesehen, dass der Elektrodenkern aus Kupfer, Silber, einer Kupferlegierung, wobei ein Kupferanteil in der Kupferlegierung mindestens 90 Masse% beträgt, oder einer Silberlegierung, besteht, wobei ein Silberanteil in der Silberlegierung mindestens 90 Masse% beträgt. Die Metalle Silber und Kupfer weisen nicht nur eine hohe Wärmeleitfähigkeit auf, sondern zeichnen sich auch durch eine gute Verarbeitbarkeit und Erschwinglichkeit zu moderaten Preisen aus.To improve the corrosion and erosion resistance of the spark plug electrode, the electrode core is made of a highly thermally conductive material that is able to absorb the heat generated at the electrode tip during the intended use of the Spark plug electrodes are designed to quickly dissipate the high heat that occurs in the spark plasma from the electrode tip. According to an advantageous development, the electrode core is made of copper, silver, a copper alloy, with a copper content in the copper alloy being at least 90% by mass, or a silver alloy, with a silver content in the silver alloy being at least 90% by mass. The metals silver and copper not only have a high thermal conductivity, but are also characterized by good processability and affordability at moderate prices.

Um eine Erhöhung der Korrosionsbeständigkeit der Zündkerzenelektrode zu erzielen, ist das Material des Elektrodenmantels vorzugsweise aus einer Nickel-Basislegierung mit Nickel als Hauptbestandteil in Masse% gebildet.In order to increase the corrosion resistance of the spark plug electrode, the material of the electrode sheath is preferably made of a nickel-based alloy with nickel as the main component in mass%.

Eine weitere Stabilisierung des in Funkenkontakt gelangenden Elektrodenmaterials kann vorteilhaft dadurch erreicht werden, dass die Nickel-Basislegierung des Materials des Elektrodenmantels Chrom mit einem Anteil von mindestens 20 Masse%, insbesondere von mindestens 25 Masse%, enthält.A further stabilization of the electrode material that comes into spark contact can advantageously be achieved by the nickel-based alloy of the material of the electrode sheath containing chromium in a proportion of at least 20% by mass, in particular of at least 25% by mass.

Gemäß einer weiteren vorteilhaften Weiterbildung weist das Material des Verbindungsbereichs eine Wärmeleitfähigkeit in einem Temperaturbereich von 400 bis 450 °C auf, die höher ist als diejenige des Materials des Elektrodenmantels. Hierdurch kann insbesondere eine thermisch induzierte Verbindung mit einer Komponente einer Zündkerze verbessert werden.According to a further advantageous development, the material of the connection region has a thermal conductivity in a temperature range of 400 to 450 °C that is higher than that of the material of the electrode jacket. This can in particular improve a thermally induced connection with a component of a spark plug.

Um einem Abfließen von Elektrodenkernmaterial besonders gut vorzubeugen, weist weiter vorteilhaft das Material des Verbindungsbereichs eine bessere Schweißbarkeit als diejenige des Materials des Elektrodenkerns auf. Unter einer verbesserten "Schweißbarkeit" des Materials des Verbindungsbereichs wird verstanden, dass das Material des Verbindungsbereichs gegenüber demjenigen des Elektrodenkerns leichter thermisch aktivierbar und somit auch legierbar ist. So kann eine homogene und stabile Schweißnaht gebildet werden, ohne dass es zu einer wesentlichen Veränderung am Elektrodenkern kommt. Schweißbarkeit im Sinne der Erfindung bedeutet ferner, dass die erfindungsgemäße Zündkerzenelektrode und eine Komponente der Zündkerze unter Einhaltung der geforderten Merkmale bzgl. Geometrie, Schweißnahtfestigkeit und Vermeidung von Schweißspritzern, mit dem vorhandenen Fügeverfahren reproduzierbar verbunden werden können.In order to prevent the electrode core material from flowing off particularly well, the material of the connection area advantageously has better weldability than that of the material of the electrode core. Improved "weldability" of the material of the connection area means that the material of the connection area is easier to activate thermally than that of the electrode core and can therefore also be alloyed. In this way, a homogeneous and stable weld seam can be formed without any significant changes to the electrode core. Weldability in the sense of the invention also means that the spark plug electrode according to the invention and a component of the spark plug can be welded together in compliance with the required features with regard to geometry, weld seam strength and avoidance of welding spatter, can be reproducibly joined using the existing joining process.

Eine weitere vorteilhafte Weiterbildung sieht vor, dass das Material des Verbindungsbereichs eine niedrig legierte Nickel-Basislegierung oder eine niedrig legierte Eisen-Basislegierung ist. Diese Legierungen sind durch eine gute Schweißbarkeit und insbesondere auch durch eine gute Verbindbarkeit mit üblichen Mantelmaterialien und Zündkerzenmaterialien gekennzeichnet, so dass die Zündkerzenelektrode sehr gut dauerhaft stabil mit einer Komponente einer Zündkerze verbunden werden kann. Besonders vorteilhaft weist das Material des Verbindungsbereichs nachfolgende Zusammensetzung auf, wobei sich die angegebenen Werte auf Masse% beziehen: Aluminium: 2,0 bis 2,3 Masse%, Silizium: 1,8 bis 2,1 Masse%, Yttrium: 0,05 bis 0,1 Masse%, Chrom: maximal 0,1 Masse%, Mangan: maximal 0,1 Masse%, Eisen: maximal 0,2 Masse%, Kupfer: maximal 0,1 Masse%, Magnesium: maximal 0,08 Masse%, Kohlenstoff: maximal 0,045 Masse%, Schwefel: maximal 0,002 Masse%, Stickstoff: maximal 0,008 Masse% und Blei: maximal 0,002 Masse%, mit Nickel zum Ausgleich auf 100 Masse%.A further advantageous development provides that the material of the connection area is a low-alloy nickel-based alloy or a low-alloy iron-based alloy. These alloys are characterized by good weldability and in particular by good connectability with conventional jacket materials and spark plug materials, so that the spark plug electrode can be very well and permanently stably connected to a component of a spark plug. Particularly advantageously, the material of the connection area has the following composition, whereby the specified values refer to mass%: aluminum: 2.0 to 2.3 mass%, silicon: 1.8 to 2.1 mass%, yttrium: 0.05 to 0.1 mass%, chromium: maximum 0.1 mass%, manganese: maximum 0.1 mass%, iron: maximum 0.2 mass%, copper: maximum 0.1 mass%, magnesium: maximum 0.08 mass%, carbon: maximum 0.045 mass%, sulfur: maximum 0.002 mass%, nitrogen: maximum 0.008 mass% and lead: maximum 0.002 mass%, with nickel to balance out to 100 mass%.

Ebenfalls erfindungsgemäß wird auch eine Zündkerze offenbart, die eine wie vorstehend beschriebene Zündkerzenelektrode umfasst. Durch Verwendung der erfindungsgemäßen Zündkerzenelektrode ist diese dauerhaft stabil mit einer Komponente der Zündkerze verbunden. Die Verbindung zwischen dem Verbindungsbereich der Zündkerzenelektrode und dem Anbindebereich an der Komponente der Zündkerze ist gleichförmig und stabil ausgebildet und nicht mit Material des Elektrodenkerns durchsetzt. Die erfindungsgemäße Zündkerze zeichnet sich somit nicht nur durch eine hohe Korrosions- und Erosionsbeständigkeit sondern auch durch eine sehr gute mechanische Stabilität aus. Die erfindungsgemäße Zündkerze kann die erfindungsgemäße Zündkerzenelektrode als Masseelektrode und/oder als Mittelelektrode aufweisen.The invention also discloses a spark plug which comprises a spark plug electrode as described above. By using the spark plug electrode according to the invention, it is permanently and stably connected to a component of the spark plug. The connection between the connection area of the spark plug electrode and the connection area on the component of the spark plug is uniform and stable and is not penetrated by material from the electrode core. The spark plug according to the invention is therefore not only characterized by high corrosion and erosion resistance but also by very good mechanical stability. The spark plug according to the invention can have the spark plug electrode according to the invention as a ground electrode and/or as a center electrode.

Ebenfalls erfindungsgemäß wird auch ein Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Zündkerzenelektrode gemäß Anspruch 9 beschrieben. Die erfindungsgemäß hergestellte Elektrode hat einen Elektrodenfuß und eine Elektrodenspitze und umfasst einen Elektrodenkern, einen den Elektrodenkern umgebenden Elektrodenmantel und einen Verbindungsbereich zum Verbinden der Zündkerzenelektrode mit einer weiteren Komponente einer Zündkerze. Gemäß dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren wird zunächst ein Material des Elektrodenmantels bereitgestellt. Im Material des Elektrodenmantels wird sodann eine Vertiefung vorgesehen. Die Vertiefung erstreckt sich vom Elektrodenfuß in Richtung der Elektrodenspitze. In diese Vertiefung wird ein Material des Elektrodenkerns eingebracht, und zwar so, dass das Material des Elektrodenkerns die Vertiefung mindestens teilweise füllt. Ein vollständiges Füllen der Vertiefung mit dem Material des Elektrodenkerns ist ebenfalls möglich. Anschließend wird Material des Verbindungsbereichs in bzw. an die mit dem Material des Elektrodenkerns mindestens teilweise gefüllte Vertiefung eingebracht. Hieraus ergibt sich eine gestapelte Anordnung des Materials des Elektrodenkerns und des Materials des Verbindungsbereichs. Vielmehr deckt der Verbindungsbereich den Elektrodenkern mindestens teilweise und insbesondere vollständig ab. Der Elektrodenkern wird somit selbst bei thermischer Einwirkung an einem Abfließen, Abtrag oder Übertrag auf umliegende Bereiche gehindert. Der Verbindungsbereich kann folglich sehr leicht mit einer Komponente einer Zündkerze verbunden werden, ohne dass es selbst bei Einwirkung von hohen Temperaturen zu einer wesentlichen geometrischen Änderung des Elektrodenkerns kommt. Das Verfahren ist einfach, ohne hohen technischen Aufwand umsetzbar und ermöglicht die Herstellung einer Zündkerzenelektrode mit funktionalem Verbindungsbereich.Also described according to the invention is a method for producing a spark plug electrode according to claim 9. The electrode produced according to the invention has an electrode base and an electrode tip and comprises an electrode core, an electrode jacket surrounding the electrode core and a connecting region for connecting the spark plug electrode to a another component of a spark plug. According to the method according to the invention, a material of the electrode jacket is first provided. A recess is then provided in the material of the electrode jacket. The recess extends from the electrode base in the direction of the electrode tip. A material of the electrode core is introduced into this recess, in such a way that the material of the electrode core at least partially fills the recess. Completely filling the recess with the material of the electrode core is also possible. Material of the connection area is then introduced into or onto the recess at least partially filled with the material of the electrode core. This results in a stacked arrangement of the material of the electrode core and the material of the connection area. Rather, the connection area covers the electrode core at least partially and in particular completely. The electrode core is thus prevented from flowing off, being removed or transferred to surrounding areas even when exposed to thermal influences. The connection area can therefore be very easily connected to a component of a spark plug without any significant geometric change in the electrode core occurring even when exposed to high temperatures. The process is simple, can be implemented without high technical effort and enables the production of a spark plug electrode with a functional connection area.

Die für die erfindungsgemäße Zündkerzenelektrode beschriebenen Vorteile, vorteilhaften Effekte und Weiterbildungen finden auch Anwendung auf die erfindungsgemäße Zündkerze und das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Zündkerzenelektrode.The advantages, advantageous effects and further developments described for the spark plug electrode according to the invention also apply to the spark plug according to the invention and the method according to the invention for producing a spark plug electrode.

Zur besseren Stabilisierung des Elektrodenkerns und des Verbindungsbereichs umfasst das Verfahren vorteilhaft einen Schritt des Umformens des Mantelmaterials mit dem Material des Elektrodenkerns in der Vertiefung und/oder einen Schritt des Umformens des Materials des Verbindungsbereichs mit dem Material des Elektrodenkerns.For better stabilization of the electrode core and the connection region, the method advantageously comprises a step of forming the sheath material with the material of the electrode core in the recess and/or a step of forming the material of the connection region with the material of the electrode core.

Weiter vorteilhaft umfasst das Umformen einen Schritt des Verpressens. Durch Verpressen des Mantelmaterials mit dem Material des Elektrodenkerns und/oder durch Verpressen des Materials des Verbindungbereichs mit dem Material des Elektrodenkerns, wird insbesondere eine kraftschlüssige Verbindung zwischen den verpressten Materialien hergestellt, was für eine besonders dauerhafte Verbindungsbildung sorgt. Eine sehr einfach und gezielt ausbildbare Verbindung zwischen angrenzenden Materialien, wie beispielsweise den gestapelt anzuordnenden Materialien des Elektrodenkerns und des Verbindungsbereichs kann vorteilhaft durch Fließpressen ausgeführt werden.Further advantageously, the forming includes a pressing step. By pressing the jacket material with the material of the electrode core and/or by pressing the material of the connection area with the material of the electrode core, in particular a force-fit connection is created between the pressed materials, which ensures a particularly permanent connection. A very simple and targeted connection between adjacent materials, such as the stacked materials of the electrode core and the connection area, can be advantageously carried out by extrusion.

Ferner vorteilhaft umfasst das Verfahren auch einen Schritt des Umformens zur Anpassung der Geometrie der Zündkerzenelektrode. Beispielsweise kann die Zündkerze gekrümmt werden. Dies ist besonders vorteilhaft bei der Herstellung von Masseelektroden.Furthermore, the method advantageously also includes a forming step to adapt the geometry of the spark plug electrode. For example, the spark plug can be curved. This is particularly advantageous in the production of ground electrodes.

Kurze Beschreibung der ZeichnungShort description of the drawing

Nachfolgend werden Ausführungsbeispiele der Erfindung unter Bezugnahme auf die begleitende Zeichnung im Detail beschrieben. In der Zeichnung ist:

Figur 1
eine schematische Teilschnittansicht einer Zündkerze gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung,
Figur 2
eine schematische Schnittansicht einer Zündkerzenelektrode gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung und
Figur 3
ein Schema zur Veranschaulichung eines Verfahrens zur Herstellung einer Zündkerzenelektrode gemäß einer Ausführungsform der Erfindung.
Embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. In the drawing:
Figure 1
a schematic partial sectional view of a spark plug according to an embodiment of the invention,
Figure 2
a schematic sectional view of a spark plug electrode according to an embodiment of the invention and
Figure 3
a diagram illustrating a method for producing a spark plug electrode according to an embodiment of the invention.

Ausführungsformen der ErfindungEmbodiments of the invention

Die vorliegende Erfindung wird anhand von Ausführungsformen im Detail beschrieben. In den Figuren sind nur die wesentlichen Aspekte der Erfindung gezeigt. Alle übrigen Aspekte sind der Übersichtlichkeit halber weggelassen. Ferner beziffern gleiche Bezugszeichen gleiche Bauteile.The present invention is described in detail using embodiments. Only the essential aspects of the invention are shown in the figures. All other aspects are omitted for the sake of clarity. Furthermore, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

Wie aus Figur 1 ersichtlich ist, umfasst die Zündkerze 1 gemäß einer Ausführungsform eine Masseelektrode 2 und eine Mittelelektrode 3. Ein Isolator 4 ist derart vorgesehen, dass die Mittelelektrode 3 in bekannter Weise etwas vom Isolator 4 vorsteht. Der Isolator 4 selbst ist teilweise von einem Gehäuse 5 umgeben. Das Bezugszeichen 6 bezeichnet eine elektrische Anschlussmutter. Von der elektrischen Anschlussmutter 6 ist eine elektrisch leitfähige Verbindung über einen Anschlussbolzen 7 und ein aus einem leitfähigen Glas hergestelltes Verbindungselement 8 zur Mittelelektrode 3 vorgesehen.As from Figure 1 As can be seen, the spark plug 1 according to one embodiment comprises a ground electrode 2 and a center electrode 3. An insulator 4 is provided such that the center electrode 3 is in a known manner somewhat Insulator 4 protrudes. The insulator 4 itself is partially surrounded by a housing 5. The reference number 6 denotes an electrical connection nut. An electrically conductive connection is provided from the electrical connection nut 6 to the center electrode 3 via a connection bolt 7 and a connecting element 8 made of a conductive glass.

Erfindungsgemäß ist nun mindestens eine der Elektroden spezifisch ausgebildet. Figur 2 zeigt hierzu eine der Zündkerzenelektroden, beispielhaft eine Masseelektrode 2, in Schnittansicht.According to the invention, at least one of the electrodes is specifically designed. Figure 2 shows one of the spark plug electrodes, for example a ground electrode 2, in a sectional view.

Die Masseelektrode 2 weist eine Elektrodenspitze 9 und einen Elektrodenfuß 10 auf. Der Elektrodenfuß 10 ist dabei der Bereich, der mit einer Komponente einer Zündkerze, beispielsweise mit einem Gehäuseabschnitt, verbunden werden kann, so dass die Masseelektrode 2 integraler Bestandteil der Zündkerze wird. Die Elektrodenspitze 9 stellt das dem Elektrodenfuß 10 entgegengesetzte Ende der Masseelektrode 2 dar. Die Elektrodenspitze 9 ist der Bereich, an dem bei bestimmungsgemäßem Gebrauch der Masseelektrode 2 ein Zündfunkenplasma erzeugt wird. Die Elektrodenspitze 9 kann ferner einen Edelmetallstift (nicht gezeigt) aufweisen, der der Erzeugung der Zündfunken dient. Dies ist aber nicht zwingend erforderlich.The ground electrode 2 has an electrode tip 9 and an electrode base 10. The electrode base 10 is the area that can be connected to a component of a spark plug, for example to a housing section, so that the ground electrode 2 becomes an integral part of the spark plug. The electrode tip 9 represents the end of the ground electrode 2 opposite the electrode base 10. The electrode tip 9 is the area in which an ignition spark plasma is generated when the ground electrode 2 is used as intended. The electrode tip 9 can also have a precious metal pin (not shown) that serves to generate the ignition sparks. However, this is not absolutely necessary.

Die Masseelektrode 2 umfasst einen Elektrodenkern 11, einen den Elektrodenkern 11 umgebenden Elektrodenmantel 12 und einen Verbindungsbereich 13 zum Verbinden der Masseelektrode 2 mit einer weiteren Zündkerzenkomponente, wobei der Verbindungsbereich 13 am Elektrodenfuß 10 vorgesehen ist.The ground electrode 2 comprises an electrode core 11, an electrode sheath 12 surrounding the electrode core 11 and a connecting region 13 for connecting the ground electrode 2 to another spark plug component, wherein the connecting region 13 is provided on the electrode base 10.

In der in Figur 2 gezeigten Ausführungsform bedeckt der Verbindungsbereich 13 sowohl den Elektrodenkern 11 am Elektrodenfuß 10 als auch den Elektrodenmantel 12 vollständig. An dem mit einer weiteren Komponente einer Zündkerze zu verbindenden Bereich des Elektrodenfußes 10 ist somit lediglich Material des Verbindungsbereichs 13 vorhanden. Sowohl der Elektrodenkern 11 als auch der Elektrodenmantel 12 werden durch den Verbindungsbereich 13 abgeschirmt und treten nicht vom Elektrodenfuß 10 hervor.In the Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the connection region 13 completely covers both the electrode core 11 on the electrode base 10 and the electrode jacket 12. In the region of the electrode base 10 that is to be connected to another component of a spark plug, only material from the connection region 13 is present. Both the electrode core 11 and the electrode jacket 12 are shielded by the connection region 13 and do not protrude from the electrode base 10.

Wird nun die Masseelektrode 2 am Elektrodenfuß 10 mit einer Komponente einer Zündkerze, beispielsweise durch einen Schweißvorgang, verbunden, so wird für die Verbindungsbildung, also zur Ausbildung der Schweißnaht, lediglich das Material des Verbindungsbereichs 13 eingesetzt. Der Elektrodenkern 11 und auch der Elektrodenmantel 12 bleiben davon unbeeinflusst. Insbesondere wird das Material des Elektrodenkerns 11 an einem Abfließen oder Ab- bzw. Übertrag durch die beim Schweißvorgang vorherrschenden lokal hohen Temperaturen gehindert und der Elektrodenkern 11 verbleibt im Wesentlichen unverändert im Elektrodenmantel 12 erhalten, so dass er effektiv die Wärme, die im Zündfunkenplasma auf die Elektrodenspitze 9 einwirkt, von der Elektrodenspitze 9 ableiten kann. Somit wird eine hohe Korrosionsbeständigkeit und Erosionsbeständigkeit der Masseelektrode 2 erzielt.If the ground electrode 2 is now connected to a component of a spark plug at the electrode base 10, for example by a welding process, only the material of the connection area 13 is used to form the connection, i.e. to form the weld seam. The electrode core 11 and the electrode jacket 12 remain unaffected by this. In particular, the material of the electrode core 11 is prevented from flowing away or being carried away or transferred by the locally high temperatures prevailing during the welding process and the electrode core 11 remains essentially unchanged in the electrode jacket 12 so that it can effectively dissipate the heat that acts on the electrode tip 9 in the ignition spark plasma from the electrode tip 9. A high level of corrosion resistance and erosion resistance of the ground electrode 2 is thus achieved.

Das Material des Verbindungsbereichs 13 und das Material des Elektrodenmantels 12 sind voneinander unterschiedlich. Hierdurch kann der Verbindungsbereich 13 gezielt für seine Funktion, also ein Abfließen bzw. einen Abtrag oder Übertrag von Material des Elektrodenkerns 11 zu verhindern und eine gute Verbindung zu einer Komponente einer Zündkerze auszubilden, ausgewählt und ausgebildet werden.The material of the connection area 13 and the material of the electrode jacket 12 are different from one another. As a result, the connection area 13 can be specifically selected and designed for its function, i.e. to prevent flow or removal or transfer of material from the electrode core 11 and to form a good connection to a component of a spark plug.

Das Mantelmaterial hingegen kann im Hinblick auf eine hohe Erosionsstabilität und Korrosionsstabilität ausgewählt werden. Hierzu ist das Material des Elektrodenmantels 12 insbesondere aus einer Nickel-Basislegierung mit Nickel als Hauptbestandteil, gebildet. Als weiteren Bestandteil kann das Material des Elektrodenmantels Chrom mit mindestens 20 Masse%, insbesondere mit mindestens 25 Masse%, enthalten.The jacket material, however, can be selected with regard to high erosion stability and corrosion stability. For this purpose, the material of the electrode jacket 12 is made in particular from a nickel-based alloy with nickel as the main component. As a further component, the material of the electrode jacket can contain chromium with at least 20 mass%, in particular with at least 25 mass%.

Das Material des Verbindungsbereichs 13 ist vorzugsweise eine niedrig legierte Nickel-Basislegierung oder eine niedrig legierte Eisen-Basislegierung. Diese Legierungen zeichnen sich durch eine gute Schweißbarkeit und gleichzeitig eine hohe Wärmeleitfähigkeit aus, wobei die Wärmeleitfähigkeit des Materials des Verbindungsbereichs 13 in einem Temperaturbereich von 400 bis 450 °C höher ist als die Wärmeleitfähigkeit des Materials des Elektrodenmantels 12.The material of the connection region 13 is preferably a low-alloyed nickel-based alloy or a low-alloyed iron-based alloy. These alloys are characterized by good weldability and, at the same time, high thermal conductivity, whereby the thermal conductivity of the material of the connection region 13 is higher than the thermal conductivity of the material of the electrode jacket 12 in a temperature range of 400 to 450 °C.

Der Elektrodenkern 11 ist aufgrund einer guten Wärmeleitfähigkeit insbesondere aus Kupfer, Silber, einer Kupferlegierung, wobei ein Kupferanteil in der Kupferlegierung mindestens 90 Masse% beträgt, oder einer Silberlegierung gebildet, wobei ein Silberanteil in der Silberlegierung mindestens 90 Masse% beträgt.The electrode core 11 is made of copper, silver, a copper alloy due to its good thermal conductivity, with a copper content in the Copper alloy is at least 90% by mass, or a silver alloy, wherein the silver content in the silver alloy is at least 90% by mass.

Figur 3 zeigt ein Schema zur Veranschaulichung eines Verfahrens zur Herstellung einer Zündkerzenelektrode gemäß einer Ausführungsform. Die gemäß dem Verfahren herzustellende Zündkerzenelektrode ist beispielhaft eine Masseelektrode 2. Figure 3 shows a diagram to illustrate a method for producing a spark plug electrode according to an embodiment. The spark plug electrode to be produced according to the method is, for example, a ground electrode 2.

Zunächst wird ein Material 14 des Elektrodenmantels 12 bereitgestellt, in dem in einem Verfahrensschritt A eine Vertiefung 15 vorgesehen wird. Die Vertiefung 15 kann beispielsweise durch Ausnehmen von Material oder durch Zusammenpressen des Materials 14 des Elektrodenmantels 12 hergestellt werden. Andere Verfahren sind hierzu ebenfalls vorstellbar.First, a material 14 of the electrode casing 12 is provided, in which a recess 15 is provided in a method step A. The recess 15 can be produced, for example, by removing material or by pressing the material 14 of the electrode casing 12 together. Other methods are also conceivable for this purpose.

In die Vertiefung 15 wird in einem Verfahrensschritt B ein Material 16 des Elektrodenkerns 11 eingebracht. Die Vertiefung 15 wird somit mindestens teilweise mit dem Material 16 des Elektrodenkerns 11 gefüllt.In a method step B, a material 16 of the electrode core 11 is introduced into the recess 15. The recess 15 is thus at least partially filled with the material 16 of the electrode core 11.

In einem weiteren Verfahrensschritt C wird Material 17 des Verbindungsbereichs 13 in die mit dem Material 16 des Elektrodenkerns 11 mindestens teilweise gefüllte Vertiefung 15 eingebracht. Somit werden das Material 17 des Verbindungsbereichs 13 und das Material 16 des Elektrodenkerns 11 in der Vertiefung 15 gestapelt.In a further method step C, material 17 of the connection region 13 is introduced into the recess 15 which is at least partially filled with the material 16 of the electrode core 11. The material 17 of the connection region 13 and the material 16 of the electrode core 11 are thus stacked in the recess 15.

In einem weiteren Verfahrensschritt D wird aus Richtung des Materials 17 des Verbindungsbereichs 13 Druck aufgebracht, was durch den Pfeil P angedeutet wird. Hierdurch wird das Material 16 des Elektrodenkerns 11 mit dem Material 14 des Elektrodenmantels 12 verpresst, so dass zwischen dem entstehenden Elektrodenkern 11 und dem Elektrodenmantel 12 insbesondere eine kraftschlüssige Verbindung entsteht, so dass der Elektrodenkern 11 im Elektrodenmantel 12 dauerhaft fixiert wird.In a further method step D, pressure is applied from the direction of the material 17 of the connection region 13, which is indicated by the arrow P. As a result, the material 16 of the electrode core 11 is pressed with the material 14 of the electrode jacket 12, so that a force-fitting connection is created between the resulting electrode core 11 and the electrode jacket 12, so that the electrode core 11 is permanently fixed in the electrode jacket 12.

Ebenfalls wird das Material 17 des Verbindungsbereichs 13 mit dem Material 16 des Elektrodenkerns 11 verpresst, wodurch zwischen dem Elektrodenkern 11 und dem Verbindungsbereich 13 ebenfalls eine insbesondere kraftschlüssige Verbindung hergestellt wird.Likewise, the material 17 of the connection area 13 is pressed with the material 16 of the electrode core 11, whereby between the electrode core 11 and the connecting area 13 also a particularly force-fitting connection is established.

Die Vorgänge des Verpressens werden vorteilhafterweise durch Fließpressen, insbesondere durch Voll-Vorwärts-Fließpressen, ausgeführt.The pressing operations are advantageously carried out by extrusion, in particular by full forward extrusion.

In der vorliegenden Ausführungsform wird lediglich ein Schritt des Verpressens ausgeführt und somit zugleich das Material 16 des Elektrodenkerns 11 mit dem Material 14 des Elektrodenmantels 12 und dem Material 17 des Verbindungsbereichs 13 verbunden.In the present embodiment, only one pressing step is carried out and thus the material 16 of the electrode core 11 is simultaneously connected to the material 14 of the electrode jacket 12 and the material 17 of the connection region 13.

Gemäß einer alternativen Ausführungsform kann sich auch bereits nach dem Schritt B, also nach dem mindestens teilweisen Füllen der Vertiefung 15 mit Material 16 des Elektrodenkerns 11 ein Schritt des Verpressens anschließen. Ein zweiter Schritt des Verpressens wird, wie in der dargestellten Ausführungsform gezeigt, dann nach dem Anordnen von Material 17 des Verbindungsbereichs 13 ausgeführt, wie in Schritt D dargestellt.According to an alternative embodiment, a pressing step can also follow after step B, i.e. after the at least partial filling of the recess 15 with material 16 of the electrode core 11. A second pressing step is then carried out, as shown in the embodiment shown, after the arrangement of material 17 of the connection region 13, as shown in step D.

Durch das in Figur 3 veranschaulichte Verfahren zur Herstellung einer Zündkerzenelektrode wird beispielhaft eine Masseelektrode 2 mit einem Elektrodenfuß 10 und einer Elektrodenspitze 9 erhalten, wobei die Masseelektrode 2 einen Elektrodenkern 11, einen den Elektrodenkern 11 umgebenden Elektrodenmantel 12 und einen Verbindungsbereich 13 zum Verbinden der Masseelektrode 2 mit einer weiteren Zündkerzenkomponente umfasst.Through the Figure 3 The method illustrated for producing a spark plug electrode produces, by way of example, a ground electrode 2 with an electrode base 10 and an electrode tip 9, wherein the ground electrode 2 comprises an electrode core 11, an electrode jacket 12 surrounding the electrode core 11 and a connecting region 13 for connecting the ground electrode 2 to a further spark plug component.

Hierbei ist das Material 14 des Elektrodenmantels 12 vom Material 17 des Verbindungsbereichs 13 unterschiedlich, wie es beispielsweise im Hinblick auf die Masseelektrode 2 in Figur 2 ausgeführt ist.Here, the material 14 of the electrode jacket 12 is different from the material 17 of the connection area 13, as is the case, for example, with regard to the ground electrode 2 in Figure 2 is executed.

Die Masseelektrode 2 kann nach dem Verpressen noch umgeformt werden, um die Geometrie der Masseelektrode 2 anzupassen.The ground electrode 2 can be reshaped after pressing in order to adapt the geometry of the ground electrode 2.

Claims (12)

  1. Spark plug electrode for a spark plug, where the spark plug electrode has an electrode base (10) and an electrode tip (9), where the spark plug electrode comprises an electrode core (11), an electrode shell (12) surrounding the electrode core (11), characterized in that the spark plug electrode has a connection region (13) for connecting the spark plug electrode (2) to a further spark plug component, where the further spark plug component is a housing section, such that the spark plug electrode becomes an integral part of the spark plug, where the connection region (13) is provided at the electrode base (10) and completely covers the electrode core (11) and the electrode shell (12) at the electrode base (10), and where a material (17) of the connection region (13) and a material (14) of the electrode shell (12) are different.
  2. Spark plug electrode according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrode core (11) consists of copper, silver, a copper alloy, where a copper content in the copper alloy is at least 90% by mass, or a silver alloy, where a silver content in the silver alloy is at least 90% by mass.
  3. Spark plug electrode according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material (14) of the electrode shell (12) is formed from a nickel-base alloy with nickel as its main constituent.
  4. Spark plug electrode according to Claim 3, characterized in that the nickel-base alloy contains chromium in a proportion of at least 20% by mass, especially of at least 25% by mass.
  5. Spark plug electrode according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material (17) of the connection region (13) within a temperature range from 400 to 450°C has a thermal conductivity higher than that of the material (14) of the electrode shell (12).
  6. Spark plug electrode according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material (17) of the connection region (13) has better weldability than that of the material (16) of the electrode core (11).
  7. Spark plug electrode according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material (17) of the connection region (13) is a low-alloyed nickel-base alloy or a low-alloyed iron-base alloy, especially an alloy having the following composition: aluminium: 2.0% to 2.3% by mass, silicon: 1.8% to 2.1% by mass, yttrium: 0.05% to 0.1% by mass, chromium: not more than 0.1% by mass, manganese: not more than 0.1% by mass, iron: not more than 0.2% by mass, copper: not more than 0.1% by mass, magnesium: not more than 0.08% by mass, carbon: not more than 0.045% by mass, sulfur: not more than 0.002% by mass, nitrogen: not more than 0.008% by mass, and lead: not more than 0.002% by mass, with nickel as the balance to 100% by mass.
  8. Spark plug comprising a spark plug electrode (2) according to any of the preceding claims.
  9. Process for producing a spark plug electrode according to any of Claims 1-7 or for production of a spark plug according to Claim 8, wherein the process comprises the steps of:
    - providing a material (14) for the electrode shell (12),
    - providing a depression (15) in the material (14) for the electrode shell (12),
    - introducing a material (16) for the electrode core (11) into the depression (15) and at least partly filling the depression (15) with the material (16) for the electrode core (11) and
    - introducing material (17) for the connection region (13) into the depression (15) that has been at least partly filled with the material (16) for the electrode core (11).
  10. Process according to Claim 9, further comprising a step of forming the material (14) for the electrode shell (12) with the material (16) for the electrode core (11) in the depression (15) and/or a step of forming the material (17) for the connection region (13) with the material (16) for the electrode core (11).
  11. Process according to Claim 10, characterized in that the forming step comprises a compression step, especially an extrusion step.
  12. Process according to any of Claims 9 to 11, further comprising a step of forming to adjust the geometry of the spark plug electrode (2).
EP17784914.8A 2016-12-08 2017-10-04 Spark plug electrode and method for producing a spark plug electrode Active EP3552283B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102016224502.3A DE102016224502A1 (en) 2016-12-08 2016-12-08 Spark plug electrode, spark plug, and method of making a spark plug electrode
PCT/EP2017/075173 WO2018103912A1 (en) 2016-12-08 2017-10-04 Spark plug electrode and method for producing a spark plug electrode

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP3552283A1 EP3552283A1 (en) 2019-10-16
EP3552283B1 true EP3552283B1 (en) 2024-05-29

Family

ID=60120026

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP17784914.8A Active EP3552283B1 (en) 2016-12-08 2017-10-04 Spark plug electrode and method for producing a spark plug electrode

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3552283B1 (en)
CN (1) CN110140265B (en)
DE (1) DE102016224502A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2018103912A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2020223413A1 (en) * 2019-04-30 2020-11-05 Federal-Mogul Ignition Llc Spark plug electrode and method of manufacturing same

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103875143A (en) * 2011-01-13 2014-06-18 费德罗-莫格尔点火公司 Spark plug having improved ground electrode orientation and method of forming

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3941649A1 (en) * 1989-12-16 1991-06-20 Bosch Gmbh Robert METHOD FOR PRODUCING ELECTRODES FOR SPARK PLUGS AND SPARK PLUG ELECTRODES
JP4261573B2 (en) * 2006-11-23 2009-04-30 日本特殊陶業株式会社 Spark plug
US8288929B2 (en) * 2007-09-18 2012-10-16 Ngk Spark Plug Co., Ltd. Spark plug
JP4939642B2 (en) * 2010-11-04 2012-05-30 日本特殊陶業株式会社 Spark plug
JP5260759B2 (en) * 2012-01-05 2013-08-14 日本特殊陶業株式会社 Spark plug
DE102014216403A1 (en) * 2014-08-19 2016-02-25 Robert Bosch Gmbh Ground electrode and spark plug with ground electrode and method for producing a ground electrode
DE102014226215A1 (en) * 2014-12-17 2016-06-23 Robert Bosch Gmbh Spark plug electrode, process for its manufacture and spark plug

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103875143A (en) * 2011-01-13 2014-06-18 费德罗-莫格尔点火公司 Spark plug having improved ground electrode orientation and method of forming

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN110140265A (en) 2019-08-16
WO2018103912A1 (en) 2018-06-14
EP3552283A1 (en) 2019-10-16
DE102016224502A1 (en) 2018-06-14
CN110140265B (en) 2020-08-14

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
DE102010027463B4 (en) Spark plug and method for its production
DE69218731T2 (en) Manufacturing process of the center electrode of a spark plug
DE102015121862B4 (en) spark plug
DE10027651C2 (en) Electrode, method for its production and spark plug with such an electrode
DE69102957T2 (en) Bulk electrode for spark plug and its manufacturing process.
DE60204378T2 (en) Spark plug and its manufacturing process
DE102010010109A1 (en) prechamber
DE102014109057A1 (en) spark plug
DE112017007278T5 (en) spark plug
DE1601428A1 (en) Spark plug with a composite electrode made of gold or gold alloy and process for their production
DE102013022531B3 (en) A method of manufacturing a spark plug electrode assembly
EP3552283B1 (en) Spark plug electrode and method for producing a spark plug electrode
DE102023100569A1 (en) SPARK PLUG ELECTRODE AND METHOD OF MAKING SAME
DE102011077279A1 (en) Electrode for a spark plug and method for its production
DE10238314A1 (en) Spark plug with high oxidation resistance and weld strength and manufacturing process therefor
DE102023119690A1 (en) SPARK PLUG ELECTRODE AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING THE SAME
DE112020004055T5 (en) CONFIGURATION OF A SPARK PLUG GROUND ELECTRODE
WO2001073907A1 (en) Spark plug for an internal combustion engine
DE102015103666B3 (en) Method for producing a spark plug
EP1413029B1 (en) Method for placing a precious metal tip on an electrode, electrode and spark plug
DE102015207042A1 (en) Spark plug electrode and method for its production
EP3235081A1 (en) Method for producing a spark-plug electrode having a core that extends to the ignition surface
DE102013207714A1 (en) Spark plug and method of making spark plug
DE102014102076B4 (en) Method of attaching a spherical ignition tip to an electrode of a spark plug and intermediate for the production of an electrode of a spark plug
DE112016005549T5 (en) spark plug

Legal Events

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

Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN

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

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

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

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

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

Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20190708

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

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

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: BA ME

DAV Request for validation of the european patent (deleted)
DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

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

Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20211215

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

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

Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20240226

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

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

Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

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

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: 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: GERMAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502017016148

Country of ref document: DE