Fuel injector having a piezoelectric actuator and a sensor assembly

摘要

A fuel injector includes a piezoelectric actuation mechanism and a sensor configuration to measure the condition of the actuation mechanism as well as an associated fuel rail. The sensor configuration includes a piezoelectric sensor with an output signal with significantly reduced distortion that accurately reflects control signals provided to the piezoelectric actuation mechanism.

主权项

1. A fuel injector assembly for an internal combustion engine, comprising:
a piezoelectric actuation portion including a piezoelectric stack having a distal end; a nozzle portion; a plunger positioned between the nozzle portion and the piezoelectric stack and adapted for movement by said piezoelectric stack; a piezoelectric sensor positioned between the piezoelectric actuation portion and the plunger, the piezoelectric sensor adapted to generate an output signal; and a rigid body positioned between the distal end of the piezoelectric stack and the piezoelectric sensor to position the piezoelectric sensor a spaced distance from the distal end of the piezoelectric stack, the rigid body including a first surface positioned to support the piezoelectric sensor and a second surface positioned to receive a force from the piezoelectric stack, wherein the rigid body is a carrier for the sensor including a side wall having a lip formed thereon and being adapted to secure the piezoelectric sensor in the carrier.