阅读说明：本技术 主体强度得以增强的泵致动器 (Pump actuator with body strength enhanced ) 是由 K·莫哈迪卡尔 C·西沙特 于 2020-03-02 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明公开了一种在凸轮和泵之间使用的泵致动器。该泵致动器包括具有结构增强特征部的泵致动器主体。该泵致动器主体包括限定在面向柱塞的表面和相对的面向辊的表面之间的垫片。该面向柱塞的表面凹入泵致动器主体中并且从径向端部偏移。该泵致动器主体还包括限定在径向端部和面向柱塞的表面之间的圆柱形壁。该结构增强特征部被形成在面向柱塞的表面上的垫片上。结构增强特征部增加泵致动器主体的承载能力。(A pump actuator for use between a cam and a pump is disclosed. The pump actuator includes a pump actuator body having a structural reinforcement feature. The pump actuator body includes a spacer defined between a plunger facing surface and an opposing roller facing surface. The plunger facing surface is recessed into the pump actuator body and offset from the radial end. The pump actuator body also includes a cylindrical wall defined between the radial end and a surface facing the plunger. The structural enhancement feature is formed on a gasket on a surface facing the plunger. The structural enhancement feature increases the load bearing capacity of the pump actuator body.)

1. A pump actuator for use between a cam and a pump, the pump actuator comprising:

a pump actuator body having a spacer defined between a plunger facing surface and an opposing roller facing surface, the plunger facing surface recessed into the pump actuator body and offset from a radial end, the pump actuator body further comprising a cylindrical wall defined between the radial end and the plunger facing surface; and

a structural enhancement feature formed on the shim on the plunger facing surface, the structural enhancement feature increasing a load bearing capacity of the pump actuator body.

2. The pump actuator of claim 1, wherein the structural reinforcement feature comprises a rib.

3. A pump actuator according to claim 2, wherein the pump actuator body is unitary.

4. The pump actuator of claim 3, wherein the ribs extend across the entire distance of the plunger-facing surface and terminate at opposite regions of the cylindrical wall.

5. The pump actuator of claim 4, wherein a thickness of the shim at the rib is about one-third thicker than a thickness of the shim not at the rib.

6. The pump actuator of claim 4, wherein the thickness of the rib increases the thickness of the spacer by one-third.

7. The pump actuator of claim 6, wherein the rib thickness is about 0.7mm, and wherein the spacer and the rib thickness together are about 3 mm.

8. The pump actuator of claim 2, wherein the structural reinforcement feature further comprises a dimple.

9. The pump actuator of claim 8, wherein the pocket is formed in the rib.

10. The pump actuator of claim 9, wherein the pocket is formed centrally with respect to the cylindrical wall.

11. The pump actuator of claim 10, wherein a thickness of the shim at the rib is about one-third thicker than a thickness of the shim at the pocket.

12. The pump actuator of claim 1, wherein the structural reinforcement feature comprises a dimple.

13. The pump actuator of claim 12, wherein the thickness of the shim is about one-third thicker than the thickness of the shim at the pocket.

14. A pump actuator for use between a cam and a pump, the pump actuator comprising:

a pump actuator body having a spacer defined between a plunger facing surface and an opposing roller facing surface, the plunger facing surface recessed into the pump actuator body and offset from a radial end, the pump actuator body further comprising a cylindrical wall defined between the radial end and the plunger facing surface;

a shaft supported in a shaft opening defined in the pump actuator body, the shaft extending in a longitudinal direction; and

a rib formed on the gasket on the plunger facing surface, the rib extending in a parallel direction relative to the longitudinal direction, the rib increasing a load bearing capacity of the pump actuator body.

15. A pump actuator according to claim 14, wherein the pump actuator body is unitary.

16. The pump actuator of claim 15, wherein the ribs extend across the entire distance of the plunger-facing surface and terminate at opposite regions of the cylindrical wall.

17. The pump actuator of claim 16, wherein a thickness of the shim at the rib is about one-third thicker than a thickness of the shim not at the rib.

18. The pump actuator of claim 16, wherein the thickness of the rib increases the thickness of the spacer by one-third.

19. The pump actuator of claim 18, wherein the rib thickness is about 0.7mm, and wherein the spacer and the rib thickness together are about 3 mm.

20. A pump actuator for use between a cam and a pump, the pump actuator comprising:

an integral pump actuator body having a shim defined between a plunger facing surface and an opposing roller facing surface, the plunger facing surface recessed into the pump actuator body and offset from a radial end, the pump actuator body further comprising a cylindrical wall defined between the radial end and the plunger facing surface;

a shaft supported in a shaft opening defined in the pump actuator body, the shaft extending in a longitudinal direction;

a rib formed on the gasket on the plunger facing surface, the rib extending in a parallel direction relative to the longitudinal direction, the rib increasing the load bearing capacity of the pump actuator body; and

a pocket formed on the gasket at the rib.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to pump actuators or roller pushrods, and more particularly to pump actuators with improved load bearing capacity and body strength.

Background

The pump actuator is an integral component of a Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI) fuel system. The pump actuator redirects fuel pump cam rotational motion to linear fuel pump driving motion. The pump actuators are roller followers sandwiched between a cam and a direct injection in cylinder (GDI) pump. During operation, the pump actuator will pressurize fuel inside the GDI pump in order to maintain pressure inside the fuel rail. Typical direct injection fuel pressures may be 90 times higher than conventional fuel pressures. It is desirable to increase the load bearing capacity and reduce the friction of the pump actuator. In addition, it is desirable to reduce costs through alternative geometries, materials, and manufacturing processes.

The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides a pump actuator for use between a cam and a pump. The pump actuator includes a pump actuator body having a structural reinforcement feature. The pump actuator body includes a spacer defined between a plunger facing surface and an opposing roller facing surface. The plunger facing surface is recessed into the pump actuator body and offset from the radial end. The pump actuator body also includes a cylindrical wall defined between the radial end and a surface facing the plunger. The structural enhancement feature is formed on a gasket on a surface facing the plunger. The structural enhancement feature increases the load bearing capacity of the pump actuator body.

According to additional features, the structural reinforcement feature comprises a rib. The pump actuator body is unitary. The rib extends across the entire distance of the surface facing the plunger and terminates at opposite regions of the cylindrical wall. The thickness of the shim at the rib is about one third thicker than the thickness of the shim not at the rib. The thickness of the ribs increases the thickness of the gasket by one third. The rib thickness is about 0.7 mm. The thickness of the spacer and rib together is about 3 mm.

According to other features, the structural enhancement feature further comprises a dimple. The pocket may be formed in the rib. The pocket may be formed centrally with respect to the cylindrical wall. The thickness of the shim at the rib is about one third greater than the thickness of the shim at the pocket.

According to still other features, the structural enhancement feature comprises a dimple. The thickness of the shim is about one third greater than the thickness of the shim at the pocket.

A pump actuator for use between a cam and a pump according to the additional feature includes a pump actuator body and a shaft. The pump actuator body has a spacer defined between a plunger facing surface and an opposing roller facing surface. The plunger facing surface is recessed into the pump actuator body and offset from the radial end. The pump actuator body also includes a cylindrical wall defined between the radial end and a surface facing the plunger. The shaft is supported in a shaft opening defined in the pump actuator body. The shaft extends in a longitudinal direction. Ribs are formed on the gasket on the surface facing the plunger. The rib extends in a parallel direction with respect to the longitudinal direction. The ribs increase the load bearing capacity of the pump actuator body.

In other features, the pump actuator body is unitary. The ribs may extend across the entire distance of the plunger facing surface and terminate at opposite regions of the cylindrical wall. The thickness of the shim at the rib is about one third thicker than the thickness of the shim not at the rib. The thickness of the ribs increases the thickness of the gasket by one third. The rib thickness is about 0.7 mm. The thickness of the spacer and rib together is about 0.3 mm.

A pump actuator for use between a cam and a pump according to additional features includes an integral pump actuator body and shaft. The pump actuator body has a spacer defined between a plunger facing surface and an opposing roller facing surface. The plunger facing surface is recessed into the pump actuator body and offset from the radial end. The pump actuator body also includes a cylindrical wall defined between the radial end and a surface facing the plunger. The shaft is supported in a shaft opening defined in the pump actuator body. The shaft extends in a longitudinal direction. Ribs are formed on the gasket on the surface facing the plunger. The rib extends in a parallel direction with respect to the longitudinal direction. The ribs increase the load bearing capacity of the pump actuator body. Dimples may be formed on the shim at the ribs.

Drawings

The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

fig. 1 is a front perspective view of a pump actuator arranged between a cam on a camshaft and a high pressure GDI pump according to one example of the prior art.

FIG. 2A is an exploded view of a pump actuator according to the prior art;

FIG. 2B is an exemplary manufacturing process according to one example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of a pump actuator body according to one prior art example;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the pump actuator body of FIG. 3A taken along line 3B-3B;

FIG. 3C is a stress analysis showing the pump actuator body of FIG. 3A experiencing a maximum stress of 543 MPa;

FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of a pump actuator body constructed in accordance with one example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the pump actuator body of FIG. 4A taken along line 4B-4B;

FIG. 4C is a stress analysis showing the pump actuator body of FIG. 4A experiencing a maximum stress of 381 MPa;

FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of a pump actuator body constructed in accordance with another example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the pump actuator body of FIG. 5A taken along line 5B-5B;

FIG. 5C is a stress analysis showing the pump actuator body of FIG. 5A undergoing a maximum stress of 488 MPa;

FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of a pump actuator body constructed in accordance with yet another example of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the pump actuator body of FIG. 6A taken along line 6B-6B; and is

FIG. 6C is a stress analysis showing the pump actuator body of FIG. 6A experiencing a maximum stress of 440 MPa.

Detailed Description

GDI pumps are used to supply pressurized fuel in the intake manifold of an engine or in a common rail of fuel injectors. The GDI pump may be operated using camshaft lobes. For GDI pumps, roller pushrods may be used to reduce friction between the plunger and the camshaft lobe. The roller pusher needs to maintain a high pressure on the pump. As the pressure requirements increase, the pressure increases and the roller pusher has to withstand these forces. The present teachings incorporate the addition of ribs on the plunger side of the push rod to increase strength in a cost effective manner.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a pump actuator or roller pusher constructed in accordance with one prior art example is shown and is generally identified at reference numeral 10. The pump actuator 10 is shown in operable engagement with a cam 12 on a camshaft 14. Translation of the pump actuator 10 pressurizes fuel inside the GDI pump 20. The pump actuator 10 uses the rotatable movement of the camshaft 14 and converts the rotatable movement into a linear fuel pump driving movement. Typical DI fuel pressures (350 bar) may be approximately 90 times higher than conventional PI fuel pressures.

An exploded view of the exemplary pump actuator 10 shown in fig. 1 is shown in fig. 2A. The pump actuator 10 generally includes a shaft 22, a plurality of needles 24, a roller 28, an anti-rotation pin 29, and a pump actuator body 30. An exemplary manufacturing process for manufacturing the pump actuator 10 is generally shown at 26 in fig. 2B.

A prior art pump actuator 10 is shown in fig. 3A-3C. The pump actuator body 30 of the prior art pump actuator 10 has a load capacity of 20 MPa. The pump actuator body 30 generally defines a plunger-facing surface 32, the plunger-facing surface 32 generally being recessed into the pump actuator body 30 and offset from a radial end 34. A cylindrical wall 36 is generally defined between the radial end 34 and the plunger facing surface 32. The plunger facing surface 32 is generally planar and defines a spacer 40 with the opposite roller facing surface 38. According to the prior art example shown, the thickness of the shim 40 may be about 2.3 mm. FIG. 3C is a stress analysis showing the maximum stress experienced by the pump actuator body of 543 MPa.

As will be appreciated from the following discussion, the present patent application provides a pump actuator with increased load capacity (from 20MPa to 35 MPa). Examples according to the present disclosure each include a gasket having a structural enhancement feature incorporated thereon. As will be explained herein, the structural reinforcement features can include ribs 50A (fig. 4A-4C), rib and pocket assemblies 50B (fig. 5A-5C), and pockets 50C (fig. 6A-6C).

A pump actuator 10A constructed in accordance with one example of the disclosure is shown in fig. 4A-4C. The pump actuator 10A includes a pump actuator body 30A, the pump actuator body 30A generally defining a plunger facing surface 32A, the plunger facing surface 32A generally recessed into the pump actuator body 30A and offset from a radial end 34A. A cylindrical wall 36A is generally defined between the radial end 34A and the plunger facing surface 32A. The pump actuator body 30A defines a shaft opening 37A, the shaft opening 37A being configured to support a shaft (see shaft 22 of fig. 2A). The plunger facing surface 32A and the opposite roller facing surface 38A define a spacer 40A. The shim 40A incorporates structural reinforcing features in the form of ribs 50A. The rib 50A extends across the plunger facing surface 32A the entire distance and terminates at the opposite region 48A of the cylindrical wall 36A. The rib 50A extends in a direction generally parallel to the axis (see axis 22 of fig. 2A). The ribs 50A provide enhanced rigidity and strength to the pump actuator body 30A. In one configuration, the ribs 50A may have a thickness 52A. The thickness 52A may be about 0.7 mm. The shim 40A may have a thickness 54A. The thickness 54A may be 2.3 mm. Shim 40A, along with 0.7mm rib 50A, may have increased load bearing capacity and withstand stresses of up to 381 MPa. The rib 50A helps to increase the strength of the gasket 40A. The pump actuator body 30A may be a unitary body made by forging or casting. The pump actuator body 30A made of a single piece of metal has greater strength than prior art examples that can be formed from multiple die-molded pieces.

A pump actuator 10B constructed in accordance with one example of the disclosure is shown in fig. 5A-5C. The pump actuator 10B includes a pump actuator body 30B, the pump actuator body 30B generally defining a plunger facing surface 32B, the plunger facing surface 32B generally recessed into the pump actuator body 30B and offset from the radial end 34B. A cylindrical wall 36B is generally defined between the radial end 34B and the plunger facing surface 32B. The pump actuator body 30A defines a shaft opening 37B, the shaft opening 37B being configured to support a shaft (see shaft 22 of fig. 2A). The plunger facing surface 32B and the opposite roller facing surface 38B define a spacer 40B. The shim 40B incorporates structural reinforcing features in the form of ribs 50B and dimples 51B. The rib 50B extends across the plunger facing surface 32B the entire distance and terminates at the opposite region 48B of the cylindrical wall 36B. The rib 50B extends in a direction generally parallel to the axis (see axis 22 of fig. 2A). The ribs 50B provide increased rigidity and strength to the pump actuator body 30B. In one configuration, the ribs 50B may have a thickness 52B. The thickness 52B may be about 0.7 mm. The dimples 51B may be recessed into the rib 50B toward the shim 40B. In some examples, the dimples may be recessed by a distance 52B. The shim 40B may have a thickness 54B. The thickness 54B may be 2.3 mm. The shim 40B, along with the 0.7mm rib 50B, may have increased load bearing capacity and withstand stresses of up to 488 MPa. The rib 50B helps to increase the strength of the gasket 40B. The pump actuator body 30B may be a unitary body made by forging or casting. The pump actuator body 30B made of a single metal piece is stronger than prior art examples that can be formed from multiple die-molded pieces.

A pump actuator 10C constructed in accordance with one example of the disclosure is shown in fig. 6A-6C. The pump actuator 10C includes a pump actuator body 30C, the pump actuator body 30C generally defining a plunger facing surface 32C that is generally recessed into the pump actuator body 30C and offset from the radial end 34C. A cylindrical wall 36C is generally defined between the radial end 34C and the plunger facing surface 32C. The plunger facing surface 32C and the opposing roller facing surface 38C define a spacer 40C. The shim 40C incorporates structural reinforcing features in the form of a raised central body portion 49C having dimples 50C. The pockets 50C provide increased rigidity and strength to the pump actuator body 30C. In one configuration, the dimples 50C may have a depth 52B into the convex central body portion 49C. The depth 52B may be about 0.7 mm. The pocket 50C may be recessed toward the shim 40C. The shim 40C may have a thickness 54B. The thickness 54B may be 2.3 mm. The shim 40C, together with the 0.7mm raised central body portion 49C, may have increased load bearing capacity and withstand a stress of up to 440 MPa. Raised central body portion 49C and dimples 50C help increase the strength of gasket 40C. The pump actuator body 30C may be a one-piece body made by forging or casting. The pump actuator body 30C made of a single piece of metal has greater strength than prior art examples that can be formed from multiple die-molded pieces.

The foregoing description of these examples has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular example are generally not limited to that particular example, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected example, even if not specifically shown or described. Which can also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.