Connector

Details Connector Connector

1999-07-20

2001-08-28

Moulis, Thomas N. (Department: 3747)

Internal-combustion engines

Charge forming device

Fuel injection system

C123S468000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06279540

ABSTRACT:

This invention relates to a connector for use in connecting a supply of fuel under high pressure to a fuel injector. In particular, the invention relates to a connector for use in an arrangement of the type in which an injector is located within a bore provided in an engine cylinder head, the fuel being supplied through the cylinder head to the injector.
In a known arrangement an injector is provided with a conical seating, the seating being accessible through a bore or opening provided in the engine cylinder head, the bore extending in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the seating. A connector is mounted within the bore, the connector including an elongate tubular region which engages the seating provided on the injector. In use, fuel is supplied to the injector through the connector.
Manufacturing tolerances may result in the conical seating and the bore being out of alignment, in which case leakage may occur between the injector and the connector, or the additional stress applied to the connector in order to avoid such leakage may result in premature failure of the connector. It is an object of the invention to provide a connector in which these disadvantages are reduced or avoided.
According to the present invention there is provided a connector for use in supplying fuel to a fuel injector, the connector comprising a tubular member arranged to be received, in use, within an opening provided in an engine cylinder head, the tubular member being shaped, at a first end thereof, for engagement with part of the fuel injector, a second end of the tubular member being shaped for sealing engagement with an inlet adapter member which is secured, in use, within the opening, the inlet adapter and the tubular member defining a flow passage whereby fuel can be supplied, under pressure, to the injector.
Conveniently, the second end of 'the tubular member defines a seating and the inlet adaptor member includes an end region shaped for engagement with the seating.
The connector conveniently includes a filter arranged to manage contaminant particles in the flow of fuel towards the injector. The filter may take the form of an edge filter member located within the inlet adapter member or the tubular member.
Conveniently, the connector includes a seal arrangement whereby the connector is sealed to the cylinder head, the opening and the tubular member defining a fuel flow path whereby fuel at relatively low pressure can be returned from the injector to a low pressure reservoir.
At least one of the inlet adapter member and the tubular member may be provided with a region of part spherical form permitting a degree of articulation between the inlet adapter member and the tubular member.


REFERENCES:
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patent: 196 08 574 (1997-09-01), None
patent: 0 569 727 (1993-11-01), None
patent: 925 937 (1963-05-01), None

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