Fluid sprinkling – spraying – and diffusing – Including valve means in flow line – Reciprocating
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-14
2001-10-16
Scherbel, David A. (Department: 3752)
Fluid sprinkling, spraying, and diffusing
Including valve means in flow line
Reciprocating
C239S585400, C239S585500
Reexamination Certificate
active
06302340
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to fuel injectors of the type that are used to inject fuel into the induction system of an internal combustion engine, and particularly to a molded electrical plug for attachment on such a fuel injector after assembly and testing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Currently, fuel injectors are molded in several lengths, and multiple electrical plug designs are required. For each injector length, for example, there may be as many as five different connector or plug designs. Each different plug design requires re-molding of the entire injector assembly, to incorporate the various plug designs. This not only costs excess dollars in extra molding tools, but also in electrical contact tooling.
Furthermore, each different plug design must be assembled and tested individually, requiring much changeover time being spent in both assembly and test areas of production. The multitude of connector or plug designs results in a statistical exercise of great magnitude, to properly assemble and test each separate design.
It is seen then that there exists a need for a standardized molded fuel injector geometry which comprises a standard post electrical plug assembly, capable of receiving multiple lengths and designs of plugs, which can be installed after assembly and testing of the standard fuel injector.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This need is met by the post electrical plug assembly of the present invention, wherein any of a multitude of different electrical plug or cover designs can be ultrasonically welded in place on a standardized molded fuel injector geometry after final assembly or test processes are passed. This eliminates re-molding of the entire injector assembly to accommodate each different plug design. The post electrical plug assembly of the present invention allows for reduced process or equipment investment and a standard product geometry for the molded injector.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a fuel injector assembly comprises a fuel injector having an inlet end and an outlet end and a valve seat assembly for controlling passage of fuel through the fuel injector between the inlet end and the outlet end. Electrical terminals allow for electrical current flow through the fuel injector. Rather than mold the electrical connector with the fuel injector assembly, the present invention proposes installing a post electrical plug encompassing the electrical terminals, after final assembly or test processes are passed. The post electrical plug allows for connection to a mating connector, via which the injector is operated from an electronic engine control. The post electrical plug of the present invention is configured to accommodate multiple fuel injector geometries. The post electrical plug is part of an assembly further comprising a stepped base geometry for receiving and orienting the plug, and a weld bead for providing a leak-tight connection for the plug.
It is an advantage of the present invention that a single mold design is provided for each injector length, with the standardized fuel injector geometry of the present invention being capable of accommodating multiple plug designs, thereby lowering labor and tooling costs.
For a full understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference may be had to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
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Nguyen Dinh Q.
Scherbel David A.
Siemans Automotive Corporation
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