초록 ▼

A fuel injector having a needle valve and an injector body employs at least one movable needle-guide which having a plurality of movable members disposed between the needle valve assembly and the injector body. The movable members can be insulating members which are substantially entirely composed o

A fuel injector having a needle valve and an injector body employs at least one movable needle-guide which having a plurality of movable members disposed between the needle valve assembly and the injector body. The movable members can be insulating members which are substantially entirely composed of insulating material such as ceramics. In applications which do not require electrical isolation, the movable members could be formed of conductive material. The movable members are preferably spherical elements which are partially cradled within an annular trough formed in the needle valve such that the movable members ensure that the needle valve is held in spaced relation to the injector body. While the movable members are preferably formed as solid ceramic spheres, other insulating materials and/or shapes could be utilized.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A fuel injector of the type used to inject fuel into a cylinder of an internal combustion engine when installed therein, said injector comprising:an electrically-conductive injector body which defines an interior cavity and an apertured nozzle region fluidly connected wit

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A fuel injector of the type used to inject fuel into a cylinder of an internal combustion engine when installed therein, said injector comprising:an electrically-conductive injector body which defines an interior cavity and an apertured nozzle region fluidly connected with the engine cylinder when said injector is installed in the engine;an electrically-conductive needle valve assembly at least partially disposed within said interior cavity for movement between first and second positions, said needle blocking fuel flow through said nozzle region when said needle is in said first position and said needle permitting fuel flow through said nozzle region when said needle is in said second position; andat least one movable electrically-insulating needle-guide disposed between said needle and said injector body, said needle-guide limiting movement of said needle relative to said injector body such that said needle and said body form a closed electrical circuit when said needle is in said first position and such that said needle and said body form an open electrical circuit when said needle is in said second position.