Fuel injector of an internal combustion engine and internal combustion engine

Abstract

Fuel injector (10) of an internal combustion engine, designed to supply fuel to a combustion chamber of a cylinder of the internal combustion engine, comprising a first nozzle needle (14) movably guided in a first needle guide (12), which interacts with first fuel injection ports (16) such that, depending on its position, the first nozzle needle (14) either releases or blocks a fuel flow of a first fuel through the first fuel injection ports (16), with a second nozzle needle (15) movably guided in a second needle guide (13), which interacts with second fuel injection ports (17) such that, depending on its position, the second nozzle needle (15) either releases or blocks a fuel flow of a second fuel through the second fuel injection ports (17), with a first solenoid valve (20) integrated into the fuel injector (10) for controlling the first nozzle needle (14),with a second solenoid valve (31) integrated into the fuel injector (10) for controlling the second nozzle needle (15), wherein the first and second solenoid valves (20, 21) are integrated into the fuel injector (10) such that the first and second solenoid valves (20, 21) are arranged in the longitudinal or axial direction of the fuel injector (10) between the nozzle needles (14, 15) and at least one fuel storage chamber (22, 23) of the fuel injector (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fuel injector of an internal combustion engine. Furthermore, the invention relates to an internal combustion engine with at least one fuel injector.

[0002] The present invention relates in particular to the field of so-called large engines or large internal combustion engines whose cylinders have piston diameters of at least 140 mm, and in particular of at least 175 mm. Such large internal combustion engines include, for example, marine engines. Dual-fuel internal combustion engines are already known as marine engines. Dual-fuel internal combustion engines known from practice can be operated in a first operating mode, in which they burn a first fuel, in particular a relatively ignitable fuel, and in a second operating mode, in which they burn a second fuel, in particular a relatively inert fuel. The first, relatively ignitable fuel can be, for example, diesel fuel. The second, relatively inert fuel can be, for example, methanol, ethanol, or ammonia.In the second operating mode, the second, relatively inert fuel, in particular methanol, ethanol or ammonia, can be ignited via the first, relatively ignitable fuel, in particular diesel fuel.

[0003] DE 10 2013 000 048 B3 discloses a fuel injector by means of which both a first, relatively ignitable fuel and a second, relatively inignitable fuel can be introduced into a combustion chamber of a cylinder.

[0004] Based on this, the present invention aims to provide a novel fuel injector for an internal combustion engine and an internal combustion engine with such a fuel injector. This objective is achieved by a fuel injector according to claim 1 and an internal combustion engine according to claim 13.

[0005] The fuel injector has a first nozzle needle movably guided in a first needle guide, which interacts with first fuel injection ports such that, depending on its position, the first nozzle needle either allows or blocks the flow of a first fuel through the first fuel injection ports. The fuel injector further has a second nozzle needle movably guided in a second needle guide, which interacts with second fuel injection ports such that, depending on its position, the second nozzle needle either allows or blocks the flow of a second fuel through the second fuel injection ports.The fuel injector according to the invention further comprises a first solenoid valve integrated into the fuel injector for controlling the first nozzle needle and a second solenoid valve integrated into the fuel injector for controlling the second nozzle needle, wherein the first and second solenoid valves are integrated into the fuel injector such that the first and second solenoid valves are arranged in the longitudinal or axial direction of the fuel injector between the nozzle needles and at least one fuel storage chamber of the fuel injector, preferably between the two nozzle needles and fuel storage chambers integrated into the fuel injector for the first and second fuels. The invention provides a compact, space-saving design of a fuel injector for two different fuels.

[0006] Both solenoid valves are integrated into the fuel injector in such a way that they are positioned longitudinally or axially within the vehicle, between the nozzle needles and at least one fuel storage chamber of the fuel injector. This minimizes the distance between the solenoid valves and the nozzle needles.

[0007] The distance between the two solenoid valves and the respective nozzle needle is smallest when the two solenoid valves are integrated into the fuel injector in such a way that the two solenoid valves are integrated side by side in the fuel injector in the transverse or radial direction, and in such a way that they overlap in the longitudinal or axial direction of the fuel injector, but not in the transverse or radial direction.

[0008] Preferably, a longitudinal axis of a control pin of the first solenoid valve and a longitudinal axis of a control pin of the second solenoid valve run parallel to each other and parallel to a longitudinal center axis of the fuel injector. Likewise, a longitudinal axis of the first nozzle needle and a longitudinal axis of the second nozzle needle run parallel to each other and parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the fuel injector. This is particularly preferred for a compact, simple design of the fuel injector.

[0009] It can be provided that the longitudinal axis of the control pin of the first solenoid valve runs coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the first nozzle needle, and that the longitudinal axis of the control pin of the second solenoid valve also runs coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the second nozzle needle. If the control pin of the first solenoid valve runs coaxially with the first nozzle needle and the control pin of the second solenoid valve runs coaxially with the second nozzle needle, a particularly simple design of the fuel injector is possible with a compact construction.

[0010] Alternatively, it can be provided that the longitudinal axis of the control bolt of the first solenoid valve is offset from the longitudinal axis of the first jet needle and / or the longitudinal axis of the control bolt of the second solenoid valve is offset from the longitudinal axis of the second jet needle.

[0011] Then, if the longitudinal axis of the control bolt of the first solenoid valve is offset from the longitudinal axis of the first jet needle, the ratio C1 / CA between the distance C1 between the longitudinal axis of the control bolt of the first solenoid valve to the longitudinal axis of the first jet needle and the distance CA between the longitudinal axes of the control bolts of the two solenoid valves is between 0.05 and 0.25, and / or the ratio C1 / CB between the distance C1 between the longitudinal axis of the control bolt of the first solenoid valve to the longitudinal axis of the first jet needle and the distance CB between the longitudinal axes of the two jet needles is between 0.05 and 0.25.If the longitudinal axis of the control pin of the second solenoid valve is offset from the longitudinal axis of the second nozzle needle, the ratio C2 / CA between the distance C2 between the longitudinal axis of the control pin of the second solenoid valve and the longitudinal axis of the second nozzle needle, and the distance CA between the longitudinal axes of the control pins of the two solenoid valves, is between 0.05 and 0.25, and / or the ratio C2 / CB between the distance C2 between the longitudinal axis of the control pin of the second solenoid valve and the longitudinal axis of the second nozzle needle, and the distance CB between the longitudinal axes of the two nozzle needles, is between 0.05 and 0.25. Furthermore, if the control pin of the first solenoid valve is offset from the first nozzle needle and / or the control pin of the second solenoid valve is offset from the second nozzle needle, a simple design of the fuel injector can be ensured with minimal installation space requirements.

[0012] Preferably, control bores for actuating the first nozzle needle, originating from the first solenoid valve, and control bores for actuating the second nozzle needle, originating from the second solenoid valve, extend across a common control plate of the fuel injector. This control plate is arranged between a nozzle needle receiving body of the fuel injector, which accommodates the two nozzle needles, and a solenoid valve receiving body of the fuel injector, which accommodates at least one of the two solenoid valves, preferably both solenoid valves. This also serves to provide a simple and compact fuel injector for two different fuels.

[0013] Preferred embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0014] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the drawing, without being limited thereto. The drawing shows: Fig. 1: a cross-section in the longitudinal or axial direction through a first fuel injector according to the invention; Fig. 2: a cross-section in the longitudinal or axial direction through a second fuel injector according to the invention.

[0015] The invention relates to a fuel injector for an internal combustion engine. Such a fuel injector is designed to supply fuel to a combustion chamber of a cylinder of the internal combustion engine.

[0016] The fuel injector according to the invention serves to supply different fuels to an internal combustion engine, in particular a dual-fuel engine, namely in a first operating mode a first, relatively ignitable fuel and in a second operating mode a second, relatively inignitable fuel as well as the first, relatively ignitable fuel in order to ignite the second, relatively inignitable fuel via the first, relatively ignitable fuel.

[0017] The first fuel, which is relatively easy to ignite, is primarily diesel fuel. The second fuel, which is relatively difficult to ignite, can be methanol, ethanol, or ammonia.

[0018] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a cross-section through a first fuel injector 10 according to the invention, wherein the fuel injector 10 has a nozzle needle receiving body 11 which provides a first needle guide 12 for a first nozzle needle 14 and a second needle guide 13 for a second nozzle needle 15. Furthermore, the nozzle needle receiving body 11 provides first fuel injection openings 16 and second fuel injection openings 17. Depending on the position of the nozzle needles 14, 15, they either allow or block a fuel flow through the fuel injection openings 16, 17.

[0019] The fuel injector 10 according to the invention further comprises a fuel storage chamber receiving body 18 and, in the exemplary embodiment, the Fig. 1 a solenoid valve receiving body 19 arranged between the fuel storage chamber receiving body 18 and the nozzle needle receiving body 11.

[0020] A first solenoid valve 20, arranged in the solenoid valve housing 19, serves to control the first nozzle needle 14 in order to either enable or block the fuel flow through the first fuel injection ports 16 by changing the position of the first nozzle needle 14. A second solenoid valve 21, also arranged in the solenoid valve housing 19, serves to control the second nozzle needle 15 in order to change the position of the second nozzle needle 15 and, depending on this, either enable or block the fuel flow of the second fuel through the second fuel injection ports 17.

[0021] As already explained, the fuel injector 10 has the fuel storage chamber receiving body 18. Preferably, a first fuel storage chamber 22 for the first fuel and a second fuel storage chamber 23 for the second fuel are integrated into the fuel injector 10, specifically into the fuel storage chamber receiving body 18 thereof.

[0022] The at least one first fuel storage chamber 22 of the fuel injector 10 according to the invention is connected to the nozzle needle receiving body 11 via a first fuel line 24, and the at least one second fuel storage chamber 23 of the fuel injector 10 according to the invention is connected to it via a second fuel line 25. These fuel lines 24, 25 extend from the fuel storage chamber receiving body 18, across the solenoid valve receiving body 19, and preferably through a plate-like intermediate body 26 arranged between the solenoid valve receiving body 19 and the nozzle needle receiving body 11, towards the nozzle needle receiving body 11. The intermediate body 26 is hereinafter referred to as the control plate.

[0023] Fig. 1 Figure 27 further shows a sleeve body 27, wherein the solenoid valve receiving body 19 and the control plate 26 are arranged completely within the sleeve body 27, and the nozzle needle receiving body 11 and the fuel storage chamber receiving body 18 are arranged section by section within the sleeve body 27. The fuel injector 10 can be mounted, for example, in a corresponding recess in the cylinder head of a cylinder of the internal combustion engine via the sleeve body 27.

[0024] In the fuel injector 10 according to the invention, both the first solenoid valve 20 for the first fuel and the second solenoid valve 21 for the second fuel are integrated into the fuel injector 10, namely the solenoid valve receiving body 19, such that the first solenoid valve 20 and the second solenoid valve 21 are arranged in the longitudinal or axial direction X of the fuel injector 10 between the nozzle needles 14, 15 and the at least one fuel chamber of the fuel injector 10. In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 1 Both solenoid valves 20, 21 are arranged between the two nozzle needles 14, 15 for the two different fuels and the two fuel storage chambers 22, 23 for the two different fuels.

[0025] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 1 The two solenoid valves 20, 21 are integrated side by side into the fuel injector 10 in the radial or transverse direction Y of the fuel injector 10, such that they overlap in the longitudinal or axial direction X of the fuel injector 10, but not in the transverse or radial direction Y of the fuel injector 10. In this case, the two solenoid valves 20, 21 are received in a common solenoid valve mounting body 19.

[0026] How Fig. 1 The longitudinal axes of the two nozzle needles 14, 15 run parallel to each other and parallel to a longitudinal center axis of the fuel injector 10, wherein the two longitudinal axes of the two nozzle needles 14.

[0027] Fig. 1 The distance CB indicates the distance between the longitudinal axes of the two nozzle needles 14, 15 of the fuel injector 10.

[0028] Each of the solenoid valves 20, 21 of the fuel injector 10 has a control pin 28 or 29, wherein according to Fig. 1 a longitudinal axis of the control bolt 28 of the first solenoid valve 20 runs parallel to a longitudinal axis of the control bolt 29 of the second solenoid valve 21, both of which in turn run parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the fuel injector 10.

[0029] Fig. 1 The distance CA shows the distance between the longitudinal axes of the two control bolts 28, 29 of the two solenoid valves 20, 21 of the fuel injector 10.

[0030] In Fig. 1 The distance CA is greater than the distance CB. However, the distance CA can also be equal to the distance CB. It is also possible for the distance CA to be less than the distance CB. The ratio CA / CB can be between 0.75 and 1.25.

[0031] Then, when the distance CA equals the distance CB, the longitudinal axis of the control bolt 28 of the first solenoid valve 20 runs coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the first nozzle needle 14 of the fuel injector 10, and the longitudinal axis of the control bolt 29 of the second solenoid valve 21 runs coaxially to the longitudinal axis of the second nozzle needle 15 of the fuel injector 10.

[0032] In the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 1 The longitudinal axis of the control bolt 28 of the first solenoid valve 20 of the fuel injector 10 is offset from the longitudinal axis of the first nozzle needle 14 in the transverse or radial direction Y of the fuel injector 10, wherein C1 corresponds to the distance between the longitudinal axis of the control bolt 28 of the first solenoid valve 20 and the longitudinal axis of the first nozzle needle 14. Likewise, in Fig. 1 the longitudinal axis of the control bolt 29 of the second solenoid valve 21 of the fuel injector 10 is offset to the longitudinal axis of the second nozzle needle 15, wherein C2 corresponds to the distance between the longitudinal axis of the control bolt 29 of the second solenoid valve 21 and the longitudinal axis of the second nozzle needle 15.

[0033] Then, if the longitudinal axis of the control bolt 28 of the first solenoid valve 20 of the fuel injector 10 is offset from the longitudinal axis of the first nozzle needle 14 of the fuel injector 10, the ratio C1 / CA is between 0.05 and 0.25 and / or the ratio C1 / CB is between 0.05 and 0.25. The ratio C1 / CA is particularly smaller than the ratio C1 / CB. The ratios can also be equal.

[0034] Then, when the longitudinal axis of the control bolt 29 of the second solenoid valve 21 of the fuel injector 10 is offset from the longitudinal axis of the second nozzle needle 15 of the fuel injector 10, the ratio C2 / CA is preferably between 0.05 and 0.25 and / or the ratio C2 / CB is between 0.05 and 0.25. Fig. 1 The ratio C2 / CA is smaller than the ratio C2 / CB. The two ratios can also be equal.

[0035] As already explained, in Fig. 1 The control plate 26 is arranged between the nozzle needle receiving body 11, which receives the two nozzle needles 14, 15, and the solenoid valve receiving body 19, which receives the two solenoid valves 20, 21. Fuel lines 24, 25 and control lines 30, 31, through which the solenoid valves 20, 21 actuate the nozzle needles 14, 15, extend through this control plate. This allows for a compact and particularly simple design of the fuel injector 10.

[0036] A modification of the fuel injector 10 according to the invention shows Fig. 2 . In Fig. 2 The two solenoid valves 20, 21 are integrated into the fuel injector 10 between the two nozzle needles 14, 15 and the fuel storage chambers 22, 23 such that the two solenoid valves 20, 21 are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal or axial direction X, so that they overlap section by section in the transverse or radial direction Y, but not in the longitudinal or axial direction X. According to Fig. 2 For each of the solenoid valves 20, 21, a separate solenoid valve mounting body 19a, 19b is provided, which are also arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal or axial direction X of the fuel injector 10. With regard to all other details, the fuel injector 10 corresponds to the Fig. 2 with the fuel injector 10 of the Fig. 1 alike, so that to avoid repetition, the same reference numbers are used for identical assemblies, and reference is made to the explanations for fuel injector 10 of the Fig. 1 is referred.

[0037] In both embodiments, both solenoid valves 20, 21, which interact with the nozzle needles 14, 15 for the different fuels, are integrated into the fuel injector 10, specifically into at least one solenoid valve receiving body 19 or 19a, 19b, which is arranged between the nozzle needle receiving body 11 and the storage chamber receiving body 18. Fig. 1 The solenoid valves 20, 21 are arranged side by side in the transverse direction Y, in Fig. 2 in axial direction X one after the other. Control lines 30, 31 and fuel lines 24, 25 each extend section by section through a common control plate 26.

[0038] The solenoid valves 20, 21 are controlled via electrical cables and connectors. Fig. 1 and 2 Figure 32 shows an electrical connector 32 for the first solenoid valve 20 and an electrical connector 33 for the second solenoid valve 21. Electrical cables 34 and 35 lead to these connectors 32 and 33, extending through corresponding recesses in the storage chamber receiving body 18 and the at least one solenoid valve receiving body 19 or 19a, 19b. The installation space required for the electrical contact of the solenoid valves 20 and 21 is provided, in particular, by the offset of the solenoid valves 20 and 21 in the transverse direction Y. Reference symbol list

[0039] 10 Fuel injector 11 Nozzle needle holder 12 First needle guide 13 Second needle guide 14 First nozzle needle 15 Second nozzle needle 16 First fuel injection port 17 Second fuel injection port 18 Fuel reservoir holder 19 Solenoid valve holder 20 First solenoid valve 21 Second solenoid valve 22 First fuel reservoir 23 Second fuel reservoir 24 First fuel line 25 Second fuel line 26 Intermediate body, control plate 27 Sleeve body 28 Control bolt 29 Control bolt 30 Control line 31 Control line 32 Connector 33 Connector 34 Cable 35 Cable

Claims

1. Fuel injector (10) of an internal combustion engine, designed to supply fuel to a combustion chamber of a cylinder of the internal combustion engine, comprising a first nozzle needle (14) movably guided in a first needle guide (12), which interacts with first fuel injection ports (16) such that, depending on its position, the first nozzle needle (14) either releases or blocks a fuel flow of a first fuel through the first fuel injection ports (16), with a second nozzle needle (15) movably guided in a second needle guide (13), which interacts with second fuel injection ports (17) such that, depending on its position, the second nozzle needle (15) either releases or blocks a fuel flow of a second fuel through the second fuel injection ports (17), with a first solenoid valve (20) integrated into the fuel injector (10) for controlling the first nozzle needle (14),with a second solenoid valve (21) integrated into the fuel injector (10) for controlling the second nozzle needle (15), wherein the first and second solenoid valves (20, 21) are integrated into the fuel injector (10) such that the first and second solenoid valves (20, 21) are arranged in the longitudinal or axial direction of the fuel injector (10) between the nozzle needles (14, 15) and at least one fuel storage chamber (22, 23) of the fuel injector (10).

2. Fuel injector (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first and second solenoid valves (20, 21) are integrated into the fuel injector (10) such that the two solenoid valves are arranged in the longitudinal or axial direction of the fuel injector (10) between the two nozzle needles (14, 15) and fuel storage spaces (22, 23) integrated into the fuel injector for the first and second fuel.

3. Fuel injector (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first solenoid valve (20) and the second solenoid valve (21) are integrated laterally next to each other in the fuel injector (10) in the transverse or radial direction, such that they overlap in the longitudinal or axial direction of the fuel injector (10) but not in the transverse or radial direction of the fuel injector (10).

4. Fuel injector (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first solenoid valve (20) and the second solenoid valve (21) are integrated one after the other in the fuel injector (10) in the longitudinal or axial direction, such that they partially overlap in the transverse or radial direction of the fuel injector (10) but not in the longitudinal or axial direction of the fuel injector (10).

5. Fuel injector (10) according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein a longitudinal axis of a control bolt (28) of the first solenoid valve (20) and a longitudinal axis of a control bolt (29) of the second solenoid valve (21) run parallel to each other.

6. Fuel injector (10) according to claim 5, wherein the longitudinal axis of the control bolt (28) of the first solenoid valve (20) is coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the first nozzle needle (14) and / or the longitudinal axis of the control bolt (29) of the second solenoid valve (21) is coaxial to a longitudinal axis of the second nozzle needle (15).

7. Fuel injector (10) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the longitudinal axis of the control bolt (28) of the first solenoid valve (20) is offset to a longitudinal axis of the first nozzle needle (14) and / or the longitudinal axis of the control bolt (29) of the second solenoid valve (21) is offset to a longitudinal axis of the second nozzle needle (15).

8. Fuel injector (10) according to claim 7, wherein a ratio C1 / CA between the distance C1 between the longitudinal axis of the control pin (28) of the first solenoid valve (20) to the longitudinal axis of the first nozzle needle (14) and the distance CA between the longitudinal axes of the control pins (28, 29) of the two solenoid valves (20, 21) is between 0.05 and 0.25, and / or wherein a ratio C2 / CA between the distance C2 between the longitudinal axis of the control pin (29) of the second solenoid valve (21) to the longitudinal axis of the second nozzle needle (15) and the distance CA between the longitudinal axes of the control pins (28, 29) of the two solenoid valves (20, 21) is between 0.05 and 0.

25.

9. Fuel injector (10) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the ratio C1 / CB between the distance C1 between the longitudinal axis of the control pin (28) of the first solenoid valve (20) to the longitudinal axis of the first nozzle needle (14) and the distance CB between the longitudinal axes of the two nozzle needles (14, 15) is between 0.05 and 0.25, and / or wherein the ratio C2 / CB between the distance C2 between the longitudinal axis of the control pin (29) of the second solenoid valve (21) to the longitudinal axis of the second nozzle needle (15) and the distance CB between the longitudinal axes of the two nozzle needles (14, 15) is between 0.05 and 0.25 10. Fuel injector (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a control line (30) for controlling the first nozzle needle (14) originating from the first solenoid valve (20) and a control line (31) for controlling the second nozzle needle (15) originating from the second solenoid valve (21) extend via a common control plate (26) of the fuel injector (10), which is arranged between a nozzle needle receiving body (11) of the fuel injector (10) receiving the two nozzle needles (14, 15) and a solenoid valve receiving body (19, 19b) of the fuel injector (10) receiving at least one of the two solenoid valves (20, 21), preferably both solenoid valves (20, 21).

11. Fuel injector (10) according to claim 2 and 10, wherein, when the first solenoid valve (20) and the second solenoid valve (21) are integrated side by side into the fuel injector (10), both solenoid valves (20, 21) are received in a common solenoid valve receiving body (19) of the fuel injector (10).

12. Fuel injector (10) according to claim 3 and 10, wherein when the first solenoid valve (20 ) and the second solenoid valve (21) are integrated one after the other into the fuel injector (10), both solenoid valves (20, 21) are each received in a separate solenoid valve receiving body (19a, 19b) of the fuel injector (10).

13. Internal combustion engine, comprising cylinders, wherein each cylinder has a fuel injector (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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