fuel injection valve

Abstract

To provide a fuel injection valve capable of suppressing a change in a deflection direction of fuel spray even when a lateral passage has a curved passage portion.SOLUTION: A fuel injection valve according to the present invention includes a plurality of swirl passages 210 provided downstream of a valve seat and a valve element for injecting fuel while applying swirl force to the fuel, and a fuel introduction hole 300 for introducing fuel into the swirl passages 210. The swirl passage 210 has a fuel injection hole 220, a swirl chamber 212 provided upstream of the fuel injection hole 220 to swirl fuel, and a lateral passage 211 connected to the fuel introduction hole 300 and to the swirl chamber 212. The lateral passage 211 has a curved passage portion 2113 for changing a flow direction of fuel, between an upstream end and a downstream end. At least a part of the curved passage portion 2113 is arranged to be exposed at an opening surface 300a of fuel introduction hole 300.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3A

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] Patent Document 1 describes fuel that flows into the fuel injection hole without sufficiently swirling in the swirl chamber, and fuel that flows into the fuel injection hole after sufficiently swirling in the swirl chamber. The former has a high fuel flow velocity (axial velocity), forming a fuel spray with strong penetration, a small spray angle, and long penetration. The latter has a low axial velocity, forming a fuel spray with weak penetration, a large spray angle, and short penetration (see paragraph 0071). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-165512 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The inventors discovered that a fuel injection valve equipped with a swirl chamber and fuel injection holes as in Patent Document 1 can inject a fuel spray having a flat cross-sectional shape as shown in FIG. 14C (hereinafter referred to as a flat spray). Hereinafter, this flat spray will be described with reference to FIGS. 14A to 14D. FIG. 14A is a plan view showing a nozzle plate 21n equipped with swirl chambers 212-1 to 212-4 and fuel injection holes 220-1 to 220-4, which is a comparative example of the present invention. FIG. 14B is a diagram showing the cross-sectional shape of a fuel spray according to the comparative example of the present invention. FIG. 14C is a conceptual diagram showing the arrangement of fuel sprays SPS-1 to SPS4 injected from swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4. FIG. 14D is a diagram showing the fuel distribution rate for the fuel sprays (full spray) injected from swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4. In the following description, when describing the cross-sectional shape of the fuel spray, unless otherwise specified, the description will be made in terms of a cross section perpendicular to the injection direction of the fuel spray or the central axis of the fuel injection valve.

[0005] The four sets of swirl chambers 212-1 to 212-4 and fuel injection holes 220-1 to 220-4 shown in Fig. 14A are configured similarly to the fuel injection valve of Patent Document 1, and inject fuel that flows into fuel injection holes 220-1 to 220-4 without sufficiently swirling through swirl chambers 212-1 to 212-4, and fuel that flows into fuel injection holes 220-1 to 220-4 after sufficiently swirling through swirl chambers 212-1 to 212-4. As a result, the four fuel sprays SPS1 to SPS4 are arranged as shown in Fig. 14C, and the cross-sectional shape of the fuel spray (full spray) SPH is formed to be approximately circular. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape and distribution rate of the fuel spray of the full spray SPH are as shown in Fig. 14D.

[0006] The cross-sectional shape of each of the fuel sprays SPS1 to SPS4 injected from each of the fuel injection holes 220-1 to 220-4 is a flat shape having a major axis Ax1 and a minor axis Ax2, as shown in Fig. 14B. In this example, the cross-sectional shape of each of the fuel sprays SPS1 to SPS4 is generally an ellipse having a major axis Ax1 and a minor axis Ax2. Fuel sprays whose cross-sectional shape is deflected (biased) and deviates from a circle, including elliptical shapes, are referred to as deflected sprays.

[0007] In a deflected spray, the deflection direction is determined by the positional relationship between the lateral passages 211-1 to 211-4 and the swirl chambers 212-1 to 212-4 connected to these lateral passages 211-1 to 211-4. However, there are cases where it is desired to deform the cross-sectional shape of the entire spray composed of multiple fuel sprays or to change the fuel distribution rate within the cross section of the entire spray. In such cases, it is necessary to change the deflection direction of each of the multiple fuel sprays SPS1 to SPS4. Note that the deflection direction corresponds to the arrangement (orientation) of the major axis Ax1 and the minor axis Ax2 in an elliptical spray, and changing the deflection direction corresponds to changing the arrangement (orientation) of the major axis Ax1 and the minor axis Ax2 of the elliptical spray. In this specification, the deflection direction is defined as the direction along the major axis Ax1.

[0008] To change the deflection direction of the fuel spray, it is advisable to provide a curved passage section, where the fuel flow direction changes, between the upstream and downstream ends of the lateral passages 211-1 to 211-4. However, providing a curved passage section in the lateral passages 211-1 to 211-4 causes separation of the fuel at the curved passage section, changing the state of the fuel flow (swirl state) in the downstream swirl chambers 212-1 to 212-4. This creates a problem of changing the deflection direction of the fuel spray.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a fuel injection valve that can suppress changes in the deflection direction of the fuel spray even when a curved passage portion is provided in the lateral passage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the fuel injection valve of the present invention comprises: a valve seat and a valve body that cooperate to open and close the fuel passage; a plurality of swirl passages provided downstream of the valve seat and the valve body for applying a swirling force to the fuel before injecting it; a valve seat member in which the valve seat is formed and in which a fuel inlet hole is formed downstream of the valve seat to introduce fuel into the swirl passage; Equipped with the swirl passage has a fuel injection hole, a swirl chamber that is provided upstream of the fuel injection hole and causes the fuel to swirl, and a lateral passage that is connected to the fuel introduction hole and also to the swirl chamber, and injects a deflected spray whose cross-sectional shape is deviated from a circle; The lateral passage is an upstream passage portion provided on the upstream side, a downstream passage portion provided on the downstream side, and a cooling fan provided between the upstream passage portion and the downstream passage portion. A curved passage that changes the direction of fuel flow and, and the upstream passage portion is formed of a linear passage portion, the downstream passage portion is formed of a linear passage portion, the entire inner side wall including a connection portion between the inner side wall of the curved passage portion and the side wall of the upstream passage portion connected to the inner side wall, and a connection portion between the inner side wall of the curved passage portion and the side wall of the downstream passage portion connected to the inner side wall , and is arranged so as to be exposed at the opening surface of the fuel introduction hole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a fuel injection valve that can suppress changes in the deflection direction of each fuel spray even when the lateral passage has a curved passage portion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section along a valve axis (central axis) 1a of a fuel injection valve 1 according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 3A and 3B. FIG. 3B is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the vicinity (nozzle portion) of the valve portion 7 and the fuel injection portion 21 of the fuel injection valve 1 of FIG. 1, and shows a cross section of the nozzle plate 21n taken along the line II-II in FIGS. 3A and 3B. [Figure 3A] 3 is a plan view of the nozzle plate 21n as seen from the direction of the arrows III-III in FIG. [Figure 3B] 3 is a plan view showing a modified example of the nozzle plate 21n, seen from the direction of the arrows III-III in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 3A and 3B are enlarged plan views showing the swirl chamber 212 and the fuel injection holes 220 (enlarged plan views of part IV shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B). [Figure 5] 10 is a plan view of the swirl passage 210 when the upper end surface of the nozzle plate 21n in which the swirl passage 210 is formed is viewed from above. [Figure 6]10 is a conceptual diagram showing the form of fuel spray injected from swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is an enlarged plan view showing the vicinity of a curved passage portion 2113 of a lateral passage 211. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the simulation results of the velocity distribution of fuel flowing through the swirl passage 210, and is a diagram of Comparative Example 1 in which the lateral passage 211 is formed linearly from the upstream end to the downstream end. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the simulation results of the velocity distribution of fuel flowing through the swirl passage 210, and is a diagram of Comparative Example 2 in which the lateral passage 211 has a curved passage section 2111 between the upstream end and the downstream end, and the curved passage section 2111 is positioned outside the opening surface of the fuel introduction hole 300. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the simulation results of the velocity distribution of fuel flowing through the swirl passage 210, and is a diagram relating to an embodiment of the present invention in which the lateral passage 211 has a curved passage section 211c between the upstream end and the downstream end, and the curved passage section 2111 is arranged inside the opening surface of the fuel introduction hole 300. [Figure 11] 11 is a diagram comparing fuel flow velocity values ​​at positions P1, P2, and P3 shown in the swirl passage 210 of FIGS. 8 to 10. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the simulation results of the fuel velocity distribution in the fuel injection hole 220 and an outline of the cross-sectional shape of the fuel spray for Comparative Examples 1 and 2 and the Example. [Figure 13] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an internal combustion engine equipped with a fuel injection valve 1. FIG. [Figure 14A] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a nozzle plate 21n having a swirl chamber and fuel injection holes 220-1 to 220-4, which is a comparative example of the present invention. [Figure 14B] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the cross-sectional shape of a fuel spray according to a comparative example of the present invention. [Figure 14C] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the arrangement of fuel sprays SPS-1 to SPS4 injected from swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4. [Figure 14D] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the distribution rate of fuel in the fuel sprays (full sprays) injected from the swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0014] The overall configuration of a fuel injection valve 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section along a valve axis (central axis) 1a of a fuel injection valve 1 according to the present invention.

[0015] In this embodiment, the central axis 1a of the fuel injection valve 1 coincides with the axis (valve axis) of the movable element 27 integrally provided with the valve element 17 described later, and coincides with the central axis of the cylindrical body 5 described later. The central axis 1a also coincides with the center lines of the valve seat 15b and the nozzle plate 21n described later. In the following description, the central axis, axis (valve axis), and center line will not be distinguished from each other, and will be referred to as the central axis 1a.

[0016] The fuel injection valve 1 is provided with a cylindrical body 5 made of a metal material that extends from the upper end to the lower end. A fuel flow path 3 is configured inside the cylindrical body 5 so as to extend substantially along a central axis 1a. In FIG. 1, the upper end (upper end side) is referred to as the base end (base end side), and the lower end (lower end side) is referred to as the tip end (tip end side). The names of the base end (base end side) and the tip end (tip end side) are based on the fuel flow direction or the mounting structure to a fuel pipe (not shown). That is, in the fuel flow direction, the base end is the upstream side, and the tip end is the downstream side. Furthermore, the vertical relationship described in this specification is defined based on FIG. 1 and is unrelated to the vertical direction when the fuel injection valve 1 is installed in an internal combustion engine.

[0017] 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 mixed in the fuel.

[0018] An O-ring 11 is disposed at the base end of the cylindrical body 5. The O-ring 11 functions as a sealing material when the fuel injection valve 1 is connected to a fuel pipe.

[0019] The distal end of the cylindrical body 5 defines a valve portion 7, which is made up of a valve element 17 and a valve seat member 15. The valve seat member 15 defines a stepped valve element accommodating hole 15a for accommodating the valve element 17. A conical surface is formed midway through the valve element accommodating hole 15a, and a valve seat (seal portion) 15b is defined on this conical surface. A guide surface 15c is formed in the valve element accommodating hole 15a upstream (toward the base end) of the valve seat 15b, which guides the movement of the valve element 17 in the direction along the central axis 1a. The valve seat 15b and the valve element 17 cooperate to open and close the fuel passage. When the valve element 17 comes into contact with the valve seat 15b, the fuel passage is closed. When the valve element 17 moves away from the valve seat 15b, the fuel passage is opened.

[0020] 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 around the entire circumference of the cylindrical body 5. A valve element 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 is attached so as to close the opening of the valve seat member 15 formed by the valve element accommodating hole 15a.

[0021] In this embodiment, the valve seat member 15 and the nozzle plate 21n form the fuel injection unit 21 that injects swirling fuel. The nozzle plate 21n is fixed to the valve seat member 15 by a laser welded portion 23. The laser welded portion 23 surrounds the injection hole formation region in which the fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2, 220-3, and 220-4 (see FIG. 3A) are formed, and extends around the injection hole formation region. The valve seat member 15 may be press-fitted into the inside of the tip end of the cylindrical body 5 and then fixed to the cylindrical body 5 by laser welding.

[0022] In this embodiment, a spherical ball valve is used as the valve element 17. Therefore, a plurality of notched surfaces 17a are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction at the portion of the valve element 17 facing the guide surface 15c. The notched surfaces 17a form gaps between the inner circumferential surface of the plate seat member 15. This gap forms a fuel passage. Note that the valve element 17 can also be configured as a valve other than a ball valve. For example, a needle valve may be used.

[0023] In this embodiment, the valve section 7, which includes the valve seat member 15 and the valve disc 17, and the nozzle plate 21n constitute a nozzle section for injecting fuel. The nozzle plate 21n, which has fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2, 220-3, and 220-4 (see FIG. 3A) and swirl passages 210-1, 210-2, 210-3, and 210-4 (see FIG. 3A), which will be described in detail later, formed therein, is joined to the tip surface of the nozzle section main body (valve seat member 15) where the valve section 7 is constituted. The swirl passages 210-1, 210-2, 210-3, and 210-4 are constituted by lateral passages 211-1, 211-2, 211-3, and 211-4 (see FIG. 3A) and swirl chambers 212-1, 212-2, 212-3, and 212-4 (see FIG. 3A).

[0024] A drive unit 9 for driving the valve element 17 is disposed in the middle of the cylindrical body 5. The drive unit 9 is composed of an electromagnetic actuator. Specifically, the drive unit 9 is composed of a fixed core 25, a mover (movable member) 27, an electromagnetic coil 29, and a yoke 33.

[0025] 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 a 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.

[0026] The mover 27 is disposed inside the cylindrical body 5 closer to the tip than the fixed core 25. A mover core 27a is provided on the base end side of the mover 27. The mover core 27a faces the fixed core 25 across a minute gap δ. A small diameter portion 27b is formed on the tip side of the mover 27, and the valve element 17 is fixed to the tip of this small diameter portion 27b by welding. In this embodiment, the mover core 27a and the connecting portion 27b are formed integrally (as a single member made of the same material), but the mover core 27a and the connecting portion 27b may be formed by joining two members. The mover 27 has the valve element 17 at its tip and displaces the valve element 17 in the valve opening / closing direction. The movable element 27 is guided at two points in the direction of the valve axis center in its movement in the direction along the central axis 1a (opening / closing valve direction) by the valve body 17 contacting the guide surface 15c of the valve seat member 15 and the outer surface of the movable core 27a contacting the inner surface of the cylindrical body 5.

[0027] A recess 27c is formed in the end surface of movable core 27a facing fixed core 25. A spring seat 27e for spring (coil spring) 39 is formed in the bottom surface of recess 27c. A through-hole 27f is formed on the inner periphery of spring seat 27e, penetrating along central axis 1a to the tip end of small diameter portion (connection portion) 27b. An opening 27d is formed in the side surface of small diameter portion 27b. Through-hole 27f opens to the bottom surface of recess 27c, and opening 27d opens to the outer periphery of small diameter portion 27b, thereby forming a fuel flow path 3 that communicates between fuel passage 3 formed in fixed core 25 and valve portion 7.

[0028] 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 made of 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 passed through the electromagnetic coil 29 via the connector pin 43 and the wiring member 45.

[0029] The yoke 33 is made of a magnetic metal material. The yoke 33 is disposed on the outer periphery 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.

[0030] A coil spring 39 is disposed in a compressed state, spanning 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 (valve closing direction) in which the valve element 17 abuts against the valve seat 15b. 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 element 17) is adjusted by adjusting the position of the adjuster 35 within the through-hole 25a in the direction along the central axis 1a.

[0031] Adjuster 35 has a fuel flow path 3 that penetrates the center in a direction along central axis 1a. After flowing through fuel flow path 3 in adjuster 35, fuel flows to fuel flow path 3 in the tip side portion of through hole 25a in fixed core 25, and then flows to fuel flow path 3 formed in movable element 27.

[0032] An O-ring 46 is fitted onto the tip of the cylindrical body 5. When the fuel injection valve 1 is attached to the internal combustion engine, 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. 10) formed on the internal combustion engine side and the outer peripheral surface of the yoke 33.

[0033] A resin cover 47 is molded to cover the fuel injection valve 1 from the middle to the vicinity of the base end. The tip end of the resin cover 47 covers a part of the base end 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.

[0034] Next, the operation of the fuel injection valve 1 will be described.

[0035] When the electromagnetic coil 29 is not energized (i.e., no drive current flows), the armature 27 is biased in the valve closing direction by the coil spring 39, and the valve element 17 is in contact with (seated on) the valve seat 15b. In this case, a gap δ exists between the tip end face of the fixed core 25 and the base end face of the armature 27a. In this embodiment, this gap δ is equal to the stroke of the armature 27 (i.e., the valve element 17).

[0036] When the electromagnetic coil 29 is energized and a driving current flows, a magnetic flux is generated in the 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 combined force of the coil spring 39 and the fuel pressure acting on the movable core 27 in the valve closing direction, the movable core begins to move in the valve opening direction. When the valve disc 17 moves away from the valve seat 15b, a gap (fuel flow path) is formed between the valve disc 17 and the valve seat 15b, and fuel injection begins. In this embodiment, when the movable core 27a moves in the valve opening direction by a distance δ equal to the gap δ and the movable core 27a abuts against the fixed core 25, the movable core 27a stops moving in the valve opening direction and reaches a stationary state.

[0037] When the electromagnetic coil 29 is de-energized, 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.

[0038] Next, the structures of the valve portion 7 and the fuel injection portion 21 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 2 and 3A. Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view (corresponding to the cross-section taken along arrows II-II in Figures 3A and 3B) showing the vicinity (nozzle portion) of the valve portion 7 and the fuel injection portion 21 of the fuel injection valve 1 in Figure 1. Figure 3A is a plan view of the nozzle plate 21n as seen from the direction of arrows III-III in Figure 1.

[0039] 3A is a plan view of the nozzle plate 21n as seen from the inlet side of the fuel injection holes, and is a plan view of the upper end surface 21nu of the nozzle plate 21n. A y0-x0 coordinate system having mutually perpendicular y0 and x0 axes is defined on the upper end surface 21nu of the nozzle plate 21n, with the center 21no of the nozzle plate 21n as the origin. The upper end surface 21nu is the surface that faces the tip surface 15t of the valve seat member 15. The end surface opposite the upper end surface 21nu is called the lower end surface 21nb.

[0040] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, the nozzle plate 21n is made of a plate-like member with both end surfaces formed flat, and the upper end surface 21nu and the lower end surface 21nb are parallel to each other. That is, the nozzle plate 21n is made of a flat plate with a uniform thickness. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3A, the fuel injection valve 1 is configured so that the central axis 1a intersects with the nozzle plate 21n at the center 21no.

[0041] The valve seat member 15 has a leading end surface (lower end surface) 15t that is formed as a flat surface perpendicular to the central axis 1a. The nozzle plate 21n is joined to the leading end surface 15t of the valve seat member 15, and the leading end surface 15t abuts against the upper end surface 21nu of the nozzle plate 21n.

[0042] 3A, the nozzle plate 21n is formed with lateral passages 211-1, 211-2, 211-3, and 211-4, swirl chambers 212-1, 212-2, 212-3, and 212-4, and fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2, 220-3, and 220-4. The lateral passages 211-1, 211-2, 211-3, and 211-4 and the swirl chambers 212-1, 212-2, 212-3, and 212-4 form swirl passages 210-1, 210-2, 210-3, and 210-4 for applying a swirling force to the fuel upstream of the fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2, 220-3, and 220-4. The four sets of swirl passages 210-1, 210-2, 210-3, 210-4 and fuel injection holes 220-1, 220-2, 220-3, 220-4 are configured similarly, and therefore may not be distinguished and may be described as the swirl passage 210, the lateral passage 211, the swirl chamber 212, and the fuel injection hole 220. When the configuration of each set is changed, this will be explained as appropriate.

[0043] 2, the valve seat member 15 is formed with a conical valve seat surface 15b whose diameter decreases 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 into the swirl passage 210.

[0044] In Fig. 3A, the fuel introduction hole 300 is projected onto the upper end surface 21nu of the nozzle plate 21n and is shown by a dashed line. In this embodiment, the upper end surface 21nu of the nozzle plate 21n is perpendicular to the central axis 1a. Therefore, Fig. 3A can also be considered to be a diagram in which the outer circumferential edge of the nozzle plate 21n, the swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4, and the fuel introduction hole 300 are projected onto an imaginary plane perpendicular to the central axis 1a.

[0045] 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 300a of the fuel introduction hole 300. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 3A, the four sets of lateral passages 211-1, 211-2, 211-3, and 211-4 are connected at their upstream ends to communicate with each other, but the lateral passages 211-1, 211-2, 211-3, and 211-4 may be configured as independent passages.

[0046] In Fig. 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 can be formed in one plate, and the fuel injection holes 220 can be formed in another plate. These two plates can then be stacked to form the nozzle plate 21n.

[0047] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the fuel injection holes 220 are formed parallel to the central axis 1a, but they may be inclined relative to the central axis 1a.

[0048] In this embodiment, the nozzle plate 21n is configured with a total of four fuel passages, each consisting of a swirl passage 210 and a fuel injection hole 220. Each of the four fuel passages is formed from the center 21no of the nozzle plate 21n toward the outer periphery. That is, the lateral passages 211 are formed from the center 21no of the nozzle plate 21n toward the outer periphery, with a curved passage portion 2113 (see FIG. 5) provided midway. The fuel passages are also formed at 90° angular intervals in the circumferential direction.

[0049] The number of pairs of swirl passages 210 and fuel injection holes 220 is not limited to four, but may be two, three, five or more. Alternatively, only one pair of swirl passages 210 and fuel injection holes 220 may be provided.

[0050] Figure 3B is a plan view showing a modified example of nozzle plate 21n, seen from the direction of arrows III-III in Figure 1. Figure 3B is a drawing similar to Figure 3A, and the same components as in Figure 3A are given the same reference numerals as in Figure 3A, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Below, we will explain the components that differ from Figure 3A.

[0051] In Fig. 3A, the inner peripheral wall of the swirl chamber 212 is formed with the same radius all around. In contrast, Fig. 3B shows a modified example in which the radius of the inner peripheral wall of the swirl chamber 212 decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side. The inner peripheral wall of the swirl chamber 212 is not limited to the configuration shown in Fig. 3A, and may be configured as shown in Fig. 3B.

[0052] The features of the inner peripheral wall of the swirl chamber 212 in FIGS. 3A and 3B will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0053] The configuration of the swirl chamber 212 and the fuel injection holes 220 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is an enlarged plan view (enlarged plan view of part IV shown in Figures 3A and 3B) showing the swirl chamber 212 and the fuel injection holes 220. In this embodiment, the four sets of swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4 described above are formed in the same manner, and therefore the four sets of swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4 will not be distinguished from one another and will be described as swirl passages 210.

[0054] First, the configuration shown in Fig. 3A will be described. In Fig. 4, a y1-x1 coordinate system is defined, having mutually orthogonal y1 and x1 axes, with the center O2 of the inlet opening 220i of the fuel injection hole 220 as its origin. In this embodiment, the center O2 of the inlet opening 220i of the fuel injection hole 220 coincides with the center O1 of the swirl chamber 212, and therefore the origin of the y1-x1 coordinate system coincides with the center O1 of the swirl chamber 212. In this embodiment, the x1 axis coincides with the side wall 211i and its extension 211il.

[0055] The lateral passage 211 is connected to the swirl chamber 212 so as to be offset from the center O1 of the swirl chamber 212. One side wall 211o of the lateral passage 211 is connected to an inner circumferential wall portion (starting end, upstream end of the inner circumferential wall) 212cs located upstream in the flow direction of the swirling fuel, and the other side wall 211i is connected to an inner circumferential wall portion (terminating end, downstream end of the inner circumferential wall) 212ce located downstream. Therefore, an opening 212co is formed in the inner circumferential wall (side wall) 212c of the swirl chamber 212 at the connection portion of the lateral passage 211.

[0056] An inner peripheral 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. As a result, a swirl flow path (swirl passage) 212d for fuel is formed between the inner peripheral wall 212c of the swirl chamber 212 and the inlet opening 220i of the fuel injection hole 220.

[0057] The nozzle plate 21n defines side walls (side surfaces) 211o, 211i and a bottom surface 211b of the lateral passage 211. The upper surface (ceiling surface) 211u (see FIG. 2) of the lateral passage 211 is defined by the lower end surface 15t of the valve seat member 15.

[0058] The side wall 211o of the lateral passage 211 is connected to the swirl chamber 212 at an angle tangent to the inner circumferential wall 212c of the swirl chamber 212, and the downstream end of the side wall 211o is connected to the starting end 212cs of the inner circumferential wall 212c of the swirl chamber 212.

[0059] Furthermore, the side wall 211i of the lateral passage 211 is connected to the swirl chamber 212 at an angle intersecting with the inner circumferential wall 212c of the swirl chamber 212 or an extension thereof, and the downstream end of the side wall 211i is connected to the terminal end 212ce of the inner circumferential wall 212c of the swirl chamber 212. Here, "intersecting" means that the side wall 211i and its extension cross the inner circumferential wall 212c or its extension. In this embodiment, the extension of the inner circumferential wall 212c coincides with the two-dot chain line representing the opening 212co of the swirl chamber 212.

[0060] A starting end 212cs of the inner circumferential wall 212c of the swirl chamber 212 is an end (upstream end) located on the upstream side in the swirling direction of the fuel. A terminal end 212ce of the inner circumferential wall 212c is an end (downstream end) located on the downstream side in the swirling direction of the fuel. The terminal end 212ce may be formed with a chamfered portion such as an inclined portion or a rounded portion. In such a case, the terminal end (downstream end) 212ce may be determined as the intersection of two imaginary lines (extension lines) extending from the inner circumferential wall 212c and the side wall 211i to the terminal end 212ce.

[0061] In this embodiment, the inner circumferential wall 212c of the swirl chamber 212 between the starting end 212cs and the terminal end 212ce is formed to have an arc shape with a constant radius R centered at O1. That is, the inner circumferential wall 212c is formed of a part of a perfect circle or a circle. On the other hand, the inlet opening 220i of the fuel injection hole 220 is formed in a circular shape with a radius r smaller than the radius R of the inner circumferential wall 212c of the swirl chamber 212. As a result, the bottom surface 212b of the swirl flow passage 212d is formed between the inlet opening edge 220ic of the fuel injection hole 220 and the inner circumferential wall 212c of the swirl chamber 212. Note that if the central axis 220a (see FIG. 2) of the fuel injection hole 220 is inclined with respect to the bottom surface 212b, the inlet opening 220i will not be circular but will be elliptical, even if the cross section of the fuel injection hole 220 is circular. In this embodiment, regardless of whether or not the fuel injection hole 220 is inclined, the central axis 220a (see FIG. 2) of the fuel injection hole 220 passes through the center O2 of the inlet opening 220i.

[0062] 4 is a plan view showing the fuel injection hole 220, the swirl chamber 212, and the lateral passage 211 projected onto an imaginary plane (projection plane) perpendicular to the central axis 1a of the fuel injection valve 1. FIG. 4 also shows an extension line (first extension line) 211ol of the side wall 211o of the lateral passage 211 and an extension line (second extension line) 211il of the side wall 211i projected onto the imaginary plane (projection plane). The first extension line 211ol is an imaginary line extending along the side wall 211o. The second extension line 211il is an imaginary line extending along the side wall 211i.

[0063] The second extension line 211il divides the bottom surface of the swirl chamber 212 (bottom surface 212b of the swirl flow path 212d) into two regions A1 and A2. Region A1 is a region located on the side wall 211o or its extension line 211ol side of the second extension line 211il. The starting end 212cs of the inner circumferential wall 212c is in region A1. Region A2 is a region located on the opposite side of the second extension line 211il from the side wall 211o or its extension line 211ol side. Region A2 is formed by the swirl flow path portion on the terminal end 212ce side of the inner circumferential wall 212c. The second extension line 211il is the boundary between region A1 and region A2.

[0064] The fuel injection hole 220 is arranged such that a portion of the inlet opening 220i, i.e., a portion of the inlet opening edge 220ic, extends beyond the second extension line 211il toward the region A1. That is, a portion of the inlet opening 220i of the fuel injection hole 220 opens toward the region A1 and is located on an extension of the lateral passage 211. If the area of ​​the bottom surface 212b of the swirl chamber 212 located between the second extension line 211il and the side wall 211o or its extension line 211ol is considered to be the bottom surface 211b of the lateral passage 211, a portion of the inlet opening 220i of the fuel injection hole 220 is located on the bottom surface 211b of the lateral passage 211. With this configuration, the cross-sectional shape of the fuel spray injected from the fuel injection hole 220 is deformed from a circle to a flattened shape. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the fuel spray is an ellipse having a major axis and a minor axis.

[0065] In the following description, the cross section and cross-sectional shape of the fuel spray refer to the cross section and cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the injection direction, and may be referred to as the vertical cross section and vertical cross-sectional shape when expressing particularly clearly. In this embodiment, the fuel spray (whole spray) injected from the multiple fuel injection holes 220 will be described as being injected in a direction along the central axis 1 a of the fuel injection valve 1.

[0066] In this embodiment, the center O2 of the inlet opening 220i of the fuel injection hole 220 is located on the second extension line 211il. Therefore, the inlet opening 220i of the fuel injection hole 220 extends beyond the second extension line 211il into the region A1 by a semicircle of the fuel injection hole 220. Therefore, the inlet opening edge 220ic of the fuel injection hole 220 intersects with the second extension line 211il at two points 220ia and 220ib. That is, the inlet opening 220i of the fuel injection hole 220 is disposed so that the second extension line 211il and the inlet opening edge 220ic intersect at two points 220ia and 220ib. Note that the amount of extension of the inlet opening 220i toward the region A1 is not limited to the semicircle of the fuel injection hole 220. This extension amount may be greater or smaller than the semicircle. Changing the extension amount can change the shape and size of the spray cross section (spray distribution).

[0067] Furthermore, the center O2 of the inlet opening 220i of the fuel injection hole 220 may be disposed at a position offset from the center O1 of the swirl chamber 212 in the direction along the second extension line 211il. In other words, the center O2 of the inlet opening 220i of the fuel injection hole 220 may be eccentric with respect to the center O1 of the swirl chamber 212. By changing the amount of eccentricity, the shape and size of the spray cross section (spray distribution) can be changed.

[0068] In this embodiment, the side walls 211o and 211i of the lateral passage 211 are formed in parallel, and the width of the lateral passage 211 is constant. Displacing the center O2 of the inlet opening 220i of the fuel injection hole 220 from the center O1 of the swirl chamber 212 in the direction along the second extension line 211il means displacing the center O2 in the direction along the center line L3 of the lateral passage 211.

[0069] In this embodiment, the inner circumferential wall 212c of the swirl chamber 212 is not limited to having a constant radius R. As shown in a modified example in FIG. 3B , the inner circumferential wall 212c of the swirl chamber 212 may have a shape such that the radius R decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side in the swirling direction of the fuel. In the modified example in FIG. 3B , the inner circumferential wall 212c of the swirl chamber 212 has an upstream portion shaped as indicated by a dashed line 212c′, which is configured as an arc with a larger radius than the downstream portion. As a result, the inner circumferential wall 212c of the swirl chamber 212 is configured with an arc portion with radius R (the portion above the second extension line 211il) and an arc portion with a radius larger than R (the portion indicated by the dashed line 212c′), and has a shape in which the radius decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side in the swirling direction of the fuel.

[0070] In this case, the side wall 211o of the lateral passage 211 is disposed as shown by the dashed line 211o' and is connected to the inner peripheral wall 212c' at a point 212cs'.

[0071] In the modified example of FIG. 3B, a shape in which the radius decreases in two stages from the upstream side to the downstream side in the swirling direction of the fuel has been described. However, the inner circumferential wall 212c may have, for example, a spiral shape in which the radius gradually decreases continuously from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0072] The configuration of the lateral passages 211 of the swirl passage 210 will be described with reference to Figure 5. Figure 5 is a plan view of the swirl passage 210 when the upper end surface of the nozzle plate 21n in which the swirl passage 210 is formed is viewed from above. Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of one of the four swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4 in Figure 3A. Since the four swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4 are formed in the same manner, as described above, the four sets of swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4 will not be distinguished from one another and will be described as swirl passages 210.

[0073] The lateral passage 211 is provided with a curved passage section 2113 midway as it extends from the center 21no side of the nozzle plate 21n to the outer periphery. That is, the lateral passage 211 includes a straight section (inner periphery side straight section) 2111 formed on the center 21no side of the nozzle plate 21n, a straight section (outer periphery side straight section) 2112 formed on the outer periphery side, and a curved passage section 2113 formed between the inner periphery side straight section 2111 and the outer periphery side straight section 2112. The inner periphery side straight section 2111 is disposed on the upstream side and therefore constitutes the upstream side straight section, the outer periphery side straight section 2112 is disposed on the downstream side and therefore constitutes the downstream side straight section, and the curved passage section 2113 connects the upstream side straight section 2111 and the downstream side straight section 2112 and constitutes a passage section that changes the extension direction of the lateral passage 211.

[0074] The inner circumference side straight section 2111 and the outer circumference side straight section 2112 do not necessarily have to be configured as straight passages, and may be, for example, passages having a gentle curve. For this reason, the inner circumference side straight section 2111 and the outer circumference side straight section 2112 will hereinafter be referred to as an inner circumference side passage section and an outer circumference side passage section, or an upstream side passage section and a downstream side passage section.

[0075] The curves of the inner-periphery-side passage portion 2111 and the outer-periphery-side passage portion 2112 are gentler than the curve of the curved passage portion 2113. The curved passage portion 2113 constitutes an inflection portion where the curve changes significantly between the inner-periphery-side passage portion 2111 and the outer-periphery-side passage portion 2112. When the inner-periphery-side passage portion 2111, the outer-periphery-side passage portion 2112, and the curved passage portion 2113 are each constituted by a curve having a constant curvature, the curvature of the curved passage portion 2113 is larger than the curvature of the inner-periphery-side passage portion 2111 and the outer-periphery-side passage portion 2112. In other words, the radius of curvature of the inner-periphery-side passage portion 2111 and the radius of curvature of the outer-periphery-side passage portion 2112 are larger than the radius of curvature of the curved passage portion 2113.

[0076] The inner periphery-side passage portion 2111 is disposed on the inner periphery side of the nozzle plate 21n and extends radially outward. Compared to a case in which the inner periphery-side passage portion 2111 extends radially outward, the outer periphery-side passage portion 2112 extends in a direction inclined relative to the inner periphery-side passage portion 2111 so that the connection portion with the swirl chamber 212 is located radially inward.

[0077] That is, the lateral passage 211 includes an inner-side passage section 2111 that is arranged on the inner periphery side and extends radially outward, an outer-side passage section 2112 that extends in a direction inclined relative to the inner-side passage section 2111 so that the connection with the swirling chamber 212 is located radially inward compared to when the inner-side passage section 2111 is simply extended radially outward, and a curved passage section 2113 that is provided between the inner-side passage section 2111 and the outer-side passage section 2112.

[0078] In this embodiment, the swirling chamber 212 is disposed so as to protrude radially outward relative to the outer periphery-side passage portion 2112 .

[0079] The curved passage portion 2113 changes the extension direction of the outer-periphery-side passage portion 2112 to a direction inclined from the extension direction of the inner-periphery-side passage portion 2111. That is, the curved passage portion 2113 changes the extension direction of the outer-periphery-side passage portion 2112 (the axial direction of the central axis 211Ax2) to a direction inclined by the angle θ211 with respect to the extension direction of the inner-periphery-side passage portion 2111 (the axial direction of the central axis 211Ax1). The curved passage portion 2113 may be formed so as to bend the outer-periphery-side passage portion 2112 from the inner-periphery-side passage portion 2111, or may be formed so that the outer-periphery-side straight portion 2112 changes direction from the inner-periphery-side straight portion 2111 by drawing a curve. In other words, the inner circumference side passage portion 2111, the outer circumference side passage portion 2112, and the curved passage portion 2113 may be configured so that the central axis 211Ax1 and the central axis 211Ax2 are connected by a curved center line 211Ax3.

[0080] 5 corresponds to the center line L3 of the lateral passage 211 in FIG.

[0081] The form of the fuel spray injected from the swirl passage 210 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the form of the fuel spray injected from the swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4. Fig. 6 shows a cross section of the fuel spray perpendicular to the injection direction of the whole spray SPH (in this embodiment, the axial direction of the central axis 1a of the fuel injection valve 1).

[0082] Fuel spray SPS1 is injected from the swirl passage 210-1, fuel spray SPS2 is injected from the swirl passage 210-2, fuel spray SPS3 is injected from the swirl passage 210-3, and fuel spray SPS4 is injected from the swirl passage 210-4.

[0083] As described in FIG. 14C, the cross-sectional shape of the fuel sprays SPS1 to SPS4 injected from each of the swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4 is a flat shape having a major axis Ax1 and a minor axis Ax2, and is generally an ellipse having a major axis Ax1 and a minor axis Ax2. A fuel spray whose cross-sectional shape deviates from a circle, including an ellipse, is called a deflected spray. In this embodiment, the term may also include deflected sprays other than ellipse-shaped ones. In the following description, a fuel spray whose spray cross section is elliptical will be described as a deflected spray.

[0084] The orientation of the major axis Ax1 and minor axis Ax2 of the elliptical fuel spray is determined by the positional relationship between the lateral passages 211-1 to 211-4 and the swirl chambers 212-1 to 212-4 connected to these lateral passages 211-1 to 211-4. That is, in this embodiment, the positional relationship between the lateral passages 211-1 to 211-4 and the swirl chambers 212-1 to 212-4 connected to these lateral passages 211-1 to 211-4 determines the deflection direction of the deflected spray.

[0085] In the arrangement of the lateral passages 211-1 to 211-4 and the swirl chambers 212-1 to 212-4 shown in Fig. 14A, each of the fuel sprays SPS1 to SPS4 is arranged so that one end of the major axis Ax1 is located at the center of the entire spray SPH and the other end is located on the outer periphery of the entire spray SPH. The cross-sectional shape of the entire spray SPH is then approximately circular, as shown in Fig. 14C. In this case, the lateral passages 211-1 to 211-4 extend linearly (radially) from the center 21no of the nozzle plate 21n toward the outer periphery, as shown in Fig. 14A, and no curved passage portion 2113 is provided between the center 21no of the nozzle plate 21n and the swirl chambers 212-1 to 212-4.

[0086] In this case, the cross-sectional shape and distribution rate of the fuel spray of the entire spray SPH are as shown in Figure 14D. Figure 14D shows the distribution rate of the fuel spray on the spray cross section, and this spray cross section is expressed as a plane with the vertical and horizontal axes representing the direction (angle) in which the fuel spray droplets fly.

[0087] In the entire spray SPH, the major axis Ax1 and minor axis Ax2 of the four fuel sprays SPS1 to SPS4 are arranged as shown in Figure 14C, and the four fuel sprays SPS1 to SPS4 overlap, resulting in a substantially circular cross-sectional shape of the entire spray SPH. In this case, the four fuel sprays SPS1 to SPS4 overlap at the center of the spray cross section of the fuel spray SPH, so the distribution rate of the fuel spray is particularly high at the center of the fuel spray cross section, and a fuel spray (entire spray) SPH with a high distribution rate (peak distribution rate) at this center is formed. For this reason, the concentration of the fuel spray tends to be higher at the center of the fuel spray cross section.

[0088] On the other hand, in an internal combustion engine, it is sometimes required to inject fuel so that the fuel spray is uniformly distributed within the cross section of the fuel spray, i.e., it is sometimes required to keep the peak of the distribution rate shown in Fig. 14D low.

[0089] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 3A, 3B and 5, a curved passage section 2113 (see Figure 5) is provided in the lateral passage 211, making it possible to change the positional relationship (arrangement) between the lateral passage 211 and the swirling chamber 212 on the nozzle plate 21n.

[0090] This allows the arrangement (orientation) of the major axis Ax1 and minor axis Ax2 of the fuel spray cross section to be changed, thereby making it possible to change the cross-sectional shape of the fuel spray or the distribution rate of fuel on the cross section of the fuel spray.

[0091] In order to explain the positional relationship (arrangement) between the lateral passage 211 and the swirl chamber 212, it is assumed that the direction of the swirl passage 210 is as shown by the arrow AW in Fig. 5. That is, it is assumed that the arrow AW is perpendicular to the central axis 211Ax2 and points in a direction from the center of the fuel injection hole 220 toward the side opposite to the central axis 211Ax2.

[0092] The direction AW of each of the swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4 on the nozzle plate 21n in Figures 3A and 3B is different from the direction AW of each of the swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4 on the nozzle plate 21n in Figure 14A. That is, the inclination of the arrows AW of each of the swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4 with respect to the radial direction in Figures 3A and 3B is different from the inclination of the arrows AW of each of the swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4 with respect to the radial direction in Figure 14A.

[0093] In this embodiment, by providing the lateral passages 211-1 to 211-4 with bent passage portions 2113, the direction AW of each of the swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4 on the nozzle plate 21n, i.e., the positional relationship (arrangement) between the lateral passages 211 and the swirl chamber 212 with respect to the nozzle plate 21n, is changed, and the arrangement of the major axis Ax1 and minor axis Ax2 of the fuel sprays SPS1 to SPS4 with respect to the nozzle plate 21n is changed. This means that the arrangement of the major axis Ax1 and minor axis Ax2 of the fuel sprays SPS1 to SPS4 is changed within the entire spray SPH.

[0094] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the fuel sprays SPS1 to SPS4 are arranged so that their major axes Ax1 are aligned along the circumferential direction (outer edge direction) of the circular overall spray SPH, and their minor axes Ax2 are aligned along the radial direction of the circular overall spray SPH.

[0095] In particular, in this embodiment, the swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4, including the curved passage portion 2113, are formed in the same shape and arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, so that the two fuel sprays SPS1 and SPS3 are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the center a0 of the entire spray SPH, and the two fuel sprays SPS2 and SPS4 are arranged point-symmetrically with respect to the center a0. Furthermore, the two fuel sprays SPS1 and SPS3 and the two fuel sprays SPS4 and SPS3 are arranged line-symmetrically with respect to a line segment passing through the center a0, points a8, and a6. Furthermore, the two fuel sprays SPS1 and SPS4 and the two fuel sprays SPS2 and SPS3 are arranged line-symmetrically with respect to a line segment passing through the center a0, points a5, and a7. Here, points a5 to a8 are intersections where the major axes Ax1 of the fuel sprays SPS1 to SPS4 intersect.

[0096] The features of the fuel sprays SPS1 to SPS4 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 6 will be explained as follows.

[0097] (1) Each of the fuel sprays SPS1 to SPS4 intersects with the longitudinal axis Ax1 of an adjacent fuel spray at both ends of the longitudinal axis Ax1. In the following description, the terms "one side" and "the other side" used to refer to both ends of the longitudinal axis Ax1 do not always refer to the ends on the same side, but will be interchangeable in the description at each time.

[0098] One end of the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS1 intersects with one end of the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS2, and the other end of the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS1 intersects with one end of the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS4. The major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS1 and the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS2 intersect at intersection a5, and the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS1 and the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS4 intersect at intersection a8, with intersection a5 and intersection a8 located on the outer edge side of the fuel spray SPS1 in the axial direction of the major axis Ax1, with the center a1 (intersection of the major axis Ax1 and minor axis Ax2) of the fuel spray SPS1 in between.

[0099] One end of the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS2 intersects with one end of the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS3, and the other end of the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS2 intersects with one end of the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS1. The major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS2 and the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS3 intersect at intersection a6, and the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS2 and the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS1 intersect at intersection a5, with intersection a6 and intersection a5 being located on the outer edge side of the fuel spray SPS2 in the axial direction of the major axis Ax1, with the center a2 (intersection of the major axis Ax1 and minor axis Ax2) of the fuel spray SPS2 in between.

[0100] One end of the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS3 intersects one end of the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS4, and the other end of the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS3 intersects one end of the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS2. The major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS3 and the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS4 intersect at intersection a7, and the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS3 and the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS2 intersect at intersection a6, with intersection a7 and intersection a6 located on the outer edge side of the fuel spray SPS3 in the axial direction of the major axis Ax1, across the center a3 (intersection of the major axis Ax1 and minor axis Ax2) of the fuel spray SPS3.

[0101] The fuel spray SPS4 intersects with one end of the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS1 at one end of its major axis Ax1, and intersects with one end of the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS3 at the other end of its major axis Ax1. The major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS4 and the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS1 intersect at intersection a8, and the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS4 and the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS3 intersect at intersection a7, with intersection a8 and intersection a7 located on the outer edge sides of the fuel spray SPS4 in the axial direction of the major axis Ax1, with the center a4 (intersection of the major axis Ax1 and minor axis Ax2) of the fuel spray SPS4 in between.

[0102] 6, the intersection point a5 is located closer to the outer edge of the fuel spray SPS1 than the center a1 of the fuel spray SPS1 in the axial direction of the major axis Ax1, and the intersection point a8 is located closer to the outer edge of the fuel spray SPS1 than the center a1 of the fuel spray SPS1 in the axial direction of the major axis Ax1. In other words, the intersection points a5 and a8 are located closer to the outer edge of the fuel spray SPS1 than the midpoints a9 and a10 between the center a1 of the fuel spray SPS1 and the outer edge of the fuel spray SPS1 in the axial direction of the major axis Ax1. The intersection points a6 and a5 formed for the fuel spray SPS2, the intersection points a7 and a6 formed for the fuel spray SPS3, and the intersection points a8 and a7 formed for the fuel spray SPS4 are also located in positions similar to the intersection points a5 and a8 formed for the fuel spray SPS1.

[0103] That is, the plurality of swirl passages 210 include at least three swirl passages 210-1, 210-2, 210-4 that spray deflected sprays SPS1, SPS2, SPS4 having a major axis Ax1 and a minor axis Ax2 in the spray cross section, The three swirl passages 210-1 to 210-3 inject a first deflected spray SPS1, and a second deflected spray SPS2 and a third deflected spray SPS4 that are adjacent to the first deflected spray SPS1 at both axial ends of the major axis Ax1 of the first deflected spray SPS1, The first deflected spray SPS1, the second deflected spray SPS2 and the third deflected spray SPS4 are The major axis Ax1 of the first deflected spray SPS1 and the major axis Ax1 of the second deflected spray SPS2 intersect at a first intersection point a5, The major axis Ax1 of the first deflected spray SPS1 and the major axis Ax1 of the third deflected spray SPS4 intersect at a second intersection point a8, the first intersection point a5 is located on one end side of the major axis Ax1 of the first deflected spray SPS1, and is located closer to the outer edge of the first deflected spray SPS1 than the center a1 of the major axis Ax1 of the first deflected spray SPS1 in the axial direction of the major axis Ax1 of the first deflected spray SPS1, The second intersection point a8 is located on the other end side of the major axis Ax1 of the first deflected spray SPS1, and is injected so as to have a spray cross section that is located closer to the outer edge of the first deflected spray SPS1 than the center a1 of the major axis Ax1 of the first deflected spray SPS1 in the axial direction of the major axis Ax1 of the first deflected spray SPS1.

[0104] (2) The distance D2 between the intersection a5 on the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS1 and the outer edge of the entire spray SPH, and the distance D3 between the intersection a8 on the major axis Ax1 of the fuel spray SPS1 and the outer edge of the entire spray SPH are shorter than the distance D1 between the center a1 of the fuel spray SPS1 and the outer edge of the entire spray SPH. The fuel sprays SPS2 to SPS4 have the same configuration as the fuel spray SPS1.

[0105] The outer edge of the whole spray SPH is an envelope that is tangent to the fuel sprays SPS1 to SPS4, and may differ from a contour that faithfully follows the outer edge of each of the fuel sprays SPS1 to SPS4.

[0106] (3) When the major axes Ax1 of two circumferentially adjacent fuel sprays SPS1 to SPS4 begin to intersect, their intersection points a5 to a8 are located on the outer edges of the fuel sprays SPS1 to SPS4. In Figure 6, when the major axis Ax1 of fuel spray SPS1 begins to intersect with the major axis Ax1 of fuel spray SPS2, the intersection point between the outer edge of fuel spray SPS1 and the major axis Ax1 of fuel spray SPS1 intersects with the intersection point between the outer edge of fuel spray SPS2 and the major axis Ax1 of fuel spray SPS2. Therefore, when the major axes Ax1 of two fuel sprays SPS1, SPS2 begin to intersect, the intersection point a5 is located on the outer edges of fuel sprays SPS1, SPS2.

[0107] (4) In a state where at least one of the characteristics of (1) to (3) is satisfied, a space is formed in an area including the center a0 of the entire spray SPH where the fuel sprays SPS1 to SPS4 are not present or where the fuel sprays SPS1 to SPS4 are thin. Therefore, in the entire spray SPH of this embodiment, the distribution ratio at the center a0 of the entire spray SPH can be made small, and the peak of the distribution ratio can be kept low.

[0108] That is, the multiple swirl passages 210 include the three swirl passages 210-1, 210-2, 210-4 as well as the swirl passage 210-3, and are configured of four swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4 that spray deflected sprays having a major axis Ax1 and a minor axis Ax2 in the spray cross section, The first deflected spray SPS1, the second deflected spray SPS2, the third deflected spray SPS4, and the fourth deflected spray SPS3 injected from the four swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4 have a region in the center a0 of the entire spray cross section SPH formed by the first deflected spray SPS1, the second deflected spray SPS2, the third deflected spray SPS4, and the fourth deflected spray SPS3 where the first deflected spray SPS1, the second deflected spray SPS2, the third deflected spray SPS4, and the fourth deflected spray SPS3 do not exist, or where the fuel spray due to the first deflected spray SPS1, the second deflected spray SPS2, the third deflected spray SPS4, and the fourth deflected spray SPS3 is lean.

[0109] The configuration of the fuel introduction hole 300 and the lateral passage 211 will be described in further detail with reference to Figure 7. Figure 7 is an enlarged plan view showing the vicinity of the curved passage portion 2113 of the lateral passage 211. Note that Figure 7 shows an enlarged view of the vicinity of the curved passage portion 2113 for one of the four swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4 in Figures 3A and 3B. Since the four swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4 are formed in the same manner, as described above, the four swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4 will not be distinguished from one another and will be described as the swirl passage 210.

[0110] As described above, the lateral passage 211 of this embodiment has the curved passage section 2113 provided between the inner-periphery-side passage section 2111 and the outer-periphery-side passage section 2112, and the inner-periphery-side passage section 2111 and the outer-periphery-side passage section 2112 are connected by the curved passage section 2113. The lateral passage 211 is bent to form an angle θ211′ on the inside of the bend formed by the curved passage section 2113. Side walls (inner side walls) 2111o, 2112o, and 2113o on the inside (inner) of the bend constitute the side wall 211o shown in FIG. 4, and side walls (outer side walls) 2111i, 2112i, and 2113i on the outside (outer) of the bend constitute the side wall 211i shown in FIG. 4.

[0111] The side wall 2111o of the inner passage portion 2111 and the side wall 2113o of the curved passage portion 2113 are connected at point 2113oa, and the side wall 2112o of the outer passage portion 2112 and the side wall 2113o of the curved passage portion 2113 are connected at point 2113ob. That is, point 2113oa is the connection between the side wall 2111o and the side wall 2113o, and point 2113ob is the connection between the side wall 2112o and the side wall 2113o.

[0112] The side wall 2111i of the inner passage portion 2111 and the side wall 2113i of the curved passage portion 2113 are connected at point 2113ia, and the side wall 2112i of the outer passage portion 2112 and the side wall 2113i of the curved passage portion 2113 are connected at point 2113ib. That is, point 2113ia is the connection between the side wall 2111i and the side wall 2113i, and point 2113ib is the connection between the side wall 2112i and the side wall 2113i.

[0113] In this embodiment, the lateral passage 211 and the fuel introduction hole 300 are configured so that at least a portion of the curved passage portion 2113 is exposed to the opening surface 300a of the fuel introduction hole 300. With this configuration, the curved passage portion 2113 is disposed so that at least a portion of it faces the opening surface 300a. This is equivalent to saying that when the lateral passage 211 and the fuel introduction hole 300 are projected onto an imaginary plane perpendicular to the central axis 1a, at least a portion of the curved passage portion 2113 is located inside the opening surface 300a (inside the opening edge of the fuel introduction hole 300).

[0114] Particularly in this embodiment, the lateral passage 211 and the fuel introduction hole 300 are configured so that the entire side wall 2113o of the curved passage portion 2113, i.e., the entire side wall 2113o including both end portions 2113oa, 2113ob, is exposed to the opening surface 300a. In this case, a connection portion 2113ia between the side wall 2111i of the inner-periphery-side passage portion 2111 and the side wall 2113i of the curved passage portion 2113 is exposed to the opening surface 300a, and the entire inner-periphery-side passage portion 2111 is exposed to the opening surface 300a.

[0115] 6, a portion of the side wall 2113i of the curved passage portion 2113 is exposed to the opening surface 300a, but the other portion is located outside (radially outside) the opening surface 300a with respect to the opening edge of the fuel introduction hole 300 and is not exposed to the opening surface 300a. However, the entire side wall 2113i of the curved passage portion 2113, that is, the entire side wall 2113i including both end portions 2113ia, 2113ib, may be configured to be exposed to the opening surface 300a. However, if the entire side wall 2113i of the curved passage portion 2113 is configured to be exposed to the opening surface 300a, the length of the lateral passage 211 located outside the opening surface 300a becomes shorter, which may result in insufficient straightening of the fuel flow flowing into the swirl chamber 212 in the direction along the central axis 211Ax2, and may result in insufficient generation of swirled fuel. For this reason, it is preferable that a portion of the side wall 2113i of the curved passage portion 2113 is disposed outside the opening surface 300a.

[0116] Generally, the area of ​​the nozzle plate 21n in which the swirl passage 210 is formed is limited. Increasing the length of the lateral passage 211 also increases the flow path resistance. If the area of ​​the nozzle plate 21n and the flow path resistance of the lateral passage 211 can be selected to be appropriate, the length of the outer periphery-side passage portion 2112 of the lateral passage 211 can be increased so that the entire side wall 2113i of the curved passage portion 2113 is exposed to the opening surface 300a.

[0117] As described above, the fuel injection valve of this embodiment has the following features: the valve seat 15b and the valve element 17 which cooperate to open and close the fuel passage; a plurality of swirl passages 210 which are provided downstream of the valve seat 15b and the valve element 17 and which apply a swirling force to the fuel before injecting it; and a valve seat member 15 in which the valve seat 15b is formed and in which a fuel introduction hole 300 which is provided downstream of the valve seat 15b and introduces fuel into the swirl passages 210 is formed; The swirl passage 210 has a fuel injection hole 220, a swirl chamber 212 that is provided upstream of the fuel injection hole 220 and causes the fuel to swirl, and a lateral passage 211 that is connected to the fuel introduction hole 300 and also to the swirl chamber 212, and injects a deflected spray SPS whose cross-sectional shape is deviated from a circle, The lateral passage 211 has a curved passage portion 2113 between the upstream end and the downstream end, which changes the direction of fuel flow. At least a portion of the curved passage portion 2113 is disposed so as to be exposed to the opening surface 300 a of the fuel introduction hole 300 .

[0118] In this case, it is preferable that at least a part of the curved passage portion 2113 exposed to the opening surface 300a of the fuel introduction hole 300 includes at least a part of the inner side wall 2113o located inside the curve of the curved passage portion 2113.

[0119] The lateral passage 211 has an upstream passage section 2111 provided on the upstream side, a downstream passage section 2112 provided on the downstream side, and a curved passage section 2113 provided between the upstream passage section and the downstream passage section, The upstream passage portion 2111 is composed of a linear passage portion, A connection portion 2113oa between the inner side wall 2113o of the curved passage portion 2113 and the side wall 2111o of the upstream passage portion 2111 connected to the inner side wall 2113o may be exposed to the opening surface 300a of the fuel introduction hole 300.

[0120] The downstream passage 2112 is formed of a straight passage, It is preferable that the entire inner side wall 2113o, including the connection portion 2113ob between the inner side wall 2113o of the curved passage portion 2113 and the side wall 2112o of the downstream passage portion 2112 connected to the inner side wall 2113o, be exposed to the opening surface 300a of the fuel introduction hole 300.

[0121] 8 to 12, the effects brought about by the configuration of the lateral passage 211 and the fuel introduction hole 300 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the simulation results of the velocity distribution of fuel flowing through the swirl passage 210, and is a diagram of Comparative Example 1 in which the lateral passage 211 is formed linearly from the upstream end to the downstream end.

[0122] The lateral passage 211 in FIG. 8 has a similar configuration to the lateral passages 211-1 to 211-4 used in the four swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4 shown in FIG. 14A, and the lateral passages 211-1 to 211-4 are formed linearly from the upstream end to the downstream end.

[0123] In the case of Comparative Example 1, in which the lateral passage 211 is formed linearly from the upstream end to the downstream end, the velocity distribution of the fuel flow tends to be uniform across the entire width of the lateral passage 211. Here, the width direction of the lateral passage 211 is the direction connecting the side walls 211i and 211o of the lateral passage 211 (the left-right direction in FIG. 8).

[0124] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the simulation results of the velocity distribution of fuel flowing through the swirl passage 210, and is a diagram of Comparative Example 2 in which the lateral passage 211 has a curved passage section 2111 between the upstream end and the downstream end, and the curved passage section 2111 is arranged outside the opening surface of the fuel introduction hole 300.

[0125] The lateral passage 211 in FIG. 9 has a configuration similar to that of the lateral passages 211-1 to 211-4 used in the four swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4 shown in FIG. 3B. The lateral passages 211-1 to 211-4 have a curved passage section 2113 between their upstream and downstream ends. That is, the lateral passage 211 includes an inner periphery-side passage section (inner periphery-side straight section) 2111, an outer periphery-side passage section (outer periphery-side straight section) 2112, and a curved passage section 2113. However, the configuration of the fuel introduction hole 300 differs from that of this embodiment. The entire curved passage section 2113, i.e., the entire side wall 2113o, is located outside (radially outside) the opening surface 300a with respect to the opening edge of the fuel introduction hole 300 and is not exposed to the opening surface 300a. Note that the lateral passage 211 in this embodiment has an angle θ211′ shown in FIG. 7 set to 95°.

[0126] 9 , the fuel flow separates from the wall surface of the side wall 211o of the lateral passage 211. That is, when the lateral passage 211 has the curved passage section 2113 and the entire side wall 2113o is located outside (radially outside) the opening surface 300a with respect to the opening edge of the fuel introduction hole 300, the fuel that flows into the inner circumference-side passage section (inner circumference-side straight section) 2111 from the fuel introduction hole 300 is likely to separate from the side wall 2113o of the lateral passage 211 at the inner side wall 2113o of the curved passage section 2113 and downstream thereof when the flow is bent by the curved passage section 2113. Therefore, in this example, more fuel flows directly into the fuel injection hole 220, the swirling component of the fuel flow is weakened, and the homogenization and atomization of the fuel spray are not promoted.

[0127] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the results of a simulation of the velocity distribution of fuel flowing through the swirl passage 210, and is a diagram relating to an embodiment of the present invention in which the lateral passage 211 has a curved passage portion 211c between the upstream end and the downstream end, and the curved passage portion 2111 is arranged inside the opening surface of the fuel introduction hole 300.

[0128] The lateral passage 211 in Fig. 10 has a configuration similar to that of the lateral passages 211-1 to 211-4 used in the four swirl passages 210-1 to 210-4 shown in Fig. 3B, and similar to that of the lateral passages 211-1 to 211-4 in the comparative example in Fig. 9. However, the configuration of the fuel introduction hole 300 differs from that in the comparative example in Fig. 9, in that a portion of the curved passage portion 2113 is exposed to the opening surface 300a of the fuel introduction hole 300. In other words, the opening surface 300a of the fuel introduction hole 300 is disposed relative to the lateral passage 211 in the same manner as in Fig. 7. Note that the lateral passage 211 of this example has an angle θ211' shown in Fig. 7 set to 95°.

[0129] In this embodiment, the separation of the fuel flow from the side wall 211o seen in the simulation result of Fig. 9 is not observed, and the velocity distribution of the fuel flow is made uniform over the entire width direction of the lateral passage 211, as in the case of Fig. 8. As a result, more fuel swirls in the swirl chamber 212, gains swirling force, and then flows into the fuel injection hole 220, promoting homogenization and atomization of the fuel spray.

[0130] FIG. 11 is a diagram comparing the values ​​of fuel flow velocity at positions P1, P2, and P3 shown in the swirl passage 210 of FIGS.

[0131] It can be seen that, with Comparative Example 1, which does not have the curved passage portion 2113, as a reference, the closer the fuel flow velocity is to that of Comparative Example 1, or when the fuel flow velocity exceeds the flow velocity of Comparative Example 1, the more the separation of the fuel flow from the side wall 211o due to the curved passage portion 2113 is reduced or eliminated.

[0132] In Comparative Example 2, the flow velocity is smaller than that in Comparative Example 1 at all of positions P1, P2, and P3 due to the influence of separation.

[0133] In this embodiment, the flow velocity at position P2 is approximately the same as that of Comparative Example 1, and the flow velocity at positions P1 and P3 is greater than that of Comparative Example 1, which shows that the separation of the fuel flow from the side wall 211o due to the curved passage portion 2113 has been eliminated.

[0134] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the simulation results of the fuel velocity distribution in the fuel injection hole 220 and an outline of the cross-sectional shape of the fuel spray for the comparative examples 1 and 2 and the example.

[0135] When fuel separation occurs in the curved passage portion 2113, the state of the fuel flow (swirling state) in the downstream swirl chamber 212 changes. This causes the deflection direction of the fuel spray to change or become unstable. The deflected spray SPS is formed so that the major axis Ax1, which is the deflection direction, connects two positions (two dark parts) within the fuel injection hole 220 where the fuel flow velocity is high.

[0136] The deflection direction of the deflected spray SPS in Comparative Example 1, which does not have the curved passage portion 2113, is used as a reference. In Comparative Example 2, the fuel flow separates from the side wall 211o, causing the velocity distribution of the fuel flow in the swirl chamber 212 and the fuel injection hole 220 to differ from that in Comparative Example 1, and the deflection direction of the fuel spray to differ from that in Comparative Example 1. Furthermore, the separation of the fuel flow from the side wall 211o generates turbulence, making the deflection direction unstable.

[0137] 6, in this embodiment, a space is formed in the region including the center a0 of the entire spray SPH where the fuel sprays SPS1 to SPS4 are not present or where the fuel spray is thin due to the fuel sprays SPS1 to SPS4, thereby reducing the distribution rate at the center a0 of the entire spray SPH and keeping the peak of the distribution rate low. However, if the deflection direction of the fuel spray changes from the intended direction or becomes unstable, it may not be possible to achieve the fuel spray shown in FIG. 6, and it may not be possible to reduce the distribution rate at the center a0 of the entire spray SPH.

[0138] In this embodiment, separation of the fuel flow from the side wall 211o is suppressed, and a velocity distribution of the fuel flow similar to that of Comparative Example 1 is obtained, resulting in a deflection direction of the fuel spray similar to that of Comparative Example 1. Furthermore, suppression of the occurrence of separation (turbulence) of the fuel flow from the side wall 211o also suppresses instability in the deflection direction. As a result, in this embodiment, even when the lateral passage 211 has the curved passage portion 2113, it is possible to suppress changes in the deflection direction of the fuel spray SPS or to suppress instability in the deflection direction. This reliably reduces the distribution rate at the center a0 of the entire spray SPH, thereby keeping the peak of the distribution rate low.

[0139] 7, the entire side wall 2113o of the curved passage portion 2113, i.e., the entire side wall 2113o including both end portions 2113oa, 2113ob, is configured to be exposed to the opening surface 300a. However, the effect of suppressing separation of the fuel flow from the side wall 2113o can be obtained as long as a portion of the side wall 2113o including one end portion 2113oa is exposed to the opening surface 300a of the fuel introduction hole 300. For this reason, in this embodiment, the portion of the side wall 2113o including the one end portion 2113oa may be configured to be exposed to the opening surface 300a of the fuel introduction hole 300.

[0140] 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.

[0141] 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 provided at the top of the cylinder 102. An intake valve 105 that opens and closes the intake port 103 is provided at the intake port 103, and an exhaust valve 106 that opens and closes 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 path 107 formed in the engine block 101 and communicating with the intake port 103.

[0142] A fuel pipe 110 is connected to a fuel supply port 2 (see FIG. 1) of the fuel injection valve 1.

[0143] 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 is injected toward each intake port 103 (intake valve 105).

[0144] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments or modifications, and some of the configurations may be omitted or other configurations not described may be added. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 1... fuel injection valve, 15... valve seat member, 15b... valve seat, 17... valve body, 210, 210-1, 210-2, 210-3, 210-4... swirl passage, 211... lateral passage, 212... swirl chamber, 220... fuel injection hole, 300... fuel introduction hole, 300a... opening surface of fuel introduction hole 300, 2111... upstream side passage section, 2112... downstream side passage section, 2113... curved passage section, 2113o... inner side wall of curved passage section 2113, 2113oa... inner side wall 2113o of curved passage section 2113 and side wall 2111o of upstream side passage section 2111 connected to inner side wall 2113o 2113ob...connection portion between the inner side wall 2113o of the curved passage section 2113 and the side wall 2112o of the downstream passage section 2112 connected to the inner side wall 2113o, Ax1...long axis of the spray cross section, Ax2...short axis of the spray cross section, a0...center of the entire spray cross section, a1...center of the long axis Ax1 of the first deflected spray SPS1, a5...first intersection, a8...second intersection, SPS1 to SPS4...deflected spray (fuel spray), SPS1...first deflected spray, SPS2...second deflected spray, SPS4...third deflected spray, SPS3...fourth deflected spray, SPH...entire spray (entire spray cross section).

Claims

1. a valve seat and a valve body that cooperate to open and close the fuel passage; a plurality of swirl passages provided downstream of the valve seat and the valve body for applying a swirling force to the fuel before injecting it; a valve seat member in which the valve seat is formed and in which a fuel inlet hole is formed downstream of the valve seat to introduce fuel into the swirl passage; Equipped with the swirl passage has a fuel injection hole, a swirl chamber that is provided upstream of the fuel injection hole and causes the fuel to swirl, and a lateral passage that is connected to the fuel introduction hole and also to the swirl chamber, and injects a deflected spray whose cross-sectional shape is deviated from a circle; the lateral passage includes an upstream passage section provided on the upstream side, a downstream passage section provided on the downstream side, and a curved passage section provided between the upstream passage section and the downstream passage section and configured to change the direction of fuel flow, the upstream passage portion is formed of a linear passage portion, the downstream passage portion is formed of a linear passage portion, the fuel injection valve being arranged so that the entire inner side wall, including a connection portion between an inner side wall of the curved passage portion and a side wall of the upstream passage portion connected to the inner side wall, and a connection portion between the inner side wall of the curved passage portion and a side wall of the downstream passage portion connected to the inner side wall, is exposed to an opening surface of the fuel introduction hole.

2. 2. The fuel injection valve according to claim 1, the plurality of swirl passages include at least three swirl passages that inject deflected sprays having a major axis and a minor axis in a spray cross section, the three swirl passages inject a first deflected spray, and a second deflected spray and a third deflected spray adjacent to the first deflected spray at both axial ends of a major axis of the first deflected spray, The first deflected spray, the second deflected spray, and the third deflected spray, the major axis of the first deflected spray and the major axis of the second deflected spray intersect at a first intersection point, the major axis of the first deflected spray and the major axis of the third deflected spray intersect at a second intersection point, the first intersection is located on one end side of the major axis of the first deflected spray, and is located closer to an outer edge of the first deflected spray in the axial direction of the major axis of the first deflected spray than to a center of the major axis of the first deflected spray, a fuel injection valve in which the second intersection is located on the other end side of the major axis of the first deflected spray and the fuel is injected so as to have a spray cross section that is located closer to the outer edge of the first deflected spray than to the center of the major axis of the first deflected spray in the axial direction of the major axis of the first deflected spray.

3. 3. The fuel injection valve according to claim 2, the plurality of swirl passages are configured by four swirl passages, including the three swirl passages, that inject deflected sprays having a major axis and a minor axis in a spray cross section, The first deflected spray, the second deflected spray, the third deflected spray, and the fourth deflected spray injected from the four swirl passages are such that the first deflected spray, the second deflected spray, the third deflected spray, and the fourth deflected spray do not exist in the center of the entire spray cross section formed by the first deflected spray, the second deflected spray, the third deflected spray, and the fourth deflected spray, or a lean region of fuel spray due to the first deflected spray, the second deflected spray, the third deflected spray, and the fourth deflected spray is present.

4. An internal combustion engine comprising the fuel injection valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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