JPH1090124A - Apparatus for measuring spray pattern - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To highly accurately and quickly measure a spray pattern by operating and editing a pressure distribution by a spray momentum based on an output signal of a pressure detection means and positional relation data set by a positioning means and, outputting the momentum in a one-dimensional or two-dimensional direction. SOLUTION: An operating means 41 operates and edits a pressure distribution by a momentum of a spray 85 within a plane approximately parallel to the spray 85 on the basis of an output signal of a pressure sensor 21 and positional relation data set by a positioning means 31. The positioning means 31 can freely change a positional relationship of the pressure sensor 21 and a fuel spray valve 81 in X, Y, Z three directions. The pressure sensor 21 is moved in two directions on an X, Y, Z coordinate separated by a predetermined distance approximately at right angles to a direction of the spray 85, thereby to measure the pressure distribution within the plane. A fuel 80 is supplied from a fuel tank 82 to the fuel spray valve 81, and the fuel spray valve 81 is driven by driving circuits 811, 812.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a spray measuring apparatus capable of quickly and accurately measuring a spray pattern such as a spray direction and a spread of a fuel injection valve or the like.

[0002] The injection characteristics of a fuel injection valve are closely related to the exhaust purification performance and fuel efficiency of an automobile engine.
For example, in a two-valve intake type engine, the diameter of the intake port, which is the target for injecting fuel, is small, and unless the spray direction and spread angle are precisely controlled, some of the fuel adheres to the wall surface and is drawn into the cylinder. Is not performed. Therefore, it is extremely important to easily and accurately measure the injection characteristics of the fuel injection valve, particularly, the direction of spray, the spread angle, the size of spray particles, and the like. Among them, the measurement of spray particles can be performed with extremely high precision by a method such as using a laser beam.

On the other hand, the direction of spray (the angle of the center of spray) and the angle of spread are measured, for example, based on a photograph of the spray. Further, as another method, a laser beam attenuating CT (Computed
A method for forming a tomography is known. That is, the spray is irradiated with laser light, the light intensity and intensity of the laser light attenuated by the scattering of the spray particles are measured by an optical sensor or a TV camera, and the measured data is subjected to arithmetic processing to perform a two-dimensional image of the cross section of the spray. Create

[0004]

However, the method of detecting the direction angle and the spread angle of the spray by photographing has a problem in the measurement accuracy and a problem in that the photographing takes a long time and lacks promptness. That is, in this method, it is difficult to uniformly illuminate the spray, and the image becomes uneven,
Also, the boundaries of the spray tend to be blurred. for that reason,
The angle of the center of the spray with respect to the reference line and the spread angle of the spray also become inaccurate.

A second method using laser light attenuation CT is to irradiate the spray with laser light from multiple directions,
Since it is necessary to obtain a large amount of data, it takes a long time to perform the measurement, and it takes a long time to perform an arithmetic operation, and thus lacks quickness. In addition, a high-performance processing device is required. The present invention has been made in view of such a conventional problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a spray measuring device capable of measuring a spray pattern with high accuracy and speed.

[0006]

A first aspect of the present invention is a spray measuring apparatus for measuring a spray pattern such as a spray angle and a shape.
A holding member for holding an object to be sprayed, pressure detecting means for detecting the momentum of spray particles as pressure, and positioning means for setting a positional relationship between the object and the pressure detecting means. Computing means for computing and editing the momentum of the spray or the distribution of pressure due to the momentum in a plane substantially parallel to the direction of the spray based on the output signal of the pressure detecting means and the positional data set by the positioning means; Output means for outputting a distribution of momentum or pressure in the one-dimensional direction or two-dimensional direction edited by the calculating means.

What is most notable in the spray measuring device of the first invention is that it comprises pressure detecting means for detecting the momentum of the spray particles as pressure and sets the positional relationship between the object to be inspected and the pressure detecting means. That is, the positioning means is provided. The calculating means calculates and edits the momentum of the spray or the distribution of the pressure due to the momentum in a plane substantially parallel to the direction of the spray based on the output signal of the pressure detecting means and the position data set by the positioning means. Then, the result is output via the output means.

In general, a spray can be considered as a collection of particles having momentum. Then, the momentum held by the aggregate of particles is converted into pressure by colliding with a plane that is not parallel to the spray. Therefore, by measuring the pressure on a predetermined plane, the distribution of the momentum in the cross section of the spray can be calculated. You can know. The result can be obtained almost in real time within a short time. In addition, a highly accurate and reliable pressure sensor can be easily obtained.
High measurement accuracy.

According to the mode of the distribution, the range of the spray (spreading angle) can be known from, for example, a boundary region where the pressure suddenly decreases and approaches zero, and the central position of the pressure distribution (the largest position). The direction angle of the spray can be known from (point). Therefore, the spray pattern such as the spray direction and the spread angle can be obtained from the editing result of the calculating means. The output means for displaying the final result and the data includes a printing device and a display device, and the voice alarm means can be used alone or in combination with the above-mentioned device.

The pressure detecting means and the positioning means can be constituted, for example, as described in claim 2. That is, the pressure detecting means is constituted by a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of a small area, and the positioning means is a three-dimensional moving device capable of freely changing the positional relationship between the pressure sensor and the test object in a three-dimensional direction. It is configured as a means. And
Using the moving means, the pressure sensor is moved in a plane perpendicular to the spray and at a predetermined separation distance, and each point (X,
The pressure (momentum) P (X, Y) at Y) is measured.

The measurement result P (X, Y) is represented by coordinates (X,
Y) may be printed as a table showing the relationship between the pressure P and
Further, it can be graphically displayed as a graph (see FIGS. 2 to 4) showing the relationship between the pressure P and the abscissa X or the ordinate Y, or by converting the magnitude of P into luminance (black and white) change or color. It can be displayed as a two-dimensional black and white image (see FIG. 5) or a color image.

Further, the pressure detecting means is constituted as a one-dimensional sensor array in which pressure sensors for measuring the pressure of a small area are linearly arranged, and the positioning means is provided between the sensor array and the sensor array. It is configured as a two-dimensional moving means capable of freely changing the positional relationship with the inspection object in two directions, that is, a direction in which the spray is injected and a direction perpendicular to the spray. Then, the pressure sensor is moved in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the spray is jetted and that is at a predetermined separation distance, and the pressure distribution in the plane is measured.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the pressure detecting means is configured as a two-dimensional sensor array in which pressure sensors for measuring a small area pressure are arranged in a plane, and the positioning means detects the sensor array. It is configured as a one-dimensional moving unit that approaches or separates from an object. Then, the sensor array is set at a predetermined distance with respect to the test object, and the pressure distribution in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the spray is sprayed is measured.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a spray measuring device capable of measuring a spray pattern with high accuracy and speed. The spray measurement device can be used, for example, as an inspection device for a fuel injection valve of an internal combustion engine. That is, the injection pattern of the fuel injection valve can be measured, and the quality of the valve can be inspected.

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Embodiment 1 As shown in FIG. 1, this embodiment is a spray measurement device 1 that measures a spray pattern such as an injection angle θ and a shape of a spray 85,
Fuel injection valve 81 as a test object that injects spray 85
Holding means 11, a pressure sensor 21 for detecting the momentum of the spray particles as pressure, and a positioning means 31 for setting a positional relationship between the test object and the pressure sensor 21.
Calculating means 41 for calculating and editing the distribution of pressure due to the momentum of the spray 85 in a plane substantially parallel to the direction of the spray 85 based on the output signal of the pressure sensor 21 and the positional relation data set by the positioning means 31; Output means 45 for outputting the one-dimensional pressure distribution edited by the arithmetic means 41
And

The pressure detecting means of this embodiment is a pressure sensor 21 for measuring the pressure of a small area, and the positioning means 31 determines the positional relationship between the pressure sensor 21 and the fuel spray valve 81 in the horizontal (X) and vertical (Y) directions. , Three-dimensional moving means which can be freely changed in three directions of height (Z). And
The pressure sensor 21 is moved in two directions on a (X, Y) coordinate plane which is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the spray 85 is ejected and is at a predetermined distance, and measures the pressure distribution in the plane.

The following is a supplementary explanation of each. The spray valve 81 is supplied with fuel 80 from a fuel tank 82,
Driven by the drive circuits 811 and 812. In the figure, reference numeral 821 is a pressure meter of the fuel tank. The pressure sensor 21 is fixed to the arm 32 of the positioning means 31, and the arm 32 can move freely in three directions (X, Y, Z).

That is, the arm 32 can be moved up and down along the column 311, and the column 311 is attached to the handles 312, 313.
By operating, it moves back and forth and right and left. And
The electric signal output from the pressure sensor 21 is amplified by the amplifier 22 and input to the calculating means 41. In the figure, reference numeral 12 denotes a container for holding the injected fuel 80.

When the fuel 80 is injected from the fuel spray valve 81, the fuel 80 becomes a spray 85 composed of fine particles and scatters. Injected fuel particles usually have a diameter of several tens of μm
And the number exceeds hundreds of millions. The particles of the spray 85
It travels in the direction in which it was ejected while maintaining the kinetic energy of the ejection. Then, the diameter of the spray particles is d, the traveling speed is v,
Assuming that the density of the fuel 80 is ρ, the momentum of the spray particles is (π
a ^{d 3/6) × ρ ×} v.

The spray particles travel as a group, and the momentum held by the spray is the accumulated value of the momentum of the fuel particles in the spatial region of the spray. When the spray 85 collides with the detection surface of the pressure sensor 21, the momentum held by the spray 85 is immediately converted into pressure, and the pressure sensor 21 can measure the pressure P within a short time. The detected pressure P increases as the momentum of the spray increases and as the density of the spray particles increases.

In other words, by measuring the pressure P in a set area, the density of the spray particles in that area can be known. Then, by displaying the pressure (density) of each area two-dimensionally, it is possible to know in which area the spray particles are dense. The direction angle of the spray 85 can be determined by selecting the point with the highest density from the distribution of the pressure (density) and calculating the positional relationship with the injection port of the spray valve 81. Further, the spread angle θ of the spray 85 can be calculated from the boundary where the pressure (density) of the spray 85 attenuates to near zero. Further, these results can be obtained almost in real time with almost no time delay.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show sensor output values (mV) on the X axis and the Y axis in the case of a high-pressure gasoline injection valve.
Is an example of a graph displayed on the display screen of the output means 45 (3 mS after application of the ejection pulse). Also,
As shown at the left end of the figure, coloring is performed in accordance with the magnitude of the sensor output, and if it is shown on the (X, Y) plane, the whole can be displayed in color.

FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of a sensor output value on the X-axis for a two-hole type fuel injection valve, which is measured at a position 50 mm below the fuel injection valve 81 (injection). 6 mS after pulse application). FIG. 5 is an example of a diagram in which the brightness (black and white) is changed in accordance with the output of the sensor and is shown on the (X, Y) plane. In the pattern which is divided into right and left in FIG.
Take the highest point and find the line connecting to the injection port of injection valve 81.
The angle of the spray injected in the direction can be known.

Further, the spread angle θ of each spray can be calculated from the boundary where the spray pressure (density) attenuates near 0 in each of the two spray patterns. As shown in the graphs of FIGS. 2 to 4, according to the present apparatus 1, the pressure distribution (particle distribution) of the spray 85 can be detected in extremely detail. Therefore, the spray measurement device 1 of this embodiment
According to this, the direction angle and the spread angle of the spray of the fuel injection valve 81 can be accurately and quickly measured. The measurement result can be obtained within a short time with almost no time delay.

Second Embodiment As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the spray measuring device 1 of the present embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the pressure detecting means is a sensor element 251 (FIG. 8) for measuring a small area pressure. ) Are linearly arranged in the horizontal (X coordinate) direction.
The positioning means 35 can freely change the positional relationship between the sensor array 25 and the fuel injection valve 81 in two directions, ie, a Z direction in which the spray is injected and a Y direction perpendicular to the spray. It is a dimension moving means. The sensor array 25 is provided with the left and right arms 3 of the positioning means 35.
It is attached between 51,352.

The apparatus 1 moves the sensor array 25 in the Y direction in a plane (X, Y) which is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the spray is sprayed and is at a predetermined distance from the injection valve 81. The pressure distribution of the spray in the plane is measured in the same manner as in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, each sensor element 251 constituting the sensor array 25 is amplified by an amplifier 252 and A / D converted, then scanned by a multiplexer 253 and input to the personal computer 40.

In this embodiment, the arithmetic processing performed by the arithmetic means is executed by a program of the personal computer 40, and the same result as that shown in FIGS.
It is displayed in FIG. 8). Others are the same as the first embodiment.

[0028]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a spray measuring device capable of measuring a spray pattern with high accuracy and speed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a spray measurement device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a pressure distribution (sensor output value) on the X-axis of the spray of the high-pressure gasoline injection valve measured by the spray measuring device of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a pressure distribution (sensor output value) on the Y-axis of the spray of the high-pressure gasoline injection valve measured by the spray measurement device of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a pressure distribution (sensor output value) on the X-axis of the spray of the two-hole type fuel injection valve measured by the spray measuring device of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the pressure distribution (sensor output value) of the spray of the two-hole type fuel injection valve measured by the spray measuring device of the first embodiment, converted into light and dark.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the vicinity of a spray measurement unit of a spray measurement device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a spray measurement device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram of a signal input to a personal computer in the spray measurement device according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 11,110. . . Holding means, 21, 25. . . Pressure detecting means (pressure sensor), 31, 35. . . Positioning means, 40, 41. . . Arithmetic means, 43, 45. . . Output means, 81. . . Object to be inspected (injection valve), 85. . . Spraying,

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Atsushi Tsukada 41-41, Chuchu-Yokomichi, Nagakute-cho, Aichi-gun, Aichi Prefecture Inside Toyota Central Research Laboratory Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hiroaki Takeda 1 Toyota-cho, Toyota-shi, Aichi Prefecture Address Toyota Motor Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Jo Ogawa 1 Toyota Town, Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture Toyota Motor Co., Ltd.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A spray measuring device for measuring a spray pattern such as a spray angle and a shape of a spray, comprising: a holding member for holding a test object to be sprayed; and a pressure for detecting a momentum of the spray particles as a pressure. Detecting means; positioning means for setting a positional relationship between the object to be inspected and pressure detecting means; and a spray direction based on an output signal of the pressure detecting means and positional relation data set by the positioning means. Computing means for computing and editing the momentum of the spray or the pressure distribution due to the momentum in a plane substantially parallel to the
An output means for outputting a distribution of a momentum or a pressure in a two-dimensional direction or a two-dimensional direction. 2. The pressure detecting device according to claim 1, wherein said pressure detecting means has a pressure sensor for measuring a small area pressure, and said positioning means determines a positional relationship between said pressure sensor and a test object in a three-dimensional manner. 3 that can be freely changed in direction
Dimensional moving means for measuring the pressure distribution in the plane by moving the pressure sensor in a two-dimensional direction in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the spray is sprayed and at a predetermined separation distance. A spray measuring device characterized by the above-mentioned. 3. The pressure detecting means according to claim 1, wherein said pressure detecting means has a one-dimensional sensor array in which pressure sensors for measuring pressure of a small area are linearly arranged, and said positioning means includes a sensor array and a test object. It has two-dimensional moving means that can freely change the positional relationship with the object in two directions, the direction in which the spray is sprayed and the direction perpendicular to the spray, and is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the spray is sprayed. A spray measuring device, characterized in that the pressure sensor is moved in a plane at a predetermined separation distance to measure a pressure distribution in the plane. 4. The pressure detecting means according to claim 1, wherein said pressure detecting means is a two-dimensional sensor array in which pressure sensors for measuring pressure of a small area are arranged in a plane, and said positioning means uses said sensor array as an object to be inspected. A one-dimensional moving means for approaching or separating from the object, the sensor array is set at a predetermined distance to the object to be inspected, and the sensor array is substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the spray is sprayed and at a predetermined distance. A spray measuring device for measuring a pressure distribution in a plane.