Injector and internal combustion engine comprising same

Abstract

The present invention relates to an injector (1-6) for the combustion of a first fluid in a combustion chamber, the injector having: at least one first fluid line (62) for conducting the first fluid into a mixing space (63); at least one second fluid line (64) for conducting a second fluid into the mixing space (63); at least one outlet opening (61) that fluidically connects the mixing space (63) to the combustion chamber; a main closure means (13) that is designed to regulate the outflow of the mixed fluid from the mixing space (63) into the combustion chamber through the outlet opening (61); and a secondary closure means (23) that is designed to regulate the outflow of the second fluid from the second fluid line (64) into the mixing space (63).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Injector and combustion engine hereby

[0003] The present invention relates to an injector and an internal combustion engine with such an injector.

[0004] The decarbonization of many technical applications plays a key role in the success of the energy transition. This also applies to combustion engines, whether they are used in vehicles or in industrial plants.

[0005] Previous injection systems of known combustion engines are designed for the introduction of a single educt, i.e. a single reactant or starting material, which was also effective in previous applications or requirements.

[0006] There are also fuel injectors designed for dual-fuel operation, i.e., the combined combustion of two fuels. These, for example, combine a gas injector and a diesel / petrol injector.

[0007] The fundamental task of the injection system is to deliver the starting material as fuel into the combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine as optimally as possible. How precisely this must be done depends on the application and factors such as the piston geometry. The quality of combustion depends on the way the fuel is delivered into the combustion chamber. This includes, on the one hand, the utilization of the fuel, but also the pollutants produced in the process, which can be largely avoided through good design.

[0008] The use of hydrogen in combustion engines presents new challenges, or rather, problems that have already been resolved with other fuels recur. These include low power density or, alternatively, with good power density, the high nitrogen oxide emissions from PFI (Port Fuel Injection) or DI (Direct Injection). In addition, the problem of thermal overload of DI injectors can occur, which can lead to a shorter service life. It should be noted that the combustion of hydrogen is accompanied by very high combustion temperatures, which lead to high thermal stress on components and – when combustion occurs with air – also to high nitrogen oxide emissions.

[0009] In order to replace fossil fuels with hydrogen in combustion engines, a reduction in combustion temperatures is required, which allows the use of hydrogen with conventional materials while simultaneously reducing nitrogen oxide emissions. To achieve this, hydrogen can be burned with the addition of water to lower the combustion temperature accordingly.

[0010] The disadvantage here is that if the water is injected into the combustion chamber from the outside, a large part of the evaporation occurs before the flame core, which has particularly high temperatures, is reached, meaning that the maximum combustion temperature cannot be influenced or reduced in this way. This means that very high or excessively high combustion temperatures can continue to exist inside the flame because no liquid water penetrates here for cooling, which means that high nitrogen oxide emissions occur during combustion with air despite the addition of water. Instead, the evaporation in the peripheral areas of the flame only causes the combustion temperature to drop sharply there. This can even lead to local extinguishing of the flame, which is undesirable and leads to reduced efficiency.

[0011] CN 113565626 A describes an engine system and a fuel injection method. A hydrogen supply device and a water supply device are directly connected to a combustion chamber to inject hydrogen and water respectively into the combustion chamber. Hydrogen is injected into the combustion chamber at least twice, so that the hydrogen concentration in the combustion chamber can be distributed in a gradient manner. In addition, water is directly injected into the combustion chamber through a water injection device, so that the combustion rate of hydrogen is controlled, the combustion rate of hydrogen is prevented from being excessive, knocking is further prevented, the combustion temperature can be lowered, and therefore the generation of nitrogen oxide pollutant gas is reduced.

[0012] US 6 941 901 B2 describes a hydrogen gas injection nozzle for use in an internal combustion engine, wherein the injection nozzle comprises a mixing chamber connected to a cylinder of the internal combustion engine via an injection nozzle tip, wherein a water inlet and a hydrogen inlet lead separately into the mixing chamber. The water-hydrogen mixture in the mixing chamber, when injected into the cylinder, comprises water atomized by hydrogen gas in a stratified water-hydrogen-air mixture. FR 2307 127 A1 describes that hydrogen is introduced into a combustion chamber through a central nozzle. Oxygen is introduced through an annular nozzle surrounding the hydrogen nozzle. Water is injected through a primary atomizer surrounding the two fuel nozzles and through secondary nozzles distributed along the entire length of the combustion chamber.The injected water lowers the temperature reached, thus enabling the use of existing building materials. The steam generated by the combustion and evaporation of the injected water is fed into a steam turbine. The condensate from the turbine is returned from the hot water storage tank to the water atomizing nozzles in the combustion chamber via a feed pump.

[0013] An object of the present invention is to improve known internal combustion engines of the type described above. In particular, the possibilities for combustion of gas-liquid mixtures and / or gas-gas mixtures in internal combustion engines are to be improved. In particular, the possibilities for combustion of hydrogen in internal combustion engines are to be improved. In particular, the possibilities for reducing the combustion temperature in internal combustion engines, in particular during the combustion of hydrogen, in particular during the combustion of hydrogen to the level of the combustion of conventional fossil fuels are to be improved. In any case, the quality of combustion should preferably not be affected or should only be slightly affected. This should be possible in particular for the temperatures inside the flame. Additionally or alternatively, cooling of the injector should take place immediately upstream of the combustion chamber.At least an alternative to the known options should be created.

[0014] The object is achieved according to the invention by an injector and by an internal combustion engine having the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are described in the subclaims.

[0015] The present invention thus relates to an injector for combusting a first fluid in a combustion chamber, comprising at least one first fluid line for conveying the first fluid into a mixing chamber, at least one second fluid line for conveying a second fluid into the mixing chamber, and at least one outlet opening that connects the mixing chamber to the combustion chamber in a fluid-conducting manner. The injector can also be referred to as an injection nozzle. The first fluid can, in particular, be a gaseous fluid, and the second fluid a liquid fluid. In either case, the fluids can be conveyed from outside the injector, which can be achieved by pumping or by overpressure.

[0016] Thus, the two fluids can be mixed inside the injector and immediately before exiting into the

[0017] The two fluids are brought together in the combustion chamber of the corresponding internal combustion engine and mixed together to exit as a fluid mixture through the outlet of the mixing chamber into the combustion chamber, where they are combusted together. This creates a fluid mixture for combustion. Mixing in the mixing chamber immediately upstream of the combustion chamber allows for comparatively effective mixing and, in particular, promotes atomization of the liquid second fluid at the injector outlet.

[0018] If hydrogen is used as the first fluid and water as the second fluid, the water flowing through the injector can cool the injector, particularly near the combustion process, which can increase the injector's service life. This can also lower the combustion temperature within the combustion chamber, which can also increase the service life of all components of the combustion engine, especially the injector. Reducing the combustion temperature can also reduce the formation of nitrogen oxide emissions.

[0019] The basic idea of ​​this application of an injector according to the invention can be seen as introducing water into the overall hydrogen combustion process. This can have the advantage, on the one hand, of cooling the injector during operation, and, on the other hand, of avoiding the hottest zones in the combustion chamber by mixing the water with the hydrogen, as the water droplets are located precisely in the most reactive zone due to the premixing with the hydrogen. As a result, the phase transition of the water extracts a significant amount of energy from the reaction through the enthalpy of vaporization. The resulting temperature reduction significantly reduces the thermally induced formation of nitrogen oxide.

[0020] The injector according to the invention further comprises a main closure which is designed to regulate the outlet of the mixed fluid from the mixing chamber through the outlet opening into the combustion chamber, and a secondary closure which is designed to regulate the outlet of the second fluid from the second fluid line into the mixing chamber.

[0021] Thus, the injector according to the invention offers two possibilities to influence the combustion on the part of the combustion mixture or the combustion fluid.

[0022] Firstly, the supply of the second fluid into the mixing chamber can be regulated, allowing the ratio of second fluid to first fluid to be influenced. If the supply preferably involves water to hydrogen, the ratio of water to hydrogen can be influenced, which influences the cooling of the hydrogen by the water during combustion and can therefore affect the combustion temperature. Secondly, the degree to which the fluid mixture of first fluid and second fluid, for example the hydrogen-water mixture, is released into the combustion chamber can be regulated. This can influence the heat generated and the power generated as a result.

[0023] This allows the invention to create possibilities for influencing the combustion process in a more diverse way than previously known. Thus, known internal combustion engines, whether in vehicles or in systems, can be improved by using at least one injector according to the invention. This can be done particularly for hydrogen internal combustion engines, as already mentioned.

[0024] According to one aspect of the invention, the first fluid line is designed to guide the first fluid in a straight line towards the outlet opening, wherein the mixing chamber is designed to be oblique, preferably conical, and tapers towards the outlet opening, and the second fluid line is designed to feed the second fluid tangentially to the oblique inner side of the mixing chamber. In other words, both fluids can be brought into contact with one another or meet one another at an angle to one another in order to mix on the one hand due to the directional components pointing towards one another and on the other hand to flow further together at least substantially in this direction due to the directional components pointing parallel to one another. This makes it possible to produce a directed and mixed fluid mixture. For this purpose, the two fluids can be guided at least substantially parallel to one another beforehand until the second fluid enters the mixing chamber and there is guided there by the oblique orconical inside or inner surface of the mixing chamber as previously described.

[0025] According to a further aspect of the invention, the second fluid line merges into at least one secondary fluid channel, and the secondary fluid channel leads into the mixing chamber. The secondary fluid channel can be used to narrow the second fluid line in order to accelerate the second fluid immediately upstream of the mixing chamber and thereby improve or increase mixing in the mixing chamber. Furthermore, the transition from the second fluid line to the secondary fluid channel can be sealed in a relatively fluid-tight manner due to the decreasing area or cross-section, as will be described in more detail below.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the invention, the secondary closure ends with a preferably semicircular secondary closure head, which is designed to fit fluid-tightly at least annularly against a tapered end of the second fluid line. This can represent a concrete implementation possibility.

[0027] According to a further aspect of the invention, the secondary closure is designed to be moved back and forth between a fluid-tight, closed position of the second fluid line and a fluid-conducting, open position of the second fluid line. This can be done continuously, so that in addition to the fully open position and the fully closed position, preferably all positions in between can also be reached and maintained. This can be done via a suitable corresponding drive, preferably in combination with a corresponding position sensor. This can increase the possibilities for influencing the degree of flow through the secondary closure and thus the possibilities for allowing the second fluid to flow into the mixing chamber.

[0028] Preferably, however, only the fully open and fully closed positions can be reached as the two end stops of the movement, which can simplify the implementation of the movement. In this case, a sensor for determining the position of the secondary closure head can also be omitted, which can save costs and space. In this case, pulsed operation or a pulsed supply of the second fluid into the mixing chamber can be achieved.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the invention, the secondary closure is designed to be moved back and forth by means of a magnetic coil and a spring element. For this purpose, the secondary closure can be ferromagnetic at least in the region of the magnetic coil or can have a ferromagnetic element. In any case, the magnetic field of the magnetic coil can cause a translational movement of the secondary closure in one direction, which counteracts the spring force of the elastic spring element, so that the spring element can reset the secondary closure when the magnetic coil is not operated or electrically supplied. This makes it very easy to achieve a very rapid movement between the previously described fully open position and the fully closed position as the two end stops of the movement.

[0030] In order to close the secondary lock for safety reasons in the event of a power failure or control failure, the fully closed position can preferably be assumed by the spring force of the spring element when the solenoid coil is de-energized.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the invention, the injector has a plurality of second fluid lines, each for guiding the second fluid into the mixing chamber, wherein each secondary closure is designed to regulate the exit of the second fluid from the respective second fluid line into the mixing chamber. Thus, the second fluid can be supplied to the mixing chamber via a plurality of second fluid lines, which can improve mixing with the first fluid there to form the fluid mixture. For this purpose, the second fluid lines or their openings or transitions, preferably as secondary fluid channels, can be distributed as evenly as possible in the mixing chamber or spaced as far apart as possible from one another. According to a further aspect of the invention, four second fluid lines offset by 90° from one another are arranged around the first fluid line. This can be a concrete possibility for implementing the properties and advantages described above.In particular, this can represent a good compromise between effort and benefit, since by means of four second fluid lines and their right-angled offset to each other, a comparatively good distribution of the second fluid can be achieved, while at the same time comparatively few second fluid lines are required.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the invention, the injector is essentially cylindrical, and the first fluid line is coaxial. This can represent a concrete implementation option. Due to the symmetries, this can keep manufacturing costs comparatively low.

[0033] According to a further aspect of the invention, the main closure ends with a preferably semicircular main closure head, which is designed to fit fluid-tightly at least annularly against a conically tapered end of the mixing chamber. This allows the corresponding properties and advantages previously described with regard to the secondary closure to also be applied to and utilized in the main closure.

[0034] According to a further aspect of the invention, the main closure is designed to be moved back and forth between a fluid-tight, closed position of the outlet opening and a fluid-conducting, open position of the outlet opening. As a result, the corresponding properties and advantages previously described with regard to the secondary closure can also be applied to and utilized in the main closure.

[0035] According to a further aspect of the invention, the main closure is designed to be moved back and forth by means of a magnetic coil and a spring element. As a result, the corresponding properties and advantages previously described with regard to the secondary closure can also be applied to and utilized in the main closure.

[0036] According to a further aspect of the invention, the first fluid is hydrogen and the second fluid is water. This allows the injector according to the invention to be applied to the combustion of hydrogen and the cooling of this combustion process with water, as previously described, which can lead to the corresponding properties and advantages.

[0037] The present invention also relates to an internal combustion engine having at least one injector as described above. Thus, at least one injector according to the invention can be used in an internal combustion engine of a vehicle, a system, or another device in order to implement and utilize the properties and advantages described above. According to one aspect of the invention, the internal combustion engine has a control unit designed and configured to control the main closure and the secondary closure. This can represent a concrete possibility for implementing the above-described operation of an injector according to the invention or of an internal combustion engine equipped therewith.

[0038] Preferably, the control unit is designed to operate the main shutter and the secondary shutter in a pulsed manner. Thus, the main shutter and secondary shutter, or

[0039] Secondary closures can be simply or precisely switched on and off as described above, which can be achieved using a solenoid and spring element. As described above, this can be a comparatively simple, cost-effective, and compact implementation. It can also enable fast opening and closing times, for example, for pulsed operation.

[0040] In this case, the control unit can preferably operate the main valve and the secondary valve(s) in such a way that the secondary valve is pulsed multiple times per pulse of the main valve, i.e., executes multiple pulses. This can provide a particularly precise dosing option, allowing very finely tuned amounts of water to be added to the hydrogen.

[0041] The injector according to the invention can be used in various internal combustion engines, and in particular in all future hydrogen internal combustion engines, thus opening up a very broad spectrum of applications. Additionally, a modified form can be used in hydrogen-oxygen engines, for example, using oxygen as the atomizing gas. Furthermore, the application of this principle in conventional gas engines is conceivable to further reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. It is also possible that this type of injector could potentially find applications in chemical processes.

[0042] An embodiment and further advantages of the invention are illustrated and explained in more detail below in conjunction with the following figures.

[0043] Figure 1 is a perspective schematic representation of an injector according to the invention for producing a hydrogen-water mixture, viewed obliquely from above;

[0044] Figure 2 shows a first longitudinal section through the injector according to the invention;

[0045] Figure 3 shows a second longitudinal section through the injector according to the invention, offset by 45° from the illustration in Figure 2;

[0046] Figure 4 shows a third longitudinal section through the injector according to the invention, offset by 90° from the illustration in Figure 3; Figure 5 shows a side plan view of the injector according to the invention as shown in Figure 2;

[0047] Figure 6 shows a cross-section according to section DD of Figure 5;

[0048] Figure 7 shows a cross-section according to section CC of Figure 5;

[0049] Figure 8 shows a cross-section according to section AA of Figure 5; and

[0050] Figure 9 shows a cross-section according to section BB of Figure 5.

[0051] The above figures are viewed in cylindrical coordinates. A longitudinal axis X extends. A radial direction R extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X, away from the longitudinal axis X. A circumferential direction U extends perpendicular to the radial direction R and around the longitudinal axis X.

[0052] Figure 1 shows a perspective schematic representation of an injector 1-6 according to the invention for the combustion of a hydrogen-water mixture from an angle above.

[0053] Along the longitudinal axis X, the injector 1-6 comprises as components a first base element 1, a second base element 1, a first connecting element 3, a middle element 4, a second connecting element 5 and an outlet element 6 in this order, see for example Figures 1 and 5.

[0054] The first base element 1 is cylindrical and comparatively flat along the longitudinal axis X, see for example Figures 2 to 4. Along the longitudinal axis X, the first base element 1 has from the inside a cylindrical receiving space 10 in the form of a blind hole 10 or a blind bore 1, around which a magnetic coil 11 is arranged from the outside, see for example Figure 1. Within the receiving space 10 there is arranged a spring element 12 in the form of a spiral spring 12, which can be elastically compressed along the longitudinal axis X against the floor (not designated) of the receiving space 10 or elastically pulled apart in the opposite direction.

[0055] A main closure 13 in the form of a main needle 13 is arranged along the longitudinal axis X, which main closure 13 is comparatively thin and cylindrically elongated along the longitudinal axis X. In the lower area, the main closure 13 has radial projections as lower guide elements 13a, which on the one hand support the main closure 13 radially against the inside of the receiving space 10 and on the other hand are materially connected along the longitudinal axis X to the edge of the spring element 12 in order to be able to exert the spring force along the longitudinal axis X on the main closure 13 in a restoring manner. The lower guide element 13a is manufactured as a separate component and is fixedly connected to the main closure 13 by two retaining rings (not shown) which engage in annular circumferential grooves (not labeled) in the cylindrical outer surface of the main closure 13.At the opposite end, the main closure 13 terminates with a semicircular main closure head 13d, which serves as a semicircular main needle head 13d, the function of which will be described in more detail below. Upper guide elements 13b are also formed there for radial support. The upper guide elements 13b have flow channels 13c running along the longitudinal axis X.

[0056] Along the longitudinal axis X toward the second base element 2, the first base element 1 has an annular sealing element 14 in the form of an annular copper element 14, which surrounds the edge of the receiving space 10 and, radially inward, also bears fluid-tight against the cylindrical outer surface of the main closure 13, thus creating a fluid-tight seal. Instead of a copper element 14, the sealing element 14 can also be realized using an annular body made of plastic or another sealing material.

[0057] The aforementioned second base element 2 is also cylindrical but somewhat longer along the longitudinal axis X than the first base element 1, see also, for example, Figures 2 to 4. The second base element 2 sits coaxially on the first base element 1 in a fluid-tight manner. A cylindrical through-opening 25 of the second base element 2 extends the receiving space 10 of the first base element 1 and accommodates the main closure 13 through it in a play-free and form-fitting manner.

[0058] Similar to the first base element 1, the second base element 2 also has four receiving spaces 20 in the form of blind holes 20 or blind bores 20, radially spaced from one another to the longitudinal axis X and equally spaced from one another in the circumferential direction U, around each of which a magnetic coil 21 is arranged, and within the receiving space 20 a spring element 22 in the form of a spiral spring 22 is arranged, see, for example, Figure 2, as previously described. There, a secondary closure 23 is arranged as a secondary needle 23, which is integrally connected to the upper edge of the spiral spring 22 by a lower guide element 23a.

[0059] The four secondary closures 23 also each terminate along the longitudinal axis X at the upper end with a secondary closure head 23d or with a secondary needle head 23d, as will be described in more detail below. The secondary closures 23 also each have upper guide elements 23b below the secondary closure heads 23d for radial support there, which also have flow channels 23c running along the longitudinal axis X, see, for example, Figure 2.

[0060] The second base element 2 also has, along the longitudinal axis X upwards in the sense of the figures, around its middle or central region around the through opening 25, an annular sealing element 24 in the form of an annular copper element 24, so that a fluid-tight seal is also provided at this point within the injector 1-6.

[0061] Furthermore, the second base element 2 has a pair of pin receptacles 26 that are diametrically opposed to the longitudinal axis X, see for example Figure 3, in order to enable a precise and play-free assembly with the central element 4.

[0062] The first connecting element 3 represents a first connecting sleeve 3, which is cylindrical or annular in shape, see, for example, Figure 6. The first connecting element 3 is screwed onto a corresponding external thread (not designated) of the upper edge (not designated) of the second base element 2 by means of an internal thread (not designated). The first connecting element 3 has, on the outside along the longitudinal axis X approximately centrally, a pair of diametrically opposed mounting constrictions 33, so that an open-end wrench or the like can be used for screwing and tightening.

[0063] Previously, the lower edge (not designated) of the central element 4 was inserted into the first connecting element 3 in a form-fitting manner by means of a projection (not designated) along the longitudinal axis X from below or from the inside through the upper edge (not designated), wherein an annular sealing element 32 in the form of an annular copper element 32 seals fluid-tightly between the first connecting element 3 and the central element 4, see, for example, Figures 2 to 4.

[0064] This creates a fluid-tight space between the second base element 2, the first connecting element 3, and the middle element 4. This space belongs to a second fluid line 31 (see, for example, Figure 4), which can also be referred to as a secondary fluid line 31 or a water line 31. Water can be introduced from outside the injector 1-6 into the second fluid line 31 through a second fluid inlet 30 (which can also be referred to as a secondary fluid inlet 30 or a water inlet 30). The second fluid inlet 30 has an internal thread (not shown) to accommodate a corresponding external thread of a connecting piece of a fluid hose or fluid pipe (not shown) for supplying the second fluid. For the purpose of fluid-tight sealing at this point, a seal, in particular an elastomeric O-ring, can also be provided there.

[0065] The aforementioned central element 4 is also cylindrical and elongated along the longitudinal axis X, see, for example, Figures 2 to 4. The central element 4 also extends the corresponding through-opening 25 of the second base element 2 coaxially with the longitudinal axis X by means of a cylindrical through-opening 42 and accommodates the main closure 13 therethrough in a form-fitting manner and without play. Likewise, four through-openings 43 of the secondary closures 23 are arranged around the coaxial through-opening 42 of the main closure 13 in order to extend the receiving spaces 20 of the second base element 2 accordingly.

[0066] The coaxial through-opening 42 of the main closure 13 is designed to be free of play and form-fitting to the central element 4 only in the lower region, approximately up to half of the elongated extension of the central element 4. From then on, the through-opening 42 widens radially, so that an annular space is created around the main closure 13 as the first fluid line 41, which can also be referred to as the primary fluid line 41 or as the hydrogen line 41. At the beginning of the first fluid line 41, a radial through-opening is provided to the outside, see for example Figures 1, 4 and 7, which can be referred to as the first fluid inlet 40, as the primary fluid inlets 40 or as

[0067] Hydrogen inlet 40. The outer surface of the central element 4 is flattened and formed as a connection constriction 45 in order to facilitate the mounting of a connection (not shown) from the outside to the first fluid inlet 40.

[0068] Open along the longitudinal axis X downwards towards the second base element 2, the middle element 4 has a pair of lower pin receptacles 46 which are diametrically opposed to the longitudinal axis X and which are opposite the pin receptacles 26 of the second base element 2 along the longitudinal axis X, see for example Figure 3, so that the second base element 2 and the middle element 4 can be pinned together at this point.

[0069] At the upper end of the central element 4, two upper pin receptacles 47 are provided, also pointing upwards along the longitudinal axis X, diametrically opposite one another to the longitudinal axis X, in order to enable a precise and play-free assembly with the outlet element 6. Between the underside of the outlet element 6 and the upper side of the central element 4, an annular sealing element 44 in the form of an annular copper element 44 is arranged around the first fluid line 41 or its edge (not designated) in order to enable a fluid-tight seal at this point.

[0070] The outlet element 6 forms the end of the injector 1-6 along the longitudinal axis X at the top and is conical in shape towards the top or outwards, see for example Figures 2 to 4. The outlet element 6, pointing downwards along the longitudinal axis X, in turn has a pair of pin receptacles 66 which are diametrically opposite one another to the longitudinal axis X in order to be connected at this point to the central element 4 by two pins (not shown) in a precise and play-free manner.

[0071] Subsequently, the second connecting element 5, as a second connecting sleeve 5 (see, for example, Figure 8), is slipped over the outlet element 6 from above along the longitudinal axis X and screwed onto a corresponding external thread (not designated) of the middle element 4 by means of an internal thread (not designated) of the second connecting element 5 until the second connecting element 5 bears along the longitudinal axis X with a constriction (not designated) against a projection (not designated) of the outlet element 6. An annular sealing element 50 in the form of an annular copper element 50 is arranged between the projection of the middle element 6 and the second connecting element 5 in order to enable a fluid-tight seal at this point.The screwing and in particular tightening of the second connecting element 5 can also be carried out by means of a pair of assembly constrictions 51, which are arranged on the outside along the longitudinal axis X approximately centrally and diametrically opposite each other, see for example Figure 3.

[0072] In this arrangement or in this assembled state, the first fluid line 41 of the central element 4 merges into a first fluid line 62, a primary fluid line 62, or a hydrogen line 62 of the outlet element 6, so that the main closure 13 extends into the first fluid line 62 of the outlet element 6. This area within the conical contour of the outlet element 6 represents a mixing chamber 63, which is fluidically connected to several point outlet openings 61 around the tip 60 of the outlet element 6.

[0073] The semicircular main closure head 13d can rest annularly on the inside of the mixing chamber 63 directly below the tip 60 within the mixing chamber 63, so that the outlet openings 61 of the outlet element 6 are separated in a fluid-tight manner from the mixing chamber 63. This is the case in the unactuated or de-energized state of the magnetic coil 11 of the main closure 13, when the main closure 13 is pressed by the spring force of the spiral spring 12 along the longitudinal axis X from below or from the inside against the inside of the mixing chamber 63 or the conical contour of the outlet element 6.

[0074] If the magnetic coil 11 of the main closure 13 is energized, the main closure 13 is pulled downward along the longitudinal axis X against the spring force of the spiral spring 12 and thus away from the inside of the mixing chamber 63 or from the conical contour of the outlet element 6, whereby the outlet openings 61 are opened or connected to the mixing chamber 63 in a fluid-tight manner. This operation of the magnetic coil 11 of the main closure 13 to move the main closure 13 back and forth between the fluid-tight closed position of the outlet openings 61 and the fluid-conducting open position of the outlet openings 61 can be carried out by a control unit (not shown) of the internal combustion engine that uses the injector 1-6.

[0075] Parallel to the first fluid line 62, the second fluid lines 43 of the central element 4 also extend into the outlet element 6 and there merge into second fluid lines 64, see, for example, Figure 9. The second fluid lines 64 of the secondary closures 23 end there, tapering conically and then each merge into a comparatively thin secondary fluid channel 65, which enters the mixing chamber 63 at the lower edge of the conical contour of the outlet element 6. Thus, the second fluid in the form of water can enter the mixing chamber 63 at these four points or flow along its conical inner side to the outlet openings 61 of the outlet element 6. In this way, the water in the mixing chamber 63 can mix with the hydrogen as a gas on its way to the outlet openings 61, which as the first fluid flows coaxially around the main closure 13 in the mixing chamber 63.The resulting fluid mixture as a hydrogen-water mixture can thus pass through the outlet openings 61 of the outlet element 6 into the combustion chamber (not shown) and be used there for combustion at a comparatively low temperature.

[0076] The four secondary closures 23 can also be operated by the control unit of the internal combustion engine by means of their magnetic coils 21 and spring elements 22, as previously described with regard to the main closure 13, in order to be moved back and forth between a fluid-tight closed position of the second fluid line 64 and a fluid-conducting open position of the second fluid line 64.

[0077] The secondary closure heads 23d can also be arranged in a ring-shaped manner on the inside of the upper end of the second fluid line 64, so that the respective second fluid line 64 of the outlet element 6 can be separated from the mixing chamber 63 in a fluid-tight manner. This makes it possible to regulate the amount of water per second fluid line 64 that is to be supplied to or mixed into the mixing chamber 63 and thus into the fluid mixture, whereby the combustion properties of the fluid mixture in the combustion chamber can be influenced. For this purpose, both the main closure 13 and the four secondary closures 23 can be operated in a pulsed manner by the control unit of the internal combustion engine, whereby the pulse rate of the secondary closures 23 can be higher than the pulse rate of the main closure 13. The main closure 13 and the secondary closures 23 can thus also be regarded as controllable valves.

[0078] The injector 1-6 according to the present embodiment enables fine dosing through a valve arrangement in a very small space. Because the mixing of the two fluids only occurs shortly before exiting the outlet openings 61 of the outlet element 6, it is possible to add very finely tuned amounts of water and even to execute multiple water pulses through the secondary closures 23 per pulse of the main closure 13 and thus of the injector 1-6.

[0079] The step-by-step construction of the injector 1-6 as described above makes it possible to create a secure seal between the components and the various fluids. The components are aligned with each other using pin connections, as already mentioned. The components are connected to each other using external threaded sleeves or connecting sleeves 3, 5. The end piece, in the form of the two base elements 1, 2, is connected using screws (not shown). Two separate inlets are provided for the fluid supply.

[0080] LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS (part of the description)

[0081] R radial direction

[0082] U circumferential direction

[0083] X Longitudinal axis

[0084] 1-6 Injector; injection nozzle

[0085] 1 first basic element

[0086] 10 receiving space; blind hole; blind bore

[0087] 11 Solenoid coil

[0088] 12 spring element; spiral spring

[0089] 13 Main closure; main needle

[0090] 13a lower guide elements of the main lock 13

[0091] 13b upper guide elements of the main lock 13

[0092] 13c Flow channels of the upper guide elements 13b of the main closure 13

[0093] 13d Main bolt head; main needle head

[0094] 14 Sealing element; copper element

[0095] 2 second basic element

[0096] 20 recording rooms; blind holes; blind bores

[0097] 21 magnetic coils

[0098] 22 spring elements; coil springs

[0099] 23 secondary closures; secondary needles

[0100] 23a lower guide elements of the secondary locks 23

[0101] 23b upper guide elements of the secondary locks 23

[0102] 23c Flow channels of the upper guide elements 23b of the secondary closures 23

[0103] 23d secondary closure heads; secondary needle heads

[0104] 24 Sealing element; copper element

[0105] 25 Main shutter opening 13

[0106] 26 pin holders

[0107] 3 first connecting element; first connecting sleeve

[0108] 30 second fluid inlet; secondary fluid inlet; water inlet

[0109] 31 second fluid line; secondary fluid line; water line

[0110] 32 Sealing element; copper element 33 Mounting constriction

[0111] 4 Middle element

[0112] 40 first fluid inlet; primary fluid inlets; hydrogen inlet

[0113] 41 first fluid line; primary fluid line; hydrogen line

[0114] 42 Main shutter opening 13

[0115] 43 through-openings of the secondary closures 23 or the second fluid lines

[0116] 44 Sealing element; copper element

[0117] 45 Connection constriction

[0118] 46 lower pin receptacles

[0119] 47 upper pin receptacles

[0120] 5 second connecting element; second connecting sleeve

[0121] 50 sealing element; copper element

[0122] 51 Assembly constriction

[0123] 6 Exit element

[0124] 60 lace

[0125] 61 outlet openings

[0126] 62 Main needle receptacle or first fluid line; primary fluid line; hydrogen line

[0127] 63 Mixing room

[0128] 64 secondary needle receptacles of the secondary closures 23 or the second fluid line

[0129] 65 secondary fluid channels

[0130] 66 pin receptacles

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Injector (1-6) for combustion of a first fluid in a combustion chamber, comprising at least one first fluid line (62) for conducting the first fluid into a mixing chamber (63), at least one second fluid line (64) for conducting a second fluid into the mixing chamber (63), and at least one outlet opening (61) which connects the mixing chamber (63) to the combustion chamber in a fluid-conducting manner, further comprising a main closure (13) which is designed to regulate the outlet of the mixed fluid from the mixing chamber (63) through the outlet opening (61) into the combustion chamber, and a secondary closure (23) which is designed to regulate the outlet of the second fluid from the second fluid line (64) into the mixing chamber (63).

2. Injector (1-6) according to claim 1, wherein the first fluid line (62) is designed to guide the first fluid in a straight line towards the outlet opening (61), wherein the mixing chamber (63) is designed to taper obliquely, preferably conically, towards the outlet opening (61), and wherein the second fluid line (64) is designed to supply the second fluid tangentially to the oblique inner side of the mixing chamber (63).

3. Injector (1-6) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second fluid line (64) merges into at least one secondary fluid channel (65) and wherein the secondary fluid channel (65) leads into the mixing chamber (63).

4. Injector (1-6) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary closure (23) ends with a preferably semicircular secondary closure head (23d) which is designed to bear fluid-tightly at least annularly against a narrowing end of the second fluid line (64).

5. Injector (1-6) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the secondary closure (23) is designed to be moved back and forth between a fluid-tight closed position of the second fluid line (64) and a fluid-conducting open position of the second fluid line (64).

6. Injector (1-6) according to claim 5, wherein the secondary closure (23) is designed to be moved back and forth by means of a magnetic coil (21) and a spring element (22).

7. Injector (1-6) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of second fluid lines (64), each for guiding the second fluid into the mixing chamber (63), wherein each secondary closure (23) is designed to regulate the outlet of the second fluid from the respective second fluid line (64) into the mixing chamber (63).

8. Injector (1-6) according to claim 7, wherein four second fluid lines (64) offset by 90° to one another are arranged around the first fluid line (62).

9. Injector (1-6) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the injector (1-6) is substantially cylindrical and wherein the first fluid line (62) extends coaxially.

10. Injector (1-6) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main closure (13) ends with a preferably semicircular main closure head (13d) which is designed to bear fluid-tightly at least annularly against a conically narrowing end of the mixing chamber (63).

11. Injector (1-6) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the main closure (13) is designed to be moved back and forth between a fluid-tight closed position of the outlet opening (61) and a fluid-conducting open position of the outlet opening (61).

12. Injector (1-6) according to claim 11, wherein the main closure (13) is formed by means of a magnetic coil (11) and a spring element (12) to be moved back and forth.

13. Injector (1-6) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first fluid is hydrogen and the second fluid is water.

14. Internal combustion engine with at least one injector (1-6) according to one of the preceding claims.

15. Internal combustion engine according to claim 14, comprising a control unit which is designed and configured to control the main closure (13) and the secondary closure (23), wherein the control unit is preferably designed to control the main closure (13) and the secondary closure (23) in a pulsed manner, preferably per pulse of the main closure (13). Secondary shutter (23) pulsed several times.

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