EP0470938B1 - An internal combustion engine with controlled ignition and a connector for connecting an ignition coil and a spark plug for the engine - Google Patents

An internal combustion engine with controlled ignition and a connector for connecting an ignition coil and a spark plug for the engine Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0470938B1
EP0470938B1 EP91830336A EP91830336A EP0470938B1 EP 0470938 B1 EP0470938 B1 EP 0470938B1 EP 91830336 A EP91830336 A EP 91830336A EP 91830336 A EP91830336 A EP 91830336A EP 0470938 B1 EP0470938 B1 EP 0470938B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
engine
tubular element
recess
skirt
connector
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.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP91830336A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0470938A1 (en
Inventor
Pietro De Filippis
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.)
Federal Mogul Italy SRL
Original Assignee
Cooper Industries Italia SpA
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 Cooper Industries Italia SpA filed Critical Cooper Industries Italia SpA
Publication of EP0470938A1 publication Critical patent/EP0470938A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0470938B1 publication Critical patent/EP0470938B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02P—IGNITION, OTHER THAN COMPRESSION IGNITION, FOR INTERNAL-COMBUSTION ENGINES; TESTING OF IGNITION TIMING IN COMPRESSION-IGNITION ENGINES
    • F02P3/00—Other installations
    • F02P3/02—Other installations having inductive energy storage, e.g. arrangements of induction coils
    • 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
    • H01T13/04—Means providing electrical connection to sparking plugs
    • 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
    • H01T13/06—Covers forming a part of the plug and protecting it against adverse environment

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an internal combustion engine with an ignition system including at least one "plug-top" ignition coil which is connected by a connector to an associated spark plug mounted in a recess or seat in the engine, the connector comprising:
  • US-A-1 956 805 discloses an engine having a cylinder head provided with a pocket or seat in which a spark plug is mounted.
  • said pocket or seat is provided with a protective arrangement including a first and a second cover member made of bakelite or other insulating material.
  • the first cover member is fitted into the mouth portion of the spark plug pocket with the interposition of a sealing ring, and has an upper tubular portion which surrounds with radial play a conductive adapter coupled to the plug.
  • the adapter carries the second cover member, which has a skirt which extends downwardly, around the upper portion of the first cover member.
  • an integrated coil ignition unit associated with the engine includes a plurality of ignition coils or transformers in a single support casing.
  • This integrated unit has a plurality of outputs, each of which is connected to an associated spark plug by means of a respective connector.
  • a connector including a tubular element of insulating material, one end of which has an integral tubular skirt with external peripheral projections which are intended to be force-fitted, that is, fitted with interference, in the mouth of the recess in which the plug is housed, has recently been proposed for interconnecting the output of the "plug-top" ignition coil and the associated spark plug.
  • This solution has the disadvantage that a certain amount of force is needed to insert the connector into the recess and to remove it therefrom, for example, when a plug has to be replaced.
  • a further disadvantage of the prior art described above lies in the fact that the dimensional tolerances of the recesses in the engine in which the plugs are housed are quite critical.
  • the object of the present invention is to identify solutions which solve the problems of the prior art described above.
  • an internal combustion engine for example, a four-cylinder, four-stroke engine
  • An integrated coil ignition unit is mounted on the head 2 of the engine.
  • This unit is, for example, of the type described in European patent application No. 91830163.1 and comprises a support casing which houses two ignition transformers, each for connection to a pair of spark plugs of the engine.
  • the integrated unit 3 has four high-tension output terminals, indicated a, b, and d, each of which is connected electrically to a respective spark plug in the manner which will be described below.
  • FIG. 2 shows the high-tension output a of the integrated unit 3: this output includes an insulating element 5, the end of which has a recess 6 with an output terminal 7 of electrically-conductive material fixed to its inner end.
  • Recesses or seats 8 are formed in the engine 1 in known manner ( Figures 2 to 4) and a respective spark plug SP is mounted in the bottom of each.
  • each plug SP is connected electrically to the terminal 7 of a respective output of the integrated unit 3 by means of a connector, generally indicated 10.
  • This connector comprises a tubular element 11 of electrically-insulating material, for example, elastomeric material, having a first end 11 a inserted in the recess 8 in which the plug SP is mounted and fitted onto the end of the plug.
  • the tubular element 11 has a second end, indicated 11 b, which projects from the recess 8 and is connected to an output terminal 5 of the integrated unit 3.
  • a conductor member 12 is disposed in the tubular insulating element 11 and, in the embodiment illustrated, is constituted by a helical metal spring. This member forms an electrically-conductive path between an output terminal 7 of the integrated unit 3 and the associated plug SP.
  • each recess 8 has an annular, collar-like raised portion 13.
  • each tubular element 11 has a flexible, integral, bell-like external skirt 14 facing its other end 11 a.
  • the edge portion of the skirt 14 bears against the surface of the engine surrounding the collar 13 and is resiliently deformed, as can be seen in Figure 2.
  • transverse dimensions of the tubular element 11 of each connector are such that it extends in the respective recess 8 in the engine with radial clearance.
  • each tubular element 11 has a substantially conical, outwardly-divergent surface for facilitating the fitting of the tubular element 11 onto the end of the associated plug SP.
  • each tubular element 11 has a tapered, preferably conical, external end surface for facilitating the insertion and centering of the tubular element 11 in a corresponding recess 8 in the engine.
  • the skirts 14 of the connectors and the associated raised collars 13 surrounding the mouths of the recesses 8 in the engine prevent the ingress of water, dust or dirt to the recesses.
  • Small breather holes may be formed in the skirt 14 to allow the passage of air between the interiors of the recesses 8 and the atmosphere surrounding the engine.
  • At least one small breather channel or groove such as that indicated 20 in Figure 3, may be formed for the same purpose in the internal surface of the skirt 14, starting from its edge.
  • At least one breather passage 21 for each recess 8 is formed in the engine head 2, also for the same purpose, and extends between the recess 8 and a portion of the surface of the engine outside the region against which the skirt 14 of the associated connector 10 bears in the mounted condition.
  • the breather passage 21 may be formed, for example, simply by milling.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Ignition Installations For Internal Combustion Engines (AREA)
  • Spark Plugs (AREA)
EP91830336A 1990-08-08 1991-07-30 An internal combustion engine with controlled ignition and a connector for connecting an ignition coil and a spark plug for the engine Expired - Lifetime EP0470938B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT67630A IT1240539B (it) 1990-08-08 1990-08-08 Motore a combustione interna ad accensione comandata e dispositivo di interconnessione fra una bobina di accensione ed una candela per tale motore.
IT6763090 1990-08-08

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0470938A1 EP0470938A1 (en) 1992-02-12
EP0470938B1 true EP0470938B1 (en) 1995-11-29

Family

ID=11304052

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP91830336A Expired - Lifetime EP0470938B1 (en) 1990-08-08 1991-07-30 An internal combustion engine with controlled ignition and a connector for connecting an ignition coil and a spark plug for the engine

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0470938B1 (it)
DE (1) DE69114944T2 (it)
ES (1) ES2082181T3 (it)
IT (1) IT1240539B (it)

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4244883C2 (de) * 1992-07-14 1998-07-09 Audi Ag Zündkerzenstecker
JPH0729822U (ja) * 1993-11-11 1995-06-02 住友電装株式会社 内燃機関の点火装置
DE29612481U1 (de) * 1996-07-18 1997-11-13 Robert Bosch Gmbh, 70469 Stuttgart Zündsystem für eine Brennkraftmaschine
DE19702696A1 (de) * 1997-01-25 1998-08-06 Telefunken Microelectron Zündschiene mit abgedichteten, beweglichen Verbindungen
JP4793857B2 (ja) * 2005-12-27 2011-10-12 本田技研工業株式会社 自動二輪車のプラグキャップ取付構造体

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1689690A (en) * 1927-02-24 1928-10-30 Charles J Blue Attachment for spark plugs
US1956805A (en) * 1932-06-08 1934-05-01 Continental Motors Corp Engine
US2686511A (en) * 1951-12-20 1954-08-17 Chrysler Corp Spark plug and ignition lead wire protective system
US3110297A (en) * 1962-10-10 1963-11-12 Worthington Corp Internal combustion engine

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69114944D1 (de) 1996-01-11
DE69114944T2 (de) 1996-06-20
IT9067630A1 (it) 1992-02-08
IT1240539B (it) 1993-12-17
EP0470938A1 (en) 1992-02-12
IT9067630A0 (it) 1990-08-08
ES2082181T3 (es) 1996-03-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5390648A (en) Electrically wiring parts mounted on an engine
EP0153927B1 (en) Ignition unit in the ignition system of an internal combustion engine
EP0191776B1 (en) Plug connector having separate terminal retaining member
CA2435885C (en) Engine cover with integrated ignition system
CA1311025C (en) Electrical connector for a distributorless ignition system
US5897396A (en) Waterproof rubber plug
KR100300849B1 (ko) 2파트단부캡어셈블리
US6062200A (en) Motor fuel dispenser
EP0509454B1 (en) Cap for a high-tension cable terminal for use in an automobile engine
JPH03501319A (ja) 自動車における風防ワイパ装置を駆動するためのワイパモータ用の電気モータ
JPH09219239A (ja) 電気コネクタ・プラグ
US6022245A (en) Filtered modular connector
CA2241697C (en) Terminal pin structure of resolver
US4325600A (en) Pigtail assembly
GB2196188A (en) Earth plate assembly for an electric motor
JP2548486B2 (ja) 内燃機関の噴射弁のための、プラスチックの燃料導管に用いられる制御条片の製作法
US5716223A (en) Spark plug boot insulator
EP0151594B1 (en) Connection device in an ignition system
EP0470938B1 (en) An internal combustion engine with controlled ignition and a connector for connecting an ignition coil and a spark plug for the engine
CA2172585C (en) Automotive ignition coil assembly
KR100199300B1 (ko) 내연기관용 점화 코일 유닛
AU612478B2 (en) A coaxial connector
US4743211A (en) Connecting device for ignition system of motor vehicle
EP0585562B1 (en) Connector
EP0851550B1 (en) A metal shield for a plug connection

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

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19920518

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19940513

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: COOPER INDUSTRIES ITALIA S.P.A.

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB SE

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69114944

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19960111

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2082181

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

ET Fr: translation filed
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

26N No opposition filed
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: IF02

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

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20070713

Year of fee payment: 17

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

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20070731

Year of fee payment: 17

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

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20070618

Year of fee payment: 17

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

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20070703

Year of fee payment: 17

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

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20070706

Year of fee payment: 17

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed
GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20080730

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

Ref country code: DE

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

Effective date: 20090203

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20090331

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

Ref country code: GB

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

Effective date: 20080730

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: 20080731

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20080731

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

Ref country code: ES

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

Effective date: 20080731

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

Ref country code: SE

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

Effective date: 20080731