EP3536946A1 - Holding device for attaching a fuel distributor to a combustion engine - Google Patents

Abstract

A holding device (2) is used to attach a fuel distributor (3) to an internal combustion engine. Several holding elements (11, 12, 13) are provided, which can be fastened to the internal combustion engine by means of fastening means. A cable guide (14) is also provided. The holding elements (11, 12, 13) are connected to the cable guide (14). Furthermore, an arrangement (1) with such a holding device (2) and a fuel distributor (3), which is used to guide fuel, is specified.

Description

State of the art

The invention relates to a holding device for fastening a component, in particular a fuel distributor, to an internal combustion engine. Specifically, the invention relates to the field of fuel injection systems of internal combustion engines, wherein high pressure fuel is injected through fuel injectors into associated combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine.

From the US 7,591,246 B2 is known a fuel supply system with multiple holders. The single holder has a first holder member and a second holder member, both cooperating to releasably connect a fuel rail to a cylinder head. Here, a fastening screw is provided, which screws the holder parts to the cylinder head.

That from the US 7,591,246 B2 known fuel supply system has the disadvantage that is limited by the holder required for the wiring of the fuel injection valves space. Care must also be taken during installation to prevent damage to the electrical wiring in the area of the holders.

From the US 7,591,246 B2 is so far already a holding device for fixing a fuel distributor to an internal combustion engine with
at least one holding element known. The holding element can be formed from two half-shells which are placed around the fuel distributor and then at least indirectly attached to the internal combustion engine by means of a fastening means in the form of a screw.

From the US 2002/0046737 A1 is a holding device for fastening a fuel distributor to an internal combustion engine, in which at least one holding element and at least one fastening means, the at least indirectly Attach to the internal combustion engine, are used. In addition, a cable harness for the electrical supply of injection valves is provided, which is arranged directly embedded in the fuel distributor in a designated recess. At least indirectly, the cable harness is connected to the trough, because the cable harness is poured or inserted protectively in the trough.

Disclosure of the invention

The holding device according to the invention with the features of claim 1 and the arrangement according to the invention with the features of claim 6 have the advantage that an improved design is made possible. In particular, the wiring of the fuel injection valves can be improved and a reliable protection against damage can be ensured.

The object of the invention is, in particular, to enable a functional integration of, on the one hand, a fastening to the internal combustion engine and, on the other hand, a cable fastening, cable guidance and a cable protection by the retaining device.

It is particularly advantageous that a housing part is provided on the at least one holding element, which has a holder-fixed guide profile part and a pivotable lid part. During assembly, the electrical cables can then be inserted into the guide profile part. It is also advantageous here that the cover part is connected to the guide profile part via a film hinge. This facilitates the assembly, since the position of the cover part on the guide profile part is already given constructive. Furthermore, a captive for the lid part is given.

The measures listed in the dependent claims advantageous refinements of the claim 1 holding device and the arrangement specified in claim 6 are possible.

The holding device is preferably used for fastening a fuel distributor of a fuel injection system to a cylinder head of the internal combustion engine. However, the holding device can also serve to attach another component to the internal combustion engine. Furthermore, the attachment to the internal combustion engine can also be carried out indirectly via one or more intermediate pieces. The component, in particular the fuel distributor, and the internal combustion engine are not components of the holding device according to the invention. However, embodiments are conceivable in which one or more parts of the holding device are integral components of the component and / or in which on the internal combustion engine, in particular a cylinder head, a suitable counterpart for fastening, in particular screwing, the fastening means is formed.

The fuel distributor, which can be fastened to the internal combustion engine via one or more retaining elements, serves during operation as a fuel reservoir. Pressure fluctuations in the fuel rail and fuel injectors connected to the fuel rail produce pressure pulsations that can cause noise. For damping such pressure pulsations, it is advantageous that the holding element has a first half-shell and a second half-shell, that at least one elastic rib is provided on a holding region of the first half-shell and that at least one elastic rib is provided on a holding region of the second half-shell, wherein the elastic rib, which is provided on the holding portion of the first half-shell, and the elastic rib, which is provided on the holding portion of the second half-shell, circumferentially enclose a tubular body of the fuel distributor. The elastic ribs may in this case be formed from a viscoelastic material. Thus, an effective damping of vibrations caused by pressure pulsations is possible.

The fuel distributor can serve depending on the application for gasoline or diesel systems in the high or low pressure range and for this purpose may be suitably adapted. However, the fuel distributor can also be used for other fuels, in particular gaseous fuels. Furthermore, the component can also serve for other applications. For example, the component can also serve for cooling water guidance for hybrid vehicle engines.

It is advantageous that a plurality of holding elements are provided, that the holding elements are arranged spaced from each other on the cable guide and that the holding elements are at least indirectly connected to the cable guide. As a result, a reliable attachment of the cable guide to the internal combustion engine is possible. The cable guide and the fuel distributor are thereby also defined with respect to the internal combustion engine positioned. Via the cable guide, the electrical lines can be guided to the individual fuel injection valves or the like. In the assembled state then results in a compact design, which also facilitates the installation of other attachments. Furthermore, a reliable protection of the electrical lines from the environment is guaranteed.

When the electrical cables are inserted into the guide profile part, then the cover part can be connected for example by a latching connection with the guide profile part, whereby the cover part is fixed in a closed pivot position. It is advantageous here, too, that at least one insertion rail is provided and that in the closed pivot position of the cover part of the provided on the holding member housing part, one end of the insertion rail between the cover part and the guide profile part is fixed. Thus, reliable protection of the electric wires can be ensured.

Thus, a functional integration of on the one hand a fastening to the internal combustion engine and on the other hand a cable attachment, cable management and cable protection is possible by the holding device. The holding device can in this case be adapted to the geometric configuration of the component, which can be made metallic, and to the installation space available on the motor side. In this case, essential parts can be designed as injection-molded parts, so that there is an advantageous design variety and a variety of design variants can be realized at low production costs. In particular, the execution of the fixation and guide can be done directly on the component, which also facilitates the connection to fuel injectors or the like. In particular, this allows a precise routing of the signal and / or power supply for a fuel distribution system. The connection of the electrical cable to the elements to be controlled, such as injectors, sensors, a fuel pump and control valves, and the connection of the interface, in particular a plug, can be carried out by exact position, with a reliable fixation is possible. The assembly can be done in different ways depending on the design flexible. For example, a preassembled cable harness can be suitably fixed via the cable guide. In this case, a pre-assembly within a fuel distributor system is possible. It is also possible to pre-assemble the cable management on the fuel distributor system, wherein the assembly of the wiring harness takes place only during assembly to the internal combustion engine. In this case, other combinations and designs of the assembly are conceivable.

Short descriptions of the drawings

• Fig. 1 eine Anordnung mit einer Haltevorrichtung und einem Brennstoffverteiler in einer räumlichen Darstellung entsprechend einem nicht erfindungsgemäßen Beispiel der Erfindung;
• Fig. 2 die Haltevorrichtung der in Fig. 1 dargestellten Anordnung entsprechend dem nicht erfindungsgemäßen Beispiel der Erfindung in einem zerlegten Zustand vor einer Montage;
• Fig. 3 eine Anordnung mit einer Haltevorrichtung und einem Brennstoffverteiler in einer räumlichen Darstellung entsprechend einem erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung;
• Fig. 4 eine auszugsweise Darstellung der in Fig. 3 gezeigten Haltevorrichtung des Ausführungsbeispiels bei einer geöffneten Schwenkstellung eines Deckelteils und
• Fig. 5 eine auszugsweise Explosionsdarstellung der in Fig. 3 gezeigten Haltevorrichtung des erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsbeispiels bei einer geschlossenen Schwenkstellung des Deckelteils.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which corresponding elements are provided with identical reference numerals. Show it:

• Fig. 1 an arrangement with a holding device and a fuel distributor in a spatial representation according to a non-inventive example of the invention;
• Fig. 2 the holding device of in Fig. 1 illustrated arrangement according to the non-inventive example of the invention in a disassembled state prior to assembly;
• Fig. 3 an arrangement with a holding device and a fuel distributor in a three-dimensional representation according to an embodiment of the invention according to the invention;
• Fig. 4 an excerpt representation of in Fig. 3 shown holding device of the embodiment at an open pivot position of a cover part and
• Fig. 5 a partial exploded view of in Fig. 3 shown holding device of the embodiment according to the invention in a closed pivot position of the lid part.

Embodiments of the invention

Fig. 1 shows an arrangement 1 with a holding device 2 and a configured as a fuel distributor 3 component 3 in a spatial representation according to a first example. In this embodiment, the fuel distributor 3 is used for storing and distributing fuel to a plurality of fuel injection valves, which are connected via cups 4, 5, 6 of the fuel distributor 3 to the fuel distributor 3. The fuel distributor 3 has in this embodiment, a tubular body 7. The holding device 2 is used in particular for such fuel distributor 3. In a modified embodiment, however, the component 3 can also serve to guide other liquids. For example, the component 3 may also enable a cooling water supply for hybrid vehicle engines.

The cups 4 to 6 are suitably connected to the tubular base body 7. Further, a connecting thread 8 and an end piece 9 are provided on the tubular base body 7. To the connecting thread 8, for example, a fuel line can be connected, which connects the fuel distributor 3 with a high-pressure pump. Depending on the design and application, the end piece 9 may optionally also be used for receiving a sensor, in particular a pressure sensor, and / or for connecting a pressure-limiting valve. In this Embodiment extends the tubular body 7 along a longitudinal axis 10. The cups 4 to 6 are in this case spaced from each other along the longitudinal axis 10 to the tubular body 7 is arranged.

The holding device 2 has holding elements 11, 12, 13 and a cable guide 14. The cable guide 14 has a housing 15. The housing 15 comprises an insertion rail 16 and a cover 17. The insertion rail 16 has a U-shaped profile. The lid 17 is placed in the mounted state on the insertion rail 16, as shown in the Fig. 1 is illustrated. As a result, the cover 17 is connected to the insertion rail 16.

The holding element 11 has a first half-shell 18 and a second half-shell 19. Accordingly, the holding element 12 has a first half-shell 18A and a second half-shell 19A. Furthermore, the holding element 13 has a first half-shell 18B and a second half-shell 19B.

The half shells 19, 19 A, 19 B are connected to the insertion rail 16 of the housing 15. This is also a one-piece design, for example, an injection molded part, possible. On the holding elements 11 to 13 mounting holes 20, 21, 22 are provided which allow attachment to the internal combustion engine. Here, by way of example, a fastener 23 designed as a screw 23 is shown, which extends through the fastening bore 20 of the retaining element 11. The fastening means 23 can be screwed into a suitable threaded bore of the internal combustion engine. As a result, the half-shells 18, 19 of the holding element 11 are connected to each other. The half-shells 18, 19 of the holding element 11, which enclose the tubular base body 7 of the fuel distributor 3, thereby fix the tubular main body 7 to the internal combustion engine.

The housing 15 of the cable guide 14 has suitable openings 24, 25 (FIG. Fig. 2 ) to lead electrical cables in or out of the housing 15. In this case, further openings may be provided, which are configured at suitable locations in the housing 15.

Fig. 2 shows the holding device 2 of in Fig. 1 illustrated arrangement 1 according to the first embodiment in the disassembled state before assembly. The half shells 19, 19 A, 19 B are connected to the insertion rail 16 of the housing 15. In this case, the half shells 19, 19A, 19B are spaced apart from one another on the housing 15 of the cable guide 14. Thus, the positions of the half shells 18, 18 A, 18 B are given with respect to the insertion rail 16. In the assembled state then the holding elements 11 spaced from each other to 13 arranged on the cable guide 14, wherein the holding elements 11 to 13 are connected to the cable guide 14. In this embodiment, a total of three configured according to the fastening means 23 fastening means are required to screw the holding device 2, for example, to the cylinder head of the internal combustion engine.

In the assembled state, an inner space 30 of the housing 15 is formed between the insertion rail with the U-shaped profile and the cover 17. The housing 15 is in this case designed such that in an open state of the housing 15 electrical cables in the interior 30 of the housing 15 can be introduced, in particular inserted, and that in a closed state of the housing 15, the interior 30 is protected from the environment. As a result, among other things, a mechanical protection of the inserted in the interior 30 cable is guaranteed. Furthermore, a defined positioning in the cable guide 14 is achieved. As a result, the mounting of additional attachments to the internal combustion engine or in the vicinity of the internal combustion engine can be facilitated.

In this embodiment, the lid 17 can be plugged onto the insertion rail 16. Here, a locking connection is possible. Thus, the cover 17 can be advantageously connected to the insertion rail 16, wherein the connection can be configured as a releasable connection. In a correspondingly modified embodiment, however, other connections and / or configurations of the cover 17 are possible.

Fig. 3 shows an arrangement 1 with a holding device 2 and a fuel distributor 3 in a partial, spatial representation according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, housing parts 31, 32, 33 are provided on the holding elements 11, 12, 13. The housing part 31 has a holder-fixed guide profile part 34 and a pivotable cover part 35. Furthermore, the housing part 32 has a holder-fixed guide profile part 34A and a pivotable cover part 35A. In addition, the housing part 33 has a holder-fixed guide profile part 34B and a pivotable cover part 35B. The holder-fixed guide profile parts 34, 34A, 34B are each rigidly connected to the associated half-shell 19, 19A, 19B, wherein a one-piece design, in particular by injection molding, is possible. The pivotable cover parts 35, 35A, 35B, however, are pivotable relative to the associated half-shells 19, 19A, 19B.

The housing parts 31, 32, 33 are in the Fig. 3 shown in a closed pivot position of the cover parts 35, 35A, 35B. In this closed pivot position, the cover parts 35, 35A, 35B are respectively closed with the associated guide profile part 34, 34A, 34B by a latching connection.

Between the housing parts 31, 32, an insertion rail 40 is arranged. In this case, an end 40A of the insertion rail 40 is fixed between the cover part 35 and the guide profile part 34. Another end 40B of the insertion rail 40 is fixed between the cover part 35A and the guide profile part 34A. The insertion rail 40 may have a U-shaped profile. The electrical cables are then enclosed between the insertion rail 40 and an outer side 41 of the tubular base body 7. However, other embodiments of the insertion rail 40 are conceivable.

Furthermore, further insertion rails 42, 43, 44 are provided, which are mounted in a corresponding manner.

Fig. 4 shows a partial representation of the in Fig. 3 shown holding device 2 of the second embodiment at an open pivot position of the cover part 35. Here, the cover part 35 is connected to the guide profile part 34 via film hinges 45, 46, 47, 48. For example, the cover part 35 and the guide profile part 34 may be formed together with the half-shell 19 of an injection molded part. When the lid part 35 is closed, latching lugs 49, 50, 51 of the lid part 35 engage in associated recesses 52, 53, 54. As a result, in the closed pivot position, in the Fig. 3 is shown, the latching connection between the cover part 35 and the guide profile part 34 is formed. The film hinges 45 to 48 ensure this relative positioning, so that the assembly is simplified. In addition, this gives a captive for the pivotable cover part 35.

In the region of the fastening bore 20, a metallic sleeve 55 can be inserted into the half-shell 19.

Fig. 5 shows a partial exploded view of in Fig. 3 shown holding device 2 of the second embodiment with closed pivot position of the cover part 35. In the region of the opening 20 and in the half-shell 18, a metallic sleeve 56 can be used. By an axis 57, the position of the fastening means 23 with respect to the half-shells 18, 19 is illustrated. In the assembled state, an elastic layer can be introduced into the existing sleeves 55, 56 and thus an insulation of the retaining element 11 with respect to the fastening means 23 be achieved, which in particular allows vibration isolation. As a result, among other things, the transmission of structure-borne sound is damped.

The half-shell 18 has a holding region 60, in which elastic ribs 61, 62 are provided. The elastic ribs 61, 62 may for example be partially inserted into corresponding depressions of the holding region 60 of the half-shell 18. Accordingly, the half-shell 19 has a holding portion 63, in which elastic ribs 64, 65 are provided, as in a corresponding manner also with reference to Fig. 2 is illustrated. The elastic ribs 64, 65 may, for example, be partially inserted into corresponding depressions of the holding region 63 of the half-shell 19.

In this embodiment, a nose 66 is configured on the half-shell 18, which engages in an associated recess 67 of the half-shell 19 when the two half-shells 18, 19 are assembled. As a result, the connection between the half-shells 18, 19 is improved in the mounted state.

In the assembled state, the half-shells 18, 19 with their holding regions 60, 63 surround the outer side 41 of the tubular main body 7. The direct contact here comes about via the elastic ribs 61, 62, 64, 65. Thus, the elastic ribs 61, 62, 64, 65 ensure a certain degree of insulation, in particular a vibration isolation, in order to achieve a damping of structure-borne sound.

The configuration of the holding elements 12, 13 corresponds to the embodiment of the holding element eleventh

In Fig. 5 is like in Fig. 3 the engagement of the detents 49, 50, 51 in the recesses 52, 53, 54 illustrated.

By a correspondingly modified embodiment, the component 3 can also serve to guide other liquid or gaseous fluids. The holding device 2 then ensures in a corresponding manner an attachment of the component 3 to the internal combustion engine, in particular a cylinder head of the internal combustion engine.

The invention is not limited to the described embodiments.

Claims (7)

Holding device (2) for fastening a component (3), in particular a fuel distributor (3), to an internal combustion engine with at least one retaining element (11, 12, 13) which can be attached at least indirectly to the internal combustion engine by means of a fastening means (23),
characterized,
in that a cable guide (14) is provided and that the at least one retaining element (11, 12, 13) is connected at least indirectly to the cable guide (14), wherein the cable guide (14) has a housing (15) with an inner space (30) in that the housing (15) is designed such that in an opened state of the housing (15) electrical cables can be introduced into the interior (30) of the housing (15) and that in a closed state of the housing (15) the interior ( 30) of the housing (15) is protected from the environment and that on the at least one holding element (11, 12, 13) a housing part (31, 32, 33) is provided that a holder-fixed guide profile part (34, 34A, 34B) and a pivotable cover part (35, 35A, 35B), wherein each retaining element (11, 12, 13) is formed in each case from two half shells (18, 18A, 18B, 19, 19A, 19B) and the holder-fixed guide profile parts (34, 34A, 34B) in each case rigidly connected to the associated half-shell (19, 19A, 19B) and, while the pivotable cover parts (35, 35A, 35B) are pivotable relative to the associated half-shells (19, 19A, 19B) for opening and closing the housing part (31, 32, 33). Holding device according to claim 1,
characterized,
in that a plurality of holding elements (11, 12, 13) are provided, that the holding elements (11, 12, 13) are arranged at a distance from one another on the cable guide (14) and that the holding elements (11, 12, 13) are at least indirectly connected to the cable guide (11). 14) are connected. Holding device according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized,
in that the cover part (35, 35A, 35B) can be closed by the latching connection with the guide profile part (34, 34A, 34B) in a closed pivoting position. Holding device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the cover part (35, 35A, 35B) is connected to the guide profile part (34, 34A, 34B) via at least one film hinge (45, 46, 47, 48). Holding device according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that at least one insertion rail (40, 42, 43, 44) is provided, that in the closed pivoting position of the cover part (35, 35A, 35B) of the housing part (31, 32, 33) provided on the retaining element (11, 12, 13) an end (40A, 40B) of the insertion rail (40, 42, 43, 44) is fixed between the cover part (35, 35A, 35B) and the guide profile part (34, 34A, 34B). Arrangement (1) with a holding device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 5 and a component (3) which serves to guide a fluid. Arrangement according to claim 6,
characterized,
in that the at least one holding element (11, 12, 13) has a first half-shell (18, 18A, 18B) and a second half-shell (19, 19A, 19B) that is attached to a holding region (60) of the first half-shell (18, 18A, 18B) at least one elastic rib (61, 62) is provided, that at a holding portion (63) of the second half-shell (19, 19A, 19B) at least one elastic rib (64, 65) is provided and that the at least one elastic rib ( 61, 62) provided on the holding area (60) of the first half-shell (18, 18A, 18B) and the at least one elastic rib (64, 65) attached to the holding area (63) of the second half-shell (19, 19A, 19B), enclose a tubular base body (7) of the component (3) at least substantially circumferentially.

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