Holder for fastening a component to an internal combustion engine

Abstract

A holder is used for fastening a component, in particular a fuel distributor, to an internal combustion engine. The holder has at least one connection element, which includes a locating area. In the installed state, in which the connection element rests against an outer side of the component via its locating area, the locating area of the connection element extends across an angle greater than 180 degrees in relation to a longitudinal axis of the component. Furthermore, in the installed state, in which the connection element is resting via its locating area against the outer side of the component, the locating area has the form of a cylinder jacket. In addition, a system having a component and such a holder is provided.

Claims

1. A holder for fastening a component to an internal combustion engine, comprising: a connection element having a locating area (a) that is configured to extend across an angle greater than 180 degrees in relation to a longitudinal axis of the component in the installed state and (b) via which the connection element rests against an outer side of the component in the installed state; and a sleeve, an outer surface of which includes, at respective opposite sides of the sleeve, a first fastening area and a second fastening area, wherein: each of the fastening areas is a respective groove in a curved surface of the sleeve; a longitudinal extension of each of the grooves is parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the sleeve; each of the grooves forms a respective flat surface; a base part of a first arm of the connection element is connected to the sleeve at the first fastening area of the sleeve; and a base part of a second arm of the connection element is connected to the sleeve at the second fastening area of the sleeve.

2. The holder as recited in claim 1, wherein the component is a fuel distributor.

3. The holder as recited in claim 1, wherein the connection element is configured so that, in the installed state, the locating area is at least a part of a cylindrical jacket surface or has a polygonal contour.

4. The holder as recited in claim 1, wherein the connection element has at least one holding element that, in the installed state, is bent around the outer side of the component and makes contact with the outer side of the component.

5. The holder as recited in claim 4, wherein the at least one holding element is flexible and is able to be connected to the component by a snap-in connection.

6. The holder as recited in claim 1, wherein the connection element has first and second holding elements that, in the installed state, each is bent around the outer side of the component and makes contact with the outer side of the component.

7. The holder as recited in claim 6, wherein the first and second holding elements are connected to each other in an integral fashion at with a welding seam or spot at an angular position about the longitudinal axis of the component.

8. The holder as recited in claim 6, wherein there is a gap or slot between the first and second holding elements, in a circumferential direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the component.

9. The holder as recited in claim 1, wherein the connection element has a deformable, annular head part which includes at least one clamping loop.

10. The holder as recited in claim 1, further comprising a reinforcing bar extending between the first and second arms and opposite edges of which are connected to the first and second arms.

11. The holder as recited in claim 1, wherein the connection element is configured so that the angle across which the locating area of the connection element extends in relation to the longitudinal axis of the component in the installed state is equal to 360 degrees.

12. The holder as recited in claim 1, wherein the connection element is configured so that the angle across which the locating area of the connection element extends in relation to the longitudinal axis of the component in the installed state is less than 360 degrees.

13. A system, comprising: a fuel distributor including a tubular base element having an outer side; and a holder that includes: a connection element having a locating area (a) that extends across an angle greater than 180 degrees in relation to a longitudinal axis of the fuel distributor, thereby enclosing the tubular base element by the angle greater than 180 degrees, and (b) via which the connection element rests against an outer side of the tubular base element of the fuel distributor; and a sleeve, an outer surface of which includes, at respective opposite sides of the sleeve, a first fastening area and a second fastening area, wherein: each of the first and second fastening areas is a respective groove in a curved surface of the sleeve; a longitudinal extension of each of the grooves is parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the sleeve; each of the grooves forms a respective flat surface; a base part of a first arm of the connection element is connected to the sleeve at the first fastening area of the sleeve; and a base part of a second arm of the connection element is connected to the sleeve at the second fastening area of the sleeve.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Preferred exemplary embodiments of the present invention are explained in greater detail below with reference to the figures, where corresponding elements have been provided with matching reference numerals.

(2) FIG. 1 shows a system having a component and a holder in an excerpted schematic three-dimensional view according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

(3) FIG. 2 shows a system having a component and a holder in an excerpted schematic three-dimensional view according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

(4) FIG. 3 shows a system having a component and a holder in an excerpted schematic three-dimensional view according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention during an assembly.

(5) FIG. 4 shows the system shown in FIG. 3, according to the third exemplary embodiment of the present invention in an installed state.

(6) FIG. 5 shows a system having a component and a holder in an excerpted schematic sectional view according to a fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention during an installation.

(7) FIG. 6 shows the system shown in FIG. 5 according to the fourth exemplary embodiment of the present invention in an installed state.

(8) FIG. 7 shows a system having a component and a holder, in an excerpted schematic sectional view according to a fifth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

(9) FIG. 8 shows a system having a component and a holder in an excerpted schematic sectional view according to a sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention during an installation.

(10) FIG. 9 shows the system shown in FIG. 8 according to the sixth exemplary embodiment of the present invention in an installed state.

(11) FIG. 10 shows a system having a component and a holder in an excerpted schematic sectional view according to a seventh exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

(12) FIG. 11 shows a system having a component and a holder in an excerpted schematic sectional view according to an eighth exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

(13) FIG. 1 shows a system 1 having a component 2 and a holder 3 in an excerpted schematic three-dimensional view according to a first exemplary embodiment. Shown here is a section of a tubular base element 4 of component 2, which extends along a longitudinal axis 5. An interior space 6 is developed within tubular base element 4, which functions as fuel space 6. During an operation fuel can be conveyed via interior space 6. For example, multiple outputs, especially cups, may be provided on tubular base element 4, via which fuel injectors are able to be supplied with fuel. Component 2 is developed as a fuel distributor in such a case. Holder 3 will then be used for fastening fuel distributor 2 to an internal combustion engine. However, holder 3 may also be used for fixating other components 2 on an internal combustion engine.

(14) One or more further holder(s) is/are preferably provided, which may be developed similar to holder 3. This makes it possible to fasten component 2 via holder 3 and possibly further holders to the internal combustion engine. In particular, an attachment to a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine is possible in this way, but an indirect affixation in which holder 3 is installed on an attachment structure connected to the internal combustion engine is possible as well.

(15) Holder 3 has a connection element 7, a further connection element 8, a sleeve 9, and possibly additional components, such as a fastener 10 developed as a fastening screw 10. Via fastener 10, sleeve 9 can be screw-fitted to a cylinder head of an internal combustion engine, for example.

(16) Connection element 7 has a head part 11, a bottom part 12, and a segment 13, which forms a center part 13 that connects head part 11 to bottom part 12. Accordingly, further connection element 8 has a head part 14, a bottom part 15, and a segment 16 that forms a center part 16 which connects head part 14 to bottom part 15.

(17) Sleeve 9 has a cylindrical jacket outer side 17, but a flat first fastening area 18 and a flat second fastening area 19 are developed on outer side 17. In this exemplary embodiment, fastening areas 18, 19 extend along a fastening axis 20 of sleeve 9 to such an extent that the position of bottom parts 12, 15 in fastening areas 18, 19 is able to be varied or adjusted along fastening axis 20 prior to connecting connection elements 7, 8 to sleeve 9. As a result, bottom parts 12, 15 of connection elements 7, 8 can be positioned at a suitable height in relation to fastening axis 20 on sleeve 9 prior to such a connection. A connection of bottom parts 12, 15 on the respective fastening area 18, 19 is then possible by an intermaterial connection, such as welding or soldering. An adaptation to the particular application case, and/or a tolerance compensation are/is achievable in the process.

(18) Fastener 10 may then be guided through sleeve 9 along fastening axis 20 during the further installation.

(19) First fastening area 18 and second fastening area 19 are developed on sleeve 9 so as to point away from each other. Fastening area 18, 19 on sleeve 9 are preferably developed in parallel with each other.

(20) Tubular base element 4 of component 2 has an outer side 30, which is developed in the form of a cylinder jacket, at least in the region of head part 11 of connection element 7 and in the region of head part 14 of further connection element 8. In this exemplary embodiment, outer side 30 of tubular base element 4 is developed in the form of a cylinder jacket overall. As shown correspondingly in FIG. 3, for example, an inward lying locating area 31 is developed on head part 11 of connection element 7. Locating area 31 of connection element 7 is designed at least as part of a cylinder jacket surface. In this exemplary embodiment, locating area 31 of connection element 7 is implemented as cylinder-jacket locating area 31. Furthermore, a locating area 32 which is developed to correspond to locating area 31 of connection element 7 is implemented on head part 14 of further connection element 8. In this exemplary embodiment, head parts 11, 14 of connection elements 7, 8 are developed as closed head parts 11, 14. Locating areas 31, 32 of connection elements 7, 8 therefore extend across an angle of 360 degrees in each case.

(21) In the installed state, head parts 11, 14 contact outer side 30 of tubular base element 4 circumferentially in relation to longitudinal axis 5 via their locating areas 31, 32. The angle across which locating areas 31, 32 extend is viewed in relation to longitudinal axis 5 in this case.

(22) In this particular exemplary embodiment, for instance, the assembly may take place in the following manner. It may include the assembly of holder 3 as well as the connection of holder 3 to component 2. For the assembly, tubular base element 4 of component 2 may be positioned with the aid of a suitable device, for instance. In addition, sleeve 9 is able to be positioned relative to tubular base element 4 in such a device. Connection elements 7, 8 may then be slipped onto tubular base element 5 along longitudinal axis 5 from one side or also from both sides. Connection elements 7, 8 may be rotated at their head parts 11, 14 and/or shifted along longitudinal axis 5 in order to align connection elements 7, 8 with regard to a desired position. Connection elements 7, 8 are then positioned as shown in FIG. 1, for example, whereupon the individual parts can be connected to each other in an intermaterial manner. In the process, for example, bottom parts 12, 15 may be soldered to sleeve 9 in fastening areas 18, 19. In addition, head parts 11, 14 can be soldered to tubular base element 4 in their locating areas 31, 32.

(23) In this exemplary embodiment, head parts 11, 14 thus enclose tubular base element 4 by 360 degrees. The enclosure angle is already realized in the finished attachment component, i.e., connection element 7, 8, so that the assembly is implemented by slipping it onto tubular base element 4. Tack points using welding may be provided for the soldering operation as the case may be. However, it may also be possible that a frictional connection is already able to be produced by compression, which allows a preliminary fixation of connection elements 7, 8 on tubular base element 4, in which case such tack points may be omitted.

(24) In this exemplary embodiment, locating areas 31, 32 by which connection elements 7, 8 are resting against outer side 30 of tubular base element 4, are developed in the form of a cylinder jacket. In one modified development, locating areas 31, 32 of head parts 11, 14 of connection elements 7, 8 may also have a different design, in particular one that has a polygon contour. Outer side 30 of tubular base element 4 then is modified accordingly, in particular given a polygon contour. This ensures that connection elements 7, 8 are also resting against outer side 30 of tubular base element 4 via their locating areas 31, 32, which is the case across the angle of 360 degrees in this exemplary embodiment. In particular, locating areas 31, 32 of connection elements 7, 8 thus extend across an angle that is greater than 180 degrees in relation to longitudinal axis 5 of component 2 in the installed state, when connection elements 7, 8 are resting against outer side 30 of component 2 via their locating areas 31, 32.

(25) Furthermore, with the aid of further or other simple components, in particular a sleeve 9 having a round cross-section, a sleeve 9 having a square cross-section, a round sleeve 9 that fits into the opening of a wrench or the like, tight tolerances can be maintained during the assembly process while installing the component, despite the fact that the individual parts may have relatively large tolerances.

(26) FIG. 2 shows a system having a component 2 and a holder 3 in an excerpted, schematic three-dimensional view that corresponds to a second exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, an additional reinforcement 33 is provided, which is created by a reinforcement element 33 in this case. Reinforcement element 33 is situated between the two connection elements 7, 8 and extends from sleeve 9 to tubular base element 4; it is connected to connection elements 7, 8 and/or sleeve 9, and/or tubular base element 4 in a suitable manner.

(27) As a result, it is possible to realize greater component rigidity with a relatively large clearance between longitudinal axis 5 and the fastening point on the internal combustion engine. The component rigidity is adjustable as desired within certain limits, which is made possible by installing at least one reinforcement element 33. This results in a development that is optimized with regard to cost and stability.

(28) FIG. 3 shows a system 1 having a component 2 and a holder 3 in an excerpted, schematic three-dimensional sectional view which corresponds to a third exemplary embodiment during an assembly. Head part 11 of connection element 7 has a connection arm 34 and a further connection arm 35, connection arms 34, 35 initially being oriented in parallel with one another during the assembly. Head part 11 having connection arms 34, 35 therefore is open at the start of the assembly. Open head part 11 may thus be fitted on tubular base element 4 in a radial direction 36 that has a radial orientation in relation to longitudinal axis 5. Connection arms 34, 35 are then bent around outer side 30 of component 2 during the further assembly steps, as illustrated by arrows 37, 38. In this exemplary embodiment, arrows 37, 38 are pointing toward each other, so that connection arms 34, 35 are bent toward each other. Producing the enclosure thus takes place during the further assembly process by additional joining, pressing, reshaping or the like. This closes head part 11. Closed head part 11 then has bent connection arms 34, 35.

(29) In this exemplary embodiment, the bending of connection arms 34, 35 results in an enclosure of tubular base element 4 by nearly 360 degrees. Bent connection arms 34, 35 then rest against outer side 30 of component 2.

(30) A clearance 39 may be created or specified between connection arms 34, 35. Such a clearance 39 is specified as a minimum in this exemplary embodiment, which makes it possible to produce an enclosure of virtually 360 degrees.

(31) FIG. 4 shows system 1 illustrated in FIG. 3 according to the third exemplary embodiment in an assembled state. In the final state of assembly, in which the diameter of head part 11 is closed, bent connection arms 34, 35 are able to be fixated in their position. For example, this may be accomplished by a welding spot 40, which connects connection arms 34, 35 at their ends to one another. Connection arms 34, 35 are integrally joined to one another at predefined clearance 39.

(32) FIG. 5 shows a system having a component 2 and a holder 3 in an excerpted, schematic sectional view that corresponds to a fourth exemplary embodiment during an assembly. In this exemplary embodiment, a sufficiently large clearance 39 is initially specified between connection arms 34, 35, which allows an easier installation of connection element 7 on tubular base element 4. To do so, connection element 7 is slipped over tubular base element 4 along longitudinal axis 5 of tubular base element 4. Installation play is specified between locating area 31 of head part 11 and outer side 30 of tubular base element 4. When connection element 7 then is positioned on tubular base element 4, the diameter is closed.

(33) In one modified development, in which connection arms 34, 35 are created from an appropriately suitable material, head part 11 is also able to be fitted on tubular base element 4 in radial direction 36 in that connection arms 34, 35 are bent open. Connection arms 34, 35 are then compressed.

(34) FIG. 6 shows system 1 shown in FIG. 5 corresponding to the fourth exemplary embodiment in an installed state. Once connection arms 34, 35 are bent into their final position, a gap 41 remains between connection arms 34, 35 in this exemplary embodiment. This gap creates a certain interspace 41 so that the enclosure is less than 360 degrees in the installed state. Gap 41 preferably is dimensioned such that the enclosure is no greater than 350 degrees in the installed state. Locating area 31 of head part 11 then extends across an angle that is greater than 180 degrees and does not exceed 350 degrees in relation to longitudinal axis 5 in the installed state.

(35) The position of connection arms 34, 35 with a closed diameter is able to be fixed in place by one or more welding spots or also in some other manner.

(36) FIG. 7 shows a system 1 having a component 2 and a holder 3 in an excerpted, schematic sectional view which corresponds to a fifth exemplary embodiment. Connection element 7, for example, may be produced by stamping. To create connection element 7 according to the fifth exemplary embodiment, head part 11 may be produced in the stamping process in the peripherally closed state to begin with, locating area 31 being produced by stamping a full circle out of head part 11. A slot may then be cut into the closed ring of head part 11, so that a slot 42 is created. Slot 42 allows a certain distension along longitudinal axis 5 in an axial installation of connection element 7, so that the assembly becomes easier. Radial joining of slotted head part 11 on tubular base element 4 in a radial direction 36 is possible as well when connection arms 34, 35 of head part 11 are suitably bent open for this purpose.

(37) Slot 42 allows an uncomplicated insertion or displacement for the positioning during the installation since it makes it possible to realize a loose fit. This also allows greater tolerances of tubular base element 4, in particular with regard to an outer diameter on outer side 30 of tubular base element 4.

(38) The enclosure of virtually 360 degrees is produced by additional pressing and fixating, in particular tacking, during the further installation process. Play between head part 11 of connection element 7 and tubular base element 4 of component 2 is thereby reduced to a minimum, which also improves the quality of the soldering.

(39) In this development, the remaining front-side gap 42 of connection element 7 formed by slot 42 is minimal because gap 42 is due only to the required separating slot of annular head part 11.

(40) FIG. 8 shows a system 1 having a component 2 and a holder 3 in an excerpted, schematic sectional view corresponding to a sixth exemplary embodiment during an installation. In this exemplary embodiment, head part 11 is developed as a closed ring having a clamping loop 45. A certain amount of play may be specified here in order to make it easier to slide head part 11 of connection element 7 onto tubular base element 4. After connection element 7 has been slipped on and positioned, a suitable tool may be used for compressing clamping loop 45 from directions 37, 38. The compression results in a minimum gap between tubular base element 4 and locating area 31 of head part 11. This produces an excellent soldering quality. The compression of clamping loop 45 may be achieved by pushing or pressing.

(41) FIG. 9 shows system 1 illustrated in FIG. 8 according to the sixth exemplary embodiment in an installed state. Clamping loop 45 has been compressed. Head part 11 developed as a deformable ring 11 is thereby resting at least largely against outer side 30 of tubular base element 4 of component 2 via its locating area 31.

(42) FIG. 10 shows a system 1 having a component 2 and a holder 3 in an excerpted, schematic sectional view corresponding to a seventh exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, head part 11 of connection element 7 is at least approximately developed in the shape of a fork. However, locating area 31 extends across an angle of more than 180 degrees in relation to longitudinal axis 5. Connection arms 34, 35 are developed and at least one of connection arms 34, 35 has a flexible design. This allows a radial installation of connection element 7 with its head part 11 on tubular base element 4 in radial direction 36. During the installation, connection arms 34, 35 bend open elastically, so that fork-shaped head part 11 is snapped or clipped into place on tubular base element 4. A certain pretension in the installed state is also able to be ensured in this manner, so that a preliminary fixation such as tacking may possibly be omitted as a result.

(43) FIG. 11 shows a system 1 having a component 2 and a holder 3 in an excerpted, schematic sectional view corresponding to an eighth exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, head part 11 has a connection arm 34 which has an elastic design. Via its locating area 31, head part 11 encloses tubular base element 4 across an angle of more than 180 degrees in the installed state. For the assembly, connection element 7 can be joined via its head part 11 to tubular base element 4 in radial direction 36. This makes it possible to clip connection element 7 with its open head part 11 to tubular base element 4. Connection arm 34 snaps into place on tubular base element 4 in so doing. Base part 12 of connection element 7 may be suitably oriented here. In particular, base part 12 may have a flat orientation, as shown in FIG. 11, or it may be upright.

(44) As a result, different developments are possible, in which head part 11 of connection element 7 encloses tubular base element 4 at an angle of more than 180 degrees with its locating area 31 in the installed state. Here, such an angle may be specified as less than 360 degrees or also as equal to 360 degrees. In addition, the enclosure angle on tubular base element 4 may also be realized only during the installation process, in particular by a clip-on operation or plastic shaping, which may occur in the context of the radial joining of the individual parts.

(45) The present invention is not restricted to the exemplary embodiments described.