Fuel injector with rate shaping control through piezoelectric nozzle lift

The present invent relates generally to fuel injectors, and more particularly to fuel injectors that include a piezoelectric actuator. A fuel injector includes an injector body that defines a nozzle outlet. A needle valve member is mounted in the injector body and moveable a lift distance between an open position in which the nozzle outlet is open, and a closed position in which the nozzle outlet is blocked. A piezoelectric actuator is mounted in the injector body and is moveable a piezo distance between an off position and an on position. A coupling linkage interconnects the needle valve member to the piezoelectric actuator such that a movement of the piezoelectric actuator is multiplied into a larger movement of the needle valve member.