The present disclosure relates to a fuel conduit connection assembly for interconnecting fuel system components of an internal combustion engine (ICE) system. Moreover, the present disclosure relates to a fuel system for an ICE system provided with such fuel conduit connection assembly, and to an ICE system provided with such fuel conduit connection assembly. The present disclosure may typically be applied in an ICE system used as a part of a driveline of heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks, buses, and construction equipment. The present disclosure may likewise be applied in other vehicles such as cars and other light-weight vehicles etc., but also in marine vessels and the like. Other applications are also possible, such as the application of the present disclosure in a stationary power plant system.
In the field of fuel systems and fuel injections systems, there is an increasing demand for improving the efficiency of supplying fuel, such as diesel to a plurality of injectors of an internal combustion engine of a vehicle. In some fuel systems, the ICE system comprises a fuel injection system in the form of a so-called common rail system, in particular for ICE systems where the fuel is directly injected to the cylinders of the ICE. These types of fuel injection systems may commonly be denoted as direct fuel injection systems.
A typical common rail system is fluidly connected to a high-pressure fuel pump delivering fuel via a high-pressure line to the common rail. The common rail is a form of an accumulator. The term common rail system is indicative of a fuel injection system in which there is a common rail which supplies multiple injectors with fuel. The common rail is configured to deliver fuel via a plurality of high-pressure pipes to multiple injectors. The system may for example comprise six injectors, six high pressure pipes, and one common rail (for a 6-cylinder engine).
In addition, the common rail system may comprise yokes to hold the injectors, brackets to hold the common rail, clamps to maintain the high-pressure pipes, sealings, etc. With the typical common rail system, notwithstanding the high-pressure pump, several parts need to be assembled in the engine assembly plant, which often is a time-consuming task for the personnel. Further, the overall fuel system may typically have a number of additional high-pressure joints that are considered potential leakages sources. By way of example, the fuel conduit between the common rail system arranged inside the ICE environment needs to be fluidly connected to e.g. the fuel pump, which is arranged outside the ICE environment. The fuel pump also needs to be fluidly connected to a fuel tank of the vehicle.
Furthermore, the installation of the complete fuel system into the ICE system may require significant space, partly caused by the required space of the individual parts, such as individual high pressure pipes and partly by the space reserved for tool access during assembly and services of the components making up the ICE system. These considerations also apply to aftermarket services.
For at least these reasons, it would be desirable to improve at least parts of the fuel supply system making up the fluid interface connection between the fuel pump and the common rail system of an ICE system.
An object of the disclosure is to provide an improved fuel interface connection for a fuel system of a vehicle internal combustion engine system, in which fuel system components arranged outside the internal combustion engine can be connected to a fuel system component arranged inside the internal combustion engine in a simple, yet reliable and user-friendly manner. The object is at least partly achieved by an assembly according to claim 1. The object is also achieved by the other independent claims. The dependent claims are directed to advantageous embodiments of the disclosure.
According to a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a fuel conduit connection assembly for interconnecting fuel system components of an internal combustion engine (ICE) system. The fuel conduit connection assembly comprises: a mounting structure for fastening a portion of the assembly to an ICE external structure; a fuel receiving conduit portion having a plurality of inlet fuel duct connections for connecting to a plurality of corresponding fuel channels of a fuel system component outside the ICE external structure, respectively; a single fuel feeding conduit portion for connecting to a fuel system component internal the ICE external structure; and a sealing arrangement arranged on an outer circumferential surface of the assembly and configured to provide sealing between a first environment and a second environment in an assembled state with the ICE external structure.
In this manner, there is provided an improved fuel conduit connection assembly capable of interconnecting a plurality of fuel components arranged outside the ICE with a fuel component arranged inside the ICE. In addition, when the fuel conduit connection assembly is arranged to an outside of the ICE structure, the assembly provides for a combined unit for penetration and interconnection of the ICE external and internal high-pressure pipes of the fuel system. By way of example, the fuel conduit connection assembly provides a single interface module for transporting a high-pressure fuel (e.g. 3000 bar) from a fuel pump system, arranged outside of the ICE, to a common rail system arranged inside of the ICE. As such, the fuel conduit connection assembly may be adapted to contain and deliver a high-pressure fuel from the fuel pump system to the injector bodies of the common rail system.
By the arrangement of the fuel conduit connection assembly, in particular by means of the arrangement of the mounting structure, the fuel receiving conduit portion and the single fuel feeding conduit portion, the assembly is configured to be attached to an external side of an ICE component, such as the engine block, the flywheel housing or the valve cover of the ICE, while extending therethrough from the external side to the internal side in a corresponding through hole, which may typically be designed to match the dimensions of the single fuel feeding conduit portion.
Moreover, by the fuel receiving conduit portion defining the inlet fuel duct connections and the single fuel feeding conduit portion, the fuel conduit connection assembly is configured to align at least two separate flow channels from the fuel pump into one single feed connection to the common rail system. Moreover, in contrast to some prior art system, the assembly provides for a minimum number of sealing surfaces between the inside (first) ICE environment and the outside (second) ICE environment.
By providing a fuel conduit connection assembly with a mounting structure, it becomes possible to secure the fuel conduit connection assembly to the ICE system in a robust and simple manner so as to ensure that the fuel conduit connection assembly can handle loads from any interconnecting internal and external high pressure conduit(s) and or pipe(s). Also, the mounting structure in combination with the sealing arrangement contribute to permit some individual movement between the interface components of the assembly.
To this end, the fuel conduit connection assembly provides a simple, yet compact and highly functional module for optimized installation in the ICE system environment.
By way of example, the ICE external structure may be an ICE component, including any one of the following: a flywheel housing, a valve cover, an engine block, or the like.
The sealing arrangement may contain a single sealing surface or a number of sealing surfaces, that collectively define the sealing.
Typically, the first environment refers to an inner ICE oil pressure environment, while the second environment refers to an outer ICE atmospheric pressure environment, i.e. an environment located outside the ICE. As such, the first and second environments are defined in relation to the sides of the ICE external structure.
Further, by providing the fuel receiving conduit portion and the single fuel feeding conduit portion with detachable interface connections, the assembly can be easily disconnected from the ICE internal and external fuel connecting components from both sides of the ICE. Hence, another advantage of the assembly is to allow for an improved service of the ICE and/or the fuel system. Typically, each one of the plurality of inlet fuel duct connections may comprise a corresponding end portion, respectively. In addition, each one of the corresponding end portions may be adapted to detachably connect to a corresponding fuel connection of the plurality of corresponding fuel channels. The plurality of corresponding fuel channels extends from the fuel pump (i.e. the external fuel system component outside the ICE external structure). By way of example, each one of the end portions is provided in the form of a threaded end portion. According to at least one example embodiment, the single fuel feeding conduit portion comprises an end portion adapted to detachably connect to a corresponding fuel connection of the inside ICE fuel system component. Typically, the end portion of the single fuel feeding conduit portion may be provided in the form of a threaded end portion.
According to at least one example embodiment, the fuel receiving conduit portion and the single fuel feeding conduit portion are configured to transport a high-pressure fuel. The high-pressure fuel receiving conduit portion and single fuel feeding conduit portion may for example be adapted to contain and transfer fuel having a pressure in the range of 200 to 3500 bar, in operation.
According to at least one example embodiment, the sealing arrangement comprises at least an O-ring arranged about the single fuel feeding conduit portion.
According to at least one example embodiment, the fuel conduit connection assembly further comprises a portion adapted to align a plurality of fuel flow receiving channels formed by the inlet fuel duct connections into a single fuel feed channel of the single fuel feeding conduit portion.
Optionally, the mounting structure may be arranged on the fuel receiving conduit portion for attachment to an outside of the ICE external structure. According to at least one example embodiment, the mounting structure is arranged on an intermediate portion of the fuel receiving conduit portion for attachment of the assembly to an outside of the ICE external structure.
According to at least one example embodiment, the mounting structure is adapted to fasten the intermediate portion of the fuel receiving conduit portion to the outside of the ICE external structure in a direction, which is substantially transverse in relation to a length direction of the single fuel feeding conduit portion.
According to a second aspect, there is provided an internal combustion engine (ICE) system for a vehicle. The ICE system comprises an ICE external structure and a fuel conduit connection assembly according to the first aspect of the present disclosure. Effects and features of this second aspect of the present disclosure are largely analogous to those described above in connection with the first aspect of the disclosure. Embodiments mentioned in relation to the first aspect of the present disclosure are largely compatible with the second aspect of the disclosure.
Typically, the mounting structure may be configured to be attached to the ICE external structure; the fuel receiving conduit portion may be connectable to an external fuel system component in the form of a plurality of corresponding fuel connections of a fuel pump system arranged outside of the ICE; and the single fuel feeding conduit portion may be connectable to an internal fuel system component in the form of a common rail located inside of the ICE.
As mentioned above, the ICE external structure may generally be a part of the ICE system. By way of example, the ICE external structure is a part of the ICE housing.
Optionally, the sealing arrangement may be arranged to seal against fluid leakage between an inside environment and an outside environment of the ICE when the assembly is attached to the ICE external structure. The mounting structure may be attached to an outside surface of the ICE external structure. By way of example, the sealing arrangement is arranged to seal against fluid leakage between the inside environment and the outside environment of the ICE when the assembly is attached to the ICE external structure by means of the mounting structure and at least one fastener. The sealing arrangement may be configured to be seated in an annular groove in the single fuel feeding conduit portion and compressed during assembly between the assembly and the ICE external structure, creating a seal at the interface. As such, the sealing arrangement provides a seal against a facing circumferential inner surface of a though hole of the ICE external structure.
According to at least one example embodiment, a part of the fuel conduit connection assembly extends completely through an opening in a wall portion of the ICE external structure. By way of example, a part of the single fuel feeding conduit portion extends completely through the opening in the wall portion of the ICE external structure. Typically, the opening in the wall portion of the ICE external structure may be the through hole of the ICE external structure. The through hole extends from an outer surface of the ICE external structure to an inner surface of the ICE external surface.
The mounting structure may be an integral portion of the fuel conduit connection assembly. In addition, the mounting structure may typically comprise a through hole for accommodating a fastener. In addition, or alternatively, the mounting structure may also comprise the fastener. By way of example, the fastener may be provided in the form of a bolt. The fastener may be insertable into the through hole of the mounting structure. In addition, the fastener may typically be adapted to engage with an engagement portion arranged on an outside surface of the ICE external structure. The fastener may comprise an outer threaded portion. Other types of fasteners are also conceivable as long as such fasteners are capable of attaching the mounting structure, and thus the fuel conduit connection assembly to the ICE external structure in a secure manner.
Thus, according to at least one example embodiment, the ICE external structure comprises an engagement portion. The engagement portion may be provided by a threaded portion for engaging with a corresponding threaded part of the bolt.
Other types of mounting structures and fasteners are also conceivable as long as such mounting structure and fasteners are configured to securely attach the fuel conduit connection assembly to an external part of the ICE, such as an external surface of a flywheel housing.
According to at least one example embodiment, the mounting structure and the fastener are configured to ensure that the fuel conduit connection assembly can be securely attached to the ICE external structure so as to handle various loads from any external and internal high pressure fuel components connectable to the fuel conduit connection assembly.
According to a third aspect, there is provided a vehicle comprising a fuel conduit connection assembly according to the first aspect of the present disclosure and/or an internal combustion engine system according the second aspect of the present disclosure. Effects and features of this third aspect of the present disclosure are largely analogous to those described above in connection with the first and second aspects of the disclosure. Embodiments mentioned in relation to the first and second aspects of the present disclosure are largely compatible with the third aspect of the disclosure.
Further advantages and advantageous features of the disclosure are disclosed in the following description and in the dependent claims. It should also be readily appreciated that different features may be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein:
The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure is shown. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein; rather, the embodiment is provided for thoroughness and completeness. Like reference character refer to like elements throughout the description.
With particular reference to
Turning now to
The ICE system 12 here further comprises a common rail fuel injection system 24, as is commonly known in the art. As illustrated in
The interior space of the ICE 20 defines a first environment 80, which generally corresponds to an ICE oil pressure environment. The ICE oil pressure environment 80 is generally defined by the inner surfaces of the ICE 20. Outside the ICE 20, a second environment 90 is present, which generally corresponds to an outer ICE atmospheric pressure environment. The boundary between the (first) interior ICE oil pressure environment 80 and the (second) outer ICE atmospheric pressure environment 90 is here defined by an ICE external structure 22. By way of example, the ICE external structure is here made up by the flywheel housing 29 and the engine block 22A. However, in other examples, the ICE external structure may be defined by a valve cover or the like. Still, in other examples, the ICE external structure may be completely or partly defined by any one of the flywheel housing 29, valve cover and the engine block 22A. The ICE external structure may likewise be defined by a combination of the flywheel housing 29, valve cover and the engine block 22A. Accordingly, the ICE external structure 22 may typically be a part of an ICE housing encompassing the ICE 20. In the following example, the flywheel housing 29 will be referred to as the ICE external structure 22 for reasons of simplifying the description of the example embodiments. It should be noted that the terms “inner”, “interior”, “inside” and “internal” are generally used in an interchangeable manner. Analogously, the terms “external”, “exterior”, “outside” and “outer” are generally used in an interchangeable manner. These terms may further be used in reference to a structure defining the external parts of the ICE housing, or a component thereof, such as the flywheel housing. In other words, the terms are used to define the relative position or location of a component relative to the ICE external structure. Sometimes, these terms may also be used to define a surface or a circumference of a component.
Outside the ICE 20, in the outer ICE atmospheric pressure environment 90, the fuel pump 30 is arranged, which is configured to pressurize the fuel to a high-pressure level. The fuel pump 30 is arranged in the fuel system 50 to transfer the high-pressure fuel to the injector bodies 25 arranged inside the ICE 20, as illustrated in
In a similar vein, as illustrated in
Furthermore, the fuel pump 30 is in fluid communication with the common rail fuel injection system 24 by means of the fuel conduit connection assembly 40. By way of example, the fuel conduit connection assembly 40 is arranged and configured to interconnect the ICE outer fuel components (fuel channels) 31, 32 with the ICE inner fuel component (fuel receiving conduit) 28. Further details of the fuel conduit connection assembly 40 will now be described in relation to
The assembly 40 will now be further described in an orientation to the ICE 20, as illustrated in e.g.
As illustrated in
As illustrated in
In addition, the assembly 40 comprises a fuel receiving conduit portion 44, as illustrated in e.g.
Moreover, as illustrated in e.g.
Optionally, as illustrated in e.g.
Turning again to
As illustrated in
By way of example, the sealing arrangement 48 is a conventional O-ring. The O-ring is thus arranged about the single fuel feeding conduit portion 46, as illustrated in
Typically, although strictly not required, the diameter of the circumferential surface region 46A may be slightly bigger than the diameter of the other part of the single fuel feeding conduit portion 46, as illustrated in
Further, while the sealing arrangement 48 in the form of the O-ring here contains a single sealing surface 48A, it should be readily appreciated that the sealing arrangement 48 may define or contain a number of sealing surfaces, collectively defining the sealing.
As mentioned above, the assembly 40 is generally configured to be dismounted from the fuel connection of the inside ICE fuel system component and the fuel connections from the outside ICE fuel system components. Therefore, the single fuel feeding conduit portion 46 and each one of the plurality of inlet fuel duct connections 44A and 44B are here configured to provide detachable fluid connections. In this manner, it becomes possible to access the assembly 40 from both environments 80 and 90. While the detachable configurations of the parts can be provided in several different ways, the parts may for example each include a threaded portion adapted to engage with a corresponding threaded portion of one of the fuel components.
Accordingly, each one of the plurality of inlet fuel duct connections 44A and 44B comprises corresponding end portions 44C, 44D, respectively. In addition, each one of the corresponding end portions 44C, 44D is adapted to detachably connect to corresponding fuel connections of the plurality of corresponding fuel channels 31, 32. By way of example, each one of the end portions is provided in the form of a threaded end portion, as illustrated in e.g.
In addition, or alternatively, the single fuel feeding conduit portion 46 comprises an end portion 46B adapted to detachably connect to a corresponding fuel connection of the inside ICE fuel system component. By way of example, the end portion of the single fuel feeding conduit portion is provided in the form of a threaded end portion. Analogously, the corresponding fuel connection of the inside ICE fuel system component, 28 in
To sum up, the disclosure also relates to the ICE system 12 for the vehicle 10, as illustrated in e.g.
Hence, a part of the fuel conduit connection assembly 40 extends completely through the opening 26 in the wall portion 29 of the ICE 20. By way of example, a part 46A of the single fuel feeding conduit portion 46 extends completely through the opening 26 in the wall portion 29 of the ICE 20. The disclosure also relates to the vehicle comprising the fuel conduit connection assembly according to any of one of the example embodiments above and/or an internal combustion engine system according to any one of the example embodiments above.
As mentioned above, the present disclosure provides a simple and compact device for providing a user-friendly and robust interface connection for supplying fuel from the outside of the ICE to the inside of ICE. In particular, the assembly 40 provides for transporting a high-pressure fuel of e.g. about 3000bar from the pump 30 arranged outside the ICE to the common rail system arranged inside of the ICE. The assembly is configured to be attached the ICE external structure, such as the flywheel housing, an engine block or a valve cover of the ICE, and further configured to extend therethrough in a through hole 26 of the ICE external structure, wherein the assembly 40 is configured to align at least two separate flow channels 31, 32 from the pump 30 into one single feed connection of the common rail system. Further, by the provision that the assembly 40 is detachably connectable to the inside and outside fuel components by the fuel receiving conduit portion and the single fuel feeding conduit portion, respectively, it becomes possible to allow for disconnection of the connecting components from both environments 80 and 90, individually. Moreover, the mounting structure 42 and the sealing arrangement 40 may further allow for individual movement between the interface components to the assembly 40.
It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims. By way of example, the mounting structure 42 of the fuel conduit connection assembly 40 may likewise be securely attached on an outside of another ICE component, such as any one of the engine block 22A and the valve cover, or the like.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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21182518.7 | Jun 2021 | EP | regional |