EP0957262B1 - Fuel injector - Google Patents

Fuel injector Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0957262B1
EP0957262B1 EP19990303515 EP99303515A EP0957262B1 EP 0957262 B1 EP0957262 B1 EP 0957262B1 EP 19990303515 EP19990303515 EP 19990303515 EP 99303515 A EP99303515 A EP 99303515A EP 0957262 B1 EP0957262 B1 EP 0957262B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
adapter plate
fuel
recess
formations
flow
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP19990303515
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0957262A3 (en
EP0957262A2 (en
Inventor
Michael Peter Cooke
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Delphi Technologies Inc
Original Assignee
Delphi Technologies Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Delphi Technologies Inc filed Critical Delphi Technologies Inc
Publication of EP0957262A2 publication Critical patent/EP0957262A2/en
Publication of EP0957262A3 publication Critical patent/EP0957262A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0957262B1 publication Critical patent/EP0957262B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02MSUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M55/00Fuel-injection apparatus characterised by their fuel conduits or their venting means; Arrangements of conduits between fuel tank and pump F02M37/00
    • F02M55/004Joints; Sealings
    • F02M55/005Joints; Sealings for high pressure conduits, e.g. connected to pump outlet or to injector inlet
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02MSUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M47/00Fuel-injection apparatus operated cyclically with fuel-injection valves actuated by fluid pressure
    • F02M47/02Fuel-injection apparatus operated cyclically with fuel-injection valves actuated by fluid pressure of accumulator-injector type, i.e. having fuel pressure of accumulator tending to open, and fuel pressure in other chamber tending to close, injection valves and having means for periodically releasing that closing pressure
    • F02M47/027Electrically actuated valves draining the chamber to release the closing pressure
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02MSUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M55/00Fuel-injection apparatus characterised by their fuel conduits or their venting means; Arrangements of conduits between fuel tank and pump F02M37/00
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02MSUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M55/00Fuel-injection apparatus characterised by their fuel conduits or their venting means; Arrangements of conduits between fuel tank and pump F02M37/00
    • F02M55/002Arrangement of leakage or drain conduits in or from injectors
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02MSUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M61/00Fuel-injectors not provided for in groups F02M39/00 - F02M57/00 or F02M67/00
    • F02M61/16Details not provided for in, or of interest apart from, the apparatus of groups F02M61/02 - F02M61/14
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02MSUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M61/00Fuel-injectors not provided for in groups F02M39/00 - F02M57/00 or F02M67/00
    • F02M61/16Details not provided for in, or of interest apart from, the apparatus of groups F02M61/02 - F02M61/14
    • F02M61/165Filtering elements specially adapted in fuel inlets to injector
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02MSUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M2200/00Details of fuel-injection apparatus, not otherwise provided for
    • F02M2200/16Sealing of fuel injection apparatus not otherwise provided for
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02MSUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M2200/00Details of fuel-injection apparatus, not otherwise provided for
    • F02M2200/28Details of throttles in fuel-injection apparatus
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02MSUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M2200/00Details of fuel-injection apparatus, not otherwise provided for
    • F02M2200/80Fuel injection apparatus manufacture, repair or assembly
    • F02M2200/8069Fuel injection apparatus manufacture, repair or assembly involving removal of material from the fuel apparatus, e.g. by punching, hydro-erosion or mechanical operation

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a fuel injector for use in delivering fuel under pressure to a cylinder of an internal combustion engine.
  • a number of restricted flow passages must be provided to permit fuel to flow to the bore within which the valve needle is slidable, and to a control valve which controls the fuel pressure within a control chamber to control operation of the injector. It is known to provide such restricted flow passages by forming appropriate bores or drillings in the nozzle body, distance piece or valve housing of the injector. However, the provisions of such drillings or bores requires a high level of precision. As a result, during manufacture the appropriate drillings and bores must be machined into each component to form the necessary passages, and the passages must be honed to the correct dimensions. Each component is then tested and, if necessary, re-honed. It will be appreciated that such a manufacturing process is time consuming and expensive.
  • UK patent 2,112,065 (Daimler-Benz AG) describes an internal combustion engine fuel injection valve filter arrangement.
  • the arrangement comprises valve elements which are clamped against one another by a nozzle lock nut and which have inlet bores leading to the injection needle.
  • a disc-shaped fuel filter is located between two valve elements whose faces bearing against the fuel filter have annular grooves which are connected to the inlet bores.
  • the fuel filter is in the form of a sieve plate whose sieve openings have a diameter of less than 0.15 mm.
  • a filter in the injector to prevent dirt particles from flowing to and damaging or impairing the operation of the control valve.
  • the provision of such a filter increases the number of components present in the injector thus increasing the cost of the injector and increasing the complexity of the assembly process.
  • a fuel injector comprising a nozzle body, a nozzle holder, and an adapter plate located between the nozzle holder and the nozzle body, at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the adapter plate being shaped to include formations defining recesses so as to form a restricted flow passage between the recesses.
  • the formations conveniently define an orifice through which fuel can flow at a controlled rate towards the bore of the nozzle body, a restricted flow path permitting fuel to flow at a restricted rate to a control chamber, and a flow path connecting the control chamber to a control valve.
  • the adapter plate conveniently further includes formations defining a filter arranged to remove dirt particles from the flow of fuel towards the control chamber and control valve.
  • an adapter plate is advantageous in that production of a fuel injector can be achieved relatively easily at relatively low cost.
  • the formations produced using a micro-machining technique are precisely located, thus permitting the manufacture of large quantities of substantially identical components to a high degree of accuracy without requiring significant post production processing.
  • the invention further relates to a method of manufacturing an injector including the step of micro-machining at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of an adapter plate to produce formations defining recesses therein which, in use, form a restricted flow passage between said recesses.
  • the step of micro-machining the adapter plate may use, for example, photolithography, x-ray lithography, electroforming or laser micro-machining techniques. The use of such techniques permits the production of the formations in the adapter plate in precisely controlled locations at relatively low cost.
  • the injector illustrated in part in Figure 1 comprises a nozzle body 10 having a blind bore 12 formed therein within which a valve needle 14 is slidable, an end of the valve needle 14 being engageable with a seating defined adjacent the blind end of the bore 12 to control the supply of fuel from the bore 12 past the seating to one or more outlet openings formed in the nozzle body 10.
  • the bore 12 is shaped to include an enlarged diameter annular gallery 16 which communicates through a supply passage 18 with a source of fuel under high pressure, for example a common rail charged with fuel to high pressure by an appropriate fuel pump.
  • the bore 12 is shaped to include regions which engage the outer surface of the needle 14 to guide the needle 14 for sliding movement, the needle 14 being shaped to include flutes 20 permitting fuel to flow from the gallery 16 to an annular chamber 22 defined between the wall of the bore 12 and a reduced diameter part of the needle 14.
  • the needle 14 includes angled thrust surfaces which are exposed to the fuel pressure within the bore 12, the application of fuel under high pressure to the bore 12 applying a force to the needle 14 acting in a direction urging the needle 14 away from the seating.
  • the upper end of the nozzle body 10 abuts a distance piece 24 which includes a through bore arranged to align with the bore 12 of the nozzle body 10, and a drilling which forms part of the supply passage 18.
  • the upper end of the needle 14 extends into the through bore of the distance piece 24.
  • An adapter plate 26 abuts the upper surface of the distance piece 24, the adapter plate 26 closing the through bore of the distance piece 24, the adapter plate 26, through bore of the distance piece 24 and upper part of the needle 14 together defining a control chamber 28, the fuel pressure within which acts against the needle 14 applying a force to the needle 14 urging the needle 14 towards its seating.
  • a helical compression spring 30 is located within the control chamber, the spring 30 applying an additional force to the needle 14 urging the needle 14 towards its seating.
  • the upper surface of the adapter plate 26 abuts the lower end surface of a valve housing 32 which includes a drilling forming part of the supply passage 18 and a through bore 34 within which a control valve member 36 is slidable.
  • the control valve member 36 includes a region of reduced diameter which defines, with the bore 34, an annular chamber 38 which communicates via drillings 40 with the lower end surface of the valve housing 32.
  • the valve member 36 further includes a region of enlarged diameter which is engageable with a seating defined around an end part of the through bore 34, engagement of the valve member 36 with the seating controlling communication between the drillings 40 and a chamber 42 which communicates, in use, with a low pressure drain reservoir through an appropriate drilling (not shown).
  • the valve member 36 is biased into engagement with its seating by a spring 44 located within a bore formed in a nozzle holder 46 which abuts the upper surface of the valve housing 32, the nozzle holder 46 further housing an electromagnetic actuator.
  • the actuator is arranged such that, when energized, an armature 48 carried by the valve member 36 is attracted towards the actuator, against the action of the spring 44, to lift the valve member 36 away from its seating.
  • the valve member 36 returns into engagement with its seating under the action of the spring 44.
  • the adapter plate 26 comprises a relatively thin plate, the upper and lower surfaces of which are machined using a micro-machining technique such as photolithography, x-ray lithography, electroforming or laser micro-machining to form a pattern of recesses in the upper and lower surfaces.
  • the recesses formed in the upper surface of the adapter plate 26 extend to a depth of approximately half of the thickness of the adapter plate 26, the recesses formed in the lower surface also extending to a depth of approximately half of the thickness of the adapter plate 26 such that where the recesses in the upper surface and those in the lower surface are aligned with one another, openings are formed in the adapter plate 26 extending completely through the adapter plate 26.
  • these may be machined from only one surface of the plate, if desired.
  • Figures 2 and 4 illustrate the pattern of recesses formed in the upper surface of the adapter plate 26. As shown in Figure 2, a recess 50 is formed which provides communication between the lower end of the bore 34 and an additional through bore 52 which connects the chamber 42 with the lower surface of the valve housing 32.
  • the upper surface of the adapter plate 26 is further provided with formations defining a recess 54 extending from a central part of the adapter plate 26 to a region which, in use, is located adjacent the end of the drilling 40 at the lower surface of the valve housing 32.
  • the recess 54 communicates with a recess 56 through a channel 58 formed in the upper surface of the adapter plate 26 of small dimensions, thus forming a restricted flow passage between the recesses 54, 56.
  • the recess 56 further communicates through a channel 60 of small dimensions with a recess 62 which is located to extend above part of the control chamber 28.
  • the formations defining the recess 62 include a series of fingers 64 which extend across part of the width of the recess 62 and act to transmit the load applied by the spring 30 to the valve housing 32.
  • the formations formed in the upper surface of the adapter plate 26 define an annular wall 66 of relatively small diameter which is aligned with the axis of the part of the supply passage extending through the valve housing 32.
  • surrounding the wall 66 are a plurality of closely spaced walls 68 which together define a filter restricting the flow of dirt particles from the supply passage 18 towards the control chamber 28 and control valve.
  • Figure 3 illustrates the formations formed in the lower part of the adapter plate 26.
  • a small diameter recess 70 which is aligned with the recess defined by the wall 66 is formed in the lower part of the adapter plate 26, the recess defined by the wall 66 and the recess 70 communicating with each other to define a restricted diameter part of the supply passage 18.
  • the centre part of the adapter plate 26 is further provided with a recess 72 which communicates with the recess 54 formed in the upper surface of the adapter plate 26 thus providing a flow path between the control chamber 28 and the drillings 40 which communicate with the control valve.
  • a series of recesses 74 are also formed in the lower surface of the adapter plate 26, the recesses 74 communicating with parts of the recess 62 formed in the upper surface of the adapter plate 26 to form a series of flow paths between the recess 62 and the control chamber 28.
  • the adapter plate 26 is shaped to include regions which, in use, engage dowels 76 used to align the distance piece 24 with the valve housing 32, the dowels 76 accurately locating the adapter plate 26 relative to the remainder of the injector.
  • the overall shape of the adapter plate 26 may be chosen such that the clamping force applied thereto by the cap nut, in use, forms a good seal around the various fuel flow passages and channels, thus reducing leakage.
  • the nozzle body 10, distance piece 24, adapter plate 26 and valve housing 32 are secured to the nozzle holder 46 by means of a screw-threaded cap nut which, in use, engages a shoulder defined between a wide diameter region and a narrower diameter region of the nozzle body 10, and is in screw-threaded engagement with part of the nozzle holder 46.
  • the actuator In order to commence injection, the actuator is energized, lifting the valve member 36 away from its seating thus permitting fuel to escape from the control chamber 28 through the recesses 72, 54 and drillings 40 to the chamber 42 which communicates with the low pressure drain reservoir.
  • Such flow of fuel reduces the fuel pressure applied to the upper end of the valve needle 14, thus reducing the downward force acting upon the needle 14 urging the needle 14 towards its seating.
  • the reduction in fuel pressure within the control chamber 28 will reach a point beyond which the valve needle 14 is able to lift away from its seating thus permitting fuel injection.
  • the movement of the valve needle 14 and the injection of fuel through the outlet openings reduces the fuel pressure within the chamber 22.
  • the restriction defined by the recess 70 and the recess defined by the wall 66 restricts the rate at which fuel is able to flow to the chamber 22, thus it will be appreciated that during injection, the fuel pressure within the recess 22 falls to a level lower than that present in the chamber 22 prior to commencement of injection.
  • the actuator In order to terminate injection, the actuator is de-energized and the valve member 36 returns into engagement with its seating under the action of the spring 44.
  • Such movement of the valve member 36 terminates the flow of fuel to the drain reservoir, and the continued flow of fuel through the channel 58 pressurizes the drillings 40, the recess 54 and the recess 72.
  • the pressure acting upon the part of the valve needle 14 exposed to the fuel pressure within the recess 72 therefore increases, increasing the magnitude of the downward force applied to the needle 14, and a point will be reached beyond which the needle 14 is able to move towards and into engagement with its seating, such movement terminating injection.
  • the pressure within the part of the supply passage 18 downstream of the restriction defined by the recess 70 and the recess defined by the wall 66 increases to substantially that upstream of the restriction.
  • the injector is then ready for commencement of the next injection cycle.
  • the provision of the adapter plate 26 permits the provision of the required passages to permit operation of the injector in a manner which is relatively simple to manufacture and which is of relatively low cost. As described hereinbefore, the adapter plate 26 is machined using an appropriate micro-machining technique which is of low cost and permits precise location of the formations required to permit communication between the various parts of the injector.
  • Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a modification to the arrangement illustrated in Figures 1 to 4.
  • the drillings formed in the valve housing 32 and distance piece 24 which together form part of the supply passage 18 are angled and orientated such that the ends thereof which are presented towards one another are not aligned.
  • a passage 78 is formed in the adapter plate 26, the passage 78 communicating with a recess 80 formed in the upper surface of the adapter plate 26 to form a flow passage extending completely through the adapter plate, the flow passage being shaped to permit communication between the drillings forming the supply passage 18 upstream and downstream of the adapter plate 26.
  • Such an arrangement permits the shape of the supply passage 18 to be contoured to achieve a variety of flow characteristics in the supply of fuel to the chamber 22.
  • the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 is substantially identical to that described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.
  • the formations defining the recesses and channels formed in the upper and lower surfaces of the adapter plate 26 can be shaped to optimise the flow characteristics through the respective channels and recesses.
  • the formations defining the recess 54 are shaped to permit fuel to flow through the recess 54 relatively slowly upon opening the control valve, thus permitting relatively accurate control of the rate of movement of the needle 14, but to permit fuel to flow in the reverse direction at a relatively high rate, thus permitting accurate control of the timing of termination of injection.
  • the shapes of the other formations can be chosen similarly.
  • the walls 68 which together define the filter are orientated such that the fuel flow channels defined therebetween are contoured to provide a venturi type section so that the resistance to flow formed by the filter may be minimised.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Fuel-Injection Apparatus (AREA)

Description

  • This invention relates to a fuel injector for use in delivering fuel under pressure to a cylinder of an internal combustion engine.
  • In a fuel injector of the type intended for use in a common rail type fuel system, a number of restricted flow passages must be provided to permit fuel to flow to the bore within which the valve needle is slidable, and to a control valve which controls the fuel pressure within a control chamber to control operation of the injector. It is known to provide such restricted flow passages by forming appropriate bores or drillings in the nozzle body, distance piece or valve housing of the injector. However, the provisions of such drillings or bores requires a high level of precision. As a result, during manufacture the appropriate drillings and bores must be machined into each component to form the necessary passages, and the passages must be honed to the correct dimensions. Each component is then tested and, if necessary, re-honed. It will be appreciated that such a manufacturing process is time consuming and expensive.
  • UK patent 2,112,065 (Daimler-Benz AG) describes an internal combustion engine fuel injection valve filter arrangement. The arrangement comprises valve elements which are clamped against one another by a nozzle lock nut and which have inlet bores leading to the injection needle. A disc-shaped fuel filter is located between two valve elements whose faces bearing against the fuel filter have annular grooves which are connected to the inlet bores. The fuel filter is in the form of a sieve plate whose sieve openings have a diameter of less than 0.15 mm.
  • It is also desirable to provide a filter in the injector to prevent dirt particles from flowing to and damaging or impairing the operation of the control valve. The provision of such a filter increases the number of components present in the injector thus increasing the cost of the injector and increasing the complexity of the assembly process.
  • According to the present invention there is provided a fuel injector comprising a nozzle body, a nozzle holder, and an adapter plate located between the nozzle holder and the nozzle body, at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the adapter plate being shaped to include formations defining recesses so as to form a restricted flow passage between the recesses.
  • Where the injector is to be used in a common rail system, the formations conveniently define an orifice through which fuel can flow at a controlled rate towards the bore of the nozzle body, a restricted flow path permitting fuel to flow at a restricted rate to a control chamber, and a flow path connecting the control chamber to a control valve. The adapter plate conveniently further includes formations defining a filter arranged to remove dirt particles from the flow of fuel towards the control chamber and control valve.
  • The use of such an adapter plate is advantageous in that production of a fuel injector can be achieved relatively easily at relatively low cost. The formations produced using a micro-machining technique are precisely located, thus permitting the manufacture of large quantities of substantially identical components to a high degree of accuracy without requiring significant post production processing.
  • The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing an injector including the step of micro-machining at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of an adapter plate to produce formations defining recesses therein which, in use, form a restricted flow passage between said recesses. The step of micro-machining the adapter plate may use, for example, photolithography, x-ray lithography, electroforming or laser micro-machining techniques. The use of such techniques permits the production of the formations in the adapter plate in precisely controlled locations at relatively low cost.
  • It will be appreciated that the invention is applicable to other types of common rail fuel injector to that described hereinbefore, and to other types of fuel injector.
  • The invention will further be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
  • Figure 1 is a sectional view illustrating part of a fuel injector in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
  • Figures 2 and 3 are sectional views along the lines 2-2 and 3-3 of Figure 1, respectively;
  • Figure 4 is an enlargement of part of Figure 2;
  • Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 2 illustrating an alternative embodiment; and
  • Figure 6 is a sectional view along the line 6-6 of Figure 5.
  • The injector illustrated in part in Figure 1 comprises a nozzle body 10 having a blind bore 12 formed therein within which a valve needle 14 is slidable, an end of the valve needle 14 being engageable with a seating defined adjacent the blind end of the bore 12 to control the supply of fuel from the bore 12 past the seating to one or more outlet openings formed in the nozzle body 10. The bore 12 is shaped to include an enlarged diameter annular gallery 16 which communicates through a supply passage 18 with a source of fuel under high pressure, for example a common rail charged with fuel to high pressure by an appropriate fuel pump. As illustrated in Figure 1, the bore 12 is shaped to include regions which engage the outer surface of the needle 14 to guide the needle 14 for sliding movement, the needle 14 being shaped to include flutes 20 permitting fuel to flow from the gallery 16 to an annular chamber 22 defined between the wall of the bore 12 and a reduced diameter part of the needle 14. The needle 14 includes angled thrust surfaces which are exposed to the fuel pressure within the bore 12, the application of fuel under high pressure to the bore 12 applying a force to the needle 14 acting in a direction urging the needle 14 away from the seating.
  • The upper end of the nozzle body 10 abuts a distance piece 24 which includes a through bore arranged to align with the bore 12 of the nozzle body 10, and a drilling which forms part of the supply passage 18. The upper end of the needle 14 extends into the through bore of the distance piece 24.
  • An adapter plate 26 abuts the upper surface of the distance piece 24, the adapter plate 26 closing the through bore of the distance piece 24, the adapter plate 26, through bore of the distance piece 24 and upper part of the needle 14 together defining a control chamber 28, the fuel pressure within which acts against the needle 14 applying a force to the needle 14 urging the needle 14 towards its seating. A helical compression spring 30 is located within the control chamber, the spring 30 applying an additional force to the needle 14 urging the needle 14 towards its seating.
  • The upper surface of the adapter plate 26 abuts the lower end surface of a valve housing 32 which includes a drilling forming part of the supply passage 18 and a through bore 34 within which a control valve member 36 is slidable. The control valve member 36 includes a region of reduced diameter which defines, with the bore 34, an annular chamber 38 which communicates via drillings 40 with the lower end surface of the valve housing 32. The valve member 36 further includes a region of enlarged diameter which is engageable with a seating defined around an end part of the through bore 34, engagement of the valve member 36 with the seating controlling communication between the drillings 40 and a chamber 42 which communicates, in use, with a low pressure drain reservoir through an appropriate drilling (not shown).
  • The valve member 36 is biased into engagement with its seating by a spring 44 located within a bore formed in a nozzle holder 46 which abuts the upper surface of the valve housing 32, the nozzle holder 46 further housing an electromagnetic actuator. The actuator is arranged such that, when energized, an armature 48 carried by the valve member 36 is attracted towards the actuator, against the action of the spring 44, to lift the valve member 36 away from its seating. When the actuator is de-energized, the valve member 36 returns into engagement with its seating under the action of the spring 44.
  • The adapter plate 26 comprises a relatively thin plate, the upper and lower surfaces of which are machined using a micro-machining technique such as photolithography, x-ray lithography, electroforming or laser micro-machining to form a pattern of recesses in the upper and lower surfaces. The recesses formed in the upper surface of the adapter plate 26 extend to a depth of approximately half of the thickness of the adapter plate 26, the recesses formed in the lower surface also extending to a depth of approximately half of the thickness of the adapter plate 26 such that where the recesses in the upper surface and those in the lower surface are aligned with one another, openings are formed in the adapter plate 26 extending completely through the adapter plate 26. Alternatively, where passages are required to extend completely through the adapter plate 26, these may be machined from only one surface of the plate, if desired.
  • Figures 2 and 4 illustrate the pattern of recesses formed in the upper surface of the adapter plate 26. As shown in Figure 2, a recess 50 is formed which provides communication between the lower end of the bore 34 and an additional through bore 52 which connects the chamber 42 with the lower surface of the valve housing 32.
  • The upper surface of the adapter plate 26 is further provided with formations defining a recess 54 extending from a central part of the adapter plate 26 to a region which, in use, is located adjacent the end of the drilling 40 at the lower surface of the valve housing 32. The recess 54 communicates with a recess 56 through a channel 58 formed in the upper surface of the adapter plate 26 of small dimensions, thus forming a restricted flow passage between the recesses 54, 56. The recess 56 further communicates through a channel 60 of small dimensions with a recess 62 which is located to extend above part of the control chamber 28. As illustrated in Figures 2 and 4, the formations defining the recess 62 include a series of fingers 64 which extend across part of the width of the recess 62 and act to transmit the load applied by the spring 30 to the valve housing 32.
  • Within the recess 56, the formations formed in the upper surface of the adapter plate 26 define an annular wall 66 of relatively small diameter which is aligned with the axis of the part of the supply passage extending through the valve housing 32. As shown most clearly in Figure 4, surrounding the wall 66 are a plurality of closely spaced walls 68 which together define a filter restricting the flow of dirt particles from the supply passage 18 towards the control chamber 28 and control valve.
  • Figure 3 illustrates the formations formed in the lower part of the adapter plate 26. As illustrated in Figure 3, a small diameter recess 70 which is aligned with the recess defined by the wall 66 is formed in the lower part of the adapter plate 26, the recess defined by the wall 66 and the recess 70 communicating with each other to define a restricted diameter part of the supply passage 18. The centre part of the adapter plate 26 is further provided with a recess 72 which communicates with the recess 54 formed in the upper surface of the adapter plate 26 thus providing a flow path between the control chamber 28 and the drillings 40 which communicate with the control valve. A series of recesses 74 are also formed in the lower surface of the adapter plate 26, the recesses 74 communicating with parts of the recess 62 formed in the upper surface of the adapter plate 26 to form a series of flow paths between the recess 62 and the control chamber 28.
  • As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the adapter plate 26 is shaped to include regions which, in use, engage dowels 76 used to align the distance piece 24 with the valve housing 32, the dowels 76 accurately locating the adapter plate 26 relative to the remainder of the injector. The overall shape of the adapter plate 26 may be chosen such that the clamping force applied thereto by the cap nut, in use, forms a good seal around the various fuel flow passages and channels, thus reducing leakage.
  • Although not illustrated in the drawings, the nozzle body 10, distance piece 24, adapter plate 26 and valve housing 32 are secured to the nozzle holder 46 by means of a screw-threaded cap nut which, in use, engages a shoulder defined between a wide diameter region and a narrower diameter region of the nozzle body 10, and is in screw-threaded engagement with part of the nozzle holder 46.
  • In use, fuel under high pressure from an appropriate source, for example a common rail charged with fuel to an appropriately high pressure by a suitable pump is supplied to the supply passage 18. It will be appreciated that when the control valve actuator is de-energized, the valve member 36 being biased by the spring 44 into engagement with its seating, the fuel pressure within the control chamber 28 is substantially equal to that within the supply line 18. Similarly, the fuel pressure acting upon the angled thrust surfaces of the valve needle 14 is substantially equal to that within the supply line 18, and thus is relatively high. The difference in effective areas exposed to the fuel under pressure, and the action of the spring 30 ensure that the valve needle 14 engages its seating, thus fuel is not delivered through the outlet openings of the injector.
  • In order to commence injection, the actuator is energized, lifting the valve member 36 away from its seating thus permitting fuel to escape from the control chamber 28 through the recesses 72, 54 and drillings 40 to the chamber 42 which communicates with the low pressure drain reservoir. Such flow of fuel reduces the fuel pressure applied to the upper end of the valve needle 14, thus reducing the downward force acting upon the needle 14 urging the needle 14 towards its seating. The reduction in fuel pressure within the control chamber 28 will reach a point beyond which the valve needle 14 is able to lift away from its seating thus permitting fuel injection. The movement of the valve needle 14 and the injection of fuel through the outlet openings reduces the fuel pressure within the chamber 22. The restriction defined by the recess 70 and the recess defined by the wall 66 restricts the rate at which fuel is able to flow to the chamber 22, thus it will be appreciated that during injection, the fuel pressure within the recess 22 falls to a level lower than that present in the chamber 22 prior to commencement of injection.
  • During injection, fuel is able to flow, at a restricted rate, through the channel 58, thus a small quantity of fuel escapes from the supply line 18 to the low pressure drain reservoir. The dimensions of the channel 58 are chosen to ensure that the quantity of fuel wasted in this manner is relatively small. A small quantity of fuel also flows through the channel 60 to the recess 62 and to the control chamber 28. Provided the movement of the needle 14 is sufficient to bring the end surface thereof into engagement with the lower surface of the adapter plate 26, then fuel flow from the chamber 28 to the low pressure drain is prevented as the recess 72 is closed by the upper surface of the needle 14. The flow of fuel to the control chamber 28 therefore increases the fuel pressure present in the control chamber 28. However, as the area of the needle 14 exposed to the fuel pressure within the control chamber 28 at this time is relatively small, the additional downward force applied to the needle 14 is insufficient to cause movement of the needle 14.
  • In order to terminate injection, the actuator is de-energized and the valve member 36 returns into engagement with its seating under the action of the spring 44. Such movement of the valve member 36 terminates the flow of fuel to the drain reservoir, and the continued flow of fuel through the channel 58 pressurizes the drillings 40, the recess 54 and the recess 72. The pressure acting upon the part of the valve needle 14 exposed to the fuel pressure within the recess 72 therefore increases, increasing the magnitude of the downward force applied to the needle 14, and a point will be reached beyond which the needle 14 is able to move towards and into engagement with its seating, such movement terminating injection.
  • After termination of injection, as fuel can no longer escape from the chamber 22, the pressure within the part of the supply passage 18 downstream of the restriction defined by the recess 70 and the recess defined by the wall 66 increases to substantially that upstream of the restriction. The injector is then ready for commencement of the next injection cycle.
  • It will be appreciated that the presence of the restriction in the supply passage 18 together with the arrangements permitting different parts of the upper surface of the valve needle 14 to be exposed to different pressures during injection permits rapid termination of injection.
  • The provision of the adapter plate 26 permits the provision of the required passages to permit operation of the injector in a manner which is relatively simple to manufacture and which is of relatively low cost. As described hereinbefore, the adapter plate 26 is machined using an appropriate micro-machining technique which is of low cost and permits precise location of the formations required to permit communication between the various parts of the injector.
  • Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a modification to the arrangement illustrated in Figures 1 to 4. In the arrangement of Figures 5 and 6, the drillings formed in the valve housing 32 and distance piece 24 which together form part of the supply passage 18 are angled and orientated such that the ends thereof which are presented towards one another are not aligned. A passage 78 is formed in the adapter plate 26, the passage 78 communicating with a recess 80 formed in the upper surface of the adapter plate 26 to form a flow passage extending completely through the adapter plate, the flow passage being shaped to permit communication between the drillings forming the supply passage 18 upstream and downstream of the adapter plate 26. Such an arrangement permits the shape of the supply passage 18 to be contoured to achieve a variety of flow characteristics in the supply of fuel to the chamber 22. Other than as described hereinbefore, the embodiment illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 is substantially identical to that described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.
  • In both of the arrangements described hereinbefore, the formations defining the recesses and channels formed in the upper and lower surfaces of the adapter plate 26 can be shaped to optimise the flow characteristics through the respective channels and recesses. For example, the formations defining the recess 54 are shaped to permit fuel to flow through the recess 54 relatively slowly upon opening the control valve, thus permitting relatively accurate control of the rate of movement of the needle 14, but to permit fuel to flow in the reverse direction at a relatively high rate, thus permitting accurate control of the timing of termination of injection. The shapes of the other formations can be chosen similarly.
  • The walls 68 which together define the filter are orientated such that the fuel flow channels defined therebetween are contoured to provide a venturi type section so that the resistance to flow formed by the filter may be minimised.

Claims (8)

  1. A fuel injector comprising a nozzle body (10), a nozzle holder (46), and an adapter plate (26) located between the nozzle holder (46) and the nozzle body (10), at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the adapter plate (26) being shaped to include formations defining recesses (50,54,56,62,70,72,74) so as to form a restricted flow passage (28,60) between the recesses (54,56,62).
  2. A fuel injector as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the dimensions of the formations are such that, where a recess formed in the upper surface of the adapter plate (26) aligns with a recess formed in the lower surface, the recesses open into one another to define a passage extending through the adapter plate (26).
  3. A fuel injector as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the adapter plate formations define an orifice through which fuel can flow at a controlled rate towards the bore of the nozzle body (10), a restricted flow path permitting fuel to flow at a restricted rate to a control chamber, and a flow path connecting the control chamber to a control valve.
  4. A fuel injector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the adapter plate formations define a filter (68) arranged to remove dirt particles from the flow of fuel.
  5. An adapter plate suitable for use in a fuel injector of the type defined in any one of the preceding claims.
  6. A method of manufacturing an injector including the step of micro-machining at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of an adapter plate (26) to produce formations defining recesses therein which, in use, form a restricted flow passage between said recesses.
  7. A method as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the dimensions of the formations are such that where a recess in the upper surface of the adapter plate (26) aligns with a recess in the lower surface, a passage is defined which extends through the adapter plate (26).
  8. A method as claimed in Claim 6 or Claim 7, wherein the micro-machining technique includes at least one of photolithography, x-ray lithography, electroforming and laser micro-machining techniques.
EP19990303515 1998-05-13 1999-05-05 Fuel injector Expired - Lifetime EP0957262B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB9810208.0A GB9810208D0 (en) 1998-05-13 1998-05-13 Fuel injector
GB9810208 1998-05-13

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0957262A2 EP0957262A2 (en) 1999-11-17
EP0957262A3 EP0957262A3 (en) 2000-11-22
EP0957262B1 true EP0957262B1 (en) 2004-09-01

Family

ID=10831952

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19990303515 Expired - Lifetime EP0957262B1 (en) 1998-05-13 1999-05-05 Fuel injector

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0957262B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2000002166A (en)
DE (1) DE69919777T2 (en)
GB (1) GB9810208D0 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10294908B2 (en) 2013-05-21 2019-05-21 Westport Power Inc. Fuel injector

Families Citing this family (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10105368A1 (en) 2001-02-06 2002-08-29 Siemens Ag Fuel injection nozzle for an internal combustion engine
JP3928362B2 (en) * 2001-02-14 2007-06-13 株式会社デンソー Structure to improve seal surface pressure of fluid transfer device
DE10115169A1 (en) * 2001-03-27 2002-10-17 Mtu Friedrichshafen Gmbh Fuel injector, for an IC motor, is in a modular structure with a bridging module to connect the leading and trailing modules, to give a number of standard parts for a variety of injector types
DE10115214A1 (en) * 2001-03-28 2002-10-10 Bosch Gmbh Robert High-pressure fuel system for internal combustion engines
US6698666B2 (en) * 2001-09-20 2004-03-02 Denso Corporation Fuel injection valve
DE10152253B4 (en) * 2001-10-20 2014-10-09 Robert Bosch Gmbh Valve for controlling fluids
DE10155187B4 (en) * 2001-11-12 2007-08-16 L'orange Gmbh Injection injector for internal combustion engines
DE10202722A1 (en) 2002-01-24 2003-11-27 Siemens Ag Nozzle clamping nut for injector and method for manufacturing the nozzle clamping nut
DE10208569A1 (en) * 2002-02-27 2003-09-25 Hatz Motoren Injector with fuel filter
DE10215980B4 (en) 2002-04-11 2008-03-27 Siemens Ag Leakage connection for a fuel injector
DE10346212A1 (en) * 2003-10-06 2005-04-21 Bosch Gmbh Robert Fuel injection valve for IC engines has fuel feed channel with throttle to form smallest flow profile from the feed channel to injection apertures
DE102004024389A1 (en) * 2004-05-17 2005-12-15 Siemens Ag Injection valve for internal combustion engines
DE102005035347B3 (en) 2005-07-28 2006-08-10 L'orange Gmbh Fuel injector for an internal combustion engine has an axial hole for fuel in a nozzle/jet unit with an injector needle sliding on-axis in the nozzle/jet unit
JP2007040243A (en) * 2005-08-04 2007-02-15 Denso Corp High pressure fuel seal structure for fuel injection device
EP1956230A1 (en) * 2007-02-12 2008-08-13 Delphi Technologies, Inc. An edge filter
DE102008007225A1 (en) * 2008-02-01 2009-08-06 Robert Bosch Gmbh Intermediate plate for a fuel injector and fuel injector
EP2940286A1 (en) * 2014-05-01 2015-11-04 Delphi International Operations Luxembourg S.à r.l. Fuel injector filter
EP2940287A1 (en) * 2014-05-01 2015-11-04 Delphi International Operations Luxembourg S.à r.l. Fuel injector filter
GB201417310D0 (en) * 2014-10-01 2014-11-12 Delphi International Operations Luxembourg S.�.R.L. Fuel injector
FR3030009B1 (en) * 2014-12-10 2017-07-14 Delphi Int Operations Luxembourg Sarl FUEL INJECTOR SOLENOID VALVE
FR3051229B1 (en) * 2016-05-13 2021-02-19 Delphi Int Operations Luxembourg Sarl FUEL INJECTOR FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
GB2560513A (en) 2017-03-13 2018-09-19 Ap Moeller Maersk As Fuel injection system
FR3071896B1 (en) 2017-10-02 2020-02-21 Delphi Technologies Ip Limited VALVE WITH VALVE AND VALVE SEAT WITH STABLE DIMENSIONS
FR3075887A1 (en) * 2017-12-21 2019-06-28 Delphi Technologies Ip Limited FUEL INJECTOR

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3150607C1 (en) * 1981-12-21 1983-07-28 Daimler-Benz Ag, 7000 Stuttgart Fuel injection valve for internal combustion engines
JP3687758B2 (en) * 1995-11-14 2005-08-24 株式会社デンソー Fuel injection device
JP3719468B2 (en) * 1996-09-02 2005-11-24 株式会社デンソー Accumulated fuel injection system
DE69719461T2 (en) * 1996-11-21 2004-01-15 Denso Corp Storage fuel injector for internal combustion engines

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10294908B2 (en) 2013-05-21 2019-05-21 Westport Power Inc. Fuel injector

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69919777D1 (en) 2004-10-07
EP0957262A3 (en) 2000-11-22
JP2000002166A (en) 2000-01-07
GB9810208D0 (en) 1998-07-08
DE69919777T2 (en) 2005-09-15
EP0957262A2 (en) 1999-11-17

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP0957262B1 (en) Fuel injector
US6027037A (en) Accumulator fuel injection apparatus for internal combustion engine
EP1382836B1 (en) Fuel injector
US5954312A (en) Groove means in a fuel injector valve seat
US6116273A (en) Fuel metering check valve arrangement for a time-pressure controlled unit fuel injector
JPH07332193A (en) Fuel injection valve for internal combustion engine
US5765755A (en) Injection rate shaping nozzle assembly for a fuel injector
US7347389B2 (en) Fuel injection valve for internal combustion engines
EP0844385B1 (en) Accumulator fuel injection apparatus for internal combustion engine
US6168087B1 (en) Valve, for use with a fuel injector
US6209805B1 (en) Fuel injector
US6059203A (en) Valve assembly with concentrically linked components and fuel injector using same
US6422208B1 (en) Fuel injection valve for internal combustion engines
JP3882555B2 (en) Fuel injection valve
EP0404407A1 (en) Fuel injection nozzle
US6745465B1 (en) Method for assembling an apparatus, such as a fuel injector, using select fit of dimensional control features
US6321999B1 (en) Fuel injector
GB2335000A (en) Fuel injector having a restricted fuel flow path provided by a needle valve
GB2336628A (en) A fuel injector, for an I.C. engine, having a three way two position needle control valve
JP4099738B2 (en) Fuel injection device
EP1715176B1 (en) Fuel injector having a free floating plunger
US6131828A (en) Fuel injector
JPH09504076A (en) Fuel injector assembly with pressure equalizing valve seat
US20040227018A1 (en) Modular fuel injector for an internal combustion engine
JP3303565B2 (en) Fuel injection device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB IT

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: LUCAS INDUSTRIES LIMITED

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Free format text: AL;LT;LV;MK;RO;SI

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20010510

AKX Designation fees paid

Free format text: DE ES FR GB IT

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20031117

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): DE ES FR GB IT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRE;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.SCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20040901

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 69919777

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20041007

Kind code of ref document: P

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20041212

ET Fr: translation filed
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20050505

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20050602

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20050505

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20090515

Year of fee payment: 11

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20110131

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20100531

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 69919777

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: MANITZ, FINSTERWALD & PARTNER GBR, DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R082

Ref document number: 69919777

Country of ref document: DE

Representative=s name: MANITZ, FINSTERWALD & PARTNER GBR, DE

Effective date: 20140702

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R081

Ref document number: 69919777

Country of ref document: DE

Owner name: DELPHI INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS LUXEMBOURG S.A, LU

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES HOLDING S.A.R.L., BASCHARAGE, LU

Effective date: 20140702

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20140529

Year of fee payment: 16

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 69919777

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20151201