EP2694794B1 - Fuel injector - Google Patents

Fuel injector Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2694794B1
EP2694794B1 EP12706532.4A EP12706532A EP2694794B1 EP 2694794 B1 EP2694794 B1 EP 2694794B1 EP 12706532 A EP12706532 A EP 12706532A EP 2694794 B1 EP2694794 B1 EP 2694794B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
force
fuel injector
pressure
sensor
pressure sensor
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EP12706532.4A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2694794A1 (en
Inventor
Wolfgang Stoecklein
Bernd Berghaenel
Marco Beier
Changyi Wang
Holger Rapp
Helmut Clauss
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Robert Bosch GmbH
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Robert Bosch GmbH
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M57/00—Fuel-injectors combined or associated with other devices
    • F02M57/005—Fuel-injectors combined or associated with other devices the devices being sensors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M47/00—Fuel-injection apparatus operated cyclically with fuel-injection valves actuated by fluid pressure
    • F02M47/02—Fuel-injection apparatus operated cyclically with fuel-injection valves actuated by fluid pressure of accumulator-injector type, i.e. having fuel pressure of accumulator tending to open, and fuel pressure in other chamber tending to close, injection valves and having means for periodically releasing that closing pressure
    • F02M47/027—Electrically actuated valves draining the chamber to release the closing pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M2200/00—Details of fuel-injection apparatus, not otherwise provided for
    • F02M2200/24—Fuel-injection apparatus with sensors
    • F02M2200/244—Force sensors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
    • F02M—SUPPLYING COMBUSTION ENGINES IN GENERAL WITH COMBUSTIBLE MIXTURES OR CONSTITUENTS THEREOF
    • F02M2200/00—Details of fuel-injection apparatus, not otherwise provided for
    • F02M2200/24—Fuel-injection apparatus with sensors
    • F02M2200/247—Pressure sensors

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a fuel injector for a fuel injection system, in particular a common rail injection system, for injecting fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine with the features of the preamble of claim 1.
  • Fuel injectors of the abovementioned type have a nozzle needle which can be moved in a high-pressure bore, via the lifting movement of which at least one injection opening can be opened and closed.
  • the opening stroke of the nozzle needle is effected via a discharge of a control chamber, in which a control pressure is applied, which acts on the nozzle needle with a force acting in the closing direction.
  • the injected fuel quantity depends on the injection pressure and the opening duration of the nozzle needle. Due to wear, however, the operating behavior of the fuel injector can change over the service life, so that it is necessary to adapt the control parameters.
  • a device for determining a performance of an injection valve of an injection system of an internal combustion engine which comprises a piezo film sensor which can be used to determine the closing time of the injection valve in the injection valve.
  • the piezo film sensor By means of the piezo film sensor, the impact of the valve needle on the valve seat is advantageously determined. In this way it can be detected whether a predicted time corresponds to the actual time of the stop of the valve needle on the valve seat. If a deviation is detected, the control parameters of a control device of the injection system can be adjusted accordingly.
  • the striking of the valve needle on the valve seat is preferably detected by an external force on the piezo film sensor.
  • the external force causes a deformation and concomitantly a change in the charge density of the piezoelectric material, so that a voltage generated between two electrodes arranged on the piezoelectric material can be tapped off as a signal. Since the piezo film sensor for signal generation requires no supply voltage and the signals can therefore be tapped directly without charge amplifier, it requires only a ground and a signal line for tapping the signal. The signal is then preferably forwarded to an evaluation unit connected to the piezo film sensor.
  • the DE102009002895 A1 discloses a fuel injector having a force or pressure sensor which is beauchlagbar by a liftable anchor bolt with an axial force which is proportional to a control chamber pressure.
  • the present invention seeks to provide a fuel injector with a force or pressure sensor for determining the Nadelsch spazeitifs, which is simple and inexpensive to produce.
  • the fuel injector should have a low-cost electrical connection of the force or pressure sensor.
  • the proposed fuel injector includes a nozzle needle, which is liftably guided in a high-pressure bore of the fuel injector, at least one injection opening can be opened and closed via its lifting movement, and a force or pressure sensor with at least one sensor element made of a piezoelectric material for detecting characteristic pressure changes during opening and closing of the nozzle needle.
  • the force or pressure sensor is arranged in a low pressure region of the fuel injector and when opening and closing the nozzle needle directly or indirectly acted upon by an axial force F A , which is proportional to the control chamber pressure in a control room.
  • the sensor element of the force or pressure sensor is also electrically connected via at least one contact surface or an electrode formed thereon for producing a ground connection directly or indirectly with a housing part of the fuel injector.
  • the arrangement of the force or pressure sensor in the low pressure region the load of the sensor is reduced because it is not exposed to the high pressure fuel. With the lower load, the requirements for sealing the sensor arrangement with respect to the fuel-carrying area also decrease.
  • the moreover proposed electrical connection simplifies the production of a ground connection.
  • the ground connection is produced automatically by placing the sensor element on the ground potential, preferably a housing part or a component of the fuel injector connected to a housing part. A targeted contacting and / or the connection to a line is not required. Thus, a wiring through the injector is largely unnecessary.
  • the sensor element of the force or pressure sensor does not bear directly on the housing part of the injector serving as the ground potential, but on a further component connected to the housing part, this consists of an electrically conductive material.
  • the connection can be made via a contact surface of the sensor element or an electrode formed thereon, wherein the electrode preferably completely covers the contact surface.
  • the electrode may be formed for example in the form of a coating.
  • the electrode then forms the actual contact surface with the ground potential.
  • the contact surface or the electrode serving as a contact surface is formed on an end face of the sensor element facing the nozzle needle in order to avoid cable guides deep into the injector.
  • the sensor element is connected via a targeted contacting to a signal line.
  • the targeted contacting is preferably carried out in the region of electrical insulation, which electrically isolates the sensor element from the environment.
  • the leading into the injector lines are then preferably limited to this one signal line.
  • the force or pressure sensor comprises at least two sensor elements which are preferably placed against one another in such a way that contact surfaces of the same polarization face one another.
  • the contact surfaces may in turn comprise electrodes which then have to be electrically insulated from one another.
  • the electrical insulation can However, omitted if the contact surfaces of the same polarization lie directly on each other and merge in this way to form an electrode.
  • the second sensor element is preferably designed in accordance with the first sensor element and has a contact surface facing the housing part or an electrode formed thereon for producing a ground connection. This allows a two-sided ground connection of the two sensor elements comprehensive force or pressure sensor, which makes a complicated electrical insulation of the sensor elements to the environment unnecessary.
  • the interconnection of two sensor elements also has the advantage that the sensitivity of the sensor is increased.
  • the sensor element has a multilayer structure and comprises at least one first and one second layer, which are preferably oppositely polarized. This means that contact areas of the same polarization face each other in the contact area of both layers.
  • the multi-layered training simplifies the production of the force or pressure sensor, since it no longer requires connection of the individual sensor elements. In addition, eliminates electrical insulation between the sensor elements completely.
  • the targeted contacting for the connection to the signal line in the contact region of two sensor elements or in the contact region of two layers takes place.
  • the conduction paths for the signal line can be shortened.
  • the force or pressure sensor via a liftable anchor bolt of a solenoid valve, which serves to control the nozzle needle, indirectly acted upon by a force distribution plate with the axial force F A , which is proportional to the control chamber pressure in the control room.
  • the anchor bolt is acted upon at its lower end face with the valve chamber pressure, which corresponds to the control chamber pressure when the solenoid valve is closed.
  • the nozzle needle is coupled, so that the lifting movement of the nozzle needle causes a lifting movement of the anchor bolt.
  • the force or pressure sensor is biased in the period of interest with the force p st * ⁇ * d 2/4 , where p st is the control pressure in the control chamber and d is the diameter of the anchor bolt. Since the control pressure at the time of needle closure has a significant minimum, the signal output by the force or pressure sensor will also have a significant characteristic.
  • the force distribution plate for introducing the axial force F A is axially biased into the force or pressure sensor by means of a biasing element against the force or pressure sensor. Thereby, an unwanted change in position of the force distribution plate can be prevented.
  • the in the Fig. 1a and 1b shown known Kraftstoffinjektor has a in a high-pressure bore 1 of a nozzle body 21 hubbeweglich guided nozzle needle 2, which is acted upon via a valve piston 27 with a closing force.
  • the valve piston 27 is received with its end facing away from the nozzle needle 2 in a valve piece 26 and guided there liftable.
  • the valve piece 26 is in turn received in an injector body 22.
  • a control chamber 7 is limited by the valve piston 27, in which a hydraulic pressure prevails, which acts on the valve piston 27 and the nozzle needle 2 with a force acting in the closing direction.
  • the control chamber 7 is connected via an inlet throttle 28 with a fuel supply line 23 and via a discharge throttle 29 with a low pressure region 6, so that the hydraulic pressure and the valve piston movement in response to the switching position of the solenoid valve 16 are variable.
  • the supplied via the supply line 23 under high pressure fuel is removed from a high-pressure accumulator 24.
  • the fuel is then supplied to at least one injection opening 3 when the nozzle needle 2 is open.
  • solenoid valve 16 of the injector Fig. 1a has a cooperable with a coil 20 liftable armature 19 and an anchor bolt 15 at least partially received therein.
  • the anchor bolt 15 is acted upon at its lower end face with a pressure prevailing in a valve chamber 32 pressure. This pressure corresponds in the closed state of the solenoid valve 16 to the pressure in the control chamber 7.
  • With its upper end face of the anchor bolt 15 is supported on a housing part 12 of the injector. In the idle state (de-energized), the armature 19 is pressed by a compression spring 30 against its valve seat 34.
  • the section of the fuel injector shown in the region of the solenoid valve 16 according to the invention Fig. 2 Unlike the injector Fig. 1a and 1b a arranged in the low pressure region 6 force or pressure sensor 4 for Nadelsch thoroughlyzeitticianerkennung on.
  • the anchor bolt 15 is also supported indirectly via a force distribution plate 17 on the force or pressure sensor 4.
  • a change in the pressure in the control chamber 7 causes when the solenoid valve 16 is closed, a change in the force acting on the anchor bolt 15 and thus on the force or pressure sensor 4 axial force F A.
  • a biasing member 25 for fixing the position of a magnetic core 31 of the solenoid valve 16 is provided.
  • the force or pressure sensor 4 comprises at least one sensor element 5 made of a piezoelectric material with a contact surface 9 or an electrode 10 formed thereon Forming a first ground connection 11 rests against the force distribution plate 17.
  • the force distribution plate 17 is in turn electrically connected to the surrounding housing part 12 (see Fig. 3a . 4a and 5a ).
  • the biasing member 25 for fixing the position of the magnetic core 31 or the coil 20 and the compression spring 30 is also used in these examples for the axial bias of the force distribution plate 17.
  • a bias may be effected via the compression spring 30, the biasing member 25 for the magnetic core 31, an unillustrated additional biasing member, or any combinations thereof.
  • the contact surface 9 or the electrode 10 formed thereon bears directly against the force distribution plate 17 for producing a ground connection 11.
  • the contact surface 9 opposite contact surface or formed thereon electrode 10 may, however, have no connection to the housing part 12, otherwise the sensor element 5 is electrically short-circuited.
  • an electrical insulation 8 is provided between the electrode 10 and the housing part 12.
  • the electrical connection of the force or pressure sensor 4 to the injector requires no lines.
  • the electrical connection is considerably simplified.
  • the electrical contact 13 can also serve the connection with one of the two coil pins of the solenoid valve 16, so that no separate connections between the force or pressure sensor 4 and a control device (not shown) are required. All connections are therefore injector-internal.
  • the Fig. 4a and 4 b shows an embodiment with a force or pressure sensor 4, which includes two sensor elements 5.
  • the sensor elements 5 abut one another in such a way that the contact surfaces 9 of the same polarity or the electrodes 10 formed thereon lie opposite one another.
  • the targeted contacting 13 takes place in the region of a center electrode 33, which is arranged between the two mutually facing electrodes 10.
  • the polarization 18 of the two sensor elements 5 is shown by means of an arrow (see Fig. 4b ).
  • the sensor element 5 may also have a multilayer structure, wherein the first layer 5.1 the first sensor element 5 and the second layer 5.2 the second sensor element 5 according to the exemplary embodiment of FIG Fig. 4b replaced.
  • the two mutually facing electrodes 10 then merge into an electrode 10 which is integral with the sensor element 5 and is connected to a signal line 14 via a targeted contacting 13.
  • the force or pressure sensor of the embodiment of Fig. 5a and 5b comprises a sensor element 5, which consists of two oppositely polarized piezoelectric layers 5. 1, 5.2. In the contact region of both layers 5.1, 5.2, a first internal electrode is formed. Two more outboard Electrodes are formed over the voltage applied to the contact surfaces 9 surfaces of the force distribution plate 17 and the housing part 12, so that a separate formation of electrodes 10 on the Stirnflcähen the sensor element 5 is dispensable.
  • the outwardly facing contact surface 9 of the first layer 5.1 is for this purpose directly on the housing part 12 and the corresponding contact surface 9 of the second layer 5.2 directly to the force distribution plate 17 at. Lines for electrical connection of the sensor element 5 are thus unnecessary.
  • only the targeted contacting 13 is required in order to connect the sensor element 5 to the signal line 14. The contacting and isolation effort can thus be reduced to a minimum.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft einen Kraftstoffinjektor für ein Kraftstoffeinspritzsystem, insbesondere ein Common-Rail-Einspritzsystem, zum Einspritzen von Kraftstoff in den Brennraum einer Brennkraftmaschine mit den Merkmalen des Oberbegriffs des Anspruchs 1.The invention relates to a fuel injector for a fuel injection system, in particular a common rail injection system, for injecting fuel into the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

Kraftstoffinjektoren der vorstehend genannten Art weisen eine in einer Hochdruckbohrung hubbeweglich geführte Düsennadel auf, über deren Hubbewegung wenigstens eine Einspritzöffnung freigebbar und verschließbar ist. Der Öffnungshub der Düsennadel wird über eine Entlastung eines Steuerraums bewirkt, in dem ein Steuerdruck anliegt, der die Düsennadel mit einer in Schließrichtung wirkenden Kraft beaufschlagt. Die eingespritzte Kraftstoffmenge hängt dabei vom Einspritzdruck sowie der Öffnungsdauer der Düsennadel ab. Aufgrund von Verschleiß kann sich das Betriebsverhalten des Kraftstoffinjektors jedoch über die Lebensdauer verändern, so dass es die Ansteuerparameter anzupassen gilt.Fuel injectors of the abovementioned type have a nozzle needle which can be moved in a high-pressure bore, via the lifting movement of which at least one injection opening can be opened and closed. The opening stroke of the nozzle needle is effected via a discharge of a control chamber, in which a control pressure is applied, which acts on the nozzle needle with a force acting in the closing direction. The injected fuel quantity depends on the injection pressure and the opening duration of the nozzle needle. Due to wear, however, the operating behavior of the fuel injector can change over the service life, so that it is necessary to adapt the control parameters.

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Aus der Offenlegungsschrift DE 10 2007 063 103 A1 ist eine Vorrichtung zur Ermittlung eines Betriebsverhaltens eines Einspritzventils einer Einspritzanlage einer Brennkraftmaschine bekannt, welche einen Piezofoliensensor umfasst, der zur Ermittlung des Schließzeitpunktes des Einspritzventils in das Einspritzventil einsetzbar ist. Mittels des Piezofoliensensors wird vorteilhafterweise das Anschlagen der Ventilnadel am Ventilsitz ermittelt. Auf diese Weise kann erfasst werden, ob ein vorhergesagter Zeitpunkt dem tatsächlichen Zeitpunkt des Anschlages der Ventilnadel am Ventilsitz entspricht. Wird eine Abweichung erkannt, können die Ansteuerparameter einer Ansteuervorrichtung der Einspritzanlage entsprechend angepasst werden. Das Anschlagen der Ventilnadel am Ventilsitz wird vorzugsweise durch eine äußere Krafteinwirkung auf den Piezofoliensensor erkannt. Die äußere Krafteinwirkung bewirkt eine Verformung und damit einhergehend eine Änderung der Ladungsdichte des Piezomaterials, so dass eine zwischen zwei an dem Piezomaterial angeordneten Elektroden erzeugte Spannung als Signal abgreifbar ist. Da der Piezofoliensensor zur Signalgenerierung keine Speisespannung benötigt und die Signale demnach direkt auch ohne Ladungsverstärker abgegriffen werden können, bedarf es zum Abgreifen des Signals lediglich einer Masse- und einer Signalleitung. Das Signal wird dann bevorzugt an eine mit dem Piezofoliensensor verbundene Auswerteeinheit weitergeleitet.From the publication DE 10 2007 063 103 A1 a device for determining a performance of an injection valve of an injection system of an internal combustion engine is known which comprises a piezo film sensor which can be used to determine the closing time of the injection valve in the injection valve. By means of the piezo film sensor, the impact of the valve needle on the valve seat is advantageously determined. In this way it can be detected whether a predicted time corresponds to the actual time of the stop of the valve needle on the valve seat. If a deviation is detected, the control parameters of a control device of the injection system can be adjusted accordingly. The striking of the valve needle on the valve seat is preferably detected by an external force on the piezo film sensor. The external force causes a deformation and concomitantly a change in the charge density of the piezoelectric material, so that a voltage generated between two electrodes arranged on the piezoelectric material can be tapped off as a signal. Since the piezo film sensor for signal generation requires no supply voltage and the signals can therefore be tapped directly without charge amplifier, it requires only a ground and a signal line for tapping the signal. The signal is then preferably forwarded to an evaluation unit connected to the piezo film sensor.

Die DE102009002895 A1 offenbart einen Kraftstoffinjektor mit einem Kraft- oder Drucksensor der durch einen hubbeweglichen Ankerbolzen mit einer Axialkraft beauschlagbar ist, die proportional zu einem Steuerraumdruck ist.The DE102009002895 A1 discloses a fuel injector having a force or pressure sensor which is beauchlagbar by a liftable anchor bolt with an axial force which is proportional to a control chamber pressure.

Ausgehend von dem vorstehend genannten Stand der Technik liegt der Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, einen Kraftstoffinjektor mit einem Kraft- oder Drucksensor zur Bestimmung des Nadelschließzeitpunktes bereitzustellen, der einfach aufgebaut und kostengünstig herstellbar ist. Insbesondere soll der Kraftstoffinjektor eine aufwandsarme elektrische Anbindung des Kraft- oder Drucksensors aufweisen.Based on the above-mentioned prior art, the present invention seeks to provide a fuel injector with a force or pressure sensor for determining the Nadelschließzeitpunktes, which is simple and inexpensive to produce. In particular, the fuel injector should have a low-cost electrical connection of the force or pressure sensor.

Die Aufgabe wird gelöst durch einen Kraftstoffinjektor mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen angegeben.The object is achieved by a fuel injector with the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

Offenbarung der ErfindungDisclosure of the invention

Der vorgeschlagene Kraftstoffinjektor umfasst eine in einer Hochdruckbohrung des Kraftstoffinjektors hubbeweglich geführte Düsennadel, über deren Hubbewegung wenigstens eine Einspritzöffnung freigebbar und verschließbar ist, sowie einen Kraft- oder Drucksensor mit wenigstens einem Sensorelement aus einem piezoelektrischen Material zum Erfassen charakteristischer Druckänderungen beim Öffnen und Schließen der Düsennadel. Erfindungsgemäß ist der Kraft- oder Drucksensor in einem Niederdruckbereich des Kraftstoffinjektors angeordnet und beim Öffnen und Schließen der Düsennadel unmittelbar oder mittelbar mit einer Axialkraft FA beaufschlagbar, die proportional zum Steuerraumdruck in einem Steuerraum ist. Das Sensorelement des Kraft- oder Drucksensors ist ferner über wenigstens eine Kontaktfläche oder eine hierauf ausgebildete Elektrode zur Herstellung einer Masseverbindung unmittelbar oder mittelbar mit einem Gehäuseteil des Kraftstoffinjektors elektrisch verbunden.The proposed fuel injector includes a nozzle needle, which is liftably guided in a high-pressure bore of the fuel injector, at least one injection opening can be opened and closed via its lifting movement, and a force or pressure sensor with at least one sensor element made of a piezoelectric material for detecting characteristic pressure changes during opening and closing of the nozzle needle. According to the invention, the force or pressure sensor is arranged in a low pressure region of the fuel injector and when opening and closing the nozzle needle directly or indirectly acted upon by an axial force F A , which is proportional to the control chamber pressure in a control room. The sensor element of the force or pressure sensor is also electrically connected via at least one contact surface or an electrode formed thereon for producing a ground connection directly or indirectly with a housing part of the fuel injector.

Durch die Anordnung des Kraft- oder Drucksensors im Niederdruckbereich wird die Belastung des Sensors verringert, da er nicht dem unter hohen Druck stehenden Kraftstoff ausgesetzt ist. Mit der geringeren Belastung sinken auch die Anforderungen an die Abdichtung der Sensoranordnung gegenüber dem kraftstoffführenden Bereich. Die darüber hinaus vorgeschlagene elektrische Anbindung vereinfacht die Herstellung einer Masseverbindung. Die Masseverbindung wird automatisch durch Auflegen des Sensorelementes auf das Massepotenzial, vorzugsweise ein Gehäuseteil oder ein mit einem Gehäuseteil verbundenes Bauteil des Kraftstoffinjektors hergestellt. Eine gezielte Kontaktierung und/oder die Anbindung an eine Leitung ist nicht erforderlich. Somit ist auch eine Leitungsführung durch den Injektor weitgehend entbehrlich. Sofern das Sensorelement des Kraft- oder Drucksensors nicht unmittelbar am als Massepotenzial dienenden Gehäuseteil des Injektors anliegt, sondern an einem mit dem Gehäuseteil verbundenen weiteren Bauteil, besteht dieses aus einem elektrisch leitenden Material. Die Anbindung kann über eine Kontaktfläche des Sensorelementes oder eine hierauf ausgebildete Elektrode erfolgen, wobei die Elektrode die Kontaktfläche vorzugsweise vollständig bedeckt. Die Elektrode kann beispielsweise in Form einer Beschichtung ausgebildet sein. Die Elektrode bildet dann die eigentliche Kontaktfläche zum Massepotenzial aus. Vorzugsweise ist die Kontaktfläche bzw. die als Kontaktfläche dienende Elektrode an einer der Düsennadel zugewandten Stirnfläche des Sensorelementes ausgebildet, um Leitungsführungen tief in den Injektor hinein zu vermeiden.The arrangement of the force or pressure sensor in the low pressure region, the load of the sensor is reduced because it is not exposed to the high pressure fuel. With the lower load, the requirements for sealing the sensor arrangement with respect to the fuel-carrying area also decrease. The moreover proposed electrical connection simplifies the production of a ground connection. The ground connection is produced automatically by placing the sensor element on the ground potential, preferably a housing part or a component of the fuel injector connected to a housing part. A targeted contacting and / or the connection to a line is not required. Thus, a wiring through the injector is largely unnecessary. If the sensor element of the force or pressure sensor does not bear directly on the housing part of the injector serving as the ground potential, but on a further component connected to the housing part, this consists of an electrically conductive material. The connection can be made via a contact surface of the sensor element or an electrode formed thereon, wherein the electrode preferably completely covers the contact surface. The electrode may be formed for example in the form of a coating. The electrode then forms the actual contact surface with the ground potential. Preferably, the contact surface or the electrode serving as a contact surface is formed on an end face of the sensor element facing the nozzle needle in order to avoid cable guides deep into the injector.

Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass das Sensorelement über eine gezielte Kontaktierung an eine Signalleitung angeschlossen ist. Die gezielte Kontaktierung erfolgt vorzugsweise im Bereich einer elektrischen Isolierung, welche das Sensorelement gegenüber der Umgebung elektrisch isoliert. Die in den Injektor führenden Leitungen sind dann vorzugsweise auf diese eine Signalleitung beschränkt.According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the sensor element is connected via a targeted contacting to a signal line. The targeted contacting is preferably carried out in the region of electrical insulation, which electrically isolates the sensor element from the environment. The leading into the injector lines are then preferably limited to this one signal line.

Gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung umfasst der Kraft- oder Drucksensor wenigstens zwei Sensorelemente, die vorzugsweise derart aneinandergesetzt sind, dass sich Kontaktflächen gleicher Polarisierung gegenüber liegen. Die Kontaktflächen können wiederum Elektroden aufweisen, die es dann voneinander elektrisch zu isolieren gilt. Die elektrische Isolation kann jedoch entfallen, wenn die Kontaktflächen gleicher Polarisierung direkt aufeinander liegen und auf diese Weise zu einer Elektrode verschmelzen. Das zweite Sensorelement ist vorzugsweise entsprechend dem ersten Sensorelement ausgebildet und weist eine dem Gehäuseteil zugewandte Kontaktfläche oder eine hierauf ausgebildete Elektrode zur Herstellung einer Masseverbindung auf. Dies ermöglicht eine beidseitige Masseverbindung des zwei Sensorelemente umfassenden Kraft- oder Drucksensors, welche eine aufwendige elektrische Isolation der Sensorelemente gegenüber der Umgebung entbehrlich macht. Das Zusammenschalten zweier Sensorelemente weist zudem den Vorteil auf, dass die Empfindlichkeit des Sensors vergrößert wird.According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the force or pressure sensor comprises at least two sensor elements which are preferably placed against one another in such a way that contact surfaces of the same polarization face one another. The contact surfaces may in turn comprise electrodes which then have to be electrically insulated from one another. The electrical insulation can However, omitted if the contact surfaces of the same polarization lie directly on each other and merge in this way to form an electrode. The second sensor element is preferably designed in accordance with the first sensor element and has a contact surface facing the housing part or an electrode formed thereon for producing a ground connection. This allows a two-sided ground connection of the two sensor elements comprehensive force or pressure sensor, which makes a complicated electrical insulation of the sensor elements to the environment unnecessary. The interconnection of two sensor elements also has the advantage that the sensitivity of the sensor is increased.

Gemäß einer alternativen Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist das Sensorelement mehrschichtig aufgebaut und umfasst wenigstens eine erste und eine zweite Schicht, die vorzugsweise entgegengesetzt polarisiert sind. Das heißt, dass sich im Kontaktbereich beiden Schichten Kontaktflächen gleicher Polarisierung gegenüber liegen. Die mehrschichtige Ausbildung vereinfacht die Herstellung des Kraft- oder Drucksensors, da es keiner Verbindung mehr der einzelnen Sensorelemente bedarf. Zudem entfällt eine elektrische Isolation zwischen den Sensorelementen vollständig.According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the sensor element has a multilayer structure and comprises at least one first and one second layer, which are preferably oppositely polarized. This means that contact areas of the same polarization face each other in the contact area of both layers. The multi-layered training simplifies the production of the force or pressure sensor, since it no longer requires connection of the individual sensor elements. In addition, eliminates electrical insulation between the sensor elements completely.

Weiterhin wird vorgeschlagen, dass bei Ausführungsformen mit mehr als einem Sensorelement und/oder mit einem mehrschichtigen Sensorelement die gezielte Kontaktierung für den Anschluss an die Signalleitung im Kontaktbereich zweier Sensorelemente bzw. im Kontaktbereich zweier Schichten erfolgt. Dadurch können die Leitungswege für die Signalleitung verkürzt werden.Furthermore, it is proposed that in embodiments with more than one sensor element and / or with a multilayer sensor element, the targeted contacting for the connection to the signal line in the contact region of two sensor elements or in the contact region of two layers takes place. As a result, the conduction paths for the signal line can be shortened.

Erfindungsgemäß ist der Kraft- oder Drucksensor über einen hubbeweglichen Ankerbolzen eines Magnetventils, das der Ansteuerung der Düsennadel dient, mittelbar über eine Kraftverteilungsplatte mit der Axialkraft FA beaufschlagbar, die proportional zum Steuerraumdruck im Steuerraum ist. Der Ankerbolzen ist dabei an seiner unteren Stirnfläche mit dem Ventilraumdruck beaufschlagt, der bei geschlossenem Magnetventil dem Steuerraumdruck entspricht. Die Düsennadel ist gekoppelt, so dass die Hubbewegung der Düsennadel eine Hubbewegung des Ankerbolzens bewirkt. Um die vom Ankerbolzen auf den Kraft- oder Drucksensor ausgeübte Axialkraft mit weitgehend homogener Flächenpressung in das Sensorelement einzuleiten, ist zwischen dem Kraft- oder Drucksensor und dem Ankerbolzen eine Kraftverteilungsplatte angeordnet. Auf diese Weise wird der Kraft- oder Drucksensor im interessierenden Zeitraum mit der Kraft pst * π * d2/4 vorgespannt, wobei pst der Steuerdruck im Steuerraum und d der Durchmesser des Ankerbolzens ist. Da der Steuerdruck im Zeitpunkt des Nadelschließens ein signifikantes Minimum aufweist, wird auch das vom Kraft- oder Drucksensor ausgegebene Signal ein signifikantes Merkmal aufweisen.According to the invention, the force or pressure sensor via a liftable anchor bolt of a solenoid valve, which serves to control the nozzle needle, indirectly acted upon by a force distribution plate with the axial force F A , which is proportional to the control chamber pressure in the control room. The anchor bolt is acted upon at its lower end face with the valve chamber pressure, which corresponds to the control chamber pressure when the solenoid valve is closed. The nozzle needle is coupled, so that the lifting movement of the nozzle needle causes a lifting movement of the anchor bolt. To initiate the force exerted by the anchor bolt on the force or pressure sensor axial force with substantially homogeneous surface pressure in the sensor element is between the force or Pressure sensor and the anchor bolt arranged a force distribution plate. In this way, the force or pressure sensor is biased in the period of interest with the force p st * π * d 2/4 , where p st is the control pressure in the control chamber and d is the diameter of the anchor bolt. Since the control pressure at the time of needle closure has a significant minimum, the signal output by the force or pressure sensor will also have a significant characteristic.

Gemäß einer Weiterbildung ist die Kraftverteilungsplatte zur Einleitung der Axialkraft FA in den Kraft- oder Drucksensor mittels eines Vorspannelementes gegen den Kraft- oder Drucksensor axial vorgespannt. Dadurch kann eine ungewollte Lageveränderung der Kraftverteilungsplatte verhindert werden.According to a development, the force distribution plate for introducing the axial force F A is axially biased into the force or pressure sensor by means of a biasing element against the force or pressure sensor. Thereby, an unwanted change in position of the force distribution plate can be prevented.

Durch die vorstehend beschriebenen Maßnahmen allein oder in beliebiger Kombination kann die elektrische Anbindung des Kraft- oder Ducksensors an den Injektor deutlich vereinfacht werden. Der Injektor mit Nadelschließzeitpunkterkennung ist somit einfach und kostengünstig herstellbar.By the measures described above alone or in any combination, the electrical connection of the force or Ducksensors to the injector can be significantly simplified. The injector with Nadelschließzeitpunkterkennung is thus easy and inexpensive to produce.

Bevorzugte Ausführungsformen der Erfindung werden nachfolgend anhand der Zeichnungen näher erläutert. Diese zeigen:

  • Fig. 1a einen Längsschnitt durch einen aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten Kraftstoffinjektor,
  • Fig. 1b einen Längsschnitt durch das Steuerventil des Kraftstoffinjektors der Fig. 1a,
  • Fig. 2 einen Längsschnitt durch einen erfindungsgemäßen Kraftstoffinjektor im Bereich des als Magnetventil ausgebildeten Steuerventils,
  • Fig. 3a, b jeweils einen Längsschnitt durch einen ersten erfindungsgemäßen Kraft- oder Drucksensor,
  • Fig. 4a, b jeweils einen Längsschnitt durch einen zweiten erfindungsgemäßen Kraft- oder Drucksensor,
  • Fig. 4c einen Längsschnitt durch eine Abwandlung der Ausführungsform der Fig. 4a, b und
  • Fig. 5a, b jeweils einen Längsschnitt durch einen dritten erfindungsgemäßen Kraft- oder Drucksensor.
Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the drawings. These show:
  • Fig. 1a a longitudinal section through a known from the prior art fuel injector,
  • Fig. 1b a longitudinal section through the control valve of the fuel injector Fig. 1a .
  • Fig. 2 a longitudinal section through a fuel injector according to the invention in the region of the formed as a solenoid valve control valve,
  • Fig. 3a, b in each case a longitudinal section through a first force or pressure sensor according to the invention,
  • Fig. 4a . b in each case a longitudinal section through a second force or pressure sensor according to the invention,
  • Fig. 4c a longitudinal section through a modification of the embodiment of the Fig. 4a . b and
  • Fig. 5a, b in each case a longitudinal section through a third force or pressure sensor according to the invention.

Ausführliche Beschreibung der ZeichnungenDetailed description of the drawings

Der in den Fig. 1a und 1b dargestellte bekannte Kraftstoffinjektor weist eine in einer Hochdruckbohrung 1 eines Düsenkörpers 21 hubbeweglich geführte Düsennadel 2 auf, welche über einen Ventilkolben 27 mit einer Schließkraft beaufschlagbar ist. Der Ventilkolben 27 ist mit seinem der Düsennadel 2 abgewandten Ende in einem Ventilstück 26 aufgenommen und dort hubbeweglich geführt. Das Ventilstück 26 ist wiederum in einem Injektorkörper 22 aufgenommen. Innerhalb des Ventilstücks 26 wird durch den Ventilkolben 27 ein Steuerraum 7 begrenzt, in welchem ein hydraulischer Druck herrscht, welcher den Ventilkolben 27 und die Düsennadel 2 mit einer in Schließrichtung wirkenden Kraft beaufschlagt. Der Steuerraum 7 ist über eine Zulaufdrossel 28 mit einer KraftstoffZufuhrleitung 23 und über eine Ablaufdrossel 29 mit einem Niederdruckbereich 6 verbindbar, so dass der hydraulische Druck und die Ventilkolbenbewegung in Abhängigkeit von der Schaltstellung des Magnetventils 16 veränderbar sind. Der über die Zufuhrleitung 23 zugeführte unter hohem Druck stehende Kraftstoff wird einem Hochdruckspeicher 24 entnommen. Über die im Düsenkörper 21 ausgebildete Hochdruckbohrung 1 wird der Kraftstoff dann bei geöffneter Düsennadel 2 wenigstens einer Einspritzöffnung 3 zugeführt.The in the Fig. 1a and 1b shown known Kraftstoffinjektor has a in a high-pressure bore 1 of a nozzle body 21 hubbeweglich guided nozzle needle 2, which is acted upon via a valve piston 27 with a closing force. The valve piston 27 is received with its end facing away from the nozzle needle 2 in a valve piece 26 and guided there liftable. The valve piece 26 is in turn received in an injector body 22. Within the valve piece 26, a control chamber 7 is limited by the valve piston 27, in which a hydraulic pressure prevails, which acts on the valve piston 27 and the nozzle needle 2 with a force acting in the closing direction. The control chamber 7 is connected via an inlet throttle 28 with a fuel supply line 23 and via a discharge throttle 29 with a low pressure region 6, so that the hydraulic pressure and the valve piston movement in response to the switching position of the solenoid valve 16 are variable. The supplied via the supply line 23 under high pressure fuel is removed from a high-pressure accumulator 24. By way of the high-pressure bore 1 formed in the nozzle body 21, the fuel is then supplied to at least one injection opening 3 when the nozzle needle 2 is open.

Das in der Fig. 1b näher dargestellte Magnetventil 16 des Injektors der Fig. 1a weist einen mit einer Spule 20 zusammenwirkenden hubbeweglichen Anker 19 sowie einen hierin zumindest teilweise aufgenommenen Ankerbolzen 15 auf. Der Ankerbolzen 15 wird an seiner unteren Stirnfläche mit einem in einem Ventilraum 32 herrschenden Druck beaufschlagt. Dieser Druck entspricht im geschlossenen Zustand des Magnetventils 16 dem Druck im Steuerraum 7. Mit seiner oberen Stirnfläche ist der Ankerbolzen 15 an einem Gehäuseteil 12 des Injektors abgestützt. Im Ruhezustand (unbestromt) wird der Anker 19 durch eine Druckfeder 30 gegen seinen Ventilsitz 34 gedrückt.That in the Fig. 1b closer illustrated solenoid valve 16 of the injector Fig. 1a has a cooperable with a coil 20 liftable armature 19 and an anchor bolt 15 at least partially received therein. The anchor bolt 15 is acted upon at its lower end face with a pressure prevailing in a valve chamber 32 pressure. This pressure corresponds in the closed state of the solenoid valve 16 to the pressure in the control chamber 7. With its upper end face of the anchor bolt 15 is supported on a housing part 12 of the injector. In the idle state (de-energized), the armature 19 is pressed by a compression spring 30 against its valve seat 34.

Der ausschnittsweise im Bereich des Magnetventils 16 dargestellte erfindungsgemäße Kraftstoffinjektor der Fig. 2 weist im Unterschied zum Injektor der Fig. 1a und 1b einen im Niederdruckbereich 6 angeordneten Kraft- oder Drucksensor 4 zur Nadelschließzeitpunkterkennung auf. Anstelle am Gehäuseteil 12 ist der Ankerbolzen 15 zudem mittelbar über eine Kraftverteilungsplatte 17 am Kraft- oder Drucksensor 4 abgestützt. Eine Änderung des Drucks im Steuerraum 7 bewirkt bei geschlossenem Magnetventil 16 eine Änderung der auf den Ankerbolzen 15 und damit auf den Kraft- oder Drucksensor 4 wirkenden Axialkraft FA. Ferner ist ein Vorspannelement 25 zur Lagefixierung eines Magnetkerns 31 des Magnetventils 16 vorgesehen.The section of the fuel injector shown in the region of the solenoid valve 16 according to the invention Fig. 2 Unlike the injector Fig. 1a and 1b a arranged in the low pressure region 6 force or pressure sensor 4 for Nadelschließzeitpunkterkennung on. Instead of the housing part 12, the anchor bolt 15 is also supported indirectly via a force distribution plate 17 on the force or pressure sensor 4. A change in the pressure in the control chamber 7 causes when the solenoid valve 16 is closed, a change in the force acting on the anchor bolt 15 and thus on the force or pressure sensor 4 axial force F A. Further, a biasing member 25 for fixing the position of a magnetic core 31 of the solenoid valve 16 is provided.

Wie den Fig. 3a, b, 4a-c und 5a, b zu entnehmen ist, welche bevorzugte Ausführungsbeispiele eines erfindungsgemäßen Kraftstoffinjektors bzw. eines hierin angeordneten Kraft- oder Drucksensors 4 zeigen, umfasst der Kraft- oder Drucksensor 4 wenigstens ein Sensorelement 5 aus einem piezoelektrischen Material, das mit einer Kontaktfläche 9 oder einer hierauf ausgebildeten Elektrode 10 zur Ausbildung einer ersten Masseverbindung 11 an der Kraftverteilungsplatte 17 anliegt. Die Kraftverteilungsplatte 17 ist wiederum mit dem umgebenden Gehäuseteil 12 elektrisch verbunden (siehe Fig. 3a, 4a und 5a). Das Vorspannelement 25 zur Lagefixierung des Magnetkerns 31 bzw. der Spule 20 und der Druckfeder 30 wird in diesen Beispielen zudem zur axialen Vorspannung der Kraftverteilungsplatte 17 eingesetzt. Dies ist aber nicht zwingender Bestandteil der Erfindung. Eine Vorspannung kann über die Druckfeder 30, das Vorspannelement 25 für den Magnetkern 31, ein nicht dargestelltes zusätzliches Vorspannelement oder beliebige Kombinationen hieraus bewirkt werden. Alternativ kann auf eine Vorspannung der Kraftverteilungsplatte 17 aucuh verzichtet werden.Like that Fig. 3a, b . 4a-c and 5a, b It can be seen which show preferred embodiments of a fuel injector according to the invention or a force or pressure sensor 4 arranged therein, the force or pressure sensor 4 comprises at least one sensor element 5 made of a piezoelectric material with a contact surface 9 or an electrode 10 formed thereon Forming a first ground connection 11 rests against the force distribution plate 17. The force distribution plate 17 is in turn electrically connected to the surrounding housing part 12 (see Fig. 3a . 4a and 5a ). The biasing member 25 for fixing the position of the magnetic core 31 or the coil 20 and the compression spring 30 is also used in these examples for the axial bias of the force distribution plate 17. However, this is not a mandatory part of the invention. A bias may be effected via the compression spring 30, the biasing member 25 for the magnetic core 31, an unillustrated additional biasing member, or any combinations thereof. Alternatively, it is possible to omit a preloading of the force distribution plate 17 aucuh.

Bei dem Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 3a und 3b umfasst der Kraft- oder Drucksensor 4 lediglich ein Sensorelement 5. Bei nur einem Sensorelement 5 liegt die Kontaktfläche 9 bzw. die hierauf ausgebildete Elektrode 10 direkt an der Kraftverteilungsplatte 17 zur Herstellung einer Masseverbindung 11 an. Die der Kontaktfläche 9 gegenüberliegende Kontaktfläche bzw. hierauf ausgebildete Elektrode 10 darf dagegen keine Verbindung zum Gehäuseteil 12 aufweisen, da sonst das Sensorelement 5 elektrisch kurzgeschlossen ist. Um dies zu verhindern, ist zwischen der Elektrode 10 und dem Gehäuseteil 12 eine elektrische Isolierung 8 vorgesehen. Der Anschluss an eine Signalleitung 14 erfolgt über eine gezielte Kontaktierung 13 im Bereich der elektrischen Isolierung 8. Bis auf die Signalleitung 14 erfordert die elektrische Anbindung des Kraft- oder Drucksensors 4 an den Injektor keine Leitungen. Die elektrische Anbindung wird dadurch erheblich vereinfacht. Die elektrische Kontaktierung 13 kann auch der Verbindung mit einem der beiden Spulenpins des Magnetventils 16 dienen, so dass keine separaten Verbindungen zwischen dem Kraft- oder Drucksensor 4 und einem Steuergerät (nicht dargestellt) erforderlich sind. Sämtliche Anschlüsse erfolgen demnach injektorintern.In the embodiment of the Fig. 3a and 3b In the case of only one sensor element 5, the contact surface 9 or the electrode 10 formed thereon bears directly against the force distribution plate 17 for producing a ground connection 11. The contact surface 9 opposite contact surface or formed thereon electrode 10 may, however, have no connection to the housing part 12, otherwise the sensor element 5 is electrically short-circuited. To prevent this, an electrical insulation 8 is provided between the electrode 10 and the housing part 12. The connection to a signal line 14 via a targeted Contacting 13 in the electrical insulation 8. Except for the signal line 14, the electrical connection of the force or pressure sensor 4 to the injector requires no lines. The electrical connection is considerably simplified. The electrical contact 13 can also serve the connection with one of the two coil pins of the solenoid valve 16, so that no separate connections between the force or pressure sensor 4 and a control device (not shown) are required. All connections are therefore injector-internal.

Den Fig. 4a und 4 b ist ein Ausführungsbeispiel mit einem Kraft- oder Drucksensor 4 zu entnehmen, welcher zwei Sensorelemente 5 umfasst. Die Sensorelemente 5 liegen derart aneinander an, dass die Kontaktflächen 9 gleicher Polarität bzw. die hierauf ausgebildeten Elektroden 10 einander gegenüber liegen. Die gezielte Kontaktierung 13 erfolgt im Bereich einer Mittelelektrode 33, welche zwischen den beiden einander zugewandten Elektroden 10 angeordnet ist. Die Polarisierung 18 der beiden Sensorelemente 5 ist mit Hilfe eines Pfeils dargestellt (siehe Fig. 4b).The Fig. 4a and 4 b shows an embodiment with a force or pressure sensor 4, which includes two sensor elements 5. The sensor elements 5 abut one another in such a way that the contact surfaces 9 of the same polarity or the electrodes 10 formed thereon lie opposite one another. The targeted contacting 13 takes place in the region of a center electrode 33, which is arranged between the two mutually facing electrodes 10. The polarization 18 of the two sensor elements 5 is shown by means of an arrow (see Fig. 4b ).

Um den Herstellungsaufwand zu verringern, wird gemäß einer Weiterbildung (nicht dargestellt) vorgeschlagen, dass auf die Ausbildung innenliegender Elektroden 10 verzichtet wird. Die beiden Sensorelemente 5 werden stattdessen mit ihren Kontaktflächen 9 auf die Mittelelektrode 33 gelegt, welche dann die Funktion der beiden einander zugewandten Elektroden 10 mit übernimmt.In order to reduce the production costs, it is proposed according to a development (not shown) that the formation of internal electrodes 10 be dispensed with. The two sensor elements 5 are instead placed with their contact surfaces 9 on the center electrode 33, which then takes over the function of the two electrodes 10 facing each other.

Alternativ kann - wie in der Fig. 4c dargestellt - das Sensorelement 5 auch mehrschichtig aufgebaut sein, wobei die erste Schicht 5.1 das erste Sensorelement 5 und die zweite Schicht 5.2 das zweite Sensorelement 5 gemäß dem Ausführungsbeispiel der Fig. 4b ersetzt. Die beiden einander zugewandten Elektroden 10 verschmelzen dann zu einer integral zum Sensorelement 5 gehörenden mittig liegenden Elektrode 10. Über eine gezielte Kontaktierung 13 erfolgt der Anschluss an eine Signalleitung 14.Alternatively - as in the Fig. 4c The sensor element 5 may also have a multilayer structure, wherein the first layer 5.1 the first sensor element 5 and the second layer 5.2 the second sensor element 5 according to the exemplary embodiment of FIG Fig. 4b replaced. The two mutually facing electrodes 10 then merge into an electrode 10 which is integral with the sensor element 5 and is connected to a signal line 14 via a targeted contacting 13.

Der Kraft- oder Drucksensor des Ausführungsbeispiels der Fig. 5a und 5b umfasst ein Sensorelement 5, das aus zwei entgegengesetzt polarisierten piezoelektrischen Schichten 5. 1, 5.2 besteht. Im Kontaktbereich beider Schichten 5.1, 5.2 wird eine erste innenliegende Elektrode ausgebildet. Zwei weitere außenliegende Elektroden werden über die an den Kontaktflächen 9 anliegenden Oberflächen der Kraftverteilungsplatte 17 und des Gehäuseteils 12 ausgebildet, so dass eine separate Ausbildung von Elektroden 10 an den Stirnflcähen des Sensorelementes 5 verzichtbar ist. Die nach außen gewandte Kontaktfläche 9 der ersten Schicht 5.1 liegt hierzu direkt am Gehäuseteil 12 und die entsprechende Kontaktfläche 9 der zweiten Schicht 5.2 direkt an der Kraftverteilungsplatte 17 an. Leitungen zur elektrischen Anbindung des Sensorelementes 5 sind somit entbehrlich. Es bedarf darüber hinaus nur der gezielten Kontaktierung 13, um das Sensorelement 5 an die Signalleitung 14 anzuschließen. Der Kontaktierungs- und Isolationsaufwand kann somit auf ein Minimum reduziert werden.The force or pressure sensor of the embodiment of Fig. 5a and 5b comprises a sensor element 5, which consists of two oppositely polarized piezoelectric layers 5. 1, 5.2. In the contact region of both layers 5.1, 5.2, a first internal electrode is formed. Two more outboard Electrodes are formed over the voltage applied to the contact surfaces 9 surfaces of the force distribution plate 17 and the housing part 12, so that a separate formation of electrodes 10 on the Stirnflcähen the sensor element 5 is dispensable. The outwardly facing contact surface 9 of the first layer 5.1 is for this purpose directly on the housing part 12 and the corresponding contact surface 9 of the second layer 5.2 directly to the force distribution plate 17 at. Lines for electrical connection of the sensor element 5 are thus unnecessary. In addition, only the targeted contacting 13 is required in order to connect the sensor element 5 to the signal line 14. The contacting and isolation effort can thus be reduced to a minimum.

Claims (6)

  1. Fuel injector for a fuel injection system, in particular a common-rail injection system, comprising a nozzle needle (2) which is guided, such that it can perform stroke movements, in a high-pressure bore (1) of the fuel injector and by means of the stroke movement of which at least one injection opening (3) can be opened and closed, and comprising a force or pressure sensor (4) with at least one sensor element (5) formed from a piezoelectric material for detecting characteristic pressure changes during the opening and closing of the nozzle needle (2), wherein the force or pressure sensor (4) is arranged in a low-pressure region (6) of the fuel injector and, during the opening and closing of the nozzle needle (2), can be acted on indirectly by means of an armature pin (15), which can perform stroke movements, of a solenoid valve (16) which serves for the actuation of the nozzle needle (2), and a force distribution plate (17) with an axial force (FA) which is proportional to the control chamber pressure in a control chamber (7), wherein the control chamber pressure exerts a force acting in a closing direction on the nozzle needle (2), and in that the sensor element (5) of the force or pressure sensor (4) is electrically connected directly or indirectly to a housing part (12) of the fuel injector via at least one contact surface (9) or via an electrode (10), which is formed on said contact surface, so as to produce a ground connection (11), and the solenoid valve (16) comprises an armature (19) which interacts with a coil (20) and which can perform stroke movements, which armature is pressed against a valve seat (34) by the compression spring (30) and which armature at least partially receives the armature pin (15), wherein the compression spring (30) axially preloads the force distribution plate (17) against the force or pressure sensor (4).
  2. Fuel injector according to Claim 1,
    characterized in that the sensor element (5) is connected via a dedicated contacting means (13), preferably in the region of an electrical insulator (8), to a signal line (14).
  3. Fuel injector according to Claim 1 or 2,
    characterized in that the force or pressure sensor (4) comprises at least two sensor elements (5) which are preferably mounted one on top of the other such that contact surfaces of identical polarity (18) face one another.
  4. Fuel injector according to one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in that the sensor element (5) is of multi-layer construction and comprises at least one first and one second layer (5.1, 5.2) which are preferably of opposite polarity.
  5. Fuel injector according to one of Claims 2 to 4,
    characterized in that the dedicated contacting means (13) for the connection to the signal line (14) is realized in the contact region between two sensor elements (5) or in the contact region between two layers (5.1, 5.2).
  6. Fuel injector according to Claim 1,
    characterized in that the force distribution plate (17) is additionally preloaded axially against the force or pressure sensor (4) by means of a preload element (25).
EP12706532.4A 2011-04-07 2012-02-22 Fuel injector Active EP2694794B1 (en)

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DE102011006975 2011-04-07
DE102011078947A DE102011078947A1 (en) 2011-04-07 2011-07-11 fuel injector
PCT/EP2012/052990 WO2012136406A1 (en) 2011-04-07 2012-02-22 Fuel injector

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EP2694794A1 EP2694794A1 (en) 2014-02-12
EP2694794B1 true EP2694794B1 (en) 2019-04-24

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WO2012136767A1 (en) 2012-10-11
US20140027534A1 (en) 2014-01-30
CN103459820B (en) 2017-02-15
WO2012136406A1 (en) 2012-10-11
EP2694795B1 (en) 2015-07-01
JP6265884B2 (en) 2018-01-24
CN103477063A (en) 2013-12-25
EP2694794A1 (en) 2014-02-12
CN103459820A (en) 2013-12-18
EP2694795A1 (en) 2014-02-12
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DE102011078947A1 (en) 2012-10-11
CN103477063B (en) 2018-03-13

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