Patent ID: 6405947
Filing Date: 2002-06-18
Classification: F02M,Y02T

Abstract:
An electromagnetically operable fuel injector for a gaseous fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine, said injector having a generally longitudinal axis, which comprises:(a) a ferromagnetic core; (b) a magnetic coil at least partially surrounding the ferromagnetic core; and (c) an armature magnetically coupled to said magnetic coil and being movably responsive to said magnetic coil, said armature actuating a valve closing element which interacts with a fixed valve seat of a fuel valve and being movable away from said fixed valve seat when said magnetic coil is excited, said fixed valve seat defining a central fuel opening and a generally annular groove adjacent said central fuel opening, said armature having a generally elongated shape and a generally central opening for axial reception and passage of gaseous fuel from a fuel inlet connector positioned adjacent thereto, said fuel inlet connector and said armature being adapted to permit a first flow path of gaseous fuel between armature and said magnetic coil as part of a path leading to said fuel valve, said fuel inlet connector is positioned above said armature and is spaced from said armature by a working gap, wherein said fuel inlet connector comprises an upper end portion adapted for reception of gaseous fuel from a fuel source, and a lower end portion for discharging gaseous fuel, said lower end portion having a lower surface which faces an upper surface of said armature, said lower surface of said fuel inlet connector having a plurality of radially extending raised pads defined thereon, said pads having recessed portions therebetween to permit fuel to flow therethrough and across said working gap defined between said fuel inlet connector and said armature.