Fuel system and pressure regulating valve for regulating a fuel pressure

Abstract

A pressure regulating valve for controlling gaseous fuel pressure for a fuel flow in a fuel system includes a housing with a spring chamber that houses a spring. The spring biases a pressure sensing plunger extending through the spring to an open position relative to a valve seat. The pressure sensing end of the pressure sensing plunger and a fluid seal around the pressure sensing end are positioned in a fluid chamber that is separate from the spring chamber of the housing. Fluid pressure in the fluid chamber acts on the pressure sensing end of the pressure sensing plunger and the seal to seat the pressure sensing plunger on the valve seat when the fluid pressure overcomes the biasing force of the spring.

Description

Atty Docket No. CMI003-00428 / 24-0810-EBUFUEL SYSTEM AND PRESSURE REGULATING VALVE FOR REGULATING AFUEL PRESSURECross-Reference to Related Application:

[0001] The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of the filing date of, U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63 / 736,737 filed December 20, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference.Technical field of the disclosure:

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to fuel systems, and more particular to a pressure regulating valve to regulate fuel flow in a fuel system.BACKGROUND

[0003] Pressure regulating valves are used in fuel systems for prime movers such as internal combustion engines or fuel cells to provide a fuel flow at or below a maximum or desired pressure. Some pressure regulating valves, such as those used in gaseous fuel applications, are required to operate under high working pressures while employing components such as springs, plungers, and seals that control the fuel flow through the pressure regulating valve. These components must be designed so that the pressure regulating valve properly functions to provide the fuel flow at the regulated pressure for varying supplied high pressure. Current configurations of pressure regulating valves hinder their use in gaseous fuel systems that typically operate under higher pressures than liquid fuel systems. Therefore, there remains a need for further improvements in this area.Atty Docket No. CMI003-00428 / 24-0810-EBUDISCLOSURE OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0004] For the purposes of clearly, concisely and exactly describing illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, the manner, and process of making and using the same, and to enable the practice, making and use of the same, reference will now be made to certain exemplary embodiments, including those illustrated in the figures, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It shall nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby created and that the invention includes and protects such alterations, modifications, and further applications of the exemplary embodiments as would occur to one skilled in the art.Atty Docket No. CMI003-00428 / 24-0810-EBUSUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure includes a pressure regulating valve for controlling fuel pressure while supplying fuel flow flow in a fuel system, including fuel systems that employ gaseous fuel. In an embodiment, the pressure sensing plunger that closes the pressure regulating valve in response to the fuel pressure in the pressure regulating valve increasing above a threshold pressure is housed at least in part in a separate chamber from the spring which biases the pressure sensing plunger to the open position.

[0006] An embodiment of the present disclosure includes a fuel system for regulating a fuel pressure. The fuel system includes an upstream component for providing a fuel, a downstream component for receiving the fuel, and a pressure regulating valve connecting the upstream component to the downstream component to provide the fuel at a regulated pressure. The pressure regulating valve includes an inlet including an orifice for receiving the fuel from the fuel source. The inlet further includes a valve seat downstream of the orifice. The pressure regulating valve includes a housing including a fuel chamber fluidly coupled to the orifice downstream of the inlet and to the downstream component. The housing includes a spring chamber, and a spring is housed in the spring chamber of the housing. The pressure regulating valve also includes a pressure sensing plunger extending along the spring. The spring biases the pressure sensing plunger to an open position relative to the valve seat. The pressure sensing plunger includes a pressure sensing end and a plunger seal around the pressure sensing end. The pressure sensing end and the plunger seal are positioned in a pressure chamber of the pressure regulating valve that is separate from the spring chamber of the housing. The pressure sensing plunger includes a flow channel that fluidly connects the fuel chamber of the housing with the pressure chamber. A pressure of the fuel in the pressure chamber acts on the pressure sensing end of the pressure sensing plunger and the plunger seal to seat the pressure sensing plunger on the valve seat when the pressure of the fuel in the pressure chamber overcomes the biasing force of the spring.

[0007] An embodiment of the present disclosure includes a pressure regulating valve for regulating a fuel flow. The pressure regulating valve includes a housing including a fuel chamber, a spring chamber, and a guide passage between the fuel chamber and the spring chamber. The pressure regulating valve also includes an inlet including an orifice and a valve seat. The valve seat is located between the orifice and the fuel chamber of the housing. The pressure regulating valve also includes a spring housed in the spring chamber of the housing and a pressure chamberAtty Docket No. CMI003-00428 / 24-0810-EBU offset radially inwardly from the spring chamber. The pressure regulating valve further includes a pressure sensing plunger extending through the guide passage and the spring chamber to a pressure sensing end located in the pressure chamber. The spring biases the pressure sensing plunger toward the pressure sensing chamber to an open position relative to the valve seat. The pressure sensing plunger includes a flow channel that fluidly connects the fuel chamber of the housing with the pressure chamber so that a pressure of the fuel in the pressure chamber acts on the pressure sensing end of the pressure sensing plunger to seat the pressure sensing plunger on the valve seat in response to fuel pressure in the pressure chamber overcoming the biasing force of the spring.

[0008] This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects, and benefits shall become apparent from the following description and drawings.Atty Docket No. CMI003-00428 / 24-0810-EBUBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a fuel system such as for a prime mover, the fuel system including a pressure regulating valve according to the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a pressure regulating valve of the fuel system of FIG. 1.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a longitudinal section view of an example embodiment of the pressure regulating valve of FIG. 2.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal section view of another example embodiment of the pressure regulating valve of FIG. 2.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a longitudinal section view of a portion of another embodiment of the pressure regulating valve of FIG. 2.Atty Docket No. CMI003-00428 / 24-0810-EBUDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0015] With reference to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a fuel system 10 including at least one pressure regulating valve 100 for regulating a fuel pressure of a flow of a fuel to a prime mover 12, such as a fuel cell or an internal combustion engine. Fuel system 10 may include, for example, a fuel cell, combustion chamber, intake manifold, intake plumbing, compressor, fuel mixer, or any other fuel supply system. The at least one pressure regulating valve 100 is in fluid communication with an upstream component 16, such as a fuel source containing a fuel 18, and a downstream component 20, such as a fuel rail 24 and / or one or more fuel injectors 22 that provide fuel to the prime mover 12. Pressurized fuel 18 is supplied to pressure regulating valve 100 from upstream component 16, which outputs the pressurized fuel at a lower, predetermined pressure or pressure range to downstream component 20. Fuel 18 may be, for example, gaseous, fuel such as hydrogen, propane, natural gas, etc. In the discussion that follows, various example embodiments of pressure regulating valve 100, 100’ are shown in FIGs. 2-5.

[0016] In an embodiment, fuel system 10 is provided for regulating pressure of a fuel flow. Fuel system 10 includes upstream component 16 such as a fuel source for storing fuel 18, downstream component 20 for receiving fuel 18, and pressure regulating valve 100, 100’ connecting upstream component 16 to downstream component 20 to provide fuel 18 at a regulated pressure.

[0017] Pressure regulating valve 100, 100’ includes an inlet 102 including an orifice 104 for receiving fuel 18 from upstream component 16. Inlet 102 further includes a valve seat 106 downstream of orifice 104. Pressure regulating valve 100. 100’ includes a housing 150 including a fuel chamber 152 fluidly coupled to orifice 104 downstream of inlet 102 and to downstream component 20. Housing 150, 150’ includes a spring chamber 154, and a spring 156 is housed in spring chamber 154 of housing 150, 150’. Pressure regulating valve 100. 100’ also includes a pressure sensing plunger 200, 200’ extending along spring 156. Spring 156 biases pressure sensing plunger 200. 200’ to an open position relative to valve seat 106. Pressure sensing plunger 200, 200’ includes a pressure sensing end 202 and a plunger seal 204 around pressure sensing end 202. Pressure sensing end 202 and plunger seal 204 are positioned in a pressure chamber 206 of pressure regulating valve 100, 100’ that is separate from spring chamber 154 of housing 150. Pressure sensing plunger 200, 200’ includes a flow channel 208 that fluidly connects fuel chamber 152 of housing 150 with pressure chamber 206. A pressure of fuel 18 in pressure chamber 206 acts onAtty Docket No. CMI003-00428 / 24-0810-EBU pressure sensing end 202 of pressure sensing plunger 200, 200’ and plunger seal 204 to seat pressure sensing plunger 200, 200’ on valve seat 106 when the pressure of fuel 18 in pressure chamber 206 overcomes the biasing force of spring 156.

[0018] In an embodiment, pressure regulating valve 100, 100’ is provided for regulating pressure of a fuel flow. Pressure regulating valve 100, 100’ includes housing 150, 150’ including fuel chamber 152, spring chamber 154, and a guide passage 172 between fuel chamber 152 and spring chamber 154. Pressure regulating valve 100, 100’ also includes inlet 102 including orifice 104 and valve seat 106. Valve seat 106 is located between orifice 104 and fuel chamber 152 of housing 150, 150’. Pressure regulating valve 100 also includes spring 156 housed in spring chamber 154 of housing 150, 150’ and pressure chamber 206 offset radially inwardly from spring chamber 154. Pressure regulating valve 100, 100’ further includes pressure sensing plunger 200, 200’ extending through guide passage 172 and spring chamber 154 to pressure sensing end 202 located in pressure chamber 206. Spring 156 biases pressure sensing plunger 200, 200’ toward pressure sensing chamber 206 to an open position relative to valve seat 106. Pressure sensing plunger 200, 200’ includes flow channel 208 that fluidly connects fuel chamber 152 of housing 150, 150’ with pressure chamber 206 so that a pressure of fuel 18 in pressure chamber 206 acts on pressure sensing end 202 of pressure sensing plunger 200, 200’ to seat pressure sensing plunger 200, 200’ on valve seat 106 in response to fuel pressure in pressure chamber 206 overcoming the biasing force of spring 156.

[0019] Further details of an embodiment of pressure regulating valve 100 are shown in FIG. 2. Inlet 102 of pressure regulating valve 100 is sealingly coupled to one side of housing 150, and an outlet 120 is sealingly coupled to a different side of housing 150. In the illustrated embodiment, inlet 102 is connected to a distal side 158 of housing 150, and outlet 120 is connected to a lateral side 160 of housing 150. However, other embodiments contemplated other arrangements, such as inlet 102 and outlet 120 being connected to opposite sides or adjacent lateral sides of housing 150. In yet other embodiments, outlet 120 could be integrated with housing 150 and provided as on piece. In the discussion herein, “proximal” or “proximally” refer to an axial location or direction toward a proximal side 162 of housing 150, “distal” or “distally” refers to an axial location or direction toward distal side 158. “Lateral” or “laterally” refers to a direction or location that is transverse to axial direction from distal side 158 to proximal side 162.Atty Docket No. CMI003-00428 / 24-0810-EBU

[0020] Inlet 102 includes an inlet connector 108 that is configured for connection to a fuel line from upstream component 16. Inlet 102 may also include a sensor port 110 for connection to a pressure sensor or other sensor type. As further shown in FIG. 3, inlet 102 includes an inlet flow path 112 and a debris screen 114 in inlet flow path 112 upstream of orifice 104. A spring 116 can be used to maintain debris screen 114 in engagement with inlet 102. Spring 116 can be positioned between debris screen 114 and a plug 118. Plug 118 can be removed to allow removal of debris screen 114 for cleaning or replacement. In another embodiment, plug 118 could be replaced with inlet connector 108 or other fitting. Other methods for retaining debris screen 114 are also contemplated and not precluded.

[0021] Outlet 120 includes an outlet fitting 122 in fluid communication with an outlet flow path 124. Outlet fitting 122 is connected to a fuel line to provide a pressure regulated flow of fuel from pressure regulating valve 100 to downstream component 20. Outlet 120 may also include a pressure sensor port 126 and a pressure relief valve 130 in fluid communication with outlet flow path 124. A manual bleed port (not shown) could also be added. In other embodiments, any one or more features of outlet 120 could be provided in another flow path of pressure regulating valve 100.

[0022] Pressure relief valve 130 includes a valve body 132 forming a relief chamber 134. Relief chamber 134 houses a relief spring 136, a spring mounting member 138, and a relief plunger 139 biased by relief spring 136 against a relief valve seat 140 of valve body 132. When fuel pressure in outlet flow path 124 exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure, such as a pressure associated with an over-pressure event, the pressure compresses relief spring 136 and displaces relief plunger 139 away from relief valve seat 140. This allows gaseous fuel to enter relief chamber 134 through valve seat 140 and first passage 142 of relief chamber 134. The gaseous fuel in relief chamber 134 is vented through a second passage 144 of spring mounting member 138. Gaseous fuel can then be vented to atmosphere through a relief vent coupled to relief vent fitting 146 mounted to a proximal side of 148 of valve body 132.

[0023] Housing 150 includes fuel chamber 152 that is capable of receiving gaseous fuel from orifice 104 of inlet 102 through valve seat 106 when valve seat 106 is open and providing gaseous fuel to outlet flow path 124 of outlet 120. The pressure of the gaseous fuel flow admitted through valve seat from 106 into fuel chamber 152 is regulated by pressure sensing plunger 200 in pressure chamber 206 in conjunction with spring 156 in spring chamber 154 of housing 150.Atty Docket No. CMI003-00428 / 24-0810-EBU

[0024] Housing 150 includes an end cap 164 attached to proximal side 162 of housing 150. End cap 164 includes an end flange 166 attached to housing 150, and a barrel 168 extending from end flange 166 into housing 150 toward spring chamber 154. Barrel 168 includes an outer surface 170 sealingly engaged to an inner surface 155 of housing 150. Barrel 168 also includes an inner surface 173 that forms a part of and extends around pressure chamber 206. Inner surface 173 forms part of pressure chamber 206 and is offset radially inwardly from the inner surface 155 of housing 150 that forms spring chamber 154. This arrangement decouples pressure chamber 206 from spring chamber 154, allowing flexibility in the sizing of the outer diameter of spring 156 since pressure chamber 206 is separate from spring chamber 154. In addition, the pressure area formed by pressure sensing end 202 and plunger seal 204 that senses the pressure in pressure chamber 206 to displace pressure sensing plunger 200 against the bias of spring 156 is not dependent on the size of spring chamber 154. This allows the spring 156 to be provided with forces and / or spring rates that allow pressure regulating valve 100 to be used in higher pressure applications.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, pressure chamber 206 is formed in part by barrel 168 of end cap 164 but could be formed in part by another structure in other embodiments. For example, a separate radial spacer or cylinder could be inserted into and engaged to the inner surface 155 of housing 150 around spring chamber 154 to provide inner surface 173 at proximal end 162 of housing 150. In another embodiment, housing 150 could be formed with a wall or other structure that provides an inner surface 173 that is offset radially inwardly from inner surface 155 that forms spring chamber 154.

[0026] Pressure chamber 206 is enclosed by pressure sensing end 202 of pressure sensing plunger 200 located in barrel 168 of end cap 164, and by plunger seal 204 extending between an external surface 210 of pressure sensing end 202 and inner surface 173 of barrel 168. Pressure sensing plunger 200 includes flow channel 208 and inlet holes 212 that allow gaseous fuel in fuel chamber 152 to enter flow channel 208. Flow channel 208 is in fluid communication with pressure chamber 206 through pressure sensing end 202.

[0027] Pressure sensing plunger 200 includes a proximal end portion 214 located in pressure chamber 206 and a flange 216 protruding radially outwardly from proximal end portion 214 at a distal side of barrel 168. Plunger seal 204 is located proximally of flange 216. In addition, a first axial spacer 228 may be located between flange 216 and plunger seal 204. First axial spacerAtty Docket No. CMI003-00428 / 24-0810-EBU228 can guide flange 216 and / or plunger 200 in barrel 168. Tn an embodiment, first axial spacer 228 can be made from reduced friction material.

[0028] Pressure sensing plunger 200 also includes an intermediate portion 218 extending distally from flange 216, and a distal portion 220 extending distally from intermediate portion 218. In the illustrated embodiment, proximal end portion 214, intermediate portion 218, and distal portion 220 are cylindrical in shape, and / or may include varying diameters and transitions between different diameter portions along all or a part thereof. However, other embodiments contemplate other shapes, such as a tapered shape for intermediate portion 218’ such as shown for pressure sensing plunger 200 in FIG. 4, or non-cylindrical shapes.

[0029] Housing 150 includes guide passage 172 between fuel chamber 152 and spring chamber 154. A part of intermediate portion 218, 218’ of pressure sensing plunger 200 is guided in guide passage 172 during movement of pressure sensing plunger 200 toward and away from valve seat 106. Pressure sensing plunger 200 also includes distal portion 220 extending from intermediate portion 218, 218’ in guide passage 172. Guide passage 172 can provide a close fit with intermediate portion 218 to guide movement axial movement of pressure sensing plunger 200 in the proximal and distal directions.

[0030] A second plunger seal 222 located in guide passage 172 extends between and sealingly engages distal portion 220 of pressure sensing plunger 200 and an inner surface of housing 150 that extends along guide passage 172. A second axial spacer 230 can be provided in guide passage 172 proximally of second plunger seal 222. Second axial spacer 230 can guide plunger 200 in guide passage 172. In an embodiment, second axial spacer 230 can be made from reduced friction material.

[0031] In an embodiment, the first plunger seal 204 and the second plunger seal 222 are configured to substantially prevent fuel from entering spring chamber 154 from either pressure chamber 206 or from fuel chamber 152. In the event some gaseous fuel does enter spring chamber 154, a vent 190 in a lateral side 192 of housing 150 is provided to vent any accumulated gaseous fuel in spring chamber 154 to atmosphere. In an alternative embodiment, a vent 190’ can be provided that is vented to a pressure relief valve 130’ such as shown in FIG. 4 and discussed further below.

[0032] Housing 150 also includes an internal lip 174 around guide passage 172. Spring 156 sits on internal lip 174 and contacts flange 216 of pressure sensing plunger 200 to bias a distalAtty Docket No. CMI003-00428 / 24-0810-EBU tip 224 of pressure sensing plunger 200 away from valve seat 106. This allows fuel flow from inlet 102 to pass through orifice 104 and valve seat 106 into fuel chamber 152 for outlet to the downstream components 20 from outlet 120. Flange 216 is configured to contact a distal end of barrel 168 to limit proximal displacement of pressure sensing plunger 200, but other arrangements are contemplated such as shown in FIG. 5.

[0033] In an embodiment, housing 150 includes an annular cylindrical protrusion 176 projecting proximally from lip 174 into spring chamber 154. Protrusion 176 provides a proximal extension of guide passage 172 for additional guided support of pressure sensing plunger 200. Spring 156 is positioned around annular protrusion 176 and supported on lip 174. Annular protrusion 176 can also center spring 156 in spring chamber 154.

[0034] The fuel accumulated in fuel chamber 152 enters flow channel 208 through inlet holes 212 of pressure sensing plunger 200 and flows through flow channel 208 to pressure sensing end 202. Pressure sensing end 202 includes at least one groove 226 that fluidly connects flow channel 208 to pressure chamber 206 and allows the fuel to flow into pressure chamber 206. When the fuel pressure in pressure chamber 206 acting on pressure sensing end 202 and first plunger seal 204 overcomes the biasing force of spring 156, distal tip 224 of pressure sensing plunger 200 is seated against valve seat 106 to reduce or stop the fuel flow into fuel chamber 152, maintaining the fuel pressure at or below a predetermined threshold pressure.

[0035] As mentioned above, FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of pressure regulating valve 100 with a modified pressure sensing plunger 200 having a tapered intermediate portion 218’. In addition, the embodiment of FIG. 4 includes a modified pressure relief valve 130’ that is integrated directly into outlet 120, rather than including a separate valve body 132. Otherwise, the FIG. 4 embodiment can include features similar to those discussed above with respect to the embodiment ofFIGs. 2-3.

[0036] FIG. 5 shows a part of another embodiment pressure regulating valve 100’ that is similar to pressure regulating valve 100. Housing 150’ of pressure regulating valve 100’ differs from housing 150 in that housing 150’ does not include a cylindrical protrusion 176 extending from lip 172’ into spring chamber 154. In addition, pressure sensing plunger 200’ includes a radially protruding flange 216’ that is configured to move axially into and out barrel 168 of end cap 164 as pressure sensing plunger 200’ axially reciprocates in housing 150.Atty Docket No. CMI003-00428 / 24-0810-EBU

[0037] Further written description of a number of example embodiments shall now be provided. In an example embodiment, a fuel system for regulating a fuel pressure of a fuel flow is provided. The fuel system includes an upstream component for providing a fuel, a downstream component for receiving the fuel, and a pressure regulating valve connecting the upstream component to the downstream component to provide the fuel at a regulated pressure. The pressure regulating valve includes an inlet including an orifice for receiving the fuel from the fuel source. The inlet further includes a valve seat downstream of the orifice. The pressure regulating valve also includes a housing including a fuel chamber fluidly coupled to the orifice downstream of the inlet and to the downstream component. The housing includes a spring chamber, and the pressure regulating valve includes a spring housed in the spring chamber of the housing. The pressure regulating valve includes a pressure sensing plunger extending along the spring, and the spring biases the pressure sensing plunger to an open position relative to the valve seat. The pressure sensing plunger includes a pressure sensing end and a plunger seal around the pressure sensing end. The pressure sensing end and the plunger seal are positioned in a pressure chamber of the pressure regulating valve that is separate from the spring chamber of the housing. The pressure sensing plunger includes a flow channel that fluidly connects the fuel chamber of the housing with the pressure chamber. A pressure of the fuel in the pressure chamber acts on the pressure sensing end of the pressure sensing plunger and the plunger seal to seat the pressure sensing plunger on the valve seat when the pressure of the fuel in the pressure chamber overcomes the biasing force of the spring.

[0038] In an embodiment, the downstream component includes at least one of a fuel rail and a fuel injector.

[0039] In an embodiment, the pressure regulating valve include a cap attached to the housing, wherein the cap receives the pressure sensing end and the plunger seal, and the pressure chamber is formed by the pressure sensing end, the plunger seal, and the cap.

[0040] In an embodiment, the cap includes an end flange attached to the housing and a barrel extending from the end flange into the housing toward the spring chamber. The pressure chamber is located in the barrel in axial alignment with the spring chamber.

[0041] In an embodiment, the barrel includes an outer surface sealingly engaged to the housing and an inner surface extending around the pressure chamber. The plunger seal extendsAtty Docket No. CMI003-00428 / 24-0810-EBU between the inner surface of the barrel and an outer surface of the pressure sensing plunger at the pressure sensing end of the pressure sensing plunger.

[0042] In an embodiment, the pressure sensing plunger includes a pressure relief valve connected between the housing and the downstream component.

[0043] In an embodiment, the inlet includes a debris screen upstream of the orifice.

[0044] In an embodiment, the pressure sensing plunger includes a distal tip that sealingly engages the valve seat in a closed position of the pressure sensing plunger.

[0045] In an embodiment, the housing includes a guide passage between the fuel chamber and spring chamber. The pressure sensing plunger includes an intermediate portion that is guided in the guide passage during movement of the pressure sensing plunger toward and away from the valve seat. The pressure sensing plunger includes a distal portion extending from the intermediate portion and the distal portion located in the guide passage. The pressure sensing plunger includes a second plunger seal in the guide passage between the distal portion of the pressure sensing plunger and the housing.

[0046] In an embodiment, the plunger seal and the second plunger seal are configured to substantially prevent fuel from entering the spring chamber from either the pressure chamber or the fuel chamber.

[0047] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a pressure regulating valve for regulating a pressure of a fuel flow is provided. The pressure regulating valve includes a housing including a fuel chamber, a spring chamber, and a guide passage between the fuel chamber and the spring chamber. The pressure regulating valve also includes an inlet including an orifice and a valve seat, and the valve seat is located between the orifice and the fuel chamber of the housing. The pressure regulating valve also includes a spring housed in the spring chamber of the housing, a pressure chamber offset radially inwardly from the spring chamber, and a pressure sensing plunger extending through the guide passage and the spring chamber to a pressure sensing end located in the pressure chamber. The spring biases the pressure sensing plunger toward the pressure chamber to an open position relative to the valve seat. The pressure sensing plunger includes a flow channel that fluidly connects the fuel chamber of the housing with the pressure chamber so that a pressure of fuel in the pressure chamber acts on the pressure sensing end of the pressure sensing plunger to seat the pressure sensing plunger on the valve seat in response to fuel pressure in the pressure chamber overcoming the biasing force of the spring.Atty Docket No. CMI003-00428 / 24-0810-EBU

[0048] In an embodiment, the pressure regulating valve includes a first plunger seal in the receptacle around the pressure sensing end of the pressure sensing plunger and a second plunger seal in the guide passage between the plunger and the housing. The first plunger seal and the second plunger seal fluidly seal the spring chamber from fuel in the fuel chamber and in the pressure chamber.

[0049] In an embodiment, the housing includes a vent in fluid communication with the spring chamber to vent the spring chamber to atmosphere.

[0050] In an embodiment, the pressure regulating valve includes an end cap engaged to the housing, and the pressure chamber is located within the end cap.

[0051] In an embodiment, the end cap includes a barrel extending into the housing, The barrel includes a receptacle, and the pressure sensing end of the pressure sensing plunger is positioned in the receptacle. The pressure chamber is formed in the receptacle by the barrel, the pressure sensing end of the pressure sensing plunger, and a plunger seal between the barrel and the pressure sensing end of the pressure sensing plunger.

[0052] In an embodiment, the pressure sensing end of the pressure sensing plunger includes at least one groove. The at least one groove fluidly connects the flow channel of the pressure sensing plunger to the pressure chamber.

[0053] In an embodiment, the pressure sensing plunger includes a radially protruding flange adjacent to the pressure sensing end. The housing includes an internal lip at an end of the spring chamber opposite the pressure chamber. The spring extends between and contacts the internal lip and the radially protruding flange to bias the pressure sensing plunger away from the valve seat.

[0054] In an embodiment, the pressure sensing plunger includes an intermediate plunger portion that is received in and guided by the plunger guide passage.

[0055] In an embodiment, the pressure sensing plunger include a distal end portion extending from the intermediate portion to a distal tip. The distal tip is configured to sealingly engage the valve seat. At least one hole extending through the distal end portion of the pressure sensing plunger.

[0056] The at least one hole fluidly connects the fuel chamber of the housing to the flow channel of the pressure sensing plunger.Atty Docket No. CMI003-00428 / 24-0810-EBU

[0057] In an embodiment, the housing includes an cylindrical protrusion extending along the guide passage away from the fuel chamber and into the spring chamber. The spring is positioned around the cylindrical protrusion.

[0058] While illustrative embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only certain exemplary embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the claimed inventions are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the description above indicates that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and / or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and / or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.

Claims

Atty Docket No. CMI003-00428 / 24-0810-EBUWHAT TS CLAIMED IS:

1. A fuel system for regulating a pressure of a fuel flow, the fuel system comprising: an upstream component for providing a fuel; a downstream component for receiving the fuel; and a pressure regulating valve connecting the upstream component to the downstream component to output the fuel from the upstream component to the downstream component at a regulated pressure, the pressure regulating valve including: an inlet including an orifice for receiving the fuel from the fuel source, the inlet further including a valve seat downstream of the orifice; a housing including a fuel chamber, the fuel chamber fluidly coupled to the orifice downstream of the inlet and to the downstream component, the housing including a spring chamber; a spring housed in the spring chamber of the housing; and a pressure sensing plunger extending along the spring, the spring biasing the pressure sensing plunger to an open position relative to the valve seat, the pressure sensing plunger including a pressure sensing end and a plunger seal around the pressure sensing end, the pressure sensing end and the plunger seal positioned in a pressure chamber of the pressure regulating valve that is separate from the spring chamber of the housing, wherein: the pressure sensing plunger includes a flow channel that fluidly connects the fuel chamber of the housing with the pressure chamber; and a pressure of the fuel in the pressure chamber acts on the pressure sensing end of the pressure sensing plunger and the plunger seal to seat the pressure sensing plunger on the valve seat when the pressure of the fuel in the pressure chamber overcomes the biasing force of the spring.

2. The fuel system according to claim 1, wherein the downstream component includes at least one of a fuel rail and a fuel injector.Atty Docket No. CMI003-00428 / 24-0810-EBU3. The fuel system according to claim 1 , further comprising a cap attached to the housing, wherein the cap receives the pressure sensing end and the plunger seal, and the pressure chamber is formed by the pressure sensing end, the plunger seal, and the cap.

4. The fuel system according to claim 3, wherein the cap includes: an end flange attached to the housing; and a barrel extending from the end flange into the housing toward the spring chamber, wherein the pressure chamber is located in the barrel in axial alignment with the spring chamber.

5. The fuel system according to claim 4, wherein the barrel includes: an outer surface sealingly engaged to the housing; an inner surface extending around the pressure chamber; and the plunger seal extends between the inner surface of the barrel and an outer surface of the pressure sensing plunger at the pressure sensing end of the pressure sensing plunger.

6. The fuel system according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure relief valve connected between the housing and the downstream component.

7. The fuel system according to claim 1, wherein the inlet includes a debris screen upstream of the orifice.

8. The fuel system according to claim 1, wherein the pressure sensing plunger includes a distal tip that sealingly engages the valve seat in a closed position of the pressure sensing plunger.

9. The fuel system according to claim 1, wherein: the housing includes a guide passage between the fuel chamber and spring chamber; the pressure sensing plunger includes an intermediate portion that is guided in the guide passage during movement of the pressure sensing plunger toward and away from the valve seat; the pressure sensing plunger includes a distal portion extending from the intermediate portion, the distal portion located in the guide passage; andAtty Docket No. CMI003-00428 / 24-0810-EBU further comprising a second plunger seal in the guide passage between the distal portion of the pressure sensing plunger and the housing.

10. The fuel system according to claim 9, wherein the plunger seal and the second plunger seal are configured to substantially prevent fuel from entering the spring chamber from either the pressure chamber or the fuel chamber.

11. A pressure regulating valve for regulating a pressure of a fuel flow, the pressure regulating valve including: a housing including a fuel chamber, a spring chamber, and a guide passage between the fuel chamber and the spring chamber; an inlet including an orifice and a valve seat, the valve seat located between the orifice and the fuel chamber of the housing; a spring housed in the spring chamber of the housing; a pressure chamber offset radially inwardly from the spring chamber; and a pressure sensing plunger extending through the guide passage and the spring chamber to a pressure sensing end located in the pressure chamber, the spring biasing the pressure sensing plunger toward the pressure chamber to an open position relative to the valve seat, wherein the pressure sensing plunger includes a flow channel that fluidly connects the fuel chamber of the housing with the pressure chamber so that a pressure of fuel in the pressure chamber acts on the pressure sensing end of the pressure sensing plunger to seat the pressure sensing plunger on the valve seat in response to fuel pressure in the pressure chamber overcoming the biasing force of the spring.

12. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 11, further comprising: a first plunger seal in the receptacle around the pressure sensing end of the pressure sensing plunger; and a second plunger seal in the guide passage between the plunger and the housing, wherein the first plunger seal and the second plunger seal fluidly seal the spring chamber from fuel in the fuel chamber and in the pressure chamber.Atty Docket No. CMI003-00428 / 24-0810-EBU13. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 12, wherein the housing includes a vent in fluid communication with the spring chamber to vent the spring chamber to atmosphere.

14. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 11, further comprising an end cap engaged to the housing, and the pressure chamber is located within the end cap.

15. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 14, wherein: the end cap includes a barrel extending into the housing, the barrel including a receptacle; the pressure sensing end of the pressure sensing plunger is positioned in the receptacle; and the pressure chamber is formed in the receptacle by the barrel, the pressure sensing end of the pressure sensing plunger, and a plunger seal between the barrel and the pressure sensing end of the pressure sensing plunger.

16. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 11, wherein the pressure sensing end of the pressure sensing plunger includes at least one groove, the at least one groove fluidly connecting the flow channel of the pressure sensing plunger to the pressure chamber.

17. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 11, wherein: the pressure sensing plunger includes a radially protruding flange adjacent to the pressure sensing end; the housing includes an internal lip at an end of the spring chamber opposite the pressure chamber; and the spring extends between and contacts the internal lip and the radially protruding flange to bias the pressure sensing plunger away from the valve seat.

18. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 11, wherein the pressure sensing plunger includes an intermediate plunger portion that is received in and guided by the plunger guide passage.

19. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 18, wherein the pressure sensing plunger includes:Atty Docket No. CMI003-00428 / 24-0810-EBU a distal end portion extending from the intermediate portion to a distal tip, the distal tip configured to sealingly engage the valve seat; and at least one hole extending through the distal end portion, the at least one hole fluidly connecting the fuel chamber of the housing to the flow channel of the pressure sensing plunger.

20. The pressure regulating valve according to claim 11, wherein: the housing includes an cylindrical protrusion extending along the guide passage away from the fuel chamber and into the spring chamber; and the spring is positioned around the cylindrical protrusion.

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