MULTI-ADAPTIVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR

Abstract: A fuel pressure regulator (l0) has a multi-faceted extruded base (l2) that allows the outlet (56) from the fuel pressure regulator to be oriented in any of six different directions. A fuel body (84) has a projecting snout (82) and a fuel passage (86) extending through the snout, and the inlet (48) to the fuel pressure regulator plugs directly onto the snout; the fuel passage thereby supplies fuel to the fuel pressure regulator, and the fuel pressure regulator thereby maintains the desired fuel pressure in the passage.

Description: This invention relates to a fuel pressure regulator for engine fuel supply apparatus, a base for such a fuel pressure regulator, and an assembly of such a fuel pressure regulator and a fuel body. Fuel injection apparatus for automotive engines generally includes a fuel pressure regulator to maintain the fuel at a pressure appropriate for delivery to the engine. For each apparatus the design of the fuel pressure regulator must be suitable for its particular application, and often a new fuel pressure regulator design must be developed for a new fuel injection apparatus application. This invention provides a fuel pressure regulator adapted for a multiplicity of fuel injection apparatus applications. In accordance with the present invention, a base for a fuel pressure regulator is formed from an extrusion and has a regulated fuel pressure chamber and an excess fuel chamber, and an outlet opening from the excess fuel chamber to discharge fuel therefrom, the base being substantially six-sided and one side of the base having an inlet opening to the regulated fuel pressure chamber to supply fuel thereto, the regulated fuel pressure chamber opening through a second side of the base, the base being adapted to support a diaphragm carrying a valve member for controlling fuel flow from the regulated fuel pressure chamber to the excess fuel chamber, wherein at least one of the remaining sides of the base has a projection whereby the remaining sides of the base define at least four planar regions; and wherein each of the planar regions is adapted to accept a cutting tool for forming the outlet, whereby the fuel pressure regulator may be equipped with an outlet oriented in any one of six directions with respect to the inlet. In accordance with another aspect of this invention, a fuel pressure regulator comprises a base as hereinabove defined with a valve seat separating the regulated fuel pressure chamber and the excess fuel chamber, and with a diaphragm and valve member in position. In accordance with a further aspect of this invention an assembly comprises a fuel pressure regulator as hereinabove defined and a fuel body having a snout projecting therefrom and a fuel passage extending through the snout, the inlet being plugged directly onto the snout whereby the fuel passage supplies fuel to the regulated fuel pressure chamber and the fuel pressure regulator maintains the desired fuel pressure in the fuel passage. In one embodiment of a fuel pressure regulator according to one aspect of this invention, the base of the fuel pressure regulator is formed from a symetrical extrusion having three sides provided with projections that define five planar regions. The five planar regions defined by the projections, together with a sixth planar region defined by an end of the base, are each adapted to accept a cutting tool for forming an outlet from the fuel pressure regulator, whereby the fuel pressure regulator may be equipped with an outlet oriented in any of six directions. In another embodiment of a fuel pressure regulator according to one aspect of this invention, the base is formed from an asymetric extrusion having sides that define three planar regions. The three planar regions, together with a planar region defined by an end of the base, are each adapted to accept a cutting tool for forming an outlet from the fuel pressure regulator. By locating the inlet at either of the two ends of the base, the fuel pressure regulator may be equipped with an outlet oriented in any of six directions. In a fuel pressure regulator according to another aspect of this invention, the fuel pressure regulator is plugged directly onto a snout extending from a fuel body and receives fuel from a fuel passage extending through the snout to maintain the desired fuel pressure in the passage. The fuel pressure regulator thereby forms a secure and compact assembly with the fuel body. The present invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure l is a sectional view of one embodiment of a fuel pressure regulator according to this invention, showing the fuel pressure regulator plugged directly onto a snout projecting from a fuel body; Figure 2 is an end view of an extrusion from which the base of the fuel pressure regulator of Figure l was formed; Figure 3 is an end view of the fuel pressure regulator of Figure l, showing the fuel outlet oriented in one of the six possible directions; Figure 4 is an end view of a fuel pressure regulator also formed from the extrusion of Figure 2, showing the fuel outlet oriented in a second direction; Figure 5 is a sectional view of the fuel pressure regulator of Figure 4, taken along line 5-5 of Figure 4, also showing the fuel pressure regulator plugged directly onto a snout projecting from a fuel body; Figure 6 is an end view of a fuel pressure regulator also formed from the extrusion of Figure 2, showing the fuel outlet oriented in a third direction; Figure 7 is an end view of a fuel pressure regulator also formed from the extrusion of Figure 2, showing the fuel outlet oriented in a fourth direction; Figure 8 is an end view of a fuel pressure regulator also formed from the extrusion of Figure 2, showing the fuel outlet oriented in a fifth direction; Figure 9 is an end view of a fuel pressure regulator also formed from the extrusion of Figure 2, showing the fuel outlet oriented in a sixth direction; Figure l0 is a side view of a fuel pressure regulator also formed from the extrusion of Figure 2, with parts broken away to show a separate inlet fitting; Figure ll is an end view of an extrusion from which another embodiment of a fuel pressure regulator is formed according to this invention; Figure l2 is an end view of a fuel pressure regulator formed from the extrusion of Figure ll, showing the fuel outlet oriented in one of the six possible directions; Figure l3 is an end view of a fuel pressure regulator also formed from the extrusion of Figure ll, showing the fuel outlet oriented in a second direction; Figure l4 is an end view of another fuel pressure regulator also formed from the extrusion of Figure ll, showing the fuel outlet oriented in the second direction but offset on the opposite side of the centre line from the fuel pressure regulator of Figure l3; Figure l5 is an end view of a fuel pressure regulator also formed from the extrusion of Figure ll, showing the fuel outlet oriented in a third direction; Figure l6 is an end view of a fuel pressure regulator also formed from the extrusion of Figure ll, showing the fuel outlet oriented in a fourth direction; Figure l7 is an end view of a fuel pressure regulator also formed from the extrusion of Figure ll, showing the fuel outlet oriented in a fifth direction; and Figure l8 is an end view of a fuel pressure regulator also formed from the extrusion of Figure ll, showing the fuel outlet oriented in a sixth direction. Referring first to Figures l-3, a fuel pressure regulator l0 has a base l2 having six sides formed from the aluminium extrusion l4 shown in Figure 2. As viewed in Figure 2, aluminium extrusion l4 has a top surface l6, a bottom surface l8 and lateral surfaces 20 and 22 formed during extrusion. Those four surfaces, together with the cut-off ends 24 and 26 of aluminium extrusion l4, define the six sides of base l2. The cut-off end 24 of alumimium extrusion l4 forms a first planar region which is viewed in elevation in Figure 2. The bottom surface l8 of aluminium extrusion l4 has a pair of depending legs 28 and 30. Between depending legs 28 and 30, bottom surface l8 forms a second planar region facing downwardly as viewed in Figure 2. Bottom surface l8 has a projection 32 that is trapezoidal in cross-section. The lateral surfaces 20 and 22 of aluminium extrusion l4 have enlargements 34 and 36. Below enlargements 34 and 36, lateral surface 20 forms a third planar region facing rightwardly as viewed in Figure 2, and lateral surface 22 forms a fourth planar region facing leftwardly as viewed in Figure 2. Lateral surface 20 has a projection 38 and lateral surface 22 has a projection 40, projections 38 and 40 being triangular in cross-section. Projections 32 and 38 form a fifth planar region facing downwardly and to the right as viewed in Figure 2, and projections 32 and 40 form a sixth planar region facing downwardly and to the left as viewed in Figure 2. From the upper surface l6, aluminium extrusion l4 is machined to form a regulated fuel pressure chamber 42 and a small excess fuel chamber 44. Regulated fuel pressure chamber 42 has a well 46 that receives fuel from an inlet 48 machined through the cut-off end 26 of aluminium extrusion l4. A valve seat 50 is inserted between regulated fuel pressure chamber 42 and excess fuel chamber 44. A diaphragm 52 closes regulated fuel pressure chamber 42 and carries a valve member 53. Diaphragm 52 positions valve member 53 to control fuel flow from regulated fuel pressure chamber 42 through valve seat 50 to excess fuel chamber 44, balancing the fuel pressure in regulated fuel pressure chamber 42 on diaphragm 52 with the force of a spring 54 and with the pressure in a bias chamber 55 above diaphragm 52. Fuel pressure regulator l0 thereby maintains the desired fuel pressure in regulated fuel pressure chamber 42 and discharges excess fuel to excess fuel chamber 44. Diaphragm 52 is supported and retained as set forth in our published European Patent Application No 0,l66,528. In the embodiment of Figures l and 3, the (first) planar region formed by cut-off end 24 accepts a cutting tool that machines an outlet 56 opening from excess fuel chamber 44 to discharge excess fuel therefrom. A fuel discharge fitting 58 threaded into outlet 56 accordingly is oriented parallel to inlet 48. The base 60 of a fuel pressure regulator 62 shown in Figures 4 and 5 is similar to the base l2 of fuel pressure regulator l0. In the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5, however, the (second) planar region formed by bottom surface l8 accepts a cutting tool that machines an outlet 64 opening from excess fuel chamber 44, removing a portion of projection 32 in the process. When threaded into outlet 64, fuel discharge fitting 58 accordingly is oriented perpendicular to inlet 48 and directed downwardly as viewed in Figures 4 and 5. Fuel pressure regulator 62 is otherwise similar to fuel pressure regulator l0. In the base 66 of a fuel pressure regulator 68 shown in Figure 6, the (third) planar region formed by lateral surface 20 accepts a cutting tool that machines an outlet opening from the excess fuel chamber, removing a portion of projection 38 in the process. Accordingly, when fuel discharge fitting 58 is threaded into the outlet, it is oriented perpendicular to the inlet and is directed rightwardly as viewed in Figure 6. Fuel pressure regulator 68 is otherwise similar to fuel pressure regulators l0 and 62. In the base 70 of a fuel pressure regulator 72 shown in Figure 7, the (fourth) planar region formed by lateral surface 22 accepts a cutting tool that machines an outlet opening from the excess fuel chamber, removing a portion of projection 40 in the process. Accordingly, when fuel discharge fitting 58 is threaded into the outlet, it is oriented perpendicular to the inlet and is directed leftwardly as viewed in Figure 7. Fuel pressure regulator 72 is otherwise similar to fuel pressure regulators l0, 62 and 68. In the base 74 of a fuel pressure regulator 76 shown in Figure 8, the (fifth) planar region defined by projections 32 and 38 accepts a cutting tool that machines an outlet opening from the excess fuel chamber, removing a portion of depending leg 28 in the process. Accordingly, when fuel discharge fitting 58 is threaded into the outlet, it is oriented perpendicular to the inlet and is directed downwardly and rightwardly as viewed in Figure 8. Fuel pressure regulator 76 is otherwise similar to fuel pressure regulators l0, 62, 68 and 72. In the base 78 of a fuel pressure regulator 80 shown in Figure 9, the (sixth) planar region defined by projections 32 and 40 accepts a cutting tool that machines an outlet opening from the excess fuel chamber, removing a portion of depending leg 30 in the process. Accordingly, when fuel discharge fitting 58 is threaded into the outlet, it is oriented perpendicular to the inlet and is directed downwardly and leftwardly as viewed in Figure 9. Fuel pressure regulator 80 is otherwise similar to fuel pressure regulators l0, 62, 68, 72 and 76. As shown in Figures l and 5, the inlet 48 of each fuel pressure regulator is plugged directly onto a snout 82 formed on a fuel body 84. A fuel passage 86 extends from fuel body 84 through snout 82 to supply fuel to the regulated fuel pressure chamber 42, and the fuel pressure regulator l0,62 maintains the desired fuel pressure in fuel passage 86. Inlet 48 has an enlarged portion 88 containing an O-ring 90 that seals the connection between the base l2,60 and fuel body 84. A bracket 9l has legs 92 that straddle fuel body 84 and are secured in grooves 94 formed on the outside of fuel body 84. Screws 96 are received in enlargements 34 and 36 of aluminium extrusion l4 to secure bracket 9l to the fuel pressure regulator l0,62. The fuel pressure regulator l0,62 accordingly forms a secure and compact assembly with fuel body 84. The base 98 of a fuel pressure regulator l00 shown in Figure l0 has a fuel inlet fitting l02 threaded into inlet 48 to allow use of fuel pressure regulator l00 in an application where it cannot be plugged directly onto a fuel body. Fuel pressure regulator is otherwise similar to fuel pressure regulators l0, 62, 68, 72, 76 and 80. Referring next to Figures ll-l2, a fuel pressure regulator ll0 has a base l2 having six sides formed from the aluminium extrusion ll4 shown in Figure ll. As viewed in Figure ll, aluminium extrusion ll4 has a top surface ll6, a bottom surface ll8 and lateral surfaces l20 and l22 formed during extrusion. Those four surfaces, together with cut-off ends l24 and l26 of aluminium extrusion ll4, define the six sides of base ll2. The cut-off end l24 of aluminium extrusion ll4 forms a first planar region which is viewed in elevation in Figure ll. The opposite cut-off end l26 is hidden in Figure ll. The bottom surface ll8 of aluminium extrusion ll4 forms a second planar region facing downwardly as viewed in Figure ll. Bottom surface ll8 has a projection l32 that is trapezoidal in cross-section. The lateral surfaces l20 and l22 of aluminium extrusion ll4 have enlargements l34 and l36. Below enlargements l34 and l36, lateral surface l20 forms a curved region facing rightwardly and downwardly as viewed in Figure ll, and lateral surface l22 forms a third planar region facing leftwardly as viewed in Figure ll. Projection l32 forms a fourth planar region facing downwardly and to the left as viewed in Figure ll. Aluminium extrusion ll4 is machined in the same manner as aluminium extrusion l4 to form the base ll2 of fuel pressure regulator ll0, and fuel pressure regulator ll0 is otherwise constructed and assembled in a manner similar to fuel pressure regulator l0. In the embodiment of Figure l2, the inlet for fuel is machined in the hidden cut-off end l26 of aluminium extrusion ll4, and the (first) planar region formed by cut-off end l24 accepts a cutting tool that machines an outlet opening from the excess fuel chamber. Accordingly, when a fuel discharge fitting l58 is threaded into the outlet, it is oriented parallel to the inlet. The base l60 of a fuel pressure regulator l62 shown in Figure l3 is similar to the base ll2 of fuel pressure regulator ll0. In the embodiment of Figure l3, however, the (second) planar region formed by bottom surface ll8 accepts a cutting tool that machines an outlet opening from the excess fuel chamber, removing projection l32 in the process. When threaded into the outlet, fuel discharge fitting l58 accordingly is oriented perpendicular to the inlet on the cut-off end l26 of aluminium extrusion ll4, and is directed downwardly as viewed in Figure l3. Fuel pressure regulator l62 is otherwise similar to fuel pressure regulator ll0. The base l60a of a fuel pressure regulator l62a shown in Figure l4 is similar to the base l60 of fuel pressure regulator l62. In the embodiment of Figure l4, however, the inlet is machined in the cut-off end l24 of aluminium extrusion ll4, hidden from view in Figure l4. The (second) planar region formed by bottom surface ll8 accepts a cutting tool that machines an outlet opening from the excess fuel chamber, removing projection l32 in the process. When threaded into the outlet, fuel discharge fitting l58 is oriented perpendicular to the inlet and directed downwardly as viewed in Figure l4. Comparison of Figure l3 and l4 will show that fuel discharge fitting l58 is offset to the left of centre in Figure l3 and to the right of centre in Figure l4. Fuel pressure regulator l62a is otherwise similar to fuel pressure regulator ll0 and l62. In the base l66 of a fuel pressure regulator l68 shown in Figure l5, the inlet is machined in the cut-off end l24 (which is hidden) of aluminium extrusion ll4, and the (third) planar region formed by lateral surface l22 accepts a cutting tool that machines an outlet opening from the excess fuel chamber. Accordingly, when fuel discharge fitting l58 is threaded into the outlet, it is oriented perpendicular to the inlet and is directed rightwardly as viewed in Figure l5. Fuel pressure regulator l68 is otherwise similar to fuel pressure regulators ll0, l62 and l62a. In the base l70 of a fuel pressure regulator l72 shown in Figure l6, the inlet is machined in the hidden cut-off end l26 of aluminium extrusion ll4, and the (third) planar region formed by lateral surface l22 accepts a cutting tool that machines an outlet opening from the excess fuel chamber. Accordingly, when fuel discharge fitting l58 is threaded into the outlet, it is oriented perpendicular to the inlet and is directed leftwardly as viewed in Figure l6. Fuel pressure regulator l72 is otherwise similar to fuel pressure regulators ll0, l62, l62a and l68. In the base l74 of a fuel pressure regulator l76 shown in Figure l7, the inlet is machined in the hidden cut-off end l24 of aluminium extrusion ll4, and the (fourth) planar region defined by projection l32 accepts a cutting tool that machines an outlet opening from the excess fuel chamber. Accordingly, when fuel discharge fitting l58 is threaded into the outlet, it is oriented perpendicular to the inlet and is directed downwardly and rightwardly as viewed in Figure l7. Fuel pressure regulator l76 is otherwise similar to fuel pressure regulators ll0, l62, l62a, l68 and l72. In the base l78 of a fuel pressure regulator l80 shown in Figure l8, the inlet is machined in the hidden cut-off end l26 of aluminium extrusion ll4, and the (fourth) planar region defined by projection l32 accepts a cutting tool that machines an outlet opening from the excess fuel chamber. Accordingly, when fuel discharge fitting l58 is threaded into the outlet, it is oriented perpendicular to the inlet and is directed downwardly and leftwardly as viewed in Figure l8. Fuel pressure regulator l80 is otherwise similar to fuel pressure regulators ll0, l62, l62a, l68, l72 and l76.

Claims: 1. A base (l2) for a fuel pressure regulator (l0) is formed from an extrusion and has a regulated fuel pressure chamber (42) and an excess fuel chamber (44), and an outlet (56) opening from the excess fuel chamber to discharge fuel therefrom, the base being substantially six-sided and one side (26) of the base having an inlet (48) opening to the regulated fuel pressure chamber to supply fuel thereto, the regulated fuel pressure chamber opening through a second side (l6) of the base, the base being adapted to support a diaphragm (52) carrying a valve member (53) for controlling fuel flow from the regulated fuel pressure chamber to the excess fuel chamber, characterised in that at least one (l8) of the remaining sides of the base has a projection (32) whereby the remaining sides (l8-24) of the base define at least four planar regions; and in that each of the planar regions is adapted to accept a cutting tool for forming the outlet whereby the fuel pressure regulator may be equipped with an outlet oriented in any of six directions with respect to the inlet. 2. A base as claimed in Claim l, wherein the second side (l6) of the base (l2) is adjacent the said one side (26). 3. A base as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the three remaining sides (l8-22) of the base (l2) adjacent the said one side (26) each have a projection (32,38,40) to define five planar regions, and the remaining side (24) opposite the said one side defines a sixth planar region. 4. A base as claimed in Claim l, wherein each of the four remaining sides (l8-24) of the base (l2) defines a planar region; wherein the third (l8) of the remaining sides has the projection (32); wherein the fourth (20) of the remaining sides has another projection (38); and wherein the fifth (22) of the remaining sides has another projection (40), the projections of the third and fourth sides defining a fifth planar region, and the projections of the third and fifth sides defining a sixth planar region. 5. A base as claimed in Claim l, wherein the side (l24,l26) of the base (ll2) opposite the said one side (l26,l24) defines a first planar region; wherein two (ll8,l22) of the remaining sides (ll8-l22) of the base define second and third planar regions; and wherein the projection (l32) is on one (ll8) of the said two remaining sides and defines a fourth planar region. 6. A base as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the said one (ll8) of the said two remaining sides (ll8,l22) of the base (ll2) is opposite the second side (ll6). 7. A fuel pressure regulator (l0) comprising a base (l2) formed from an extrusion and having a regulated fuel pressure chamber (42) and an excess fuel chamber (44), a valve seat (50) separating the regulated fuel pressure chamber from the excess fuel chamber, the base being substantially six-sided and one side (26) of the base having an inlet (48) opening to the regulated fuel pressure chamber to supply fuel thereto, the regulated fuel pressure chamber opening through a second side (l6) of the base, a diaphragm (52) supported on the base and closing the regulated fuel pressure chamber, the diaphragm carrying a valve member (53) for controlling fuel flow through the valve seat to maintain a desired fuel pressure in the regulated fuel pressure chamber and to discharge excess fuel from the regulated fuel pressure chamber through the valve seat to the excess fuel chamber, and an outlet (56) opening from the excess fuel chamber to discharge fuel therefrom, characterised in that at least one (l8) of the remaining sides of the base has a projection (32) whereby the remaining sides (l8-24) of the base define at least four planar regions which are oriented in different directions with respect to the inlet, and in that the outlet (56) is formed through one of the planar regions. 8. An assembly of a fuel pressure regulator (l0) and a fuel body (84), the fuel pressure regulator comprising a base (l2) formed from an extrusion and having a regulated fuel pressure chamber (42) and an excess fuel chamber (44), a valve seat (50) separating the regulated fuel pressure chamber from the excess fuel chamber, the base being substantially six-sided and one side (26) of the base having an inlet (48) opening to the regulated fuel pressure chamber to supply fuel thereto, the regulated fuel pressure chamber opening through a second side (l6) of the base, a diaphragm (52) supported on the base and closing the regulated fuel pressure chamber, the diaphragm carrying a valve member (53) for controlling fuel flow through the valve seat to maintain a desired fuel pressure in the regulated fuel pressure chamber and to discharge excess fuel from the regulated fuel pressure chamber through the valve seat to the excess fuel chamber, an outlet (56) opening from the excess fuel chamber to discharge fuel therefrom, the fuel body (84) having a snout (82) projecting therefrom and a fuel passage (86) extending through the snout, the inlet being plugged directly onto the snout whereby the fuel passage supplies fuel to the regulated fuel pressure chamber and the fuel pressure regulator maintains the desired fuel pressure in the fuel passage, characterised in that at least one (l8) of the remaining sides of the base has a projection (32) whereby the remaining sides (l8-24) of the base define at least four planar regions which are oriented in different directions with respect to the inlet, each of the planar regions being adapted to accept a cutting tool for forming the outlet through one of the planar regions.

Inventors: FIELD, MARTIN JOHN, MAKUSIJ, ANDREW JOHN, PENWRIGHT, JAMES LARRY
Applicants: GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION
Application year: 1987
Main classification: F02M69
IPC codes: F02M69, G05D16