EP1840366B1 - Fuel injector - Google Patents

Fuel injector Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1840366B1
EP1840366B1 EP07102118A EP07102118A EP1840366B1 EP 1840366 B1 EP1840366 B1 EP 1840366B1 EP 07102118 A EP07102118 A EP 07102118A EP 07102118 A EP07102118 A EP 07102118A EP 1840366 B1 EP1840366 B1 EP 1840366B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pressure
chamber
fuel injector
fuel
coupling
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Not-in-force
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EP07102118A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1840366A2 (en
EP1840366A3 (en
Inventor
Patrick Mattes
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Robert Bosch GmbH
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Robert Bosch GmbH
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    • 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
    • F02M2200/00—Details of fuel-injection apparatus, not otherwise provided for
    • F02M2200/70—Linkage between actuator and actuated element, e.g. between piezoelectric actuator and needle valve or pump plunger
    • F02M2200/703—Linkage between actuator and actuated element, e.g. between piezoelectric actuator and needle valve or pump plunger hydraulic
    • F02M2200/705—Linkage between actuator and actuated element, e.g. between piezoelectric actuator and needle valve or pump plunger hydraulic with means for filling or emptying hydraulic chamber, e.g. 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
    • F02M2200/00—Details of fuel-injection apparatus, not otherwise provided for
    • F02M2200/70—Linkage between actuator and actuated element, e.g. between piezoelectric actuator and needle valve or pump plunger
    • F02M2200/703—Linkage between actuator and actuated element, e.g. between piezoelectric actuator and needle valve or pump plunger hydraulic
    • F02M2200/708—Linkage between actuator and actuated element, e.g. between piezoelectric actuator and needle valve or pump plunger hydraulic with hydraulic chambers formed by a movable sleeve

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a fuel injector according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method according to the preamble of claim 9.
  • the object of the invention is to reduce the production costs for a fuel injector according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the object is in a fuel injector with an injector housing having a high-pressure fuel inlet, which communicates with a central high-pressure fuel source outside of the injector and a pressure chamber within the injector in connection, from the high-pressure fuel into a combustion chamber an internal combustion engine is injected when a nozzle needle opens, which is coupled by an hydraulic coupler having at least one high-pressure coupling space with an actuator, achieved in that the coupling space communicates with a pressure relief space.
  • the actuator is preferably a piezoactuator.
  • the hydraulic coupler serves to translate the stroke and / or force of the actuator.
  • the pressure relief chamber is depressurized or has a pressure which is also referred to as low pressure and is significantly lower than the high pressure.
  • the pressure level in the coupling space is preferably lowered selectively close to the opening pressure of the nozzle needle.
  • a preferred embodiment of the fuel injector is characterized in that the coupling space is delimited by a coupler piston which is mechanically coupled to the actuator. On the opposite side of the coupling space is bounded by the combustion chamber distal end of the nozzle needle.
  • the coupling space can also be subdivided into a plurality of coupling spaces, which are connected to each other and are also referred to as sub-coupling spaces.
  • a further preferred embodiment of the fuel injector is characterized in that in that the actuator and the coupler piston are arranged in an actuator space, which communicates with the pressure relief space. This provides the advantage that the actuator does not have to be designed high-pressure resistant.
  • a further preferred exemplary embodiment of the fuel injector is characterized in that the coupling space is delimited by a coupling space limiting sleeve, which is guided at the end of the coupler piston close to the combustion chamber.
  • the coupling space limiting sleeve is preferably biased by a spring means against a part of the injector housing.
  • a further preferred embodiment of the fuel injector is characterized in that a defined guide clearance is provided between the coupler piston and the coupling space limiting sleeve.
  • a defined guide clearance is provided between the coupler piston and the coupling space limiting sleeve.
  • the Kopplungsraumbegrenzungshülse or the coupler piston may also be equipped with a pressure relief channel having a throttle and opens into the actuator chamber.
  • Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the fuel injector is characterized in that the coupling space communicates with a further coupling space, which is delimited by the combustion chamber distal end of the nozzle needle.
  • the further coupling space is preferably of one Limited nozzle needle sleeve, which is guided at the combustion chamber remote end of the nozzle needle.
  • a further preferred embodiment of the fuel injector is characterized in that the connection between the coupling spaces is equipped with a throttle. About the throttle, the opening movement of the nozzle needle can be influenced.
  • a further preferred exemplary embodiment of the fuel injector is characterized in that a high-pressure passage is recessed in the injector housing, through which fuel supplied with high pressure passes into the pressure space.
  • the high-pressure channel is, for example, a bore that runs parallel to the actuator chamber.
  • the above-described object is achieved in that the pressure level is selectively lowered in the coupling space before the actuator unfolds its effect.
  • the injection process comprises a first phase in which the pressure in the coupling space is lowered and a second phase in which the nozzle needle opens.
  • conventional injectors require about 20 to 30 percent of the actuator stroke.
  • the nozzle needle opens.
  • a preferred embodiment of the method is characterized in that the pressure level in the coupling space is lowered to near the opening pressure of the nozzle needle.
  • FIG. 1 is a fuel injector with a Injektorgepuruse 1 fragmentary and shown in longitudinal section.
  • the injector housing 1 comprises a nozzle body 2, which protrudes with its lower (cut off) free end into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine to be supplied with fuel. With its upper end face remote from the combustion chamber, the nozzle body 2 is braced axially against the intermediate body 3 and an injector body 4 by means of a clamping nut (not shown), which is also referred to as a holding body.
  • the holding body 4 has substantially the shape of a circular cylindrical jacket-shaped sleeve, whose one end face is closed by the intermediate body 3.
  • a nozzle needle 8 is guided axially displaceable.
  • the tip (not shown) of the nozzle needle cooperates with a sealing seat to release and close spray holes as a function of the position of the nozzle needle 8.
  • the nozzle needle is preferably equipped with a pressure shoulder, which is arranged in a pressure chamber 10 of the injector.
  • the pressure chamber 10 is connected via a (not shown) high-pressure connection channel with an actuator chamber 12 in connection, which in turn is connected via an inlet channel or a supply line with a high-pressure fuel source in communication, which is also referred to as common rail.
  • the fuel injector is actuated by a piezoactuator 14, which is mechanically coupled to a coupler piston 16 with the interposition of a compensating element 15.
  • the combustion chamber near end face of the coupler piston 16 defines a partial coupling chamber 18 in the axial direction.
  • the partial coupling space 18 is connected via a connecting channel 22, which is equipped with a throttle 23, with a further partial coupling space 24 in connection.
  • the further partial coupling space 24 is limited in the axial direction by the combustion chamber remote end of the nozzle needle 8. In the radial direction, the further partial coupling space 24 is delimited by a nozzle needle sleeve 25.
  • the two partial coupling spaces 18 and 24 together form a coupling space 28 of a hydraulic coupler.
  • the piezoelectric actuator 14 In the idle state of the fuel injector prevails in the coupling space 28 high pressure, which is also referred to as rail pressure.
  • the high pressure acts on the combustion chamber remote end face of the nozzle needle 8.
  • the piezoelectric actuator 14 is charged in the idle state of the fuel injector and has its maximum longitudinal extent. To actuate the fuel injector, the piezoactuator 14 is discharged and retracts.
  • the pressure in the sub-coupling spaces 18 and 24 drops and the nozzle needle 8 opens, that is, lifts off from its nozzle needle seat.
  • a needle stop is provided for stroke limitation.
  • FIG. 2 are the Aktorhub U, the coupling space pressure p K and the needle N of the in FIG. 1 represented fuel injector over time t plotted.
  • the injection process of the fuel injector is divided into a first phase, in which the pressure in the coupling space 28 is lowered, and in a second phase, in which the nozzle needle 8 opens.
  • the nozzle needle 8 springs open.
  • the hydraulic coupler is completely surrounded by high pressure. This results in that the pressure in the coupling space 28 must be actively lowered by the Aktorhub so that the nozzle needle 8 opens.
  • FIG. 3 is a similar fuel injector as in FIG. 1 partially shown in longitudinal section. To denote the same parts, the same reference numerals are used. To avoid repetition, the preceding description of the FIG. 1 directed. In the following, mainly the differences between the two fuel injectors will be discussed.
  • the pressure chamber 10 is connected via a high pressure passage 41 which extends through the injector body 4 and the intermediate body 3, with the (not shown) high-pressure fuel port of the fuel injector in connection.
  • the actuator chamber 12 is at the in FIG. 3 illustrated embodiment not subjected to high pressure, but connected via a (not shown) pressure relief channel with a pressure relief chamber.
  • the actuator chamber 12 is connected, for example, to a pressureless leakage oil circuit.
  • An arrow 44 indicates that the partial coupling chamber 18 is in flow communication with the actuator chamber 12 so that fuel can escape from the partial coupling chamber 18 via the actuator chamber 12 into the pressure relief chamber.
  • the pressure in the coupling space 28 is permanently lowered.
  • the pressure level in the coupling space 28 is lowered to close to the opening pressure of the nozzle needle.
  • the setting of this lowered pressure is preferably carried out by a defined guide clearance between the Kopplungungsraumbegrenzungshülse 20 and the coupler piston 16. Additionally or alternatively, however, can be provided in the coupler piston 16 and / or the Kopplungsraumbegrenzungshülse 20 throttled connection channels connecting the partial coupling chamber 18 with the actuator chamber 12 ,
  • FIG. 4 are the Aktorhub U, the coupling space pressure p K and the needle N of the in FIG. 3 represented fuel injector over time t plotted.
  • a dashed line 50 indicates the outlet pressure in the coupling space of a conventional fuel injector.
  • ⁇ p is in FIG. 4 indicated that the output pressure in the coupling space 28 of the in FIG. 3 shown
  • Fuel injector is significantly lower than a conventional injector.
  • the required actuator length can be reduced by 20 to 30 percent.
  • the reduced actuator length has a positive effect on the overall length of the injector.
  • a control unit used to control the fuel injector can also be made more cost-effective due to the shortened actuator length, since cheaper power amplifier elements can be used.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Fuel-Injection Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

The injector has an injector housing (1) comprising a fuel high pressure inlet, which stays in connection with a central fuel high pressure source and a pressure chamber (10). Fuel is injected into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine when a nozzle needle (8) is opened. The needle is coupled with a piezoactuator (14) by a hydraulic coupler, which comprises coupling chambers (24, 28) loaded with high pressure. The coupling chambers stay in connection with a pressure discharging chamber, where output pressure in the coupling chambers is smaller. An independent claim is also included for a method for injecting fuel loaded with pressure into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Kraftstoffinjektor gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 und ein Verfahren gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 9.The invention relates to a fuel injector according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method according to the preamble of claim 9.

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Bei herkömmlichen Kraftstoffinjektoren ist der hydraulische Koppler vollständig mit Hochdruck beaufschlagt, wie offenbart im Dokument US 2006/022554 A1 .In conventional fuel injectors, the hydraulic coupler is fully pressurized as disclosed in the document US 2006/022554 A1 ,

Offenbarung der ErfindungDisclosure of the invention

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, die Herstellkosten für einen Kraftstoffinjektor gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 zu reduzieren.The object of the invention is to reduce the production costs for a fuel injector according to the preamble of claim 1.

Die Aufgabe ist bei einem Kraftstoffinjektor mit einem Injektorgehäuse, das einen Kraftstoffhochdruckzulauf aufweist, der mit einer zentralen Kraftstoffhochdruckquelle außerhalb des Injektorgehäuses und mit einem Druckraum innerhalb des Injektorgehäuses in Verbindung steht, aus dem mit Hochdruck beaufschlagter Kraftstoff in einen Brennraum einer Brennkraftmaschine eingespritzt wird, wenn eine Düsennadel öffnet, die durch einen hydraulischen Koppler, der mindestens einen mit Hochdruck beaufschlagten Kopplungsraum aufweist, mit einem Aktor gekoppelt ist, dadurch gelöst, dass der Kopplungsraum mit einem Druckentlastungsraum in Verbindung steht. Bei dem Aktor handelt es sich vorzugsweise um einen Piezoaktor. Der hydraulische Koppler dient dazu, den Hub und/oder die Kraft des Aktors zu übersetzen. Der Druckentlastungsraum ist drucklos oder weist einen Druck auf, der auch als Niederdruck bezeichnet wird und deutlich geringer als der Hochdruck ist. Durch die Anbindung an den Druckentlastungsraum wird das Druckniveau in dem Kopplungsraum vorzugsweise bis nahe an den Öffnungsdruck der Düsennadel gezielt abgesenkt. Das liefert den Vorteil, dass die Länge des Aktors um 20 bis 30 Prozent reduziert werden kann. Dadurch kann die gesamte Baulänge des Injektors verringert werden.The object is in a fuel injector with an injector housing having a high-pressure fuel inlet, which communicates with a central high-pressure fuel source outside of the injector and a pressure chamber within the injector in connection, from the high-pressure fuel into a combustion chamber an internal combustion engine is injected when a nozzle needle opens, which is coupled by an hydraulic coupler having at least one high-pressure coupling space with an actuator, achieved in that the coupling space communicates with a pressure relief space. The actuator is preferably a piezoactuator. The hydraulic coupler serves to translate the stroke and / or force of the actuator. The pressure relief chamber is depressurized or has a pressure which is also referred to as low pressure and is significantly lower than the high pressure. By the connection to the pressure relief space, the pressure level in the coupling space is preferably lowered selectively close to the opening pressure of the nozzle needle. This provides the advantage that the length of the actuator can be reduced by 20 to 30 percent. As a result, the entire length of the injector can be reduced.

Ein bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel des Kraftstoffinjektors ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Kopplungsraum von einem Kopplerkolben begrenzt ist, der mechanisch mit dem Aktor gekoppelt ist. Auf der gegenüberliegenden Seite wird der Kopplungsraum von dem brennraumfernen Ende der Düsennadel begrenzt. Der Kopplungsraum kann auch in mehrere Kopplungsräume unterteilt sein, die miteinander in Verbindung stehen und auch als Teilkopplungsräume bezeichnet werden.A preferred embodiment of the fuel injector is characterized in that the coupling space is delimited by a coupler piston which is mechanically coupled to the actuator. On the opposite side of the coupling space is bounded by the combustion chamber distal end of the nozzle needle. The coupling space can also be subdivided into a plurality of coupling spaces, which are connected to each other and are also referred to as sub-coupling spaces.

Ein weiteres bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel des Kraftstoffinjektors ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Aktor und der Kopplerkolben in einem Aktorraum angeordnet sind, der mit dem Druckentlastungsraum in Verbindung steht. Das liefert den Vorteil, dass der Aktor nicht hochdruckfest ausgelegt werden muss.A further preferred embodiment of the fuel injector is characterized in that in that the actuator and the coupler piston are arranged in an actuator space, which communicates with the pressure relief space. This provides the advantage that the actuator does not have to be designed high-pressure resistant.

Ein weiteres bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel des Kraftstoffinjektors ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Kopplungsraum von einer Kopplungsraumbegrenzungshülse begrenzt ist, die an dem brennraumnahen Ende des Kopplerkolbens geführt ist. Die Kopplungsraumbegrenzungshülse ist vorzugsweise durch eine Federeinrichtung gegen ein Teil des Injektorgehäuses vorgespannt.A further preferred exemplary embodiment of the fuel injector is characterized in that the coupling space is delimited by a coupling space limiting sleeve, which is guided at the end of the coupler piston close to the combustion chamber. The coupling space limiting sleeve is preferably biased by a spring means against a part of the injector housing.

Ein weiteres bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel des Kraftstoffinjektors ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zwischen dem Kopplerkolben und der Kopplungsraumbegrenzungshülse ein definiertes Führungsspiel vorgesehen ist. Dadurch wird auf einfache Art und Weise eine gezielte Druckabsenkung in dem Kopplungsraum ermöglicht. Zum gleichen Zweck kann die Kopplungsraumbegrenzungshülse oder der Kopplerkolben auch mit einem Druckentlastungskanal ausgestattet sein, der eine Drossel aufweist und in den Aktorraum mündet.A further preferred embodiment of the fuel injector is characterized in that a defined guide clearance is provided between the coupler piston and the coupling space limiting sleeve. As a result, a targeted reduction in pressure in the coupling space is made possible in a simple manner. For the same purpose, the Kopplungsraumbegrenzungshülse or the coupler piston may also be equipped with a pressure relief channel having a throttle and opens into the actuator chamber.

Ein weiteres bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel des Kraftstoffinjektors ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Kopplungsraum mit einem weiteren Kopplungsraum in Verbindung steht, der von dem brennraumfernen Ende der Düsennadel begrenzt ist. Der weitere Kopplungsraum wird vorzugsweise von einer Düsennadelhülse begrenzt, die an dem brennraumfernen Ende der Düsennadel geführt ist.Another preferred exemplary embodiment of the fuel injector is characterized in that the coupling space communicates with a further coupling space, which is delimited by the combustion chamber distal end of the nozzle needle. The further coupling space is preferably of one Limited nozzle needle sleeve, which is guided at the combustion chamber remote end of the nozzle needle.

Ein weiteres bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel des Kraftstoffinjektors ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Verbindung zwischen den Kopplungsräumen mit einer Drossel ausgestattet ist. Über die Drossel kann die Öffnungsbewegung der Düsennadel gezielt beeinflusst werden.A further preferred embodiment of the fuel injector is characterized in that the connection between the coupling spaces is equipped with a throttle. About the throttle, the opening movement of the nozzle needle can be influenced.

Ein weiteres bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel des Kraftstoffinjektors ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in dem Injektorgehäuse ein Hochdruckkanal ausgespart ist, durch den mit Hochdruck beaufschlagter Kraftstoff in den Druckraum gelangt. Bei dem Hochdruckkanal handelt es sich zum Beispiel um eine Bohrung, die parallel zu dem Aktorraum verläuft.A further preferred exemplary embodiment of the fuel injector is characterized in that a high-pressure passage is recessed in the injector housing, through which fuel supplied with high pressure passes into the pressure space. The high-pressure channel is, for example, a bore that runs parallel to the actuator chamber.

Bei einem Verfahren zum Einspritzen von mit Hochdruck beaufschlagtem Kraftstoff in einen Brennraum einer Brennkraftmaschine, mit einem vorab beschriebenen Kraftstoffinjektor, ist die oben bezeichnete Aufgabe dadurch gelöst, dass das Druckniveau in dem Kopplungsraum gezielt abgesenkt wird, bevor der Aktor seine Wirkung entfaltet. Der Einspritzvorgang umfasst eine erste Phase, in welcher der Druck in dem Kopplungsraum abgesenkt wird, und eine zweite Phase, in welcher die Düsennadel öffnet. Um den Druckabfall in dem Kopplungsraum zu erzeugen, werden bei herkömmlichen Injektoren circa 20 bis 30 Prozent des Aktorhubs benötigt. Sobald der Öffnungsdruck erreicht ist, öffnet die Düsennadel. Durch die gezielte, dauerhafte Absenkung des Druckniveaus in dem Kopplungsraum verringert sich der benötigte Aktorhub.In a method for injecting high-pressure fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, with a fuel injector described above, the above-described object is achieved in that the pressure level is selectively lowered in the coupling space before the actuator unfolds its effect. The injection process comprises a first phase in which the pressure in the coupling space is lowered and a second phase in which the nozzle needle opens. To generate the pressure drop in the coupling space, conventional injectors require about 20 to 30 percent of the actuator stroke. As soon as the opening pressure is reached, the nozzle needle opens. By targeted, permanent lowering of the pressure level in the coupling space reduces the required Aktorhub.

Ein bevorzugtes Ausführungsbeispiel des Verfahrens ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Druckniveau in dem Kopplungsraum bis nahe an den Öffnungsdruck der Düsennadel abgesenkt wird.A preferred embodiment of the method is characterized in that the pressure level in the coupling space is lowered to near the opening pressure of the nozzle needle.

Kurze Beschreibung der ZeichnungenBrief description of the drawings

Es zeigen:

Figur 1
eine vereinfachte, ausschnittsweise Darstellung eines Kraftstoffinjektors im Längsschnitt, wobei der Aktorraum mit Hochdruck beaufschlagt ist;
Figur 2
drei kartesische Koordinatendiagramme, in denen der Aktorhub, der Druck im Kopplungsraum und der Nadelhub des in Figur 1 dargestellten Kraftstoffinjektors über der Zeit aufgetragen sind;
Figur 3
eine ähnliche Darstellung wie in Figur 1 gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung und
Figur 4
drei kartesische Koordinatendiagramme, in denen der Aktorhub, der Druck im Kopplungsraum und der Nadelhub des in Figur 3 dargestellten Kraftstoffinjektors über der Zeit aufgetragen sind.
Show it:
FIG. 1
a simplified, partial view of a fuel injector in longitudinal section, wherein the actuator chamber is subjected to high pressure;
FIG. 2
three cartesian coordinate diagrams in which the actuator stroke, the pressure in the coupling space and the needle stroke of the in FIG. 1 shown fuel injector are plotted over time;
FIG. 3
a similar representation as in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the invention and
FIG. 4
three cartesian coordinate diagrams in which the actuator stroke, the pressure in the coupling space and the needle stroke of the in FIG. 3 Plotted fuel injector over time are plotted.

Ausführungsform der ErfindungEmbodiment of the invention

In Figur 1 ist ein Kraftstoffinjektor mit einem Injektorgehäuse 1 ausschnittsweise und im Längsschnitt dargestellt. Das Injektorgehäuse 1 umfasst einen Düsenkörper 2, der mit seinem unteren (abgeschnitten dargestellten) freien Ende in einen Brennraum einer mit Kraftstoff zu versorgenden Brennkraftmaschine ragt. Mit seiner oberen brennraumfernen Stirnfläche ist der Düsenkörper 2 mittels einer (nicht dargestellten) Spannmutter axial gegen den Zwischenkörper 3 und einen Injektorkörper 4 verspannt, der auch als Haltekörper bezeichnet wird. Der Haltekörper 4 hat im Wesentlichen die Gestalt einer kreiszylindermantelförmigen Hülse, deren eine Stirnseite durch den Zwischenkörper 3 geschlossen ist.In FIG. 1 is a fuel injector with a Injektorgehäuse 1 fragmentary and shown in longitudinal section. The injector housing 1 comprises a nozzle body 2, which protrudes with its lower (cut off) free end into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine to be supplied with fuel. With its upper end face remote from the combustion chamber, the nozzle body 2 is braced axially against the intermediate body 3 and an injector body 4 by means of a clamping nut (not shown), which is also referred to as a holding body. The holding body 4 has substantially the shape of a circular cylindrical jacket-shaped sleeve, whose one end face is closed by the intermediate body 3.

In dem Düsenkörper 2 ist eine Düsennadel 8 axial verschiebbar geführt. Die (nicht dargestellte) Spitze der Düsennadel wirkt mit einem Dichtsitz zusammen, um Spritzlöcher in Abhängigkeit von der Stellung der Düsennadel 8 freizugeben und zu verschließen. Die Düsennadel ist vorzugsweise mit einer Druckschulter ausgestattet, die in einem Druckraum 10 des Injektorgehäuses angeordnet ist. Der Druckraum 10 steht über einen (nicht dargestellten) Hochdruckverbindungskanal mit einem Aktorraum 12 in Verbindung, der wiederum über einen Zulaufkanal oder eine Zulaufleitung mit einer Kraftstoffhochdruckquelle in Verbindung steht, die auch als Common Rail bezeichnet wird.In the nozzle body 2, a nozzle needle 8 is guided axially displaceable. The tip (not shown) of the nozzle needle cooperates with a sealing seat to release and close spray holes as a function of the position of the nozzle needle 8. The nozzle needle is preferably equipped with a pressure shoulder, which is arranged in a pressure chamber 10 of the injector. The pressure chamber 10 is connected via a (not shown) high-pressure connection channel with an actuator chamber 12 in connection, which in turn is connected via an inlet channel or a supply line with a high-pressure fuel source in communication, which is also referred to as common rail.

Der Kraftstoffinjektor wird mit einem Piezoaktor 14 betätigt, der unter Zwischenschaltung eines Ausgleichselements 15 mechanisch mit einem Kopplerkolben 16 gekoppelt ist. Die brennraumnahe Stirnfläche des Kopplerkolbens 16 begrenzt einen Teilkopplungsraum 18 in axialer Richtung. In radialer Richtung ist der Teilkopplungsraum 18 durch eine Kopplungsraumbegrenzungshülse 20 begrenzt, die an dem Kopplerkolben 16 geführt und durch eine Druckfeder vorgespannt ist. Der Teilkopplungsraum 18 steht über einen Verbindungskanal 22, der mit einer Drossel 23 ausgestattet ist, mit einem weiteren Teilkopplungsraum 24 in Verbindung. Der weitere Teilkopplungsraum 24 wird in axialer Richtung durch das brennraumferne Ende der Düsennadel 8 begrenzt. In radialer Richtung ist der weitere Teilkopplungsraum 24 durch eine Düsennadelhülse 25 begrenzt. Die beiden Teilkopplungsräume 18 und 24 bilden zusammen einen Kopplungsraum 28 eines hydraulischen Kopplers.The fuel injector is actuated by a piezoactuator 14, which is mechanically coupled to a coupler piston 16 with the interposition of a compensating element 15. The combustion chamber near end face of the coupler piston 16 defines a partial coupling chamber 18 in the axial direction. In the radial direction of the partial coupling space 18 is limited by a coupling space limiting sleeve 20 which is guided on the coupler piston 16 and biased by a compression spring. The partial coupling space 18 is connected via a connecting channel 22, which is equipped with a throttle 23, with a further partial coupling space 24 in connection. The further partial coupling space 24 is limited in the axial direction by the combustion chamber remote end of the nozzle needle 8. In the radial direction, the further partial coupling space 24 is delimited by a nozzle needle sleeve 25. The two partial coupling spaces 18 and 24 together form a coupling space 28 of a hydraulic coupler.

Im Ruhezustand des Kraftstoffinjektors herrscht in dem Kopplungsraum 28 Hochdruck, der auch als Raildruck bezeichnet wird. Der Hochdruck wirkt auf die brennraumferne Stirnfläche der Düsennadel 8. Der Piezoaktor 14 ist im Ruhezustand des Kraftstoffinjektors aufgeladen und hat seine maximale Längsausdehnung. Zur Ansteuerung des Kraftstoffinjektors wird der Piezoaktor 14 entladen und zieht sich dabei zurück. Der Druck in den Teilkopplungsräumen 18 und 24 fällt ab und die Düsennadel 8 öffnet, das heißt, hebt von ihrem Düsennadelsitz ab. Vorzugsweise ist ein Nadelanschlag zur Hubbegrenzung vorgesehen.In the idle state of the fuel injector prevails in the coupling space 28 high pressure, which is also referred to as rail pressure. The high pressure acts on the combustion chamber remote end face of the nozzle needle 8. The piezoelectric actuator 14 is charged in the idle state of the fuel injector and has its maximum longitudinal extent. To actuate the fuel injector, the piezoactuator 14 is discharged and retracts. The pressure in the sub-coupling spaces 18 and 24 drops and the nozzle needle 8 opens, that is, lifts off from its nozzle needle seat. Preferably, a needle stop is provided for stroke limitation.

In Figur 2 sind der Aktorhub U, der Kopplungsraumdruck pK und der Nadelhub N des in Figur 1 dargestellten Kraftstoffinjektors über der Zeit t aufgetragen. Der Einspritzvorgang des Kraftstoffinjektors teilt sich in eine erste Phase, in welcher der Druck in dem Kopplungsraum 28 abgesenkt wird, und in eine zweite Phase, in der die Düsennadel 8 öffnet. Um den Druckabfall in dem Kopplungsraum 28 zu erzeugen, werden circa 20 bis 30 Prozent des Aktorhubs U benötigt. Sobald der Öffnungsdruck erreicht wird, springt die Düsennadel 8 auf.In FIG. 2 are the Aktorhub U, the coupling space pressure p K and the needle N of the in FIG. 1 represented fuel injector over time t plotted. The injection process of the fuel injector is divided into a first phase, in which the pressure in the coupling space 28 is lowered, and in a second phase, in which the nozzle needle 8 opens. To generate the pressure drop in the coupling space 28, about 20 to 30 percent of the actuator stroke U is needed. As soon as the opening pressure is reached, the nozzle needle 8 springs open.

Bei dem in Figur 1 dargestellten Kraftstoffinjektor ist der hydraulische Koppler vollständig von Hochdruck umgeben. Das führt dazu, dass der Druck in dem Kopplungsraum 28 aktiv durch den Aktorhub abgesenkt werden muss, damit die Düsennadel 8 öffnet.At the in FIG. 1 shown fuel injector, the hydraulic coupler is completely surrounded by high pressure. This results in that the pressure in the coupling space 28 must be actively lowered by the Aktorhub so that the nozzle needle 8 opens.

In Figur 3 ist ein ähnlicher Kraftstoffinjektor wie in Figur 1 ausschnittsweise im Längsschnitt dargestellt. Zur Bezeichnung gleicher Teile werden die gleichen Bezugszeichen verwendet. Um Wiederholungen zu vermeiden, wird auf die vorangegangene Beschreibung der Figur 1 verwiesen. Im Folgenden wird hauptsächlich auf die Unterschiede zwischen den beiden Kraftstoffinjektoren eingegangen.In FIG. 3 is a similar fuel injector as in FIG. 1 partially shown in longitudinal section. To denote the same parts, the same reference numerals are used. To avoid repetition, the preceding description of the FIG. 1 directed. In the following, mainly the differences between the two fuel injectors will be discussed.

Bei dem in Figur 3 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel steht der Druckraum 10 über einen Hochdruckkanal 41, der sich durch den Injektorkörper 4 und den Zwischenkörper 3 erstreckt, mit dem (nicht dargestellten) Kraftstoffhochdruckanschluss des Kraftstoffinjektors in Verbindung. Gemäß einem wesentlichen Aspekt der Erfindung ist der Aktorraum 12 bei dem in Figur 3 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel nicht mit Hochdruck beaufschlagt, sondern über einen (nicht dargestellten) Druckentlastungskanal mit einem Druckentlastungsraum verbunden. Der Aktorraum 12 ist zum Beispiel an einen drucklosen Leckölkreis angebunden.At the in FIG. 3 illustrated embodiment, the pressure chamber 10 is connected via a high pressure passage 41 which extends through the injector body 4 and the intermediate body 3, with the (not shown) high-pressure fuel port of the fuel injector in connection. According to one essential aspect of the invention, the actuator chamber 12 is at the in FIG. 3 illustrated embodiment not subjected to high pressure, but connected via a (not shown) pressure relief channel with a pressure relief chamber. The actuator chamber 12 is connected, for example, to a pressureless leakage oil circuit.

Durch einen Pfeil 44 ist angedeutet, dass der Teilkopplungsraum 18 mit dem Aktorraum 12 in Strömungsverbindung steht, so dass Kraftstoff aus dem Teilkopplungsraum 18 über den Aktorraum 12 in den Druckentlastungsraum entweichen kann. Dadurch wird der Druck in dem Kopplungsraum 28 dauerhaft abgesenkt. Gemäß einem wesentlichen Aspekt der Erfindung wird das Druckniveau in dem Kopplungsraum 28 bis nahe an den Öffnungsdruck der Düsennadel abgesenkt. Die Einstellung dieses abgesenkten Drucks erfolgt vorzugsweise durch ein definiertes Führungsspiel zwischen der Kopplungsraumbegrenzungshülse 20 und dem Kopplerkolben 16. Zusätzlich oder alternativ können aber auch in dem Kopplerkolben 16 und/oder der Kopplungsraumbegrenzungshülse 20 gedrosselte Verbindungskanäle vorgesehen werden, die den Teilkopplungsraum 18 mit dem Aktorraum 12 verbinden.An arrow 44 indicates that the partial coupling chamber 18 is in flow communication with the actuator chamber 12 so that fuel can escape from the partial coupling chamber 18 via the actuator chamber 12 into the pressure relief chamber. As a result, the pressure in the coupling space 28 is permanently lowered. According to an essential aspect of the invention, the pressure level in the coupling space 28 is lowered to close to the opening pressure of the nozzle needle. The setting of this lowered pressure is preferably carried out by a defined guide clearance between the Kopplungungsraumbegrenzungshülse 20 and the coupler piston 16. Additionally or alternatively, however, can be provided in the coupler piston 16 and / or the Kopplungsraumbegrenzungshülse 20 throttled connection channels connecting the partial coupling chamber 18 with the actuator chamber 12 ,

In Figur 4 sind der Aktorhub U, der Kopplungsraumdruck pK und der Nadelhub N des in Figur 3 dargestellten Kraftstoffinjektors über der Zeit t aufgetragen. Durch eine gestrichelte Linie 50 ist der Ausgangsdruck in dem Kopplungsraum eines herkömmlichen Kraftstoffinjektors angedeutet. Durch Δp ist in Figur 4 angedeutet, dass der Ausgangsdruck in dem Kopplungsraum 28 des in Figur 3 dargestellten Kraftstoffinjektors deutlich geringer als bei einem herkömmlichen Injektor ist. Dadurch kann die benötigte Aktorlänge um 20 bis 30 Prozent reduziert werden. Die reduzierte Aktorlänge wirkt sich positiv auf die Baulänge des Injektors aus. Darüber hinaus kann ein zur Steuerung des Kraftstoffinjektors verwendetes Steuergerät aufgrund der verkürzten Aktorlänge ebenfalls kostengünstiger hergestellt werden, da günstigere Endstufenelemente verwendet werden können.In FIG. 4 are the Aktorhub U, the coupling space pressure p K and the needle N of the in FIG. 3 represented fuel injector over time t plotted. A dashed line 50 indicates the outlet pressure in the coupling space of a conventional fuel injector. By Δp is in FIG. 4 indicated that the output pressure in the coupling space 28 of the in FIG. 3 shown Fuel injector is significantly lower than a conventional injector. As a result, the required actuator length can be reduced by 20 to 30 percent. The reduced actuator length has a positive effect on the overall length of the injector. In addition, a control unit used to control the fuel injector can also be made more cost-effective due to the shortened actuator length, since cheaper power amplifier elements can be used.

Claims (10)

  1. Fuel injector having an injector housing (1) which has a high-pressure fuel inlet which is connected to a central high-pressure fuel source outside the injector housing (1) and to a pressure chamber (10) within the injector housing (1), from which pressure chamber (10) highly pressurized fuel is injected into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine when a nozzle needle (8) opens, which nozzle needle (8) is coupled to an actuator (14) by means of a hydraulic coupler which has at least one highly pressurized coupling chamber (18,24,28), characterized in that the coupling chamber (18,24,28) is connected to a pressure relief chamber.
  2. Fuel injector according to Claim 1, characterized in that the coupling chamber (18,24,28) is delimited by a coupler piston (16) which is mechanically coupled to the actuator (14).
  3. Fuel injector according to Claim 2, characterized in that the actuator (14) and the coupler piston (16) are arranged in an actuator chamber (12) which is connected to the pressure relief chamber.
  4. Fuel injector according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the coupling chamber (18,24,28) is delimited by a coupling chamber delimiting sleeve (20) which is guided on that end of the coupler piston (16) which is close to the combustion chamber.
  5. Fuel injector according to Claim 4, characterized in that a defined guide play is provided between the coupler piston (16) and the coupling chamber delimiting sleeve (20), which guide play permits a targeted pressure reduction in the coupling chamber.
  6. Fuel injector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling chamber (18) is connected to a further coupling chamber (24) which is delimited by that end of the nozzle needle (8) which is remote from the combustion chamber.
  7. Fuel injector according to Claim 6, characterized in that the connection between the coupling chambers (18,24) is equipped with a throttle (23).
  8. Fuel injector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a high-pressure duct (41) is cut out in the injector housing (1), through which high-pressure duct (41) highly pressurized fuel passes into the pressure chamber (10).
  9. Method for injecting highly pressurized fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, having a fuel injector according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure level in the coupling chamber (18,24,28) is reduced in a targeted fashion before the actuator (14) performs its function.
  10. Method according to Claim 9, characterized in that the pressure level in the coupling chamber (18,24,28) is reduced to close to the opening pressure of the nozzle needle (8).
EP07102118A 2006-03-28 2007-02-12 Fuel injector Not-in-force EP1840366B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102006014245A DE102006014245A1 (en) 2006-03-28 2006-03-28 fuel injector

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EP1840366A2 EP1840366A2 (en) 2007-10-03
EP1840366A3 EP1840366A3 (en) 2009-03-25
EP1840366B1 true EP1840366B1 (en) 2010-12-15

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EP07102118A Not-in-force EP1840366B1 (en) 2006-03-28 2007-02-12 Fuel injector

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EP (1) EP1840366B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE491881T1 (en)
DE (2) DE102006014245A1 (en)
ES (1) ES2355591T3 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102012212614A1 (en) 2012-07-18 2014-01-23 Continental Automotive Gmbh Piezo injector with hydraulically coupled nozzle needle movement
DE102012222509A1 (en) 2012-12-07 2014-06-12 Continental Automotive Gmbh piezoinjector
DE102012223934B4 (en) 2012-12-20 2015-10-15 Continental Automotive Gmbh piezoinjector

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10160191A1 (en) * 2001-12-07 2003-06-26 Bosch Gmbh Robert Fuel injector with remotely operated actuator, optimized system pressure supply has coupling chamber connected to high pressure side via shunt line, system pressure maintaining unit
DE102004037255B4 (en) * 2004-07-31 2016-06-09 Robert Bosch Gmbh Method for operating a fuel injection device, in particular for a motor vehicle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1840366A2 (en) 2007-10-03
ATE491881T1 (en) 2011-01-15
ES2355591T3 (en) 2011-03-29
DE502007005923D1 (en) 2011-01-27
EP1840366A3 (en) 2009-03-25
DE102006014245A1 (en) 2007-10-04

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