Fuel injector and valve assembly therefor

Abstract

A fuel injector for fuel is provided. A fuel injector includes a valve assembly having an actuator and a valve coupled to the actuator. The valve includes a valve seat and a plunger radially sealed to the valve seat and movable in the valve seat to selectively open and close an inlet extending through a sidewall of the valve seat.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority and filing date of Indian Provisional Application Serial No. 202341061208 filed on September 12, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to a fuel injector for injecting liquid or gaseous fuel, and more particularly to a valve assembly for a fuel injector for selectively providing a flow of liquid or gaseous fuel from the injector. Background Art

[0004] The fuel injector of an internal combustion engine uses one or more valves to control the injection of fuel into the combustion chamber or intake port of the engine in a precisely controlled amount, rate and timing. Fuel injectors are also used to inject a controllable amount of fuel in a supply manifold, such as in a hydrogen fuel cell system. The valve assembly typically includes a solenoid for controlling the opening and closing of the associated valve in the fuel injector. The size of the solenoid used depends on the force that the solenoid needs to overcome to open and close the valve. In addition, the current consumption for operating the solenoid is proportional to the size of the solenoid. In order to save costs and improve operating efficiency, a valve assembly that can reduce the size of the solenoid valve and reduce current consumption is needed. Therefore, there is still a need for the unique device, system and technology disclosed herein.

[0005] Disclosure of Illustrative Embodiments

[0006] For the purpose of clearly, concisely and accurately describing the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, the manner and process of making and using the same, and to enable the practice, making and using of the same, reference will now be made to certain exemplary embodiments, including those shown in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the exemplary embodiments. It will be understood, however, that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby incurred, and that the present invention includes and protects such changes, modifications and further applications of the exemplary embodiments as will occur to those skilled in the art. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present disclosure includes a fuel injector for providing fuel to a prime mover. In one embodiment, the fuel injector includes an elongated injector body defining a longitudinally extending passage therein. The passage extends from a first end of the injector body to a fuel outlet end in a distal direction. The fuel injector also includes a valve assembly mounted to the injector body. The valve assembly includes an actuator and a valve. The valve is selectively opened and closed by the actuator to control the flow of fuel from the valve to the prime mover.

[0008] In one embodiment, the valve includes a valve seat located in the passage of the injector body. The valve seat includes an elongated seat body defining a longitudinally extending hole. The seat body also defines an inlet, which extends radially through the seat body and is in fluid communication with the hole. The valve also includes a plunger, which is coupled to the actuator and extends into the hole of the seat body of the valve seat. The plunger can be moved longitudinally in the hole between an open position and a closed position via the actuator. The plunger includes a first seal extending around the plunger and a second seal extending around the plunger and longitudinally spaced apart from the first seal. In the open position, the first seal and the second seal are located proximal to the inlet of the seat body and are in sealing engagement with the seat body of the valve seat. In the closed position, the first seal is located proximal to the inlet and is in sealing engagement with the seat body of the valve seat, and the second seal is located distal to the inlet and is in sealing engagement with the seat body of the valve seat.

[0009] In one embodiment, a valve assembly for a fuel injector is provided. The valve assembly includes an actuator and a valve. The valve includes a valve seat and a plunger at least partially located within the valve seat. The plunger of the valve is coupled to the actuator. The plunger can be moved longitudinally by the actuator to selectively open an inlet in the valve seat to provide the fuel flow from the fuel injector, and to close the inlet in the valve seat to stop the fuel flow from the fuel injector. In the open position, the plunger includes a radial seal that sealingly engages the valve seat at a first position proximal to the inlet, and in the closed position, the radial seal of the plunger sealingly engages the valve seat at a second position distal to the inlet.

[0010] This summary is not intended to identify the key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Additional embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects and benefits will become apparent from the following description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The description herein refers to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the fuel injection system.

[0013] Figure 2 The present invention is used to illustrate the embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of an exemplary valve assembly of a fuel injector of a system.

[0014] Figure 3 is in the open position Figure 2 Another longitudinal cross-sectional view of a valve assembly.

[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a valve assembly showing the valve in an open position.

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a valve assembly showing the valve in a closed position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] refer to Figure 1 , a fuel injection system 10 is shown, which includes at least one fuel injector 100a, 100b, 100c...100n of a fuel supply system 22 for a prime mover 12 (such as an internal combustion engine or a fuel cell). The fuel supply system 22 may include, for example, a combustion chamber, an intake manifold, an intake duct, a compressor, a fuel mixer, or any other fuel supply system. At least one fuel injector 100a, 100b, 100c...100n is in fluid communication with a fuel source 16 containing fuel 18 and a fuel tank / regulator 20 to distribute the fuel 18 to the injectors 100a, 100b, 100c...100n. Although Figure 1 100a, 100b, 100c, . . . 100n. The fuel 18 may be, for example, a gaseous fuel such as hydrogen, propane, natural gas, etc. The fuel 18 may also be a liquid fuel such as diesel or gasoline. In the following discussion, reference is made to a fuel injector such as a fuel tank / regulator 20. Figures 2 to 5 The fuel injector 100 is shown to describe fuel injectors 100a, 100b, 100c, ... 100n.

[0018] In one embodiment, the fuel injector 100 provides fuel to the prime mover 12. The fuel injector 100 includes an elongated injector body 102 defining a longitudinally extending passage 104 therein. The passage 104 extends in a distal direction from a first end 106 of the injector body 102 to an outlet end 108. The fuel injector 100 also includes a valve assembly 120 mounted to the injector body 102. The valve assembly 120 includes an actuator 130 and a valve 150. The valve 150 is selectively opened and closed by the actuator 130 to control the flow of fuel from the valve 150 to the combustion chamber 14.

[0019] The valve 150 includes a valve seat 152 in the passage 104 of the injector body 102. The valve seat 152 includes an elongated seat body 154 defining a longitudinally extending bore 156. The seat body 154 also defines a fuel inlet 160 that extends radially through the seat body 154 and is in fluid communication with the bore 156. The valve 150 also includes a plunger 180 that is coupled to the actuator 130 and extends into the bore 156 of the seat body 154 of the valve seat 152. The plunger 180 is longitudinally movable in the bore 156 between an open position and a closed position via the actuator 130. The plunger 180 includes a first seal 182 extending around the plunger 180 and a second seal 184 extending around the plunger 180 and longitudinally spaced apart from the first seal 182. In the open position, the first seal 182 and the second seal 184 are located proximal to the inlet 160 of the seat body 154 and are sealingly engaged with the seat body 154 of the valve seat 152. In the closed position, the first seal 182 is located proximal to the inlet 160 and is sealingly engaged with the seat body 154 of the valve seat 152, and the second seal 184 is located distal to the inlet 160 and is sealingly engaged with the seat body 154 of the valve seat 152.

[0020] In one embodiment, a valve assembly 120 is provided for a fuel injector 100. The valve assembly 120 includes an actuator 130 and a valve 150. The valve 150 includes a valve seat 152 and a plunger 180 at least partially located within the valve seat 152. The plunger 180 of the valve 150 is coupled to the actuator 130. The plunger 180 can be longitudinally moved by the actuator 130 to selectively open a fuel inlet 160 in the valve seat 152 to provide fuel flow from the fuel injector 100, and to close the inlet 160 in the valve seat 152 to stop the fuel flow from the fuel injector 100. In the open position, the plunger 180 includes a radial seal 184 that sealingly engages the valve seat 152 at a first position proximal to the inlet 160, and in the closed position, the radial seal 184 of the plunger 180 sealingly engages the valve seat 152 at a second position distal to the inlet 160.

[0021] Embodiments for use with fuel injector 100 Figure 3The exemplary injector body 102 in FIG. 1 extends along a central longitudinal axis A and includes a passage 104 defined by the injector body 102 from a first end 106 to a gas outlet end 108. The longitudinally extending passage 104 receives a valve assembly 120 at the first end 106. The valve assembly 120 includes a valve 150 and an actuator 130 to control the flow of fuel from a transversely extending fuel inlet 160. In the following discussion, "proximal" or "proximally" refers to an axial position or upstream direction toward the first end 106 and / or the actuator 130, and "distal" or "distally" refers to an axial position or downstream direction toward the outlet end 108. The injector body 102 may be composed of multiple parts that are coupled to each other to form the injector body 102, or a single sleeve or component that forms the injector body 102.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, the valve assembly 120 includes a flange 122 that engages the first end 106 of the injector body 102. The valve assembly 120 also includes a fastener 124, such as a nut, to secure the actuator 130 to the flange 122. The flange 122 includes a distal extension 126 that fits within the injector body 102 at the first end 106. The valve seat 152 is located within and engaged with the distal extension 126.

[0023] The flange 122 also includes a first annular seal 128 and a second annular seal 129 positioned around the distal extension 126. The seals 128, 129 sealingly engage the flange 122 to the injector body 102. Features may also be provided on the injector body 102 and / or the flange 122 to facilitate mounting the injector to the prime mover 12. In one embodiment, the nozzle 110 may be engaged to the outlet end 108 of the injector body 102. The nozzle 110 may include one or more apertures 112 arranged to divert the flow of fuel into the fuel supply system 22 and / or the prime mover 12 in a desired direction or flow pattern. In one embodiment, the outlet end 108 may be configured to connect to a manifold arrangement, wherein the fuel is injected directly from the injector body 102 into the manifold.

[0024] In one embodiment, the actuator 130 is a solenoid that is operable to longitudinally displace a plunger 180 in the bore 156 of the valve seat 152 relative to the seat body 154 between an open position and a closed position. The solenoid includes an armature 132 coupled to the plunger 180. The solenoid is operable to longitudinally displace the armature 132, and therefore the plunger 180, between a first position (indicated by 132′) in which the armature 132 is in contact with the valve seat 152 and a second position (indicated by 132′) in which the armature 132 is proximally spaced relative to the valve seat. Figure 2 as shown).

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 130 includes a stator 134, a coil portion 136 surrounding the stator 134, and an armature 132 engaged with a rod 186 of the plunger. The armature 132 is located between the stator 134 and the valve seat 152. The stator 134 includes a longitudinally extending blind hole 138 that receives the proximal end of the rod 186 of the plunger 180. The stator 134 includes a spring 140 located in the blind hole 138 that contacts the armature 132 and biases the plunger 180 to the closed position. A spring guide 142 in the blind hole 138 can be used to help guide and center the spring 140 within the blind hole 138.

[0026] In one embodiment, the plunger 180 includes an elongated cylindrical end member 188 positioned within the valve seat 152. The first seal 182 is an annular or O-ring type seal that extends around the end member 188 and seals with the valve seat 152 when the plunger 180 moves between the open position and the closed position. The second seal 184 is a radial seal that extends around the end member 188 and seals with the valve seat 152 when the plunger 180 moves between the open position and the closed position. The plunger 180 also includes an elongated stem 186 that extends proximally from the end member 188 through the valve seat 152 to the actuator 130.

[0027] In one embodiment, the stem 186 of the plunger 180 includes a first radial protrusion 194 and a second radial protrusion 196. The first radial protrusion 194 is longitudinally spaced apart from the second radial protrusion 196 along the stem 186. The first radial protrusion 194 and the second radial protrusion 196 guide the plunger 180 to move along the hole 156 of the valve seat 152 alone or in combination with the plunger guides 170, 172 of the valve seat 152 when the plunger 180 moves between the open position and the closed position.

[0028] In one embodiment, the second seal 184 is a lip seal located in a circumferential groove 198 formed in the outer surface 190 of the end member 188, which is configured to expand or bend radially to provide a radial seal against the adjacent inner wall surface of the valve seat 152. In one embodiment, the second seal 184 extends completely around the outer surface 190 of the end member 188 of the plunger 180. The second seal 184 has an open side 192 oriented in the distal direction. In one embodiment, the second seal 184 is U-shaped, wherein the opening of the "U" is oriented in the distal direction. In one embodiment, the legs of the "U" are of unequal length, and the longer legs are located in the groove 198, while the shorter legs are able to bend to contact the inner wall surface of the valve seat 152.

[0029] In one embodiment, when the plunger 180 is in a closed position relative to the valve seat 152, the first seal 182 is located proximal to the inlet 160, and the second seal 184 is located distal to the inlet 160. When the plunger 180 is in an open position relative to the valve seat 152, both the first seal 182 and the second seal 184 are located proximal to the inlet 160 to allow fuel flow to enter the orifice 156 and exit the valve 150 through the distal opening of the orifice 156.

[0030] In one embodiment, the seat body 154 of the valve seat 152 includes a proximal body portion 162 that is joined to the flange 122 in the distal extension 126 of the flange 122. The seat body 154 also includes a distal body portion 164 that is located in the passage 104 of the injector body 102 and sealingly joined to the injector body 102. The seat body 154 has an elongated sidewall 166 that defines a longitudinally extending hole 156. The inlet 160 extends radially through the sidewall 166 at the distal body portion 164 and is in fluid communication with the hole 156, so that the fuel flow from the fuel injector 100 is provided through the distal opening of the hole 156 in the valve seat 152.

[0031] In one embodiment, the inlet 160 extends through the side wall 166 of the seat body 154 perpendicular to the hole 156 and / or the longitudinal axis A. Other embodiments include non-perpendicular orientations. Orienting the inlet 160 so that the fuel flows through the side wall 166 rather than through an axially oriented opening reduces or eliminates the axial force generated by the pressurized fuel acting on the plunger 180 and / or the valve seat 152.

[0032] The valve seat 152 includes a sidewall 166 along the seat body 154. The sidewall 166 includes an inner surface that defines a longitudinal bore 156. The bore 156 includes a proximal portion 174 and a distal portion 176 that are separated by a lip 178 formed by the sidewall 166. In the open position of the plunger 180, the end member 188 of the plunger 180 contacts the lip 178.

[0033] In one embodiment, the end member 188 of the plunger 180 includes a first portion 200 located proximal to the circumferential groove 198. The first portion 200 has a first diameter, the first diameter being sized to correspond to the distal portion 176 of the bore 156. The end member 188 of the plunger 180 also has a second portion 202 located distal to the circumferential groove 198. The second portion 202 has a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter, such that the second portion 202 is radially inwardly spaced relative to the inner surface of the sidewall 166 of the valve seat 152 at the distal portion 176 of the inner bore 156. This provides a greater flow area for fuel from the inlet 160 to pass between the plunger 180 and the inner surface of the seat body 154 when the valve 150 is in the open position.

[0034] Additional written descriptions of a number of exemplary embodiments should now be provided. In one embodiment, a fuel injector for providing fuel to a prime mover is provided. The fuel injector includes an elongated injector body and a valve assembly mounted to the injector body. The injector body defines a longitudinally extending passage therein. The passage extends from a first end of the injector body to a gas outlet end in a distal direction. The valve assembly includes an actuator and a valve. The valve is selectively opened and closed by the actuator to control the flow of fuel from the valve to the prime mover. The valve includes a valve seat located in the passage of the injector body. The valve seat includes an elongated seat body, the seat body defining a longitudinally extending hole, and the seat body also defines an inlet, the inlet radially extending through the seat body, and communicating with the hole fluid. The valve also includes a plunger coupled to the actuator, the plunger extending into the hole of the seat body of the valve seat. The plunger can be longitudinally moved in the hole between an open position and a closed position via the actuator. The plunger includes a first seal extending around the plunger and a second seal extending around the plunger and longitudinally spaced apart from the first seal. In the open position, the first seal and the second seal are located proximal to the inlet of the seat body and in sealing engagement with the seat body of the valve seat. In the closed position, the first seal is located proximal to the inlet and in sealing engagement with the seat body of the valve seat, and the second seal is located distal to the inlet and in sealing engagement with the seat body of the valve seat.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the plunger includes an end member contacting the seat body in the hole of the valve seat, and a rod extending proximally from the end member through the seat body. The rod is coupled to the actuator.

[0036] The actuator includes a solenoid operable to longitudinally displace the plunger in the bore of the valve seat relative to the seat body between the open position and the closed position.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator includes a stator, a coil portion surrounding the stator, and an armature engaged with the stem of the plunger. The armature is located between the stator and the valve seat.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the stator includes a longitudinally extending blind bore that receives a proximal end of the rod of the plunger and a spring located in the blind bore that contacts the armature and biases the plunger to the closed position.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the rod includes a first radial protrusion and a second radial protrusion longitudinally spaced from the first radial protrusion. When the plunger moves between the open position and the closed position, the first radial protrusion and the second radial protrusion guide the plunger along the hole of the valve seat.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the valve assembly includes a flange coupled to the injector body, and the actuator and the valve seat are mounted to the flange.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the flange includes a distal extension that is positioned and sealingly engaged in the passage of the injector body.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the seat body of the valve seat includes a proximal body portion, which is joined to the flange in the distal extension of the flange; and a distal body portion, which is located in the channel of the injector body and is sealingly joined to the injector body.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, a valve assembly for a fuel injector for selectively providing a fuel flow from the fuel injector is provided. The valve assembly includes an actuator and a valve, the valve including a valve seat and a plunger. The plunger is at least partially located within the valve seat. The plunger of the valve is coupled to the actuator. The plunger can be moved longitudinally by the actuator to selectively open an inlet in the valve seat to provide the fuel flow from the fuel injector, and to close the inlet in the valve seat to stop the fuel flow from the fuel injector. In the open position, the plunger includes a radial seal that sealingly engages the valve seat at a first position proximal to the inlet, and in the closed position, the radial seal of the plunger sealingly engages the valve seat at a second position distal to the inlet.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the valve seat includes an elongated seat body having a sidewall defining a longitudinal hole extending through the valve seat. The inlet extends radially through the sidewall in fluid communication with the hole. Fuel flow from the fuel injector is provided through a distal opening of the hole in the valve seat.

[0045] In an exemplary embodiment, the inlet extends through the housing perpendicular to the aperture.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the radial seal is a lip seal extending around an outer surface of the plunger, the lip seal having an open side oriented in a distal direction.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the plunger includes an end member positioned in the valve seat, the radial seal extending around the end member, and a stem extending proximally from the end member through the valve seat, the stem coupled to the actuator.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the end member of the plunger includes an annular seal extending around the end member at a position spaced proximally relative to the radial seal. The annular seal is located proximally of the inlet in both the open position and the closed position of the plunger.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the valve seat includes a side wall defining a longitudinal hole through the valve seat. The hole includes a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion and the distal portion are separated by a lip of the side wall. In the open position of the plunger, the end member of the plunger contacts the lip.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, the end member includes a circumferential groove, and the radial seal is located in the circumferential groove.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the end member includes a first portion located proximal to the circumferential groove, the first portion having a first diameter, the first diameter being sized to correspond to the distal portion of the inner bore. The end member also includes a second portion located distal to the circumferential groove. The second portion has a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter, such that the second portion is radially spaced inwardly relative to the inner wall of the valve seat at the distal portion of the inner bore.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the actuator includes an armature coupled to the plunger, and a solenoid operable to longitudinally displace the armature between a first position wherein the armature contacts the valve seat and a second position wherein the armature is proximally spaced relative to the valve seat.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the plunger includes an elongated cylindrical end member located within the valve seat. When the plunger moves between the open position and the closed position, the radial seal extends around the end member and seals with the valve seat. The plunger also includes an elongated rod extending proximally from the end member through the valve seat to the actuator.

[0054] Although the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are actually considered to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that only certain exemplary embodiments have been shown and described and that it is desired to protect all changes and modifications within the spirit of the claimed invention. It should be understood that although the use of words (such as, preferably, preferred, preferred or more preferred as utilized in the above description) indicates that the features described in this way may be more desirable, it is not necessary and it is conceivable that embodiments without the words are within the scope of the present invention, which is defined by the appended claims. When reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as "one", "a kind", "at least one" or "at least one part" are used, it is not intended to limit the claim to only one item, unless there is a clear statement to the contrary in the claim. When the language "at least a part" and / or "a part" is used, the item may include a part and / or the entire item, unless there is a clear statement to the contrary.

Claims

1. A fuel injector for supplying fuel to a prime mover, the fuel injector comprising: an elongated injector body defining a longitudinally extending passage therein, the passage extending in a distal direction from a first end of the injector body to a gas outlet end; as well as a valve assembly mounted to the injector body, the valve assembly comprising an actuator and a valve, wherein the valve is selectively opened and closed by the actuator to control fuel flow from the valve to the prime mover, wherein the valve comprises: a valve seat located in the passage of the injector body, the valve seat including an elongated seat body defining a longitudinally extending bore, the seat body further defining an inlet extending radially through the seat body in fluid communication with the bore; as well as A plunger, the plunger is coupled to the actuator and extends into the hole of the seat body of the valve seat, wherein the plunger is longitudinally movable in the hole between an open position and a closed position via the actuator, wherein the plunger includes a first seal extending around the plunger and a second seal extending around the plunger and longitudinally spaced apart from the first seal, and in the open position, the first seal and the second seal are located proximal to the inlet of the seat body and sealingly engaged with the seat body of the valve seat, and in the closed position, the first seal is located proximal to the inlet and sealingly engaged with the seat body of the valve seat, and the second seal is located distal to the inlet and sealingly engaged with the seat body of the valve seat.

2. The fuel injector of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a solenoid operable to longitudinally displace the plunger in the bore of the valve seat relative to the seat body between the open position and the closed position.

3. The fuel injector of claim 1 , wherein the plunger comprises: an end member, the end member contacting the seat body in the hole of the valve seat; as well as A rod extends proximally from the end member through the seat body, the rod being coupled to the actuator.

4. The fuel injector of claim 3, wherein the actuator comprises: stator; a coil portion surrounding the stator; as well as An armature is coupled to the stem of the plunger, wherein the armature is located between the stator and the valve seat.

5. The fuel injector of claim 4, wherein the stator comprises: a longitudinally extending blind bore that receives a proximal end of the rod of the plunger; as well as A spring is positioned in the blind bore, the spring contacting the armature and biasing the plunger to the closed position.

6. The fuel injector of claim 3, wherein the stem comprises: a first radial projection; as well as A second radial protrusion is longitudinally spaced apart from the first radial protrusion, wherein the first and second radial protrusions guide the plunger along the bore of the valve seat as the plunger moves between the open position and the closed position.

7. The fuel injector of claim 1, wherein the valve assembly includes a flange coupled to the injector body, and the actuator and the valve seat are mounted to the flange.

8. The fuel injector of claim 7, wherein the flange includes a distal extension that is positioned and sealingly engaged in the passage of the injector body.

9. The fuel injector according to claim 8, wherein the seat body of the valve seat comprises: a proximal body portion joined to the flange in the distal extension of the flange; as well as A distal body portion is positioned in the passageway of the injector body and sealingly engaged to the injector body.

10. A valve assembly for a fuel injector for selectively providing a fuel flow from the fuel injector, the valve assembly comprising: Actuator; as well as A valve comprising a valve seat and a plunger, wherein the plunger is at least partially located within the valve seat, wherein: the plunger of the valve is coupled to the actuator; The plunger is longitudinally movable by the actuator to selectively open the inlet in the valve seat to provide the fuel flow from the fuel injector and close the inlet in the valve seat to stop the fuel flow from the fuel injector; and In the open position, the plunger includes a radial seal that sealingly engages the valve seat at a first location proximal to the inlet, and in the closed position, the radial seal of the plunger sealingly engages the valve seat at a second location distal to the inlet.

11. The valve assembly of claim 10, wherein: The valve seat includes an elongated seat body having a side wall defining a longitudinal hole extending through the valve seat; The inlet extends radially through the sidewall in fluid communication with the bore; and Fuel flow from the fuel injector is provided through a distal opening of the bore in the valve seat.

12. The valve assembly of claim 11, wherein the inlet extends through the seat body perpendicular to the bore.

13. The valve assembly of claim 10, wherein the radial seal is a lip seal extending around an outer surface of the plunger, the lip seal having an open side oriented in a distal direction.

14. The valve assembly of claim 10, wherein the plunger comprises: an end member located in the valve seat, the radial seal extending around the end member; as well as A stem extends proximally from the end member through the valve seat, the stem being coupled to the actuator.

15. The valve assembly of claim 14, wherein: The end member of the plunger includes an annular seal extending around the end member at a location spaced proximally relative to the radial seal; and The annular seal is located proximal to the inlet in both the open position and the closed position of the plunger.

16. The valve assembly of claim 14, wherein: The valve seat includes a side wall defining a longitudinal aperture through the valve seat; The aperture includes a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion and the distal portion separated by a lip of the sidewall; and In the open position of the plunger, the end member of the plunger contacts the lip.

17. The valve assembly of claim 14, wherein: The end member includes a circumferential groove; and The radial seal is located in the circumferential groove.

18. The valve assembly of claim 17, wherein the end member comprises: a first portion proximal to the circumferential groove, the first portion having a first diameter sized to correspond to the distal portion of the inner bore; as well as A second portion is located distally of the circumferential groove, the second portion having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter such that the second portion is spaced radially inwardly relative to an inner wall of the valve seat at the distal portion of the inner bore.

19. The valve assembly of claim 10, wherein the actuator comprises: an armature coupled to the plunger; as well as and a solenoid operable to longitudinally displace the armature between a first position in which the armature is in contact with the valve seat and a second position in which the armature is proximally spaced relative to the valve seat.

20. The valve assembly of claim 10, wherein the plunger comprises: an elongated cylindrical end member disposed within the valve seat, the radial seal extending about the end member into sealing engagement with the valve seat when the plunger moves between the open position and the closed position; as well as An elongated stem extends proximally from the end member through the valve seat to the actuator.

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