Fuel supply system with fuel distribution device for supplying gaseous fuel to internal combustion engine

Abstract

The fuel supply system (1) has at least one fuel distribution device (38) for supplying a gaseous fuel, in particular hydrogen, to the internal combustion engine (11), the fuel distribution device (38) comprising: at least one injector connection (56), preferably at least two injector connections (56), to which an injector (42) can be connected for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber (44) of the internal combustion engine (11); at least one connection (58) to which an input line (18) can be joined for inputting the gaseous fuel into the fuel distribution device (38); and a distributor chamber (64) fluidly disposed between the injector fitting (56) and the fitting (58). According to the invention, a reservoir volume (102) is provided, and a valve device (37), in particular a shut-off valve device (37), is provided, which is fluidically arranged at least indirectly between the reservoir volume (102) and the dispenser chamber (64).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a fuel supply system with a fuel dispensing device for supplying gaseous fuel, in particular hydrogen, to an internal combustion engine. Background Art

[0002] Fuel supply systems for supplying gaseous fuel, such as hydrogen, to an internal combustion engine are well known in the market. Such internal combustion engines can be used to drive motor vehicles, etc. For example, hydrogen can be stored in a tank-type fuel reservoir in liquid form at a relatively high pressure, such as 700 bar. From here, the hydrogen enters a low-pressure pressure regulating device via a high-pressure pressure regulating device and then enters a fuel dispensing device, which is functionally similar to a fuel rail in a known internal combustion engine with gasoline or diesel direct injection. The high-pressure pressure regulating device generally regulates the gas pressure to, for example, approximately 40 - 50 bar, while the low-pressure pressure regulating device further regulates the gas pressure to a pressure of generally approximately 10 - 20 bar. Usually, an injector or a plurality of injectors are connected to the fuel dispensing device, and the injectors blow the gaseous fuel directly into the combustion chamber (H2 direct injection) or pre-chamber (port fuel injection, Port-Fuel-Injection) of the internal combustion engine.

[0003] Fuel supply systems generally include a safety valve. The safety valve is designed as a shut-off valve device. When the internal combustion engine is shut down, the shut-off valve device closes, and when the internal combustion engine is started, the shut-off valve device opens. In a shut-down internal combustion engine, in the case of a leak, the shut-off valve device should prevent unwanted gas leakage into the fuel distribution system or leakage from the injector.

[0004] In addition, special requirements are imposed on the fuel injection devices for gaseous fuel. Therefore, the measures used in a fuel rail for liquid fuel are particularly disadvantageous in the application of gaseous fuel.

[0005] According to the applicant's internal and non-disclosed developments, a pressure regulating valve is used for H2 direct injection or port fuel injection between the fuel tank and the rail in an H2 internal combustion engine. As required, the pressure regulating valve regulates the pressure to thereby regulate the mass flow into the connected passage. Depending on the magnitude of the required volume flow, the pressure regulating valve can be implemented as one or two modified proportional valves. The two proportional valves can be installed in parallel here between the inlet pressure and the outlet pressure of a housing made of an aluminum block. A pressure sensor is usually also installed in the housing for the pressure regulating valve. In addition, in addition to the safety valve arranged upstream of the pressure regulating valve, an additional safety valve can also be installed.

[0006] Based on this internal and non - publicly disclosed development status, in an H2 internal combustion engine, the pressure of the hydrogen volume stored in the rail is set by a pressure regulator arranged upstream of the rail. For this purpose, the pressure located on the pressure regulator is measured, and according to the current system requirements, hydrogen is transferred into the rail volume through a metering device. To determine the required amount of hydrogen, the pressure and temperature in the storage volume of the rail are typically measured and evaluated accordingly. Especially in an H2 internal combustion engine with direct injection, for example, after the engine is shut down, not only can the hydrogen volume upstream of the pressure regulator be closed, but also the H2 volume included in the rail can be closed. This prevents hydrogen from leaking through the injectors. Otherwise, it would lead to the formation of a combustible mixture, which, for safety reasons, should be prevented. For example, the H2 volume in the rail can be cut off directly at each injector through a shut - off unit (safety valve). In another possible arrangement according to this internal and non - publicly disclosed development status, a single shut - off unit can also be directly arranged at the injector connection on the rail. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The fuel supply system according to the invention having the features of claim 1 has the advantage of achieving an improved configuration and function. In particular, the following advantages are produced, and a structure with reduced complexity and / or a reduced number of components is achieved.

[0008] The fuel supply system given in claim 1 is implemented with advantageous expansion solutions by the measures implemented in the dependent claims.

[0009] The fuel supply system is particularly suitable for applications with hydrogen injection. During operation, the injector (fuel injection valve) can inject the gaseous fuel required for the combustion process, especially hydrogen, into the corresponding combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine at an appropriate pressure.

[0010] The internal combustion engine is not a component of the fuel supply system according to the invention. In particular, the fuel supply system according to the invention can also be manufactured and sold independently of the internal combustion engine.

[0011] It is not required to use a separate shut - off unit for each injector, which is associated with high technical costs and corresponding expenses. This simplifies the system. In addition, only one shut - off unit can be used for all injectors simultaneously.

[0012] The high - pressure pressure regulating device provided when necessary usually regulates the gas pressure to, for example, about 40 - 50 bar, and the low - pressure pressure regulating device provided when necessary further usually regulates the gas pressure to a pressure of about 10 - 20 bar. The low - pressure pressure regulating device regulates the pressure according to specific requirements, thereby regulating the mass or volume flow in or to the distributor chamber of the fuel distribution device. For this purpose, at least one pressure regulating valve, usually a proportional valve, can be provided, which can be a component of the low - pressure pressure regulating device.

[0013] Advantageously, exactly one shut-off valve device is provided. Thereby, the number of shut-off valve devices can be selected to be optimally small. Thereby, the complexity is reduced and optimized manufacturing costs are provided.

[0014] Advantageously, the reservoir volume at least has the function of a reservoir for gaseous fuel, while the distributor chamber at least substantially has the function of fuel distribution via an injector connection to an injector. Thereby, at least substantially a functional separation between the reservoir for fuel and the distribution of fuel can be achieved. Here, the distributor chamber does not have the function of fuel storage.

[0015] Advantageously, the shut-off valve device has an inlet through which gaseous fuel flows at least approximately radially into the housing of the shut-off valve device at least indirectly from the reservoir volume, and / or the shut-off valve device has an outlet through which gaseous fuel flows at least approximately radially out of the housing of the shut-off valve device at least indirectly into the distributor chamber. In this way, an advantageous arrangement can be achieved which enables the reservoir volume to be advantageously integrated into the fuel distribution device or to be advantageously connected to the fuel distribution device. Different arrangements of the shut-off valve device on the system components of the fuel supply system also result in corresponding advantages.

[0016] Advantageously, the reservoir volume is integrated into the fuel distribution device, and / or the shut-off valve device is connected to the fuel distribution device, in particular by fusion welding and / or brazing and / or screwing to the fuel distribution device. In this way, a compact and space-saving configuration is achieved.

[0017] Advantageously, the reservoir volume is arranged separately from the fuel distribution device. In this way, the space requirements of the fuel distribution device can be optimized. If necessary, the length of the fuel distribution device can thus be selected to be optimally short.

[0018] Advantageously, the shut-off valve device is arranged between the reservoir volume and the fuel distribution device. Here, the shut-off valve device is sufficient to prevent the formation of a combustible mixture after the internal combustion engine has been shut down.

[0019] Advantageously, a pressure regulator is provided and the shut-off valve device is arranged between the pressure regulating device and the fuel distribution device. Advantageously, the reservoir volume is integrated into the pressure regulating device. Thereby, an optimized arrangement of the components is achieved. Depending on the application, the shut-off valve device can be arranged, for example, directly on the fuel distribution device, directly on the pressure regulating device or in the fuel line between the pressure regulating device and the fuel distribution device.

[0020] Advantageously, a metering unit is provided which is integrated into the pressure control device. Thereby, further integration is achieved, so that the complexity of the device can be further reduced in terms of the number of components.

[0021] Advantageously, the dispenser volume of the dispenser chamber is chosen to be small such that the volume, which is fluidically separable from the shut-off valve device and includes the dispenser volume up to the injector downstream of the shut-off valve device, can accommodate the maximum amount of gaseous fuel, in particular hydrogen, at which the gaseous fuel escaping from said volume through the injector does not result in the formation of an ignitable mixture. Thereby, the shut-off valve device can reliably be used as a safety valve.

[0022] One or more of the following functions and advantages can be achieved according to the configuration. In order to avoid the formation of an ignitable mixture due to the escaping hydrogen as described, the possible H2 concentration can be limited. This can be achieved by correspondingly reducing the volume of hydrogen gas that can escape through the injector.

[0023] For this purpose, a special partitioning of the system functions and the H2 volume can be provided. The rail no longer has to contain an H2 storage volume, but only has to distribute hydrogen to the individual injectors if necessary. The H2 volume in the rail is preferably configured to be small such that the potential escape of the remaining hydrogen can no longer result in the formation of an ignitable mixture and can meet the safety requirements. The H2 volume in the rail preferably only requires one shut-off unit. The individual shut-off units upstream of each injector can be omitted. The complexity and cost of the system can be reduced.

[0024] The requirements for the shut-off valve used as a safety valve are preferably to resist high pressure to open the switching valve and have as small a holding flow as possible in the open state. Here, the metering control valve can be used as a two-stage valve with a pilot seat, where the valve seat and optionally the connection sleeve can be integrated into the housing. Thereby, a modular construction can be simply carried out on different components such as a pressure regulating valve or a fuel dispensing device. In particular, the disadvantages of two (or more) safety valves (one in the pressure regulating valve and the other in the fuel dispensing device) can also be avoided. If the volume downstream of the safety valve is small enough, when installed in the rail, only a single safety valve is required on the system side. In particular, it can be recommended that the rail combines a large storage volume and a small dispensing volume, which are connected by a safety valve. In particular, the storage volume can be integrated into the rail in a structural manner and the storage volume is separated from the dispensing volume by a safety valve. On the system side, the safety valve can be dispensed with if necessary because the safety valve can be located in the fuel dispensing device and there is only a small dispensing volume downstream. Description of the Drawings

[0025] In the following description, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail with reference to the drawings, in which corresponding elements are provided with the same reference numerals. It shows:

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic view of a fuel supply system for supplying gaseous fuel to an internal combustion engine, in particular with a fuel dispensing device and a shut-off valve device;

[0027] Figure 2 Of the fuel distribution device and the shut-off valve device according to a feasible configuration Figure 1 Stereoscopic view;

[0028] Figure 3 Of the fuel distribution device and the shut-off valve device according to a feasible configuration Figure 1 Cross-sectional view;

[0029] Figure 4 Of the fuel distribution device and the shut-off valve device according to a feasible configuration Figure 1 Longitudinal section;

[0030] Figure 5 Schematic view of another feasible configuration of a fuel supply system;

[0031] Figure 6 Schematic view of another feasible configuration of a fuel supply system;

[0032] Figure 7 Schematic view of another feasible configuration of a fuel supply system, and

[0033] Figure 8 In Figure 2 And Figure 3 Schematic view of a modified configuration of the fuel supply system shown in; DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] In Figure 1 the fuel supply system generally bears the reference numeral 10. It is used to supply fuel, in particular gaseous fuel, to an internal combustion engine 11, currently for example gaseous hydrogen. The hydrogen is stored in a tank-shaped fuel reservoir 12 in liquid form under high pressure, for example about 700 bar. The fuel reservoir can be refueled through a refueling connection 14. In addition, an integrated unit 16 is arranged on the fuel reservoir 12, which consists of a tank valve for filling and discharging hydrogen into and from the fuel reservoir 12 and a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the gaseous hydrogen from the fuel reservoir 12.

[0035] The gaseous hydrogen first passes through a pressure line 18 to a filter 20 and then continues from there to a high-pressure pressure regulating device 22. This high-pressure pressure regulating device reduces the pressure of the gaseous hydrogen, for example to a range of 40 - 50 bar, in particular approximately 44 bar. The pressure line 18 continues from the high-pressure pressure regulating device 22 to a pressure sensor 24, another filter 26, an optional temperature regulating device 28, and finally to a low-pressure pressure regulating device 30.

[0036] The low-pressure pressure regulating device 30 currently includes, for example, two hydraulically parallel pressure regulating valves 34 and a low-pressure pressure sensor 36. The two pressure regulating valves 34 are identically constructed and are generally proportional valves. The low-pressure pressure regulating device 30 further reduces the pressure in the pressure line 18 from a pressure of, for example, approximately 40 - 50 bar present on the inlet side to a pressure of, for example, approximately 10 - 20 bar, especially approximately 15 bar.

[0037] Downstream of the low-pressure pressure regulating device 30, the pressure line 18 leads to a combined shut-off valve device 37 with a fuel distribution device 38, which can be based on a longitudinally extending tubular substrate 52, where the internal cross-section or inner diameter can vary along the substrate. A pressure sensor 40 can detect the gas pressure present at least in a part of the fuel distribution device 38.

[0038] A plurality of injectors 42 are connected to the fuel distribution device 38, and the injectors currently blow gaseous hydrogen directly, for example, into the combustion chamber 44 of the internal combustion engine 11. The gaseous hydrogen mixes with air oxygen in the combustion chamber 44, and this mixture is ignited by a corresponding ignition device 46. Generally, the internal combustion engine 11 is a two-stroke or four-stroke piston internal combustion engine 11 of a largely conventional construction type. For example, such an internal combustion engine 11 is used to drive a motor vehicle. However, it can also be used fixedly to drive a generator to generate electricity.

[0039] If the fuel supply system 10 and its components are controlled by an electronic control and regulation device 48, which has one or more corresponding microprocessors, a memory for program code, etc. The control and regulation device particularly receives signals from the temperature sensor 16, the pressure sensor 24, the pressure sensor 40, etc. The control and regulation device 48 controls different components of the fuel supply system 10, especially the low-pressure pressure regulating device 30 and the ignition device 46. In addition, the control device 50 is also controlled by the control and regulation device 48, and in turn particularly controls or regulates the operation of the fuel reservoir 12.

[0040] Now refer to Figures 2 to 4 A more detailed description of the fuel distribution device 38 will be given. The fuel distribution device includes an integrally tubular housing (substrate) 52, which has a longitudinal axis 54, a section 55, and currently a total of five injector connections 56 in the section 55, where an injector 42 can be connected to each injector connection 56. The injector connections 56 are currently constructed as helical sleeves, which extend radially orthogonally to the longitudinal axis 54. In the drawing, the pressure sensor 40 is arranged at an appropriate radial position on the housing 52.

[0041] The fuel dispensing device 38 also includes a connector 58 to which the pressure line 18 can be connected in a suitable manner (not shown) for inputting gaseous fuel into the fuel dispensing device 38. The connector 58 is currently arranged on a section 60 of the housing 52 which currently extends, for example axially, relative to the longitudinal axis 54 of the tubular housing 52 and is thus perpendicular to the injector connector 56. This section 60 is separated from the section 55 by an intermediate region 61.

[0042] As will be explained in more detail below, in the present embodiment, the shut-off valve device 37 is arranged and assembled on the intermediate region 61 of the housing 52. The electrical connector 62 of the shut-off valve device 37 is arranged coaxially with the longitudinal axis 54 and the electrical connector currently extends in the same direction as the connector 58. In an embodiment not shown, the electrical connector can also extend in the opposite direction to the connector 58 or in a radial or other direction.

[0043] The shut-off valve device 37 can separate the dispensing chamber 64 from the connector 58. In case of a leak, for example at one of the injectors 42 and / or at the dispenser chamber 64, an undesired escape of gas from the pressure line 18 can be prevented.

[0044] Now reference will be made to Figure 4 the arrangement and configuration of the shut-off valve device 37 will be explained in more detail. However, it should be noted here that the constructional configuration of the shut-off valve device 37 is currently only understood as exemplary. In other embodiments not shown, the shut-off valve device 37 can be structurally different. However, generally, the shut-off valve device is closed when de-energized and is configured such that only relatively little electrical energy is required to keep it open.

[0045] Figure 4 Shown is Figure 1 a longitudinal section of the fuel dispensing device 38 and the shut-off valve device 37.

[0046] The two-stage valve 70 of the shut-off valve device 37 operates as follows, for example. The pilot valve seat is first opened because the energization of the coil 72 causes the needle to move upwards, and then the main valve seat is opened. The tip of the needle 74 has the function of the valve body of the pilot valve seat, and the valve block 76 serves as the sealing seat. The valve block 76 is implemented with a sealing material. This can be an elastomer, PEEK or Vespel material. The valve block 76 has the function of the valve body of the main valve seat, and another housing (housing part) 79 of the valve 70 forms an integrated interface of the valve seat.

[0047] In the rest state, the coil 72 is not energized, and the spring 80 presses the needle 74 into the valve seat of the valve block 76, so that the valve block 76 presses against the valve seat on the housing 78. The valve block 76 is pressed into the sleeve 82. The sleeve 82 is arranged movably along the valve axis of the valve 70 in the housing 79.

[0048] The pressure in the control chamber 86 and the working chamber 88 is balanced. The control chamber 86 is sealed relative to the working chamber 88 by a dynamic seal provided on the sleeve 82. The control chamber 86 is pneumatically attached by an inlet throttle (Z throttle) 84.

[0049] When the coil 72 is energized, the magnet pulls the needle 74 upward, thereby releasing the pilot valve seat. Gas flows from the control chamber 86 through an outlet throttle (A throttle) 90 to the outlet 92. Thereby, the pressure in the control chamber relative to the working chamber 88 is reduced. Since the diameter of the Z throttle 84 is smaller than the diameter of the A throttle 90, this state can be maintained. Since the working chamber pressure is greater than the control chamber pressure, the sleeve 82 with the valve block 76 is pushed upward in the housing 79, and the main valve seat integrated into the housing 79 of the valve 70 is released.

[0050] Especially in Figure 3 and Figure 4 it is shown integrated into a fuel dispensing device 38 that also serves as an H2 rail according to a feasible configuration. The valve 70 as a safety valve together with its valve housing 78 and a housing complement formed by another housing 79 in the intermediate region 61 is installed in the fuel dispensing device 38 between a large volume and a small volume. The inlet of the valve 70 as a safety valve is realized in an upper hole 94, which is the inlet 96, and the outflow is realized in a lower hole 98, which serves as the outlet (outflow port) 92. The lower O-ring of the valve 70 ensures the seal between the inlet 96 and the outlet 92. The upper O-ring ensures the airtightness in the environment. In this configuration, the valve assembly can preferably be selectively screwed or welded into the fuel dispensing device 38, which can be done with a laser or a KEEP process. Due to simplicity, the fuel dispensing device 38 is implemented here as a 5-cylinder solution with 5 HD connector sleeves (injector connectors) 57, wherein pressure and / or temperature sensors 40, 41 can also be provided. However, it can also be retrofitted for any number of cylinders.

[0051] Thus, the fuel supply system 1 has a fuel dispensing device 38 for supplying gaseous fuel, especially hydrogen, to an internal combustion engine 11. In the present embodiment, the fuel dispensing device 38 has a plurality of injector connectors 56 to which injectors 42 for injecting fuel into the combustion chambers 44 of the internal combustion engine 11 are connected. Furthermore, exactly one connector 58 is provided, to which an input line 18 for inputting gaseous fuel into the fuel dispensing device 38 is connected. The distributor chamber is fluidly located between the injector connectors 56 and the connector 58.

[0052] Furthermore, a reservoir volume 102 is provided. The valve device 37 serves as a shut-off valve device 37 between the distributor chamber 64 and the reservoir volume 102. Here, the shut-off valve device 37 is arranged fluidically at least indirectly between the reservoir volume 102 and the distributor chamber 64, where, in the present embodiment, the shut-off valve device 37 is arranged directly between the distributor chamber 64 and the reservoir volume 102. Figures 5 to 7 A variant with only an indirect arrangement is also described in more detail. In the present embodiment, exactly one shut-off valve device 37 is provided.

[0053] Especially during operation, the reservoir volume 102 has the function of a reservoir 104 for gaseous fuel, while the distributor chamber 64 at least substantially has the function of distributing fuel to the injector 42 via the injector connection 56. However, here, the pressure and / or temperature can still be measured on the distributor chamber 64, and for this purpose, appropriate connections for the pressure sensor 40 or the temperature sensor 41 can be configured.

[0054] The gaseous fuel is enabled to flow approximately radially from the reservoir volume 102 into the housing 79 of the shut-off valve device 37 via the inlet 96. Furthermore, the gaseous fuel is enabled to flow approximately radially out of the housing 79 of the shut-off valve device 37 into the distributor chamber 64 via the outlet 92.

[0055] In the present embodiment, the reservoir volume 102 is integrated into the fuel distribution device 38. The shut-off valve device 37 is connected to the fuel distribution device 38. This connection can be achieved by fusion welding or soldering. It can also be a threaded connection.

[0056] Figure 5 A schematic view of another possible configuration of the fuel supply system 10 is shown. Here, the reservoir volume 102 is arranged separately from the fuel distribution device 38. Furthermore, the shut-off valve device 37 is arranged between the reservoir volume 102 and the fuel distribution device 38. The shut-off valve device 37 is mounted directly on the tubular housing 52 of the fuel distribution device 38 here. The reservoir volume 102 can be integrated into the pressure regulating device 30 here. Furthermore, a metering unit 106 is provided, which is integrated into the pressure regulating device 30. Optionally, in Figure 5 and (and correspondingly also in Figure 6 and Figure 7 ), an additional shut-off unit 107 is provided, which can be configured as a shut-off valve 107 or a shut-off valve device 107. This additional shut-off unit 107 is preferably omitted.

[0057] In a preferred arrangement of the shut-off valve device 37 in the H2 system, the reservoir volume 102 is arranged in the pressure regulating device 30, and pressure and temperature measurements can be carried out in this reservoir volume. For this purpose, the pressure sensor 40 and the temperature sensor 41 are also shifted into the pressure regulating device 30. Due to the division of the individual volumes, only one shut-off valve device 37 is provided upstream of the reduced rail volume of the fuel distribution device 38. The shut-off valve device 37 is shown here, for example, directly arranged on the fuel distribution device 38.

[0058] Figure 6 A schematic view of another possible configuration of the fuel supply system 10 is shown. In this system schematic, the shut-off valve device 37 for all injectors 42 is directly arranged on the pressure regulating device 30.

[0059] Figure 7 A schematic view of another possible configuration of the fuel supply system 10 is shown. In this system schematic, the shut-off valve 37 for all injectors 42 is arranged in the pressure line 18 between the pressure regulating device 30 and the fuel distribution device 38.

[0060] Therefore, according to Figures 5 to 7 A configuration is illustrated in which the shut-off valve device 37 is arranged between the pressure regulating device 30 and the fuel distribution device 38 respectively. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure and temperature measuring units can also be arranged in the fuel distribution device 38 according to the system requirements.

[0061] In the configuration described according to Figures 1 to 7 the distributor volume 108 of the distributor chamber 64 is selected to be small such that downstream of the shut-off valve device 37, the distributor volume 108 including up to the injector 42 can accommodate the maximum amount of gaseous fuel, in particular hydrogen, in a volume that can be fluidically separated from the shut-off valve device 37, and at this maximum amount, the gaseous fuel escaping from said volume through the injector 42 does not cause the formation of an ignitable mixture.

[0062] Figure 8 Shows Figure 2 and Figure 3 Schematic views of modified configurations of the fuel supply system 10 shown in

[0063] The invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. In particular, there can also be other variations, especially combinations of the illustrated variations.

Claims

1. A fuel supply system (1) having at least one fuel dispensing device (38) for supplying gaseous fuel, in particular hydrogen, to an internal combustion engine (11), wherein, The fuel distribution device (38) comprises: at least one injector connection (56), preferably at least two injector connections (56), to which injectors (42) can be connected for injecting the fuel into the combustion chamber (44) of the internal combustion engine (11); at least one connection (58), to which an input line (18) can be connected for inputting gaseous fuel into the fuel distribution device (38); and a distributor chamber (64) fluidically arranged between the injector connection (56) and the connection (58), characterized in that a reservoir volume (102) is provided and a valve device (37), in particular a shut-off valve device (37), is provided, which valve device is fluidically arranged at least indirectly between the reservoir volume (102) and the distributor chamber (64).

2. The fuel supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that exactly one shut-off valve device (37) is provided.

3. The fuel supply system according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the reservoir volume (102) at least has the function of a reservoir (104) for the gaseous fuel, while the distributor chamber (64) at least substantially has the function of distributing fuel to the injectors (42) via the injector connections (56).

4. The fuel supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the shut-off valve device (37) has an inlet (96) through which gaseous fuel flows at least indirectly and at least approximately radially from the reservoir volume (102) into the housing (79) of the shut-off valve device (37), and / or the shut-off valve device (37) has an outlet (92) through which gaseous fuel flows at least indirectly and at least approximately radially out of the housing (79) of the shut-off valve device (37) into the distributor chamber (64).

5. The fuel supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the reservoir volume (102) is integrated into the fuel distribution device (38), and / or the shut-off valve device (37) is connected to the fuel distribution device (38), in particular by welding and / or soldering and / or screwing to the fuel distribution device (38).

6. The fuel supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the reservoir volume (102) is arranged separately from the fuel distribution device (38).

7. The fuel supply system according to claim 6, characterized in that: a) the shut-off valve device (37) is arranged between the reservoir volume (102) and the fuel distribution device (38), and / or b) a pressure regulating device (30) is provided and the shut-off valve device (37) is arranged between the pressure regulating device (30) and the fuel distribution device (38).

8. The fuel supply system according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the reservoir volume (102) is integrated into the pressure regulating device (30).

9. The fuel supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a metering unit (106) is provided, which is integrated into the pressure regulating device (30).

10. The fuel supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the dispenser volume (108) of the dispenser chamber (64) is selected to be small such that the volume including the dispenser volume (108) up to the injector (42) downstream of the shut-off valve device (37) and fluidly separable from the shut-off valve device (37) accommodates the maximum amount of gaseous fuel, in particular hydrogen, at which the gaseous fuel escaping from these volumes through the injector (42) does not result in the formation of an ignitable mixture.

Images