EP3190288A1 - Pump head for a fuel pump - Google Patents
Pump head for a fuel pump Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3190288A1 EP3190288A1 EP17151892.1A EP17151892A EP3190288A1 EP 3190288 A1 EP3190288 A1 EP 3190288A1 EP 17151892 A EP17151892 A EP 17151892A EP 3190288 A1 EP3190288 A1 EP 3190288A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- pump head
- inlet valve
- valve member
- fuel
- head housing
- 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.)
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Classifications
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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
- F02M59/00—Pumps specially adapted for fuel-injection and not provided for in groups F02M39/00 -F02M57/00, e.g. rotary cylinder-block type of pumps
- F02M59/44—Details, components parts, or accessories not provided for in, or of interest apart from, the apparatus of groups F02M59/02Â -Â F02M59/42; Pumps having transducers, e.g. to measure displacement of pump rack or piston
- F02M59/46—Valves
- F02M59/464—Inlet valves of the check valve type
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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 F02M39/00Â -Â 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 F02M39/00Â -Â F02M61/00 or F02M67/00; Combination of fuel pump with other devices, e.g. lubricating oil pump
- F02M63/02—Fuel-injection apparatus having several injectors fed by a common pumping element, or having several pumping elements feeding a common injector; Fuel-injection apparatus having provisions for cutting-out pumps, pumping elements, or injectors; Fuel-injection apparatus having provisions for variably interconnecting pumping elements and injectors alternatively
- F02M63/0225—Fuel-injection apparatus having a common rail feeding several injectors ; Means for varying pressure in common rails; Pumps feeding common rails
- F02M63/0265—Pumps feeding common rails
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a pump head for a fuel pump and, in particular, to a pump head for a fuel pump for use in a common rail fuel injection system.
- High-pressure fuel pumps for common rail fuel injection systems typically comprise one or more hydraulic pump heads where fuel is pressurised in a pumping chamber of the pump head by the reciprocating movement of a plunger.
- low-pressure fuel is fed to the pump heads by a low-pressure lift pump in the fuel tank, or alternatively by a transfer pump built into the high-pressure fuel pump. Once pressurised, the high-pressure fuel is fed from the pumping chamber to the common rail.
- FIG. 1 shows a pump head 1 of the kind described in WO-A1-2010-007409 .
- the pump head 1 comprises a pump head housing 2.
- the pump head housing 2 has a plunger bore 4 in which a pumping plunger (not shown) is disposed for reciprocating movement therein.
- a lower end of the pumping plunger includes a foot which is driven by a cam mounted on a drive shaft.
- the pump head housing 2 defines a pumping chamber 6 at an upper end of the plunger bore 4, such that fuel is pressurised within the pumping chamber 6 by the reciprocal motion of the pumping plunger within the plunger bore 4.
- Low-pressure fuel is fed to the pumping chamber 6 by a low-pressure lift pump in a fuel tank (not shown in Figure 1 ), or alternatively by a transfer pump built into the high-pressure fuel pump.
- the pump head housing 2 includes an exit drilling (not shown in Figure 1 ) in fluid communication with the pumping chamber 6. In use, pressurised fuel is fed from the pumping chamber 6, along the exit drilling, and through an outlet valve to downstream components of a fuel injection system, such as a common rail.
- the fuel pump head 1 includes an inlet valve arrangement 8 which comprises a moveable inlet valve member 10 for controlling fuel flow into the pumping chamber 6.
- the inlet valve member 10 has a conical body 12 and an elongate neck 14 and is moveable between open and closed positions in response to the fuel pressure in a gallery 16, which is machined in the pump head housing 2 above the pumping chamber 6, so as to surround a frustoconical lower end surface of the inlet valve member 10.
- the conical body 12 is housed within the pump head housing 2, adjacent to the pumping chamber 6, whilst the neck 14 extends from the conical body 12, coaxially with the plunger bore 4, away from the pumping chamber 6.
- the neck 14 is slidable within a valve bore 18 defined by the pump head housing 2. Consequently, the inlet valve member 10 is guided by the pump head housing 2 at the lower end of the neck 14.
- the neck 14 of the inlet valve member 10 extends beyond the valve bore 18, and out from an upper surface 20 of the pump head housing 2.
- the upper surface 20 of the pump head housing 2 is planar and substantially flat.
- a proximal end 22 of the neck 14 (adjacent to the conical body 12) remains within the pump head housing 2, whilst a distal end 24 of the neck 14 remains outside the pump head housing 2 and carries a spring seat 26.
- a valve return spring 28 is provided between the upper surface 20 of the pump head housing 2 and the spring seat 26 to urge the inlet valve member 10 closed against a valve seat 30 when fuel pressure within the gallery 16 drops below a predetermined level.
- a slight recess 32 is provided in the otherwise flat upper surface 20 of the pump head housing 2 to locate the lower end of the spring 28 therein.
- a closure member in the form of a valve cap 34 is mounted on top of and, thus, externally to, the upper surface 20 of the pump head housing 2.
- the valve cap 34 is provided over the distal end 24 of the neck 14 of the inlet valve member 10 (i.e. the part of the inlet valve member 10 that is outside the pump head housing 2).
- the valve cap 34 comprises a dome 36 with an annular flange 38 extending radially outwards from the dome 36.
- the pump head housing 2 includes a raised portion or projection 40 that is substantially circular, and projects into, and fits the footprint of, the dome 36 of the valve cap 34.
- the dome 36 may be fitted over the raised portion 40 such that the raised potion 40 protrudes into the dome 36 in a manner similar to a plug and socket arrangement.
- the valve cap 34 defines an external chamber 42 within which the distal end 24 of the valve member 10 is housed.
- the external chamber 42 communicates with the gallery 16 defined in the pump head housing 2.
- An entry drilling 44 and a plurality of radial feed drillings 46 are provided in the pump head housing 2.
- the entry drilling 44 extends to and opens at the upper surface 20 of the pump head housing 2, and so communicates with the external chamber 42.
- the radial feed drillings 46 also communicate with the external chamber 42, and extend between the gallery 16 and the upper surface 20 of the pump head housing 2, emerging at a position on the upper surface 20 of the pump head housing 2 which is outside the diameter of the spring 28.
- the radial feed drillings 46 are equally spaced about the circumference of the gallery 16.
- low-pressure fuel is pumped along the entry drilling 44 and into the external chamber 42.
- the low-pressure fuel is then fed from the external chamber 42, through the radial feed drillings 46 in the pump head housing 2, and into the gallery 16.
- the valve member 10 is urged away from its seat 30, against the spring force, to allow fuel into the pumping chamber 6.
- the radial outer surface of the projection 40 faces, and engages, a radial inner surface of the valve cap 34.
- the external chamber 42 is therefore defined between the internal surface of the dome 36, and the upper surface of the raised portion 40.
- a low-pressure seal is provided between the radial internal surface of the dome 36 and the radial outer surface of the raised portion 40, for example by an O-ring 48 surrounding the raised portion 40.
- the O-ring 48 is located within an annular groove 50 provided in the radial outer surface of the raised portion 40 and serves to minimise the loss of fuel from the external chamber 42.
- a pump head for a fuel pump for use in a common rail fuel injection system comprising:
- this viscoelastic damping mechanism reduces the velocity with which the inlet valve member comes to rest in the open and closed positions. This reduces wear of the inlet valve member over the lifetime of the pump thereby maintaining a good seal when the inlet valve member is in the closed position.
- the pump head comprises a damping volume which is defined, at least in part, by a surface associated with the inlet valve member such that, in use, the size of the damping volume varies in response to movement of the inlet valve member and, viscoelastic damping of the inlet valve member is effected by the restricted flow of fuel between the damping volume and a second volume.
- the second volume is a chamber disposed externally to the pump head housing, the damping volume being in fluid communication with the external chamber.
- the inlet valve member opens and closes in response to fuel pressure within a gallery, wherein the gallery communicates with the external chamber, such that, in use, the gallery communicates with a source of low-pressure fuel via the external chamber.
- the external chamber is defined by a closure member mounted externally to the pump head housing.
- the inlet valve member comprises an elongate neck which is guided within a valve bore in the pump head housing, the valve bore extending between an upper surface of the pump head housing and a valve seat;
- the annular shroud may be formed integrally with the pump head housing and projects upwardly from the upper surface thereof.
- the annular shroud may, conveniently, be formed integrally with the closure member and projects downwardly from the inner surface thereof.
- the pump head comprises a spring which acts on the inlet valve member to urge the inlet valve member into the closed position, the spring being disposed between the upper surface of the pump head housing and a spring seat disposed on the distal end of the neck and projecting radially outwards therefrom, wherein said surface associated with the inlet valve member is a surface of the spring seat which extends radially outward from the distal end of the neck.
- the damping volume communicates with the external chamber via a control clearance defined between an outer radial surface of the spring seat and an inner radial surface of the annular shroud.
- the annular shroud may, conveniently, comprise one or more radial drillings to permit fluid communication between the damping volume and the external chamber.
- the pump head may comprise a sealing member disposed between the radial outer surface of the spring seat and the radial inner surface of the annular shroud, the sealing member being operable to prevent the flow of fuel therepast.
- the valve bore may, conveniently, include an annular recess disposed between the upper surface of the pump head housing and the valve seat, the damping volume being defined, at least in part, between the annular recess and the inlet valve member.
- valve bore comprises a guide region disposed between the gallery and the annular recess
- inlet valve member comprises a guide portion which cooperates with the guide region to guide the movement of the inlet valve member within the valve bore, wherein the flow of fuel between the guide portion and guide region is substantially prevented
- the pump head housing comprises one or more drillings which provide fluid communication between the damping volume and the external chamber.
- the damping volume communicates with the external chamber via a control clearance defined between the inlet valve member and the valve bore, the control clearance being disposed between the annular recess and the upper surface of the pump head housing.
- the pump head housing comprises a sealing member disposed between the radial outer surface of inlet valve member and the radial inner surface of valve bore, the sealing member being disposed between the annular recess and the upper surface of the pump head housing.
- a fuel pump for use in a common rail fuel injection system comprising at least one pump head as described above.
- a first embodiment of a pump head 100 comprises a pump head housing 102.
- the pump head housing 102 has a plunger bore 104 in which a pumping plunger 105 is disposed for reciprocating movement therein.
- a lower end of the pumping plunger 105 includes a foot which is driven by a cam mounted on a drive shaft. As the drive shaft rotates, the cam imparts an axial force on the plunger foot, causing the pumping plunger 105 to reciprocate within the plunger bore 104.
- the pumping plunger 105 can also be driven by a tappet or roller/shoe arrangement.
- the pump head housing 102 defines a pumping chamber 106 at an upper end of the plunger bore 104, such that fuel is pressurised within the pumping chamber 106 by the reciprocal motion of the pumping plunger 105 within the plunger bore 104.
- Low-pressure fuel is fed to the pumping chamber 106 by a low-pressure lift pump in a fuel tank (not shown in Figure 2 ), or alternatively by a transfer pump built into the high-pressure fuel pump.
- the pump head housing 102 includes an exit drilling (not shown in Figure 2 ) in fluid communication with the pumping chamber 106. In use, pressurised fuel is fed from the pumping chamber 106, along the exit drilling, and through an outlet valve to downstream components of a fuel injection system, such as a common rail.
- the pump head 100 includes an inlet valve arrangement 108 which comprises a moveable inlet valve member 110 for controlling fuel flow into the pumping chamber 106.
- the inlet valve member 110 has a conical body 112 and an elongate neck 114 and is moveable between open and closed positions in response to the fuel pressure in a gallery 116, which is machined in the pump head housing 102 above the pumping chamber 106, so as to surround a frustoconical lower end surface of the inlet valve member 110.
- the conical body 112 is housed within the pump head housing 102, adjacent to the pumping chamber 106, whilst the neck 114 extends from the conical body 112, coaxially with the plunger bore 104, away from the pumping chamber 106.
- the neck 114 is slidable within a valve bore 118 defined by the pump head housing 102. Consequently, the inlet valve member 110 is guided by the pump head housing 102 at the lower end of the neck 114.
- the neck 114 of the inlet valve member 110 extends beyond the valve bore 118, and out from an upper surface 120 of the pump head housing 102.
- a proximal end 122 of the neck 114 (adjacent to the conical body 112) remains within the pump head housing 102, whilst a distal end 124 of the neck 114 remains outside the pump head housing 102 and carries a spring seat 126.
- a valve return spring 128 is provided between the upper surface 120 of the pump head housing 102 and the spring seat 126 to urge the inlet valve member 110 closed against a valve seat 130 when fuel pressure within the gallery 116 drops below a predetermined level.
- a slight recess 132 is provided in the upper surface 120 of the pump head housing 102 to locate the lower end of the spring 128 therein.
- a closure member in the form of a valve cap 134 is mounted on top of and, thus, externally to, the upper surface 120 of the pump head housing 102.
- the valve cap 134 is provided over the distal end 124 of the neck 114 of the inlet valve member 110 (i.e. the part of the inlet valve member 110 that is outside the pump head housing 102).
- the valve cap 134 comprises a dome 136 with an annular flange 138 extending radially outwards from the dome 136.
- the pump head housing 102 includes a raised portion or projection 140 that is substantially circular, and projects into, and fits the footprint of, the dome 136 of the valve cap 134.
- the dome 136 may be fitted over the raised portion 140 such that the raised potion 140 protrudes into the dome 136 in a manner similar to a plug and socket arrangement.
- the valve cap 134 defines an external chamber 142 within which the distal end 124 of the valve member 110 is housed.
- the external chamber 142 communicates with the gallery 116 defined in the pump head housing 102.
- An entry drilling (not shown in Figure 2 , but similar to the entry drilling 44 of Figure 1 ) and a plurality of radial feed drillings 146 (only one of which is shown in Figure 2 ) are provided in the pump head housing 102.
- the entry drilling extends to and opens at the upper surface 120 of the pump head housing 102, and so communicates with the external chamber 142.
- the radial feed drillings 146 also communicate with the external chamber 142, and extend between the gallery 116 and the upper surface 120 of the pump head housing 102, emerging at positions on the upper surface 120 of the pump head housing 102 which are outside the diameter of the spring 128.
- the radial feed drillings 146 are equally spaced about the circumference of the gallery 116.
- low-pressure fuel is pumped along the entry drilling and into the external chamber 142.
- the low-pressure fuel is then fed from the external chamber 142, through the radial feed drillings 146 in the pump head housing 102, and into the gallery 116. Once sufficient pressure is built in the gallery 116, the valve member 110 is urged away from its seat 130, against the spring force, to allow fuel into the pumping chamber 106.
- the radial outer surface of the projection 140 faces, and engages, a radial inner surface of the valve cap 134.
- the external chamber 142 is therefore defined between the internal surface of the dome 136, and the upper surface of the raised portion 140.
- a low-pressure seal is provided between the radial internal surface of the dome 136 and the radial outer surface of the raised portion 140, for example by an O-ring 148 surrounding the raised portion 140.
- the O-ring 148 is located within an annular groove 150 provided in the radial outer surface of the raised portion 140 and serves to minimise the loss of fuel from the external chamber 142.
- the valve cap 134 also comprises an annular shroud 152 which projects from the inner surface of the dome 136.
- the annular shroud 152 has a generally hollow cylindrical form and is arranged such that, when the valve cap 134 is mounted on the pump head housing 102, it is coaxial with the valve bore 118 and the inlet valve member 110. Accordingly, with this configuration, the distal end 124 of the inlet valve member 110 and the spring seat 126 are received within the annular shroud 152.
- a control clearance 154 is defined between the radial outer surface of the spring seat 126 and the inner surface of the annular shroud 152.
- the control clearance 154 defines a boundary between the external chamber 142 and a damping volume 156, the damping volume 156 generally comprising the region between the annular shroud 152 and the distal end 124 of the inlet valve member 110.
- the external chamber 142 is filled with fuel via the entry drilling.
- the external chamber 142 therefore constitutes a second volume which is distinct from the damping volume 156.
- Fuel flows from the external chamber 142 into the gallery 116 along the radial drillings 146 and through the control clearance 154 into the damping volume 156.
- the inlet valve member 110 moves into the open position away from the valve seat 130 when the pressure of the fuel in the gallery 116 exceeds the closing force provided by a combination of the spring 128 and the force of the fluid pressure within the pumping chamber 106. This condition occurs during a filling stroke of the pumping plunger 105 when the pumping plunger 105 moves away from the inlet valve arrangement 108 thereby increasing the volume of the pumping chamber 106 and resulting in a corresponding drop in the fluid pressure therein.
- the damping volume 156 increases in size and the pressure within it drops. In turn, this causes fuel from the external chamber 142 to flow into the damping volume 156.
- the flow of fuel into the damping volume 156 is restricted due to the fact that it must pass through the control clearance 154 between the spring seat 126 and the inner surface of the annular shroud 152. The result is that movement of the inlet valve member 110 from the closed position into the open position is damped. This improves the efficiency of the of the pump because it reduces the tendency for the inlet valve member 110 to oscillate when it is in the open position. Such oscillations are undesirable as they may cause variations in the amount of fuel pumped during each pumping stroke.
- the pumping plunger 105 When the pumping plunger 105 commences a pumping stroke, it moves toward the inlet valve arrangement 108 reducing the volume of the pumping chamber 106 thereby increasing the fluid pressure therein.
- the inlet valve member 110 moves toward the closed position. Accordingly, the damping volume 156 is reduced as the inlet valve member 110 closes. Fuel in the damping volume 156 is forced out through the control clearance 154 and into the external chamber 142.
- the restriction in the flow of fuel from the damping volume 156 causes the motion of the inlet valve member 110 to be damped as it closes.
- this viscoelastic damping mechanism reduces the velocity with which the conical body 112 of the inlet valve member 110 impacts the valve seat 130 to close the inlet valve arrangement 108. This reduces wear of the valve seat 130 and the inlet valve member 110 over the lifetime of the pump thereby maintaining a good seal between the valve seat 130 and the inlet valve member 110 when the inlet valve member 110 is in the closed position.
- the degree of damping of the inlet valve member 110 is determined by the characteristics of the control clearance 154, i.e. the width, length of the clearance, etc. Accordingly, the selection of an appropriate control clearance 154 provides a convenient way of tuning the dynamics of the inlet valve arrangement 108 so as to increase the efficiency of the inlet valve arrangement 108, which leads to better filling of the high pressure chamber 106 and therefore to better overall pump efficiency. This can be a contributor to save energy/reduce CO2 emissions on the low pressure circuit.
- the annular shroud 152 may be provided with one or more radial drillings 157 (shown in dashed lines in Figure 2 ) which allow fuel to flow between the damping volume 156 and the external chamber 142 when the inlet valve member 110 moves between the open and closed positions.
- the degree of damping is determined by the combination of the control clearance 154 and the dimensions of the drillings 157 in the annular shroud 152.
- the annular shroud 152 is provided with one or more drillings 157 as described above, there may be no control clearance between the spring seat 126 and the inner surface of the annular shroud 152.
- the radial outer surface of the spring seat 126 may be provided with a sealing member, such as an O-ring, which prevents any fluid flow between the spring seat 126 and the annular shroud 152.
- the nature of the damping of the inlet valve member 110 is determined by the number and dimensions of the drillings 157 in the annular shroud 152.
- Damping of the inlet valve member 110 is also beneficial in that the chances of seizure of the inlet valve member 110 are reduced because the inlet valve member 110 will accelerate and decelerate more gradually as it moves between the open and closed positions.
- a second embodiment of a pump head 200 is similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 2 but comprises a pump head housing 202 having an annular shroud 252 which is formed integrally therewith.
- the annular shroud 252 projects from the upper surface 220 of the pump head housing 202 and, as before, has a hollow cylindrical form which is coaxial with the valve bore 218 and the inlet valve member 210 of an inlet valve arrangement 208.
- the valve bore 218 defines a gallery 216 from which fuel is fed to a pumping chamber 206.
- a control clearance 254 is defined between the radial outer surface of the spring seat 226 and the inner surface of the annular shroud 252.
- the damping volume 256 is between the spring seat 226 and the upper surface 220 of the pump head housing 202, i.e. the region surrounding the spring 228.
- the annular shroud 252 may be provided with one or more radial drillings 257 (shown in dashed lines in Figure 3 ), to allow fuel to flow between the damping volume 256 and the external chamber 242 as the inlet valve member 210 opens and closes.
- the spring seat 226 may be provided with a sealing member, as described previously, so that there is no control clearance between the radial outer surface of the spring seat 226 and the inner surface of the annular shroud 252. In this case, the flow of fuel into and out of the damping chamber 256 occurs only through the one or more drillings 257.
- the annular shroud 252 may be configured such that, when the valve cap 234 is attached to the pump head housing 202, a gap 258 between an upper end of the annular shroud 252 and the inner surface of the dome 236 of the valve cap 234 provides a further control clearance.
- an additional damping volume 260 is defined at the distal end 224 of the neck 214 of the inlet valve member 210 in the region disposed between the gap 258 and the spring seat 226.
- the embodiment shown in Figure 3 has a particular advantage in that it is possible to set the width of the control clearance 254 between the annular shroud 252 and the spring seat 226 with a high level of precision. This is because the position of the axis of the valve bore 218, and therefore that of the inlet valve member 210, is well known, and both the valve bore 218 and the annular shroud 252 are formed integrally in the pump head housing 202.
- a third embodiment of a pump head 300 comprises a pump head housing 302 having a damping volume 356 formed integrally therein.
- the pump head housing 302 includes a valve bore 318 which extends from a valve seat 330 to the upper surface 320 of the pump head housing 302.
- an inlet valve arrangement 308 comprises an inlet valve member 310 having a conical body 312 which seals against the valve seat 330 when the inlet valve member 310 is in the closed position, and an elongate neck 314 which extends through the valve bore 318 and projects from the upper surface 320 of the pump head housing 302.
- a spring seat 326 is disposed at the distal end 324 of the neck 314, such that a spring 328 disposed between the spring seat 326 and a recess 332 in the upper surface 320 of the pump head housing 302 acts to bias the inlet valve member 310 toward the closed position.
- the valve bore 318 defines a gallery 316 disposed adjacent to a proximal end 322 of the neck 314 (adjacent to the conical body 312), from which fuel is fed to the pumping chamber 306 when the inlet valve member 310 opens. Above the gallery 318, the valve bore 318 comprises a guide region 362, having a uniform diameter along its axial length.
- the damping volume 356 is disposed above the guide region 362 and is defined between the inlet valve member 310 and an annular recess 364 within the valve bore 318.
- the neck 314 of the inlet valve member 310 is provided with a guide portion 366 which is concentric and a close fit with the surface of the guide region 362 of the valve bore 318 so as to ensure that the inlet valve member 310 moves parallel to the axis of the valve bore 318, and to prevent the flow of fuel therebetween.
- a shoulder 368 defines a transition between the guide portion 366 of the neck 314 and a further portion having a reduced diameter 370.
- a control clearance 354 is defined between the surface of the valve bore 318 above the annular recess 364 and the surface of the reduced diameter portion 370 of the neck 314 of the inlet valve member 310.
- the inlet valve member 310 is damped as it moves between the open and closed positions.
- the guide portion 366 of the neck 314 moves within the guide region 362 of the valve bore 318. This causes the damping volume 356 to increase in size as the shoulder 368 moves through the guide portion 366 of the valve bore 318 leaving a space where the reduced diameter portion 370 of the neck 314 is adjacent the guide region 362 of the valve bore 318.
- the increase in the size of the damping volume 356 reduces the pressure therein, which causes fuel in the external chamber 342 (defined by the valve cap 334) to flow into the damping volume 356.
- the flow of fuel into damping volume 356 is restricted by the control clearance 354, which slows the movement of the inlet valve member 310 accordingly.
- the shoulder 368 reduces the size of the damping volume 356 and fuel within the damping volume 356 is forced out into the external chamber 342 past the control clearance 354.
- the restriction in the flow of fuel past the control clearance 354 reduces the velocity of the inlet valve member 310 as it closes.
- one or more radial drillings 357 may be provided in the pump heading housing 302 to allow fuel to flow between the damping volume 356 and the external chamber 342 when the inlet valve member 310 moves between the open and closed positions.
- the degree of damping is determined by the combination of the control clearance 354 and the dimensions of the drillings 357 in the pump head housing 302.
- each of the embodiments provides damping without the addition of any extra parts to the fuel pump head. Accordingly, assembly of the fuel pump head is not made more complicated or more time consuming by the inclusion of the damping volume. Also, there is a minimum increase in the cost of producing fuel pump head, since no additional parts are required.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Fuel-Injection Apparatus (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a pump head for a fuel pump and, in particular, to a pump head for a fuel pump for use in a common rail fuel injection system.
- High-pressure fuel pumps for common rail fuel injection systems typically comprise one or more hydraulic pump heads where fuel is pressurised in a pumping chamber of the pump head by the reciprocating movement of a plunger. Typically, low-pressure fuel is fed to the pump heads by a low-pressure lift pump in the fuel tank, or alternatively by a transfer pump built into the high-pressure fuel pump. Once pressurised, the high-pressure fuel is fed from the pumping chamber to the common rail.
- A known pump head of a high-pressure fuel pump is described in International Patent Publication No.
WO-A1-2010-007409 .Figure 1 shows apump head 1 of the kind described inWO-A1-2010-007409 . Referring toFigure 1 , thepump head 1 comprises apump head housing 2. Thepump head housing 2 has aplunger bore 4 in which a pumping plunger (not shown) is disposed for reciprocating movement therein. As described inWO-A1-2010-007409 , a lower end of the pumping plunger includes a foot which is driven by a cam mounted on a drive shaft. As the drive shaft rotates, the cam imparts an axial force on the plunger foot, causing the pumping plunger to reciprocate within the plunger bore. Thepump head housing 2 defines apumping chamber 6 at an upper end of the plunger bore 4, such that fuel is pressurised within thepumping chamber 6 by the reciprocal motion of the pumping plunger within theplunger bore 4. - Low-pressure fuel is fed to the
pumping chamber 6 by a low-pressure lift pump in a fuel tank (not shown inFigure 1 ), or alternatively by a transfer pump built into the high-pressure fuel pump. Thepump head housing 2 includes an exit drilling (not shown inFigure 1 ) in fluid communication with thepumping chamber 6. In use, pressurised fuel is fed from thepumping chamber 6, along the exit drilling, and through an outlet valve to downstream components of a fuel injection system, such as a common rail. - The
fuel pump head 1 includes aninlet valve arrangement 8 which comprises a moveableinlet valve member 10 for controlling fuel flow into thepumping chamber 6. Theinlet valve member 10 has aconical body 12 and anelongate neck 14 and is moveable between open and closed positions in response to the fuel pressure in agallery 16, which is machined in thepump head housing 2 above thepumping chamber 6, so as to surround a frustoconical lower end surface of theinlet valve member 10. - The
conical body 12 is housed within thepump head housing 2, adjacent to thepumping chamber 6, whilst theneck 14 extends from theconical body 12, coaxially with the plunger bore 4, away from thepumping chamber 6. Theneck 14 is slidable within avalve bore 18 defined by thepump head housing 2. Consequently, theinlet valve member 10 is guided by thepump head housing 2 at the lower end of theneck 14. - The
neck 14 of theinlet valve member 10 extends beyond thevalve bore 18, and out from anupper surface 20 of thepump head housing 2. Theupper surface 20 of thepump head housing 2 is planar and substantially flat. Aproximal end 22 of the neck 14 (adjacent to the conical body 12) remains within thepump head housing 2, whilst adistal end 24 of theneck 14 remains outside thepump head housing 2 and carries aspring seat 26. Avalve return spring 28 is provided between theupper surface 20 of thepump head housing 2 and thespring seat 26 to urge theinlet valve member 10 closed against avalve seat 30 when fuel pressure within thegallery 16 drops below a predetermined level. Aslight recess 32 is provided in the otherwise flatupper surface 20 of thepump head housing 2 to locate the lower end of thespring 28 therein. - A closure member in the form of a
valve cap 34 is mounted on top of and, thus, externally to, theupper surface 20 of thepump head housing 2. Thevalve cap 34 is provided over thedistal end 24 of theneck 14 of the inlet valve member 10 (i.e. the part of theinlet valve member 10 that is outside the pump head housing 2). Thevalve cap 34 comprises adome 36 with anannular flange 38 extending radially outwards from thedome 36. - The
pump head housing 2 includes a raised portion orprojection 40 that is substantially circular, and projects into, and fits the footprint of, thedome 36 of thevalve cap 34. Thedome 36 may be fitted over the raisedportion 40 such that the raisedpotion 40 protrudes into thedome 36 in a manner similar to a plug and socket arrangement. - The
valve cap 34 defines anexternal chamber 42 within which thedistal end 24 of thevalve member 10 is housed. Theexternal chamber 42 communicates with thegallery 16 defined in thepump head housing 2. Anentry drilling 44 and a plurality of radial feed drillings 46 (only one of which is shown inFigure 1 ) are provided in thepump head housing 2. Theentry drilling 44 extends to and opens at theupper surface 20 of thepump head housing 2, and so communicates with theexternal chamber 42. Theradial feed drillings 46 also communicate with theexternal chamber 42, and extend between thegallery 16 and theupper surface 20 of thepump head housing 2, emerging at a position on theupper surface 20 of thepump head housing 2 which is outside the diameter of thespring 28. Theradial feed drillings 46 are equally spaced about the circumference of thegallery 16. In use, low-pressure fuel is pumped along the entry drilling 44 and into theexternal chamber 42. The low-pressure fuel is then fed from theexternal chamber 42, through theradial feed drillings 46 in thepump head housing 2, and into thegallery 16. Once sufficient pressure is built in thegallery 16, thevalve member 10 is urged away from itsseat 30, against the spring force, to allow fuel into thepumping chamber 6. - The radial outer surface of the
projection 40 faces, and engages, a radial inner surface of thevalve cap 34. Theexternal chamber 42 is therefore defined between the internal surface of thedome 36, and the upper surface of the raisedportion 40. A low-pressure seal is provided between the radial internal surface of thedome 36 and the radial outer surface of the raisedportion 40, for example by an O-ring 48 surrounding the raisedportion 40. The O-ring 48 is located within anannular groove 50 provided in the radial outer surface of the raisedportion 40 and serves to minimise the loss of fuel from theexternal chamber 42. - There is a problem with the
fuel pump head 1 having the above described configuration in that, over its lifetime, thevalve member 10 is subject to wear caused by the repeated opening and closing of theinlet valve arrangement 8. In particular, when thevalve member 10 moves into the closed position, theconical body 12 impacts against thevalve seat 30. This causes wear of thevalve seat 30 and theconical body 12 which may result in a poor seal between the two, thereby reducing the efficiency of the pump, which is undesirable. - It is an aim of the present invention to provide an improved pump head for a fuel pump which substantially overcomes or mitigates the above-mentioned problem.
- According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pump head for a fuel pump for use in a common rail fuel injection system, the pump head comprising:
- a pump head housing;
- a pumping chamber defined within the pump head housing; and
- an inlet valve arrangement for controlling fuel flow into the pumping chamber, the inlet valve arrangement including an inlet valve member moveable between open and closed positions wherein, in use, movement of the inlet valve member is damped by means of viscoelastic damping.
- Advantageously, this viscoelastic damping mechanism reduces the velocity with which the inlet valve member comes to rest in the open and closed positions. This reduces wear of the inlet valve member over the lifetime of the pump thereby maintaining a good seal when the inlet valve member is in the closed position.
- Preferably, the pump head comprises a damping volume which is defined, at least in part, by a surface associated with the inlet valve member such that, in use, the size of the damping volume varies in response to movement of the inlet valve member and, viscoelastic damping of the inlet valve member is effected by the restricted flow of fuel between the damping volume and a second volume. More preferably, the second volume is a chamber disposed externally to the pump head housing, the damping volume being in fluid communication with the external chamber.
- Still more preferably, the inlet valve member opens and closes in response to fuel pressure within a gallery, wherein the gallery communicates with the external chamber, such that, in use, the gallery communicates with a source of low-pressure fuel via the external chamber.
- Conveniently, the external chamber is defined by a closure member mounted externally to the pump head housing.
- More preferably, the inlet valve member comprises an elongate neck which is guided within a valve bore in the pump head housing, the valve bore extending between an upper surface of the pump head housing and a valve seat;
- wherein the external chamber is defined between the closure member and the upper surface of the pump head housing;
- wherein a distal end of the neck, disposed away from the valve seat, projects above the upper surface of the pump head housing into the external chamber; and
- wherein the damping volume is defined, at least in part, between a radial outer surface of the distal end of the neck and the radial inner surface of an annular shroud disposed around the distal end of the neck.
- Advantageously, the annular shroud may be formed integrally with the pump head housing and projects upwardly from the upper surface thereof. Alternatively, the annular shroud may, conveniently, be formed integrally with the closure member and projects downwardly from the inner surface thereof.
- Preferably, the pump head comprises a spring which acts on the inlet valve member to urge the inlet valve member into the closed position, the spring being disposed between the upper surface of the pump head housing and a spring seat disposed on the distal end of the neck and projecting radially outwards therefrom, wherein said surface associated with the inlet valve member is a surface of the spring seat which extends radially outward from the distal end of the neck.
- More preferably, the damping volume communicates with the external chamber via a control clearance defined between an outer radial surface of the spring seat and an inner radial surface of the annular shroud.
- The annular shroud may, conveniently, comprise one or more radial drillings to permit fluid communication between the damping volume and the external chamber. In this case, the pump head may comprise a sealing member disposed between the radial outer surface of the spring seat and the radial inner surface of the annular shroud, the sealing member being operable to prevent the flow of fuel therepast.
- The valve bore may, conveniently, include an annular recess disposed between the upper surface of the pump head housing and the valve seat, the damping volume being defined, at least in part, between the annular recess and the inlet valve member.
- Preferably, the valve bore comprises a guide region disposed between the gallery and the annular recess, and the inlet valve member comprises a guide portion which cooperates with the guide region to guide the movement of the inlet valve member within the valve bore, wherein the flow of fuel between the guide portion and guide region is substantially prevented; and
- wherein said surface associated with the inlet valve member is a shoulder formed on the inlet valve member by a transition between the guide portion and a further portion above the guide portion, the further portion having a diameter less than that of the guide portion.
- Preferably, the pump head housing comprises one or more drillings which provide fluid communication between the damping volume and the external chamber.
- Preferably, the damping volume communicates with the external chamber via a control clearance defined between the inlet valve member and the valve bore, the control clearance being disposed between the annular recess and the upper surface of the pump head housing.
- More preferably, the pump head housing comprises a sealing member disposed between the radial outer surface of inlet valve member and the radial inner surface of valve bore, the sealing member being disposed between the annular recess and the upper surface of the pump head housing.
- According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a fuel pump for use in a common rail fuel injection system, comprising at least one pump head as described above.
- It will be appreciated that preferred and/or optional features of the first aspect of the invention may be incorporated alone or in appropriate combination in the fuel pump of the second aspect.
- Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to
Figures 2 to 4 of the accompanying drawings, in which: -
Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a known pump head; -
Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a pump head according to the present invention; -
Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a pump head according to the present invention; and -
Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a pump head according to the present invention. - Referring to
Figure 2 , a first embodiment of apump head 100 according to the present invention comprises apump head housing 102. Thepump head housing 102 has aplunger bore 104 in which apumping plunger 105 is disposed for reciprocating movement therein. As described previously with reference to the known fuel pump head ofFigure 1 , a lower end of the pumpingplunger 105 includes a foot which is driven by a cam mounted on a drive shaft. As the drive shaft rotates, the cam imparts an axial force on the plunger foot, causing thepumping plunger 105 to reciprocate within the plunger bore 104. Alternatively, the pumpingplunger 105 can also be driven by a tappet or roller/shoe arrangement. Thepump head housing 102 defines apumping chamber 106 at an upper end of the plunger bore 104, such that fuel is pressurised within thepumping chamber 106 by the reciprocal motion of the pumpingplunger 105 within the plunger bore 104. - Low-pressure fuel is fed to the
pumping chamber 106 by a low-pressure lift pump in a fuel tank (not shown inFigure 2 ), or alternatively by a transfer pump built into the high-pressure fuel pump. Thepump head housing 102 includes an exit drilling (not shown inFigure 2 ) in fluid communication with thepumping chamber 106. In use, pressurised fuel is fed from thepumping chamber 106, along the exit drilling, and through an outlet valve to downstream components of a fuel injection system, such as a common rail. - The
pump head 100 includes aninlet valve arrangement 108 which comprises a moveableinlet valve member 110 for controlling fuel flow into thepumping chamber 106. Theinlet valve member 110 has aconical body 112 and anelongate neck 114 and is moveable between open and closed positions in response to the fuel pressure in agallery 116, which is machined in thepump head housing 102 above thepumping chamber 106, so as to surround a frustoconical lower end surface of theinlet valve member 110. - The
conical body 112 is housed within thepump head housing 102, adjacent to thepumping chamber 106, whilst theneck 114 extends from theconical body 112, coaxially with the plunger bore 104, away from thepumping chamber 106. Theneck 114 is slidable within avalve bore 118 defined by thepump head housing 102. Consequently, theinlet valve member 110 is guided by thepump head housing 102 at the lower end of theneck 114. - The
neck 114 of theinlet valve member 110 extends beyond the valve bore 118, and out from anupper surface 120 of thepump head housing 102. Aproximal end 122 of the neck 114 (adjacent to the conical body 112) remains within thepump head housing 102, whilst adistal end 124 of theneck 114 remains outside thepump head housing 102 and carries aspring seat 126. Avalve return spring 128 is provided between theupper surface 120 of thepump head housing 102 and thespring seat 126 to urge theinlet valve member 110 closed against avalve seat 130 when fuel pressure within thegallery 116 drops below a predetermined level. Aslight recess 132 is provided in theupper surface 120 of thepump head housing 102 to locate the lower end of thespring 128 therein. - A closure member in the form of a
valve cap 134 is mounted on top of and, thus, externally to, theupper surface 120 of thepump head housing 102. Thevalve cap 134 is provided over thedistal end 124 of theneck 114 of the inlet valve member 110 (i.e. the part of theinlet valve member 110 that is outside the pump head housing 102). Thevalve cap 134 comprises adome 136 with anannular flange 138 extending radially outwards from thedome 136. - The
pump head housing 102 includes a raised portion orprojection 140 that is substantially circular, and projects into, and fits the footprint of, thedome 136 of thevalve cap 134. Thedome 136 may be fitted over the raisedportion 140 such that the raisedpotion 140 protrudes into thedome 136 in a manner similar to a plug and socket arrangement. - The
valve cap 134 defines anexternal chamber 142 within which thedistal end 124 of thevalve member 110 is housed. Theexternal chamber 142 communicates with thegallery 116 defined in thepump head housing 102. An entry drilling (not shown inFigure 2 , but similar to theentry drilling 44 ofFigure 1 ) and a plurality of radial feed drillings 146 (only one of which is shown inFigure 2 ) are provided in thepump head housing 102. The entry drilling extends to and opens at theupper surface 120 of thepump head housing 102, and so communicates with theexternal chamber 142. Theradial feed drillings 146 also communicate with theexternal chamber 142, and extend between thegallery 116 and theupper surface 120 of thepump head housing 102, emerging at positions on theupper surface 120 of thepump head housing 102 which are outside the diameter of thespring 128. Theradial feed drillings 146 are equally spaced about the circumference of thegallery 116. In use, low-pressure fuel is pumped along the entry drilling and into theexternal chamber 142. The low-pressure fuel is then fed from theexternal chamber 142, through theradial feed drillings 146 in thepump head housing 102, and into thegallery 116. Once sufficient pressure is built in thegallery 116, thevalve member 110 is urged away from itsseat 130, against the spring force, to allow fuel into thepumping chamber 106. - The radial outer surface of the
projection 140 faces, and engages, a radial inner surface of thevalve cap 134. Theexternal chamber 142 is therefore defined between the internal surface of thedome 136, and the upper surface of the raisedportion 140. A low-pressure seal is provided between the radial internal surface of thedome 136 and the radial outer surface of the raisedportion 140, for example by an O-ring 148 surrounding the raisedportion 140. The O-ring 148 is located within anannular groove 150 provided in the radial outer surface of the raisedportion 140 and serves to minimise the loss of fuel from theexternal chamber 142. - The
valve cap 134 also comprises anannular shroud 152 which projects from the inner surface of thedome 136. Theannular shroud 152 has a generally hollow cylindrical form and is arranged such that, when thevalve cap 134 is mounted on thepump head housing 102, it is coaxial with the valve bore 118 and theinlet valve member 110. Accordingly, with this configuration, thedistal end 124 of theinlet valve member 110 and thespring seat 126 are received within theannular shroud 152. - A
control clearance 154 is defined between the radial outer surface of thespring seat 126 and the inner surface of theannular shroud 152. Thecontrol clearance 154 defines a boundary between theexternal chamber 142 and a dampingvolume 156, the dampingvolume 156 generally comprising the region between theannular shroud 152 and thedistal end 124 of theinlet valve member 110. - As mentioned previously, during operation, the
external chamber 142 is filled with fuel via the entry drilling. Theexternal chamber 142 therefore constitutes a second volume which is distinct from the dampingvolume 156. Fuel flows from theexternal chamber 142 into thegallery 116 along theradial drillings 146 and through thecontrol clearance 154 into the dampingvolume 156. Theinlet valve member 110 moves into the open position away from thevalve seat 130 when the pressure of the fuel in thegallery 116 exceeds the closing force provided by a combination of thespring 128 and the force of the fluid pressure within thepumping chamber 106. This condition occurs during a filling stroke of the pumpingplunger 105 when the pumpingplunger 105 moves away from theinlet valve arrangement 108 thereby increasing the volume of thepumping chamber 106 and resulting in a corresponding drop in the fluid pressure therein. - As the
inlet valve member 110 opens, the dampingvolume 156 increases in size and the pressure within it drops. In turn, this causes fuel from theexternal chamber 142 to flow into the dampingvolume 156. However, the flow of fuel into the dampingvolume 156 is restricted due to the fact that it must pass through thecontrol clearance 154 between thespring seat 126 and the inner surface of theannular shroud 152. The result is that movement of theinlet valve member 110 from the closed position into the open position is damped. This improves the efficiency of the of the pump because it reduces the tendency for theinlet valve member 110 to oscillate when it is in the open position. Such oscillations are undesirable as they may cause variations in the amount of fuel pumped during each pumping stroke. - When the pumping
plunger 105 commences a pumping stroke, it moves toward theinlet valve arrangement 108 reducing the volume of thepumping chamber 106 thereby increasing the fluid pressure therein. When the combination of the spring force and the pressure in thepumping chamber 106 exceeds the fuel pressure in thegallery 116, theinlet valve member 110 moves toward the closed position. Accordingly, the dampingvolume 156 is reduced as theinlet valve member 110 closes. Fuel in the dampingvolume 156 is forced out through thecontrol clearance 154 and into theexternal chamber 142. Thus, the restriction in the flow of fuel from the dampingvolume 156 causes the motion of theinlet valve member 110 to be damped as it closes. Advantageously, this viscoelastic damping mechanism reduces the velocity with which theconical body 112 of theinlet valve member 110 impacts thevalve seat 130 to close theinlet valve arrangement 108. This reduces wear of thevalve seat 130 and theinlet valve member 110 over the lifetime of the pump thereby maintaining a good seal between thevalve seat 130 and theinlet valve member 110 when theinlet valve member 110 is in the closed position. - Furthermore, with the above-described arrangement, the degree of damping of the
inlet valve member 110 is determined by the characteristics of thecontrol clearance 154, i.e. the width, length of the clearance, etc. Accordingly, the selection of anappropriate control clearance 154 provides a convenient way of tuning the dynamics of theinlet valve arrangement 108 so as to increase the efficiency of theinlet valve arrangement 108, which leads to better filling of thehigh pressure chamber 106 and therefore to better overall pump efficiency. This can be a contributor to save energy/reduce CO2 emissions on the low pressure circuit. - In a variation of the above-described embodiment, the
annular shroud 152 may be provided with one or more radial drillings 157 (shown in dashed lines inFigure 2 ) which allow fuel to flow between the dampingvolume 156 and theexternal chamber 142 when theinlet valve member 110 moves between the open and closed positions. In this case, the degree of damping is determined by the combination of thecontrol clearance 154 and the dimensions of thedrillings 157 in theannular shroud 152. - Alternatively, in the case that the
annular shroud 152 is provided with one ormore drillings 157 as described above, there may be no control clearance between thespring seat 126 and the inner surface of theannular shroud 152. For example, the radial outer surface of thespring seat 126 may be provided with a sealing member, such as an O-ring, which prevents any fluid flow between thespring seat 126 and theannular shroud 152. In this case, the nature of the damping of theinlet valve member 110 is determined by the number and dimensions of thedrillings 157 in theannular shroud 152. - Damping of the
inlet valve member 110 is also beneficial in that the chances of seizure of theinlet valve member 110 are reduced because theinlet valve member 110 will accelerate and decelerate more gradually as it moves between the open and closed positions. - Referring to
Figure 3 , a second embodiment of apump head 200 is similar to the embodiment shown inFigure 2 but comprises apump head housing 202 having anannular shroud 252 which is formed integrally therewith. Theannular shroud 252 projects from theupper surface 220 of thepump head housing 202 and, as before, has a hollow cylindrical form which is coaxial with the valve bore 218 and theinlet valve member 210 of aninlet valve arrangement 208. The valve bore 218 defines agallery 216 from which fuel is fed to apumping chamber 206. - A
control clearance 254 is defined between the radial outer surface of thespring seat 226 and the inner surface of theannular shroud 252. In the embodiment shown inFigure 3 , the dampingvolume 256 is between thespring seat 226 and theupper surface 220 of thepump head housing 202, i.e. the region surrounding thespring 228. - With this arrangement, movement of the
inlet valve member 210 is damped as it moves into the open position by fuel being forced out of the dampingvolume 256 through thecontrol clearance 254. Conversely, during closing of theinlet valve member 210, damping is caused due to a reduction in fluid pressure within the dampingvolume 256 as it expands and the fact that the flow of fuel back into the dampingvolume 256 is restricted by thecontrol clearance 254. - In order to achieve the required damping, the
annular shroud 252 may be provided with one or more radial drillings 257 (shown in dashed lines inFigure 3 ), to allow fuel to flow between the dampingvolume 256 and theexternal chamber 242 as theinlet valve member 210 opens and closes. In the case thatadditional drillings 257 are provided, thespring seat 226 may be provided with a sealing member, as described previously, so that there is no control clearance between the radial outer surface of thespring seat 226 and the inner surface of theannular shroud 252. In this case, the flow of fuel into and out of the dampingchamber 256 occurs only through the one ormore drillings 257. - Damping of the
inlet valve member 210 is most beneficial when theinlet valve member 210 closes, as this reduces wear at thevalve seat 230. Accordingly, theannular shroud 252 may be configured such that, when thevalve cap 234 is attached to thepump head housing 202, agap 258 between an upper end of theannular shroud 252 and the inner surface of thedome 236 of thevalve cap 234 provides a further control clearance. In this case an additional dampingvolume 260 is defined at thedistal end 224 of theneck 214 of theinlet valve member 210 in the region disposed between thegap 258 and thespring seat 226. Thus, when theinlet valve member 210 moves toward the closed position, damping is provided as fuel in the additional dampingvolume 260 is forced through thegap 258 into theexternal volume 242. - The embodiment shown in
Figure 3 has a particular advantage in that it is possible to set the width of thecontrol clearance 254 between theannular shroud 252 and thespring seat 226 with a high level of precision. This is because the position of the axis of the valve bore 218, and therefore that of theinlet valve member 210, is well known, and both the valve bore 218 and theannular shroud 252 are formed integrally in thepump head housing 202. - Referring to
Figure 4 , a third embodiment of apump head 300 comprises apump head housing 302 having a dampingvolume 356 formed integrally therein. Thepump head housing 302 includes avalve bore 318 which extends from avalve seat 330 to theupper surface 320 of thepump head housing 302. As before, aninlet valve arrangement 308 comprises aninlet valve member 310 having aconical body 312 which seals against thevalve seat 330 when theinlet valve member 310 is in the closed position, and anelongate neck 314 which extends through the valve bore 318 and projects from theupper surface 320 of thepump head housing 302. - A
spring seat 326 is disposed at thedistal end 324 of theneck 314, such that aspring 328 disposed between thespring seat 326 and arecess 332 in theupper surface 320 of thepump head housing 302 acts to bias theinlet valve member 310 toward the closed position. The valve bore 318 defines agallery 316 disposed adjacent to aproximal end 322 of the neck 314 (adjacent to the conical body 312), from which fuel is fed to thepumping chamber 306 when theinlet valve member 310 opens. Above thegallery 318, the valve bore 318 comprises aguide region 362, having a uniform diameter along its axial length. The dampingvolume 356 is disposed above theguide region 362 and is defined between theinlet valve member 310 and anannular recess 364 within the valve bore 318. - The
neck 314 of theinlet valve member 310 is provided with aguide portion 366 which is concentric and a close fit with the surface of theguide region 362 of the valve bore 318 so as to ensure that theinlet valve member 310 moves parallel to the axis of the valve bore 318, and to prevent the flow of fuel therebetween. At the upper end of the guide portion 366 ashoulder 368 defines a transition between theguide portion 366 of theneck 314 and a further portion having a reduceddiameter 370. Acontrol clearance 354 is defined between the surface of the valve bore 318 above theannular recess 364 and the surface of the reduceddiameter portion 370 of theneck 314 of theinlet valve member 310. - With the above-described arrangement, the
inlet valve member 310 is damped as it moves between the open and closed positions. In more detail, when theinlet valve member 310 moves away from thevalve seat 330, theguide portion 366 of theneck 314 moves within theguide region 362 of the valve bore 318. This causes the dampingvolume 356 to increase in size as theshoulder 368 moves through theguide portion 366 of the valve bore 318 leaving a space where the reduceddiameter portion 370 of theneck 314 is adjacent theguide region 362 of the valve bore 318. - The increase in the size of the damping
volume 356 reduces the pressure therein, which causes fuel in the external chamber 342 (defined by the valve cap 334) to flow into the dampingvolume 356. The flow of fuel into dampingvolume 356 is restricted by thecontrol clearance 354, which slows the movement of theinlet valve member 310 accordingly. Similarly, when theinlet valve member 310 moves toward the closed position, theshoulder 368 reduces the size of the dampingvolume 356 and fuel within the dampingvolume 356 is forced out into theexternal chamber 342 past thecontrol clearance 354. Thus, the restriction in the flow of fuel past thecontrol clearance 354 reduces the velocity of theinlet valve member 310 as it closes. - In a variation of the above-described embodiment, one or more radial drillings 357 (shown in dashed lines in
Figure 3 ) may be provided in thepump heading housing 302 to allow fuel to flow between the dampingvolume 356 and theexternal chamber 342 when theinlet valve member 310 moves between the open and closed positions. In this case, the degree of damping is determined by the combination of thecontrol clearance 354 and the dimensions of thedrillings 357 in thepump head housing 302. - In addition to the various above-mentioned advantages associated with viscoelastic damping of the inlet valve member which are provided by the embodiments shown in
Figures 2 ,3 and4 , a further advantage is that each of the embodiments provides damping without the addition of any extra parts to the fuel pump head. Accordingly, assembly of the fuel pump head is not made more complicated or more time consuming by the inclusion of the damping volume. Also, there is a minimum increase in the cost of producing fuel pump head, since no additional parts are required.
Claims (5)
- A pump head for a fuel pump for use in a common rail fuel injection system, the pump head (100; 200; 300) comprising:a pump head housing (102; 202; 302);a pumping chamber (106; 206; 306) defined within the pump head housing (102; 202; 302); andan inlet valve arrangement (108; 208; 308) for controlling fuel flow into the pumping chamber (106; 206; 306), the inlet valve arrangement (108; 208; 308) including an inlet valve member (110; 210; 310) moveable between open and closed positions characterized in thatthe pump head is further provided with means of viscoelastic damping ensuring that, in use, movement of the inlet valve member (110; 210; 310) is damped when moving into the open position and also, when moving into the closed position,the pump head further comprising a damping volume (156; 256; 356) which is defined, at least in part, by a surface associated with the inlet valve member (110; 210; 310) such that, in use, the size of the damping volume (156; 256; 356) varies in response to movement of the inlet valve member (110; 210; 310) and, viscoelastic damping of the inlet valve member (110; 210; 310) is effected by the restricted flow of fuel between the damping volume (156; 256; 356) and a second volume andwherein, the second volume is a chamber (142; 242; 342) disposed externally to the pump head housing (102; 202; 302), the damping volume (156; 256; 356) being in fluid communication with the external chamber (142; 242; 342) and wherein,the valve bore (318) includes an annular recess (364) disposed between the upper surface (320) of the pump head housing (302) and the valve seat (330), the damping volume (356) being defined, at least in part, between the annular recess (364) and the inlet valve member (310).
- A pump head according to claim 1, wherein the inlet valve member (110; 210; 310) opens and closes in response to fuel pressure within a gallery (116; 216; 316), wherein the gallery communicates with the external chamber (142; 242; 342), such that, in use, the gallery (116; 216; 316) communicates with a source of low-pressure fuel via the external chamber (142; 242; 342).
- A pump head according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the external chamber (142; 242; 342) is defined by a closure member (134; 234; 334) mounted externally to the pump head housing (102; 202; 302).
- A pump head according to claim 1, wherein the valve bore (318) comprises a guide region (362) disposed between the gallery (316) and the annular recess (364), and the inlet valve member (310) comprises a guide portion (366) which cooperates with the guide region (362) to guide the movement of the inlet valve member (310) within the valve bore (318), wherein the flow of fuel between the guide portion (366) and guide region (362) is substantially prevented; and
wherein said surface associated with the inlet valve member (310) is a shoulder (368) formed on the inlet valve member (310) by a transition between the guide portion (366) and a further portion (370) above the guide portion (366), the further portion (370) having a diameter less than that of the guide portion (366). - A fuel pump for use in a common rail fuel injection system, comprising at least one pump head according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP17151892.1A EP3190288B1 (en) | 2011-08-08 | 2011-08-08 | Pump head for a fuel pump |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP11176834.7A EP2557307B1 (en) | 2011-08-08 | 2011-08-08 | Pump head for a fuel pump |
EP17151892.1A EP3190288B1 (en) | 2011-08-08 | 2011-08-08 | Pump head for a fuel pump |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP11176834.7A Division EP2557307B1 (en) | 2011-08-08 | 2011-08-08 | Pump head for a fuel pump |
EP11176834.7A Division-Into EP2557307B1 (en) | 2011-08-08 | 2011-08-08 | Pump head for a fuel pump |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3190288A1 true EP3190288A1 (en) | 2017-07-12 |
EP3190288B1 EP3190288B1 (en) | 2018-10-17 |
Family
ID=44677442
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP17151892.1A Not-in-force EP3190288B1 (en) | 2011-08-08 | 2011-08-08 | Pump head for a fuel pump |
EP11176834.7A Not-in-force EP2557307B1 (en) | 2011-08-08 | 2011-08-08 | Pump head for a fuel pump |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP11176834.7A Not-in-force EP2557307B1 (en) | 2011-08-08 | 2011-08-08 | Pump head for a fuel pump |
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EP (2) | EP3190288B1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
IT201800020398A1 (en) * | 2018-12-20 | 2020-06-20 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | PUMPING GROUP TO FEED FUEL, PREFERABLY DIESEL, TO AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ITMI20130569A1 (en) * | 2013-04-10 | 2014-10-11 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | PUMPING GROUP FOR FUEL SUPPLEMENTATION, PREFERABLY GASOIL, TO AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE |
IT201700095355A1 (en) * | 2017-08-23 | 2019-02-23 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | PUMP UNIT FOR FUEL SUPPLY TO AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE |
GB2567638B (en) * | 2017-10-17 | 2020-02-19 | Delphi Tech Ip Ltd | Fuel pump |
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DE102008018018A1 (en) * | 2008-04-09 | 2009-10-15 | Continental Automotive Gmbh | Pump for conveying a fluid |
WO2010007409A1 (en) | 2008-07-15 | 2010-01-21 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Improvements relating to fuel pumps |
DE102008041393A1 (en) * | 2008-08-20 | 2010-02-25 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Fuel system for internal combustion engine, has fuel pump connector with pump body with common rail, to which multiple injectors are connected |
EP2309115A1 (en) * | 2008-05-14 | 2011-04-13 | Koganei Seiki Co., Ltd. | Diesel pump |
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2011
- 2011-08-08 EP EP17151892.1A patent/EP3190288B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2011-08-08 EP EP11176834.7A patent/EP2557307B1/en not_active Not-in-force
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---|---|---|---|---|
WO2003038270A1 (en) * | 2001-10-30 | 2003-05-08 | Centro Studi Componenti Per Veicoli S.P.A. | Intake valve for a high-pressure pump, in particular for internal combustion engine fuel |
DE102008018018A1 (en) * | 2008-04-09 | 2009-10-15 | Continental Automotive Gmbh | Pump for conveying a fluid |
EP2309115A1 (en) * | 2008-05-14 | 2011-04-13 | Koganei Seiki Co., Ltd. | Diesel pump |
WO2010007409A1 (en) | 2008-07-15 | 2010-01-21 | Delphi Technologies, Inc. | Improvements relating to fuel pumps |
DE102008041393A1 (en) * | 2008-08-20 | 2010-02-25 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Fuel system for internal combustion engine, has fuel pump connector with pump body with common rail, to which multiple injectors are connected |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
IT201800020398A1 (en) * | 2018-12-20 | 2020-06-20 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | PUMPING GROUP TO FEED FUEL, PREFERABLY DIESEL, TO AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE |
WO2020127933A1 (en) * | 2018-12-20 | 2020-06-25 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Pump unit for feeding fuel, preferably diesel, to an internal combustion engine |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2557307A1 (en) | 2013-02-13 |
EP3190288B1 (en) | 2018-10-17 |
EP2557307B1 (en) | 2017-12-06 |
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