GB2277212A - Engine igniter and cable connector assembly - Google Patents

Description

2277212 1 GINITLER -'%.'ID CABLE CONNECT&COR ASSEMBLY his invention

relates to gas turbine engine igniters anci 4cularly to an -=proved igniter and cable more part- ---e connector assembly and to an improved terminal structu- for an igniter and ignizer cable connector.

:=n-4zers for use -n aircraft turbine engines are typically formed with, a metal shell surrounding an t c - ^read -,nsulazcr. The shel. -- h.lireaded to engage a th- -ed Jgniter cpening in the engine. A high voltage te=inal 1 s recessed well witthir. a free end of the -4nsulat.---. 1 high voltage ca--e connector has a projecting -nsulaz--r which succorzs a terminal.

1 c; The connect---- nsulazzr extends well -nzo t.he ignither 4nsulator establ-sh, a long path between the high voltage b.ern.ina.';'.s and 'the arcunded igniter shell. This -z'cn results in _= large prc.-"e for prior art const-- 1 4 and cable cc-nnecz---- assemblies. When one c=.-..-cn -0 prJor =--- cable connecz:r Js secured to an igniter, -14 cable prcjec.=s --nto the Igniter insulatcr =_--- a sprng -:, the cable zznnector presses the cable zerm.inal against -tzniter terminal tc establish a between the ccnnect-4cn. Typically, c--ntac4.

zerminals takes place cnly at a point or over a small - surface area. An an--r--z _riate annular seal is locate- between igniter z.-.e cable to keep 1 is.

A separate spring -ray he rovidet -'n 4.

0 p- Che c--nnec,:=r to c--mmress the seal aaa-J--=-- z.ea.4cn =av result in failure due to -,2'ashcver.

1, :deally, z..e seal also -;i-ll Prevent air from escaping from the space sur--0u.--'-t:-.g the te=inals when the igniter is operated a= hIgh altitude.

As the air pressure across a ga-p a_ the flashover vol-taz.e =zreases, required zo ju=p the gap also decreases.

1) 4.

Th ---lens with the design of present .ere are many p-...

state of the art igniters and igniter cable connect-c-rs. The large number of c=pcnent parts in aviation engine igniters and igniter cable connectors results in a high manufacturing cost, a large profile and an excessive weight. There is difficulty in establishing and maintaining a good seal between the igniter and the connector and in maintaining a good electrical contact bjetween t.he igniter and the connector terminals.

Ozerating. - at the seal and also at the , failures can cccu contact pc-int between the high voltag e connector terminal and the igniter terminal. Any- arcing between -11 4nals caused _- -ntac4, will ..e te=. moor surface c.

eventuall., lead to or cable failure.

IS T!:e =resent invent--cn-is directed to an improved a.-.d to an -4--cr--ved igniter and cable connect---assembly for Iturbine engines. A threaded igniter adapter is secured lt_- an ignilter hole in the engine.

T.he icni=ar slides -t-hrcuah a Iftole in the adaDter to 4-n the smark aa-n th h osit Aa ianiter at the proper locaticn _n the enaine cOmbustion c.hanber. An enlarged Jiameter head on the igniter is retained by the adapter.

kn annular seal is;csi=ioned on the igniter head to ancircle a high voltage te=inal projecting from the 4gniter head. A sDring loaded terminal on a cable =nnec=cr extends t-he center cf- the seal and ressed -zaainst --..e ign-'t-er terminal w&en the cable zonnectcr is attached ---- the adaDter. 'When the cable I onnectcr Js secured.:z the adapter, the seal is 0:- zc-mpressed between "z:.-- =-..nec=cr and igniter insula=crsbe secured to 4-1 The cable connector --ay - %..,,e adamter bv, for example, either by a hinged clamp which engages conical s,Urfaces on the adapter and the cable connec--Cr o-r by a c-cupling nut on the cable connector which is threaded cnto the adapter or by a quick connect mechanism on one of the connector or the adapter for 1 3 releasably engaging an annular groove on the other of the connector or the adapter. In a modification of the invention, a quick connect mechanism on the igniter cable connector releasably engages an annular groove 5 f o=ed on the igniter.

As the connector is secured to the adapter. the g; 5 igniter terminal is pushed in an axial direction against,he the f orce of a spring in the cable connector. At t 4=e, threads between the connector insulator and same t.

terminal cause the connector terminal to rotate about its axis to establish a good electrical contact with the Igniter terminal. Preferably, the igniter and connector ta=inals are formed with mating conical or spherical h is an annular segment having a surfaces, one of whic.. void in the center to all-ow any surface contaminants -etween the contac4" The te=ina -na surfaces to escape. shame provides a wide line or surface contact extending around t.4e axis of the terminals. This is an 4mprcvement over point or small area contact nroduced by zo many prior art terminal designs where flat or convex surfaces meet.

TI.-.e improved ignitar and cable connector assembly has several advantages over prior art assemblies. The annular seal provides -4=proved flashover protection. The rctation of the connector terminal as it is pressed against the igniter mar=inal provides improved electrical contact. _te igniter construction is less expensive to manufac=uze and weighs less than pric-,qni=ars since _41- requizes 'Less par-ts, has a smaller -0 oroffla_ and is simpler -= manufact-ure. Further, ""he icini-ar adapter whic- -s secured to the engine need ncz be removed from the enaine or replaced when replacing..,e igniter.

AcCardingly, it is an object of the invention to -75 provide an improved ligniter and cable connector assembly suitable for aviation engines.

4 c4..-.er objects and advantages of the invention wil'. be apparent from the following detailed description and the acc=panying drawings, in which:

h ='I " lig. 1 is a side elevational view of an igniter and cable connector assembly according to a first embodi=ent of the -Invention; = 4 lg. 2 is an enlarged vertical cross sectional view throuch the igniter and cable connector assembly of F.4g.

1; is a side elevational view of the turbine engine =unting adapter from the assembly of Fig. 1; %- J -- -:z. 4 _Js a side elevational view of the ignite from zhe assembly of 'Fig. -10 T4g.: 4s a pers=ect4ve view showing the igniter and cable c-onnec::or cia=p assembly in an open positicn; g. 6 is an enlarged fragmentarll top plan view showin= an exemplary lazch for securing the cIanp assemb-'v c' Fig. ':; 2,0 Fiza. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary vertical cross sec---4cna-l view through, an -4gni±er and cable connectcr P-sser.bly acc- a =cdi.&-ed en.mc,4i-ent of I" rding %.he 4nvenz4-n; rgad fragmentary cross sect4onal is an en-la, %.- - iew s.-.=wing details of --.'-&a 1--niter and cable-connec=Cr -zermi.nals according -;.: a -modified embodiment of the fragmentary cross sec-4cna' -g. 9 is an eni-arged Z- -- - --4ew s"-zwncr details c-.-- --he Jigniter and cable connecz-r according --z a further embod-,men::

,a -4::-,,enz-4on; L - 4. 4. - Js an enlarged fragmentary cross sec-4cnaview an igniter- and cable connector assembly according to a further =dified embodiment of the and 1-1 is an enlarged fragmentary cross sect-4c-.-.a- view thrc,-,gh an igniter and cable connector assemblY 01 acccr..--.ng a still furt.her modified embodiment of the invention.

Referring to Figs. i and 2 of the drawings, an lIgniter and cable connector assembly 10 is illustrated according to a f irst embodiment of the invention. 71.he assembly io includes an Igniter 11, an engine mounting adapter '12d. and a high vc!4bage exciter cable connector 13. A clamp 14 secures the connector 13 to the adapter A.2. The clamp 14 has Cwo halves 15 and 16 which are secu--eA- %.caether by a suiltable latch 17. A wire or 4dental opening. of the 'atc-.

split ring- 13 prevent ---acc 17.

The adapter 12 is shown in detail in Figs. 2 a nd J'. -.

2, 5 Th he adaptar 12 is generally tubular, having an axial -etween a lower end 20 and an upper cmening 1,0 extending h end 21. --. lie adapter 12 has exterior threads 22 for securina --he adamter z-- a threaded igniter opening In an rally engine (not shown)..-o-xagonal nut 23 is integ.

:0 _formed =. the exterior cf- thhe adapter 1,25 adjacent the ---pper end 21 for receivin; a suitable wrench (not slb^.cwn) ;hen securing the adarzer to or removing the adapter -Orcm an encTine. conical surface 24 below the hreads 2: or the lower adarter end 20 =av be located tC seat a-gainst a mating surface in the engine tQ for.n a cas tight- seal. Or, a suitable gasket =ay be placed c -"etween zhe threads 22 and the nu"," z.he surface formed around t-e -;4ameter arcc,..e 25 - 4 a redu--!-=--; 4s 1, adapter TIne arcove Z35 has a conical upper sur-face ".; and outwa- I Y.

:6 which. downwar-- of the 1.1 are s.-4c,,;n in Figs. 2 1, - i --,.14 4. T- -.ter!I has a zubular shell or sheath 29 extend-,na Zetween a lcwer or first end 30 and an upper or sec--.-.d end 31. At the upper end 31, Itthe metal forming t..e sheath .9 fc=s an enlarged diameter head ..e sheath 29 has a Jiameter for a close slidin. fit in =he adapter opening 19, while the head 3.1 abuts 6 against the upper adapter end 2.1. The sheath 29 has a stapped axial bore 33 for receiving a ceramic insulatcr 34. T.h&e insulator 34 has a tubular body portion 35 of a diameter for being received by the sheath bore 33. At a lower end 36, the insulator 34 is seated against the sheath end 30. The insulator 34 also has an enlarged diameter head 37 which abuts and overlays at least a portion of the sheath head 32. If desired, the sheath head 32 =ay wrap around at least a portion of the peri=eter of the insulator head 37 to protect the head 37 E.-com damage. A fused glass seal 38 is located between the heads 32 and 37 to retain the Jnsulatcr 3-4 in the sheath 29 and to prevent conbusmicn gases -r--= leaking between the insu.atcr 34 and t.fte sheaz!7: 29.

T.he insulator 34.-.--s an axial bore 39 in which a center electrode 40 is secured by a f'used glass seal 41. The seal 41 also prevents condoustion cases from leaking. h insulator bor evween the center electrode 120 and t..e - e 9. T:e center eleczrcde 40 has a lower end 42 whic.-.

0 spaced from t.,e sheath and -10 to fo--= a spark gap. The the center electrode 4o terminates at a -pper end of t 'age igniter t-arminal --43. T!ie terminal 43 aigh volt projects above a top surface 44 on the insulator head -:7. is - llustrated, th.-a ter=inal 43 =ay have an urward-1;, and outwardly d1rected conical shape. Fro= tne above description, --= w---'-' he apparent to those skilled in the art that the -9:"._-:er 11 is highly si=plified cver =ult-J-z---- parts and saveral diffe-rent --nsulatc-Jcn significantly c--,-,.pcnanzs. '171he construcz.

reduces the manufact-,r..-.g cost for the igniter 111.

-Jg. 2Y shows a crcss section t.1^.--cugh an end of the 3J5 igniter exciter cable cc.n.nector!3. The connector 13 J_ ,,c,l.udes a shell 47, a ceramic insulatcr. 48 and a 11.1an voltage electrode 49 w.-.-4zh terminates at a terminal 50.

7 I.he shel. 47 has an enlarged diameter portion 51 terminating at an end 2- 2 against which an enlarged diameter end -93 on the insulator 48 abuts. The enlarged diameter shell portion _51 has an upwardly and outwardly facing conical exterior surface 54 which is used to secure the connector 13 to the adapter 12, as will be discussed below. The electrode 49 is mounted in a bore 55 in the insulator 46 to reciprocate in an axial io direc-,cn. A spring 56 located in the insulator bore 55 s cc=pressed between a washer or pin 57 attached to the e.leC-tr--d;e 49 and a st-%z-,cnary sleeve 58. The spring 56 presses downwardly on the electrode 49 to extend the 4-erminall SO 'L--c= the insulator bzre 55.

Z When the connecz--r 1-3 is secured to the adapter 12, the spring. 5,6 presses the c=nector ze---inal 50 against the igniter terminal 43. As the ccnnector 13 and the igniter 11 are '-roughz z--aether, the electrode 49 moves in an axial,.irec::- c.-i into the _nsul ator bore 55, sliding in a conr-ac,z Sm. cOnneczed zz a high voltage wire in an h 4s discussed below, t e exciter cable (not s..cwn,' As elec--=::--;e 49 prefferably allso is mounted In the insulatcr e.4.

-jore S S be sl Ightl y rcz:ar-ed as it is reciprocated an ax-4-.1 direction.

1 A - I- 1" 4n Figs. 2. and 5, The clamp _I,:.S shown - secures the cable c--nnecz--.- 13 Ito the adapter 12. A.-.inge 50 cOnnects one edge of "V41,Ae clamp halve! iS and 16 t-geth icn as shown -n er zz pivot bezween an open posit F4q. _= and a closed as shcwn in Fia. 2. When the cla=p 14 is closed, z.-.e latch 17 secures together and 16, 0 czen edzes 61 and 62 zf the clamm halves respecz-;7elv. The havina a lower end 64 cr Oil-,ting into the adanter groove 25, a central ncrz-on 65 for enclosing the head 11 an- the enlarged end on the end on the igniter connector 13, and an upper end 66 for passing the connectcr shell 47..1 ccnical surface 67 is located between the lower bore end 64 and the central bore 8 portion 65 and a conicall surface 68 is located between...,e central bore portion 65 and the upper bore end 66. The conical surface 67 is positioned and shaped to engage the conical adapter surface 26 and the conical surface 68 is positioned and shaped to engage the conical connector shall surface 54.

Details of an exemplary construction for the clamp latch 1-7 are shown in Fig. 6. The latch 17 has a first arm member 71 which is attached at an end 72 to a tab 73 on the clamp half 16 by a pivot pin 74. A second a--..

=ember 75 is pivotally attached near its center to an omposi-e end 76 of the member 71 by a pivot pin 77. The mem.ber 73 has a tapered end 78 which. engages a bracket 79 on the clamp half _'5. A free end So on the member serves as a!ever for opening and closing the latch 17.

When the latch 17 is closed, a bracket 81 on the clamp 0 15 extends throuch - hal: - -he member and a wire or a split ring C2 is passed thrcuch a hole 83 in the bracket 81 to prevent accidental opening of the latch 17. 146- will be appreciated by those skililed in the art that other ty;es of llatch.es may be used f--r =eleasably securing together t.he edaes 61 and 62 cla=P halves 13 and 16.

-Referring again -=o r4g. -, the igniter 11 is L - 4. 44 - _nsta-led In an engine and t,.e cable connector 13 attached by first installing the adapter 12 in a -'-.hreaded igniter ovenina in the engine. The igniter 'I Js than slid into the adapter opening 19 until the sheat.h '.-.ead 32 abuts zne adapter end ZI. Next, an annular resilient seal S4 is positicned around the head _f the anii--er!I. Tte seal 34 has a tubular lower end 35 wh-:c.;,., surrounds a= least the per4pherry of the 4 gniter 4 -he periphery of nsulator head 27 and =ay also surround t he sheath head 32. An integral flange 86 on the seal 34 extends radially inwardly over a portion of the top insulator surface 44 to surround the terminal 43. The seal 84 also has a tu-bular upper end 87 which receives and engages the peripnery of at least the connector 9 insulator end 53 and may also extend around a portion of the enlarged connector shell portion 551. The seal 34 is formed from a suitable high temperature resilient rubber like material. In the past, Igniter connector seals have been constructed from a silicon rubber which Is capable of withstanding operating temperatures of up to 4500F. However, according to a preferred embodiment, of the invention, the seal is made fro= Kalrez (M) manufactured and -v IL7_ -7. Ducont cie Nemours &:z.

1 C) which can function -=r- up to 0000F.

4- After the seal 34 is mositioned over J the igniter insulator head 37, the connector 13 Is positioned hin adjacent the igniter 11 with the insulator end 53 wit., the upper tubular seal end 87 and the connector terminal -90 cc-ntacting the igniter terminal 43. The open clamp 14 is positioned around the adanter 12 and connector 13 L-o extend into the adapter groove 25 and over the conical connector surface.94. As the clamp 14 is closed, the conical clamp surface 67 engages the conical adaDzer surface 26 and the conical clamp surface 68 engages the conical ----nnector surface 54. The conical surfaces press the c--,-&nectar 13 axially toward the 4 gniter 11 as the clamp 14 is closed.

C. - At the same t-4=e, t.'-e seal flange 86 is cc=prez-%ed bet-ween the connecz=r -er insulator end 53 and the tom surface 44 on the ignit insulator 37 to form a ZIght, seal surr-cunding the terminals 43 and 50. T.he lower seal end 85 also is compressed between -Lhe peripherv of the igniter head 117 and the wall of th.a central por-.-4cn 65;0 of the clamp bore 63 and the upper seal end 87 is c--mpressed between zhe periphery of the connector insulator end 53 and the wall of the central portion 65 of tte clamp bore 63. T.hUs, three separate annular sealing areas are prcduced when the clamp 14 is closed. The latch 17 is engaged to complete closure of the clamp 14 and tb.e split ring 1S is installed to hold the clamp 17 closed.

io referring now to F4g. 7, an igniter and cable connect-cr assembly 90 is illustrated according to a modified embodiment of the invention. The assembly 90 includes an adapter 91 for securing to an engine (not shown), an igniter 92 mounted in the adapter 91, and a connector 93 for attaching an exciter ignition cable (not shown) to the igniter 92. The adapter 91 has an externally threaded lower end 94 which is sized to threaded igniter opening in an engage a conventional engine. A hexagonal section 95 is for--ad on the adapter above the threaded end 94 to receive a suitable wrench when securing the adapter 91 to or removing it from the engine. '.5.djacent an upper end 96, the adapter 91 has an externally threaded section 97 for receiving a coupling nut 0,8 on the connec--zr 93. The adaDter 91 is tubular shaDed and has a stamped axial bore 99 having a larger diameter upper sec,%--4cn:00 and a smaller diameter lower section '01.

Mhe igniter 92 =av --a of similar construction to 20 the igniter IIII illustrated in Figs. 2. and 4. The Jgniter 92 has a body 'C2 having an exterior diameter h the or into and c.!--sely engaging -...a walls of t 1 lower adapter bare section 101. At a lower end 103, igniter defines a recessed spark gap.:'It an opposite I has an enlarced diameter head the ignite- c- --- upper end, h 104 including a flange 1-35 which abuts an end wall 1-06 of Ithe adapter bore sect-ton!00 to retain the ignite-- 92;n the adanter bore 99. A high voltage terminal 107 IZ -- 0 _; _,eczz above an Insulazor section 108 which overlays at least a portion of the -Flange 105.

1 -nular seal!:-c is positioned over the ig-4zer - aa. - A A - 04.

nead The seal 11.109 has a stepped bore 110 whic.h.

-ion 107 and ccnfo---s to at least::he insulator sectsurrounds the terminal _'CS. The seal bore 110 also confo=s to a lower end 115 of an insulator ill and to a high voltage terminal!I: on the connector 93. The seal 1.ay be =ade from any suitable resilient material which S 11 will resist ',.he czerating temperatures present between,.-",is igniter 92 and connector 93, such as a silic.-n rubber or, preferably.. Kalrez (TM).

MIne connector 93 has a tubular shell 113 with a bore 114 in which the insulator ill is mounted. Either 4,,lle insulator 111 and the terminal 112 are mounted to reciprocate together in an axial direction relative to the shell 113 or, preferably. the terminal 112 is mounted to axially reciprocate in the insulator Ill, as he is known in the prior art. As is discussed below, t.. terminal 112 is preferably mounted to rotate as it rec-4-.,.-ccates in the insulator 111. Adjacent the lower end 115 of the insulator Ill, the shell bare 114 has an enlarged diameter sect-4cn 116. The seal 109 is compressed to fill - 2he chamber between the shell bore section 1-16, the insulator end 115, tthe terminals 108 and iZ and the igniter head 104.

The connector shell 113 has an enlarged diameter flange 117 which xstains the coupling nut 98.

ad-4al 4-n -0 T1he ccupling nut 98 1has an internally threaded sect 113 which engages t.4e threaded section 97 on the adapter 91. An exterior surface 119 on the c-cupling nut 98 may be shaped to receive a wrench (not shown) for securing ?-he coupling nut 99 tC and removing -411. fro= the adamter 91. W-hen the connect.cr 93 is inserted into the adapter 91 and 'whe coupling nut 98 is tightened, an end =O cn :!..e shell' 1-1-3 presses against the i=niter flange!.CE to tightly lhold the -02 in the adaDter 91 and the the ccnneczcr terminal _= -'s pressed f-J---ly against t10 -crnii-er terminal!OS.

Jllusr--azes an igniter 11 having a ter=inal 43 J.r. zhe shane of an upwardly and cutwardly facing c--ne and a ccnnector having a terminal 50 with an end surface in the _form of a conical segment which makes a ring 35 contact around the axis of the igniter terminal 43. Figs. S and 9 illustrate additional preferred embodi=ents of the ccnf-4g-uration of the igniter and 12 C:

0 connector te=inals. IFF-4g. a shows a fragmentary po--tion of an igniter 1.23 hav4ng a terminal 124 and a fragmentary portion of a connector 125 having a ter-minal 126. The connector ter-.inal 126 is mounted to reciprocate in an insulator 127 against the force of a o the invention, one or more spring 128. According 4. mating threads 129 are formed between the insulator 127 and the terminal 126. The threads 129 are coarsely formed to imDart a limited amount of rotation to the terminal 126 as it is reciprocated in the insulator 1.27.

T on between the 4his rotation produces a wiping act-4 4,e--m4.,als '36 and 1211 as the connector 125 is secu % -- I - red to the enaine adapter and the terminal 126 is pressed in-:- he insulator 127. The wiping action establishes a positive electrical ccnzact between the terminals 1214 and 7-26. only slight =;tation of the terminal 126 is effective, for example, a rotation of less than 90 is -0ec=4ve. "Z- shoul- I-- 4n ' e-F - - -- -appreciated that the ter-...- a, -O in 2 =ay be =.Cunted to rotate in a similar -0 manner as it 4s rec4=-ccated.

The matina surfaces oi- t..e term"inals 124 and 1-26 12 A are p-refferably conica.1. The igniter terminal has a contact surface 130 in the form of an upwardly and nward 1, 21 - 1 facing conicall segment with an cDen center 1 The connector terminall -'--S has a contact surface 132 in .he -ff=r-- of a downwar---,,, and outwardly facina conical secmen,t: and has a flat =enter!23. '&then the terminal ss 124 and '-26 are pressed zcaezher, surfaces 130 and !22 around the axiss of 4,2he -Janiteer 123 and conneczcr 125 to fOr-- a continuous contact around a con-4c--l Segment defined I-v the surface 130. Rotat. -- - -- ':

the connector terminal:26 as contacz: is established between the terminals and 126 causes any minor surface contaminants such as small particles of dirt either t-0 escape into the center opening 131 or to move outwardll,,from the contacting surfaces. This effect-ively provides a greater and more positive 13 is contact area than is achieved in prior art igniter and cable connector assemblies. in many pricr art connectors, contact is achieved at only a point cr over a small area. Surface dirt may prevent direct surface contact, which will initially result in small arcing between the adjacent surfaces. Any such arcing. may lead to eventual failure of the igniter.

Fig. 9 shows a further modification in which a t is mounted to axially reciprocate and to terminal 134 - rotate in a connector insulator 135 and a terminal:_6 is mounted on an ignitter 137. The connector terminal 134 is -provided with a convex spherical end surface!-'S which cc.-.-.acts a ccn--ave spherical end surface 139 cn the ' = t ----4ter ter=inal 126. An opening 140 is provided in the center of the ccn--ave igniter te=inal surface S-. k_ to allow any surface d-4rzand conta=inants to escape.Orom the contact area. The terminals 11.34 and 136 are shaped to obtain electrical contact over a spherical segment extending arcund the axes c:the igniter 137 -0 Ithe connector Js an en'-r-ed f-amentary cross sec-4--%" View shc-,;ing a =Odif-,ed embc,-4-i:,.ent of an and cable connector assemnly 1-43 according to the 4nvenzJcn. in the asse--;-ly 1-43, a quick release mec.b-.an-,s= 144 is used::c secure an exciter cable connector 145 to an adazzer 146. T.he cuick release mec.han-4s= 144 mav be Iccated either on the connector 145 or on the adanter 146, it- -2s shown on the n adaDter:46 in Frig. l,. M.e cuick release mechanism:44 1 0 can be c- a similar to c-aick release hcse conneczcrs and pe=,-Jt--= easy ar--b-ac,4-,=ent and removal ---.0 zl,ie connector 145 wil--.'-.cut the need fcr tools. T1he c--,-ck release mechanism 144 is strong and reliable.

The adapter 146 has an externally threaded lower end 147 adapted to engage a threaded Igniter opening 4n an engi.ne (not shown). 'I hexagonal section 148 is formed above the threaded end 147 for engagement wi.:-.

14 suitable wrench when installing the adapter 146 in or when.-e--cving the adapter 146 from an engine. A stepped bore 1.49 extends axially through the adapter 146....e bore 149 has a smaller diameter lower end 150 for passing the body 1.51 of an igniter 152 and an enlarged diameter upper end i53 for retaining a head end 154 on the igniter 152.

Adjacent an upper end 155, the adapter 146 has a predeter=ined diameter exterior section 156. The adapter 1-46 has a sI gntly larger diameter exterior section 11.57 between the section 1556 and the hexagonal section 148. At least three tapered holes 158 are formed in the adapter section 156 to lle in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the upper bore end 113.

":'ach ball 159 -as ball iSc. is located In each hole 158. a diameter greater than the wall thickness of the adapter section 156.:he balls 159 and holes 158 are sized such that t.he balls 159 may extend through the holes iSS into the bcree end 1-53 while they are ZO res4b-.ra-4ned from passing totally through the holes 155SE into the -- ore end 152. lk A spring Icaded tubular sleeve,-.e on the adanter 146. T4he i60 Is =sitioned to s " sleeve _60 has an section 161 which slides c.n.

the exterior adaDter section 156 and an interior secz-.--n 62 which. slides on the exterior adapter section 157.

sDr,.-.a --53 -4s located a chamber 164 between the e ion 162 and z..e adapter section 136. Th- sleeve sect.

1 ial sDrinig 153 presses the sieeve 160 in an umward ax di--ecz-cn aaainsz a razainer ring 165 which engages z-- o adapter exterior secz-4cn 156 between the tapered hz-es 1H and the adapter end 1-5-55. Whille the sleeve 160 held -'n normal up rcsition against the retainer ring 165, the interior secz-4cn 161 on the sleeve 160 is cosi.',--Joned over the calls 159 to hold the balls 1-1-59 in a positic.n wherein they extend into the adapter bore sect-4cn 153. The sleeve 160 may be moved downwardly in an axial direction against the spring 1-63 by manuallY n = 4 is grasping and pushing on a knurled exterior surface 166 until a sleeve end 167 abuts a stop 168 on the adapter 146. in this position, an enlarged interior diameter area 169 in the sleeve 160 permits the balls 159 to retract from the bore section 153 into the holes 158.

The connector 145 is attached to a free end of a high voltage cable 170 from an exciter (not show). The connector 145 includes a shell 171 having an exterior diameter for sliding in an axial direction into and for closely engaging the walls of the upper adapter bore section A3. An annular groove 172 is formed in the shell 171 at a location for receiving the balls 159 when the connector 145 is secured to the adapter 146. The connector 145 is secured to the adapter 146 by moving the sleeve 160 against the spring 163 until the balls 159 can retract from the pper bore adapter end 153, inserting the connector 145 into the upper adapter hore end!53 and releasing the sleeve 160 to force the balls 159 into the connector groove 172. The balls 159 retain the connector 145 in the adapter 146 until the sleeve is mcved to allow the balls 159 to retract from the groove 172.

The remaining internal construction of the connector 145 may be si=ilar to the constwction of the connector 93 described above. The connector 145 has an internal insulator 172 which mounts a high voltage te=inal 174 for axial and preferably also for rotaml=nal =ovement when the connector 145is secured z= the adapter 146. The ccnnector terminal 174 is pressed against a center elecorcie terminal 175 projecting the ignizer head 154. Me teminals 174 and 175 prof erably have a construction as show for the terminals in any of Figs. 2, 8 or 9. A resilient annular seal 176 extends around the terminals 174 and and is compressed between the igniter head 154 and the connector insulator 173, between the igniter head 16 154 and t_he adapter bore end 153, and between the --- and the adapter bore end 1-3.

connector insulator 1-7 r_ Fic. 11 shows an igniter and cable connector assembly 179 according to a further embodiment of the invention including a quick release exciter cable connector 180 secured directly to an igniter 181. No adapter is used with the assembly 179. The igniter 181 has a shell 182 forming a lower end 183 for projecting into an engine combustion chamber, a threaded section 184 f= engaging a threaded igniter opening in the engine and a hexagonal section 185 for engagement by a wrench (not shown). Above the hexagonal section 105, %-he -Jc.-.-4zar shell IS2 Inas an enlarged diameter upper section 136 which Includes an annular groove 187. A4-1 1 J - isulazr,r 188 and a center electrode terminal log exzen,; coaxially from the upper s!ct4Acn 186.

The connector 1-80 includes a shell 190 having a ore 191 sized to slIde coaxially over and closely engaging the upper secz-4cn 1S6 of the igniter shell 1-22.

An Iinsulazor 192 --ounz--ng a high voltage terminal 193 Is mounted in the shell i_32 for contacting the igniter 1 1, is secured to the ernina. 139 when t..e c=nector 180 4gniter 151. A resil-enz annular seal 194 fills the -;n hamber around the te=-4nals i89 and 11.93 between the connecz=r 130 and the -4;niter 131. The connector 130 has a cuick release =ec.,.anism 195 which functions 46n "ent-4cal -0 Z-e quick -release mechanism 144 manner illustrazed 4n Frig. 1-0. The mechanism 4ncludes a nlura. of balls 196 z--si4,-.-4oned in tapered holes!c- 0 in ccn.-.ec-l--r shel! i-cO and a sleeve 198 for retaining the balls _= zhe holes 1197. The balls are mosit--cned to engage:he igniter shell groove 187 when -he c--.-lnector 180 is attached to the igniter 181. The sleeve:.c-S is normall'j =aintained in a locked position c, - a by a smr-4ng 199 which pushes the sleeve 198 against retainer ring 200. Manually moving the sleeve 198 against t.'-.e spring i99 allows the balls to move into the 1 1 5 1 17 holes 1.97 to install the connector ISO on and to remove the connector 180 from the igniter 181.

The above described embodiments of an igniter and cable connector assembly have several advantages over prior art assemblies. The assemblies are less expensive to manufacture, have a smaller profile and weigh less than prior art assemblies. Except for the igniter 181, there are no threaded connections on the igniter. once the adapter is attached to the engine, the igniter may be inserted and later replaced without removing or changing the threaded adapter. For the igniter and cable connector assemblies illustrated in Figs. 1, 2 and 10, no tools are requized to replace the igniter. No gaskets are required for Installing the igniter adapter on engine. In -,.".,e past, the threads on the igniters were silver plated lCo prevent seizure. No silver plating is required an the igniters of Figs. 1, 2 and 10 since t.here are no t.1%--eads on the igniters. Further, the construction of ths seal is more simplified and more effective at preventing flashover than seals in many prior art assemblies.

T.he design of thAe igniter also has several advantages over prior art igniters. The insulator and sheath designs are considerably simplified over prior:5 art --gniters. No inmernal tamped seals are required

1.

between a shell and t..e insulator or between the insulator and the center electrode. Nor is seal reaming required since t4here are no tamped seals. The ceramic insulator is considerably simplified. Further, no assembly gaging of t!7:e various c--=ponents is required as n z:e past. t will be appreciated by those skilled in the art ications and changes may be made in that various modi.A."the above described preferred embodiments of the igniter and exciter cable connector assembly and in the design 6 of t..e igniter without departing from the scope c f -:!ie foliswing claims. For example, it will be 18 appreciated that the conical and spherical terminal constructions shown in Figs. 2, 8 and 9 and the means for rotating the connector terminals shown in Figs. 8 and 9 may be readily adapted to other igniter and connector designs. The quick release cable connectors shown in Figs. 10 and 11 also may be adapted to other connector and igniter designs.

The parent applications (9103707.7 & 9401307.5) of this divisional application are directed to an igniter and cable connector assembly comprising an adaptor and an igniter cable connector with a rotatable connector terminal, respectively. There are also corresponding divisional applications directed to an igniter and cable connector assembly with a conical or spherical segment contact area on one of the high voltage terminals and an igniter construction,respectively.

19

Claims (2)

1. An improved igniter and cable connector assembly for use with an engine, comprising an igniter, means for securing said igniter to the engine, means on said igniter defining a cylindrical shell having an annular groove formed therein, an exciter cable connector, means for securing said connector to said igniter including a plurality of ball means mounted on said connector for engaging said annular groove, and means on said connector for holding said ball means in said groove for attaching said connector to said igniter.

2. An improved igniter and cable connector assembly, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said ball means comprises at least three balls, and wherein said means for holding said balls in said groove includes a sleeve mounted to move in an axial direction on said connector between f irst and second positions, a spring positioned to urge said sleeve to said first position, and means on said sleeve for holding said balls in said groove when said sleeve is in said first position and for permitting said balls to retract from said groove when said sleeve is in said second position.