Fuel Injection Valve

Abstract

To provide a fuel injection valve for suppressing the overlapping of fuel sprays sprayed in two different directions from a plurality of fuel injection holes and thereby be improved in separation performance of the sprays, in a fuel injection valve for spraying swirling fuel from the plurality of fuel injection holes.SOLUTION: A fuel injection valve comprises: a plurality of first fuel injection holes including fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 for injecting fuel in one direction of two different directions DSPI, DSPII, and fuel injection holes 220-3, 220-4 for injecting fuel to the other direction; a plurality of first swirling chambers 212-1 to 212-4 arranged at upstream side of the plurality of first fuel injection holes, and imparting a swirling force to fuel which is supplied to the first fuel injection holes; a plurality of first lateral direction passages 211-1 to 211-4 for supplying fuel to the plurality of first swirling chambers; and a plurality of second fuel injection holes including a fuel injection hole 320-1 for injecting fuel in one direction of the two directions, and a fuel injection hole 320-2 for injecting fuel in the other direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel injection valve that generates swirling fuel upstream of a fuel injection hole and injects the swirling fuel from the fuel injection hole. [Background technology]

[0002] As a background art of this technical field, a fuel injection valve described in International Publication No. 2018 / 198309 (Patent Document 1) is known. This fuel injection valve has multiple nozzle holes inclined in one of two directions, which are the fuel injection directions inclined with respect to the axis of the fuel injection valve (see paragraphs 0008, 0009, 0014 and Figures 2 and 3). This fuel injection valve adopts a method of atomizing sprayed fuel using a swirling flow, and is structured so that the inlet center of the nozzle hole is offset from the swirling center in consideration of the inclination of the nozzle hole, and the film thickness of the liquid film of fuel swirling at the outlet of the nozzle hole is made uniform, thereby promoting atomization of the injected fuel (see paragraph 0021). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 198309 Brochure Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Although the fuel injection valve of Patent Document 1 takes into consideration the use of swirling flow to promote atomization of injected fuel, the fuel injected from the nozzle outlet spreads over a wide angle, and the fuel sprays injected in two different directions overlap, resulting in sprays with poor separation. For example, when such a fuel injection valve is used in a system that injects fuel toward two intake ports, the amount of fuel adhering to the central bulkhead of the intake ports increases.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel injection valve that injects swirling fuel from multiple fuel injection holes, which suppresses overlap of fuel sprays injected in two different directions from the multiple fuel injection holes and improves the separation of the sprays. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the fuel injection valve of the present invention comprises: Fuel is injected in one of two different directions. Multiple A fuel injection hole and a nozzle for injecting fuel in the other of the two directions. Multiple a plurality of first fuel injection holes including a fuel injection hole; a plurality of first swirl chambers disposed upstream of the plurality of first fuel injection holes and configured to impart a swirling force to fuel supplied to the first fuel injection holes; a plurality of first lateral passages for supplying fuel to each of the plurality of first swirl chambers; a plurality of second fuel injection holes including a fuel injection hole which injects fuel by directing in one of the two directions and a fuel injection hole which injects fuel by directing in the other of the two directions; a nozzle plate in which the first fuel injection holes, the first swirl chambers, the first lateral passages, and the second fuel injection holes are formed; Equipped with 、 the first fuel injection hole which injects fuel in the one direction and the second fuel injection hole which injects fuel in the one direction are disposed in one of two sections which are partitioned by a first line segment passing through a center of the nozzle plate, the first fuel injection hole which injects fuel while pointing in the other direction and the second fuel injection hole which injects fuel while pointing in the other direction are disposed in the other of the two sections partitioned by the first line segment, the second fuel injection hole which injects fuel in the one direction is disposed between the first fuel injection holes which inject fuel in the one direction, the second fuel injection hole which injects fuel in the other direction is disposed between the first fuel injection holes which inject fuel in the other direction, the second fuel injection hole which injects fuel in the one direction and the plurality of first fuel injection holes which inject fuel in the one direction are arranged on a straight line, the second fuel injection hole which injects fuel in the one direction is disposed intermediate the first fuel injection holes which inject fuel in the one direction, the second fuel injection hole which injects fuel while pointing in the other direction and the plurality of first fuel injection holes which inject fuel while pointing in the other direction are arranged on a straight line, The second fuel injection hole which injects fuel in the other direction is disposed between the first fuel injection holes which inject fuel in the other direction. do. In order to achieve the above object, the fuel injection valve of the present invention comprises: a plurality of first fuel injection holes including a plurality of fuel injection holes which inject fuel by directing in one of two different directions, and a plurality of fuel injection holes which inject fuel by directing in the other of the two directions; a plurality of first swirl chambers disposed upstream of the plurality of first fuel injection holes and configured to impart a swirling force to fuel supplied to the first fuel injection holes; a plurality of first lateral passages for supplying fuel to each of the plurality of first swirl chambers; a plurality of second fuel injection holes including a fuel injection hole which injects fuel by directing in one of the two directions and a fuel injection hole which injects fuel by directing in the other of the two directions; a nozzle plate in which the first fuel injection holes, the first swirl chambers, the first lateral passages, and the second fuel injection holes are formed; Equipped with the first fuel injection hole which injects fuel in the one direction and the second fuel injection hole which injects fuel in the one direction are disposed in one of two sections which are partitioned by a first line segment passing through a center of the nozzle plate, the first fuel injection hole which injects fuel while pointing in the other direction and the second fuel injection hole which injects fuel while pointing in the other direction are disposed in the other of the two sections partitioned by the first line segment, the second fuel injection hole which injects fuel in the one direction is disposed between the first fuel injection holes which inject fuel in the one direction, the second fuel injection hole which injects fuel in the other direction is disposed between the first fuel injection holes which inject fuel in the other direction, the second fuel injection hole which injects fuel in the one direction is disposed radially outward with respect to a line segment connecting the first fuel injection holes which inject fuel in the one direction, The second fuel injection hole which injects fuel while pointing in the other direction is disposed radially outward with respect to a line segment connecting the plurality of first fuel injection holes which inject fuel while pointing in the other direction. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, in a fuel injection valve that injects swirling fuel from a plurality of fuel injection holes, overlap of fuel sprays injected in two different directions from the plurality of fuel injection holes can be suppressed, thereby improving the separation of the sprays. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a vertical sectional view showing a cross section along a central axis 1a of a fuel injection valve 1 according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view (corresponding to the cross section taken along the line II-II in FIG. 3) showing the vicinity of the valve portion and the fuel injection portion (nozzle portion 8) of the fuel injection valve 1 in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] 3 is a view taken along the line III-III in FIG. 1, and is a plan view illustrating only the nozzle plate 21n. [Figure 4] 2 is an enlarged plan view showing a swirl chamber 212 and a fuel injection hole 220. FIG. [Diagram 5] 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the relationship between the fuel spray injected from the first fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 and the fuel spray injected from the second fuel injection hole 320-1. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the arrangement of fuel sprays on a plane perpendicular to a central axis 1a of a fuel injection valve 1. FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a plan view similar to FIG. 3, showing a first modified example of the nozzle plate 21n. FIG. [Figure 8] 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the arrangement of fuel sprays in the nozzle plate 21n shown in FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a plan view similar to FIG. 3, showing a second modified example of the nozzle plate 21n. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the arrangement of fuel sprays in the nozzle plate 21n shown in FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a plan view similar to FIG. 3, showing a third modified example of the nozzle plate 21n. FIG. [Figure 12] 13 is a plan view similar to FIG. 3, showing a fourth modified example of the nozzle plate 21n. FIG. [Figure 13] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an internal combustion engine equipped with a fuel injection valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the following description of the embodiments and modifications of the present invention, the same reference numerals are used to designate similar components, and redundant description will be avoided.

[0010] The overall configuration of the fuel injection valve 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a cross section along a central axis 1a of the fuel injection valve 1 according to this embodiment. The central axis 1a coincides with the axis (valve axis) of a mover 27 with which a valve body 17 (described later) is integrally provided, and coincides with the central axis of a cylindrical body 5 (described later). The central axis 1a also coincides with the central axis of a valve seat 15b (described later). The central axis and the axis (valve axis) described above will not be distinguished from each other, and will be described as the central axis 1a.

[0011] The fuel injection valve 1 is provided with a cylindrical body 5 made of a metal material and extending from the upper end to the lower end. A fuel flow path 3 is configured inside the cylindrical body 5 so as to be substantially along the central axis 1a. In FIG. 1, the upper end (upper end side) is called the base end (base end side), and the lower end (lower end side) is called the tip end (tip side). The names of the base end (base end side) and the tip end (tip side) are based on the fuel flow direction. That is, in the fuel flow direction, the base end side is the upstream side, and the tip side is the downstream side. The vertical relationship used in this specification is based on FIG. 1 and has no relation to the vertical direction in the state in which the fuel injection valve 1 is installed in the internal combustion engine.

[0012] A fuel supply port 2 is provided at the base end of the cylindrical body 5. A fuel filter 13 is attached to this fuel supply port 2. The fuel filter 13 is a member for removing foreign matter that has become mixed in the fuel.

[0013] An O-ring 11 is disposed at the base end of the cylindrical body 5. The O-ring 11 functions as a sealant when the fuel injection valve 1 is connected to a fuel pipe.

[0014] The valve portion 7, which is composed of a valve body 17 and a valve seat member 15, is formed at the tip of the cylindrical body 5. The valve seat member 15 is formed with a stepped valve body accommodating hole 15a for accommodating the valve body 17. A conical surface is formed in the middle of the valve body accommodating hole 15a, and a valve seat 15b is formed on this conical surface. A guide surface 15c is formed in the part of the valve body accommodating hole 15a upstream (base end side) of the valve seat 15b, which guides the movement of the valve body 17 in the direction along the central axis 1a. The valve seat 15b and the valve body 17 cooperate to open and close the fuel passage. The fuel passage is closed when the valve body 17 abuts against the valve seat 15b. The fuel passage is opened when the valve body 17 moves away from the valve seat 15b.

[0015] The valve seat member 15 is inserted into the inside of the tip side of the cylindrical body 5 and fixed to the cylindrical body 5 by laser welding. Laser welding 19 is performed from the outer periphery side of the cylindrical body 5 around the entire circumference. The valve body accommodating hole 15a penetrates the valve seat member 15 in the direction along the central axis 1a. A nozzle plate 21n is attached to the lower end surface (tip surface) of the valve seat member 15. The nozzle plate 21n closes the opening of the valve seat member 15 formed by the valve body accommodating hole 15a.

[0016] In this embodiment, the nozzle portion 21 that injects swirling fuel is configured by the valve seat member 15 and the nozzle plate 21n. The nozzle plate 21n is fixed to the valve seat member 15 by laser welding. The laser welded portion 23 goes around the periphery of the injection hole forming region in which the fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2, 220-3, 220-4 (see FIG. 3) are formed so as to surround the injection hole forming region. The valve seat member 15 may be press-fitted into the inside of the tip end side of the cylindrical body 5 and then fixed to the cylindrical body 5 by laser welding.

[0017] In this embodiment, the valve body 17 is a ball valve having a spherical shape. Therefore, a plurality of cutout surfaces 17a are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction at a portion of the valve body 17 facing the guide surface 15c. The cutout surfaces 17a form gaps between the inner peripheral surface of the plate seat member 15. The gaps form a fuel passage. It is possible to form the valve body 17 with a valve other than a ball valve. For example, a needle valve may be used.

[0018] In this embodiment, the valve portion 7 including the valve seat member 15 and the valve body 17, and the nozzle plate 21n constitute a fuel injection portion 8 for injecting fuel.

[0019] A driving unit 9 for driving the valve body 17 is disposed in the middle of the cylindrical body 5. The driving unit 9 is composed of an electromagnetic actuator. Specifically, the driving unit 9 is composed of a fixed core 25, a movable element (movable member) 27, an electromagnetic coil 29, and a yoke 33.

[0020] The fixed core 25 is made of a magnetic metal material, and is press-fitted and fixed inside the longitudinal middle part of the cylindrical body 5. The fixed core 25 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and has a through hole 25a that passes through the center in the direction along the central axis 1a. The fixed core 25 may be fixed to the cylindrical body 5 by welding, or may be fixed to the cylindrical body 5 by a combination of welding and press-fitting.

[0021] The movable element 27 is disposed inside the cylindrical body 5 on the tip side of the fixed core 25. The movable element 27 has a movable core 27a at the base end side. The movable core 27a faces the fixed core 25 with a minute gap δ therebetween. A small diameter portion 27b is formed at the tip side of the movable element 27, and the valve body 17 is fixed to the tip of the small diameter portion 27b by welding. In this embodiment, the movable core 27a and the connection portion 27b are integrally formed (as one member made of the same material), but they may be formed by joining two different members. The movable element 27 displaces the valve body 17 provided integrally therewith in the valve opening / closing direction. The valve body 17 comes into contact with the valve seat member 15, and the outer peripheral surface of the movable core 27a comes into contact with the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical body 5, so that the movement of the movable element 27 in the direction along the central axis 1a (valve opening / closing direction) is guided at two points in the valve axis direction.

[0022] A recess 27c is formed in the end surface of the movable core 27a facing the fixed core 25. A spring seat 27e for a spring (coil spring) 39 is formed in the bottom surface of the recess 27c. A through hole 27f is formed on the inner periphery of the spring seat 27e, penetrating along the central axis 1a to the tip end of the small diameter portion (connection portion) 27b. An opening 27d is formed on the side surface of the small diameter portion 27b. The through hole 27f opens on the bottom surface of the recess 27c, and the opening 27d opens on the outer periphery surface of the small diameter portion 27b, thereby forming a fuel flow path 3 that communicates between the fuel passage 3 formed in the fixed core 25 and the valve portion 7.

[0023] The electromagnetic coil 29 is fitted around the outer periphery of the cylindrical body 5 at a position where the fixed core 25 and the movable core 27a face each other with a minute gap δ between them. The electromagnetic coil 29 is wound around a bobbin 31 formed in a cylindrical shape from a resin material, and fitted around the outer periphery of the cylindrical body 5. The electromagnetic coil 29 is electrically connected to a connector pin 43 provided on a connector 41 via a wiring member 45. A drive circuit (not shown) is connected to the connector 41, and a drive current is applied to the electromagnetic coil 29 via the connector pin 43 and the wiring member 45.

[0024] The yoke 33 is made of a magnetic metal material. The yoke 33 is disposed on the outer periphery side of the electromagnetic coil 29 so as to cover the electromagnetic coil 29, and also serves as a housing for the fuel injection valve 1. The lower end of the yoke 33 faces the outer periphery of the movable iron core 27a via the cylindrical body 5, and together with the movable iron core 27a and the fixed iron core 25, forms a closed magnetic circuit through which magnetic flux generated by energizing the electromagnetic coil 29 flows.

[0025] A coil spring 39 is disposed in a compressed state across the through hole 25a of the fixed core 25 and the recess 27c of the movable core 27a. The coil spring 39 functions as a biasing member that biases the movable element 27 in a direction in which the valve body 17 abuts against the valve seat 15b (valve closing direction). An adjuster (adjuster) 35 is disposed inside the through hole 25a of the fixed core 25, and the base end of the coil spring 39 abuts against the tip end face of the adjuster 35. The biasing force of the coil spring 39 on the movable element 27 (i.e., the valve body 17) is adjusted by adjusting the position of the adjuster 35 within the through hole 25a in the direction along the central axis 1a.

[0026] Adjuster 35 has a fuel flow passage 3 penetrating the center in the direction along central axis 1a. After flowing through fuel flow passage 3 in adjuster 35, fuel flows to fuel flow passage 3 in the tip side portion of through hole 25a of fixed core 25, and then flows to fuel flow passage 3 formed in movable member 27.

[0027] An O-ring 46 is fitted onto the tip end of the cylindrical body 5. The O-ring 46 functions as a seal to ensure liquid-tightness and air-tightness between the inner peripheral surface of an insertion port 109a (see FIG. 13) formed on the internal combustion engine side and the outer peripheral surface of the yoke 33 when the fuel injection valve 1 is attached to the internal combustion engine.

[0028] A resin cover 47 is molded to cover the fuel injection valve 1 from the middle portion to the vicinity of the base end portion. The tip end portion of the resin cover 47 covers a part of the base end portion of the yoke 33. The resin cover 47 also covers the wiring member 45, and the connector 41 is integrally formed with the resin cover 47.

[0029] Next, the operation of the fuel injection valve 1 will be described.

[0030] When the electromagnetic coil 29 is not energized (i.e., no driving current flows), the movable element 27 is biased in the valve closing direction by the coil spring 39, and the valve element 17 is in contact (seated) with the valve seat 15b. In this case, a gap δ exists between the tip end face (lower end face) of the fixed core 25 and the base end face (upper end face) of the movable core 27a. In this embodiment, this gap δ is equal to the stroke of the movable element 27 (i.e., the valve element 17).

[0031] When the electromagnetic coil 29 is energized and a driving current flows, a magnetic flux is generated in a closed magnetic circuit formed by the movable core 27a, the fixed core 25, and the yoke 33. This magnetic flux generates a magnetic attraction force between the fixed core 25 and the movable core 27a, which face each other across the gap δ. When this magnetic attraction force overcomes the resultant force of the coil spring 39 and the fuel pressure acting on the movable core 27 in the valve closing direction, the movable core starts to move in the valve opening direction. When the valve body 17 moves away from the valve seat 15b, a gap (fuel flow path) is formed between the valve body 17 and the valve seat 15b, and fuel injection begins. In this embodiment, when the movable core 27 moves a distance δ equal to the gap δ in the valve opening direction and the movable core 27a abuts against the fixed core 25, the movable core 27a stops moving in the valve opening direction and opens and reaches a stationary state.

[0032] When the power supply to the electromagnetic coil 29 is cut off, the magnetic attractive force decreases and eventually disappears. When the magnetic attractive force decreases and becomes smaller than the biasing force of the coil spring 39, the movable element 27 starts to move in the valve closing direction. When the valve element 17 abuts against the valve seat 15b, the valve element 17 closes the valve portion 7 and comes to a stationary state.

[0033] Next, the structures of the valve portion 7 and the nozzle portion 21 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 2 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view (corresponding to the cross section taken along the line II-II in Figure 3) showing the vicinity of the valve portion and the fuel injection portion (nozzle portion 8) of the fuel injection valve 1 in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a view taken along the line III-III in Figure 1, and is a plan view illustrating only the nozzle plate 21n.

[0034] 3 is a plan view of the nozzle plate 21n as viewed from the inlet side of the fuel injection holes 220-1 to 220-4, and is a plan view of the upper end surface 21nu side of the nozzle plate 21n. The upper end surface 21nu is a surface that faces the tip surface 15t of the valve seat member 15. The end surface opposite to the upper end surface 21nu is called a lower end surface 21nb.

[0035] 2, the valve seat member 15 is formed with a conical valve seat surface 15b that tapers in diameter toward the downstream side. The downstream end of the valve seat surface 15b is connected to a fuel introduction hole 300. The downstream end of the fuel introduction hole 300 opens to a tip end surface 15t of the valve seat member 15. The fuel introduction hole 300 constitutes a fuel passage that introduces fuel to the swirl passages 210-1, 210-2, 210-3, and 210-4 (see FIG. 3).

[0036] The nozzle plate 21n is made of a plate-like member having flat end faces, and the upper end face 21nu and the lower end face 21nb are parallel to each other. That is, the nozzle plate 21n is made of a flat plate with a uniform thickness.

[0037] The tip surface (lower end surface) 15t of the valve seat member 15 is configured as a flat surface perpendicular to the central axis 1a. A nozzle plate 21n is joined to the tip surface 15t of the valve seat member 15, and the tip surface 15t abuts against an upper end surface 21nu of the nozzle plate 21n. The nozzle plate 21n is attached to the tip surface 15t of the valve seat member 15 so that the central axis 1a intersects with the center 21no of the nozzle plate 21n.

[0038] 3, the nozzle plate 21n is formed with lateral passages 211-1, 211-2, 211-3, 211-4, swirl chambers 212-1, 212-2, 212-3, 212-4, and fuel injection holes (first fuel injection holes) 220-1, 220-2, 220-3, 220-4. The lateral passages 211-1, 211-2, 211-3, 211-4 and the swirl chambers 212-1, 212-2, 212-3, 212-4 constitute swirl passages 210-1, 210-2, 210-3, 210-4 for applying a swirling force to the fuel and injecting the swirled fuel from the fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2, 220-3, 220-4.

[0039] The multiple swirl chambers 212-1 to 212-4 are disposed upstream of the multiple fuel injection holes 220-1 to 220-4, respectively, and impart a swirling force to the fuel supplied to the fuel injection holes 220-1 to 220-4. The lateral passages 211-1 to 211-4 are connected to the multiple swirl chambers 212-1 to 212-4, respectively, and supply fuel to the multiple swirl chambers 212-1 to 212-4, respectively.

[0040] The four sets of swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4 and fuel injection holes 220-1 to 220-4 are configured similarly, and therefore will not be differentiated from one another and will be described as lateral passages 211, swirl chambers 212, and fuel injection holes (first fuel injection holes) 220. If the configuration of each set is changed, this will be explained appropriately.

[0041] In order to receive fuel from the fuel introduction hole 300, the swirl passage 210 is provided such that the upstream ends of the lateral passages 211 face the opening surface of the fuel introduction hole 300. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3, the four sets of lateral passages 211-1 to 211-4 are connected at their upstream ends to communicate with each other.

[0042] 2, the lateral passages 211, the swirl chamber 212, and the fuel injection holes 220 are all formed in the nozzle plate 21n, which is made up of a single plate-like member. The nozzle plate 21n can be made up of multiple plates, for example, by dividing it in the thickness direction. For example, the lateral passages 211 and the swirl chamber 212 are formed in one plate, and the fuel injection holes 220 are formed in another plate. These two plates may then be stacked to form the nozzle plate 21n.

[0043] 3, in this embodiment, the swirl passage 210-1 and the fuel injection hole 220-1 form one fuel passage, the swirl passage 210-2 and the fuel injection hole 220-2 form one fuel passage, the swirl passage 210-3 and the fuel injection hole 220-3 form one fuel passage, and the swirl passage 210-4 and the fuel injection hole 220-4 form one fuel passage. The swirl passage 210-1 is composed of the lateral passage 211-1 and the swirl chamber 212-1, the swirl passage 210-2 is composed of the lateral passage 211-2 and the swirl chamber 212-2, the swirl passage 210-3 is composed of the lateral passage 211-3 and the swirl chamber 212-3, and the swirl passage 210-4 is composed of the lateral passage 211-4 and the swirl chamber 212-4.

[0044] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the central axis 220a of the fuel injection hole 220 is inclined at an angle greater than 0° with respect to the central axis 1a.

[0045] As shown in Fig. 3, the fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 inject fuel in the direction indicated by the arrow DSPI. For this reason, the central axis 220a of the fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 is inclined with respect to the central axis 1a so that the outlet opening of the fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 is located radially outward on the right side in Fig. 3 with respect to the inlet opening.

[0046] Also, the fuel injection holes 220-3, 220-4 inject fuel in the direction indicated by the arrow DSPII as shown in Fig. 3. For this reason, the central axes 220a of the fuel injection holes 220-3, 220-4 are inclined with respect to the central axis 1a so that the outlet opening of the fuel injection holes 220-3, 220-4 is located radially outward on the left side in Fig. 3 with respect to the inlet opening.

[0047] Note that the central axes 220a of the fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 may be inclined so as to be parallel to the arrow DSPI when projected onto Fig. 3, or may be inclined so that the distance between the central axes 220a increases toward the downstream side in the injection direction. The central axes 220a of the fuel injection holes 220-3, 220-4 may be inclined so as to be parallel to the arrow DSPII when projected onto Fig. 3, or may be inclined so that the distance between the central axes 220a increases toward the downstream side in the injection direction.

[0048] As a result of the four fuel injection holes 220-1 to 220-4 being inclined as described above, each fuel spray injected from fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 is directed in the direction indicated by arrow DSPI, and each fuel spray injected from fuel injection holes 220-3, 220-4 is directed in the direction indicated by arrow DSPII, so that the fuel spray injected from fuel injection valve 1 is a fuel spray directed in two different directions.

[0049] In this embodiment, the nozzle plate 21n is provided with fuel passages each consisting of four sets of swirl passages 210 and fuel injection holes 220. Each of the four sets of fuel passages is formed radially from the center 21no side of the nozzle plate 21n toward the outer periphery. That is, the lateral passages 211 are provided radially from the center 21no side of the nozzle plate 21n toward the outer periphery, and extend in the radial direction of the nozzle plate 21n.

[0050] The four sets of turning passages 210 are arranged circumferentially spaced apart at angular intervals with a central angle of 90°. However, the four sets of turning passages 210 are not limited to this arrangement, and for example, the central angle formed by the turning passage 210-1 and the turning passage 210-2 and the central angle formed by the turning passage 210-3 and the turning passage 210-4 may be made smaller than 90°, or the central angle formed by the turning passage 210-1 and the turning passage 210-4 and the central angle formed by the turning passage 210-2 and the turning passage 210-3 may be made smaller than 90°.

[0051] In this embodiment, a fuel injection valve 1 is proposed that can suppress overlapping of multiple fuel sprays injected in two different directions and improve separation of the multiple fuel sprays. The fuel injection valve 1 injects at least two fuel sprays that are applied with a swirl force and directed in two different directions.

[0052] The number of the swirl passages 210 and the fuel injection holes 220 for this purpose is not limited to four, but may be two, three, or five or more.

[0053] Here, the configurations of the swirl chamber 212 and the fuel injection holes 220 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the swirl chamber 212 and the fuel injection holes 220 in an enlarged scale.

[0054] The lateral passage 211 is connected to the swirl chamber 212 so as to be offset with respect to the inlet opening 220i of the fuel injection hole 220 and the center O of the swirl chamber 212. The downstream end of the lateral passage 211 is connected to an inner circumferential wall (side wall) 212c of the swirl chamber 212 and forms an opening 212co in the inner circumferential wall 212c.

[0055] The inner circumferential wall 212c of the swirl chamber 212 is formed to form a circle around the inlet opening 220i of the fuel injection hole 220 so as to swirl the fuel that has flowed into the swirl chamber 212 from the lateral passage 211. In other words, a swirl flow path 212d for the fuel is formed between the inner circumferential wall 212c of the swirl chamber 212 and the inlet opening 220i of the fuel injection hole 220.

[0056] The lateral passage 211 has a rectangular cross section perpendicular to the extension direction or the fuel flow direction, and side walls (side surfaces) 211o, 211i and a bottom surface 211b are formed by the nozzle plate 21n. An upper surface (ceiling surface) 211u (see FIG. 2) of the lateral passage 211 is formed by the lower end surface 15t of the valve seat member 15.

[0057] The downstream end of the side wall 211o of the lateral passage 211 is connected to a start end 212cs of the inner circumferential wall 212c of the swirl chamber 212. The downstream end of the side wall 211i of the lateral passage 211 is connected to a terminal end 212ce of the inner circumferential wall 212c of the swirl chamber 212.

[0058] The starting end 212cs is an end of the swirl chamber 212 located on the side where the fuel flows in (upstream side). That is, the starting end 212cs is an end located on the upstream side in the flow direction of the swirling fuel. On the other hand, the terminal end 212ce is an end located on the side where the fuel that has flowed into the swirl chamber 212 flows down while swirling within the swirl chamber 212 along the inner circumferential wall 212c (downstream side).

[0059] The side wall 211o is a side wall located on the outer diameter side in the radial direction of the swirl chamber 212. On the other hand, the side wall 211i is a side wall located on the inner diameter side (inside the outer diameter) in the radial direction of the swirl chamber 212.

[0060] In this embodiment, one side wall 211o is connected to the upstream side of the inner wall 212c in the flow direction of the swirling fuel, and the other side wall 211i is connected to the downstream side of the inner wall 212c, and the downstream end of the lateral passage 211 is connected to the opening 212co of the inner wall 212c.

[0061] In this embodiment, the swirl chamber 212 is formed such that the inner circumferential wall 212c between the starting end 212cs and the terminal end 212ce has a constant radius R from the center O. In other words, the inner circumferential wall 212c is formed by a part of a circumference that forms a perfect circle. As a result, a bottom surface 212b that constitutes a fuel passage (swirl flow passage) 212d is formed between the inlet opening edge 220i of the fuel injection hole 220 and the inner circumferential wall 212c of the swirl chamber 212.

[0062] The inner circumferential wall 212c may be formed to describe a spiral curve or an involute curve so as to swirl the fuel while approaching the inlet opening 220i of the fuel injection hole 220 or its center O. In this case, the cross-sectional area of ​​the swirl flow passage gradually decreases toward the downstream side. When the inner circumferential wall 212c forms a spiral curve, the center O of the swirl chamber is the swirl center of the spiral curve. When the inner circumferential wall 212c forms an involute curve, the center O of the swirl chamber is the center of a base circle.

[0063] In this embodiment, the inlet opening 220i of the fuel injection hole 220 is disposed on the side wall 211o side of the lateral passage 211, beyond an extension line 211il (particularly, the extension line portion extended toward the swirl chamber 212) of the side wall 211i. That is, the inlet opening 220i of the fuel injection hole 220 is disposed so that the extension line 211il intersects with the inlet opening edge 220ic and crosses the inlet opening 220i.

[0064] The configurations of the swirl passage 210 and the fuel injection hole 220 are not limited to those described above, and the swirl passage 210 may have any configuration as long as it can impart a swirling force to the fuel injected from the fuel injection hole 220.

[0065] Returning to Fig. 3, the fuel injection valve 1 of this embodiment has fuel injection holes (first fuel injection holes) 220-1 to 220-4 that inject fuel to which a swirling force is applied, as well as fuel injection holes (second fuel injection holes) 320-1, 320-2 that inject fuel to which no swirling force is applied.

[0066] The two first fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 are arranged in one section DM1 of two sections (areas) divided by a line segment (or a plane including the central axis 1a) IP1 passing through the center 21no of the nozzle plate 21n, and inject fuel in the direction indicated by the arrow DSPI. The two first fuel injection holes 220-3, 220-4 are arranged in the other section DM2 of the two sections divided by the line segment (or plane) IP1, and inject fuel in the direction indicated by the arrow DSPII.

[0067] The second fuel injection hole 320-1 is disposed near the first fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 in the section DM1 so that the fuel spray injected from the second fuel injection hole 320-1 can attract the two fuel sprays injected from the first fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 in the direction shown by the arrow DSPI, and injects fuel in the direction shown by the arrow DSPI. For this reason, like the first fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2, the central axis of the second fuel injection hole 320-1 is inclined with respect to the central axis 1a so that the outlet opening is located radially outward on the right side in FIG. 3 with respect to the inlet opening.

[0068] The second fuel injection hole 320-2 is disposed in the vicinity of the first fuel injection holes 220-3, 220-4 in the section DM2 so that the fuel spray injected from the second fuel injection hole 320-2 can attract the two fuel sprays injected from the first fuel injection holes 220-3, 220-4 in the direction shown by the arrow DSPII, and injects fuel in the direction shown by the arrow DSPII. For this reason, like the first fuel injection holes 220-3, 220-4, the central axis of the second fuel injection hole 320-2 is inclined with respect to the central axis 1a so that the outlet opening is located radially outward on the left side in FIG. 3 with respect to the inlet opening.

[0069] In this embodiment, lateral passages (second lateral passages) 311-1, 311-2 are provided extending radially outward from the center of the nozzle plate 21n, and second fuel injection holes 320-1, 320-2 are arranged at the downstream ends of the second lateral passages 311-1, 311-2.

[0070] One end of the second lateral passage 311-1 is connected to the other lateral passages (first lateral passages) 211-1 to 211-4 and the second lateral passage 311-2 at the center of the nozzle plate 21n, and the second fuel injection hole 320-1 is disposed at the other end of the second lateral passage 311-1. One end of the second lateral passage 311-2 is connected to the other first lateral passages 211-1 to 211-4 and the second lateral passage 311-1 at the center of the nozzle plate 21n, and the second fuel injection hole 320-2 is disposed at the other end of the second lateral passage 311-2. The upstream ends of the second lateral passages 311-1 and 311-2 face the opening surface of the fuel introduction hole 300, and receive the supply of fuel from the fuel introduction hole 300, similar to the first lateral passages 211-1 to 211-4.

[0071] The second lateral passages 311-1 and 311-2 are formed in the nozzle plate 21n by the same method as that for the first lateral passages 211-1 to 211-4.

[0072] Second fuel injection hole 320-1 is disposed near first fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2, and is therefore disposed between first fuel injection holes 220-1 and 220-2. In particular, in this embodiment, the inlet opening of second fuel injection hole 320-1, the inlet openings of first fuel injection holes 220-1 and 220-2 are aligned on a straight line, and the inlet opening of second fuel injection hole 320-1 is disposed midway between the inlet openings of first fuel injection holes 220-1 and 220-2.

[0073] Second fuel injection hole 320-2 is disposed near first fuel injection holes 220-3, 220-4, and is therefore disposed between first fuel injection holes 220-3 and 220-4. In particular, in this embodiment, the inlet opening of second fuel injection hole 320-2 and the inlet openings of first fuel injection holes 220-3 and 220-4 are aligned on a straight line, and the inlet opening of second fuel injection hole 320-2 is disposed midway between the inlet openings of first fuel injection holes 220-3 and 220-4.

[0074] The first lateral passage 211-1 and the first fuel injection hole 220-1, and the first lateral passage 211-2 and the first fuel injection hole 220-2 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a line segment IP2 perpendicular to the line segment IP1. At this time, the second lateral passage 311-1 is provided on the line segment IP2 along the line segment IP2. Furthermore, the first lateral passage 211-3 and the first fuel injection hole 220-3, and the first lateral passage 211-4 and the first fuel injection hole 220-4 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a line segment IP2 perpendicular to the line segment IP1. At this time, the second lateral passage 311-2 is provided on the line segment IP2 along the line segment IP2.

[0075] In addition, in the swirl passages 210-1, 210-2, the swirl chambers (first swirl chambers) 212-1, 212-2 are arranged on the side of the second fuel injection hole 320-1 (i.e., the side of line segment IP2) with respect to the center line of the first lateral passages 211-1, 211-2, and in the first swirl passages 210-3, 210-4, the swirl chambers (first swirl chambers) 212-3, 212-4 are arranged on the side of the second fuel injection hole 320-2 (i.e., the side of line segment IP2) with respect to the center line of the first lateral passages 211-3, 211-4.

[0076] In this embodiment, the first fuel injection holes 220-1 to 220-4 are fuel injection holes that inject fuel to which a swirling force is applied, whereas the second fuel injection holes 320-1, 320-2 are fuel injection holes that inject fuel to which a swirling force is not applied. For this reason, no swirl chamber is provided in the second lateral passages 311-1, 311-2 and the fuel passages 310-1, 310-2 including the second fuel injection holes 320-1, 320-2.

[0077] However, depending on the way the fuel flows in the fuel passages 310-1 and 310-2, a weak swirling force may be applied to the fuel injected from the second fuel injection holes 320-1 and 320-2. Also, a swirling chamber (second swirling chamber) may be provided in the fuel passages 310-1 and 310-2 to actively apply a swirling force to the fuel injected from the second fuel injection holes 320-1 and 320-2. However, the fuel injected from the second fuel injection holes 320-1 and 320-2 must have a strong penetrating force capable of attracting the fuel injected from the first fuel injection holes 220-1 to 220-4. For this reason, when the second swirling chamber is provided in the fuel passages 310-1 and 310-2, the swirling force applied to the fuel in the second swirling chamber is set to be smaller than the swirling force applied to the fuel injected from the first fuel injection holes 220-1 to 220-4.

[0078] That is, the fuel injected from the second fuel injection holes 320-1, 320-2 has no swirling force or has a swirling force smaller than the swirling force of the fuel injected from the first fuel injection holes 220-1 to 220-4.

[0079] Here, the function of the second fuel injection holes 320-1, 320-2 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the relationship between the fuel spray injected from the first fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 and the fuel spray injected from the second fuel injection hole 320-1.

[0080] The function of second fuel injection hole 320-1 with respect to swirl passages (first swirl passages) 210-1, 210-2 and first fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 is similar to the function of second fuel injection hole 320-2 with respect to swirl passages (first swirl passages) 210-3, 210-4 and first fuel injection holes 220-3, 220-4. For this reason, Fig. 5 illustrates first swirl passages 210-1, 210-2, first fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2, and second fuel injection hole 320-1.

[0081] As shown in the left diagram of Fig. 5, in the absence of the second fuel injection hole 320-1, when the fuel to which a swirling force is applied in the first swirl chambers 212-1, 212-2 is injected from the first fuel injection holes 220-1, 201-3, each of the fuel sprays SP1, SP2 spreads at a wide angle, and the entire spray SP consisting of the two fuel sprays SP1, SP2 also spreads at a wide angle (spray angle θ'). In this case, the spray angles of each of the fuel sprays SP1, SP2 when the left diagram of Fig. 5 is viewed from the side (for example, the left side), also spreads at a wide angle. For this reason, the fuel spray injected from the first fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 in the DSPI direction and the fuel spray injected from the first fuel injection holes 220-3, 220-4 in the DSPII direction overlap on the adjacent sides, and the separation of the sprays injected in the two directions DSPI, DSPII is deteriorated.

[0082] On the other hand, in this embodiment, as shown in the right diagram of Fig. 5, the second fuel injection hole 320-1 is provided, and thus the fuel spray SP5 is injected from the second fuel injection hole 320-1. The fuel spray SP5 has a stronger penetration force than the fuel sprays SP1, SP2, and the flow velocity (axial flow velocity) in the injection axis direction of the fuel spray SP5 injected from the second fuel injection hole 320-1 is greater than the flow velocity (axial flow velocity) in the injection axis direction of the fuel sprays SP1, SP2 injected from the first fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2. Therefore, the fuel spray SP5 attracts the fuel sprays SP1, SP2 ahead of the fuel sprays SP1, SP2, so that the spray angle θ of each of the sprays SP1, SP2 and the entire spray SP injected from the multiple first fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 becomes small (to a narrow angle).

[0083] In this case, the spray angles of the fuel sprays SP1, SP2 when viewed from the side (for example, the left side) in the right diagram of Fig. 5 also become smaller (narrower angle). As a result, the fuel spray injected in the DSPI direction from the first fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 and the fuel spray injected in the DSPII direction from the first fuel injection holes 220-3, 220-4 become separated on their adjacent sides, suppressing overlap between the sprays injected in the two directions DSPI, DSPII, and improving the separation of the sprays injected in the two directions DSPI, DSPII.

[0084] In this way, in the fuel injection valve 1 of the present embodiment, the fuel sprays SP1, SP2 injected from the first fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 are atomized by being given a strong swirling force, but are attracted to the fuel spray SP5 injected from the second fuel injection hole 320, and an angle between the individual fuel sprays SP1, SP2 and the entire spray SP can be realized. That is, atomization of the spray droplets is realized by giving a swirling force to the fuel injected from the first fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2, and the diffusion of the fuel sprays SP1, SP2 after injection can be suppressed by the fuel spray SP5 injected from the second fuel injection hole 320-1. As a result, atomization and an angle between the individual fuel sprays SP1, SP2 and the entire spray SP can be achieved at the same time.

[0085] The fuel spray SP5 is a fuel spray that attracts the fuel spray FS1 injected from the first fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2, and may be referred to as an induced fuel spray.

[0086] The arrangement of fuel sprays SP1-SP4 injected from the first fuel injection holes 220-1-220-4 and fuel sprays SP5, SP6 injected from the second fuel injection holes 320-1, 320-2 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the arrangement of fuel sprays on a plane perpendicular to the central axis 1a of the fuel injection valve 1.

[0087] In this embodiment, by setting the injection direction (angle) of first fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 and the injection direction (angle) of second fuel injection hole 320-1 to the same angle, the fuel sprays SP1, SP2 injected from first fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 and the fuel spray SP5 injected from second fuel injection hole 320-1 are aligned in a straight line, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0088] In addition, by making the injection direction (angle) of first fuel injection holes 220-3, 220-4 and the injection direction (angle) of second fuel injection hole 320-2 the same angle, as shown in FIG. 6, fuel sprays SP3, SP4 injected from first fuel injection holes 220-3, 220-4 and fuel spray SP6 injected from second fuel injection hole 320-2 are aligned in a straight line.

[0089] This fuel spray arrangement is effective in achieving the above-mentioned atomization and narrower angle of the fuel spray while also achieving the narrower spray angle θ described in FIG. 5 because the fuel spray SP5 is aligned in a straight line with the fuel sprays SP1 and SP2, and the fuel spray SP6 is aligned in a straight line with the fuel sprays SP3 and SP4.

[0090] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the first fuel injection hole that injects fuel in one direction is composed of two fuel injection holes, but this is not limited to this example, and the first fuel injection hole that injects fuel in one direction may be composed of one or three or more fuel injection holes.

[0091] Next, a first modified example of the nozzle plate 21n will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 is a plan view similar to Fig. 3 showing the first modified example of the nozzle plate 21n. Fig. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing the arrangement of fuel sprays in the nozzle plate 21n shown in Fig. 7.

[0092] In this example, second fuel injection hole 320-1 is disposed radially inward with respect to a line segment connecting first fuel injection holes 220-1 and 220-2, and second fuel injection hole 320-2 is disposed radially inward with respect to a line segment connecting first fuel injection holes 220-3 and 220-4. The other configurations are the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0093] In this embodiment, this can be achieved by making the length of the second lateral passages 311-1, 311-2 of the second fuel injection holes 320-1, 320-2 shorter than the length of the second lateral passages 311-1, 311-2 of the above-described embodiment.

[0094] In this example, by making the injection direction (angle) of the first fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 and the injection direction (angle) of the second fuel injection hole 320-1 the same angle, the fuel spray SP5 is located on the opposite side of the injection direction DSPI with respect to the line segment connecting the fuel sprays SP1 and SP2. Also, by making the injection direction (angle) of the first fuel injection holes 220-3, 220-4 and the injection direction (angle) of the second fuel injection hole 320-2 the same angle, the fuel spray SP6 is located on the opposite side of the injection direction DSPII with respect to the line segment connecting the fuel sprays SP3 and SP4.

[0095] This fuel spray arrangement is effective in suppressing the spread of fuel sprays in two directions while achieving the above-mentioned atomization and narrow angle of the fuel spray, because fuel sprays SP5 and SP6 suppress the spread of fuel sprays SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 in the injection directions DSPI and DSPII.

[0096] Next, a second modified example of the nozzle plate 21n will be described with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 10. Fig. 9 is a plan view similar to Fig. 3 showing the second modified example of the nozzle plate 21n. Fig. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the arrangement of fuel sprays in the nozzle plate 21n shown in Fig. 9.

[0097] In this example, second fuel injection hole 320-1 is disposed radially outward from a line segment connecting first fuel injection holes 220-1 and 220-2, and second fuel injection hole 320-2 is disposed radially outward from a line segment connecting first fuel injection holes 220-3 and 220-4. The other configurations are the same as those of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0098] In this embodiment, this can be achieved by making the length of the second lateral passages 311-1, 311-2 of the second fuel injection holes 320-1, 320-2 longer than the length of the second lateral passages 311-1, 311-2 of the above-described embodiment.

[0099] In this example, by making the injection direction (angle) of the first fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 and the injection direction (angle) of the second fuel injection hole 320-1 the same angle, the fuel spray SP5 is located on the front side of the injection direction DSPI with respect to the line segment connecting the fuel sprays SP1 and SP2. Also, by making the injection direction (angle) of the first fuel injection holes 220-3, 220-4 and the injection direction (angle) of the second fuel injection hole 320-2 the same angle, the fuel spray SP6 is located on the front side of the injection direction DSPII with respect to the line segment connecting the fuel sprays SP3 and SP4.

[0100] This fuel spray arrangement is effective in preventing the fuel sprays injected in two different directions from overlapping while achieving the above-mentioned atomization and narrow angle of the fuel sprays, because the fuel sprays SP5 and SP6 promote the spread of the fuel sprays SP1, SP2, SP3, and SP4 in the injection directions DSPI and DSPII.

[0101] Next, a third modified example of the nozzle plate 21n will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a plan view similar to Fig. 3, showing the third modified example of the nozzle plate 21n.

[0102] In this example, the second lateral passages 311-1, 311-2 of the second fuel injection holes 320-1, 320-2 are eliminated, and the second fuel injection holes 320-1, 320-2 are disposed at positions facing the opening surface of the fuel introduction hole 300. The other configurations are similar to those of the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0103] In this example, it is preferable that at least the inlet openings of the second fuel injection holes 320-1, 320-2 are disposed in positions facing the opening surface of the fuel introduction hole 300. In other words, the outlet openings of the second fuel injection holes 320-1, 320-2 may be positioned radially outward from the opening surface of the fuel introduction hole 300.

[0104] The arrangement of the fuel spray in this example is similar to the arrangement shown in FIG. 8, and is effective in suppressing the spread of the fuel spray in two directions while achieving the above-mentioned atomization and narrow angle of the fuel spray.

[0105] In this example, the number of steps required for processing the lateral passages 311-1 and 311-2 is reduced from the total number of steps required for processing the nozzle plate 21n, thereby shortening the processing time for the nozzle plate 21n and improving productivity. In addition, the second lateral passages 311-1 and 311-2 create dead volumes, but in this example, the absence of the second lateral passages 311-1 and 311-2 reduces the dead volumes.

[0106] Next, a third modified example of the nozzle plate 21n will be described with reference to Fig. 12. Fig. 12 is a plan view similar to Fig. 3, showing a fourth modified example of the nozzle plate 21n.

[0107] In this example, the upstream ends of the four first horizontal passages 211-1 to 211-4 are not connected to each other, and the four first turning passages 210-1, 210-2 are independent from each other, in contrast to the configuration shown in Fig. 11. The other configurations are the same as those shown in Fig. 11.

[0108] The arrangement of the fuel spray in this example is similar to the arrangement shown in FIG. 8, and is effective in suppressing the spread of the fuel spray in two directions while achieving the above-mentioned atomization and narrow angle of the fuel spray.

[0109] In this example, the lengths of the first turning passages 210-1, 210-2 are shorter than the configuration shown in FIG. 11, so that the dead volume is further reduced compared to the configuration shown in FIG.

[0110] An internal combustion engine equipped with a fuel injection valve according to the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an internal combustion engine equipped with a fuel injection valve 1.

[0111] An engine block 101 of an internal combustion engine 100 has a cylinder 102 formed therein, and an intake port 103 and an exhaust port 104 are provided at the top of the cylinder 102. An intake valve 105 for opening and closing the intake port 103 is provided at the intake port 103, and an exhaust valve 106 for opening and closing the exhaust port 104 is provided at the exhaust port 104. An intake pipe 108 is connected to an inlet end 107a of an intake flow passage 107 formed in the engine block 101 and communicating with the intake port 103.

[0112] A fuel pipe 110 is connected to a fuel supply port 2 of the fuel injection valve 1 (see FIG. 1).

[0113] An attachment portion 109 for the fuel injection valve 1 is formed in the intake pipe 108, and an insertion port 109a for inserting the fuel injection valve 1 is formed in the attachment portion 109. The insertion port 109a penetrates to the inner wall surface (intake flow path) of the intake pipe 108, and fuel injected from the fuel injection valve 1 inserted into the insertion port 109a is injected into the intake flow path. In the case of two-way spray, the target is an internal combustion engine in which two intake ports 103 are provided in the engine block 101, and each fuel spray injected from one fuel injection valve 1 is directed toward each intake port 103 (intake valve 105).

[0114] The above-described embodiment and its modifications have the following features. (1) A plurality of first fuel injection holes including fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 which inject fuel in one of two different directions DSPI, DSPII, and fuel injection holes 220-3, 220-4 which inject fuel in the other of the two directions; a plurality of first swirl chambers 212 arranged upstream of the respective first fuel injection holes 220 and applying a swirling force to the fuel supplied to the first fuel injection holes 220; a plurality of first lateral passages 211 for supplying fuel to each of the plurality of first swirl chambers 212; The fuel injection hole 320-1 is provided with a plurality of second fuel injection holes including a fuel injection hole 320-1 that injects fuel in one of the two directions DSPI, DSPII, and a fuel injection hole 320-2 that injects fuel in the other of the two directions.

[0115] (2) A nozzle plate 21n is provided in which a plurality of first fuel injection holes 220, a plurality of first swirl chambers 212, a plurality of first lateral passages 211, and a plurality of second fuel injection holes 320-1, 320-2 are formed, The first fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 which inject fuel in one direction DSPI and the second fuel injection hole 320-1 which injects fuel in one direction DSPI are disposed in one section DM1 of two sections DM1, DM2 which are defined by a first line segment IP1 passing through a center 21no of the nozzle plate 21n, The first fuel injection holes 220-3, 220-4, which inject fuel in the other direction DSPII, and the second fuel injection hole 320-2, which injects fuel in the other direction DSPII, are arranged in the other of the two partitions DM1, DM2 defined by the first line segment IP1, namely, the partition DM2. (3) A plurality of first fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 for injecting fuel in one direction DSPI; a first fuel injection hole 220-3, 220-4 for injecting fuel in the other direction DSPII; A second fuel injection hole 320-1 that injects fuel in one direction DSPI is disposed between a plurality of first fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 that inject fuel in one direction DSPI, The second fuel injection hole 320-2 that injects fuel in the other direction DSPII is disposed between the multiple first fuel injection holes 220-3, 220-4 that inject fuel in the other direction DSPII.

[0116] (4) the second fuel injection hole 320-1 which injects fuel in one direction DSPI and the first fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 which inject fuel in one direction DSPI are arranged on a straight line; The second fuel injection hole 320-1 that injects fuel in one direction DSPI is disposed between the first fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 that inject fuel in one direction DSPI, The second fuel injection hole 320-2 which injects fuel in the other direction DSPII and the first fuel injection holes 220-3, 220-4 which inject fuel in the other direction DSPII are arranged on a straight line, The second fuel injection hole 320-2 that injects fuel in the other direction DSPII is disposed midway between the multiple first fuel injection holes 220-3, 220-4 that inject fuel in the other direction DSPII.

[0117] (5) the second fuel injection hole 320-1 that injects fuel in one direction DSPI is disposed radially outward with respect to a line segment connecting the first fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 that inject fuel in one direction DSPI, The second fuel injection hole 320-2 that injects fuel in the other direction DSPII is disposed radially outward with respect to a line segment connecting the first fuel injection holes 220-3, 220-4 that inject fuel in the other direction DSPII.

[0118] (6) the second fuel injection hole 320-1 that injects fuel in one direction DSPI is disposed radially inward with respect to a line segment connecting the first fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2 that inject fuel in one direction DSPI, The second fuel injection hole 320-2 that injects fuel in the other direction DSPII is disposed radially inward with respect to a line segment connecting the first fuel injection holes 220-3, 220-4 that inject fuel in the other direction DSPII.

[0119] (7) The second fuel injection holes 320-1, 320-2 include a plurality of second lateral passages 311-1, 311-2 formed at the downstream ends.

[0120] (8) A valve seat member 15 is provided to which a valve seat 15b is formed and to which a nozzle plate 21n is fixed, The valve seat member 15b has a fuel introduction hole 300 that opens to an end face 15t to which the nozzle plate 21n is fixed, The plurality of second fuel injection holes 320 - 1 , 320 - 2 are arranged to face the opening surface of the fuel introduction hole 300 .

[0121] (9) The upstream end of each of the first horizontal passages 211-1 to 211-4 is not connected to the upstream end of each of the other first horizontal passages 211-1 to 211-4, and is provided independently. The first lateral passages 211-1 to 211-4 are arranged such that their upstream ends face the opening surface of the fuel inlet hole 300.

[0122] (10) The second fuel injection holes 320-1, 320-2 are provided with a plurality of second lateral passages 311-1, 311-2 formed at the downstream end. a first fuel injection hole 220-1, 220-2 arranged in one section DM1, a first swirl chamber 212-1, 212-2 arranged upstream of the first fuel injection hole 220-1, 220-2, and a first horizontal passage 211-1, 211-2 for supplying fuel to the first swirl chamber 212-1, 212-2 are provided in a plurality of sets so as to be arranged symmetrically with respect to a second line segment IP2 perpendicular to a first line segment IP1; The second lateral passages 311-1 and 311-2 are provided on and along the second line segment IP2.

[0123] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modified examples, and some of the configurations may be deleted or other configurations not described may be added. Furthermore, configurations may be interchanged or added between the embodiment and each modified example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1...fuel injection valve, 1a...valve axis (central axis), 15...valve seat member, 15b...valve seat, 15t...end surface of valve seat member 15b to which nozzle plate 21n is fixed, 17...valve body, 21n...nozzle plate, 21no...center of nozzle plate 21n, 211, 211-1 to 211-4...first lateral passage, 212, 212-1 to 212-4...first swirl chamber, 220, 220-1 to 220-4...first fuel injection hole, 300...fuel introduction hole, 311-1, 311-2...second lateral passage, 320-1, 320-2...second fuel injection hole, DM1, DM2...two sections, DSPI, DSPII...two different directions, IP1...first line segment, IP2...second line segment.

Claims

1. a plurality of first fuel injection holes including a plurality of fuel injection holes which inject fuel by directing in one of two different directions, and a plurality of fuel injection holes which inject fuel by directing in the other of the two directions; a plurality of first swirl chambers disposed upstream of the plurality of first fuel injection holes and configured to impart a swirling force to fuel supplied to the first fuel injection holes; a plurality of first lateral passages for supplying fuel to each of the plurality of first swirl chambers; a plurality of second fuel injection holes including a fuel injection hole which injects fuel by directing in one of the two directions and a fuel injection hole which injects fuel by directing in the other of the two directions; a nozzle plate in which the first fuel injection holes, the first swirl chambers, the first lateral passages, and the second fuel injection holes are formed; Equipped with the first fuel injection hole which injects fuel in the one direction and the second fuel injection hole which injects fuel in the one direction are disposed in one of two sections which are partitioned by a first line segment passing through a center of the nozzle plate, the first fuel injection hole which injects fuel while pointing in the other direction and the second fuel injection hole which injects fuel while pointing in the other direction are disposed in the other of the two sections partitioned by the first line segment, the second fuel injection hole which injects fuel in the one direction is disposed between the first fuel injection holes which inject fuel in the one direction, the second fuel injection hole which injects fuel in the other direction is disposed between the first fuel injection holes which inject fuel in the other direction, the second fuel injection hole which injects fuel in the one direction and the plurality of first fuel injection holes which inject fuel in the one direction are arranged in a straight line, the second fuel injection hole which injects fuel in the one direction is disposed intermediate the first fuel injection holes which inject fuel in the one direction, the second fuel injection hole which injects fuel while pointing in the other direction and the plurality of first fuel injection holes which inject fuel while pointing in the other direction are arranged in a straight line, the second fuel injection hole which injects fuel in the other direction is disposed intermediate the first fuel injection holes which inject fuel in the other direction.

2. A plurality of first fuel injection holes including a plurality of fuel injection holes which inject fuel in one of two different directions, and a plurality of fuel injection holes which inject fuel in the other of the two directions; a plurality of first swirl chambers disposed upstream of the plurality of first fuel injection holes and configured to impart a swirling force to fuel supplied to the first fuel injection holes; a plurality of first lateral passages for supplying fuel to each of the plurality of first swirl chambers; a plurality of second fuel injection holes including a fuel injection hole which injects fuel by directing in one of the two directions and a fuel injection hole which injects fuel by directing in the other of the two directions; a nozzle plate in which the first fuel injection holes, the first swirl chambers, the first lateral passages, and the second fuel injection holes are formed; Equipped with the first fuel injection hole which injects fuel in the one direction and the second fuel injection hole which injects fuel in the one direction are disposed in one of two sections which are partitioned by a first line segment passing through a center of the nozzle plate, the first fuel injection hole which injects fuel while pointing in the other direction and the second fuel injection hole which injects fuel while pointing in the other direction are disposed in the other of the two sections partitioned by the first line segment, the second fuel injection hole which injects fuel in the one direction is disposed between the first fuel injection holes which inject fuel in the one direction, the second fuel injection hole which injects fuel in the other direction is disposed between the first fuel injection holes which inject fuel in the other direction, the second fuel injection hole which injects fuel while being directed in the one direction is disposed radially outward with respect to a line segment connecting the plurality of first fuel injection holes which inject fuel while being directed in the one direction, the second fuel injection hole, which injects fuel in the other direction, is disposed radially outward of a line segment connecting the first fuel injection holes, which inject fuel in the other direction.

3. 3. The fuel injection valve according to claim 1, a fuel injection valve including a plurality of second lateral passages each having the second fuel injection holes formed at a downstream end thereof;

4. 3. The fuel injection valve according to claim 1, a valve seat member to which the nozzle plate is fixed, the valve seat member has a fuel inlet hole that opens into an end surface to which the nozzle plate is fixed, the first lateral passages are provided independently of each other, with each upstream end being unconnected to an upstream end of the other first lateral passages; The plurality of first lateral passages are disposed in a fuel injection valve such that the upstream ends face an opening surface of the fuel introduction hole.

5. 3. The fuel injection valve according to claim 1, The second fuel injection holes include a plurality of second lateral passages formed at a downstream end thereof. the first fuel injection hole arranged in the one section, the first swirl chamber arranged upstream of the first fuel injection hole, and the first lateral passage for supplying fuel to the first swirl chamber are provided in a plurality of sets so as to be arranged symmetrically with respect to a second line segment perpendicular to the first line segment, The second lateral passage is provided on and along the second line segment.

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