Fuel rail assembly

Abstract

A fuel rail assembly (118) includes: a fuel rail (120); an adapter (126); a fuel supply line (160); and a releasable coupling device (162) for releasably coupling the fuel supply line (160) to the adapter (126). The fuel rail (120) includes a fuel supply passage (122) through which fuel is supplied to the at least one fuel injector (124). The adapter (126) includes a body (128) that includes an inlet (130). The adapter (126) is mounted to the fuel rail (120) such that the inlet (130) is in fluid communication with the fuel supply passage (122). The fuel supply line (160) includes a fuel bore (164). The fuel supply line (160) is releasably coupled to the adapter (126) via a releasable coupling device (162) such that the fuel bore (164) is in fluid communication with the inlet (130) for supplying fuel from the fuel bore (164) to the fuel supply passage (122) via the inlet (130).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This teaching relates to a fuel rail assembly for an internal combustion engine, an internal combustion engine, and a method for releasably connecting a fuel supply line to the fuel rail of the internal combustion engine. Background Technology

[0002] It is well known that filtering fuel (whether liquid or gaseous) in internal combustion engines removes contaminants such as dust, dirt, and foreign particles from the fuel, thereby maintaining engine performance. For example, in fuel-injected internal combustion engines (where fuel is injected into the combustion chamber or an inlet pipe upstream of the combustion chamber via one or more fuel injectors), filtering the fuel before it is supplied to one or more fuel injectors helps maintain the durability and performance of one or more fuel injectors that are typically prone to clogging and / or damage by contaminants in the fuel.

[0003] To filter fuel, internal combustion engines typically include a fuel filter unit upstream of the combustion chamber and any fuel injectors. This fuel filter unit usually includes a fuel filter housed in a dedicated housing.

[0004] The problem with these fuel filter units is that they tend to be relatively bulky, which increases the space required for the engine and makes the engine enclosure more complex. Furthermore, the connection between the fuel filter unit and the engine's fuel supply lines increases the number of potential fuel leak points within the engine.

[0005] This teaching seeks to overcome or at least mitigate one or more problems associated with existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of this teaching, a fuel rail assembly for an internal combustion engine is provided, the fuel rail assembly comprising: a fuel rail for supplying fuel to at least one fuel injector; and an adapter for connecting the fuel rail to an upstream fuel line. The fuel rail includes a fuel supply passage through which fuel is supplied to the at least one fuel injector. The adapter includes a body including an inlet. The inlet is connectable to the upstream fuel line. The adapter is mounted to the fuel rail such that the inlet is in fluid communication with the fuel supply passage. The adapter also includes a fuel filter for filtering fuel flowing from the inlet to the fuel supply passage. The fuel filter is at least partially housed within the body.

[0007] Containing the fuel filter at least partially within the body allows for a more compact fuel rail assembly compared to setting the fuel filter as a separate part of the fuel filter unit from the adapter. Furthermore, the number of potential leak points (i.e., points where different fuel line components are secured together) can be reduced compared to an arrangement where the fuel filter is separate from and upstream of the adapter. Containing the fuel filter within the adapter, which is mounted to the fuel rail, advantageously allows for shorter lines between the fuel filter and one or more fuel injectors, compared to an arrangement where the fuel filter is separate from and upstream of the adapter. Shorter line lengths help minimize the amount of contaminants in the fuel that reach one or more fuel injectors susceptible to damage from fuel contaminants.

[0008] The fuel filter can be installed on the body.

[0009] Advantageously, installing the fuel filter onto the body allows the fuel filter to be pre-assembled with the adapter, thereby simplifying the assembly of the fuel rail assembly.

[0010] The fuel filter can be releasably installed onto the body.

[0011] Advantageously, the fuel filter is releasably installed on the body so that it can be removed from the body for inspection, maintenance or replacement.

[0012] The fuel filter can be releasably mounted to the body via a releasable mounting device, which includes complementary threads on the body and the fuel filter.

[0013] The body can be configured such that the fuel filter can be received in the body via the inlet, so as to install the fuel filter into the body.

[0014] The fuel filter and the body can be configured to prevent the fuel filter from passing through the inlet when the fuel filter is installed on the body.

[0015] Advantageously, the fuel filter and the body are configured such that the fuel filter is prevented from passing through the inlet when it is installed on the body. This helps prevent the user from removing the fuel filter from the body (e.g., tampering with it), because the user may need to perform an additional process of removing the adapter from the fuel rail before the fuel filter can be removed from the body.

[0016] The fuel filter can be elongated and includes opposing first and second longitudinal ends. The first longitudinal end can be mounted to the body.

[0017] Advantageously, this configuration simplifies the assembly of the adapter.

[0018] The second longitudinal end can be a free end.

[0019] The body may include an outlet arranged to allow fuel to flow from the inlet to the outlet and then to the fuel supply passage during use. A fuel filter may be installed at the outlet.

[0020] Advantageously, this configuration simplifies the assembly of the adapter and makes it more compact.

[0021] In use, fuel can flow from the inlet to the fuel filter, then to the outlet, and then to the fuel supply channel.

[0022] The fuel filter may include an elongated filter section configured to filter fuel flowing from the inlet to the fuel passage during use.

[0023] Advantageously, this configuration can increase the surface area of ​​the fuel filter exposed to the fuel, which can reduce the pressure drop of the fuel flowing through the adapter.

[0024] The filter section can be basically cylindrical.

[0025] The body can be elongated. The longitudinal axis of the body can be substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the filter section.

[0026] Advantageously, this configuration helps to reduce the space required for the adapter by reducing its thickness / width.

[0027] A portion of the fuel filter may be located within the fuel supply channel.

[0028] Advantageously, this configuration helps to reduce the space required for the adapter by reducing its length.

[0029] The adapter may include a sealing device between the fuel filter and the body, the sealing device being configured to prevent fuel from flowing from the inlet around the fuel filter into the fuel supply passage.

[0030] Advantageously, the sealing device helps to prevent unfiltered fuel from flowing into the fuel supply channel.

[0031] The sealing device may include sealing components (such as O-rings) and / or sealing fillers between the body and the fuel filter.

[0032] The fuel filter can be completely housed within the body.

[0033] Advantageously, this configuration improves the protection of the fuel filter, ensuring that it is protected from external damage before the fuel rail assembly is assembled.

[0034] The fuel rail assembly may also include a releasable mounting device. The body can be releasably mounted to the fuel rail via the releasable mounting device.

[0035] Advantageously, this configuration allows the adapter to be removed from the fuel rail for inspection or maintenance.

[0036] The releasable mounting device may include a first engaging portion of the body and a second engaging portion of the fuel rail. The engagement of the first and second engaging portions with each other releasably mounts the body to the fuel rail.

[0037] The first and second engagement portions may include complementary threads.

[0038] The adapter's profile in a plane perpendicular to the body's helical axis can have a polygonal shape to engage with torque-applying tools such as pliers or wrenches.

[0039] The profile of the body in a plane perpendicular to the helical axis of the body can have a polygonal shape to engage with torque-applying tools such as pliers or wrenches.

[0040] The first engagement portion on the body can be a convex portion. The second engagement portion on the fuel rail can be a concave portion configured to receive the convex portion.

[0041] Advantageously, this configuration allows the adapter to be more compact.

[0042] The second engagement portion on the fuel rail can be a convex portion. The first engagement portion on the body can be a concave portion configured to receive the convex portion.

[0043] The fuel rail assembly may also include a sealing device between the body and the fuel rail, the sealing device being configured to prevent fuel from flowing out of the fuel rail assembly via the releasable mounting device.

[0044] The sealing device can be configured to prevent fuel flowing from the inlet to the fuel supply passage from contacting the first and second joint portions.

[0045] Advantageously, this configuration can help prevent pollutants from entering the fuel.

[0046] The sealing device may include sealing components, such as O-rings.

[0047] The sealing component can be connected to the body or the fuel rail.

[0048] The sealing member can be received in a circumferential recess in the body or the fuel rail.

[0049] The body can be formed as a single, monolithic material.

[0050] Advantageously, this configuration helps reduce the number of components in the fuel rail assembly, thereby simplifying its assembly.

[0051] The body can be made of metallic materials such as steel (e.g., stainless steel).

[0052] The adapter can extend from the fuel supply channel such that the longitudinal axis of the adapter forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis of the fuel supply channel.

[0053] The non-zero angle can be in the range of 45 degrees to 90 degrees.

[0054] The adapter's longitudinal axis is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fuel supply channel.

[0055] The fuel filter can be a gas fuel filter.

[0056] The fuel filter can be a hydrogen fuel filter.

[0057] The adapter can be elongated and has a length and a maximum width transverse to that length. The length can be in the range of 30mm to 70mm, optionally in the range of 40mm to 60mm, for example, approximately 47mm. The maximum width can be in the range of 15mm to 35mm, optionally in the range of 20mm to 30mm, for example, approximately 26mm.

[0058] According to a second aspect of this teaching, a fuel rail assembly for an internal combustion engine is provided, the fuel rail assembly comprising: a fuel rail for supplying fuel to at least one fuel injector; an adapter for connecting the fuel rail to an upstream fuel line; a first fuel supply line for supplying fuel to the adapter; and a releasable coupling device for releasably coupling the first fuel supply line to the adapter. The fuel rail includes a fuel supply passage through which fuel is supplied to the at least one fuel injector. The adapter includes a body including an inlet. The adapter is mounted to the fuel rail such that the inlet is in fluid communication with the fuel supply passage. The first fuel supply line includes a fuel orifice. The first fuel supply line is releasably coupled to the adapter via the releasable coupling device such that the fuel orifice is in fluid communication with the inlet, so that fuel can be supplied from the fuel orifice to the fuel supply passage via the inlet.

[0059] Advantageously, the releasable coupling device allows the first fuel supply line to be quickly and securely connected to the adapter. This is particularly advantageous when the first fuel supply line needs to be connected to the adapter for a relatively short period of time (e.g., during engine hot testing).

[0060] The releasable connection device may include a first locking member on the adapter and a second locking member on the first fuel supply line. The first and second locking members may be arranged to engage to releasably connect the fuel line to the body.

[0061] The first locking member can be fixed relative to the body. The second locking member can be movable relative to the fuel port between an unlocked position and a locked position. The first locking member may include a first engaging surface. The second locking member may include a second engaging surface. The first and second engaging surfaces can engage such that when the second locking member is in the locked position, the fuel line can be releasably connected to the body.

[0062] Advantageously, this configuration enables the first fuel supply line to be quickly and securely connected to the body.

[0063] The first locking member may be a circumferential recess or a collar that includes the first engagement surface.

[0064] The body may include the first locking member.

[0065] The second locking member can be biased toward the locking position.

[0066] Advantageously, this configuration helps to maintain a secure connection between the first fuel supply line and the body.

[0067] The second locking member may be pivotable relative to the fuel orifice between the unlocked position and the locked position.

[0068] The release coupling device may include a release mechanism configured to selectively move the second locking member between the unlocked position and the locked position.

[0069] Advantageously, this configuration allows the first fuel supply line to be quickly connected to and disconnected from the body.

[0070] The release mechanism may include a release member that is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the second locking member is held in the locked position in the first position and moved to the unlocked position in the second position.

[0071] The release member can be biased toward and / or selectively held in the first position.

[0072] The releasable coupling device can be configured such that when the corresponding axes of the adapter and the fuel line are substantially aligned, and the fuel port and the inlet are translated together along the corresponding axes, the second locking member moves over the first locking member, such that the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface can engage.

[0073] Advantageously, this configuration allows the first fuel supply line to be quickly connected to the body.

[0074] The release coupling device may include a plurality of first locking members and a plurality of corresponding second locking members.

[0075] Advantageously, this configuration helps to provide a strong connection between the first fuel supply line and the body.

[0076] The plurality of first locking members can be distributed around the longitudinal axis of the body. The plurality of second locking members can be distributed around the longitudinal axis of the first fuel supply line.

[0077] The fuel rail assembly may also include a guiding device configured to guide relative movement between the body and the first fuel supply line, such that the first locking member and the second locking member can engage to releasably connect the fuel line to the body.

[0078] The guiding device may include a recess in the first fuel supply line, the recess being configured to receive a protrusion of the adapter, the recess and the protrusion having complementary profiles.

[0079] The fuel rail assembly may also include a sealing device between the first fuel supply line and the body, the sealing device being configured to prevent fuel from flowing out of the fuel rail assembly via the releasable coupling device.

[0080] The sealing device may include sealing components, such as O-rings.

[0081] The sealing component can be connected to the fuel line.

[0082] The fuel orifice can be received in the inlet. The sealing device can be located between the outer surface of the first fuel supply line and the first inner surface of the body.

[0083] The outer surface of the first fuel supply pipeline and the first inner surface of the body may have complementary profiles.

[0084] The body may include a second inner surface that forms a seal between the body and a second fuel supply line for supplying fuel to the fuel rail during normal engine operation. The second inner surface may be adjacent to the first inner surface. The fuel rail assembly may be configured to prevent the first fuel supply line from contacting the second inner surface when it is coupled to the body.

[0085] Advantageously, this configuration helps prevent the first fuel supply line from damaging the second internal surface, which may be, for example, a sealing surface for the second fuel supply line.

[0086] The guiding device can be configured to prevent the first fuel supply line from contacting the second internal surface.

[0087] The second inner surface may be axially outside the first inner surface.

[0088] The second internal surface can be tapered.

[0089] The adapter may include a fuel filter, at least partially housed within the body. The fuel filter may be configured to filter fuel flowing from the inlet to the fuel supply passage during use.

[0090] According to a third aspect of this teaching, an internal combustion engine is provided, which includes a fuel rail assembly as described in the first or second aspect.

[0091] The internal combustion engine can be a gas-fueled internal combustion engine, such as a hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine.

[0092] According to a fourth aspect of this teaching, a method is provided for releasably connecting a fuel supply line to a fuel rail of an internal combustion engine. The fuel rail is used to supply fuel to at least one fuel injector. The fuel rail includes a fuel supply passage through which fuel is supplied to the at least one fuel injector. The method includes the following steps: An adapter is provided for connecting the fuel rail to an upstream fuel line, the adapter including a body including an inlet; Install the adapter onto the fuel rail so that the inlet is in fluid communication with the fuel passage; A fuel supply line is provided for supplying fuel to the adapter, the fuel supply line including a fuel orifice; and The fuel supply line is releasably connected to the adapter via a releasable coupling device, such that the fuel port is in fluid communication with the inlet, so that fuel can be supplied from the fuel port to the fuel supply channel via the inlet.

[0093] The releasable connection device may include a first locking member on the adapter and a second locking member on the fuel line. The first and second locking members may be arranged to engage to releasably connect the fuel line to the body. Attached Figure Description

[0094] Embodiments are now disclosed by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an internal combustion engine according to one embodiment; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A front-view perspective view of the intake components of an internal combustion engine; Figure 3 It is connected to Figure 1 The cylinder head of an internal combustion engine. Figure 2 A rear-view perspective view of the air intake components; Figure 4 It is in the assembly state. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the fuel rail assembly of the intake system; Figure 5 It is in a disassembled state. Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the fuel rail assembly; Figure 6 yes Figure 4 and Figure 5 Enlarged cross-sectional view of the adapter for the fuel rail assembly; Figure 7 It is connected to the fuel supply line Figure 6 A 3D view of the adapter; Figure 8 It is along in Figure 7 The cross-sectional view of section XX shown; and Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view of a fuel rail assembly according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0095] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments and inventive concepts. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without these specific details or using known equivalents of these specific details; the invention is not limited to the described embodiments; and the invention may be practiced in various alternative embodiments. It should also be understood that well-known methods, procedures, components, and systems may not be described in detail.

[0096] Figure 1An internal combustion engine 100 according to one embodiment is shown. Engine 100 is a gas-fueled engine configured to be powered by a gaseous fuel, such as hydrogen, compressed natural gas (CNG), landfill gas, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, engine 100 is powered by hydrogen. In alternative embodiments, engine 100 may be configured to be powered, for example, by a liquid fuel such as petroleum (gasoline) or diesel, or by a combination of liquid and gaseous fuels. Engine 100 in this embodiment has four cylinders, but in other embodiments it may have more or fewer cylinders, such as 2, 3, 6, or 8. Furthermore, in other embodiments, these cylinders may be oriented in a "V" configuration or a boxer configuration, rather than inline as in the disclosed embodiment.

[0097] For example, engine 100 can be suitable as a prime mover in a working machine (not shown) such as a telescopic work platform, forklift, backhoe loader, wheel loader, dump truck, excavator, or tractor. Such working machines are suitable for use in off-highway industries such as agriculture and construction. In these industries, they are typically configured to perform tasks such as digging, loading and unloading, harvesting, or planting crops. Engine 100 can also be used in generator sets—self-sufficient units that provide electricity at off-grid locations. Thus, engine 100 typically needs to have certain characteristics, such as high torque output over a wide engine speed band, where peak torque occurs at relatively low engine speeds, unlike, for example, light passenger vehicles. In off-highway applications, this provides a “torque reserve” that allows the working machine to continue operating when encountering increased loads or resistance to the work—for example, an excavator encountering a particularly hard block of soil.

[0098] In the current embodiment, engine 100 has a total displacement of 4.4 liters (i.e., 1.1 liters per cylinder). Engines used in off-highway applications typically have a displacement between 0.75 liters and 1.25 liters per cylinder. This displacement is relatively high compared to bus engines, but is suitable for providing the aforementioned operating characteristics.

[0099] Engine 100 includes an intake assembly 102, a cylinder head 104, and a cylinder block 106. The cylinder head 104 is mounted to the cylinder block 106. The intake assembly 102 is mounted to the cylinder head 106. Engine 100 is configured such that the intake assembly 102 supplies an air-fuel mixture to a plurality of intake ports on the cylinder head 104. The air-fuel mixture is then supplied from the intake ports to the corresponding cylinders on the cylinder block 106 in a known manner. Thus, engine 100 is a port fuel injection engine (i.e., fuel is supplied to cylinders 5 via port fuel injection). In an alternative embodiment (not shown), engine 100 may be a direct injection engine, or a combination of port fuel injection and direct injection may be used.

[0100] Further reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The intake assembly 102 includes an intake manifold 110. The intake manifold 110 includes a pressure chamber 112 (U-shaped in the illustrated embodiment) and a plurality of intake passages 114. The intake passages 114 are configured to connect to the cylinder head 104 for supplying an air-fuel mixture to the intake ports. The intake manifold 110 includes an air supply inlet 116. The intake manifold 110 is configured to supply air from the air supply inlet 116 via the pressure chamber 112 to the intake passages 114 during use.

[0101] The intake assembly 102 includes a fuel rail assembly 118. The fuel rail assembly 118 includes a fuel rail 120 for supplying fuel to a plurality of fuel injectors 124. The fuel rail 120 is connectable to the fuel injectors 124. The fuel rail 120 includes a fuel supply passage 122 through which fuel is supplied to the fuel injectors 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the fuel rail 120 supplies fuel to four fuel injectors 124 corresponding to four cylinders in the cylinder block 106. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the fuel rail 120 may supply fuel to fewer or more than four fuel injectors 124, such as one or more fuel injectors 124.

[0102] The fuel injector 124 is configured to selectively inject fuel into one of the plurality of intake passages 114 at the appropriate time of the combustion cycle in the respective cylinder of the cylinder block 106.

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, fuel rail 120 supplies hydrogen to fuel injectors 124. Each fuel injector 124 is configured to inject hydrogen into a corresponding intake passage 114.

[0104] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), fuel rail 120 supplies any gaseous fuel or liquid fuel such as gasoline (petroleum) or diesel to fuel injector 124, and fuel injector 124 may be configured to inject the gaseous or liquid fuel into the corresponding intake passage 114.

[0105] Further reference Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The fuel rail assembly 118 includes a means for connecting the fuel rail 120 to the upstream fuel line 160 (see [link to fuel rail assembly]). Figure 7 and Figure 8 The adapter 126 includes a body 128. The body 128 includes an inlet 130 configured to connect to an upstream fuel line 160, which in some embodiments may be in fluid communication with a fuel tank for storing fuel. The adapter 126 is mounted to the fuel rail 120 such that the inlet 130 is in fluid communication (e.g., sealed fluid communication) with a fuel supply passage 122. Thus, the adapter 126 allows fuel to be supplied to the fuel rail 120 for supply to the fuel injector 124 via the upstream fuel line 160 connected to the inlet 130 of the adapter 126.

[0106] The adapter 126 includes a fuel filter 132 for filtering fuel flowing from the inlet 130 to the fuel supply passage 122. The fuel filter 132 is at least partially housed in the body 128.

[0107] "At least partially contained in body 128" means that at least a portion of fuel filter 132 is located in and surrounded by body 128, for example, so that body 128 can provide some protection for fuel filter 132.

[0108] In the illustrated embodiment, the fuel filter 132 is completely housed within the body 128; that is, the entire fuel filter 132 is located within and surrounded by the body 128. This configuration helps prevent a user from tampering with (and thus potentially damaging) the fuel filter 132 during normal use.

[0109] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), a portion of the fuel filter 132 may not be housed within the body 128. For example, the portion may protrude from the body 128.

[0110] Fuel filter 132 is configured to filter fuel flowing from inlet 130 to fuel supply passage 122 during use. In other words, fuel filter 132 is configured to remove contaminants, such as dirt, deposits, dust, or foreign (e.g., metal) particles, from the fuel flowing from inlet 130 to fuel supply passage 122 during use (e.g., generated by moving parts of engine 100 that come into contact with fuel, and / or present in the fuel before it is introduced into engine 100).

[0111] Compared to an arrangement where the fuel filter is a separate fuel filter unit from adapter 126, housing the fuel filter 132 at least partially within the body 128 allows for a more compact fuel rail assembly 118 and consequently, the engine 100. In this arrangement, an adapter is still required between the fuel rail and the upstream fuel line. Furthermore, compared to a separate fuel filter unit, this reduces the number of leak points (i.e., locations where different fuel line components are fixed together). Moreover, compared to a configuration where the fuel filter 132 is separate from and upstream of adapter 126, housing the fuel filter 132 within adapter 126, which is mounted to the fuel rail 120, results in a shorter line length between the fuel filter 132 and the fuel injector 124. This helps minimize the amount of contaminants in the fuel reaching the fuel injector 124.

[0112] In the illustrated embodiment, fuel filter 132 is a hydrogen fuel filter. In an alternative embodiment, fuel filter 132 can be any gas or liquid fuel filter.

[0113] In the illustrated embodiment, the fuel filter 132 includes a fine metal mesh configured to filter fuel passing through the mesh. In an exemplary embodiment, the mesh may have a mesh size ranging from 2 micrometers to 30 micrometers, for example, approximately 10 micrometers.

[0114] In alternative embodiments, fuel filter 132 may include any suitable filter, such as a fuel filter formed of paper, cellulose and / or suitable synthetic materials.

[0115] Adapter 126 is mounted to fuel rail 120 such that adapter 126 extends from fuel supply passage 122. “Mounted” means that adapter 126 is connected to and supported by fuel rail 120.

[0116] Adapter 126 extends from fuel supply passage 122 such that the longitudinal axis A1 of adapter 126 forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis of fuel supply passage 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the longitudinal axis A1 of adapter 126 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of fuel supply passage 122. In an alternative embodiment, this non-zero angle may be in the range of 45 degrees to 90 degrees.

[0117] Fuel rail 120 includes a connector 133 that is mounted to fuel supply passage 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector is in the form of a boss extending from fuel supply passage 122. Adapter 126 is mounted to fuel rail 120 via connector 133. Connector 133 is configured such that the longitudinal axis A1 of adapter 126 is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of fuel supply passage 122. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), adapter 126 may be mounted to fuel rail 120 via any suitable means, such as direct mounting to fuel supply passage 122.

[0118] Fuel rail assembly 118 includes a releasable mounting device 142. Body 128 is releasably mounted to fuel rail 120 via releasable mounting device 142. “Releasably mounted” means that, after installation, body 128 can be released from fuel rail 120 by hand or with one or more tools (e.g., wrench, pliers, screwdriver, and / or special tools) without damaging body 128 or fuel rail 120.

[0119] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the body 128 may be mounted to the fuel rail 120 such that it cannot be released from it by hand or with tools without damaging the body 128 or the fuel rail 120. For example, the body 128 may be bonded or welded to the fuel rail 120.

[0120] The releasable mounting device 142 includes a first engagement portion 144 of a body 128 and a second engagement portion 146 of a connector 133. The releasable mounting device 142 is configured such that engagement of the first engagement portion 144 and the second engagement portion 146 releasably mounts the body 128 to the fuel rail 120. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the releasable mounting device 142 may have any suitable configuration.

[0121] In the illustrated embodiment, the first engagement portion 144 and the second engagement portion 146 include complementary threads, i.e., they are configured to engage with each other. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the first engagement portion 144 and the second engagement portion 146 may have any suitable configuration, such as complementary portions of a bayonet-type fitting.

[0122] In the illustrated embodiment, the first engagement portion 144 is a convex portion, and the second engagement portion 146 is a concave portion configured to receive the convex portion. Thus, the body 128 is partially located within the fuel rail 120, which helps to improve the compactness of the fuel rail assembly 118.

[0123] The body 128 includes a stop 147 configured to abut against the connector 133 of the fuel rail 120 when a predetermined length of the body 128 is received in the connector 133. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop 147 is a flange extending radially outward relative to the first engagement portion 144. The stop 147 is adjacent to the first engagement portion 144.

[0124] In the illustrated embodiment, to mount the body 128 to the fuel rail 120, the body 128 is rotated about a longitudinal axis A1 corresponding to the helical axis of the body 128 in the illustrated embodiment, such that the threads of the first engagement portion 144 and the second engagement portion 146 engage with each other until the stop 147 contacts the connector 133. For this purpose, the stop 147 has a polygonal (e.g., rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal) profile in a plane perpendicular to the helical axis A1 to engage torque-applying tools, such as pliers or wrenches. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the adapter 126 or any suitable portion of the body 128 may have the aforementioned polygonal profile.

[0125] Further reference Figure 5 The fuel rail assembly 118 includes a sealing device 148 between the body 128 and the fuel rail 120, configured to prevent fuel from flowing out of the fuel rail assembly 118 via a releasable mounting device 142. The sealing device 148 includes a sealing member 150, which in the illustrated embodiment is an O-ring. The sealing member 150 is arranged to form a seal between the body 128 and the fuel rail 120 when the first engagement portion 144 and the second engagement portion 146 are engaged with each other and the stop 147 contacts the fuel rail 120.

[0126] In an alternative embodiment, the sealing device 148 may include any suitable sealing member and / or sealing packing (e.g., silicon-based sealing packing) between the body 128 and the fuel rail 120. Additionally or alternatively, the sealing device 148 may include a tapered sealing device between the body 128 and the fuel rail 120.

[0127] The sealing member 150 is coupled to the body 128, which facilitates the assembly of the fuel rail assembly 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing member 150 is received within a circumferential recess in the body 128, such that the sealing member 150 is coupled to the body 128. The circumferential recess is adjacent to the stop 147. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the sealing member 150 may be coupled to the body 128 via any suitable mechanism. Alternatively, the sealing member 150 may be coupled to the fuel rail 120, such as connector 133.

[0128] In the illustrated embodiment, the fuel filter 132 is entirely located outside the fuel supply passage 122. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), at least a portion of the fuel filter 132 may be located within the fuel supply passage 122. For example, the stop 147 and connector 133 may be configured such that portions of the fuel filter 132 and body 128 protrude into the fuel supply passage 122 when the first engagement portion 144 and the second engagement portion 146 are engaged with each other and the stop 147 contacts the connector 133. Advantageously, if at least a portion of the fuel filter 132 is located within the fuel supply passage 122, the length of the adapter 126 can be reduced, thereby improving the compactness of the fuel rail assembly 118.

[0129] Further reference Figure 6 The fuel filter 132 is releasably mounted to the body 128 via a releasable mounting device 134. "Releasably mounted" means that, after installation, the fuel filter 132 can be released from the body 128 by hand or using one or more tools without damaging the body 128 or the fuel filter 132. In the illustrated embodiment, the releasable mounting device 134 includes complementary threads on the body 128 and the fuel filter 132, configured such that the engagement of the threads releasably mounts the fuel filter 132 to the body 128.

[0130] In alternative embodiments (not shown), the releasable mounting device 134 can have any suitable configuration. For example, the fuel filter 132 can be releasably mounted to the body 128 via an interference fit. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the fuel filter 132 can be mounted to the body 128 such that it cannot be released from it by hand or with tools without damaging the body 128 or the fuel filter 132. For example, the fuel filter 132 can be attached or welded to the body 128. Alternatively, the fuel filter 132 may not be mounted to the body 128.

[0131] The fuel filter 132 is elongated and includes a first longitudinal end 132a and a second longitudinal end 132b opposite to each other. The first end 132a is mounted to the body 128. In the illustrated embodiment, the second longitudinal end 132b is a free end.

[0132] The fuel filter 132 may include a recess arrangement at a first end 132a and / or a second end 132b, which is configured to receive the head of a tool (such as a screwdriver or an Allen wrench) for mounting the fuel filter 132 to the body 128 and releasing the fuel filter 132 from the body 128.

[0133] Body 128 includes outlet 136, which is arranged to allow fuel to flow from inlet 130 to outlet 136 and then to fuel supply passage 122 in use. A first end 132a of fuel filter 132 is attached to outlet 136. In the illustrated embodiment, adapter 126 is configured to allow fuel to flow from inlet 130 to fuel filter 132, then to outlet 136, and subsequently to fuel supply passage 122 in use.

[0134] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the second end 132b of the fuel filter 132 may be alternatively or additionally mounted to the body 128.

[0135] Fuel filter 132 and body 128 are configured such that when fuel filter 132 is installed onto body 128, fuel filter 132 is prevented from passing through outlet 136. "Prevented from passing through outlet 136" means that at least a portion of fuel filter 132 is prevented from passing through outlet 136. Thus, when fuel filter 132 is installed onto body 128, fuel filter 132 passes through inlet 130. In the illustrated embodiment, when fuel filter 132 is released from body 128, fuel filter 132 is prevented from passing through outlet 136. Fuel filter 132 includes a first abutting surface 137, and body 128 includes a second abutting surface 139. When fuel filter 132 is installed onto body 128 and when fuel filter 132 is released from body 128, the first abutting surface 137 and the second abutting surface 137 are arranged to abut against each other to prevent fuel filter 132 from passing through outlet 136. In the illustrated embodiment, the first abutting surface 137 is the surface of the collar of fuel filter 132. The second adjacent surface 139 is the surface of the edge of the body 128.

[0136] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the fuel filter 132 and the body 128 can be configured such that when the fuel filter 132 is installed onto the body, the fuel filter 132 is prevented from passing through the inlet 130. Thus, when the fuel filter 132 is installed onto the body 128, the fuel filter 132 passes through the outlet 136. In such an embodiment, when the fuel filter 132 is released from the body 128, the fuel filter 132 is prevented from passing through the inlet 130. The first abutting surface 137 and the second abutting surface 139 can be configured to abut against each other so as to prevent the fuel filter 132 from passing through the inlet 130 when the fuel filter 132 is installed onto the body 128 and when the fuel filter 132 is released from the body 128. Advantageously, this configuration of fuel filter 132 and body 128 helps prevent the user from removing fuel filter 132 from body 128 and tampering with fuel filter 132, because the user needs to perform an additional process of removing adapter 126 from fuel rail 120 before fuel filter 132 can be removed from body 128.

[0137] The adapter 126 includes a sealing device 138 between the fuel filter 132 and the body 128, configured to prevent fuel from flowing from the inlet 130 around the fuel filter 132 into the fuel supply passage 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing device 138 includes a sealing filler, such as a threaded sealing strip, between complementary threads on the body 128 and the fuel filter 132. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the sealing device 138 may include any suitable sealing filler and / or sealing member, such as an O-ring, between the body 128 and the fuel filter 132.

[0138] Fuel filter 132 includes an elongated filter portion 140 configured to filter fuel flowing from inlet 130 to fuel supply passage 122 in use. In the illustrated embodiment, filter portion 140 is a substantially cylindrical wall. In alternative embodiments, filter portion 140 may have any suitable shape.

[0139] The body 128 in this embodiment is elongated. For example, in Figure 6 As shown, the longitudinal axis of the body 128 is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the filter portion 140.

[0140] In the illustrated embodiment, the body 128 is formed as a single, monolithic material. For example, the body 128 may be formed from a single monolithic material via a suitable casting process, a suitable forging process, a suitable plastic molding process, and / or a suitable machining process. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the body 128 may be formed from a plurality of connected components, and / or may be formed via any suitable process.

[0141] In the illustrated embodiment, the body 128 is made of stainless steel. Advantageously, stainless steel is less susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement compared to certain other metals. In alternative embodiments, for example, the body 128 may be made of any suitable material, such as metals other than stainless steel (e.g., aluminum or copper) or plastic.

[0142] The adapter 126 is elongated and has a length L and a maximum width W transverse to the length L. The length L can be in the range of 30mm to 70mm, optionally in the range of 40mm to 60mm, for example, about 47mm. The maximum width W can be in the range of 15mm to 35mm, optionally in the range of 20mm to 30mm, for example, about 26mm.

[0143] In the illustrated embodiment, the outer surface 141 of the body 128 adjacent to the inlet 130 includes a male screw thread (external thread) and a female screw thread (internal thread) for engaging an upstream fuel line (not shown) to enable connection of the inlet 130 to the fuel line. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the inlet 130 may be connected to the upstream fuel line by any suitable mechanism.

[0144] Figure 7 and Figure 8 A fuel supply line 160 for supplying fuel to adapter 126 is shown. Fuel supply line 160 may be formed as part of fuel rail assembly 118. Fuel supply line 160 includes a fuel orifice 164. Fuel rail assembly 118 includes a releasable coupling device 162 for releasably coupling fuel supply line 160 to adapter 126. Fuel supply line 160 is releasably coupled to adapter 126 via releasable coupling device 162 such that fuel orifice 164 is in fluid communication (e.g., sealed fluid communication) with inlet 130 to supply fuel from fuel orifice 164 to fuel supply passage 122 via inlet 130.

[0145] The releasable coupling device 162 includes a plurality of first locking members 166 on the adapter 126 and a plurality of corresponding second locking members 168 on the fuel supply line 160. Each pair of corresponding first locking members 166 and second locking members 168 is arranged to engage to releasably couple the fuel supply line 160 to the adapter 126.

[0146] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the release coupling device 162 may include a single first locking member 166 on the adapter 126 and a single second locking member 168 on the fuel supply line 160.

[0147] The release coupling device 162 enables the fuel supply line 160 to be quickly and securely connected to the adapter 126. This is particularly advantageous when the fuel supply line 160 will be connected to the adapter 126 for a relatively short period of time (e.g., during a hot test of the engine 100).

[0148] Each first locking member 166 is fixed relative to the body 128. Each second locking member 168 can be in the unlocked position relative to the fuel port 164 (in Figure 8 (shown in dashed line) and locking position (in Figure 8 (shown in solid lines) The first locking member 166 includes a first engaging surface 170, and the second locking member 168 includes a second engaging surface 172. When the second locking member 168 is in the locked position, as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the first mating surface 170 and the second mating surface 172 can engage to releasably connect the fuel supply line 160 to the body 128. This configuration of the second locking member 168 enhances the durability of the releasable connection 162, allowing the fuel supply line 160 to be connected to and disconnected from the adapter 126 multiple times before components of the releasable connection 162 need to be replaced. Conversely, if the fuel supply line 160 is releasably connected to the adapter using corresponding threads, the threads will wear down to the point requiring replacement after a relatively small number of connection-disconnection cycles.

[0149] In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of first locking members 166 may be combined to form a circumferential collar including a plurality of first engaging surfaces 170. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the plurality of first locking members 166 may have any suitable configuration. For example, the plurality of first locking members 166 may be combined to form a circumferential recess including a plurality of first engaging surfaces 170, or they may be arranged separately from each other.

[0150] In the illustrated embodiment, body 128 includes a first locking member 166. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), each first locking member 166 may be configured as a different component relative to body 128.

[0151] Each second locking member 168 is pivotable relative to the fuel orifice 164 between an unlocked position and a locked position. Specifically, each second locking member 168 is pivotable about a corresponding pivot point 174 connected to the fuel supply line 160. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), each second locking member 168 may additionally or alternatively translate relative to the fuel orifice 164 between the unlocked and locked positions. For example, each second locking member 168 may translate radially outward and inward, respectively, between the unlocked and locked positions.

[0152] Each second locking member 168 is biased toward the locked position. In the illustrated embodiment, each second locking member 168 is biased toward the locked position via a biasing member (not shown), such as a torsion spring. In an alternative embodiment, each second locking member 168 may be biased toward the locked position via any suitable mechanism. Alternatively, each second locking member 168 may not be biased toward the locked position.

[0153] The release mechanism 162 includes a release mechanism 176 configured to selectively move a second locking member 168 between an unlocked position and a locked position. In the illustrated embodiment, the release mechanism 176 includes a release member 178 that can be moved in a first position (in...) Figure 8 (shown in solid line) and the second position (in) Figure 8(shown in dashed lines) moving between, in the first position, each of the second locking members 168 is held in the locked position, and in the second position, each of the second locking members 168 is moved to the unlocked position.

[0154] In the illustrated embodiment, the release member 178 is in the form of a cuff surrounding the fuel supply line 160. In alternative embodiments, the release member 178 may have any suitable configuration.

[0155] Release member 178 is biased toward a first position. Advantageously, this helps maintain the connection between body 128 and fuel supply line 160. In the illustrated embodiment, the release coupling 162 includes a biasing member, such as a compression spring arranged to bias release member 178 toward the first position. In alternative embodiments, release member 178 may be biased toward the first position via any suitable mechanism, or may not be biased toward the first position. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, release member 178 may be selectively held in the first position by a suitable holding mechanism.

[0156] The release coupling device 162 is configured such that when the longitudinal axis A1 of the adapter 126 and the longitudinal axis A2 of the fuel supply line 160 are substantially aligned (e.g., Figure 8 As shown in the diagram, and when the fuel port 164 and inlet 130 are translated together along the respective axes A1 and A2, each of the second locking members 168 moves past the corresponding first locking member 166, allowing the first mating surface 170 and the second mating surface 172 to engage. Advantageously, this enables the fuel supply line 160 to be quickly connected to the adapter 126. This is particularly beneficial for the thermal testing of the engine 100, in which the upstream fuel line only needs to be connected to the engine 100 for a relatively short time.

[0157] In the illustrated embodiment, each first locking member 166 includes a first tapered surface 180, and each corresponding second locking member 168 includes a complementary second tapered surface 182. The tapered surfaces 180, 182 are configured such that when the longitudinal axes A1, A2 are substantially aligned, the fuel orifice 164 and the inlet 130 are translated together along the respective axes A1, A2, and the abutment and relative sliding between the tapered surfaces 180, 182 cause each second locking member 168 to move past the corresponding first locking member 166, such that the first engagement surface 170 and the second engagement surface 172 can engage.

[0158] A plurality of first locking members 166 are distributed around the longitudinal axis A1 of the body 128. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of first locking members 166 are connected to form a collar. A plurality of second locking members 168 are distributed around the longitudinal axis A2 of the fuel supply line 160. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the first locking members 166 and the second locking members 168 may have any suitable arrangement.

[0159] The fuel rail assembly 118 includes a sealing device 184 between the fuel supply line 160 and the body 128, configured to prevent fuel from flowing out of the fuel rail assembly 118 via a release coupling device 162. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing device 184 includes a sealing member 186 in the form of an O-ring between the fuel supply line 160 and the body 128. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the sealing device 184 may include any suitable sealing member 186 and / or have any suitable configuration.

[0160] In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing member 186 is coupled to the fuel supply line 160. The sealing member 186 is received within a recess in the outer surface of the fuel supply line 160, such that the sealing member 186 is coupled to the fuel supply line 160. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the sealing member 186 may be coupled to the fuel supply line 160 via any suitable mechanism. Alternatively, the sealing member 186 may be coupled to the body 128, or may be coupled to either the fuel supply line 160 or the body 128.

[0161] Fuel orifice 164 is received in inlet 130. Sealing device 184 is located between outer surface 188 of fuel supply line 160 and first inner surface 190 of body 128. In the illustrated embodiment, outer surface 188 and first inner surface 190 have complementary profiles in a plane substantially perpendicular to their respective longitudinal axes A1, A2.

[0162] Body 128 includes a second inner surface 192 adjacent to the first inner surface 190. Fuel rail assembly 118 is configured to prevent fuel supply line 160 from contacting the second inner surface 192 when fuel supply line 160 is coupled to body 128.

[0163] However, the fuel supply line 160, which may be referred to as the "first fuel supply line 160," can be used to temporarily supply fuel to the fuel rail 120 (e.g., for thermal testing of the engine 100), and the second inner surface 192 can be used as a sealing surface to form a seal between the body 128 and the second upstream fuel supply line used to supply fuel to the fuel rail 120 (e.g., permanently) during normal operation of the engine 100. Advantageously, when the first fuel supply line 160 is coupled to the body 128, contact between the first fuel supply line 160 and the second inner surface 192 is prevented, which helps to prevent damage to the second inner surface 192 and thus helps to maintain the effectiveness of the second inner surface 192 as a sealing surface.

[0164] In the illustrated embodiment, the complementary contours of the outer surface 188 and the first inner surface 190 prevent relative rotation between the first fuel supply line 160 and the body 128, thereby preventing the first fuel supply line 160 from contacting the second inner surface 192. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), contact between the first fuel supply line 160 and the second inner surface 192 can be prevented when the first fuel supply line 160 is coupled to the body 128 via any suitable mechanism.

[0165] In the illustrated embodiment, the second inner surface 192 is axially outside the first inner surface 190. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the second inner surface 192 may be axially inside the first inner surface 190.

[0166] In the illustrated embodiment, the second inner surface 192 is tapered, but in an alternative embodiment, it may not be tapered.

[0167] The fuel rail assembly 118 includes a guide device 194 configured to guide relative movement between the body 128 and the first fuel supply line 160, such that a first locking member 166 and a second locking member 168 can engage to releasably connect the first fuel supply line 160 to the body 128.

[0168] In the illustrated embodiment, the guide device 194 includes a recess 196 in the first fuel supply line 160, which is configured to receive a protrusion 198 of the adapter 126. The recess 196 and the protrusion 198 have complementary profiles.

[0169] In the illustrated embodiment, the portion of body 128 including inlet 130 forms a protrusion 198. A first fuel supply line 160 includes a peripheral wall 200 surrounding a fuel orifice 164. A recess 196 is defined between the peripheral wall 200 and the wall defining the fuel orifice 164. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the guide device 194 may have any suitable configuration.

[0170] In addition to guiding relative movement between the body 128 and the first fuel supply line 160, the guiding device 194 can also help prevent the first fuel supply line 160 from contacting the second internal surface 192 when it is connected to the body 128 by preventing relative rotation between the first fuel supply line 160 and the body 128.

[0171] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), inlet 130 may be received in fuel port 164.

[0172] Figure 9 An alternative embodiment of fuel rail assembly 118' is shown. Features common to fuel rail assembly 118 are indicated by common reference numerals and will not be discussed again for the sake of brevity. Unless otherwise stated, fuel rail assembly 118' may share any features discussed with respect to fuel rail assembly 118.

[0173] In the energy release mounting device 142' of the fuel rail assembly 118', the second engagement portion 146' on the connector 133' of the fuel rail 120' is a convex portion, and the first engagement portion 144' on the body 128' is a concave portion configured to receive the convex portion.

[0174] The sealing device 184' of the fuel rail assembly 118' is configured to prevent fuel flowing from inlet 130 to fuel supply passage 122 from contacting the first engagement portion 144' and the second engagement portion 146'. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing device 184' includes a sealing member 186' between the fuel rail 120' and the body 128', and in sealing contact with both the fuel rail 120' and the body 128'. The sealing member 186' is arranged to prevent fuel flowing from inlet 130 to fuel supply passage 122 from contacting the first engagement portion 144' and the second engagement portion 146'. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing member 186' is an O-ring.

[0175] Compared to other portions of adapter 126', the first engagement portion 144' and / or the second engagement portion 146' are more likely to introduce contaminants into the fuel flowing through them. For example, in embodiments where the first engagement portion 144' and the second engagement portion 146' include complementary threads, these threads may introduce burrs into the fuel flowing through them. Therefore, preventing fuel flowing from inlet 130 to fuel supply passage 122 from contacting the first engagement portion 144' and the second engagement portion 146' can help prevent contaminants from entering the fuel.

[0176] In the illustrated embodiment, the first engagement portion 144' is part of the body 128'. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the first engagement portion 144' may be part of a different component of the adapter 126'. For example, the first engagement portion 144' may be part of a fastener, such as a nut including female threads, while the second engagement portion 146' may include male threads. The fastener may be configured to clamp the body 128' onto the connector 133' when the fastener is fastened to the connector 133'.

[0177] In the illustrated embodiment, fuel filter 132 is mounted to body 128'. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), when body 128 is mounted to connector 133', fuel filter 132 may additionally or alternatively be clamped between body 128 and connector 133'.

[0178] project

[0179] Project 1. A fuel rail assembly for an internal combustion engine, the fuel rail assembly comprising: A fuel rail for supplying fuel to at least one fuel injector; An adapter for connecting the fuel rail to the upstream fuel line; A first fuel supply line is used to supply fuel to the adapter; and A releasable connection device for releasably connecting the first fuel supply line to the adapter; The fuel rail includes a fuel supply channel through which fuel is supplied to the at least one fuel injector; The adapter includes a body, and the body includes an inlet; The adapter is installed on the fuel rail such that the inlet is in fluid communication with the fuel supply passage; The first fuel supply pipeline includes a fuel orifice; The first fuel supply line is releasably connected to the adapter via the releasable coupling device, such that the fuel port is in fluid communication with the inlet, so that fuel can be supplied from the fuel port to the fuel supply channel via the inlet.

[0180] Project 2. The fuel rail assembly according to Project 1, wherein the releasable coupling device includes a first locking member on the adapter and a second locking member on the first fuel supply line, and wherein the first locking member and the second locking member are arranged to engage to releasably couple the first fuel supply line to the body.

[0181] Project 3. The fuel rail assembly according to Project 2, wherein the first locking member is fixed relative to the body, wherein the second locking member is movable relative to the fuel orifice between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the first locking member includes a first engagement surface, wherein the second locking member includes a second engagement surface, and wherein when the second locking member is in the locked position, the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface are capable of engaging to releasably connect the fuel line to the body.

[0182] Item 4. According to the fuel rail assembly of Item 3, the second locking member is pivotable relative to the fuel orifice between the unlocked position and the locked position.

[0183] Item 5. The fuel rail assembly according to Item 3 or 4, wherein the releasable coupling device includes a release mechanism configured to allow the second locking member to move selectively between the unlocked position and the locked position.

[0184] Item 6. The fuel rail assembly according to Item 5, wherein the release mechanism includes a release member movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the second locking member is held in the locked position and in the second position the second locking member is moved to the unlocked position.

[0185] Item 7. The fuel rail assembly according to Item 6, wherein the release member is biased toward and / or selectively held in the first position.

[0186] Item 8. A fuel rail assembly according to any one of items 3-7, wherein the releasable coupling device is configured such that, when the respective axes of the adapter and the fuel line are substantially aligned and the fuel orifice and the inlet are translated together along the respective axes, the second locking member moves past the first locking member such that the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface can engage.

[0187] Item 9. A fuel rail assembly according to any one of Items 2 to 8, wherein the releasable coupling device comprises a plurality of first locking members and a corresponding plurality of second locking members.

[0188] Item 10. The fuel rail assembly according to Item 9, wherein the first locking member is distributed around the longitudinal axis of the body, and wherein the second locking member is distributed around the longitudinal axis of the first fuel supply line.

[0189] Item 11. The fuel rail assembly according to any one of items 2-10 further includes a guiding device configured to guide relative movement between the body and the first fuel supply line, such that the first locking member and the second locking member can engage to releasably connect the fuel line to the body.

[0190] Item 12. The fuel rail assembly according to Item 11, wherein the guiding device includes a recess within the first fuel supply line, the recess being configured to receive a protrusion of the adapter, the recess and the protrusion having complementary profiles.

[0191] Item 13. The fuel rail assembly according to any one of items 1-12 further includes a sealing device between the first fuel supply line and the body, the sealing device being configured to prevent fuel from flowing out of the fuel rail assembly via the releasable coupling device.

[0192] Item 14. The fuel rail assembly according to Item 13, wherein the sealing device includes a sealing member, such as an O-ring.

[0193] Item 15. The fuel rail assembly according to Item 14, wherein the sealing member is coupled to the fuel line.

[0194] Item 16. A fuel rail assembly according to any one of items 13-15, wherein the fuel orifice is received in the inlet and the sealing device is located between the outer surface of the first fuel supply line and the first inner surface of the body.

[0195] Item 17. A fuel rail assembly according to Item 16, wherein the body includes a second inner surface that forms a seal between the body and a second fuel supply line for supplying fuel to the fuel rail during normal engine operation, wherein the second inner surface is adjacent to a first inner surface, and wherein the fuel rail assembly is configured to prevent the first fuel supply line from contacting the second inner surface when the first fuel supply line is coupled to the body.

[0196] Item 18. A fuel rail assembly according to Item 11 or 12 and Item 17, wherein the guiding device is configured to prevent the first fuel supply line from contacting the second internal surface.

[0197] Item 19. The fuel rail assembly according to Item 17 or 18, wherein the second inner surface is axially outside the first inner surface and / or tapered.

[0198] Item 20. A fuel rail assembly for an internal combustion engine, the fuel rail assembly comprising: A fuel rail for supplying fuel to at least one fuel injector; and An adapter for connecting the fuel rail to the upstream fuel line; The fuel rail includes a fuel supply channel through which fuel is supplied to the at least one fuel injector; The adapter includes a body, the body including an inlet, wherein the inlet is connectable to the upstream fuel line; The adapter is installed on the fuel rail such that the inlet is in fluid communication with the fuel supply passage; The adapter further includes a fuel filter for filtering fuel flowing from the inlet to the fuel supply passage; and The fuel filter is at least partially housed within the body.

[0199] Item 21. The fuel rail assembly according to Item 20, wherein the fuel filter is mounted to the body.

[0200] Item 22. The fuel rail assembly according to Item 21, wherein the fuel filter is releasably mounted to the body.

[0201] Item 23. The fuel rail assembly according to Item 22, wherein the fuel filter is releasably mounted to the body via a releasable mounting device, the releasable mounting device including complementary threads on the body and the fuel filter.

[0202] Item 24. A fuel rail assembly according to any one of items 21-23, wherein the body is configured such that the fuel filter can be received in the body via the inlet for mounting the fuel filter to the body.

[0203] Item 25. A fuel rail assembly according to any one of items 21-24, wherein the fuel filter is elongated and includes opposing first longitudinal ends and second longitudinal ends, wherein the first longitudinal ends are mounted to the body.

[0204] Item 26. The fuel rail assembly according to Item 25, wherein the second longitudinal end is a free end.

[0205] Item 27. A fuel rail assembly according to any one of items 21-26, wherein the body includes an outlet arranged to allow fuel to flow from the inlet to the outlet and then to the fuel supply passage in use, and wherein a fuel filter is installed at the outlet.

[0206] Item 28. The fuel rail assembly according to Item 27, wherein in use fuel flows from the inlet to the fuel filter, then to the outlet, and subsequently to the fuel supply channel.

[0207] Item 29. A fuel rail assembly according to any one of items 20-28, wherein the fuel filter includes an elongated filter portion configured to filter fuel flowing from the inlet to the fuel passage in use.

[0208] Item 30. The fuel rail assembly according to Item 29, wherein the body is elongated and wherein the longitudinal axis of the body is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the filter portion.

[0209] Item 31. A fuel rail assembly according to any one of items 20-30, wherein a portion of the fuel filter is located within the fuel supply passage.

[0210] Item 32. A fuel rail assembly according to any one of items 20-31, wherein the adapter includes a sealing device between the fuel filter and the body, the sealing device being configured to prevent fuel from flowing from the inlet around the fuel filter to the fuel supply passage.

[0211] Item 33. The fuel rail assembly according to Item 32, wherein the sealing device includes a sealing member, such as an O-ring and / or sealing packing, between the body and the fuel filter.

[0212] Item 34. A fuel rail assembly according to any one of items 20-33, wherein the fuel filter is fully housed within the body.

[0213] Item 35. The fuel rail assembly according to any one of items 20-34 further includes a releasable mounting device, wherein the body is releasably mounted to the fuel rail via the releasable mounting device.

[0214] Item 36. The fuel rail assembly according to Item 35, wherein the fuel rail assembly further includes a sealing device between the body and the fuel rail, the sealing device being configured to prevent fuel from flowing out of the fuel rail assembly via the releasable mounting device.

[0215] Item 37. A fuel rail assembly according to Item 35 or 36, wherein the releasable mounting device includes a first engagement portion of the body and a second engagement portion of the fuel rail, and wherein the engagement of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion with each other releasably mounts the body to the fuel rail.

[0216] Item 38. The fuel rail assembly according to Item 37, wherein the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion include complementary threads.

[0217] Item 39. The fuel rail assembly according to Item 38, wherein the adapter has a polygonal shape in profile in a plane perpendicular to the helical axis of the body for engagement with a torque-applying tool such as a wrench or pliers.

[0218] Item 40. The fuel rail assembly according to Item 39, wherein the body includes the outline.

[0219] Item 41. A fuel rail assembly according to any one of items 37-40, wherein the first engagement portion on the body is a convex portion and the second engagement portion on the fuel rail is a concave portion configured to receive the convex portion; or wherein the second engagement portion on the fuel rail is a convex portion and the first engagement portion on the body is a concave portion configured to receive the convex portion.

[0220] Item 42. A fuel rail assembly according to any one of items 20-41, wherein the body is formed as a single, monolithic material.

[0221] Item 43. The fuel rail assembly according to Item 42, wherein the body is made of a metallic material such as steel (e.g., stainless steel).

[0222] Item 44. A fuel rail assembly according to any one of items 20-43, wherein the adapter extends from the fuel supply channel such that the longitudinal axis of the adapter forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis of the fuel supply channel.

[0223] Item 45. The fuel rail assembly according to Item 44, wherein the non-zero angle is in the range of 45 degrees to 90 degrees.

[0224] Item 46. The fuel rail assembly according to Item 45, wherein the longitudinal axis of the adapter is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fuel supply channel.

[0225] Item 47. A fuel rail assembly according to any one of items 20-46, wherein the fuel filter is a gaseous fuel filter.

[0226] Item 48. The fuel rail assembly according to Item 47, wherein the fuel filter is a hydrogen fuel filter.

[0227] Item 49. A fuel rail assembly according to any one of items 20-48, wherein the adapter is elongated and has a length and a maximum width transverse to the length, wherein the length is in the range of 30 mm to 70 mm.

[0228] Item 50. The fuel rail assembly according to Item 49, wherein the length is in the range of 40 mm to 60 mm.

[0229] Item 51. The fuel rail assembly according to Item 50, wherein the length is approximately 47 mm.

[0230] Item 52. A fuel rail assembly according to any one of items 49-51, wherein the maximum width is in the range of 15 mm to 35 mm.

[0231] Item 53. The fuel rail assembly according to Item 52, wherein the maximum width is in the range of 20 mm to 30 mm.

[0232] Item 54. The fuel rail assembly according to Item 53, wherein the maximum width is approximately 26 mm.

[0233] Item 55. An internal combustion engine comprising a fuel rail assembly according to any one of items 1-54.

[0234] Item 56. The internal combustion engine according to Item 55, wherein the internal combustion engine is a gas-fueled internal combustion engine, such as a hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine.

[0235] Item 57. A method for releasably connecting a fuel supply line to a fuel rail of an internal combustion engine, wherein the fuel rail is used to supply fuel to at least one fuel injector, and wherein the fuel rail includes a fuel supply passage through which fuel is supplied to the at least one fuel injector, wherein the method includes the following steps: An adapter is provided for connecting the fuel rail to an upstream fuel line, the adapter including a body including an inlet; Install the adapter onto the fuel rail so that the inlet is in fluid communication with the fuel passage; A fuel supply line is provided for supplying fuel to the adapter, the fuel supply line including a fuel orifice; and The fuel supply line is releasably connected to the adapter via a releasable coupling device, such that the fuel port is in fluid communication with the inlet, so that fuel can be supplied from the fuel port to the fuel supply passage via the inlet.

[0236] Item 58. The method according to Item 57, wherein the releasable coupling device includes a first locking member on the adapter and a second locking member on the fuel line, the first locking member and the second locking member being arranged to engage to releasably couple the fuel line to the body.

Claims

1. A fuel rail assembly for an internal combustion engine, the fuel rail assembly comprising: A fuel rail for supplying fuel to at least one fuel injector; An adapter for connecting the fuel rail to the upstream fuel line; A first fuel supply line is used to supply fuel to the adapter; as well as A releasable connection device for releasably connecting the first fuel supply line to the adapter; The fuel rail includes a fuel supply channel through which fuel is supplied to the at least one fuel injector; The adapter includes a body, and the body includes an inlet; The adapter is installed on the fuel rail such that the inlet is in fluid communication with the fuel supply passage; The first fuel supply pipeline includes a fuel orifice; The first fuel supply line is releasably connected to the adapter via the releasable coupling device, such that the fuel port is in fluid communication with the inlet, so that fuel can be supplied from the fuel port to the fuel supply channel via the inlet.

2. The fuel rail assembly of claim 1, wherein the releasable coupling device includes a first locking member on the adapter and a second locking member on the first fuel supply line, and wherein the first locking member and the second locking member are arranged to engage to releasably couple the first fuel supply line to the body.

3. The fuel rail assembly of claim 2, wherein the first locking member is fixed relative to the body, wherein the second locking member is movable relative to the fuel orifice between an unlocked position and a locked position, wherein the first locking member includes a first engagement surface, wherein the second locking member includes a second engagement surface, and wherein when the second locking member is in the locked position, the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface are engaged to releasably connect the fuel line to the body; optionally, wherein the second locking member is pivotable relative to the fuel orifice between the unlocked position and the locked position.

4. The fuel rail assembly of claim 3, wherein the releasable coupling device includes a release mechanism configured to selectively move the second locking member between the unlocked position and the locked position; Optionally, the release mechanism includes a release member that is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the second locking member is held in the locked position in the first position and moved to the unlocked position in the second position; Optionally, the release member is biased toward and / or selectively held in the first position.

5. The fuel rail assembly of claim 3 or 4, wherein the releasable coupling device is configured such that, when the respective axes of the adapter and the fuel line are substantially aligned and the fuel orifice and the inlet are translated together along the respective axes, the second locking member moves past the first locking member such that the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface can engage.

6. The fuel rail assembly according to any one of claims 2-5, wherein the releasable coupling device comprises a plurality of first locking members and a corresponding plurality of second locking members; optionally, wherein the first locking members are distributed around the longitudinal axis of the body, and wherein the second locking members are distributed around the longitudinal axis of the first fuel supply line.

7. The fuel rail assembly according to any one of claims 2-6, further comprising a guiding device configured to guide relative movement between the body and the first fuel supply line, such that the first locking member and the second locking member can engage to releasably connect the fuel line to the body; optionally, wherein the guiding device includes a recess within the first fuel supply line, the recess being configured to receive a protrusion of the adapter, the recess and the protrusion having complementary profiles.

8. The fuel rail assembly according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a sealing device between the first fuel supply line and the body, the sealing device being configured to prevent fuel from flowing out of the fuel rail assembly via the releasable coupling device; optionally, wherein the sealing device includes a sealing member, such as an O-ring; optionally, wherein the sealing member is coupled to the fuel line.

9. The fuel rail assembly of claim 8, wherein the fuel orifice is received in the inlet, and the sealing device is located between the outer surface of the first fuel supply line and the first inner surface of the body.

10. The fuel rail assembly of claim 9, wherein the body includes a second inner surface that forms a seal between the body and a second fuel supply line for supplying fuel to the fuel rail during normal engine operation, wherein the second inner surface is adjacent to the first inner surface, and wherein the fuel rail assembly is configured to prevent the first fuel supply line from contacting the second inner surface when the first fuel supply line is coupled to the body.

11. The fuel rail assembly of claims 7 and 10, wherein the guiding device is configured to prevent the first fuel supply line from contacting the second internal surface.

12. The fuel rail assembly of claim 10 or 11, wherein the second inner surface is axially outside and / or tapered on the first inner surface.

13. A fuel rail assembly for an internal combustion engine, the fuel rail assembly comprising: A fuel rail for supplying fuel to at least one fuel injector; as well as An adapter for connecting the fuel rail to the upstream fuel line; The fuel rail includes a fuel supply channel through which fuel is supplied to the at least one fuel injector; The adapter includes a body, the body including an inlet, wherein the inlet is connectable to the upstream fuel line; The adapter is installed on the fuel rail such that the inlet is in fluid communication with the fuel supply passage; The adapter further includes a fuel filter for filtering fuel flowing from the inlet to the fuel supply passage; and The fuel filter is at least partially housed within the body.

14. The fuel rail assembly of claim 13, wherein the fuel filter is mounted to the body; optionally, wherein the fuel filter is releasably mounted to the body.

15. The fuel rail assembly of claim 14, wherein the fuel filter is elongated and includes opposing first longitudinal ends and second longitudinal ends, wherein the first longitudinal ends are mounted to the body; optionally, wherein the second longitudinal ends are free ends.

16. The fuel rail assembly of claim 14 or 15, wherein the body includes an outlet arranged to allow fuel to flow from the inlet to the outlet and then to the fuel supply passage in use, and wherein a fuel filter is mounted to the outlet; optionally, wherein in use fuel flows from the inlet to the fuel filter, then to the outlet, and subsequently to the fuel supply passage.

17. The fuel rail assembly of any one of claims 13-16, wherein the fuel filter includes an elongated filter portion configured to filter fuel flowing from the inlet to the fuel passage in use; optionally, wherein the body is elongated, and wherein the longitudinal axis of the body is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the filter portion.

18. The fuel rail assembly according to any one of claims 13-17, wherein a portion of the fuel filter is located within the fuel supply passage.

19. The fuel rail assembly according to any one of claims 13-18, wherein the adapter includes a sealing device between the fuel filter and the body, the sealing device being configured to prevent fuel from flowing from the inlet around the fuel filter to the fuel supply passage; optionally, wherein the sealing device includes a sealing member between the body and the fuel filter, such as an O-ring and / or sealing packing.

20. The fuel rail assembly according to any one of claims 13-19, wherein the fuel filter is fully housed within the body.

21. The fuel rail assembly according to any one of claims 13-20, further comprising a releasable mounting device, wherein the body is releasably mounted to the fuel rail via the releasable mounting device; optionally, wherein the fuel rail assembly further comprises a sealing device between the body and the fuel rail, the sealing device being configured to prevent fuel from flowing out of the fuel rail assembly via the releasable mounting device.

22. The fuel rail assembly of claim 21, wherein the releasable mounting device includes a first engagement portion of the body and a second engagement portion of the fuel rail, and wherein engagement of the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion with each other releasably mounts the body to the fuel rail; optionally, wherein the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion include complementary threads; optionally, wherein the adapter has a polygonal profile in a plane perpendicular to the helical axis of the body for engagement with a torque-applying tool such as a wrench; optionally, wherein the body includes the profile.

23. The fuel rail assembly of claim 22, wherein the first engagement portion on the body is a convex portion and the second engagement portion on the fuel rail is a concave portion configured to receive the convex portion; or wherein the second engagement portion on the fuel rail is a convex portion and the first engagement portion on the body is a concave portion configured to receive the convex portion.

24. The fuel rail assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 23, wherein the body is formed as a single, monolithic material; optionally, wherein the body is made of a metallic material such as steel, for example stainless steel.

25. The fuel rail assembly of any one of claims 13 to 24, wherein the adapter extends from the fuel supply channel such that the longitudinal axis of the adapter forms a non-zero angle with the longitudinal axis of the fuel supply channel; optionally, wherein the non-zero angle is in the range of 45 degrees to 90 degrees, for example, wherein the longitudinal axis of the adapter is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fuel supply channel.

26. The fuel rail assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 25, wherein the fuel filter is a gaseous fuel filter; optionally, wherein the fuel filter is a hydrogen fuel filter.

27. The fuel rail assembly according to any one of claims 13 to 26, wherein the adapter is elongated and has a length and a maximum width transverse to the length, wherein the length is in the range of 30 mm to 70 mm, optionally in the range of 40 mm to 60 mm, for example about 47 mm, and / or wherein the maximum width is in the range of 15 mm to 35 mm, optionally in the range of 20 mm to 30 mm, for example about 26 mm.

28. An internal combustion engine comprising a fuel rail assembly according to any of the preceding claims; optionally, wherein the internal combustion engine is a gas-fueled internal combustion engine, such as a hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engine.

29. A method for releasably connecting a fuel supply line to a fuel rail of an internal combustion engine, wherein the fuel rail is used to supply fuel to at least one fuel injector, and wherein the fuel rail includes a fuel supply passage through which fuel is supplied to the at least one fuel injector, wherein the method includes the steps of: An adapter is provided for connecting the fuel rail to an upstream fuel line, the adapter including a body including an inlet; Install the adapter onto the fuel rail so that the inlet is in fluid communication with the fuel passage; A fuel supply line is provided for supplying fuel to the adapter, the fuel supply line including a fuel orifice; as well as The fuel supply line is releasably connected to the adapter via a releasable coupling device, such that the fuel port is in fluid communication with the inlet, so that fuel can be supplied from the fuel port to the fuel supply passage via the inlet.

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