Abstract: A needle for use in a needle valve, such as the needle valve of a fuel injector, comprises a tip section (2), a first guide section (1a) and a second guide section (3). The tip section (2a) has a needle tip. The first guide section (1a) is remote from the needle tip. The second guide section comprises a tube, wherein the first guide section (1a) and the tip section (2a) are comprised in an integrated inner needle component (7) extending through the tube (3). A method of manufacturing such a needle is also described.

Abstract: A fuel injector comprising a valve needle for controlling fuel injection through an injector outlet, a control chamber for receiving fuel and a three-way control valve that controls fuel pressure within the control chamber to control opening and closing movement of the valve needle to control fuel injection through the outlet. The three-way control valve controls communication between (a) a first passage and a second passage and (b) a third passage and the second passage, and includes a first housing provided with a guide bore for a control valve member, whereby movement of the control valve member is guided within the guide bore and a first valve seat, defined by a second housing, with which an end of the control valve member is engageable to control communication between the first and second passages. The first housing is a control valve housing and the second housing is an injector housing, the injector housing being provided with a guide bore for the valve needle or a part carried by the valve needle.

Abstract: A needle for use in a needle valve, such as the needle valve of a fuel injector, comprises a tip section (2), a first guide section (1a) and a second guide section (3). The tip section (2a) has a needle tip. The first guide section (1a) is remote from the needle tip. The second guide section comprises a tube, wherein the first guide section (1a) and the tip section (2a) are comprised in an integrated inner needle component (7) extending through the tube (3). A method of manufacturing such a needle is also described.

Abstract: A fuel injector comprising a valve needle for controlling fuel injection through an injector outlet, a control chamber for receiving fuel and a three-way control valve that controls fuel pressure within the control chamber to control opening and closing movement of the valve needle to control fuel injection through the outlet. The three-way control valve controls communication between (a) a first passage and a second passage and (b) a third passage and the second passage, and includes a first housing provided with a guide bore for a control valve member, whereby movement of the control valve member is guided within the guide bore and a first valve seat, defined by a second housing, with which an end of the control valve member is engageable to control communication between the first and second passages. The first housing is a control valve housing and the second housing is an injector housing, the injector housing being provided with a guide bore for the valve needle or a part carried by the valve needle.