Internal-combustion engines – Charge forming device – Fuel injection system
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-07
2001-12-04
Miller, Carl S. (Department: 3747)
Internal-combustion engines
Charge forming device
Fuel injection system
C123S456000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06325048
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an integrated mounting of a pressure regulator in the fuel system of an internal combustion engine and particularly relates to a mounting of the pressure regulator integrally between a fuel rail and an engine manifold.
BACKGROUND
Conventional pressure regulators for automotive fuel systems are typically not positioned directly adjacent the engine manifold. Rather, such pressure regulators are disposed at remote locations and coupled to the engine manifold by a specifically designed conduit, conventionally a flexible hose. Also, the pressure regulator is typically mounted with specific mounting hardware which, together with the necessary conduit, increase the cost of the fuel system. Further, the additional elements required for remote mounting of the pressure regulator and routing the conduit to the engine manifold occupy usable space in the engine compartment.
In many conventional fuel systems, the regulator is mounted internally within the fuel tank. Internal fuel tank mounting positions for pressure regulators have their own difficulties in mounting, servicing and replacement. In certain return-type fuel systems, a pressure regulator is typically secured to or forms a part of a fuel rail whereby the fuel pressure in the fuel rail is regulated and excess fuel is returned to the fuel supply. In such system, the pressure regulator is normally closed and acts essentially as a pressure relief valve which opens at a predetermined pressure to enable excess fuel in the relief rail to return to the fuel supply. In another conventional returnless fuel system, the pressure regulator is similarly attached to or forms part of the fuel rail. However, the pressure regulator acts as a demand-type valve supplying fuel at a regulated pressure to the fuel rail in response to fuel demand. That is, the pressure regulator valve is normally open and regulates the flow of fuel to the fuel rail. In the event of an over-pressure condition, the pressure regulator closes the valve and an over-pressure relief valve typically in the fuel tank opens to relieve system fuel pressure. In both the return and returnless-type fuel systems, it is desirable to provide a vacuum reference on the pressure regulator to the engine intake manifold. However, as noted previously, the vacuum reference is typically coupled between the engine intake manifold and pressure regulator by a flexible hose or conduit. Accordingly, there has developed a need for mounting the pressure regulator for an automotive fuel system in a manner which is less costly and which increases available engine space by eliminating regulator mounting and connecting parts.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, the pressure regulator, in either return or returnless-type fuel systems, is directly coupled between the fuel rail and the engine intake manifold. In this manner, the need for a flexible hose or conduit interconnecting the vacuum reference port of the pressure regulator and the engine intake manifold is entirely eliminated. Ancillary structure necessary to mount the pressure regulator to the engine and connect it to the fuel rail is entirely eliminated. To accomplish this, the pressure regulator of the present invention is connected directly between the fuel rail and engine manifold. The engine intake manifold is provided with a boss defining a vacuum port to which the vacuum reference port of the pressure regulator is directly connected. The regulator port has an O-ring for sealing with the intake manifold port whereby the regular vacuum reference port can be inserted directly into the manifold port. Further, a mounting cup for the pressure regulator is directly secured to the fuel rail. A pair of O-ring seals are provided between the mounting cup and the pressure regulator enabling fuel to communicate between the fuel rail and the regulator. Thus, the regulator can be simply inserted into the mounting cup on the fuel rail to afford fuel flow between the fuel rail and regulator. With this type of mounting between the regulator and each of the fuel rail and intake manifold, it will be appreciated that the regulator is clamped between those parts without any additional support structure.
In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, there is provided a fuel system for an internal combustion engine comprising a fuel rail for supplying fuel to fuel injectors, a manifold having a vacuum reference passage, a pressure regulator for regulating the pressure of the fuel in the fuel rail supplied to the fuel injectors, the pressure regulator having an opening for communicating fuel between the fuel rail and the regulator and a vacuum reference port, the regulator being fixedly mounted between the fuel rail and the manifold with the fuel opening in communication with the fuel rail and the vacuum reference port secured directly to the manifold and lying in direct communication with the manifold vacuum reference passage.
In a further preferred embodiment according to the present invention, there is provided a fuel system for an internal combustion engine comprising a fuel rail for supplying fuel to fuel injectors, a mounting cup provided on the fuel rail, a manifold having a vacuum reference passage, a pressure regulator for regulating the pressure of the fuel in the fuel rail supplied to the fuel injectors and at least in part receivable within the mounting cup, the regulator having an opening for communicating fuel between the fuel rail and the regulator, seals between the mounting cup and the regulator for sealing the regulator and mounting cup on opposite sides of the opening, the pressure regulator having a vacuum reference port, the regulator being fixedly mounted between the fuel rail and the manifold with the fuel opening in communication with the fuel rail and the vacuum reference port in direct communication with the manifold vacuum reference passage.
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Miller Carl S.
Siemens Automotive Corporation
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