Variable orifice fuel injection nozzle

A self-cleaning fuel injector nozzle (200) for a fuel injector (102) comprising:

• a nozzle body (24) coupled to an end portion of the fuel injector (102), said nozzle body having at least one channel for receiving liquid fuel therein said nozzle body (24) having an inner bore (60), wherein the nozzle body (24) has a plurality of nozzle orifices (50) extending from an inner surface to an outer surface of the nozzle body (24) wherein at least one nozzle orifice of said plurality of nozzle orifices (50) expands in diameter from said inner surface to said outer surface of said nozzle body (24);
• a pintle rod (216) slidably disposed within said inner bore (60) of said nozzle body (24) wherein said pintle rod (216) is slip fit within said inner bore of said nozzle body (24);
• and
• a spring (28) coupled to said pintle rod, said spring configured to provide a closing force to the pintle rod to selectively move the pintle rod to prevent fuel flow;
• wherein said pintle rod (216) is configured to move within said inner bore (60) flush against said plurality of nozzle orifices (50), and entirely across an inner entrance of said plurality of nozzle orifices (50) allowing fuel to pass when said plurality of nozzle orifices are open, stopping fuel flow when said plurality of nozzle orifices (50) are closed, and dislodging any blockage in at least one of the plurality of nozzle orifices (50) when said pintle rod (216) is closing at least one of said plurality of nozzle orifices.