US20060131448A1 - Actuator arrangement and fuel injector incorporating an actuator arrangement - Google Patents

Actuator arrangement and fuel injector incorporating an actuator arrangement Download PDF

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Publication number
US20060131448A1
US20060131448A1 US11/301,690 US30169005A US2006131448A1 US 20060131448 A1 US20060131448 A1 US 20060131448A1 US 30169005 A US30169005 A US 30169005A US 2006131448 A1 US2006131448 A1 US 2006131448A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
core region
collar
injector
laminates
actuator arrangement
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.)
Abandoned
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US11/301,690
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English (en)
Inventor
Thomas Canepa-Anson
Anthony Harcombe
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Delphi Technologies Inc
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Delphi Technologies Inc
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Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from GB0427276A external-priority patent/GB0427276D0/en
Application filed by Delphi Technologies Inc filed Critical Delphi Technologies Inc
Publication of US20060131448A1 publication Critical patent/US20060131448A1/en
Assigned to DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC. reassignment DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: CANEPA-ANSON, THOMAS W., HARCOMBE, ANTHONY T.
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M63/00—Other fuel-injection apparatus having pertinent characteristics not provided for in groups F02M39/00 - F02M57/00 or F02M67/00; Details, component parts, or accessories of fuel-injection apparatus, not provided for in, or of interest apart from, the apparatus of groups F02M39/00 - F02M61/00 or F02M67/00; Combination of fuel pump with other devices, e.g. lubricating oil pump
    • F02M63/0012—Valves
    • F02M63/0014—Valves characterised by the valve actuating means
    • F02M63/0015—Valves characterised by the valve actuating means electrical, e.g. using solenoid
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M63/00—Other fuel-injection apparatus having pertinent characteristics not provided for in groups F02M39/00 - F02M57/00 or F02M67/00; Details, component parts, or accessories of fuel-injection apparatus, not provided for in, or of interest apart from, the apparatus of groups F02M39/00 - F02M61/00 or F02M67/00; Combination of fuel pump with other devices, e.g. lubricating oil pump
    • F02M63/0012—Valves
    • F02M63/0031—Valves characterized by the type of valves, e.g. special valve member details, valve seat details, valve housing details
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M63/00—Other fuel-injection apparatus having pertinent characteristics not provided for in groups F02M39/00 - F02M57/00 or F02M67/00; Details, component parts, or accessories of fuel-injection apparatus, not provided for in, or of interest apart from, the apparatus of groups F02M39/00 - F02M61/00 or F02M67/00; Combination of fuel pump with other devices, e.g. lubricating oil pump
    • F02M63/0012—Valves
    • F02M63/0031—Valves characterized by the type of valves, e.g. special valve member details, valve seat details, valve housing details
    • F02M63/0049—Combined valve units, e.g. for controlling pumping chamber and injection valve
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M63/00—Other fuel-injection apparatus having pertinent characteristics not provided for in groups F02M39/00 - F02M57/00 or F02M67/00; Details, component parts, or accessories of fuel-injection apparatus, not provided for in, or of interest apart from, the apparatus of groups F02M39/00 - F02M61/00 or F02M67/00; Combination of fuel pump with other devices, e.g. lubricating oil pump
    • F02M63/0012—Valves
    • F02M63/0059—Arrangements of valve actuators
    • F02M63/0064—Two or more actuators acting on two or more valve bodies
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01F—MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
    • H01F7/00—Magnets
    • H01F7/06—Electromagnets; Actuators including electromagnets
    • H01F7/08—Electromagnets; Actuators including electromagnets with armatures
    • H01F7/16—Rectilinearly-movable armatures
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01F—MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
    • H01F7/00—Magnets
    • H01F7/06—Electromagnets; Actuators including electromagnets
    • H01F7/08—Electromagnets; Actuators including electromagnets with armatures
    • H01F7/16—Rectilinearly-movable armatures
    • H01F7/1638—Armatures not entering the winding
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M47/00—Fuel-injection apparatus operated cyclically with fuel-injection valves actuated by fluid pressure
    • F02M47/02—Fuel-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
    • F02M47/027—Electrically actuated valves draining the chamber to release the closing pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M57/00—Fuel-injectors combined or associated with other devices
    • F02M57/02—Injectors structurally combined with fuel-injection pumps
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01F—MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
    • H01F7/00—Magnets
    • H01F7/06—Electromagnets; Actuators including electromagnets
    • H01F7/08—Electromagnets; Actuators including electromagnets with armatures
    • H01F7/16—Rectilinearly-movable armatures
    • H01F2007/1692—Electromagnets or actuators with two coils
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01F—MAGNETS; INDUCTANCES; TRANSFORMERS; SELECTION OF MATERIALS FOR THEIR MAGNETIC PROPERTIES
    • H01F7/00—Magnets
    • H01F7/06—Electromagnets; Actuators including electromagnets
    • H01F7/08—Electromagnets; Actuators including electromagnets with armatures
    • H01F7/081—Magnetic constructions

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electromagnetic actuator arrangement.
  • the invention relates to an electromagnetic actuator arrangement for use in a fuel injector of an internal combustion engine.
  • the invention also relates to a fuel injector incorporating an electromagnetic actuator arrangement.
  • FIG. 1 it is known, for example from European Patent No EP 0987431 (Delphi Technologies Inc.), to provide a fuel injector 10 with two independently operable valve arrangements for controlling fluid pressure within the injector.
  • the valve arrangements 12 , 14 are arranged to control movement of a fuel injector valve needle 16 relative to a valve needle seating so as to control the delivery of fuel from the injector. Movement of the valve needle 16 away from the seating permits fuel to flow from an injector delivery chamber 17 through one or more outlet openings 18 of the injector into the engine or other combustion space.
  • the injector delivery chamber 17 communicates with an injector supply passage 20 which, in turn, receives fuel from a high pressure pump chamber 23 forming part of the injector.
  • a first one of the valve arrangements is known as the control valve arrangement 12 , or the nozzle control valve, and includes a control valve member which is movable between a first (open) position in which a communication path exists between an injector control chamber 22 at the back of the valve needle and a low pressure drain, and a second (closed) position in which the communication path is closed.
  • the nozzle control valve is biased into the closed position by means of a spring.
  • a second one of the valve arrangements takes the form of a spill or drain valve arrangement 14 which serves to control whether the pump chamber 23 , and hence the fuel supply passage 20 , communicates with the low pressure drain, or whether the communication path between the fuel supply passage 20 and the low pressure drain is closed.
  • the spill valve 14 When the spill valve 14 is in a first (open) position the fuel supply passage 20 communicates with the low pressure drain and when the spill valve 14 is in the second (closed) position communication between the fuel supply passage 20 and the low pressure drain is closed.
  • the spill valve is biased into the open position by means of the spring, which is shared with the nozzle control valve.
  • a surface associated with the valve needle 16 is exposed to fuel pressure within the control chamber 22 such that the pressure of fuel within the control chamber 22 applies a force to the valve needle 16 to urge the valve needle towards its seating, thereby closing the outlet openings 18 . In this position, injection of fuel into the engine or other combustion space does not occur.
  • the nozzle control valve 12 is actuated such that the control valve member is moved into its open position, bringing the control chamber 22 into communication with a low pressure drain and causing fuel pressure within the control chamber 22 to be reduced.
  • the force urging the valve needle 16 towards its seating is therefore reduced and, consequently, the valve needle 16 is caused to lift the valve needle 16 away from its seating due to the force of fuel pressure in the injector delivery chamber 17 to permit fuel to flow through the injector outlet openings 18 .
  • the nozzle control valve 12 may be de-actuated such that the control valve member is moved into its closed position, closing the connection between the control chamber 22 and the low pressure drain.
  • the force acting on the valve needle 16 due to fuel pressure within the control chamber 22 is therefore increased, causing the valve needle 16 to be urged against its seating to terminate injection.
  • the nozzle control valve 12 thus operates to control the pressure differential between the fuel in the control chamber 22 and the fuel in the injector delivery chamber 17 , that is to say the differential in the pressure acting to close the needle and the pressure serving to open it.
  • a closing spring 21 is provided to assist the aforementioned closing force.
  • Another method of terminating injection is to use the spill valve arrangement 14 . If the spill valve 14 is in the open position, fuel pressure within the fuel supply passage 20 (and hence the injector delivery chamber 17 ) is reduced so that the closing spring 21 urges the valve needle 16 against its seating, closing the outlet openings 18 in the injector body and terminating injection. If the spill valve 14 is in the closed position high pressure is re-established within the fuel supply passage 20 and the valve needle 16 is caused to lift against the spring force.
  • the actuator includes first and second windings 24 , 26 to which a current is supplied to control movement of first and second armatures, 28 , 30 respectively.
  • the first armature 28 is coupled to the nozzle control valve 12 so that energisation of the first winding 24 causes the first armature 28 , and hence the nozzle control valve 12 , to move between its closed and open positions.
  • Energisation of the actuator causes the nozzle control valve 12 to move into the open position, whilst de-energisation of the actuator causes the nozzle control valve 12 to move into the closed position under the influence of the spring.
  • the second armature 30 is coupled to the spill valve 14 so that energisation of the second winding 26 causes the second armature 30 , and hence the spill valve 14 , to move between its open and closed positions. Energisation of the actuator causes the spill valve 14 to move into the closed position, whilst de-energisation of the actuator causes the spill valve 14 to move into the open position under the influence of the spring.
  • the nozzle control valve 12 is not present so that only a spill valve 14 is provided. It is known in such arrangements to provide an electromagnetic actuator having a single winding to control operation of the spill valve.
  • each of the valves 12 , 14 are controlled by means of a double pole actuator (i.e. the actuator arrangement takes the form of a twin, double pole actuator arrangement).
  • a double pole actuator i.e. the actuator arrangement takes the form of a twin, double pole actuator arrangement.
  • two valves 12 , 14 are provided but the nozzle control valve is controlled by means of a single pole actuator.
  • the actuator part of an injector of this type is shown in FIG. 2 .
  • the spill valve 14 is controlled by means of a double pole actuator.
  • Like parts to those shown in FIG. 1 are identified with like reference numerals in FIG. 2 .
  • One way to achieve this is to provide the actuator with an inner core which is formed from a plurality of laminates, with a unitary outer pole of annular form receiving a part of the inner core. The winding of the actuator is received within the volume defined between the outer pole and the inner core.
  • the inner core is formed from a plurality of laminates, any deviation in the nominal thickness of the laminate sheet from which the layers are stamped will be compounded in the final core structure, resulting in a degree of ellipticity.
  • This gives rise to manufacture and assembly problems, as not all nominally identical parts then fit conveniently with other parts of the actuator and/or actuator tooling parts.
  • the winding bobbin by which the winding is wound onto the inner core requires a circular diameter inner core. It is an object of the present invention to address this problem.
  • an actuator arrangement for use in a fuel injector of an internal combustion engine, the actuator arrangement including an inner core comprising a collar and a core region having a plurality of laminates stacked in the direction of (i.e. stacked along) a first lamination axis.
  • a first outer pole receives at least a part of the core region, and an electromagnetic winding is received within a volume defined between the outer pole and the core region.
  • the collar is formed from at least two collar parts which are adjustable relative to one another to alter the separation between them, thereby to accommodate core regions of different diameter.
  • At least one of the laminates of the core region will be different in outer profile to its neighbouring laminate or laminates.
  • the collar is also formed from a plurality of laminates stacked in the direction of a second lamination axis which is perpendicular to the first lamination axis.
  • the first lamination axis is perpendicular to the actuator axis.
  • Lamination of the inner core of the actuator provides benefits for the magnetic performance of the actuator. It is particularly advantageous to laminate the core region of the actuator as this part is of reduced diameter, so the cross section viewed in the direction of eddy currents is relatively large. Thus, the invention enables eddy current effects to be reduced. Furthermore, as the collar is comprised of two parts which are movable relative to one another, it is readily compatible with core regions having different diameters. The diameter of the core region can vary if the thickness of its laminates differs from the nominal thickness, because in such circumstances it is necessary to adjust the layer profile to ensure the outer profile of the core region always has a circular outer periphery.
  • an actuator arrangement for use in a fuel injector of an internal combustion engine includes an inner core comprising a collar and a core region having a plurality of laminates stacked in the direction of a first lamination axis.
  • a first outer pole receives at least a part of the core region, and an electromagnetic winding is received within a first volume defined between the first outer pole and the core region.
  • the collar is formed from a plurality of laminates stacked in the direction of (i.e. stacked along) a second lamination axis which is perpendicular to the first lamination axis.
  • the adjustability of the collar is only a preferred and/or optional feature.
  • the inner core comprises an upper core region (i.e. the afore-mentioned core region is an upper core region) which defines, together with the outer pole, the winding volume.
  • the upper core region thus defines a pole of a double pole actuator for the spill valve of the injector.
  • the plurality of laminates of the collar define an internal periphery which mates with an outer periphery defined by the laminates of the core region.
  • the internal periphery of the collar and the plurality of laminates of the core region include a means for interlocking the outer collar and the core region together to ensure robustness of the inner core.
  • the means for interlocking may include a channel defined by the plurality of laminates of the core region and a projection provided on one or more of the plurality of laminates of the collar, wherein the projection is received within the channel.
  • the inverse arrangement is also possible, wherein one or more of the plurality of laminates of the collar define a channel and one or more of the laminates of the core region is provided with a projection for receipt within the channel.
  • the inner core comprises an upper core region which defines, together with the first outer pole, the first winding volume for the first electromagnetic winding.
  • the inner core further comprises a lower core region which defines, at least in part, a second volume for receiving a second electromagnetic winding.
  • a second outer pole is provided to define, together with the lower core region, the second volume for receiving the second electromagnetic winding.
  • the first outer pole may be of an extended length to receive both the upper core region and the lower core region.
  • the first outer pole surrounds both the first and second windings.
  • the actuator arrangement is a twin, double pole actuator arrangement with the first outer pole defining the outer pole of both actuators and the inner core defining the other pole of both actuators.
  • the first outer pole is formed in two parts, a first part defining the first volume and a second part defining the second volume.
  • a fuel injector for use in an internal combustion engine, including a valve needle which is operable by means of a valve arrangement to control injection by the injector, and an actuator arrangement for controlling the valve arrangement, wherein the actuator arrangement is of the type set out in the first or second aspect of the invention.
  • actuator arrangement of the first aspect of the invention may be incorporated within the actuator arrangement of the second aspect of the invention and the fuel injector of the third aspect of the invention also.
  • the valve arrangement includes a spill valve for controlling fuel pressure within an injector supply passage.
  • valve arrangement includes a nozzle control valve for controlling fuel pressure in an injector control chamber.
  • the valve arrangement includes a spill valve for controlling fuel pressure within an injector supply passage and a nozzle control valve for controlling fuel pressure in an injector control chamber so as to control movement of the valve needle.
  • Energisation and/or de-energisation of the first electromagnetic winding controls the spill valve
  • the injector further comprises a second electromagnetic winding, wound on the lower core region of the actuator arrangement, whereby energisation and/or de-energisation of the second electromagnetic winding controls the nozzle control valve.
  • the injector may further include a second outer pole which defines, together with the lower core region, a second volume for receiving the second electromagnetic winding.
  • the first outer pole has an extended length to receive both the upper core region and the lower core region so that the first outer pole, together with the lower core region, defines a second volume for receiving a second electromagnetic winding, as mentioned previously.
  • the first outer pole is formed in two parts, a first part defining the first volume and a second part defining a second volume for receiving a second electromagnetic winding.
  • At least one of the laminates of the inner core may have an outer profile that is different to that of its neighbouring laminate.
  • FIG. 1 is a sectional view through a known fuel injector within which an actuator arrangement of the present invention may be used
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of an actuator arrangement in another known fuel injector
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the actuator arrangement of a first embodiment of the invention, but with the windings of the actuator arrangement removed;
  • FIG. 4 is a cut-away view of the actuator arrangement shown in FIG. 3 , with the windings in place;
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the actuator arrangement in FIGS. 3 and 4 , also illustrating an electrical connector to the winding;
  • FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the actuator arrangement in FIGS. 3 and 4 , when housed within an actuator housing;
  • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the inner core of the actuator arrangement in FIGS. 3 to 6 , showing upper and lower laminated core regions and a laminated collar,
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the inner core in FIG. 7 , with a part of the laminated collar removed;
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of four different laminates forming part of the laminated core regions in FIGS. 7 and 8 ;
  • FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the laminated collar of the actuator arrangement in FIGS. 7 and 8 ;
  • FIGS. 11 and 12 are top plan views of the actuator arrangement in FIGS. 4 to 10 to illustrate the effect of variation in nominal laminate layer thickness for the laminated core regions.
  • the following description relates to an actuator arrangement, or actuator assembly, of the type suitable for use in the injector illustrated in FIG. 1 , or the injector illustrated in FIG. 2 , in which a spill valve 14 controls fuel pressure within an injector delivery chamber 17 and a nozzle control valve 12 controls injection by moving an injector valve needle 16 .
  • the actuator assembly defines an actuator axis A and includes a laminated core structure (referred to generally as 40 ), in the form of an inner pole or core, and a first outer pole (referred to generally as 42 ).
  • the inner core 40 has three distinct regions; an upper core region 44 having a first diameter, D 1 , a lower core region 46 having a second diameter, D 2 , and a collar 48 having a third diameter D 3 which projects circumferentially from the base of the upper core region 44 , where it meets the lower core region 46 .
  • the first and second diameters D 1 , D 2 of the upper and lower core regions 44 , 46 are similar, but with the second diameter D 2 fractionally less than the first diameter D 1 .
  • the diameter D 3 of the collar 48 is greater than the diameters D 1 and D 2 so as to define a platform upon which the outer pole 42 is supported or rests.
  • the outer pole 42 is of generally annular form and defines an internal bore 50 within which the upper core region 44 is received, the internal bore 50 of the outer pole 42 and the outer surface of the upper core region 44 together defining a first volume for receiving a first winding or solenoid 52 of the actuator assembly (only shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 ).
  • the first winding 52 is wound onto the upper core region 44 by means of a winding bobbin (not shown) in a manner which would be familiar to a person skilled in the art.
  • the actuator assembly further includes an electrical connector 54 to permit a current to be applied to the winding 52 , in use, so as to energise the winding.
  • the outer pole 42 is also provided with an opening 56 to permit connecting wires (not identified) to pass between the electrical connector 54 and the winding 52 .
  • the upper region 44 of the inner core 40 forms one of the poles of a double pole actuator for the spill valve of the fuel injector.
  • the double pole actuator generates a magnetic field upon application of the electric current to the winding 52 , so that the resultant magnetic field drives movement of an armature (not shown) located above (in the orientation shown) the inner core 40 .
  • the lower region 46 of the inner core 40 provides the single pole of an actuator for the nozzle control valve of the injector.
  • a second winding 59 (shown only in FIGS. 4 and 5 ) for the inner core 40 is wound around the lower core region 46 , with suitable electrical connections being made to the second winding 59 via the electrical connector 54 .
  • the entire actuator assembly locates within an external housing part 57 , which typically forms a part of the injector housing (such as that shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 ).
  • the upper and lower regions 44 , 46 of the inner core 40 are laminated, and so too is the collar 48 .
  • the upper and lower regions 44 , 46 comprise a plurality of distinct laminate layers or ‘laminates’, two of which are identified at 140 , with each laminate being of different shape to its neighbouring laminate or laminates.
  • the laminates 140 are stacked along (i.e. in the direction of) a lamination axis L A which is perpendicular to the actuator axis A.
  • the laminates 140 are arranged in a vertical fashion, one next to the other.
  • outermost ones of the laminate (for example— 140 a in FIG. 9 ) will be generally T-shaped, having a stem 142 which terminates in a cross member 144 , whereas internal ones of the laminates (for example— 140 b in FIG. 9 ) will be generally cross-shaped so that the stem projects on both sides of the cross member 144 .
  • the cross member 144 of each laminate 140 is provided with a recess 146 at each of its outermost ends.
  • each of the laminates 140 forming the upper and lower core regions 44 , 46 has a thickness, to, of approximately 0.3 to 0.5 millimetres. For an actuator having a 20 mm core diameter, for example, this would result in between 40 and 60 individual laminates 140 making up the inner core 40 .
  • the width, w, of the laminate stem 142 on the upper core region 44 will be between 4 and 13.5 millimetres.
  • the laminates 140 may be formed from silicon iron (SiFe).
  • the collar 48 includes a plurality of laminate layers, or ‘laminates’, two of which are identified at 240 .
  • the laminates 240 of the outer collar 48 are stacked along a lamination axis, L B , which is perpendicular to the lamination axis, L A , of the upper and lower core regions 44 , 66 .
  • L B lamination axis
  • L A lamination axis
  • the laminates 140 of the upper and lower core regions 44 , 46 are stacked vertically
  • the laminates 240 of the collar 48 are stacked horizontally.
  • the laminates 240 of the outer collar 48 together define an internal collar periphery 242 of generally square form which is cooperably shaped to mate with the outer profiles of the laminates 140 of the upper and lower core regions 44 , 46 .
  • the outer periphery of the collar 48 is of generally circular form so as to match the internal bore 50 of the first pole 42 .
  • the collar 48 defines a primary cross axis C A and a secondary cross axis C B (both identified in FIG. 10 ), with the axes C A , C B , being perpendicular to one another.
  • the laminated collar 48 is formed in two halves to define two outer collar parts 48 a , 48 b , each of which comprises five horizontally stacked laminates.
  • the laminates of the collar will be numbered as laminates 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 and 5 , working from the upper surface of the collar 48 to the lower surface.
  • Each of the laminates 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 is shaped so as to define a part circular outer periphery, an internal opening and first and second end regions (e.g. 1 a , 1 b for laminate 1 ).
  • the first and second end regions 1 a , 1 b of the laminates of one collar part 48 a face and mate with the first and second end regions 1 a , 1 b , respectively, of the other collar part 48 b.
  • Laminate 3 on each part 48 a , 48 b of the collar 48 defines a square shaped internal opening 242 a which is of narrower width (along the primary cross axis C A ) compared to the other laminates 1 , 2 , 4 and 5 by virtue of a projection defined by a region of enlarged width 244 of each end region 1 a , 1 b .
  • the region of enlarged width 244 is provided so as to be received within the core channel 148 (as shown in FIG. 8 ), thus serving to lock the various core parts 44 , 46 and 48 together.
  • the end regions 1 a , 1 b of alternate ones of the laminates 1 to 5 are dimensioned so that, on one collar part 48 b , the end regions 1 a , 1 b of laminates 1 , 3 and 5 are longer, along the secondary cross axis C B , than the end regions 1 a , 1 b of laminates 2 and 4 of the same collar part 48 b and, on the other collar part 48 a laminates 1 , 3 and 5 are shorter, along the secondary cross axis C B , than the end regions 1 a , 1 b of laminates 2 and 4 of the same collar part 48 a .
  • the end regions 1 a , 1 b of the laminates 1 to 5 therefore define a means for interlocking or engaging the outer collar parts 48 a , 48 b together in such a manner that the degree of overlap between the laminate end regions 1 a , 1 b may be varied along the secondary cross axis L B , whereas movement perpendicular to the cross axes (i.e. along the actuator axis A) is prevented.
  • the diameter of the outer collar 48 along the secondary cross axis C B will be smaller than the diameter of the outer collar 48 if the laminates 1 to 5 are only partially engaged.
  • the laminates 1 to 5 are shown as being partially engaged only, leaving a small degree of separation between the facing end regions 1 a , 1 b of the respective parts 48 a , 48 b . It will be appreciated that regardless of the degree of overlap between the end regions 1 a , 1 b of the collar parts 48 a , 48 b , the diameter of the collar 48 along the primary cross axis C A remains unchanged.
  • variable degree of engagement between the collar parts 48 a , 48 b provides a means for compensating for differences in the nominal thickness of the laminates 140 of the upper and lower core regions 44 , 46 .
  • FIGS. 11 and 12 show top plan views of the inner core 40 of the actuator (parts 44 and 48 are visible) where the thickness of the laminates 140 in each Figure is different.
  • the thickness of the laminates is equal to a nominal value, t 1 , which results in the outer periphery of the upper core region 44 being of circular form. If, however, the thickness of each laminate 140 is less than the nominal thickness, t 1 , then when the laminate layers 140 are assembled together the outer periphery of the upper core region 44 will be of oval or elliptical form, rather than circular. This is undesirable for a number of reasons.
  • the winding bobbin used to wind the solenoid winding 52 onto the inner core 40 is designed specifically to wind onto a circular core, not an elliptical one, and so manufacturing problems arise if the inner core 40 has a degree of ellipticity. For this reason the tool for stamping the laminates 140 automatically adjusts the width, w 1 , of the laminate stem 142 in response to the measured laminate thickness to ensure a circular outer diameter is always achieved for the upper core region 44 , regardless of thickness variations.
  • the thickness, t 2 , of the laminates 140 is less than the nominal thickness t 1 , as shown in FIG. 11 , but the widths, w 2 , of the laminate stems are increased (compared to widths, w 1 , in FIG. 11 ) so that the outer periphery of the upper core region 44 maintains a circular form, albeit with slightly ‘flatter’ edges due to the increased stem width w 2 .
  • the diameter of the upper core region 44 is slightly reduced, this does not matter providing the outer diameter maintains a circular form.
  • the facility to be able to adjust the outer diameter of the upper and lower core regions 44 , 46 so as to maintain the outer circular profile addresses the problem encountered previously whereby either the circular outer profile of the upper core region 44 has an undesirable degree of ellipticity or the diameter is reduced so that the upper core region 44 is no longer compatible with the remainder of the assembly and/or the assembly tools.
  • adjustable collar 48 of the present invention variations in the diameter of the upper core region 44 in nominally identical parts allow a single collar part 48 to be manufactured to fit with any laminated inner core structure 40 , regardless of laminate thickness.
  • the outer pole 42 is a unitary and rigid structure. This is because, magnetically, the inner core 40 tends to have less material to conduct magnetic flux, and so tends to reach saturation before other regions. Thus, the use of magnetically ‘good’, grain oriented material, such as that typically used for laminates, is advantageous.
  • the first outer pole 42 is of relatively large circumference, and hence comprises a large amount of material, and so does not tend to saturate so readily. For this reason there is no requirement for the first outer pole 42 to be laminated. Furthermore, the ring-like outer pole 42 proves greater structural integrity, so that the co-operable surfaces of the inner core and the outer pole mate together well. Magnetic performance is also improved.
  • the laminated inner core 40 is assembled using the laminating procedures discussed previously.
  • the first winding 52 is wound upon the upper region 44 of the inner core 40 by means of the winding bobbin so as to occupy the winding volume and the second winding 59 is wound around the lower region 46 of the inner core 40 .
  • the first outer pole 42 is received over the top of the upper region 44 so that the lower surface of the outer pole mates with the upper surface of the laminates 240 (i.e. laminates 1 ) of the collar parts 48 a , 48 b .
  • the entire assembly is received into the actuator housing 57 (as shown in FIG. 6 ) ready for assembly with the remaining injector parts.
  • a twin, double pole actuator arrangement in another embodiment of the invention (not shown), includes a second, outer pole to encompass the lower region 46 of the inner core 40 and the second winding 59 (i.e. each of the upper and lower core regions forms a part of a double pole arrangement).
  • FIG. 1 illustrates an injector for use with a twin-double pole actuator arrangement of this alternative embodiment. In this arrangement, the windings 24 , 26 would be wound in the same direction, with the laminated collar 48 of the actuator's inner core 40 defining a part of the flux path for both windings so that only a relatively small net flux flows through the collar 48 .
  • the first outer pole 42 may itself define both the first volume for the first winding 52 and the second volume for the second winding 59 (as best seen in FIG. 4 ).
  • the first outer pole 42 may be of extended length so as to extend below the collar 48 to surround the lower core region 46 or, alternatively, may be formed from two separate parts, one part defining the first volume and one part defining the second volume.
  • the injectors have been described as those in which a spill valve is included, this need not be the case and equally the invention is applicable to a common rail injector in which only a nozzle control valve is provided to control the valve needle. Equally, the invention is applicable to an injector in which only a spill valve is provided, but without a nozzle control valve, in which case there is no requirement for a second winding on the lower core region 46 , and, (optionally), no requirement for the lower core region 46 .
  • inner core profiles are envisaged in which some laminates are of the same shape, depending upon the thickness of the laminate layers.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Fuel-Injection Apparatus (AREA)
  • Magnetically Actuated Valves (AREA)
  • Electromagnets (AREA)
US11/301,690 2004-12-13 2005-12-13 Actuator arrangement and fuel injector incorporating an actuator arrangement Abandoned US20060131448A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0427276.1 2004-12-13
GB0427276A GB0427276D0 (en) 2004-12-13 2004-12-13 Actuator arrangement
GB0515819.1 2005-08-01
GB0515819A GB0515819D0 (en) 2004-12-13 2005-08-01 Actuator arrangement

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US11/302,008 Expired - Fee Related US7303177B2 (en) 2004-12-13 2005-12-13 Actuator arrangement and fuel injector incorporating an actuator arrangement

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US7907038B2 (en) * 2007-04-10 2011-03-15 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Electromagnetic flow control, methods and uses
US7552719B2 (en) * 2007-12-04 2009-06-30 Caterpillar Inc. Solenoid assembly having slotted stator
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JP6186126B2 (ja) 2013-01-24 2017-08-23 日立オートモティブシステムズ株式会社 燃料噴射装置
GB201309118D0 (en) 2013-05-21 2013-07-03 Delphi Tech Holding Sarl Fuel Injector
US9863355B2 (en) 2014-03-20 2018-01-09 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Magnetic force based actuator control
US9726100B2 (en) 2014-03-20 2017-08-08 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Actuator with deadbeat control
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WO2015143109A1 (en) 2014-03-20 2015-09-24 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Optimum current drive for actuator control
US9932947B2 (en) 2014-03-20 2018-04-03 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Actuator with residual magnetic hysteresis reset
US9664158B2 (en) 2014-03-20 2017-05-30 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Actuator with integrated driver
US9777686B2 (en) 2014-03-20 2017-10-03 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Actuator motion control
US9657699B2 (en) 2014-03-20 2017-05-23 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Actuator with integrated flux sensor
US9777660B2 (en) 2014-03-20 2017-10-03 GM Global Technology Operations LLC Parameter estimation in an actuator
CN109790806B (zh) 2016-07-27 2021-05-25 布里格斯斯特拉顿有限责任公司 往复式泵喷射器
JP7007886B2 (ja) * 2017-08-10 2022-01-25 東京瓦斯株式会社 ガス調整装置、ガス供給システム、ガス調整プログラム

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1670006A2 (en) 2006-06-14
EP1670005A3 (en) 2007-05-23
JP2006191024A (ja) 2006-07-20
EP1670005B1 (en) 2008-12-03
US7303177B2 (en) 2007-12-04
JP2006170206A (ja) 2006-06-29
US20060124775A1 (en) 2006-06-15
EP1670006A3 (en) 2007-05-23
EP1670005A2 (en) 2006-06-14

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