Abstract: The present invention provides a solenoid actuated fuel injector with a repeatable stroke. The fuel injector includes a housing 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 additionally includes a valve body having an inlet portion and an armature guide eyelet that is disposed in the inlet portion of the valve body within the fuel passageway. The armature guide eyelet is sized to direct and support reciprocal motion of the needle/armature assembly within the fuel passageway along the longitudinal axis. The needle/armature assembly is reciprocally disposed in and axially aligned with the fuel passageway. The needle/armature assembly includes an upper bearing guide fixedly connected to a needle stem portion. The upper bearing guide includes a bearing portion and a contacting portion.

Abstract: A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine is provided. The fuel injector includes a housing and an armature/needle assembly reciprocally mounted in the housing. The armature/needle assembly includes an armature having an armature end and a longitudinal armature channel extending therethrough and a needle having a longitudinal needle axis and a first needle end inserted in the armature channel. The first needle end is fixedly connected to the armature end. The assembly also includes at least one flow channel between the armature and the needle. The fuel injector further includes a valve seat located downstream of the needle. The needle is selectively engageable and disengageable with the valve seat to preclude fuel flow through an opening in the valve seat and to allow fuel flow through the opening in the valve seat, respectively. A method of forming the armature/needle assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A fuel injector including a jacket, a valve seat, and a needle valve apparatus mounted within the jacket and engagable with the valve seat. The needle valve apparatus includes a plurality of holes for filtering fuel flowing through the injector. Each of the holes has a diameter sized to prevent passage therethrough of particles having widths of approximately 0.050 millimeters and larger. In one aspect of the invention, the needle valve apparatus includes a needle valve assembly having at least one transverse aperture through which fuel can flow and a generally tubular filter surrounding at least a portion of the needle valve assembly. The plurality of holes for filtering fuel is formed in the tubular filter. In another aspect, the needle valve apparatus includes a needle valve assembly having a needle valve with a wall that includes the plurality of holes.

Abstract: A fuel injector for an internal combustion engine is provided. The fuel injector includes a housing and an armature/needle assembly reciprocally mounted in the housing. The armature/needle assembly includes an armature having an armature end and a longitudinal armature channel extending therethrough and a needle having a longitudinal needle axis and a first needle end inserted in the armature channel. The first needle end is fixedly connected to the armature end. The assembly also includes at least one flow channel between the armature and the needle. The fuel injector further includes a valve seat located downstream of the needle. The needle is selectively engageable and disengageable with the valve seat to preclude fuel flow through an opening in the valve seat and to allow fuel flow through the opening in the valve seat, respectively. A method of forming the armature/needle assembly is also provided.

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.

Abstract: A microdispensing system is useful for the open-jet dispensing of liquids. A valve having a valve chamber is bounded by an impermeable elastic membrane and is filled with the liquid for dispensing. One or more liquid supply lines lead to the valve chamber. An outlet closed from the exterior by the membrane in the position of rest leads from the chamber to a dispensing nozzle. An actuator chamber is disposed on the other side of the membrane. In the actuator chamber, an electromechanical drive is connected to the membrane for the purpose of briefly lifting the membrane from the outlet. The actuator chamber is closed in such manner that it can be subjected to a pressure differing from atmospheric pressure.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 may include 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 within the tube assembly and integral with the adjusting tube; an O-ring that circumscribes the first end of the tube assembly and that is maintained by a retaining portion; and a first attachment portion.

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 within the tube assembly and integral with the adjusting 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: In an electromagnetic fuel injector, when an opening valve pulse is turned ON by a command from an ECU, a first coil is energized and a first fixed core attracts a moving core and unseats a valve member from a valve seat to open a valve of the fuel injector. A time Tx before the opening valve pulse becomes OFF, a closing valve pulse is turned ON, whereby a second coil is energized and a second fixed core attracts the moving core toward a valve closing direction. As a result, after the valve starts to close, the urging force in the valve closing direction increases rapidly, the time delay from the start of valve closing to the end is shortened, and the valve closing responsiveness improves.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for fuel injection in an internal combustion engine comprising a nozzle tip with a hollow interior defining a fuel chamber. The nozzle tip has at least one spray orifice opening to an outer surface on the nozzle tip, and a valve member at least partially disposed within the nozzle tip. The valve member is moveable between a first position in which the valve member contacts an upper valve seat to prevent fluid communication of fuel from the fuel chamber to the at least one spray orifice, and a second outward position in which the valve member contacts a lower valve seat to allow fluid communication of fuel from the fuel chamber to the at least one spray orifice. The valve member is directly electrically actuated, preferably by a solenoid. Further, the valve member is biased in the closed position and the valve member is pressure balanced when high pressure fuel in present in the fuel chamber.

Abstract: A valve that is well-suited for controlling the injection of fuel into an engine. The valve may include an inner housing that includes a movable valve stem and that is removably attachable to an engine. An electrically-actuatable coil assembly is removably attached to the inner housing of the valve for selectively moving the valve stem within the inner housing to permit fuel to pass through the valve into the engine upon an application of an electrical current to the electrically actuatable coil.

Abstract: A fuel injector is disclosed. The fuel injector includes a hollow body having an upstream segment and a downstream segment and a valve. The valve has a needle assembly which includes an upstream segment having a first longitudinal channel extending therethrough and a magnetic armature located within the first longitudinal channel. The armature includes a passage extending therethrough. The needle assembly also includes a downstream segment having a second longitudinal channel co-axial with and communicating with the first longitudinal channel. The second longitudinal channel extends through the downstream segment. The needle assembly also includes a seating body located at a downstream end of the downstream segment and a transverse passage located upstream of the seating body. The transverse passage communicates with at least one of the first and the second longitudinal channels. A method of fabricating a needle assembly for a fuel injector is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electromagnetically operable fuel injector for a gaseous fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine, the injector having a generally longitudinal axis. which comprises, a ferromagnetic core, a magnetic coil at least partially surrounding the ferromagnetic core and an armature magnetically coupled to the magnetic coil and being movably responsive to the magnetic coil. The armature actuates a valve closing element which interacts with a fixed valve seat of a fuel valve and is movable away from the fixed valve seat when the magnetic coil is excited. The fixed valve seat defines a central fuel opening and a generally annular groove adjacent the central fuel opening, the armature having a generally elongated shape and a generally central opening for axial reception and passage of gaseous fuel from a fuel inlet connector positioned adjacent thereto.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: In a fuel injection valve body for a direct injection type internal combustion engine, an entire nozzle body tip portion is formed in a conical shape protruding from a nozzle body outer peripheral surface covered with a cap. Therefore, neither a corner portion or a recessed portion is formed on a surface of the nozzle body tip portion. This prevents heat generated by combustion from concentrating at a corner portion or a surface area from enlarging by a recessed portion, which in turn prevents heat generated by combustion from increasing the temperature of the nozzle body tip portion. Moreover, since a foremost portion of a spherical shape is formed such that it does not form a corner portion or a recessed portion in a peripheral portion of a conical shape, heat generated by combustion does not increase the temperature of the nozzle body tip portion. The temperature of a nozzle hole can therefore be prevented from increasing and accumulation of deposits can be restricted.

Abstract: A valve needle for use in an electromagnetically operable injection valve of a fuel injection system in an internal combustion engine includes a connecting part that is made of a plastic bar and that is connected to an armature and a valve closing element. In order to achieve a tight connection of the valve needle components, the connecting part enters into a form-fitting connection with the armature and with the valve closing element. The form-fitting connection between the connecting part and the valve closing element includes corresponding areas of larger and smaller diameters engaging with one another.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel injector having a fuel inlet, a fuel outlet, and a fuel passageway extending along an axis between the fuel inlet and the fuel outlet. The fuel injector includes a body having an inlet portion, an outlet portion, and a neck portion disposed between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. An armature is disposed within the neck portion of the body and displaceable along the axis relative to the body. A spring is disposed within the neck portion and applies a biasing force to the armature. The spring has a downstream end disposed proximate the armature and an upstream end opposite from the downstream end. An adjusting tube is disposed within the neck portion of the body and proximate to the upstream end of the spring. The adjusting tube varies the biasing force applied by the spring to the armature.

Abstract: Sticking of carbon deposit to a passage portion between a seat portion and an injection port is reduced. An injection port 13 for injecting a fuel that is arranged to face a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine. A seat portion H where a valve element 8 comes in contact with a face of a valve seat 11 to intermit fuel injection is arranged at a place upstream the injection port 13. The valve element 8 is conical at a portion downstream the seat portion H to an inlet of the injection port 13. Sectional area of passage between the valve element 8 and the face of the valve seat 11 at the time of fully opening the valve element 8 is arranged so that sectional area of passage downstream the vicinity of the seat portion H is larger. A tapered face 17 having a bore not more than 1/2.5 of inner diameter of a swirl chamber 16 of a swirler 10 is formed on the valve seat 11 face downstream the seat portion H.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of compensating for thermal expansion and tolerance variations (wear, brinelling, mounting distortion) in a fuel injector is provided. The apparatus includes a magneto-hydraulic thermal expansion compensator containing magnetically-active fluid positioned in operative contact with the fuel injector actuation element. A electromagnetic coil is provided proximate the magneto-hydraulic compensator. Magnetic flux generated by the electromagnetic coil causes the viscosity of the magnetically-active fluid within the magneto-hydraulic compensator to increase, causing the magneto-hydraulic compensator to become substantially rigid during actuation of the fuel injector.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve, in particular for fuel injection systems of internal combustion engines, includes a magnet coil, an armature acted upon in a closing direction by a return spring, and a valve needle, in nonpositive engagement with the armature, for actuation of a valve closure element that, together with a valve seating surface, forms a sealing fit. At least one fuel conduit through which fuel flows is provided in the armature and/or in the valve needle. An impact element is mounted on the valve needle in the spray-discharge direction of the fuel conduit.

Abstract: A fuel injector, in particular a high-pressure injector for directly injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of a mixture-compression, spark-ignition internal combustion engine, which is characterized by the fact that at a valve seat element a conical section is formed having a valve seat surface, to which an outlet opening is immediately joined in the downstream direction. The outlet opening has an intake plane, whose central point lies on the valve longitudinal axis, whose central axis, however, runs diagonally with respect to valve longitudinal axis. A disk-shaped swirl element is arranged upstream of the valve seat element. The swirl element has swirl channels, which are distributed over the periphery, the swirl channels having varying geometries or dimensions.

Abstract: A valve actuating device is provided which may be employed in fuel injectors for automotive internal combustion engines. The valve actuating device includes an actuator, a large-diameter piston displaced by said actuator, a small-diameter piston operating a valve, a displacement amplifying chamber filled with working fluid to amplify and transmit displacement of the large-diameter piston to the small-diameter piston, and a drain passage. The drain passage communicates with the displacement amplifying chamber through a pinhole for draining the working fluid within the displacement amplifying chamber, thereby enabling the pressure in the displacement amplifying chamber to be released in order to ensure the movement of the small-diameter piston when the valve actuating device is started.

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 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.

Abstract: A fuel injector is provided. The fuel injector includes a metering member for delivering fuel from a delivery end of the fuel injector. The metering member comprises a seat disposed proximate the delivery end of the fuel injector; and an armature assembly. The armature assembly includes a longitudinal axis, a seating element disposed generally along the longitudinal axis, and an elongated tube. The elongated tube has a first end, a second end, and a tube channel extending from the second end toward the first end. The first end has a first portion connected to the seating element with at least one weld and a second portion disposed distal from the longitudinal axis from the first portion. The armature assembly is reciprocably disposed within the fuel injector between a closed position wherein the seating element is biased against the seat and an open position wherein the seating element is disposed away from the seat. A method of manufacturing the armature assembly is also provided.

Abstract: The fuel injection valve of the present invention is constituted such that a needle valve 5 and a movable core 4 are movably disposed in an axial direction in the inside of a body 1. Here, a fixed member 8 which the movable core 4 approaches at the time of closing the valve is disposed in the body 1, and a gap is formed between the movable core 4 and the fixed member 8 at the time of closing the valve. When fuel remaining in the gap between the movable core 4 and the fixed member 8 is pressurized according to the movement of the movable core 4 to the valve closing side, a squeezing portion SB1 is disposed at a portion which constitutes a passage for the fuel extruded from the gap. At the time of closing the valve, a squeezing reaction force (reaction force against the squeezing-out force or pushing-out force generated at the time of pressurizing a liquid and squeezing a liquid through the gap) is generated on the movable core 4.

Abstract: There is required a valve structure which can be easily worked, does not increase a producing cost, can reduce a dispersion in a side gap by restricting an eccentricity and an incline of a valve body and can maintain an injection accuracy high. In particular, there is required an electromagnetic fuel injection valve which is advantageous in view of production even in a narrow valve structure. In the electromagnetic fuel injection valve, at least one guide portion having one end fixed to an injection valve main body and guiding an axial sliding motion of the valve member in the inner portion is provided, and a nozzle guide body constituting a magnetic passage portion formed so as to surround a magnetic member connected and fixed to one end of the valve member by the same material is provided.

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.

Abstract: An improved method of actuating an electronic fuel injector is provided using magnetostrictive transduction. A ferro-magnetic rod having giant magnetostrictive properties is operatively coupled with a fuel injector needle valve. Application of a magnetic field to the ferro-magnetic rod generates strain in the rod and corresponding motion in the needle valve, thereby actuating the fuel injector.

Abstract: A fuel injector for use in a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The fuel injector includes a body, a needle, and a metering orifice. The body has a longitudinal axis and a valve seat. The valve seat has a beveled annular surface and a central opening therethrough. The central opening is formed by a generally cylindrical wall. The needle includes a first portion having a first cross sectional area and a second portion having a second cross-sectional area. The second portion includes a needle end face which extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The needle is reciprocally located within the body along the longitudinal axis and is biased against the valve seat. The metering orifice is connected to a downstream end of the valve body. A fuel sac is generally formed by the metering orifice, the needle end face, and the cylindrical wall. A projection extends into the fuel sac, reducing a volume of the fuel sac.

Abstract: A method for locating an injector ball valve guide in alignment with a valve seat mounted in a common recess of an injector valve body. The valve guide is a disk that has a central opening which guides a valve ball of an associated valve member. During assembly, the guide disk is aligned with the valve seat by a locating tool having an oversized ball on a load rod. The oversized ball is fitted closely within the central opening of the guide and is seated on the ball seat to align the seat and opening. The valve seat and guide disk are then locked in the recess by crimping edges of the recess against the valve seat. The locating tool is removed and assembly of the remaining injector components is completed. The method simplifies alignment of the seat and guide components. In a variation of the method, the guide is aligned with and fixed to the valve seat with the oversized ball in place to form an aligned subassembly for subsequent installation into a fuel injector.

Abstract: A metering assembly for a fuel injector having multiple orifice plates is disclosed. The metering assembly includes a valve body, a seat, a needle and a multi-layer orifice plate assembly. The valve body has an inlet, an outlet and a longitudinal axis extending therethrough. The seat is disposed proximate the outlet and includes a passage having a sealing surface and an orifice. The needle is reciprocally located within the housing along the longitudinal axis between a first position wherein the needle is displaced from the seat, allowing fuel flow past the needle, and a second position wherein the needle is biased against the seat, precluding fuel flow past the needle. The multi-layer orifice plate assembly is located at the housing outlet and includes a first orifice plate having a plurality of first openings extending therethrough. The orifice plate assembly further includes a second orifice plate having a plurality of second openings extending therethrough.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel injection valve having an axially movable valve needle (13) having at least one closing body support (17) and a spherical valve closing body (18). The closing body support (17) accommodates the valve closing body (18) in a downstream end area (46). The valve closing body (18) has at least one flattened zone (24) on its surface, whereby the flattened area has an axial extension component, and whereby at least one channel (47) for a flow of fuel is formed between the at least one flattened zone (24) and an inner wall of the closing body support (17). The fuel injection valve is especially well suited for use in fuel injection systems of mixture-compressing, SI internal combustion engines.

Abstract: An armature lift assembly for a fuel injector is disclosed. The assembly includes a body having an upstream end, a downstream end, and a longitudinal body channel extending therethrough and an armature/needle assembly which is reciprocably disposed in the body along the longitudinal body channel. The assembly further includes a first tube having an upstream end, a downstream end fixedly connected to the upstream end of the body, and a first tube channel. The assembly also includes a second tube located within the first tube channel and fixedly connected to the first tube. The second tube has an upstream end and a downstream end. The downstream end of the second tube is spaced a distance from the upstream end of the armature/needle assembly approximately equal to a lift distance of the armature/needle assembly. A method of setting armature/needle lift in a fuel injector is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fuel injector seat for a fuel injector assembly, and more particularly for a high-pressure fuel injector assembly, having a number of features for minimizing the formation of combustion chamber deposits on the seat, providing a selected finish on a needle-sealing portion, and reducing sac volume. These features include positioning a transition portion between the needle-sealing portion and an orifice portion, positioning a sharp edge at the outlet of the orifice portion, and applying a coating to certain surfaces of the seat. This invention also relates to a fuel injector seat and method of manufacturing the fuel injector seat, and a method of evaluating when the transition portion is required between the orifice and needle-sealing portions for a particular seat arrangement.