Fuel atomization injection device and engine
By designing the mixing chamber structure of the fuel injector and air injector, and utilizing control valves and vortex airflow to achieve full fuel atomization, the problem of difficult atomization of liquid fuel under high-pressure air is solved, thereby improving the engine's fuel utilization rate and low-temperature start-up performance.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202410598333.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-14
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-14
AI Technical Summary
In the existing technology, liquid fuel injectors are difficult to atomize effectively under high-pressure pressurized air, especially when fuel injection is difficult during low-temperature cold start, and the sealing requirements are high.
A fuel atomization injection device was designed, comprising a fuel injector and an air injector. Fuel and air are controlled to enter the mixing chamber through independent control valves. The device utilizes impact pins and vortex airflow to achieve full fuel atomization and optimizes fuel injection through flexible injection control modes.
It achieves full fuel atomization, reduces the pressure requirements of the mixing chamber, ensures smooth cold starts at low temperatures, improves fuel economy and engine efficiency, and reduces fuel consumption and emissions.
Smart Images
Figure CN120946484A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle engines, and more specifically, to a fuel atomizing injection device and an engine. Background Technology
[0002] With the rapid development of the automotive industry, the properties and quality of liquid fuels are constantly improving. Liquid fuels include methanol and other alcohol-based fuels. Methanol, due to its advantages such as clean emissions and good economy, is increasingly being used as a fuel for new energy vehicles. Methanol is typically contained in an onboard methanol tank and needs to be thoroughly mixed and atomized with pressurized air before combustion in the engine block. In some existing designs, the pressurized air source is kept in contact with the mixing chamber, maintaining high pressure within the mixing chamber. Due to the high pressure of the pressurized air, high pressure requirements are placed on the methanol injector, especially under conditions such as cold starts in low temperatures. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to solve or at least alleviate the problems existing in the prior art.
[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a fuel atomizing injection device is provided, comprising: A fuel injector, the fuel injector comprising: a fuel inlet, a fuel outlet, and a fuel passage between the fuel inlet and the fuel outlet, wherein a first control valve is disposed in the fuel passage; An air injector, comprising: an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air passage between the air inlet and the air outlet, wherein a second control valve is disposed in the air passage; and A mixing chamber, which is connected to both the fuel outlet and the air outlet, and is also connected to a mixed fuel outlet; The first control valve and the second control valve are opened and closed in a controlled manner to inject fuel and air into the mixing chamber.
[0005] According to another aspect, an engine is provided, the engine including a fuel atomizing injection device according to various embodiments, the fuel atomizing injection device supplying atomized fuel to the engine.
[0006] The various devices according to embodiments of the present invention are capable of fully atomizing fuel. Attached Figure Description
[0007] The disclosure of this invention will become more readily understood with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that these drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. Furthermore, similar numbers in the drawings are used to denote similar components, wherein: Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a fuel atomizing injection device according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An enlarged view of the mixing chamber section; Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of section AA; Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of section BB; and Figure 5 A schematic diagram of control signals for a fuel atomizing injection device according to an embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation
[0008] refer to Figures 1 to 4 This invention introduces a fuel atomizing injection device according to various embodiments of the present invention. The fuel atomizing injection device includes: a fuel injector 1, comprising a fuel inlet 11, a fuel outlet 12, and a fuel passage between the fuel inlet 11 and the fuel outlet 12, with a first control valve disposed in the fuel passage; an air injector 2, comprising an air inlet 21, an air outlet 22, and an air passage between the air inlet 21 and the air outlet 22, with a second control valve disposed in the air passage; and a mixing chamber 40, which is connected to both the fuel outlet 12 and the air outlet 22; the first and second control valves are controlled to open and close to inject fuel and air into the mixing chamber. The fuel passage and the air passage may be independent unidirectional passages, i.e., from the inlet to the outlet. The first and second control valves may be solenoid valves or other controllable valves arranged in the passages. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fuel atomizing injection device has control valves respectively provided in the fuel injector 1 and the air injector 2, so that the pressure in the mixing chamber 40 can be adjusted to avoid the situation where the fuel injector 1 has difficulty injecting fuel into the mixing chamber 40 due to excessively high pressurized air pressure.
[0009] In some embodiments, the fuel atomizing injection device includes an inlet housing 3, a mixing chamber housing 4, and a fuel injector 1 and an air injector 2 arranged side-by-side between the inlet housing 3 and the mixing chamber housing 4. In some embodiments, the fuel injector 1 and the air injector 2 may be pre-assembled components with separate housings. The fuel injector 1 and the air injector 2 can be engaged with the inlet housing 3 and the mixing chamber housing 4 by means of seals. Since the mixing chamber 40 according to embodiments of the present invention does not need to maintain high pressure, the sealing requirements for the mixing chamber 40 can be slightly reduced. In alternative embodiments, the fuel atomizing injection device may also employ other structures, such as a one-piece molded housing. In some embodiments, the fuel inlet 11 and the fuel outlet 12 of the fuel injector are arranged opposite each other, and the fuel passage may be a straight passage. Similarly, the air inlet 21 and the air outlet 22 of the air injector are arranged opposite each other, and the air passage may be a straight passage. The inlet housing 3 is connected to the fuel inlet 11 and the air inlet 21, and the inlet housing 3 includes a first port 31 and a second port 32. The first port 31 is aligned with the fuel inlet 11 and is used for connection to a fuel source, such as a methanol tank on a vehicle. The second port 32 is aligned with the air inlet 21 and is used to connect to a high-pressure air source, such as an air pressurization device on a vehicle, which draws in ambient air and pressurizes it. The mixing chamber housing 4 is connected to the fuel outlet 12 and the air outlet 22. The mixing chamber housing 4 includes a mixed fuel outlet 49, which can be connected to an engine, for example, to inject mixed fuel into the engine for combustion.
[0010] In some embodiments, the mixing chamber has a partition wall 7 to divide the mixing chamber into a first chamber 41 near the fuel outlet 12 and a second chamber 42 near the mixed fuel outlet. Pressurized air is divided into a first portion and a second portion and mixed with fuel in the first chamber 41 and the second chamber 42, respectively. In some embodiments, the partition wall includes a first side 701 facing the fuel outlet 12. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The upper side of the middle) and the second side 702 opposite to the first side 701 ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 The partition wall 7 (located on the lower side of the partition wall) has a plurality of flow channels 72 extending from a first side 701 to a second side 702 to connect the first chamber 41 and the second chamber 42. A first portion of the fuel and air mixed in the first chamber 41 flows through the plurality of flow channels 72 to the second chamber 42 and mixes with a second portion of the air in the second chamber 42.
[0011] In some embodiments, an impact pin 71 is provided in the mixing chamber facing the fuel outlet 12 of the fuel injector 1, such that fuel droplets ejected from the fuel outlet 12 are refined by impacting the impact pin 71. In some embodiments, when a partition wall 7 is present, the impact pin 71 may be disposed on a first side 701 of the partition wall 7; alternatively, the impact pin 71 may also be fixed in other ways to face the fuel outlet 12. In some embodiments, the impact pin 71 may be conical; alternatively, the impact pin 71 may also have other suitable shapes such as cylindrical, hemispherical, etc.
[0012] In some embodiments, a plurality of flow channels 72 may be arranged circumferentially around the impact pin 71. In some embodiments, the plurality of flow channels 72 may diffuse radially outward, for example, at an angle of approximately 30 to 60 degrees to the vertical. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the cross-section of the multiple flow channels 72 can be elliptical. Alternatively, the cross-section of the multiple flow channels 72 can be other suitable shapes, such as circles.
[0013] In some embodiments, the fuel atomizing injection device further includes: a transition chamber 43 facing the air outlet 22 of the air injector 2; a first passage 67 communicating from the transition chamber 43 to a first chamber 41; and a second passage 68 communicating from the transition chamber 43 to a second chamber 42. Compressed air ejected from the air injector 2 first enters the transition chamber 43, and a first portion of the pressurized air enters the first chamber 41 through the first passage 67, while a second portion of the pressurized air enters the second chamber 42 through the second passage 68. In some embodiments, the first passage 67 and the second passage 68 are configured such that a vortex airflow is formed when the pressurized air enters the first chamber 41 and the second chamber 42.
[0014] In some embodiments, a first channel 67 extends from a first channel inlet 61 in the transition chamber 43 to a first channel outlet 62 in the first chamber 41, the first channel outlet 62 leading to a cylindrical section of the first chamber 41. In some embodiments, the first channel 67 extends tangentially to the cylindrical section of the first chamber, such that pressurized air entering the first chamber forms a vortex airflow to adequately mix with the fuel. In some embodiments, the first channel outlet 62 is approximately at the same level as the top of the impact pin 71 (section AA), such that pressurized air entering the mixing chamber forms a vortex airflow around the impact pin 71 and moves towards the second chamber under the action of injected fuel.
[0015] In some embodiments, a Laval structure channel is formed between the second side 702 of the partition wall 7 and the inner wall of the mixing chamber. Specifically, in some embodiments, the second side 702 of the partition wall 7 is generally hemispherical and includes a generally vertical segment 7021, an arcuate segment 7022, and a top 7023. The generally vertical segment 7021 forms an annular chamber 44 between itself and a corresponding vertical segment 47 of the inner wall of the mixing chamber. In some embodiments, a second channel 68 extends from a second channel inlet in the transition chamber 43 to a second channel outlet 63 in the second chamber 42. In some embodiments, the second channel inlet is the same as the first channel inlet 41. In some embodiments, the second channel outlet 63 leads to the annular chamber 44 of the second chamber 42. In some embodiments, the second channel 68 is generally at the same level as the bottom of the impact pin 71 (section BB). Figure 4 As shown, although the second channel 68 is not tangential to the annular chamber 44 due to the shape limitation of the mixing chamber housing 4 in the illustrated embodiment, it is still sufficient to induce vortex airflow around the annular chamber. In some embodiments, the arcuate section 7022 on the second side of the partition wall and the arcuate section 48 on the inner wall of the mixing chamber together define a Laval structure channel 46 that tapers and then expands, through which the annular chamber 44 communicates to the mixed fuel outlet 49. In some embodiments, the outlets of the plurality of flow channels 72 of the partition wall at the second wall 702 are aligned with the Laval structure channel 46. In some embodiments, the second side 702 of the partition wall has an inverted conical guide wall 75 at the hemispherical top 7023, where a negative pressure will be generated. The above structure ensures sufficient refinement of the fuel and sufficient mixing with pressurized air, improving the engine's fuel efficiency and range per unit fuel.
[0016] In some embodiments, the mixing chamber housing 4 is integrally formed and includes a partition wall 7, and the mixing chamber housing 43 defines a first chamber 41, a second chamber 42, a transition chamber 43, a first channel 67, and a second channel 68. Alternatively, the mixing chamber housing 4 may be assembled from multiple parts; for example, the partition wall 7 may be a separate component mounted to the mixing chamber.
[0017] In some embodiments, the fuel atomizing injection device has a built-in controller or a controller interface connected to a controller on the vehicle, thereby controlling the opening and closing of the first control valve and the second control valve. The controllability of the first and second control valves provides the adjustability of the fuel atomizing injection device. In some embodiments, such as Figure 5As shown, the first control valve of the fuel injector is controlled to open and close by a first-cycle current or voltage, and the second control valve of the air injector is controlled to open and close by a second-cycle current or voltage. In some embodiments, the first-cycle current or voltage and the second-cycle current or voltage are pulse currents or pulse voltages, respectively. Alternatively, other waveforms of current or voltage may also be used. Through different configuration schemes, the first-cycle current or voltage and the second-cycle current or voltage can be configured to cause air to be injected from the corresponding injector before or after the fuel. In the illustrated embodiment, the start point of the first pulse of the first control valve of the fuel injector is earlier than the start point of the first pulse of the second control valve of the air injector, i.e., a is greater than zero; the end point of the first pulse of the first control valve of the fuel injector is earlier than the end point of the first pulse of the second control valve of the air injector, i.e., b is greater than zero; and the duration T1 of the first pulse of the first control valve of the fuel injector is equal to the duration T2 of the first pulse of the second control valve of the air injector, i.e., T1 = T2. With this control method, fuel enters the mixing chamber before air, so that the high pressure of the pressurized air has a smaller impact on fuel injection. In alternative embodiments, a < 0, b ≥ 0, T2 ≥ T1 can be set to provide an air-first injection mode, or a > 0, b ≥ 0, T2 ≥ T1 can be set to provide an air-later injection mode. It should be understood that the above designs are merely exemplary, and various configurations can be compared experimentally to obtain various parameters, achieving trade-offs in fuel economy, power, and other aspects. In some embodiments, multiple different control schemes can be configured based on changes in the pressure of the fuel and air sources.
[0018] According to embodiments of the present invention, an engine is also provided, the engine including a fuel atomizing injection device according to various embodiments, the fuel atomizing injection device supplying atomized fuel to the engine. The engine may be a methanol engine. According to embodiments of the present invention, a vehicle is also provided, the vehicle including the engine according to embodiments.
[0019] The effects that may be achieved by the preferred embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to: the mixing chamber is not always kept at high pressure, which enables fuel injection at lower pressure, lower sealing requirements, and also ensures smooth cold start at low temperatures; flexible injection control enables various different modes and injection optimizations, and accurately monitors fuel and air flow; the refinement of the injected fuel droplets, with the injected fuel droplets being refined three times at three locations: the impact pin, the first chamber, and the second chamber, so that the injected droplets with an initial diameter of more than 100 μm are refined to a diameter of less than 10 μm before entering the engine. The smaller droplet diameter means lower fuel consumption, lower emissions, and higher fuel economy.
[0020] The specific embodiments described above are merely for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the principles of the invention, wherein the various components are clearly shown or described to make the principles of the invention easier to understand. It should be noted that the directional terms such as vertical and horizontal used herein refer specifically to the fuel atomizing injection device. Figure 1 The orientation shown changes accordingly when the fuel atomizing injection device changes direction; the vertical and horizontal directions also change accordingly. Various modifications or variations can be readily made to this invention by those skilled in the art without departing from its scope. Therefore, it should be understood that all such modifications or variations should be included within the patent protection scope of this invention.
Claims
1. A fuel atomizing injection device, comprising: A fuel injector (1) includes: a fuel inlet (11), a fuel outlet (12), and a fuel passage between the fuel inlet (11) and the fuel outlet (12), wherein a first control valve is disposed in the fuel passage; An air injector (2), comprising: an air inlet (21), an air outlet (22), and an air passage between the air inlet (21) and the air outlet (22), wherein a second control valve is disposed in the air passage; and A mixing chamber (40) is connected to the fuel outlet (12) and the air outlet (22) respectively, and the mixing chamber (40) is connected to the mixed fuel outlet (49); The first control valve and the second control valve are opened and closed in a controlled manner to inject fuel and air into the mixing chamber (40).
2. The fuel atomizing injection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mixing chamber (40) has a partition wall (7) to divide the mixing chamber into a first chamber (41) near the fuel outlet (12) and a second chamber (42) near the mixed fuel outlet (49). The partition wall (7) includes a first side (701) facing the fuel outlet (12) and a second side (702) opposite to the first side. The partition wall (7) has a plurality of flow channels (72) extending from the first side (701) to the second side (702) to communicate between the first chamber (41) and the second chamber (42).
3. The fuel atomizing injection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mixing chamber (40) is provided with an impact pin (71) facing the fuel outlet (12), such that fuel droplets ejected from the fuel outlet (12) are refined by impacting the impact pin (71); wherein the impact pin (71) is provided on the first side of the partition wall (7), and wherein the impact pin (71) is conical.
4. The fuel atomizing injection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The plurality of flow channels (72) of the partition wall are arranged circumferentially around the impact pin (71), and the plurality of flow channels (72) extend radially outward.
5. The fuel atomizing injection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fuel atomizing injection device also includes: The transition chamber (43) directly opposite the air outlet (22); A first passage (67) connecting the transition chamber (43) to the first chamber (41); and A second channel (68) connects the transition chamber (43) to the second chamber (42).
6. The fuel atomizing injection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first channel (67) and the second channel (68) are configured to generate a vortex airflow when pressurized air enters the first chamber (41) and the second chamber (42); wherein the first channel (67) extends tangentially to a cylindrical section of the first chamber (41).
7. The fuel atomizing injection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, A Laval structure channel (46) is formed between the second side (702) of the partition wall and the inner wall of the mixing chamber. The second side (702) of the partition wall is generally hemispherical and includes a vertical section (7021), an arcuate section (7022), and a top (7023). An annular chamber (44) is formed between the vertical section (7021) of the partition wall and the corresponding vertical section (47) of the inner wall of the mixing chamber. A Laval structure channel (46) that first narrows and then expands is formed between the arcuate section (7022) of the partition wall and the corresponding arcuate section (48) of the inner wall of the mixing chamber. The top (7023) of the partition wall has an inverted conical guide wall (75). The second channel (68) leads to the annular chamber (44), and the annular chamber (44) is connected to the mixed fuel outlet (49) through the Laval structure channel (46).
8. The fuel atomizing injection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The outlets of the plurality of flow channels (72) at the second wall are aligned with the Laval structure channel (46).
9. The fuel atomizing injection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The fuel atomizing injection device includes an inlet housing (3), a mixing chamber housing (4), and a fuel injector (1) and an air injector (2) arranged side by side between the inlet housing (3) and the mixing chamber housing (4). The fuel inlet (11) and the fuel outlet (12) of the fuel injector are arranged opposite to each other, and the air inlet (21) and the air outlet (22) of the air injector are arranged opposite to each other. The fuel injector (1) and the air injector (2) each include a flow metering device. The inlet housing (3) is connected to the fuel inlet (11) and the air inlet (21), and the inlet housing (3) includes a first port (31) for connecting to a fuel source and a second port (32) for connecting to a high-pressure air source; The mixing chamber housing (4) is connected to the fuel outlet (12) and the air outlet (22), and the mixing chamber housing (4) includes a mixed fuel outlet (49); The mixing chamber housing (4) is integrally formed and includes the partition wall (7). The mixing chamber housing (4) defines a first chamber (41), a second chamber (42), a transition chamber (43), a first channel (67), and a second channel (68).
10. The fuel atomizing injection device according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The first control valve is opened and closed by a first cycle of current / voltage, and the second control valve is opened and closed by a second cycle of current / voltage. Wherein, the first cycle current / voltage and the second cycle current / voltage are pulse current / voltage, respectively; The first cycle current / voltage and the second cycle current / voltage are configured to cause air to be injected from the corresponding injector before or after the fuel.
11. An engine, characterized in that, The engine includes a fuel atomizing injection device as described in any one of claims 1-10, the fuel atomizing injection device supplying atomized fuel to the engine.