EP1623107B1 - Fluid injection device - Google Patents

Fluid injection device Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1623107B1
EP1623107B1 EP04742676A EP04742676A EP1623107B1 EP 1623107 B1 EP1623107 B1 EP 1623107B1 EP 04742676 A EP04742676 A EP 04742676A EP 04742676 A EP04742676 A EP 04742676A EP 1623107 B1 EP1623107 B1 EP 1623107B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
injection device
outward
active element
needle
hand
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP04742676A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1623107A2 (en
Inventor
André AGNERAY
Laurent Levin
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Renault SAS
Original Assignee
Renault SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Renault SAS filed Critical Renault SAS
Publication of EP1623107A2 publication Critical patent/EP1623107A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1623107B1 publication Critical patent/EP1623107B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M61/00—Fuel-injectors not provided for in groups F02M39/00 - F02M57/00 or F02M67/00
    • F02M61/16—Details not provided for in, or of interest apart from, the apparatus of groups F02M61/02 - F02M61/14
    • F02M61/167—Means for compensating clearance or thermal expansion
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M51/00—Fuel-injection apparatus characterised by being operated electrically
    • F02M51/06—Injectors peculiar thereto with means directly operating the valve needle
    • F02M51/0603—Injectors peculiar thereto with means directly operating the valve needle using piezoelectric or magnetostrictive operating means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M61/00—Fuel-injectors not provided for in groups F02M39/00 - F02M57/00 or F02M67/00
    • F02M61/04—Fuel-injectors not provided for in groups F02M39/00 - F02M57/00 or F02M67/00 having valves, e.g. having a plurality of valves in series
    • F02M61/08—Fuel-injectors not provided for in groups F02M39/00 - F02M57/00 or F02M67/00 having valves, e.g. having a plurality of valves in series the valves opening in direction of fuel flow
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M61/00—Fuel-injectors not provided for in groups F02M39/00 - F02M57/00 or F02M67/00
    • F02M61/16—Details not provided for in, or of interest apart from, the apparatus of groups F02M61/02 - F02M61/14

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a fluid injection device.
  • the invention finds a particularly advantageous application in the automotive field, in particular as regards the injection of fuel into a combustion chamber.
  • each injector is provided in particular with a needle needle which is capable of being displaced axially. This mobility is exerted between a closed position in which the distal end of the needle needle closes an opening for the ejection of the fluid, and an open position in which said distal end is positioned at a distance from the same. opening.
  • the opening may be indifferently constituted by a single orifice or by a plurality of holes formed downstream of the seat intended to cooperate by sealing contact with the distal end of the needle needle.
  • This latter configuration is particularly suitable for the injection of liquid, since the presence of orifices in large numbers is likely to disturb the ejection of the liquid, and therefore to multiply the drops.
  • this type of injector needle re-entrant has the disadvantage of operating almost following the all-or-nothing principle.
  • the needle passes a maximum amount of fluid under pressure, or it prevents it from escaping through the opening.
  • the parameters of adjustment of such a system are essentially limited to the fluid pressure and the flow section of the opening.
  • a reed needle injector operates almost always at constant pressure. Also, it is the diameter of the holes that will condition the size of the drops. But as the dimensions of the holes in question are fixed by construction, it appears particularly difficult to change a little bit the size of the drops. Even if the re-entrant needle is opened and closed very quickly, the disturbance then created will be largely insufficient to truly generate a cloud of small diffuse drops.
  • Another important parameter to control is the minimum amount that can be injected.
  • the fluid overpressure serves to move the needle needle from its closed position to its open position.
  • the response time of the system then depends on the magnitude of the pressure in question. In practice, if we want to reduce the opening time of the reentrant needle, it is necessary to raise the pressure of the fluid, but then increases the minimum quantities injected. This constitutes a new disadvantage for this type of system.
  • Each injector is here provided with a kind of valve consisting of a rod whose one end, forming a valve, is adapted to cooperate by sealing contact with seat defining a fluid ejection opening.
  • the valve stem thus formed is movably mounted in axial displacement between a closed position in which the valve closes the opening, and an open position in which said valve is positioned at a distance from said opening.
  • a valve stem is generally achieved by using either a piezoelectric actuator or a magnetostrictive actuator.
  • this consists in coupling the valve stem of the injector with an auxiliary element advantageously consisting of a so-called active material, that is to say capable of deforming, and in particular to lie down, when it is traveled respectively by an electric current or by a magnetic field. Since the corresponding physical principles and the embodiments of such actuators are well known, they will not be described further here. It will be recalled simply that the assembly is generally arranged so that an excitation of the active material, respectively electrical or magnetic, causes an elongation of the ancillary element, and consequently a displacement of the valve stem as a whole. The distal end of the valve stem is then no longer in contact with its seat, so that the pressurized fluid can then escape through the opening.
  • the needle injectors has the advantage of having a variable lift at the valve.
  • a variable flow section over time.
  • the auxiliary element depending on the voltage applied to the auxiliary element, there is a given elongation of the active material.
  • the corresponding elongation of the ancillary element then generates a proportional displacement of the valve stem, and consequently an equally proportional lift of the valve.
  • auxiliary element made of piezoelectric material, it is possible to achieve deformations of the order of one thousandth, that is to say about 10 ⁇ m of displacement per 10 mm of piezoelectric stacking.
  • the ancillary element must be extremely long if one wants to obtain a movement of the flap of classically 50 .mu.m. This then implies the need to drive very large capacities, of the order of 3 to 3.5 ⁇ F for a stack of 30mm for example. It is therefore necessary a considerable power electronics to reduce the switching time.
  • the long length of the ancillary element then constitutes a disadvantage in terms of weight.
  • the technical problem to be solved, by the object of the present invention is to propose a fluid injection device comprising an outgoing needle whose one end, forming a valve, is able to be moved in a controlled manner at each moment between a closure position in which the valve closes an opening for the ejection of the fluid, and an open position in which said valve is positioned at a selected distance from said opening, injection device that would avoid the problems of the state of the art in particular by providing significantly improved reaction times, that is to say valve opening and closing times substantially decreased, and a variable opening capacity.
  • the solution to the technical problem posed consists, according to the present invention, in that the movement of the valve between its closed position and its position of opening is generated by an intrinsic elongation of the outgoing needle, the outgoing needle having a hollow stem having a solid end forming a valve, and an inner bar composed of an active element, said active element having a length capable of being increased under the effect of an electric or magnetic field, and the elongation of the active element being able to deform longitudinally the outgoing needle (40) comprising said active element.
  • the invention as defined thus has the advantage of allowing a considerable reduction of the moving mass, and therefore a proportional decrease in the inertia of the system.
  • the reaction times of this type of injection devices are therefore significantly improved.
  • the present invention also relates to the features which will emerge during the following description, which should be considered in isolation or in all their possible technical combinations.
  • the figure 1 illustrates an injection device 1 which is intended to distribute a liquid fuel in a combustion chamber of a motor vehicle engine.
  • the injection device 1 consists mainly of three parts. First of all, there is a first housing 10 in which a first housing 11 is arranged axially. Then there is the existence of a second housing 20 which is provided with a second housing 21. These two housings 10, 20 are secured together tightly by means of a coupling nut 30 whose implementation is reversible. The assembly is arranged so that the first housing 11 and the second housing 21 are communicating. The assembly of the two housings 10, 20 then forms the body of the injection device 1. Note finally the presence of an outgoing needle 40 which takes place in the continuous space defined by the housing 11, 21.
  • the distal end of the outgoing needle 40 is shaped so as to cooperate with a through hole 12 which is formed in the lower part of the first housing 10 and which defines an opening 13 for the ejection of the liquid.
  • the distal end of the outgoing needle 40 forming a valve 41, is more precisely able to cooperate, on the one hand, by sliding contact with a guide surface 14 formed at the inner end of the 12, and secondly, by sealing contact with a seat 15 formed meanwhile at the outer end of said through hole 12.
  • the valve 41 is able to be moved between a closing position in which it closes the opening 13, and an open position in which it is positioned at a distance from said opening 13.
  • a high pressure liquid supply system 60 This comprises a main channel 61 which is formed longitudinally in the thickness of the second housing 20 and which communicates with an intermediate channel 62 extending orthogonally to the axis of the injection device 1, at the interface of said second housing 20 and the first housing 10.
  • the annular shape and the positioning of the intermediate channel 62 distribute the liquid under pressure in a plurality of secondary channels 63a, 63b which are regularly distributed in the thickness of the first housing 10 and which open into a Annular cavity 64.
  • This annular cavity 64 conventionally formed between the valve 41 and the through hole 12, has a shape, a disposition and a function well known which will therefore not be described further here. It will be specified simply that the assembly is shaped so as to be able to generate and regulate, in a conventional manner, a continuous circulation of liquid in direction of the inner housings 11, 21. of the injection device 1.
  • the displacement of the valve 41 between its closed position and its open position is here advantageously generated by an intrinsic extension of the outgoing needle 40.
  • the intrinsic elongation of the outgoing needle 40 is carried out as far as the direct vicinity of the valve 41, that is to say in particular at the portion of said outgoing needle 40 which is located directly near said valve 41.
  • the outgoing needle 40 comprises a hollow rod 42 having a full end 43 forming a valve 41, and an inner bar 44 composed of an active element 45 integral with a rear element 46, forming mass of inertia.
  • This inner bar 44 is also mounted axially movable inside the hollow rod 42, in that it is secured only at the full end 43, via the active element 45. So the active element 45 is movable in axial elongation, while the rear element is movable in axial displacement.
  • the connection zone between the active element 45 and the rear element 46 is represented by an interface 47.
  • active element 45 essentially designates a piezoelectric element, or a magnetostrictive element. But any other material, whose dimensions could be modulated under the effect of a variation of a physical quantity, could of course be adopted.
  • the hollow rod 42 has a mechanical elasticity able to allow reversibly its longitudinal deformation.
  • the mechanical elasticity involved may come from the inherently elastic nature of the material constituting the hollow rod 42, and / or from a particular structure, for example perforated, of said hollow rod 42.
  • This characteristic allows the hollow rod 42 of provide a minimum of resistance to deformation during the opening phase of the valve 41, while promoting the return to the initial state during the closing phase, when the active element 45 is no longer biased.
  • the rear element 46 has a density and rigidity substantially greater than those of the other components of the outgoing needle 40.
  • the rear element 46 is made of a particularly dense and hard material so as to be able to constitute a real mass of inertia on the one hand, and not to deform under the action of the elongation of the active element 45 on the other hand.
  • the injection device 1 is further provided with prestressing means 70 which are able to permanently compress the inner bar 44 against the solid end 43 of the hollow rod 42.
  • the goal is obviously to put the active element 45 indirectly in compression, in order to optimize its capabilities, particularly in terms of elongation and responsiveness.
  • it is known that such an active element 45 must imperatively be prestressed in order to be implemented effectively.
  • this type of material supports elongations more difficult than compressions, and therefore to prevent them in this state at any time, it is essential to provide means capable of permanently exerting a compressive force on the active element 45, even when the latter is in phase of elongation.
  • This characteristic also makes it possible to preserve the material whose resistance to stretching is relatively low, substantially by a factor of ten with respect to its compressive strength.
  • the prestressing means 70 comprise a compression spring 71 which acts axially on the apparent section 48 of the inner bar 44.
  • the injection device 1 is provided with securing means 80 which have a dual role.
  • the first is to allow immobilization of the outgoing needle 40 relative to the body of the device injection 1 when said outgoing needle 40 undergoes a force whose intensity is below a given threshold.
  • This first characteristic advantageously makes it possible to render inoperative the low-intensity and / or one-off forces, such as vibrations for example.
  • the second function of the securing means 80 is to allow, however, the translation of the outgoing needle 40 relative to the body of the injection device 1, when the intensity of a force applied exceeds the previously mentioned threshold.
  • This second characteristic makes it possible to absorb more intense and / or continuous forces, such as those resulting for example from thermal expansions of the internal components of the injection device 1, and in particular of the outgoing needle 41.
  • the securing means 80 comprise first three external grooves 82 which are formed parallel to each other on the surface of a tubular element 81, forming a shoulder.
  • This tubular element 81 is itself firmly fixed around the outgoing needle 40, but in a removable manner, by means of a reversible assembly means constituted in this case by a conventional cooperation between two complementary threads.
  • Each external groove 82 also extends in a plane orthogonal to the axis of the outgoing needle 40.
  • the securing means 80 are further provided with a helical groove 83 which is formed inside the body of the device Injection 1.
  • the securing means 80 finally have a ball 84 for each external groove 82.
  • each ball 84 is in position. able to cooperate by partial fitting, substantially half with the corresponding outer groove 82 on the one hand, and substantially half with the helical groove 83 on the other hand. Concretely, the balls 84 are positioned at the points of intersection between the helical groove 83 and the outer grooves 82.
  • the three balls 84 are distributed equidistantly, at 120 ° from each other in the present case. They can thus fully play the role of centering means for the tubular element 81, and consequently for the outgoing rod 40.
  • each outer groove 82 is substantially greater than the radius of the corresponding ball 84, while that of the helical groove 83 substantially corresponds to the radius of each ball 84.
  • each groove external 82 is provided with a compression means 85 able to push the corresponding ball 84 at the bottom of the spiral groove 83.
  • each ball 84 is positioned half in the helical groove 83 on the one hand, and half in the corresponding outer groove 82 on the other hand. This characteristic makes it possible to equitably distribute the mechanical stresses at each point of connection materialized by each set of balls 84 - external groove 82 - helical groove 83.
  • the upper part of the tubular element 81 is integral with a disk 87 which advantageously constitutes a stop for the compression spring 71 of the prestressing means 70.
  • the injection device 1 comprises tensioning means 90 which are able to hold the valve 41 of the outgoing needle 40 in abutment against its seat 15.
  • the tensioning means 90 are provided with a compression spring 91 which is arranged axially around the outgoing needle 40.
  • the compression spring 91 is able to cooperate by contact with a portion 86, forming a shoulder, of the tubular element 81 on the one hand, and with a portion 22, forming a stop, of the body of the injection device on the other hand.
  • the figure 2 represents a variant of the first embodiment previously described, which differs only in the nature of the prestressing means 70 employed.
  • the latter here use pressurized liquid 72 which acts axially on the apparent section 48 of the inner bar 44, as well as a regulating valve 73 which is able to limit the internal pressure of the liquid 72 to a determined value.
  • the regulation valve 73 is conventionally composed of a ball 74 which is supported, under the action of a compression spring 75 and via an intermediate washer 76, on a seat 77 defining a exhaust channel 78. Furthermore, it should be noted the presence of an elastic ring at the interface between the intermediate washer 76 and the body of the regulating valve 73.
  • the regulation valve 73 is intended to control the overpressure of the liquid present inside the injection device 1, and more precisely to fix said pressure at a defined value corresponding to the level of prestressing which is desires to apply to the active material 45.
  • pressurized liquid 72 inside the injection device 1 flows directly from the recirculation phenomenon established to cool the internal components. But of course, an independent high pressure liquid system could very well be adopted alternatively.
  • the outgoing needle 40 contains a piezoelectric active element 45 whose length is likely to be increased under the effect of an electric field. Moreover, the elongation of the piezoelectric active element 45 is able to deform longitudinally the external part of the outgoing needle 40, which surrounds said piezoelectric active element 43.
  • an injection device 100 may be provided with an outgoing needle 140 enclosing a magnetostrictive active element 145 whose length is able to be increased under the effect this time of a magnetic field.
  • the assembly is again arranged in such a way that the elongation of the magnetostrictive active element 145 is such as to longitudinally deform the external part of the outgoing needle 140, which surrounds said magnetostrictive active element 145.
  • the magnetic tube 201 is positioned concentrically around the solenoid 200, which is itself concentrically positioned around the magnetostrictive element 145.
  • the rear element 146 when the active element 145 is magnetostrictive, the rear element 146 may be advantageously chosen non-magnetic.
  • the outgoing needle 140 then further comprises two intermediate elements 147, 148 which are respectively positioned between the rear element 146 and the active element 145 on the one hand, and between said active element 145 and the full end 143 of the hollow rod 142 on the other hand.
  • Each intermediate element 147, 148 is also made of a magnetic material capable of looping the lines of the magnetic field used to excite the active element 145.
  • the function of the magnetic tube 201 is also to loop back the magnetic field lines generated to control the elongation of the active element 145.
  • the prestressing means 170 of this second embodiment are identical to those described in the context of the figure 1 of the first embodiment. However, the variant of the first embodiment, that is to say that using fluid under pressure, could obviously be easily adapted to the injection device 100 of this second embodiment.
  • the invention also relates to any motor vehicle equipped with at least one injection device as previously described.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Fuel-Injection Apparatus (AREA)
  • Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)
  • Nozzles (AREA)
  • Jet Pumps And Other Pumps (AREA)
  • Telephone Function (AREA)
  • Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, And Combined Machining (AREA)

Abstract

The device has an outlet needle (40) placed in a space defined by housings (11, 21). An end of the needle forms a valve (41) that is moved between closing and opening positions. The valve blocks an opening (13) during the closing position and is positioned at a preset distance from the opening during the opening position. The valve is moved between the positions by an intrinsic extension of the needle. An independent claim is also included for a motor vehicle.

Description

La présente invention concerne un dispositif d'injection de fluide.The present invention relates to a fluid injection device.

L'invention trouve une application particulièrement avantageuse dans le domaine automobile, notamment en ce qui concerne l'injection de carburant dans une chambre de combustion.The invention finds a particularly advantageous application in the automotive field, in particular as regards the injection of fuel into a combustion chamber.

On connaît de l'état de la technique un premier type de dispositifs d'injection, dits à aiguilles rentrantes. Dans cette configuration classique, chaque injecteur est doté notamment d'une aiguille pointeau qui est susceptible d'être déplacée axialement. Cette mobilité s'exerce entre une position de fermeture dans laquelle l'extrémité distale de l'aiguille pointeau obture une ouverture destinée à l'éjection du fluide, et une position d'ouverture dans laquelle ladite extrémité distale est positionnée à distance de cette même ouverture.From the state of the art is known a first type of injection devices, said re-entrant needles. In this conventional configuration, each injector is provided in particular with a needle needle which is capable of being displaced axially. This mobility is exerted between a closed position in which the distal end of the needle needle closes an opening for the ejection of the fluid, and an open position in which said distal end is positioned at a distance from the same. opening.

Il est à noter par ailleurs que l'ouverture peut être indifféremment constituée par un orifice unique ou par une pluralité de trous ménagés en aval du siège destiné à coopérer par contact étanche avec l'extrémité distale de l'aiguille pointeau. Cette dernière configuration s'avère particulièrement adaptée à l'injection de liquide, puisque la présence d'orifices en grand nombre est de nature à perturber l'éjection du liquide, et par conséquent à multiplier les gouttes.It should also be noted that the opening may be indifferently constituted by a single orifice or by a plurality of holes formed downstream of the seat intended to cooperate by sealing contact with the distal end of the needle needle. This latter configuration is particularly suitable for the injection of liquid, since the presence of orifices in large numbers is likely to disturb the ejection of the liquid, and therefore to multiply the drops.

Quoi qu'il en soit, ce type d'injecteur à aiguille rentrante présente l'inconvénient de fonctionner quasiment suivant le principe tout ou rien. En d'autres termes, soit le pointeau laisse passer une quantité maximale de fluide sous pression, soit il l'empêche de s'échapper par l'ouverture. Ainsi, les paramètres de réglage d'un tel système sont essentiellement limités à la pression du fluide et à la section débitante de l'ouverture.Anyway, this type of injector needle re-entrant has the disadvantage of operating almost following the all-or-nothing principle. In other words, either the needle passes a maximum amount of fluid under pressure, or it prevents it from escaping through the opening. Thus, the parameters of adjustment of such a system are essentially limited to the fluid pressure and the flow section of the opening.

Or dans la pratique, et notamment dans le cas où le fluide est un liquide, un injecteur à aiguille rentrante fonctionne quasiment toujours à pression constante. Aussi, c'est le diamètre des trous qui va conditionner la taille des gouttes. Mais comme les dimensions des trous en question sont fixes par construction, il apparaît particulièrement difficile de modifier un tant soit peu la taille des gouttes. Même si on ouvre et ferme très rapidement l'aiguille rentrante, la perturbation alors créée sera très largement insuffisante pour générer véritablement un nuage de petites gouttes diffuses.Now in practice, and particularly in the case where the fluid is a liquid, a reed needle injector operates almost always at constant pressure. Also, it is the diameter of the holes that will condition the size of the drops. But as the dimensions of the holes in question are fixed by construction, it appears particularly difficult to change a little bit the size of the drops. Even if the re-entrant needle is opened and closed very quickly, the disturbance then created will be largely insufficient to truly generate a cloud of small diffuse drops.

Ainsi donc, avec un dispositif d'injection à aiguille rentrante, il est certes possible de maîtriser la quantité de fluide injectée, mais de toute évidence il n'est pas envisageable de contrôler précisément la taille et la diffusion des gouttes. De manière bien connue, cela constitue un inconvénient majeur en terme de rendement.Thus, with a re-entrant needle injection device, it is certainly possible to control the amount of fluid injected, but obviously it is not possible to precisely control the size and diffusion of the drops. In a well-known manner, this constitutes a major drawback in terms of yield.

Un autre paramètre important à maîtriser concerne la quantité minimale qu'il est possible d'injecter. Or, dans une grande partie des injecteurs à aiguilles rentrantes, la surpression de fluide sert à mouvoir l'aiguille pointeau de sa position de fermeture à sa position d'ouverture. Le temps de réponse du système dépend alors de l'importance de la pression en question. Dans la pratique, si on veut réduire le temps d'ouverture de l'aiguille rentrante, il est nécessaire de relever la pression du fluide, mais on augmente alors les quantités minimales injectées. Cela constitue un nouveau désavantage pour ce type de système.Another important parameter to control is the minimum amount that can be injected. However, in a large part of the reed entering needle injectors, the fluid overpressure serves to move the needle needle from its closed position to its open position. The response time of the system then depends on the magnitude of the pressure in question. In practice, if we want to reduce the opening time of the reentrant needle, it is necessary to raise the pressure of the fluid, but then increases the minimum quantities injected. This constitutes a new disadvantage for this type of system.

Un second type de dispositifs d'injection de l'état de la technique, dits à aiguilles sortantes, est présenté par les documents FR2 816 008 et EP 1 172 552 permet de remédier à ces difficultés. Chaque injecteur est ici doté d'une sorte de soupape constituée d'une tige dont une extrémité, formant clapet, est apte à coopérer par contact étanche avec siège délimitant une ouverture d'éjection du fluide. Comme dans le cas précédent, la tige clapet ainsi constituée est montée mobile en déplacement axial entre une position de fermeture dans laquelle le clapet obture l'ouverture, et une position d'ouverture dans laquelle ledit clapet est positionnée à distance de ladite ouverture.A second type of injection device of the state of the art, called outgoing needle, is presented by the documents FR2 816 008 and EP 1 172 552 to overcome these difficulties. Each injector is here provided with a kind of valve consisting of a rod whose one end, forming a valve, is adapted to cooperate by sealing contact with seat defining a fluid ejection opening. As in the previous case, the valve stem thus formed is movably mounted in axial displacement between a closed position in which the valve closes the opening, and an open position in which said valve is positioned at a distance from said opening.

La mobilité d'une telle tige clapet est généralement réalisée en utilisant, soit un actionneur piézo-électrique, soit un actionneur magnétostrictif. Concrètement, cela consiste à coupler la tige clapet de l'injecteur avec un élément annexe avantageusement constitué d'un matériau dit actif, c'est-à-dire susceptible de se déformer, et notamment de s'allonger, lorsqu'il est parcouru respectivement, soit par un courant électrique, soit par un champ magnétique. Les principes physiques correspondant et les modes de mises en oeuvre de tels actionneurs étant parfaitement connus, ils ne seront pas décrits davantage ici. On rappellera simplement que l'ensemble est généralement agencé de manière à ce qu'une excitation du matériau actif, respectivement électrique ou magnétique, engendre une élongation de l'élément annexe, et conséquemment un déplacement de la tige clapet dans son ensemble. L'extrémité distale de la tige clapet n'est alors plus en contact avec son siège, de sorte que le fluide sous pression peut alors s'échapper par l'ouverture.The mobility of such a valve stem is generally achieved by using either a piezoelectric actuator or a magnetostrictive actuator. Concretely, this consists in coupling the valve stem of the injector with an auxiliary element advantageously consisting of a so-called active material, that is to say capable of deforming, and in particular to lie down, when it is traveled respectively by an electric current or by a magnetic field. Since the corresponding physical principles and the embodiments of such actuators are well known, they will not be described further here. It will be recalled simply that the assembly is generally arranged so that an excitation of the active material, respectively electrical or magnetic, causes an elongation of the ancillary element, and consequently a displacement of the valve stem as a whole. The distal end of the valve stem is then no longer in contact with its seat, so that the pressurized fluid can then escape through the opening.

Par rapport à leurs homologues à aiguilles rentrantes, les injecteurs à aiguilles sortantes présente l'avantage de pouvoir disposer d'une levée variable au niveau du clapet. Ainsi, à pression constante, il est possible d'avoir une section débitante variable dans le temps. Dans le cas par exemple d'un actionneur piézo-électrique, en fonction de la tension appliquée à l'élément annexe, on a une élongation donnée du matériau actif. L'allongement correspondant de l'élément annexe engendre alors un déplacement proportionnel de la tige clapet, et conséquemment une levée tout aussi proportionnelle du clapet.Compared with their counterparts, the needle injectors has the advantage of having a variable lift at the valve. Thus, at constant pressure, it is possible to have a variable flow section over time. In the case for example of a piezoelectric actuator, depending on the voltage applied to the auxiliary element, there is a given elongation of the active material. The corresponding elongation of the ancillary element then generates a proportional displacement of the valve stem, and consequently an equally proportional lift of the valve.

Les dispositifs d'injection à aiguilles sortantes présentent cependant des inconvénients qui leur sont propres.However, the injection devices with outgoing needles have their own disadvantages.

Avec un élément annexe en matériau piézo-électrique, on peut atteindre des déformations de l'ordre du millième, c'est-à-dire environ 10µm de déplacement pour 10mm d'empilement piézo-électrique. Cela signifie que l'élément annexe doit être extrêmement long si on veut obtenir un déplacement du clapet de classiquement 50µm. Cela implique alors la nécessité de piloter des capacités très importantes, de l'ordre de 3 à 3,5µF pour un empilement de 30mm par exemple. Il faut par conséquent une électronique d'une puissance considérable si on veut réduire le temps de commutation.With an auxiliary element made of piezoelectric material, it is possible to achieve deformations of the order of one thousandth, that is to say about 10 μm of displacement per 10 mm of piezoelectric stacking. This means that the ancillary element must be extremely long if one wants to obtain a movement of the flap of classically 50 .mu.m. This then implies the need to drive very large capacities, of the order of 3 to 3.5μF for a stack of 30mm for example. It is therefore necessary a considerable power electronics to reduce the switching time.

Par ailleurs, lors de la mise en oeuvre de l'injecteur à aiguille sortante, la grande longueur de l'élément annexe constitue alors un inconvénient en terme de poids. L'ensemble constitué de la tige clapet, de l'élément annexe et autres moyens de rappel élastiques, constitue alors une masse mobile relativement importante. L'inertie significative qui en résulte va encore plus retarder la réactivité du matériau piézo-électrique.Furthermore, during the implementation of the outgoing needle injector, the long length of the ancillary element then constitutes a disadvantage in terms of weight. The assembly consisting of the valve stem, the auxiliary element and other elastic return means, then constitutes a relatively large mobile mass. The significant inertia that This will further delay the reactivity of the piezoelectric material.

Ainsi donc, en raison essentiellement des fortes capacités à piloter et de la masse importante à déplacer, les dispositifs d'injection à aiguilles sortantes et à actionneurs piézo-électriques s'avèrent intrinsèquement limités en terme de temps de réaction.Thus, mainly because of the large capacity to drive and the large mass to move, the outgoing needle injection devices and piezoelectric actuators are inherently limited in terms of reaction time.

Avec un élément annexe en matériau magnétostrictif, c'est essentiellement le problème de l'inertie du système qui constitue la principale handicap. Car il ne faut pas l'oublier, la masse mobile entraînée en déplacement est très importante avec les dispositifs d'injection de l'état de la technique, puisqu'elle correspond aux masses combinées de la tige souvent longue et du clapet associé.With an auxiliary element in magnetostrictive material, it is essentially the problem of the inertia of the system which constitutes the main handicap. For it should not be forgotten that the mobile mass driven in displacement is very important with the injection devices of the state of the art, since it corresponds to the combined masses of the often long stem and the associated valve.

Aussi le problème technique à résoudre, par l'objet de la présente invention, est de proposer un dispositif d'injection de fluide comportant une aiguille sortante dont une extrémité, formant clapet, est apte à être déplacée de manière contrôlée à chaque instant entre une position de fermeture dans laquelle le clapet obture une ouverture destinée à l'éjection du fluide, et une position d'ouverture dans laquelle ledit clapet est positionné à une distance choisie de ladite ouverture, dispositif d'injection qui permettrait d'éviter les problèmes de l'état de la technique en offrant notamment des temps de réaction sensiblement améliorés, c'est-à-dire des temps d'ouverture et de fermeture du clapet sensiblement diminués, ainsi qu'une capacité d'ouverture variable.Also the technical problem to be solved, by the object of the present invention, is to propose a fluid injection device comprising an outgoing needle whose one end, forming a valve, is able to be moved in a controlled manner at each moment between a closure position in which the valve closes an opening for the ejection of the fluid, and an open position in which said valve is positioned at a selected distance from said opening, injection device that would avoid the problems of the state of the art in particular by providing significantly improved reaction times, that is to say valve opening and closing times substantially decreased, and a variable opening capacity.

La solution au problème technique posé consiste, selon la présente invention, en ce que le déplacement du clapet entre sa position de fermeture et sa position d'ouverture est engendré par un allongement intrinsèque de l'aiguille sortante, l'aiguille sortante comportant une tige creuse dotée d'une extrémité pleine formant clapet, ainsi qu'une barre interne composée d'un élément actif, ledit élément actif ayant une longueur apte à être augmentée sous l'effet d'un champ électrique ou magnétique, et l'allongement de l'élément actif étant apte à déformer longitudinalement l'aiguille sortante (40) comprenant ledit élément actif.The solution to the technical problem posed consists, according to the present invention, in that the movement of the valve between its closed position and its position of opening is generated by an intrinsic elongation of the outgoing needle, the outgoing needle having a hollow stem having a solid end forming a valve, and an inner bar composed of an active element, said active element having a length capable of being increased under the effect of an electric or magnetic field, and the elongation of the active element being able to deform longitudinally the outgoing needle (40) comprising said active element.

Contrairement aux dispositifs d'injection de l'art antérieur, il ne s'agit pas ici de déplacer l'aiguille sortante dans sa globalité, mais de la déformer longitudinalement de façon à engendrer conséquemment un déplacement de son extrémité libre, c'est-à-dire celle portant le clapet. L'ensemble est agencé de manière à ce que la mobilité du clapet s'exerce entre la position de fermeture et la position d'ouverture précédemment définies, la mobilité étant contrôlée à chaque instant.Unlike injection devices of the prior art, it is not a question here of moving the outgoing needle in its entirety, but of deforming it longitudinally so as to consequently generate a displacement of its free end, that is, ie the one carrying the flap. The assembly is arranged so that the mobility of the valve is exerted between the closed position and the open position previously defined, the mobility being controlled at each moment.

L'invention telle qu'ainsi définie présente l'avantage de permettre une réduction considérable de la masse mobile, et donc une diminution proportionnelle de l'inertie du système. Les temps de réaction de ce type de dispositifs d'injection s'en trouvent par conséquent significativement améliorés.The invention as defined thus has the advantage of allowing a considerable reduction of the moving mass, and therefore a proportional decrease in the inertia of the system. The reaction times of this type of injection devices are therefore significantly improved.

La présente invention concerne également les caractéristiques qui ressortiront au cours de la description qui va suivre, et qui devront être considérées isolément ou selon toutes leurs combinaisons techniques possibles.The present invention also relates to the features which will emerge during the following description, which should be considered in isolation or in all their possible technical combinations.

Cette description donnée à titre d'exemple non limitatif, fera mieux comprendre comment l'invention peut être réalisée, en référence aux dessins annexés sur lesquels:

  • La figure 1 illustre un dispositif d'injection de fluide selon un premier mode de réalisation de l'invention.
  • La figure 2 constitue une variante du premier mode de réalisation de la figure 1.
  • La figure 3 représente un dispositif d'injection de fluide selon un second mode de réalisation de l'invention.
This description given by way of non-limiting example, will better understand how the invention can be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
  • The figure 1 illustrates a fluid injection device according to a first embodiment of the invention.
  • The figure 2 is a variant of the first embodiment of the figure 1 .
  • The figure 3 represents a fluid injection device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

Pour des raisons de clarté, les mêmes éléments ont été désignés par des références identiques. De même, seuls les éléments essentiels pour la compréhension de l'invention ont été représentés, et ceci sans respect de l'échelle et de manière schématique.For the sake of clarity, the same elements have been designated by identical references. Likewise, only the essential elements for understanding the invention have been represented, and this without regard to the scale and in a schematic manner.

La figure 1 illustre un dispositif d'injection 1 qui est destiné à distribuer un carburant liquide dans une chambre de combustion d'un moteur de véhicule automobile.The figure 1 illustrates an injection device 1 which is intended to distribute a liquid fuel in a combustion chamber of a motor vehicle engine.

Dans ce mode particulier de réalisation, choisi uniquement à titre d'exemple, le dispositif d'injection 1 se compose principalement de trois parties. On distingue tout d'abord un premier boîtier 10 dans lequel est ménagé axialement un premier logement 11. On remarque ensuite l'existence d'un second boîtier 20 qui est quant à lui pourvu d'un second logement 21. ces deux boîtiers 10, 20 sont solidarisés ensemble de façon étanche par l'intermédiaire d'un écrou raccord 30 dont la mise en oeuvre est réversible. L'ensemble est agencé de manière à ce que le premier logement 11 et le second logement 21 soient communicants. L'assemblage des deux boîtiers 10, 20 forme alors le corps du dispositif d'injection 1. On note enfin la présence d'une aiguille sortante 40 qui prend place dans l'espace continu défini par les logements 11, 21.In this particular embodiment, chosen solely by way of example, the injection device 1 consists mainly of three parts. First of all, there is a first housing 10 in which a first housing 11 is arranged axially. Then there is the existence of a second housing 20 which is provided with a second housing 21. These two housings 10, 20 are secured together tightly by means of a coupling nut 30 whose implementation is reversible. The assembly is arranged so that the first housing 11 and the second housing 21 are communicating. The assembly of the two housings 10, 20 then forms the body of the injection device 1. Note finally the presence of an outgoing needle 40 which takes place in the continuous space defined by the housing 11, 21.

Conformément à cette figure 1, l'extrémité distale de l'aiguille sortante 40 est conformée de manière à pouvoir coopérer avec un trou traversant 12 qui est ménagé à la partie inférieure du premier boîtier 10 et qui définit une ouverture 13 destinée à l'éjection du liquide. L'extrémité distale de l'aiguille sortante 40, formant clapet 41, est plus précisément en mesure de coopérer, d'une part, par contact glissant avec une surface de guidage 14 ménagée à l'extrémité interne du trou traversant 12, et d'autre part, par contact étanche avec un siège 15 ménagé quant à lui à l'extrémité externe dudit trou traversant 12. Quoi qu'il en soit, le clapet 41 est en mesure d'être déplacé entre une position de fermeture dans laquelle il obture l'ouverture 13, et une position d'ouverture dans laquelle il est positionné à distance de ladite ouverture 13.In accordance with this figure 1 , the distal end of the outgoing needle 40 is shaped so as to cooperate with a through hole 12 which is formed in the lower part of the first housing 10 and which defines an opening 13 for the ejection of the liquid. The distal end of the outgoing needle 40, forming a valve 41, is more precisely able to cooperate, on the one hand, by sliding contact with a guide surface 14 formed at the inner end of the 12, and secondly, by sealing contact with a seat 15 formed meanwhile at the outer end of said through hole 12. Anyway, the valve 41 is able to be moved between a closing position in which it closes the opening 13, and an open position in which it is positioned at a distance from said opening 13.

On remarque également sur la figure 1 que la partie supérieure du second logement 21 coopère par emboîtement jointif avec un couvercle de fermeture 50 qui est pourvu d'un canal de recirculation 51 du liquide sous pression.We also notice on the figure 1 that the upper part of the second housing 21 cooperates by interlocking engagement with a closure cover 50 which is provided with a recirculation channel 51 of the liquid under pressure.

En outre, on note la présence d'un système d'amenée 60 de liquide sous haute pression. Celui-ci comporte un canal principale 61 qui est ménagé longitudinalement dans l'épaisseur du second boîtier 20 et qui communique avec un canal intermédiaire 62 s'étendant orthogonalement à l'axe du dispositif d'injection 1, à l'interface dudit second boîtier 20 et du premier boîtier 10. La forme annulaire et le positionnement du canal intermédiaire 62 permet de répartir le liquide sous pression dans une pluralité de canaux secondaire 63a, 63b qui sont régulièrement réparties dans l'épaisseur du premier boîtier 10 et qui débouchent dans une cavité annulaire 64. Cette cavité annulaire 64, ménagée classiquement entre le clapet 41 et le trou traversant 12, présente une forme, une disposition et une fonction parfaitement connues qui ne seront par conséquent pas décrit davantage ici. On précisera simplement que l'ensemble est conformé de manière à pouvoir générer et réguler, de manière classique, une circulation continue de liquide en direction des logements internes 11, 21. du dispositif d'injection 1.In addition, there is the presence of a high pressure liquid supply system 60. This comprises a main channel 61 which is formed longitudinally in the thickness of the second housing 20 and which communicates with an intermediate channel 62 extending orthogonally to the axis of the injection device 1, at the interface of said second housing 20 and the first housing 10. The annular shape and the positioning of the intermediate channel 62 distribute the liquid under pressure in a plurality of secondary channels 63a, 63b which are regularly distributed in the thickness of the first housing 10 and which open into a Annular cavity 64. This annular cavity 64, conventionally formed between the valve 41 and the through hole 12, has a shape, a disposition and a function well known which will therefore not be described further here. It will be specified simply that the assembly is shaped so as to be able to generate and regulate, in a conventional manner, a continuous circulation of liquid in direction of the inner housings 11, 21. of the injection device 1.

Conformément à l'objet de la présente invention, le déplacement du clapet 41 entre sa position de fermeture et sa position d'ouverture est engendré ici avantageusement par un allongement intrinsèque de l'aiguille sortante 40.According to the object of the present invention, the displacement of the valve 41 between its closed position and its open position is here advantageously generated by an intrinsic extension of the outgoing needle 40.

Selon une particularité de l'invention, l'allongement intrinsèque de l'aiguille sortante 40 se réalise jusqu'au voisinage direct du clapet 41, c'est-à-dire notamment au niveau de la partie de ladite l'aiguille sortante 40 qui est située directement à proximité dudit clapet 41.According to a feature of the invention, the intrinsic elongation of the outgoing needle 40 is carried out as far as the direct vicinity of the valve 41, that is to say in particular at the portion of said outgoing needle 40 which is located directly near said valve 41.

Il est en effet particulièrement avantageux que la déformation ait lieu le plus près possible du clapet, afin de minimiser au maximum la masse mobile à déplacer, qui idéalement doit se limiter à celle du clapet 41. Avec une telle configuration, les temps d'ouverture et de fermeture sont par conséquent réduits dans des proportions considérables.It is in fact particularly advantageous for the deformation to take place as close as possible to the valve, in order to minimize to the maximum the mobile mass to be displaced, which ideally must be limited to that of the valve 41. With such a configuration, the opening times and closing are therefore reduced in considerable proportions.

Selon une autre particularité de l'invention, l'aiguille sortante 40 comporte une tige creuse 42 dotée d'une extrémité pleine 43 formant clapet 41, ainsi qu'une barre interne 44 composée d'un élément actif 45 solidaire d'un élément arrière 46, formant masse d'inertie. Cette barre interne 44 est par ailleurs montée mobile axialement à l'intérieur de la tige creuse 42, en ce sens qu'elle n'est solidarisée qu'au niveau de l'extrémité pleine 43, via l'élément actif 45. Ainsi donc, l'élément actif 45 est mobile en élongation axiale, tandis que l'élément arrière est quant à lui mobile en déplacement axial. La zone de liaison entre l'élément actif 45 et l'élément arrière 46 est matérialisé par une interface 47.According to another feature of the invention, the outgoing needle 40 comprises a hollow rod 42 having a full end 43 forming a valve 41, and an inner bar 44 composed of an active element 45 integral with a rear element 46, forming mass of inertia. This inner bar 44 is also mounted axially movable inside the hollow rod 42, in that it is secured only at the full end 43, via the active element 45. So the active element 45 is movable in axial elongation, while the rear element is movable in axial displacement. The connection zone between the active element 45 and the rear element 46 is represented by an interface 47.

Il est à noter que dans l'ensemble de ce texte, la notion d'élément actif 45 désigne essentiellement un élément piézo-électrique, ou un élément magnétostrictif. Mais tout autre matériau, dont les dimensions pourraient être modulées sous l'effet d'une variation d'une grandeur physique, pourrait bien évidement être adopté.It should be noted that throughout this text, the concept of active element 45 essentially designates a piezoelectric element, or a magnetostrictive element. But any other material, whose dimensions could be modulated under the effect of a variation of a physical quantity, could of course be adopted.

De manière particulièrement avantageuse, la tige creuse 42 présente une élasticité mécanique apte à permettre, de manière réversible, sa déformation longitudinale.In a particularly advantageous manner, the hollow rod 42 has a mechanical elasticity able to allow reversibly its longitudinal deformation.

L'élasticité mécanique mise en jeu peut provenir de la nature intrinsèquement élastique du matériau constituant la tige creuse 42, et/ou d'une structure particulière, par exemple ajourée, de ladite tige creuse 42. Cette caractéristique permet à la tige creuse 42 d'offrir un minimum de résistance à la déformation durant la phase d'ouverture du clapet 41, tout en favorisant le retour à l'état initial durant la phase de fermeture, dès lors que l'élément actif 45 n'est plus sollicité. Le fait que l'énergie élastique transmise lors de la déformation soit restituée au retour, permet de se dispenser avantageusement de moyens de rappels spécifiques, comme c'est le cas avec les dispositifs d'injection de l'état de la technique.The mechanical elasticity involved may come from the inherently elastic nature of the material constituting the hollow rod 42, and / or from a particular structure, for example perforated, of said hollow rod 42. This characteristic allows the hollow rod 42 of provide a minimum of resistance to deformation during the opening phase of the valve 41, while promoting the return to the initial state during the closing phase, when the active element 45 is no longer biased. The fact that the elastic energy transmitted during the deformation is restored on return, advantageously dispenses with means of specific reminders, as is the case with injection devices of the state of the art.

Selon une autre particularité de l'invention, l'élément arrière 46 présente une densité et une rigidité sensiblement supérieures à celles des autres éléments composant l'aiguille sortante 40.According to another feature of the invention, the rear element 46 has a density and rigidity substantially greater than those of the other components of the outgoing needle 40.

Cela signifie que l'élément arrière 46 est réalisé dans un matériau particulièrement dense et dur afin respectivement de pouvoir constituer une véritable masse d'inertie d'une part, et de ne pas se déformer sous l'action de l'allongement de l'élément actif 45 d'autre part.This means that the rear element 46 is made of a particularly dense and hard material so as to be able to constitute a real mass of inertia on the one hand, and not to deform under the action of the elongation of the active element 45 on the other hand.

Ainsi qu'on peut le voir également sur la figure 1, le dispositif d'injection 1 est en outre doté de moyens de précontrainte 70 qui sont en mesure de comprimer de manière permanente la barre interne 44 contre l'extrémité pleine 43 de la tige creuse 42.As can be seen also on the figure 1 , the injection device 1 is further provided with prestressing means 70 which are able to permanently compress the inner bar 44 against the solid end 43 of the hollow rod 42.

Le but est bien évidemment de mettre l'élément actif 45 indirectement en compression, ceci afin d'optimiser ses capacités, notamment en terme d'élongation et de réactivité. Qu'il soit composé d'un matériau piézo-électrique ou magnétostrictif, il est connu qu'un tel élément actif 45 doit impérativement être précontraint pour pouvoir être mise en oeuvre efficacement. En effet, ce type de matériaux supporte plus difficilement les élongations que les compressions, et donc pour éviter qu'ils soient dans cet état à un quelconque moment, il est indispensable de prévoir des moyens susceptibles d'exercer en permanence une force de compression sur l'élément actif 45, même lorsque ce dernier est en phase d'allongement. Cette caractéristique permet également de préserver le matériau dont la tenue à l'étirement est relativement faible, sensiblement d'un facteur dix par rapport à sa tenue en compression.The goal is obviously to put the active element 45 indirectly in compression, in order to optimize its capabilities, particularly in terms of elongation and responsiveness. Whether it is composed of a piezoelectric or magnetostrictive material, it is known that such an active element 45 must imperatively be prestressed in order to be implemented effectively. Indeed, this type of material supports elongations more difficult than compressions, and therefore to prevent them in this state at any time, it is essential to provide means capable of permanently exerting a compressive force on the active element 45, even when the latter is in phase of elongation. This characteristic also makes it possible to preserve the material whose resistance to stretching is relatively low, substantially by a factor of ten with respect to its compressive strength.

Dans l'exemple de la figure 1, les moyens de précontrainte 70 comportent un ressort de compression 71 qui agit axialement sur la section apparente 48 de la barre interne 44.In the example of the figure 1 , the prestressing means 70 comprise a compression spring 71 which acts axially on the apparent section 48 of the inner bar 44.

Selon une autre particularité de l'invention, le dispositif d'injection 1 est doté de moyens de solidarisation 80 qui ont un double rôle. Le premier consiste à permettre l'immobilisation de l'aiguille sortante 40 par rapport au corps du dispositif d'injection 1 lorsque ladite aiguille sortante 40 subit une force dont l'intensité est inférieure à un seuil donné. Cette première caractéristique permet avantageusement de rendre inopérantes les forces peu intenses et/ou ponctuelles, telles que lés vibrations par exemple.According to another feature of the invention, the injection device 1 is provided with securing means 80 which have a dual role. The first is to allow immobilization of the outgoing needle 40 relative to the body of the device injection 1 when said outgoing needle 40 undergoes a force whose intensity is below a given threshold. This first characteristic advantageously makes it possible to render inoperative the low-intensity and / or one-off forces, such as vibrations for example.

La seconde fonction des moyens de solidarisation 80 est de permettre toutefois la translation de l'aiguille sortante 40 par rapport au corps du dispositif d'injection 1, dès lors que l'intensité d'une force appliquée dépasse le seuil précédemment évoqué. Cette seconde caractéristique permet d'absorber des forces plus intenses et/ou continues, telles que celles résultant par exemple des dilatations thermiques des composant internes du dispositif d'injection 1, et notamment de l'aiguille sortante 41.The second function of the securing means 80 is to allow, however, the translation of the outgoing needle 40 relative to the body of the injection device 1, when the intensity of a force applied exceeds the previously mentioned threshold. This second characteristic makes it possible to absorb more intense and / or continuous forces, such as those resulting for example from thermal expansions of the internal components of the injection device 1, and in particular of the outgoing needle 41.

Dans l'exemple particulier de réalisation de la figure 1, les moyens de solidarisation 80 comportent tout d'abord trois gorges externes 82 qui sont ménagées parallèlement les unes aux autres à la surface d'un élément tubulaire 81, formant épaulement. Cet élément tubulaire 81 est lui-même solidarisé rigidement autour de l'aiguille sortante 40, mais de manière amovible, par l'intermédiaire d'un moyen d'assemblage réversible constitué dans le cas présent par une classique coopération entre deux filetages complémentaires. Chaque gorge externe 82 s'étend par ailleurs dans un plan orthogonal à l'axe de l'aiguille sortante 40. Les moyens de solidarisation 80 sont dotés en outre d'une gorge hélicoïdale 83 qui est ménagée à l'intérieur du corps du dispositif d'injection 1. Les moyens de solidarisation 80 disposent enfin d'une bille 84 pour chaque gorge externe 82. L'ensemble est par ailleurs agencé de manière à ce que chaque bille 84 soit en mesure de coopérer par emboîtement partiel, sensiblement pour moitié avec la gorge externe 82 correspondante d'une part, et sensiblement pour moitié avec la gorge hélicoïdale 83 d'autre part. Concrètement, les billes 84 sont positionnées aux points d'intersection entre la gorge hélicoïdale 83 et les gorges externes 82.In the particular embodiment of the figure 1 , the securing means 80 comprise first three external grooves 82 which are formed parallel to each other on the surface of a tubular element 81, forming a shoulder. This tubular element 81 is itself firmly fixed around the outgoing needle 40, but in a removable manner, by means of a reversible assembly means constituted in this case by a conventional cooperation between two complementary threads. Each external groove 82 also extends in a plane orthogonal to the axis of the outgoing needle 40. The securing means 80 are further provided with a helical groove 83 which is formed inside the body of the device Injection 1. The securing means 80 finally have a ball 84 for each external groove 82. The assembly is further arranged so that each ball 84 is in position. able to cooperate by partial fitting, substantially half with the corresponding outer groove 82 on the one hand, and substantially half with the helical groove 83 on the other hand. Concretely, the balls 84 are positioned at the points of intersection between the helical groove 83 and the outer grooves 82.

De manière particulièrement avantageuse, les trois billes 84 sont réparties de manière équidistante, à 120° l'une de l'autre dans le cas présent. Elles peuvent ainsi jouer pleinement le rôle de moyens de centrage pour l'élément tubulaire 81, et conséquemment pour la tige sortante 40 .In a particularly advantageous manner, the three balls 84 are distributed equidistantly, at 120 ° from each other in the present case. They can thus fully play the role of centering means for the tubular element 81, and consequently for the outgoing rod 40.

Selon une caractéristique de ce mode particulier de réalisation, la profondeur de chaque gorge externe 82 est sensiblement supérieure au rayon de la bille 84 correspondante, tandis que celle de la gorge hélicoïdale 83 correspond sensiblement au rayon de chaque bille 84. Par ailleurs, chaque gorge externe 82 est pourvu d'un moyen de compression 85 apte à pousser la bille 84 correspondante au fond de la gorge hélicoïdale 83.According to a feature of this particular embodiment, the depth of each outer groove 82 is substantially greater than the radius of the corresponding ball 84, while that of the helical groove 83 substantially corresponds to the radius of each ball 84. Moreover, each groove external 82 is provided with a compression means 85 able to push the corresponding ball 84 at the bottom of the spiral groove 83.

Ainsi, chaque bille 84 est positionnée pour moitié dans la gorge hélicoïdale 83 d'une part, et pour moitié dans la gorge externe 82 correspondante d'autre part. Cette caractéristique permet de répartir équitablement les contraintes mécaniques au niveau de chaque point de liaison matérialisé par chaque ensemble bille 84 - gorge externe 82 - gorge hélicoïdale 83.Thus, each ball 84 is positioned half in the helical groove 83 on the one hand, and half in the corresponding outer groove 82 on the other hand. This characteristic makes it possible to equitably distribute the mechanical stresses at each point of connection materialized by each set of balls 84 - external groove 82 - helical groove 83.

Quoi qu'il en soit, lorsqu'une force extérieure d'intensité suffisante est appliquée sur l'aiguille sortante 40, le déplacement qui en résulte demeure relativement limité. En effet, comme d'une part la seule mobilité permise est la combinaison d'une rotation et d'une translation axiale, et comme d'autre part le pas de la gorge hélicoïdale 83 est relativement faible, le système ne peut que réagir avec de faibles amplitudes et une constante de temps très longue. Cette caractéristique avantageuse permet notamment aux moyens de mise en tension 90, qui seront décrit plus loin, de jouer pleinement leur rôle, mais également de rattraper les variations de longueur dues aux dilatations thermiques.However, when an external force of sufficient intensity is applied to the outgoing needle 40, the resulting displacement remains relatively limited. Indeed, as on the one hand the only mobility allowed is the combination of a rotation and axial translation, and on the other hand the pitch of the helical groove 83 is relatively small, the system can only react with small amplitudes and a very long time constant. This advantageous characteristic makes it possible in particular for the tensioning means 90, which will be described later, to play their full role, but also to make up for the length variations due to the thermal expansions.

Comme le montre la figure 1, il est à noter que dans cet exemple de réalisation, la partie supérieure de l'élément tubulaire 81 est solidaire d'une disque 87 qui constitue avantageusement une butée pour le ressort de compression 71 des moyens de précontrainte 70.As shown in figure 1 , it should be noted that in this embodiment, the upper part of the tubular element 81 is integral with a disk 87 which advantageously constitutes a stop for the compression spring 71 of the prestressing means 70.

Selon une autre particularité de l'invention, le dispositif d'injection 1 comporte des moyens de mise en tension 90 qui sont en mesure de maintenir le clapet 41 de l'aiguille sortante 40 en appui contre son siège 15.According to another feature of the invention, the injection device 1 comprises tensioning means 90 which are able to hold the valve 41 of the outgoing needle 40 in abutment against its seat 15.

Dans cet exemple de réalisation, les moyens de mise en tension 90 sont pourvus d'un ressort de compression 91 qui est disposé axialement autour de l'aiguille sortante 40. Ainsi positionné, le ressort de compression 91 est en mesure de coopérer par contact avec une partie 86, formant épaulement, de l'élément tubulaire 81 d'une part, et avec une partie 22, formant butée, du corps du dispositif d'injection d'autre part.In this embodiment, the tensioning means 90 are provided with a compression spring 91 which is arranged axially around the outgoing needle 40. Thus positioned, the compression spring 91 is able to cooperate by contact with a portion 86, forming a shoulder, of the tubular element 81 on the one hand, and with a portion 22, forming a stop, of the body of the injection device on the other hand.

La figure 2 représente une variante du premier mode de réalisation précédemment décrit, qui diffère uniquement par la nature des moyens de précontrainte 70 employés. Ces derniers utilisent ici du liquide sous pression 72 qui agit axialement sur la section apparente 48 de la barre interne 44, ainsi qu'un clapet de régulation 73 qui est en mesure de limiter à une valeur déterminée la pression interne du liquide 72.The figure 2 represents a variant of the first embodiment previously described, which differs only in the nature of the prestressing means 70 employed. The latter here use pressurized liquid 72 which acts axially on the apparent section 48 of the inner bar 44, as well as a regulating valve 73 which is able to limit the internal pressure of the liquid 72 to a determined value.

Dans cet exemple particulier de réalisation, le clapet de régulation 73 est classiquement composé d'une bille 74 qui est mise en appui, sous l'action d'un ressort de compression 75 et via une rondelle intermédiaire 76, sur un siège 77 délimitant un canal d'échappement 78. Par ailleurs, il est à noter la présence d'un anneau élastique à l'interface entre la rondelle intermédiaire 76 et le corps du clapet de régulation 73.In this particular embodiment, the regulation valve 73 is conventionally composed of a ball 74 which is supported, under the action of a compression spring 75 and via an intermediate washer 76, on a seat 77 defining a exhaust channel 78. Furthermore, it should be noted the presence of an elastic ring at the interface between the intermediate washer 76 and the body of the regulating valve 73.

Le fonctionnement d'un tel système étant parfaitement connu, il ne sera pas décrit ici davantage. On précisera simplement que le clapet de régulation 73 a pour vocation de contrôler la surpression du liquide présent à l'intérieur du dispositif d'injection 1, et plus précisément de fixer ladite pression à une valeur définie correspondant au niveau de précontrainte que l'on désire appliquer au matériau actif 45.The operation of such a system being perfectly known, it will not be described here further. It will be simply stated that the regulation valve 73 is intended to control the overpressure of the liquid present inside the injection device 1, and more precisely to fix said pressure at a defined value corresponding to the level of prestressing which is desires to apply to the active material 45.

On spécifiera également que la présence de liquide sous pression 72 à l'intérieur du dispositif d'injection 1 découle ici directement du phénomène de recirculation établi pour refroidir les composants internes. Mais bien entendu, un système de liquide haute pression indépendant pourrait très bien être adopté de manière alternative.It will also be specified that the presence of pressurized liquid 72 inside the injection device 1 flows directly from the recirculation phenomenon established to cool the internal components. But of course, an independent high pressure liquid system could very well be adopted alternatively.

Dans le premier mode de réalisation des figures 1 et 2, l'aiguille sortante 40 renferme un élément actif piézo-électrique 45 dont la longueur est susceptible d'être augmentée sous l'effet d'un champ électrique. Par ailleurs, l'allongement de l'élément actif piézo-électrique 45 est apte à déformer longitudinalement la partie externe de l'aiguille sortante 40, qui entoure ledit élément actif piézo-électrique 43.In the first embodiment of the figures 1 and 2 , the outgoing needle 40 contains a piezoelectric active element 45 whose length is likely to be increased under the effect of an electric field. Moreover, the elongation of the piezoelectric active element 45 is able to deform longitudinally the external part of the outgoing needle 40, which surrounds said piezoelectric active element 43.

Cependant, et conformément au second mode de réalisation représenté à la figure 3, un dispositif d'injection 100 peut être doté d'une aiguille sortante 140 renfermant un élément actif magnétostrictif 145 dont la longueur est en mesure d'être augmentée sous l'effet cette fois d'un champ magnétique. L'ensemble est là encore agencé de manière à ce que l'allongement de l'élément actif magnétostrictif 145 soit de nature à déformer longitudinalement la partie externe de l'aiguille sortante 140, qui entoure ledit élément actif magnétostrictif 145.However, and in accordance with the second embodiment shown in figure 3 , an injection device 100 may be provided with an outgoing needle 140 enclosing a magnetostrictive active element 145 whose length is able to be increased under the effect this time of a magnetic field. The assembly is again arranged in such a way that the elongation of the magnetostrictive active element 145 is such as to longitudinally deform the external part of the outgoing needle 140, which surrounds said magnetostrictive active element 145.

Dans la pratique, et ainsi qu'on peut le voir sur la figure 3, il convient alors de prévoir classiquement la présence d'un solénoïde 200 et d'un tube en matériau magnétique 201 disposés axialement à l'intérieur du dispositif d'injection 100. Concrètement, le tube magnétique 201 est positionné concentriquement autour du solénoïde 200, qui est lui-même positionné concentriquement autour de l'élément magnétostrictif 145.In practice, and as we can see on the figure 3 , it is then conventionally necessary to provide the presence of a solenoid 200 and a tube of magnetic material 201 disposed axially inside the injection device 100. In practical terms, the magnetic tube 201 is positioned concentrically around the solenoid 200, which is itself concentrically positioned around the magnetostrictive element 145.

Selon une particularité de ce second mode de réalisation, lorsque l'élément actif 145 est magnétostrictif, l'élément arrière 146 peut être choisi avantageusement amagnétique. L'aiguille sortante 140 comporte alors en outre deux éléments intercalaires 147, 148 qui sont positionnés respectivement, entre l'élément arrière 146 et l'élément actif 145 d'une part, et entre ledit élément actif 145 et l'extrémité pleine 143 de la tige creuse 142 d'autre part. Chaque élément intercalaire 147, 148 est par ailleurs réalisé dans un matériau magnétique capable de reboucler les lignes du champ magnétique utilisé pour exciter l'élément actif 145.According to a feature of this second embodiment, when the active element 145 is magnetostrictive, the rear element 146 may be advantageously chosen non-magnetic. The outgoing needle 140 then further comprises two intermediate elements 147, 148 which are respectively positioned between the rear element 146 and the active element 145 on the one hand, and between said active element 145 and the full end 143 of the hollow rod 142 on the other hand. Each intermediate element 147, 148 is also made of a magnetic material capable of looping the lines of the magnetic field used to excite the active element 145.

Il est à noter qu'à l'image de ces éléments intercalaires 147, 148, la fonction du tube magnétique 201 est également de reboucler les lignes de champ magnétique générées pour commander l'élongation de l'élément actif 145.It should be noted that, like these intermediate elements 147, 148, the function of the magnetic tube 201 is also to loop back the magnetic field lines generated to control the elongation of the active element 145.

Les moyens de précontrainte 170 de ce second mode de réalisation sont identiques à ceux, décrits dans le cadre de la figure 1, du premier mode de réalisation. Cependant la variante du premier mode de réalisation, c'est-à-dire celle utilisant du fluide sous pression, pourrait bien évidemment être adaptée facilement au dispositif d'injection 100 de ce second mode de réalisation.The prestressing means 170 of this second embodiment are identical to those described in the context of the figure 1 of the first embodiment. However, the variant of the first embodiment, that is to say that using fluid under pressure, could obviously be easily adapted to the injection device 100 of this second embodiment.

Bien entendu l'invention concerne également tout véhicule automobile doté d'au moins un dispositif d'injection tel que précédemment décrit.Naturally, the invention also relates to any motor vehicle equipped with at least one injection device as previously described.

Claims (17)

  1. Fluid injection device (1, 100) comprising an outward-opening needle (40, 140) of which one end, which forms a valve shutter (41, 141), is able to be moved between a closed position in which the valve shutter (41, 141) closes off an opening (13, 113) intended for the ejection of the fluid, and a given open position in which the said valve shutter (41, 141) is positioned a controlled distance away from the said opening (13, 113), characterized in that the movement of the valve shutter (41, 141) between its closed position and its open position is generated by an intrinsic elongation that is controlled at every moment of the outward-opening needle (40, 140), the outward-opening needle (40, 140) comprising a hollow stem (42, 142) provided with one solid end (43, 143) that forms the valve shutter (41, 141) and an internal bar (44, 144) made up of an active element (45, 145), the said active element having a length that can be increased under the effect of an electric or magnetic field, and the elongation of the active element (45, 145) being able to deform longitudinally the outward-opening needle (40) comprising the said active element (45, 145).
  2. Injection device (1, 100) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the intrinsic elongation of the outward-opening needle (40, 140) occurs right up to the direct vicinity of the valve shutter (41, 141).
  3. Injection device (1) according to one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the active element is piezoelectric (45).
  4. Injection device (100) according to one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the active element is magnetostrictive (145).
  5. Injection device (1, 100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the active element (45, 145) is secured to a rear element (46, 146) that forms an inertial mass, and in that the internal bar (44, 144) is, on the one hand, mounted such that it can move axially inside the hollow stem (42, 142) and, on the other hand, secured to the solid end (43, 143) of the hollow stem (42, 142) via the active element (45, 145).
  6. Injection device (1, 100) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the stem (42, 142) has mechanical elasticity capable of allowing it to undergo longitudinal deformation that is reversible.
  7. Injection device (1, 100) according to one of Claims 5 and 6, characterized in that the rear element (46, 146) has a density and a rigidity that are appreciably greater than those of the other elements that make up the outward-opening needle (40, 140).
  8. Injection device (100) according to any one of Claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the active element (145) is magnetostrictive, in that the rear element (146) is non-magnetic, and in that the outward-opening needle (140) further comprises two inserts (147, 148) positioned one of them between the rear element (146) and the active element (145) and the other between the said active element (145) and the solid end (143) of the stem (142), each insert (147, 148) being made of a magnetic material capable of closing the lines of the magnetic field used to excite the active element (145).
  9. Injection device (1, 100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises preloading means (70, 170) capable of permanently compressing the internal bar (44, 144) against the solid end (43, 143) of the hollow stem (42, 142).
  10. Injection device (1, 100) according to Claim 9, characterized in that the preloading means (70, 170) comprise a compression spring (71, 171) acting axially on the apparent cross section (48, 148) of the internal bar (44, 144).
  11. Injection device (1) according to Claim 9, characterized in that the preloading means (70) comprise, on the one hand, pressurized fluid (72) acting axially on the apparent cross section (48) of the internal bar (44) and, on the other hand, a regulating valve (73) capable of limiting the internal pressure of the said fluid to a set value.
  12. Injection device (1, 100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises securing means (80, 180) capable, on the one hand, of immobilizing the outward-opening needle (40, 140) with respect to the body of the injection device (1, 100) when the said outward-opening needle (40, 140) experiences a force of an intensity lower than a given threshold value and, on the other hand, of allowing the outward-opening needle (40, 140) a translational movement with respect to the body of the injection device (1, 100) once the intensity of the applied force exceeds the said threshold value.
  13. Injection device (1, 100) according to Claim 12, characterized in that the securing means (80, 180) comprise:
    - at least three external grooves (82, 182) formed parallel to one another at the surface of a tubular element (81, 181), forming a shoulder, itself rigidly but removably secured around the outward-opening needle (40, 140), each external groove (82, 182) running in a plane orthogonal to the axis of the said outward-opening needle (40, 140),
    - a helical groove (83, 183) formed on the inside of the body of the injection device (1, 100),
    - and a ball (84, 184) for each external groove (82, 182), each ball (84, 184) being able to collaborate by being partially, substantially half, nested in the corresponding external groove (82, 182) on the one hand, and substantially half nested in the helical groove (83, 183) on the other hand.
  14. Injection device (1, 100) according to Claim 13, characterized in that the depth of each external groove (82, 182) is substantially greater than the radius of the corresponding ball (84, 184), in that the depth of the helical groove (83, 183) corresponds substantially to the radius of each ball (84, 184), and in that each external groove (82, 182) comprises a compression means (85, 185) capable of pushing the corresponding ball (84, 184) into the bottom of the helical groove (83, 183).
  15. Injection device (1, 100) according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it comprises tensioning means (90, 190) capable of keeping the valve shutter (41, 141) of the outward-opening needle (40, 140) pressed against its seat (15, 115).
  16. Injection device (1, 100) according to Claim 15, characterized in that the tensioning means (90, 190) comprise a compression spring (91, 191) positioned axially around the outward-opening needle (40, 140) and which collaborates by contact with, on the one hand, a shoulder-forming part (86, 186) of the tubular element (81, 181) and, on the other hand, a stop-forming part (22, 122) of the body of the injection device (1, 100).
  17. Motor vehicle, characterized in that it comprises at least one injection device (1, 100) according to any one of the preceding claims.
EP04742676A 2003-05-09 2004-05-07 Fluid injection device Expired - Lifetime EP1623107B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0305622A FR2854664B1 (en) 2003-05-09 2003-05-09 FLUID INJECTION DEVICE
PCT/FR2004/001118 WO2004101985A2 (en) 2003-05-09 2004-05-07 Fluid injection device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1623107A2 EP1623107A2 (en) 2006-02-08
EP1623107B1 true EP1623107B1 (en) 2009-03-18

Family

ID=33306253

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04742676A Expired - Lifetime EP1623107B1 (en) 2003-05-09 2004-05-07 Fluid injection device

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US7311273B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1623107B1 (en)
JP (1) JP4491461B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE426092T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602004020064D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2320453T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2854664B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2004101985A2 (en)

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2889257B1 (en) 2005-08-01 2007-11-02 Renault Sas FUEL INJECTION DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING SUCH A DEVICE
JP4734351B2 (en) * 2008-01-28 2011-07-27 日立オートモティブシステムズ株式会社 Fuel injection valve and internal combustion engine
DE602008004091D1 (en) * 2008-04-03 2011-02-03 Continental Automotive Gmbh Actuator arrangement and injection valve
FR2936025A1 (en) * 2008-09-16 2010-03-19 Renault Sas DEVICE FOR INJECTING FUID.
FR2936024B1 (en) * 2008-09-16 2014-08-08 Renault Sas FLUID INJECTION DEVICE.
FR2941746A1 (en) 2009-02-02 2010-08-06 Renault Sas DEVICE FOR INJECTING LIQUID, IN PARTICULAR FUEL, WITH ELECTROACTIVE ACTUATOR.
CN101798978B (en) * 2010-03-24 2012-04-04 朱小平 Electronic control split-type fuel injector
US8978364B2 (en) * 2012-05-07 2015-03-17 Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc. Reagent injector
US8910884B2 (en) 2012-05-10 2014-12-16 Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc. Coaxial flow injector

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2721100A (en) * 1951-11-13 1955-10-18 Jr Albert G Bodine High frequency injector valve
US4907748A (en) * 1988-08-12 1990-03-13 Ford Motor Company Fuel injector with silicon nozzle
DE19912665A1 (en) * 1999-03-20 2000-09-21 Bosch Gmbh Robert Fuel injector
FR2792369B1 (en) * 1999-04-15 2001-05-11 Renault FUEL INJECTION DEVICE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
DE19939133A1 (en) * 1999-08-18 2001-02-22 Bosch Gmbh Robert Fuel injector
US6584958B2 (en) * 1999-10-15 2003-07-01 Westport Research Inc. Directly actuated injection valve with a ferromagnetic needle
US6279842B1 (en) * 2000-02-29 2001-08-28 Rodi Power Systems, Inc. Magnetostrictively actuated fuel injector
FR2811717B1 (en) * 2000-07-13 2002-10-04 Renault FUEL INJECTION DEVICE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE
US6758408B2 (en) * 2000-07-21 2004-07-06 Siemens Automotive Corporation Metallurgical and mechanical compensation of the temperature response of terbium-based rare-earth magnetostrictive alloys
FR2816008B1 (en) * 2000-10-27 2003-02-07 Renault FUEL INJECTION DEVICE FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2004101985A2 (en) 2004-11-25
JP2006528747A (en) 2006-12-21
FR2854664A1 (en) 2004-11-12
JP4491461B2 (en) 2010-06-30
EP1623107A2 (en) 2006-02-08
US20060278735A1 (en) 2006-12-14
US7311273B2 (en) 2007-12-25
ATE426092T1 (en) 2009-04-15
DE602004020064D1 (en) 2009-04-30
WO2004101985A3 (en) 2005-01-27
FR2854664B1 (en) 2006-06-30
ES2320453T3 (en) 2009-05-22

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1047892B1 (en) Flow regulating valve
EP1963665B1 (en) Fuel injector for an internal combustion engine
FR2463347A1 (en) ELECTRICALLY CONTROLLED VALVE
FR2828721A1 (en) LIQUID CONTROL VALVE, ESPECIALLY INJECTOR
EP1623107B1 (en) Fluid injection device
FR2781529A1 (en) FUEL INJECTOR PROVIDED WITH AN UPSTREAM CONTROL VALVE AND METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION THEREOF
FR2760255A1 (en) DEVICE FOR TRANSMITTING A MOTION, INJECTOR COMPRISING SUCH A DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ADJUSTING SUCH AN INJECTOR
EP2459901B1 (en) Controllable hydraulic turnbuckle
FR2933748A1 (en) FUEL INJECTOR DEVICE
EP2771592B1 (en) Electric actuator comprising stress-limiting means and space launcher comprising a nozzle supported by such an actuator.
EP1209338B1 (en) Dosing device having an optimized setting
WO2006056716A1 (en) Assembly for a spacecraft propulsion system and propulsion system comprising at least one such assembly
FR2767932A1 (en) Fuel injection regulator for internal combustion engine
FR2859766A1 (en) FUEL INJECTION VALVE
FR2703424A1 (en) Electromagnetic three-way valve
EP1694993B1 (en) Hydraulic slide valve provided with a piezoelectric washer
WO2008132399A2 (en) Fuel injector for internal combustion engine
FR2941745A3 (en) Liquid i.e. fuel, injecting device, has electroactive material actuator triggering movement of head of needle, needle piston carried by end of needle, and hydraulic chamber connected to duct to maintain chamber supplied with liquid
FR2830286A1 (en) FUEL SUPPLY APPARATUS FOR ENGINE
FR2872245A1 (en) SOLENOID VALVE WITH SPRING GUIDE MEANS
FR2816097A1 (en) DEVICE FOR BREAKING THE ACOUSTIC IMPEDANCE OF A ROD
FR2908835A1 (en) Fuel injector e.g. inwards opening needle type injector, for motor vehicle, has blocking control hydraulic chamber with fuel inlet and outlet orifices through which chamber communicates with supply and injection orifices, respectively
EP1342913B1 (en) Fuel injector
WO2001038714A1 (en) Low pressure gas electromagnetic injector
FR2853363A1 (en) Pre-stressing force applying device for internal combustion engine, has fuel injector deformed under action of piling of active units assembled on nozzle, where units are piled on tubular unit to assure nozzle assembling on case

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20051006

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20061006

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: FRENCH

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 602004020064

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20090430

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2320453

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090318

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090318

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090318

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090618

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090318

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090318

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FD4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090318

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090318

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090318

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090826

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090318

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090318

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090531

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090618

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090531

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090318

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090531

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20091221

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20100129

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090602

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090619

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20090507

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090919

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090318

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090318

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20170519

Year of fee payment: 14

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20170523

Year of fee payment: 14

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20170526

Year of fee payment: 14

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20170628

Year of fee payment: 14

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20170519

Year of fee payment: 14

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602004020064

Country of ref document: DE

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20180507

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: BE

Ref legal event code: MM

Effective date: 20180531

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180507

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180507

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20181201

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180531

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20190913

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20180508