Injection controller for internal combustion engine

A method for controlling fuel injection in an internal combustion engine including a cylinder and an intake passage connected to the cylinder, the method comprising:

• executing a first fuel injection mode for injecting fuel into a cylinder with a direct injection valve;
• executing a second fuel injection mode for injecting fuel into the intake passage with an intake passage injection valve;
• and
• switching fuel injection modes from the second fuel injection mode to the first fuel injection mode for a predetermined period when fuel is to be injected in the second fuel injection mode where a pre-existing condition in which deposits are likely accumulated on the direct injection valve exists.

A controller for controlling the injection of fuel in an internal combustion engine including a cylinder and an intake passage connected to the cylinder, the controller comprising:

• a direct injection valve for injecting fuel into the cylinder, the direct injection valve including a nozzle hole for injecting fuel;
• an intake passage injection valve for injecting fuel into the intake passage;
• and
• a control unit, connected to the direct injection valve and the intake passage injection valve, for executing a first fuel injection mode with the direct injection valve and a second fuel injection mode with the intake passage injection valve, the control unit estimating the amount of deposit accumulation on the nozzle hole of the direct injection valve based on an engine operation condition parameter, and the control unit switching the fuel injection mode from the second fuel injection mode to the first fuel injection mode for a predetermined period when fuel is to be injected in the second fuel injection mode if the estimated amount of deposit accumulation exceeds a predetermined value.