Metering servovalve and fuel injector for an internal combustion engine

Abstract

A fuel injector and servovalve for an internal combustion engine. In one embodiment, the fuel injector comprises a casing; a balanced metering servovalve in the casing that controls movement of an injection control rod along an axial cavity; said servovalve having; a valve body comprising a control chamber; an axial stem comprising a discharge channel having at least one radial segment that runs to a lateral surface of said axial stem; a calibrated inlet passage in communication with said control chamber; and an outlet passage in communication with said control chamber and the discharge channel; a sleeve having a shutter, said axial stem extending into said sleeve in a fluid tight manner and so that said sleeve that can axially slide along said axial stem between a closed position and an open position of said at least one radial segment, thereby controlling said movement of said injection control rod along said axial cavity; an electro-actuator having an armature that controls said axial sliding of said sleeve along said axial stem; an elastic member that exerts a force upon said armature that maintains said sleeve in said closed position, said electro-actuator being able to control said armature to overcome said force of said elastic member; and said armature being separate from said sleeve.