EP1184563A2 - Fuel injector - Google Patents
Fuel injector Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1184563A2 EP1184563A2 EP01119222A EP01119222A EP1184563A2 EP 1184563 A2 EP1184563 A2 EP 1184563A2 EP 01119222 A EP01119222 A EP 01119222A EP 01119222 A EP01119222 A EP 01119222A EP 1184563 A2 EP1184563 A2 EP 1184563A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- pressure control
- chamber
- conduit
- fuel
- needle
- 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.)
- Granted
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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
- 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
- F02M63/0026—Valves characterised by the valve actuating means electrical, e.g. using solenoid using piezoelectric or magnetostrictive actuators
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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
- F02M45/00—Fuel-injection apparatus characterised by having a cyclic delivery of specific time/pressure or time/quantity relationship
- F02M45/12—Fuel-injection apparatus characterised by having a cyclic delivery of specific time/pressure or time/quantity relationship providing a continuous cyclic delivery with variable pressure
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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
- 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
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a fuel injector.
- PCT patent publication No. WO97/48900 discloses a fuel injector having a housing with a nozzle, a needle movably accommodated in a needle accommodating chamber formed in the housing, a fuel supply conduit extending in the housing to the nozzle, a pressure control chamber defined between the needle and an inner wall of the needle accommodating chamber, a valve chamber formed in the housing and connected to the pressure control chamber via a communicating conduit, the pressure control chamber and the valve chamber being filled with fuel, and a pressure control valve accommodated in the valve chamber for controlling a communication between the valve chamber and a relief conduit.
- the pressure control chamber is connected to the fuel supply conduit.
- fuel at high pressure is always fed to the pressure control chamber via the inflowing conduit. This may prevent a rapid pressure drop in the pressure control chamber and, thus, may prevent a rapid displacement of the needle to open the nozzle and to conduct fuel injection.
- An object of the invention is to provide a fuel injector which is capable of rapidly displacing the needle in a direction in which the needle opens the nozzle.
- a fuel injector comprising a housing with a nozzle, a needle movably accommodated in a needle accommodating chamber formed in the housing, a fuel supply conduit extending in the housing to the nozzle, a pressure control chamber defined between the needle and an inner wall of the needle accommodating chamber, a valve chamber formed in the housing and connected to the pressure control chamber via a communicating conduit, the pressure control chamber and the valve chamber being filled with fuel, and a pressure control valve accommodated in the valve chamber for controlling a communication between the valve chamber and a relief conduit, wherein, when the pressure control valve prevents a communication between the valve chamber and the relief conduit, a fuel pressure in the pressure control chamber increases and the needle is displaced in a first direction in which a volume of the pressure control chamber is increased and, when the pressure control valve connects the valve chamber and the relief conduit, a fuel pressure in the pressure control chamber drops and the needle is displaced in a second direction in which a volume of the pressure control chamber is reduced, characterized in that the valve chamber is connected to
- a fuel injector 1 comprises a housing 2 and a needle 3.
- the housing 2 includes a nozzle holder 2a with a pair of nozzles 4, a casing body 2b, a actuator casing 2c, and chamber defining members 2d, 2e, and 2f.
- the needle 3 includes a needle body 3a and a plurality of piston members 3b, and is accommodated in a needle accommodating chamber 5 formed in the housing 2, movably along its longitudinal axis. The needle 3 is displaced to open or close the nozzles 4.
- a fuel supply conduit 6 is formed in the housing 2 from a fuel inlet 7 formed in the housing 2 to the nozzles 4.
- the fuel inlet 7 is connected to a fuel source such as a common rail (not shown).
- a pressure control chamber 8 is defined between the top end of the needle 3 and an inner wall of the needle accommodating chamber 5, in which a displacement control piston 9 is axially movably accommodated to divide the pressure control chamber 8 into first and second pressure control chambers 8a and 8b.
- the first pressure control chamber 8a is defined between the bottom end of the displacement control piston 9 and the top end of the needle 3
- the second pressure control chamber 8b is defined between the top end of the displacement control piston 9 and the inner wall of the needle accommodating chamber 5.
- the displacement control piston 9 includes an annular shoulder 9a, which limits a downward displacement of the piston 9 together with an annular shoulder 5a formed in the needle accommodating chamber 5. Note that an upward displacement of the piston 9 is limited by contact between the top end of the piston 9 and the top end wall of the needle accommodating chamber 5.
- the displacement control piston 9 also includes, in its bottom surface, a central depression 9b and grooves 9c extending in a radial direction, which prevent the needle 3 from adhering to the piston 9.
- valve chamber 10 is also formed in the housing 2, which is connected to the pressure control chamber 8 via a communicating conduit. Specifically, the valve chamber 10 is connected to the first pressure control chamber 8a via a first communicating conduit 11a, and is connected to the second pressure control chamber 8b via a second communicating conduit 11b.
- the pressure control chambers 8a and 8b and the valve chamber 14 are filled with fuel.
- the fuel outlet 13 may be connected to a fuel tank (not shown).
- a pressure control valve 14 is movably accommodated in the valve chamber 10 along its longitudinal axis.
- the pressure control valve 14 includes a ball-shaped member 14a and a rod-shaped member 14b, integral with each other.
- the pressure control valve 14 is driven by an actuator 15 of a piezo-electronic type, accommodated in the housing 2.
- the actuator 15 controls an axial displacement of the pressure control valve 14 though a control of a fuel pressure in a fuel-filled chamber 16 between the actuator 15 and the pressure control valve 14.
- a fuel pressure in the chamber 16 increases, and thus the pressure control valve 14 displaces downwardly.
- the actuator shrinks along its longitudinal axis a fuel pressure in the chamber 16 drops, and thus the pressure control valve 14 displaces upwardly.
- the fuel supply conduit 6 includes a fuel collecting chamber 17, formed therein, in which a pressure receiving surface 3c formed on the needle is arranged. Accordingly, the needle 3 is urged by the fuel pressure, in the fuel collecting chamber 17, in a direction in which the needle 3 opens the nozzles 4. The needle 3 is also urged by a compressed spring 18, arranged between the needle 3 and the inner wall of the needle accommodating chamber 5, in a direction in which the needle 3 closes the nozzles 4.
- An inflowing conduit 19 branches off from the fuel supply conduit 6, and extends to the valve chamber 10. In this way, the valve chamber 10 communicates with the fuel supply conduit 6.
- first and second communicating conduits 11a and 11b, and the inflowing conduit 19 include chokes, formed therein, respectively.
- Fig. 4 shows a time chart of an axial displacement ND of the needle 3, according to the present embodiment.
- the needle 3 is displaced or lifted upwardly by a displacement D1. Then, the needle 3 is further displaced upwardly by a displacement D2. After that, the needle 3 is displaced downwardly by a displacement (D1 + D2), in order to stop the fuel injection.
- the needle 3 is first displaced from a zero-displaced position in which the nozzles 4 are closed, to an intermediate position which is between the zero-displaced position and a fully-displaced position. After that, the needle 3 is further displaced upwardly to the fully-displaced position, and then is returned to the zero-displaced position.
- the pressure control valve 14 is moved to a position where it prevents communication between the valve chamber 10 and the relief conduit 12, and connects the valve chamber 14 with the second pressure control chamber 8b, as shown in Fig. 2.
- fuel supplied to the valve chamber 10 via the inflowing conduit 19 flows into the first and second pressure control chambers 8a and 8b via the respective communicating conduits 11a and 11b.
- This increases the fuel pressure in the second pressure control chamber 8b, and keeps the displacement control piston 9 in a lowermost position where its shoulder 9a contacts with the shoulder 5a of the needle accommodating chamber 5.
- this increases the fuel pressure in the first pressure control chamber 8a, and keeps the needle 3 in the zero-displaced position.
- the top of the needle 3 and the bottom of the displacement control piston 9 are spaced apart from each other by a distance D1
- the top of the piston 9 and the top of the inner wall of the needle accommodating chamber 5 are spaced apart from each other by a distance D2.
- the pressure control valve 14 When the fuel injection is to be started, the pressure control valve 14 is displaced downwardly to a position in which it communicates the valve chamber 10 with the relief conduit 12 and avoids a communication between the valve chamber 10 and the second pressure control chamber 8b, as shown in Fig. 5. In this condition, the fuel pressure in the second pressure control chamber 8b is kept high, and thus the displacement control piston 9 is kept at the lowermost position. Contrarily, fuel in the first pressure control chamber 8a flows out through the valve chamber 10 to the relief conduit 12, and thus the fuel pressure in the first pressure control chamber 8a drops.
- the upward displacement of the needle 3 is limited by an abutment of the needle 3 with the displacement control piston 9, as shown in Fig. 5. In this way, the needle 3 is first displaced by the displacement D1.
- the pressure control valve 14 is displaced upwardly to a position in which it connects the valve chamber 10 with the relief conduit 12 and the second pressure control chamber 8b, respectively, as shown in Fig. 6.
- fuel in the second pressure control chamber 8b flows out through the valve chamber 10 to the relief conduit 12, and thus the fuel pressure in the second pressure control chamber 8b also drops.
- the upward displacement of the needle 3 and the displacement control piston 9 is limited by an abutment of the piston 9 with the inner wall of the needle accommodating chamber 5, as shown in Fig. 6. In this way, the needle 3 is further displaced by the displacement D2, or is fully displaced.
- the pressure control valve 14 When the fuel injection is to be stopped, the pressure control valve 14 is turned back to the position shown in Fig. 2. This increases the fuel pressures in the first and second pressure control chambers 8a and 8b. As a result, the downward force acting on the needle 3 exceeds the upward force acting on the needle 3, and thus the needle 3 and the displacement control piston 9 are displaced downwardly, until the needle 3 closes the nozzles 4 and the shoulder 9a of the piston 9 abuts with the shoulder 5a of the needle accommodating chamber 5.
- the inflowing conduit 19 opens not to the first and second pressure control chambers 8a and 8b, but to the valve chamber 10. This promotes the pressure drop in the first and second pressure control chambers 8a and 8b, which promotes the rapid upward displacement of the needle 3.
- an upward displacement rate of the needle 3 depends on a flow rate of fuel through the first communicating conduit 11a, rather than that through the annular conduit.
- the flow resistance of the first communicating conduit 11a is set higher than that of the annular conduit.
- the fuel flow rate through the annular conduit depends on a magnitude of a clearance formed between the pressure control valve 9 and the valve chamber 10, which depends, in turn, on the axial displacement of the valve 9. Therefore, if the upward displacement rate of the needle 3 depends on a fuel flow rate through the annular conduit, a critical control of the axial displacement of the valve 9 is required for maintaining the displacement rate of the needle 3 constant.
- the present embodiment avoids such a critical control.
- the flow resistance of the second communicating conduit 11b is set higher than that of the annular conduit.
- the flow resistance of the inflowing conduit 19 is set relatively low. This quickly increases the fuel pressure in the valve chamber 10, and thus the pressures in the first and second pressure control chambers 8a and 8b, when the pressure control valve 14 prevents communication between the valve chamber 14 and the relief conduit 12. This ensures a quick downward displacement of the needle 3.
- the displacement of the needle 3 is controlled through control of the displacement control piston 9, which is obtained through control of the fuel pressure in the first and second pressure control chambers 8a and 8b. This avoids a control of a fuel pressure in the fuel supply conduit 6 for a control of a displacement of the needle 3.
- the pressure control valve 14 is connected to the actuator 15 of a piezo-electric type, indirectly, i.e., via the fuel-filled chamber 16 (see Fig. 1).
- an axial length of a piezo-electric element may vary with its temperature change, and thus a direct connection of the valve 14 to the actuator 15 may deteriorate control of the axial displacement of the valve 14.
- the present embodiment avoids such a problem.
- Fig. 7 shows another embodiment of the present embodiment.
- the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar constituents as in Fig. 1.
- An additional inflowing conduit 19 connecting the second pressure control chamber 8b to the inflowing conduit 19 or the fuel supply conduit 6 is added to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. Specifically, the chamber defining member 2e shown in Fig. 1 is replaced by two chamber defining members 2e' and 2e", in which the additional inflowing conduit 20b having a choke is formed.
- Fuel in the fuel supply conduit 6 flows into the second pressure control chamber 8b via the additional inflowing conduit 20b. This promotes a quick downward displacement of the needle 3.
- fuel flows both from the valve chamber 10 and the fuel supply conduit 6.
- Flow resistance of the additional inflowing conduit 20b is set higher than that of the second communicating conduit 11b. This promotes a quick pressure drop in the second pressure control chamber 8b when the pressure control valve 14 connects the second chamber 8b with the relief conduit 12 (see Fig. 6), which thus promotes a quick upward displacement of the needle 3.
- Fig. 8 shows another embodiment of the present embodiment.
- the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar constituents as in Figs. 1 and 7.
- a further additional inflowing conduit 20a connecting the second pressure control chamber 8b to the inflowing conduit 19 or the fuel supply conduit 6 is added to the embodiment shown in Fig. 7.
- the conduit 20a having a choke is formed in the piston members 3b of the needle 3 and the casing body 2b of the housing 2.
- the conduit 20a is referred to a first additional inflowing conduit
- the conduit 20b is referred to a second additional inflowing conduit, hereinafter.
- Fuel in the fuel supply conduit 6 also flows into the first pressure control chamber 8a via the first additional inflowing conduit 20a. This also promotes a quick downward displacement of the needle 3.
- fuel flows from both the valve chamber 10 and the fuel supply conduit 6.
- Flow resistance of the first additional inflowing conduit 20a is set higher than that of the first communicating conduit 11a. This promotes a quick pressure drop in the first pressure control chamber 8a when the pressure control valve 14 communicates the first chamber 8a with the relief conduit 12 (see Figs. 5 and 6), which thus promotes a quick upward displacement of the needle 3.
- a fuel injection pressure and, thus, a fuel pressure in the fuel supply conduit 6 are set relatively low, in order to suppress a combustion noise generated during an idling engine operation. This, however, reduces the downward force acting on the needle 3 by the fuel pressure in the first pressure control chamber 8a when the nozzles 4 are to be closed, which increases a ratio of the downward force by the spring 18 (see Fig. 1) to a total downward force. In this situation, a rapid pressure drop in the first pressure control chamber 8a is required for a quick upward displacement of the needle 3.
- relatively high flow resistance of the first additional inflowing conduit 20a is preferable when the fuel injection pressure is relatively low.
- An omission of the first additional inflowing conduit 20a, as in the embodiments shown in Fig. 1 and 7 is more preferable in this regard.
- the embodiments described above include the displacement control piston 9 arranged in the pressure control chamber 8.
- the piston 9 may be omitted to provide a single pressure control chamber, a single communicating conduit, and a single additional inflowing conduit.
- a fuel injector which is capable of rapidly displacing the needle in a direction in which the needle opens the nozzle.
- a fuel injector comprises a housing with nozzles, a needle movably accommodated in a needle accommodating chamber formed in the housing, a fuel supply conduit extending in the housing to the nozzles, a pressure control chamber defined between the needle and an inner wall of the needle accommodating chamber, a valve chamber formed in the housing and connected to the pressure control chamber via a communicating conduit, and a pressure control valve accommodated in the valve chamber for controlling communication between the valve chamber and a relief conduit.
- valve chamber is connected to the fuel supply conduit via an inflowing conduit, so that fuel flows into the pressure control chamber from the fuel supply conduit through the valve chamber when the pressure control valve prevents communication between the valve chamber and the relief conduit.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Fuel-Injection Apparatus (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a fuel injector.
- PCT patent publication No. WO97/48900 discloses a fuel injector having a housing with a nozzle, a needle movably accommodated in a needle accommodating chamber formed in the housing, a fuel supply conduit extending in the housing to the nozzle, a pressure control chamber defined between the needle and an inner wall of the needle accommodating chamber, a valve chamber formed in the housing and connected to the pressure control chamber via a communicating conduit, the pressure control chamber and the valve chamber being filled with fuel, and a pressure control valve accommodated in the valve chamber for controlling a communication between the valve chamber and a relief conduit. In this fuel injector, the pressure control chamber is connected to the fuel supply conduit.
- When the pressure control valve prevents communication between the valve chamber and the relief conduit, the fuel pressure in the pressure control chamber increases and the needle is displaced to close the nozzle. When the pressure control valve connects the valve chamber and the relief conduit, a fuel pressure in the pressure control chamber drops and the needle is displaced to open the nozzle.
- Specifically, when the pressure control valve connects the valve chamber and the relief conduit, fuel in the pressure control chamber flows out to the relief conduit through the valve chamber, and thus the fuel pressure in the pressure control valve drops.
- However, fuel at high pressure is always fed to the pressure control chamber via the inflowing conduit. This may prevent a rapid pressure drop in the pressure control chamber and, thus, may prevent a rapid displacement of the needle to open the nozzle and to conduct fuel injection.
- An object of the invention is to provide a fuel injector which is capable of rapidly displacing the needle in a direction in which the needle opens the nozzle.
- According to the present invention, there is provided a fuel injector comprising a housing with a nozzle, a needle movably accommodated in a needle accommodating chamber formed in the housing, a fuel supply conduit extending in the housing to the nozzle, a pressure control chamber defined between the needle and an inner wall of the needle accommodating chamber, a valve chamber formed in the housing and connected to the pressure control chamber via a communicating conduit, the pressure control chamber and the valve chamber being filled with fuel, and a pressure control valve accommodated in the valve chamber for controlling a communication between the valve chamber and a relief conduit, wherein, when the pressure control valve prevents a communication between the valve chamber and the relief conduit, a fuel pressure in the pressure control chamber increases and the needle is displaced in a first direction in which a volume of the pressure control chamber is increased and, when the pressure control valve connects the valve chamber and the relief conduit, a fuel pressure in the pressure control chamber drops and the needle is displaced in a second direction in which a volume of the pressure control chamber is reduced, characterized in that the valve chamber is connected to the fuel supply conduit via an inflowing conduit, so that fuel flows into the pressure control chamber from the fuel supply conduit through the valve chamber when the pressure control valve prevents communication between the valve chamber and the relief conduit.
- In the drawings:
- Fig. 1 is an overall view of a fuel injector according to the present invention;
- Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of a part A in Fig. 1;
- Fig. 3 is an end view of a displacement control piston;
- Fig. 4 is a time chart of an axial displacement of a needle;
- Fig. 5 is an enlarged view similar to Fig. 2, for explaining an operation of a fuel injector shown in Fig. 1;
- Fig. 6 is an enlarged view similar to Fig. 2, for explaining an operation of a fuel injector shown in Fig. 1;
- Fig. 7 is an enlarged view similar to Fig. 2, illustrating another embodiment according to the present invention; and
- Fig. 8 is an enlarged view similar to Fig. 2, illustrating another embodiment according to the present invention.
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- Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a fuel injector 1 comprises a
housing 2 and aneedle 3. Thehousing 2 includes anozzle holder 2a with a pair ofnozzles 4, acasing body 2b, aactuator casing 2c, andchamber defining members needle 3 includes a needle body 3a and a plurality ofpiston members 3b, and is accommodated in aneedle accommodating chamber 5 formed in thehousing 2, movably along its longitudinal axis. Theneedle 3 is displaced to open or close thenozzles 4. - A
fuel supply conduit 6 is formed in thehousing 2 from afuel inlet 7 formed in thehousing 2 to thenozzles 4. Thefuel inlet 7 is connected to a fuel source such as a common rail (not shown). - A
pressure control chamber 8 is defined between the top end of theneedle 3 and an inner wall of theneedle accommodating chamber 5, in which adisplacement control piston 9 is axially movably accommodated to divide thepressure control chamber 8 into first and secondpressure control chambers pressure control chamber 8a is defined between the bottom end of thedisplacement control piston 9 and the top end of theneedle 3, and the secondpressure control chamber 8b is defined between the top end of thedisplacement control piston 9 and the inner wall of theneedle accommodating chamber 5. - Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the
displacement control piston 9 includes anannular shoulder 9a, which limits a downward displacement of thepiston 9 together with anannular shoulder 5a formed in theneedle accommodating chamber 5. Note that an upward displacement of thepiston 9 is limited by contact between the top end of thepiston 9 and the top end wall of theneedle accommodating chamber 5. - The
displacement control piston 9 also includes, in its bottom surface, a central depression 9b andgrooves 9c extending in a radial direction, which prevent theneedle 3 from adhering to thepiston 9. - Turning back to Figs. 1 and 2, a
valve chamber 10 is also formed in thehousing 2, which is connected to thepressure control chamber 8 via a communicating conduit. Specifically, thevalve chamber 10 is connected to the firstpressure control chamber 8a via a first communicatingconduit 11a, and is connected to the secondpressure control chamber 8b via a second communicatingconduit 11b. - As described hereinafter, the
pressure control chambers valve chamber 14 are filled with fuel. - A
relief conduit 12, formed in thehousing 2, extends from thevalve chamber 10 to afuel outlet 13 formed in thehousing 2. Thefuel outlet 13 may be connected to a fuel tank (not shown). - A
pressure control valve 14 is movably accommodated in thevalve chamber 10 along its longitudinal axis. Thepressure control valve 14 includes a ball-shaped member 14a and a rod-shaped member 14b, integral with each other. - The
pressure control valve 14 is driven by anactuator 15 of a piezo-electronic type, accommodated in thehousing 2. Theactuator 15 controls an axial displacement of thepressure control valve 14 though a control of a fuel pressure in a fuel-filledchamber 16 between theactuator 15 and thepressure control valve 14. Specifically, when the actuator extends along its longitudinal axis, a fuel pressure in thechamber 16 increases, and thus thepressure control valve 14 displaces downwardly. When the actuator shrinks along its longitudinal axis, a fuel pressure in thechamber 16 drops, and thus thepressure control valve 14 displaces upwardly. - The
fuel supply conduit 6 includes afuel collecting chamber 17, formed therein, in which apressure receiving surface 3c formed on the needle is arranged. Accordingly, theneedle 3 is urged by the fuel pressure, in thefuel collecting chamber 17, in a direction in which theneedle 3 opens thenozzles 4. Theneedle 3 is also urged by acompressed spring 18, arranged between theneedle 3 and the inner wall of theneedle accommodating chamber 5, in a direction in which theneedle 3 closes thenozzles 4. - An inflowing
conduit 19 branches off from thefuel supply conduit 6, and extends to thevalve chamber 10. In this way, thevalve chamber 10 communicates with thefuel supply conduit 6. - Note that, in the present embodiment, the first and second communicating
conduits conduit 19 include chokes, formed therein, respectively. - Next, the operation of the fuel injector 1 according to the present embodiment will be explained by referring to Figs. 2, 4 to 6.
- Fig. 4 shows a time chart of an axial displacement ND of the
needle 3, according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, when the fuel injection is to be started, first, theneedle 3 is displaced or lifted upwardly by a displacement D1. Then, theneedle 3 is further displaced upwardly by a displacement D2. After that, theneedle 3 is displaced downwardly by a displacement (D1 + D2), in order to stop the fuel injection. - In other words, the
needle 3 is first displaced from a zero-displaced position in which thenozzles 4 are closed, to an intermediate position which is between the zero-displaced position and a fully-displaced position. After that, theneedle 3 is further displaced upwardly to the fully-displaced position, and then is returned to the zero-displaced position. - More specifically, when the fuel injection is to be stopped, the
pressure control valve 14 is moved to a position where it prevents communication between thevalve chamber 10 and therelief conduit 12, and connects thevalve chamber 14 with the secondpressure control chamber 8b, as shown in Fig. 2. In this condition, fuel supplied to thevalve chamber 10 via the inflowingconduit 19 flows into the first and secondpressure control chambers conduits pressure control chamber 8b, and keeps thedisplacement control piston 9 in a lowermost position where itsshoulder 9a contacts with theshoulder 5a of theneedle accommodating chamber 5. Also, this increases the fuel pressure in the firstpressure control chamber 8a, and keeps theneedle 3 in the zero-displaced position. - In other words, a downward force acting on the
needle 3 for closing thenozzles 4, which is provided by the fuel pressure in thepressure control chambers spring 18, exceeds an upward force acting on the needle for opening thenozzles 4, which is provided by the fuel pressure in thefuel collecting chamber 17. Therefore, thenozzles 4 are kept closed. - Note that, in this condition, the top of the
needle 3 and the bottom of thedisplacement control piston 9 are spaced apart from each other by a distance D1, and the top of thepiston 9 and the top of the inner wall of theneedle accommodating chamber 5 are spaced apart from each other by a distance D2. - When the fuel injection is to be started, the
pressure control valve 14 is displaced downwardly to a position in which it communicates thevalve chamber 10 with therelief conduit 12 and avoids a communication between thevalve chamber 10 and the secondpressure control chamber 8b, as shown in Fig. 5. In this condition, the fuel pressure in the secondpressure control chamber 8b is kept high, and thus thedisplacement control piston 9 is kept at the lowermost position. Contrarily, fuel in the firstpressure control chamber 8a flows out through thevalve chamber 10 to therelief conduit 12, and thus the fuel pressure in the firstpressure control chamber 8a drops. - As a result, the upward force acting on the
needle 3 exceeds the downward force acting on theneedle 3, and thus theneedle 3 is displaced upwardly. In this way, the fuel injection is started. - The upward displacement of the
needle 3 is limited by an abutment of theneedle 3 with thedisplacement control piston 9, as shown in Fig. 5. In this way, theneedle 3 is first displaced by the displacement D1. - After that, the
pressure control valve 14 is displaced upwardly to a position in which it connects thevalve chamber 10 with therelief conduit 12 and the secondpressure control chamber 8b, respectively, as shown in Fig. 6. In this condition, fuel in the secondpressure control chamber 8b flows out through thevalve chamber 10 to therelief conduit 12, and thus the fuel pressure in the secondpressure control chamber 8b also drops. - As a result, the downward force acting on the
needle 3 exceeds the upward force acting on theneedle 3, and thus theneedle 3 together with thepiston 9 is further displaced upwardly. - The upward displacement of the
needle 3 and thedisplacement control piston 9 is limited by an abutment of thepiston 9 with the inner wall of theneedle accommodating chamber 5, as shown in Fig. 6. In this way, theneedle 3 is further displaced by the displacement D2, or is fully displaced. - When the fuel injection is to be stopped, the
pressure control valve 14 is turned back to the position shown in Fig. 2. This increases the fuel pressures in the first and secondpressure control chambers needle 3 exceeds the upward force acting on theneedle 3, and thus theneedle 3 and thedisplacement control piston 9 are displaced downwardly, until theneedle 3 closes thenozzles 4 and theshoulder 9a of thepiston 9 abuts with theshoulder 5a of theneedle accommodating chamber 5. - In this way, three different conditions are obtained by a single
pressure control valve 14. - In the present embodiment, the
inflowing conduit 19 opens not to the first and secondpressure control chambers valve chamber 10. This promotes the pressure drop in the first and secondpressure control chambers needle 3. - As explained above, when the
pressure control valve 14 connects thevalve chamber 10 with therelief conduit 12 as shown in Figs. 5 and 6, fuel in the firstpressure control chamber 8a flows out to thevalve chamber 10 through the first communicatingconduit 11a, and then flows out to therelief conduit 12 through an annular conduit formed around thepressure control valve 14. - In this condition, an upward displacement rate of the
needle 3 depends on a flow rate of fuel through the first communicatingconduit 11a, rather than that through the annular conduit. Specifically, the flow resistance of the first communicatingconduit 11a is set higher than that of the annular conduit. - The fuel flow rate through the annular conduit depends on a magnitude of a clearance formed between the
pressure control valve 9 and thevalve chamber 10, which depends, in turn, on the axial displacement of thevalve 9. Therefore, if the upward displacement rate of theneedle 3 depends on a fuel flow rate through the annular conduit, a critical control of the axial displacement of thevalve 9 is required for maintaining the displacement rate of theneedle 3 constant. The present embodiment avoids such a critical control. - As the same reasons, the flow resistance of the second communicating
conduit 11b is set higher than that of the annular conduit. - On the other hand, the flow resistance of the
inflowing conduit 19 is set relatively low. This quickly increases the fuel pressure in thevalve chamber 10, and thus the pressures in the first and secondpressure control chambers pressure control valve 14 prevents communication between thevalve chamber 14 and therelief conduit 12. This ensures a quick downward displacement of theneedle 3. - The displacement of the
needle 3 is controlled through control of thedisplacement control piston 9, which is obtained through control of the fuel pressure in the first and secondpressure control chambers fuel supply conduit 6 for a control of a displacement of theneedle 3. - As explained above, the
pressure control valve 14 is connected to theactuator 15 of a piezo-electric type, indirectly, i.e., via the fuel-filled chamber 16 (see Fig. 1). In general, an axial length of a piezo-electric element may vary with its temperature change, and thus a direct connection of thevalve 14 to theactuator 15 may deteriorate control of the axial displacement of thevalve 14. The present embodiment avoids such a problem. - Fig. 7 shows another embodiment of the present embodiment. In Fig. 7, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar constituents as in Fig. 1.
- An additional
inflowing conduit 19 connecting the secondpressure control chamber 8b to theinflowing conduit 19 or thefuel supply conduit 6 is added to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1. Specifically, thechamber defining member 2e shown in Fig. 1 is replaced by twochamber defining members 2e' and 2e", in which the additionalinflowing conduit 20b having a choke is formed. - Fuel in the
fuel supply conduit 6 flows into the secondpressure control chamber 8b via the additionalinflowing conduit 20b. This promotes a quick downward displacement of theneedle 3. In particular, when the secondpressure control chamber 8b communicates with thevalve chamber 10, fuel flows both from thevalve chamber 10 and thefuel supply conduit 6. - Flow resistance of the additional
inflowing conduit 20b is set higher than that of the second communicatingconduit 11b. This promotes a quick pressure drop in the secondpressure control chamber 8b when thepressure control valve 14 connects thesecond chamber 8b with the relief conduit 12 (see Fig. 6), which thus promotes a quick upward displacement of theneedle 3. - Fig. 8 shows another embodiment of the present embodiment. In Fig. 8, the same reference numerals are used for the same or similar constituents as in Figs. 1 and 7.
- A further additional
inflowing conduit 20a connecting the secondpressure control chamber 8b to theinflowing conduit 19 or thefuel supply conduit 6 is added to the embodiment shown in Fig. 7. Specifically, theconduit 20a having a choke is formed in thepiston members 3b of theneedle 3 and thecasing body 2b of thehousing 2. Note that theconduit 20a is referred to a first additional inflowing conduit, and theconduit 20b is referred to a second additional inflowing conduit, hereinafter. - Fuel in the
fuel supply conduit 6 also flows into the firstpressure control chamber 8a via the first additionalinflowing conduit 20a. This also promotes a quick downward displacement of theneedle 3. In particular, when the firstpressure control chamber 8a communicates with thevalve chamber 10, fuel flows from both thevalve chamber 10 and thefuel supply conduit 6. - Flow resistance of the first additional
inflowing conduit 20a is set higher than that of the first communicatingconduit 11a. This promotes a quick pressure drop in the firstpressure control chamber 8a when thepressure control valve 14 communicates thefirst chamber 8a with the relief conduit 12 (see Figs. 5 and 6), which thus promotes a quick upward displacement of theneedle 3. - In some engines, a fuel injection pressure and, thus, a fuel pressure in the
fuel supply conduit 6 are set relatively low, in order to suppress a combustion noise generated during an idling engine operation. This, however, reduces the downward force acting on theneedle 3 by the fuel pressure in the firstpressure control chamber 8a when thenozzles 4 are to be closed, which increases a ratio of the downward force by the spring 18 (see Fig. 1) to a total downward force. In this situation, a rapid pressure drop in the firstpressure control chamber 8a is required for a quick upward displacement of theneedle 3. - Therefore, relatively high flow resistance of the first additional
inflowing conduit 20a is preferable when the fuel injection pressure is relatively low. An omission of the first additionalinflowing conduit 20a, as in the embodiments shown in Fig. 1 and 7 is more preferable in this regard. - The embodiments described above include the
displacement control piston 9 arranged in thepressure control chamber 8. Alternatively, thepiston 9 may be omitted to provide a single pressure control chamber, a single communicating conduit, and a single additional inflowing conduit. - According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a fuel injector which is capable of rapidly displacing the needle in a direction in which the needle opens the nozzle.
- A fuel injector comprises a housing with nozzles, a needle movably accommodated in a needle accommodating chamber formed in the housing, a fuel supply conduit extending in the housing to the nozzles, a pressure control chamber defined between the needle and an inner wall of the needle accommodating chamber, a valve chamber formed in the housing and connected to the pressure control chamber via a communicating conduit, and a pressure control valve accommodated in the valve chamber for controlling communication between the valve chamber and a relief conduit. When the pressure control valve prevents communication between the valve chamber and the relief conduit, fuel pressure in the pressure control chamber is increased and the needle id displaced in a first direction in which a volume of the pressure control chamber is increased and, when the pressure control valve connects the valve chamber and the relief conduit, a fuel pressure in the pressure control chamber drops and the needle is displaced in a second direction in which a volume of the pressure control chamber is reduced. The valve chamber is connected to the fuel supply conduit via an inflowing conduit, so that fuel flows into the pressure control chamber from the fuel supply conduit through the valve chamber when the pressure control valve prevents communication between the valve chamber and the relief conduit.
Claims (10)
- A fuel injector comprising a housing with a nozzle, a needle movably accommodated in a needle accommodating chamber formed in the housing, a fuel supply conduit extending in the housing to the nozzle, a pressure control chamber defined between the needle and an inner wall of the needle accommodating chamber, a valve chamber formed in the housing and connected to the pressure control chamber via a communicating conduit, the pressure control chamber and the valve chamber being filled with fuel, and a pressure control valve accommodated in the valve chamber for controlling a communication between the valve chamber and a relief conduit, wherein, when the pressure control valve prevents a communication between the valve chamber and the relief conduit, a fuel pressure in the pressure control chamber increases and the needle is displaced in a first direction in which a volume of the pressure control chamber is increased, and, when the pressure control valve connects the valve chamber and the relief conduit, a fuel pressure in the pressure control chamber drops and the needle is displaced in a second direction in which a volume of the pressure control chamber is reduced, characterized in that the valve chamber is connected to the fuel supply conduit via an inflowing conduit, so that fuel flows into the pressure control chamber from the fuel supply conduit through the valve chamber when the pressure control valve prevents communication between the valve chamber and the relief conduit.
- A fuel injector according to claim 1, characterized in that fuel flows into the pressure control chamber only from the valve chamber via the communicating conduit.
- A fuel injector according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressure control chamber is connected to the fuel supply conduit via an additional conduit, so that fuel flows into the pressure control chamber from the valve chamber via the communicating conduit and from the fuel supply conduit via the additional conduit.
- A fuel injector according to claim 1, characterized in that a displacement control piston is movably accommodated in the pressure control chamber for controlling a displacement of the needle, the displacement control piston dividing the pressure control chamber into first and second pressure control chambers, the first pressure control chamber being defined between the displacement control piston and the needle, and the second pressure control chamber being defined between the displacement control piston and the inner wall of the needle accommodating chamber, and that the communicating conduit includes first and second communicating conduits, the first communicating conduit extending between the first pressure control chamber and the valve chamber, and the second communicating conduit extending between the second pressure control chamber and the valve chamber.
- A fuel injector according to claim 4, characterized in that fuel flows into the first and second pressure control chambers only from the valve chamber via the respective first and second communicating conduits.
- A fuel injector according to claim 4, characterized in that the first pressure control chamber is connected to the fuel supply conduit via a first additional conduit, so that fuel flows into the first pressure control chamber from the valve chamber via the first communicating conduit and from the fuel supply conduit via the first additional conduit.
- A fuel injector according to claim 4, characterized in that the second pressure control chamber is connected to the fuel supply conduit via a second additional conduit, so that fuel flows into the second pressure control chamber from the valve chamber via the second communicating conduit and from the fuel supply conduit via the second additional conduit.
- A fuel injector according to claim 4, characterized in that the pressure control valve also controls communication between the valve chamber and the second pressure control chamber, wherein, when the pressure control valve prevents communication between the valve chamber and the relief conduit and connects the valve chamber and the second pressure control chamber, fuel pressures in the first and second pressure control chambers increase and the needle and the displacement control piston displace in the first direction, when the pressure control valve communicates the valve chamber and the relief conduit and prevents communication between the valve chamber and the second pressure control chamber, a fuel pressure in the first pressure control chamber drops and the needle is displaced by a first displacement in the second direction while the displacement control piston keeps its position and, when the pressure control valve connects the valve chamber and the relief conduit and connects the valve chamber and the second pressure control chamber, fuel pressures in the first and second pressure control chambers drop and the needle and the displacement control piston are displaced by a second displacement in the second direction, the second displacement being larger than the first displacement.
- A fuel injector according to claim 1, characterized in that a fuel collecting chamber is formed in the fuel supply conduit, and that a pressure receiving surface formed on the needle is arranged in the fuel collecting chamber to urge the needle in the second direction.
- A fuel injector according to claim 1, characterized in that the needle is displaced in the first direction when the fuel injection is to be stopped, and is displaced in the second direction when the fuel injection is to be started.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2000260779 | 2000-08-30 | ||
JP2000260779A JP3829604B2 (en) | 2000-08-30 | 2000-08-30 | Fuel injection device |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1184563A2 true EP1184563A2 (en) | 2002-03-06 |
EP1184563A3 EP1184563A3 (en) | 2003-11-19 |
EP1184563B1 EP1184563B1 (en) | 2004-11-24 |
Family
ID=18748736
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP20010119222 Expired - Lifetime EP1184563B1 (en) | 2000-08-30 | 2001-08-09 | Fuel injector |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1184563B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP3829604B2 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60107332T2 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2004046539A1 (en) * | 2002-11-21 | 2004-06-03 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Fuel injection valve of a fuel injection device for an engine |
WO2004111432A1 (en) * | 2003-06-11 | 2004-12-23 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Fuel injection valve and method for the control thereof |
DE102005004405A1 (en) * | 2005-01-31 | 2006-08-03 | Siemens Ag | Fuel injection valve`s nozzle device for e.g. diesel engine, has needle with section axially spaced apart from axial ends of needle and cooperating with facing surface of guiding body to form stop unit for needle, in needle`s open position |
AT501668A1 (en) * | 2004-08-24 | 2006-10-15 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | CONTROL VALVE FOR AN INJECTION NOZZLE |
WO2006134003A1 (en) * | 2005-06-16 | 2006-12-21 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Fuel injection valve for internal combustion engines |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102014201061A1 (en) | 2014-01-22 | 2015-07-23 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Valve for metering fluid |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1997048900A1 (en) | 1996-06-15 | 1997-12-24 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Fuel injection device for internal combustion engines |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE19729844A1 (en) * | 1997-07-11 | 1999-01-14 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Fuel injector |
GB2336627A (en) * | 1998-04-24 | 1999-10-27 | Lucas Ind Plc | Fuel injector with biassing spring in blind bore in valve needle |
DE19823937B4 (en) * | 1998-05-28 | 2004-12-23 | Siemens Ag | Servo valve for fuel injection valve |
EP1000240B1 (en) * | 1998-05-28 | 2004-03-24 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Fuel injection valve for internal combustion engines |
-
2000
- 2000-08-30 JP JP2000260779A patent/JP3829604B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2001
- 2001-08-09 EP EP20010119222 patent/EP1184563B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-08-09 DE DE2001607332 patent/DE60107332T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1997048900A1 (en) | 1996-06-15 | 1997-12-24 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Fuel injection device for internal combustion engines |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2004046539A1 (en) * | 2002-11-21 | 2004-06-03 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Fuel injection valve of a fuel injection device for an engine |
WO2004111432A1 (en) * | 2003-06-11 | 2004-12-23 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Fuel injection valve and method for the control thereof |
AT501668A1 (en) * | 2004-08-24 | 2006-10-15 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | CONTROL VALVE FOR AN INJECTION NOZZLE |
AT501668B1 (en) * | 2004-08-24 | 2007-03-15 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | CONTROL VALVE FOR AN INJECTION NOZZLE |
DE102005004405A1 (en) * | 2005-01-31 | 2006-08-03 | Siemens Ag | Fuel injection valve`s nozzle device for e.g. diesel engine, has needle with section axially spaced apart from axial ends of needle and cooperating with facing surface of guiding body to form stop unit for needle, in needle`s open position |
WO2006134003A1 (en) * | 2005-06-16 | 2006-12-21 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Fuel injection valve for internal combustion engines |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
DE60107332D1 (en) | 2004-12-30 |
JP3829604B2 (en) | 2006-10-04 |
JP2002070684A (en) | 2002-03-08 |
EP1184563A3 (en) | 2003-11-19 |
DE60107332T2 (en) | 2005-12-08 |
EP1184563B1 (en) | 2004-11-24 |
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