Electromagnetically Actuated Fuel Injector Having Ball And Seat Type Valve Patents (Class 239/900)
  • Publication number: 20020084360
    Abstract: A fuel injector for use with an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector comprises a valve group subassembly and a coil group subassembly. The valve group subassembly includes a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis that extends between a first end and a second end; a seat that is secured at the second end of the tube assembly and that defines an opening; an armature assembly that is disposed within the tube assembly; a member that biases the armature assembly toward the seat; an adjusting tube that is disposed in the tube assembly and that engages the member for adjusting a biasing force of the member; a filter that is located at least within the tube assembly; and a first attachment portion. The coil group subassembly includes a solenoid coil that is operable to displace the armature assembly with respect to the seat; and a second attachment portion that is fixedly connected to the first attachment portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Michael P. Dallmeyer, Michael J. Hornby, Robert McFarland, James Robert Parish, Dennis Bulgatz
  • Publication number: 20020084366
    Abstract: A fuel injector for use with an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector comprises a valve group subassembly and a coil group subassembly. The valve group subassembly includes a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis that extends between a first end and a second end; a seat that is secured at the second end of the tube assembly and that defines an opening; an armature assembly that is disposed within the tube assembly; a member that biases the armature assembly toward the seat; an adjusting tube that is disposed in the tube assembly and that engages the member for adjusting a biasing force of the member; a filter that is disposed within the tube; and a first attachment portion. The coil group subassembly includes a solenoid coil that is operable to displace the armature assembly with respect to the seat; and a second attachment portion that is fixedly connected to the first attachment portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Michael P. Dallmeyer, Robert McFarland, Bryan Hall, Ross Wood
  • Publication number: 20020084345
    Abstract: A fuel injector for use with an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector comprises a valve group subassembly and a coil group subassembly. The valve group subassembly includes a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis that extends between a first end and a second end; a seat that is secured at the second end of the tube assembly and that defines an opening; an armature assembly that is disposed within the tube assembly; a member that biases the armature assembly toward the seat; an adjusting tube that is disposed in the tube assembly and that engages the member for adjusting a biasing force of the member; a filter that is disposed at least within the tube assembly; an O-ring that circumscribes the second end of the tube assembly and that is maintained by a flared end of a snap-fit type retainer; and a first attachment portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Michael P. Dallmeyer, Robert McFarland
  • Publication number: 20020084343
    Abstract: A fuel injector for use with an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector comprises a valve group subassembly and a coil group subassembly. The valve group subassembly includes a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis that extends between a first end and a second end; a seat that is secured at the second end of the tube assembly and that defines an opening; an armature assembly that is disposed within the tube assembly; a member that biases the armature assembly toward the seat; an adjusting tube that is disposed in the tube assembly and that engages the member for adjusting a biasing force of the member; a filter located within the tube assembly; and a first attachment portion. The coil group subassembly includes a solenoid coil that is operable to displace the armature assembly with respect to the seat; and a second attachment portion that is fixedly connected to the first attachment portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Michael P. Dallmeyer, Robert McFarland
  • Publication number: 20020084364
    Abstract: A modular fuel injector is disclosed for use with an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector comprises a valve group subassembly and a coil group subassembly. The valve group subassembly includes a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis that extends between a first end and a second end; a seat that is secured at the second end of the tube assembly and that defines an opening; an armature assembly that is disposed within the tube assembly; a member that biases the armature assembly toward the seat; an adjusting tube that is disposed in the tube assembly and that engages the member for adjusting a biasing force of the member; a filter that is disposed at least within the tube assembly and that has an integral retaining portion; an O-ring that circumscribes the first end of the tube assembly; and a first attachment portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Michael P. Dallmeyer, Michael J. Hornby, Robert McFarland
  • Publication number: 20020084342
    Abstract: A fuel injector for use with an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector comprises a valve group subassembly and a coil group subassembly. The valve group subassembly includes a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis that extends between a first end and a second end; a seat that is secured at the second end of the tube assembly and that defines an opening; an armature assembly that is disposed within the tube assembly; a member that biases the armature assembly toward the seat; an adjusting tube that is disposed in the tube assembly and that engages the member for adjusting a biasing force of the member; a filter that is located at the first end of the tube assembly and that has an integral retaining portion; an O-ring that circumscribes the first end of the tube assembly and that is maintained by the retaining portion of the filter; and a first attachment portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Michael P. Dallmeyer, Robert McFarland, Bryan Hall, Ross Wood
  • Publication number: 20020084367
    Abstract: A fuel injector for use with an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector comprises a valve group subassembly and a coil group subassembly. The valve group subassembly includes a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis that extends between a first end and a second end; a seat that is secured at the second end of the tube assembly and that defines an opening; an armature assembly that is disposed within the tube assembly; a member that biases the armature assembly toward the seat; an adjusting tube that is disposed in the tube assembly and that engages the member for adjusting a biasing force of the member; a filter that is disposed at least within the tube assembly; an O-ring that circumscribes the first end of the tube assembly and that can be maintained by a retaining portion of the filter; and a first attachment portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Michael P. Dallmeyer, Robert McFarland, Michael J. Hornby
  • Publication number: 20020084339
    Abstract: A fuel injector for use with an internal combustion engine. The fuel injector comprises a valve group subassembly and a coil group subassembly. The valve group subassembly includes a tube assembly having a longitudinal axis that extends between a first end and a second end; a seat that is secured at the second end of the tube assembly and that defines an opening; an armature assembly that is disposed within the tube assembly; a member that biases the armature assembly toward the seat; an adjusting tube that is disposed in the tube assembly and that engages the member for adjusting a biasing force of the member; a filter that is disposed at least within the tube assembly; and a first attachment portion. The coil group subassembly includes a solenoid coil that is operable to displace the armature assembly with respect to the seat; and a second attachment portion that is fixedly connected to the first attachment portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Michael P. Dallmeyer, Robert McFarland, Brayn Hall, Ross Wood
  • Publication number: 20020063175
    Abstract: A fuel injection valve includes a valve seat member having a valve bore, and an injector plate coupled to an outer end face of the valve seat member. A fuel diffusion chamber is defined between the valve seat member and the injector plate. The injector plate is provided with a plurality of fuel injection bores which are parted on a plane including an axis of the valve bore into primary and secondary groups for injecting fuel toward primary and secondary intake ports. When a direction of arrangement of the primary and secondary intake ports is represented by X, and a direction perpendicular to the direction of arrangement is represented by Y, the fuel injection bores of the primary and secondary groups are formed so that they are inclined to a side opposite from the axis of the valve bore only in a direction X toward a downstream side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Koji Kitamura, Akira Arioka
  • Publication number: 20020063173
    Abstract: An electromagnetic fuel injector comprises a body with a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet and a base that comprises a valve seat connected to the body. A moveable valve assembly comprising an armature and a valve outlet member is disposed at the fuel outlet for controlling the flow of fuel from the outlet. Positioned between the armature and valve outlet member is a dampening device that acts on the moveable valve assembly to reduce bounce of the valve outlet member at the valve seat. An electromagnetic fuel injector comprises a body with a fuel inlet and a fuel outlet and a base that comprises a valve seat connected to the body. A moveable valve assembly comprises an armature connected to a valve outlet member that includes a pintle and a ball element that is disposed at the fuel outlet to control the flow of fuel from the outlet. At least one spring, positioned between the armature and the valve outlet member, acts on the moveable valve assembly to reduce bounce of the valve outlet member at the valve seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph George Spakowski, Jay Keith Sofianek
  • Publication number: 20020063174
    Abstract: A fuel injection valve includes a valve seat member having a valve seat and a valve bore provided through a central portion of the valve seat, and an injector plate coupled to an outer end face of the valve seat member and having a plurality of fuel injection bores arranged in an annular shape surrounding an axis of the valve bore. A fuel diffusion chamber is defined between the valve seat member and the injector plate, and faced by the valve bore and all the fuel injection bores. The plurality of the fuel injection bores are formed in parallel to the axis of the valve bore, and the spreading angle of a fuel spray foam formed by the fuel injected from the fuel injection bores is determined depending on an axis distance between the valve bore and each of the fuel injection bores. Thus, it is possible to determine the spreading angle of the fuel spray foam as desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Akira Arioka, Koji Kitamura
  • Patent number: 6394367
    Abstract: A fuel injection valve includes an orifice plate having a plurality of discharge orifices formed therein. A valve seat is disposed upstream of the discharge orifices and has a cylindrical fuel passage formed therein. A fuel cavity is formed between the cylindrical fuel passage and the orifice plate directly above the discharge orifices. A valve member is supported for reciprocating movement into and out of contact with the valve seat. The fuel injection valve satisfies the inequalities &phgr;D1+&phgr;d<&phgr;P and t<&phgr;d wherein &phgr;D1 is the diameter of the cylindrical fuel passage, &phgr;d is the diameter of each discharge orifice, &phgr;P is the diameter of an imaginary circle passing through the center of each discharge orifice, and t is the depth in the axial direction of the fuel cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Munezane, Mamoru Sumida
  • Patent number: 6364220
    Abstract: A fuel injector for fuel-injection systems of internal combustion engines which includes an elongated, axially running, thin-walled, non-magnetic sleeve. At its downstream end, the sleeve has a bottom section, which runs substantially normal to the otherwise axial extent of the sleeve along a longitudinal valve axis. A valve needle, which is securely joined to an armature and a valve-closure member, can move axially within a feed-through opening of the sleeve. The valve-closure member cooperates with a valve-seat surface provided on a valve-seat body, the valve-seat body being pressed into the sleeve and likewise abutting, for example, on the bottom section of the sleeve. The sleeve constituted as a drawn sheet-metal part extends axially over more than half of the axial length of the fuel injector. The fuel injector is suited for applications in fuel-injection systems of mixture-compressing internal combustion engines having externally supplied ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Clemens Willke, Ferdinand Reiter, Willi Frank, Rudolf Kalb, Gerfried Hirt, Assadollah Awarzamani, Thomas Keil
  • Patent number: 6360972
    Abstract: The invention relates to a switching valve (10) comprising a valve body (20) in which a flow passage (24) is formed which opens with its one end into a work space (42). A valve plate (44) is accommodated in the work space (42) and can be moved between a closure position and an opening position. A closure element (50) is arranged between the valve plate (44) and the opening (26) of the flow passage (24) and closes the latter when the valve plate (44) is located in its closure position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignees: Delphi Technologies, Inc., Isuzu Motors, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Fuseya, Mahoro M. Fujita, Hermann Breitbach
  • Publication number: 20020011532
    Abstract: A fuel injection valve includes an orifice plate having a plurality of discharge orifices formed therein. A valve seat is disposed upstream of the discharge orifices and has a cylindrical fuel passage formed therein. A fuel cavity is formed between the cylindrical fuel passage and the orifice plate directly above the discharge orifices. A valve member is supported for reciprocating movement into and out of contact with the valve seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI DENKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Munezane, Mamoru Sumida
  • Publication number: 20020003176
    Abstract: A fuel injector includes a flexural element connected to a valve armature for restricting radial movement of the armature within a fuel passage. The flexural element is flat and exerts no force on the valve when it is closed but is flexed when the valve is opened and supplements the valve spring force during closing of the valve. The flexural element also is used to set the valve stroke length equal to the element's thickness. A flat tool presses a valve ball into the armature while the ball is seated on a valve seat until the flexural element engages a seat related surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventors: Otto Muller-Girard, Karl Jacob Haltiner, Michael Schneider, Harrie William Bonnah, Timothy P. Landschoot
  • Patent number: 6334576
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel injector having a fuel inlet, a fuel outlet, and a fuel passageway extending from the fuel inlet to the fuel outlet along a longitudinal axis. The fuel injector includes an armature disposed within the body, a cylindrical needle operatively connected to the armature, the needle having a support portion and a flow control portion, and a seat disposed at the fuel outlet. The fuel injector also includes a ball operatively connected to the support portion of the needle such that the flow control portion protrudes from the ball toward the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2002
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Yong Duk Cho
  • Publication number: 20010032888
    Abstract: A fuel injector for controlling fuel flow to an internal combustion engine and a method of setting dynamic calibration for the fuel injector. The fuel injector comprises a body, a seat, an armature assembly, a resilient member, and a member. The body extends along a longitudinal axis. The seat is secured to the body and defines an opening through which fuel flows. The armature assembly moves along the longitudinal axis with respect to the body between first and second positions. The first position is spaced from the seat such that fuel flow through the opening is permitted, and the second position contiguously engages the seat such that fuel flow is prevented. The resilient member biases the armature assembly toward the second position. And the member extends parallel to the longitudinal axis between a first portion and a second portion. The first portion supports the resilient member and engages the body, and the second portion has a filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: Robert McFarland
  • Publication number: 20010032894
    Abstract: An injector coil body assembly with upper and lower coil bodies is held together with a spring type press fit instead of welding. The coil bodies are made with generally tubular connecting portions telescoped together around the magnetic coil. The downwardly open tubular lower portion of the upper body is longer and slightly smaller than the connecting upwardly open tubular upper portion of the lower body so that the lower portion of the upper body fits into the upper portion of the lower body. A longitudinal slot in the upper body lower portion allows the lower portion to spring in slightly upon insertion into the lower body upper portion so that the upper and lower bodies are retained in assembly by a spring biased press fit. The press fit holds the telescoped portions in close contact, providing an efficient path for carrying the magnetic flux of the coil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventor: Robert B. Perry
  • Publication number: 20010030249
    Abstract: A fuel injector (20) may have an approximately cylindrical body (30) and a valve (40) adapted to reciprocate within a body (30). A valve seat (50) may have an opening (56) and may be positioned downstream of valve (40) such that opening (56) becomes closed when valve (40) moves downstream and opening (56) becomes open when valve (40) moves upstream. An orifice plate (60) may be coupled to the downstream side of valve seat (50). Valve seat (50) may press fit into the interior of body (30) and at least a portion of the outer surface of valve seat (50) preferably frictionally contacts the interior surface of body (30). One or more protrusions (32) may be formed on the interior surface of body (30). At least one protrusion (32) may optionally contact orifice plate (60). Further, the portion of the outer surface of valve seat (50) that is closest to valve seat opening (56) preferably does not frictionally contact the interior surface of body (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2001
    Publication date: October 18, 2001
    Inventors: Kenzo Nagasaka, Kazuaki Koyanagi, Yukinori Kato
  • Patent number: 6279841
    Abstract: In a fuel injector a valve-closure member movable axially along a valve longitudinal axis and a valve-seat body are provided for opening and closing the valve. Allocated to the valve-seat body is a valve-seat face which cooperates with the valve-closure member. In this context, the valve-closure member is joined to the valve-seat body via a spring element designed in the form of a diaphragm spring. The spring element is arranged in such a manner that it pulls the valve-closure member toward the valve-seat face as a return spring in response to closing of the valve. The fuel injector is particularly suitable for use in fuel-injection systems of mixture-compressing internal combustion engines with externally supplied ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Michael McCormick
  • Patent number: 6257509
    Abstract: A fuel injector for fuel injection systems of internal combustion engines, which is composed of two preassembled, independent subassemblies. In this context, a functional part essentially includes an electromagnetic circuit and a sealing valve, whereas a connecting part is essentially constituted of a hydraulic connection. In the ready-assembled injector, electrical connecting elements and hydraulic connecting elements of both subassemblies cooperate so that a reliable electrical and hydraulic connection is ensured. The valve is executed as a side-feed injector, and the electrical connection is located farther away from functional part than the hydraulic connection of the connecting part. The fuel injector is particularly suitable for use in fuel injection systems of mixture-compressing, positive ignition internal combustion engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Udo Hafner, Klaus Noller, Heinz Fuchs, Albert Staacke
  • Publication number: 20010002681
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel injector for fuel-injection systems of internal combustion engines, in which is provided an elongated, axially running, thin-walled, non-magnetic sleeve (12). At its downstream end, the sleeve (12) has a bottom section (20), which runs substantially normal to the otherwise axial extent of the sleeve (12) along a longitudinal valve axis (10). A valve needle (28), which is securely joined to an armature (24) and a valve-closure member (30), can move axially within a feed-through opening (21) of the sleeve (12). The valve-closure member (30) cooperates with a valve-seat surface (35) provided on a valve-seat body (25), the valve-seat body (25) being pressed into the sleeve (12) and likewise abutting, for example, on the bottom section (20) of the sleeve (12). The sleeve (12) constituted as a drawn sheet-metal part extends axially over more than half of the axial length of the fuel injector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 1998
    Publication date: June 7, 2001
    Inventors: CLEMENS WILLKE, FERDINAND REITER, WILLI FRANK, RUDOLF KALB, GERFRIED HIRT, ASSADOLLAH AWARZAMANI, THOMAS KEIL
  • Patent number: 6199776
    Abstract: A fuel injection valve that possesses an axially movable valve needle which includes at least one armature and one spherical valve closure element. The armature forms a closure element support which is joined at its downstream end to the valve closure element. The end of the closure element support facing toward the valve closure element is deformed in such a way that a polygonal profile is present. In accordance with the number of profile edges, at least two flowthrough openings, communicating with an inner longitudinal bore, are formed between the closure element support and the surface of the valve closure element, through which openings fuel can easily flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Martin Andorfer
  • Patent number: 6189816
    Abstract: Besides the conventional process steps of manufacturing a valve-seat body, forming a through opening inside the valve-seat body, forming a valve-seat as a frustoconical section of the through opening, and forming a guide area, the proposed method for manufacturing a valve seat for a fuel injector includes the simultaneous fine-machining of all guide sections in the guide area and the valve-seat area using a master ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Hubert Stier
  • Patent number: 6170763
    Abstract: A fuel inject includes an orifice plate which is arranged on a valve-seat member, particularly at its downstream end face, the valve-seat member having a fixed valve seat, the orifice geometry of the orifice plate being bounded by the valve-seat member, so that the flow ratios in the orifice plate are influenced by the valve-seat member. The valve-seat member covers an upper inlet region of the orifice plate, at least to the extent that downstream outlet orifices of the orifice plate are overlapped. The fuel injector is particularly suited for use in fuel systems of mixture-compressing internal combustion engines with externally supplied ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz Fuchs, G{umlaut over (u)}nter Dantes, Jörg Heyse
  • Patent number: 6131826
    Abstract: A valve, in particular a fuel injection valve for fuel injection systems of internal combustion engines is described. The valve has a valve seat surface formed on a valve seat body, which interacts with an actuatable valve closing body to form a sealing seat, as well as a perforated disk, which has at least one spray hole. The valve seat body and the perforated disk are designed as one piece from a flat, deformable workpiece. The workpiece is pot shaped so that in the area of the valve seat surface it is in sealing contact with the non-actuated valve closing body when the valve is closed and forms the perforated disk having at least one spray hole in an area downstream from the valve seat surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Henning Teiwes
  • Patent number: 6092743
    Abstract: A fuel swirling means 15 for giving a swirling force at the upper stream of the valve sheet 7 to the fuel passing through the surrounding area of the valve body 13 and a nozzle 16 injecting a swirling fuel are provided. A fuel spray 47 injected out from the injection port 17 of the nozzle 16 is so formed that the orientation of the fuel spray is deflected in a definite direction on the basis of the longitudinal axis C of the fuel injection valve body, the reachable distance L1 of the fuel spray at the deflected side is longer and the reachable distance L2 of the fuel spray at another side opposite to the deflected side is shorter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Car Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Shibata, Yasuo Namaizawa, Atsushi Sekine, Yuichi Sasaki, Tohru Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6089473
    Abstract: A valve includes a swirl-inducing arrangement positioned downstream from a valve seat. The swirl-inducing arrangement is shaped so that at least two radially offset and oppositely directed flows can be induced in a fluid to be sprayed. Swirl-induced shearing forces that cause turbulence occur in the boundary areas of the flow components having different directions. A uniform and extremely fine atomization of the fluid, specifically a fuel, is possible with this valve without any additional energy input. The valve is especially suitable for use in fuel injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Norbert Keim
  • Patent number: 6079642
    Abstract: A fuel injection valve includes an axially movable valve needle which has at least a closure element support and a spherical valve closure element. The closure element support receives the valve closure element in a lower recess. An end region of the closure element support fits around the valve closure element in the downstream direction beyond an equator of the valve closure element. The immovable join between valve closure element and closure element support is achieved by crimping. The fuel injection valve is particularly suitable for use in fuel injection systems of mixture-compressing spark-ignited internal combustion engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Dieter Maier
  • Patent number: 6062499
    Abstract: An injector including an electrically operated valve connected to a pressurized liquid supply source, is provided in a fuel supply system of an internal combustion engine, to inject fuel from a fuel tank supplied under pressure by a fuel pump. The injector has a housing having a conduit to receive fuel and a movable core (member) disposed in the conduit. The movable core has a valve. When a solenoid is energized, the movable core moves against the flow of fuel to open the valve, while allowing fuel to flow between a conduit surface and the movable member to as far as the valve. Grooves are formed on at least one of the conduit surface and a surface of the movable core, preferably on the conduit surface, in a direction parallel to that in which the movable member moves. These grooves act as fluid passages, reducing the fluid resistance encountered by the movable core and enhancing the valve stroke response.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masahito Nakamura, Kiyoshi Kasahara
  • Patent number: 6047907
    Abstract: A solenoid actuated fuel injector includes a valve body, a valve seat at one end of the valve body and having a seating surface facing the interior of the valve body and including a fuel outlet opening, a fuel tube for conducting pressurized fuel into the valve body against the seating surface, a spherical valve ball moveable between a seated position against the seating surface to close the outlet opening against fuel flow, and an open position spaced from the seating surface to allow fuel flow through the outlet opening, a spring in the valve body and biasing the valve ball toward the seated position, an armature axially moveable in the valve body and including a valve ball capturing member at an end proximate the seating surface, the valve ball capturing member being engageable with the ball outer surface adjacent the seating surface, and a solenoid coil operable to draw the armature away from the seating surface, thereby moving the valve ball to the open position and allowing fuel to pass through the fuel
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Siemens Automotive Corporation
    Inventor: Michael J. Hornby
  • Patent number: 6045116
    Abstract: An electromagnetically actuated valve, includes an axially movable valve needle that includes at least one armature and one spherical valve-closure member. The armature forms a closing-member support, which receives the valve-closure member in a downstream end area. In this context, the end area encompasses the valve-closure member such that at least one channel, in direct connection with a longitudinal bore of the armature, is formed on the surface of the valve-closure member. The valve is well suited for use in fuel injection systems of mixture-compressing internal combustion engines having externally supplied ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Clemens Willke, Jurgen Graner, Dieter Maier
  • Patent number: 6027049
    Abstract: A fuel injection valve for fuel injection systems of internal combustion engines includes two preassembled independent assemblies. A functional part substantially has an electromagnetic circuit and a sealing valve, while a connector part is constituted principally by a hydraulic connector and an electrical connector. In the completely assembled injection valve, electrical connecting elements and hydraulic connecting elements of the two assemblies coact so as to guarantee a reliable electrical and hydraulic connection. The fuel injection valve is particularly suitable for use in fuel injection systems of mixture-compressing, spark-ignited internal combustion engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Hubert Stier
  • Patent number: 6012701
    Abstract: A fuel injection valve includes a casing, a coupling for connection to a fuel supply line, a valve seat carrier arranged downstream from the coupling, and a valve seat body mounted on the valve seat carrier and having a valve seat face. The fuel injection valve also includes a valve closing body which can move between a closed position in contact with the valve seat face and an open position elevated from the valve seat face. The coupling includes a first sheet metal part, and the valve seat carrier includes a second sheet metal part. The sheet metal parts are shaped by a deformation stress exceeding the yield point of their material and they are joined together to form the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Ferdinand Reiter
  • Patent number: 5996227
    Abstract: The new valve needle comprises at least one valve-needle section and a valve-closure member section of the valve needle which are manufactured as one part by means of deep-drawing. To guarantee a flowing of the fuel in the direction of the valve seat, two beads are provided, for example, in the valve-needle section, while truncations are formed on the valve-closure member section having a hemispherical bowl shape. Thus, the fuel flows along on the outer periphery of the valve-needle section. The valve needle is especially suited for injection valves in fuel-injection systems of mixture-compressing internal combustion engines with externally supplied ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ferdinand Reiter, Werner Sefz, Ludwig Dorsch
  • Patent number: 5992018
    Abstract: An electromagnetically actuatable valve, including a connecting piece, which is connected to an armature. The valve needle has a connecting piece with a circular cross section with an armature head formed by cold forming in which the armature head is welded together with the armature. The valve needle permits a weight reduction and therefore a more rapidly closing valve. The valve needle is particularly suited for injection valves in fuel injection systems of mixture compressing internal combustion engines with externally supplied ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Ferdinand Reiter
  • Patent number: 5967419
    Abstract: A valve sound emitted from an operated injector is suppressed to be transmitted through a fuel passage in a core to a delivery pipe, thus reducing operating noise. A sound insulating member is fixed in the fuel passage in the core. It has been recognized that transmission of the sound is effectively suppressed even with a sound insulating member of such a size that does not prohibit fuel flow. Preferably, the sound insulating member is integrally assembled to a strainer. Noise from the operated injector is effectively reduced by the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Aisan Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takao Yamaguchi, Yukinori Kato
  • Patent number: 5957390
    Abstract: An injection valve can compensate for the reduction in through-flow experienced with known valves operating at higher temperatures. By forming the valve needle and valve seat carrier from different materials and more particularly by using a material with a very low coefficient of thermal expansion for the valve needle, the valve needle expands less in comparison with the valve seat carrier when there is an increase in temperature. Thus, an increase in travel occurs and a reduction in the metered quantity of fuel due to the formation of gas bubbles is avoided. The injection valve is particularly suitable for use in fuel injection systems of mixture-compressing, spark-ignition internal combustion engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Romann
  • Patent number: 5924634
    Abstract: An orifice plate includes a complete axial through passage for a fluid, in particular for a fuel, including inlet openings, outlet openings, and at least one conduit located between them. The inlet and outlet openings are arranged in the orifice plate so that they do not overlap at any point when projected into one plane. This offset of the outlet openings with respect to the inlet openings results in an S-shaped flow profile for the medium, onto which an atomization-promoting turbulence is thus imposed. The orifice plate is particularly suitable for use on injection valves in fuel injection systems, in paint nozzles, or for freeze-drying processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Arndt, Dietmar Hahn, Heinz Fuchs, Gottfried Flik, Guenter Dantes, Gilbert Moersch, Detlef Nowak, Joerg Heyse, Beate Ader, Frank Schatz
  • Patent number: 5921474
    Abstract: The valve in accordance with the present invention possesses a nozzle plate, which is distinguished by a plurality of narrow slots being provided in it as outlets for fuel. These slots are arranged running radially in a star shape, the individual slots not having a common point of contact. A uniform, very fine atomization of the fuel is possible with this arrangement without additional energy. A consequence of disintegrating into very small droplets is that the exhaust emission of an internal combustion engine can be further reduced and a reduction in fuel consumption can also be achieved. The valve is suited particularly for use in fuel injector systems of mixture-compressing internal combustion engines having externally supplied ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Zimmermann, Horst Magenau, Jurgen Buehring, Gilbert Moersch, Joerg Heyse, Harald Koenig
  • Patent number: 5921469
    Abstract: An injection valve can compensate for the reduction in through-flow experienced with known valves operating at higher temperatures. By forming the valve needle and valve seat carrier from different materials and more particularly by using a material with a very low coefficient of thermal expansion for the valve needle, the valve needle expands less in comparison with the valve seat carrier when there is an increase in temperature. Thus, an increase in travel occurs and a reduction in the metered quantity of fuel due to the formation of gas bubbles is avoided. The injection valve is particularly suitable for use in fuel injection systems of mixture-compressing, spark-ignition internal combustion engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Romann
  • Patent number: 5921473
    Abstract: In a fuel injector, a spherical valve-closure member interacts with an edge seat. The edge seat is formed by surfaces that follow one another directly at different angles in the area of the valve seat. The angles of the surfaces are such that the sealing edge of the edge seat points toward the valve-closure member. The fuel injector is especially suited for applications in fuel injection systems of mixture-compressing internal combustion engines having externally supplied ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Romann
  • Patent number: 5915591
    Abstract: An electric solenoid valve and method therefor including an armature reciprocatably disposed in an axial bore of a housing member having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet coupled to the axial bore at a first end thereof. The armature includes a valve member disposed at a first end portion thereof, and a magnetically attractable second end portion defining a second end thereof disposed toward a fixed core portion of the solenoid. The armature also includes an interior fluid passage with a fluid inlet disposed between the fluid inlet of the housing member and the second end of the armature to couple the interior fluid passage with the fluid inlet of the housing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
    Inventors: Perry Dennis Erickson, Chris Mark Jamison
  • Patent number: 5899390
    Abstract: An orifice plate includes a complex axial through passage for a fluid is created, composed of inlet openings, outlet openings, and at least one conduit located between them. The at least three functional planes of the orifice plate, each with a characteristic opening structure, are built up on one another by electroplating metal deposition (multilayer electroplating) . A layer of the orifice plate deposited by electroplating can have one or more functional planes. The orifice plate is particularly suitable for use on injection valves in fuel injection systems, in paint nozzles, inhalers, inkjet printers, for freeze-drying processes, for spraying or injecting liquids, for example beverages, or for atomizing medications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Arndt, Dietmar Hahn, Heinz Fuchs, Gottfried Flik, Guenter Dantes, Gilbert Moersch, Detlef Nowak, Joerg Heyse, Beate Ader, Frank Schatz
  • Patent number: 5878960
    Abstract: A pulse-wave-modulated spray control valve for controlling the release of a liquid to a flowing air stream for the purpose of atomizing the liquid to form a spray. The assembly includes a solenoid which is adapted to control reciprocating movement of an armature assembly that includes a valve head movable between an extended position in sealing engagement with a valve seat and a retracted position that permits liquid to enter a flow passage for a gaseous propellant. The solenoid is operated in response to energizing pulses which are modulated to control the flow rate of the liquid through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Rimrock Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. McInerney, II, David L. Celek, James J. Mahon, III, Michael K. Forry, Kurt R. Swartzlander
  • Patent number: 5875975
    Abstract: A fuel injector including a valve needle, where individual components, such as the valve needle segment and the valve closing element, are rigidly connected with one another by means of using a joining method which does not act on substance. In ideal manner, only pressure connections are present on the valve needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ferdinand Reiter, Assadollah Awarzamani
  • Patent number: 5862991
    Abstract: When an internal combustion engine is hot, especially in hot starting or during hot idling, outgassing of fuel occurs upstream of the injection port disk and at the injection ports; as a result, because too little fuel is supplied, the running performance is undesirably impaired. The running performance of the engine is therefore intended to be improved by preventing the development of vapor bubbles. By the provision of a transfer element, in the form of a raised body shoulder formed on the valve seat body, that reduces the heat transfer between the valve seat body and the injection port disk, it is accomplished that the injection port disk cools down as a result of the extracted heat of evaporation of the injected fuel, and thus the danger of vapor bubble development at the injection ports or upstream is reduced. The fuel injection valve is especially suitable for fuel injection systems in mixture-compressing internal combustion engines with externally supplied ignition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Clemens Willke, Klaus Franzke, Hartmut Albrodt, Norbert Belzner
  • Patent number: 5826804
    Abstract: A device for the injection of a fuel/gas mixture is particularly simple and cost-effective for gas containment of fuel emerging from an injection valve. For this purpose, a treatment attachment is provided at the downstream end of the injection valve, the treatment attachment including at least a gas containment part and an insert body which are fixedly connected to one another. The treatment attachment is fixedly connected to the injection valve by means of a casing portion of the bowl-shaped gas containment part, while a bottom portion of the gas containment part has material of the insert body at least partially injection-molded around it. Inside the insert body extends an orifice which at least partially widens conically in the downstream direction and in which, for example, a jet divider is arranged. The device is particularly suitable for injection into the suction pipe of a mixture-compressing spark-ignition internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ferdinand Reiter, Heinz-Martin Krause, Juergen Buchholz, Roland Beilhardt
  • Patent number: 5823446
    Abstract: A solenoid actuated fuel injector for liquified petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG) or the like has a fuel passage therethrough and a valve to control the flow of fuel through the fuel passage. The valve has a valve head formed of a generally flexible and substantially resilient material engageable with a valve seat to prevent fuel flow through the injector. The valve is preferably spring biased to a closed position which compresses the valve head against the valve seat to prevent fuel flow between them. Compression of the valve head is preferably limited by contact between the metal valve body and the metal valve seat which limits the travel of the valve body relative to the valve seat. The valve head and valve seat are also constructed to be highly resistant to wear to provide a consistent seal between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Awalbro Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Bennett, Devlin A. Hunt, Ronald H. Roche