SYSTEMS, DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ASSEMBLING FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Abstract

Systems, devices, and methods for assembling a fuel system connector with a fuel system component are provided. A retainer is used to hold a fastening element of the fuel system connector in position along a connecting body of the fuel system connector. An end form at the end of the connecting body is held within the fastening element by the fuel system connector snapping into the fuel system, thus protecting the end form from potential damage during assembly.

Description

Cross-reference to related registration:

[0001] The present application claims the priority and filing date benefit of US Preliminary Application Ser. No. 63 / 729,574, filed on December 9, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Technical area of ​​revelation:

[0002] The present application relates generally to fuel systems and in particular to systems, devices and methods for assembling fuel system components. STATE OF THE ART

[0003] Fuel systems comprise various components that must be assembled to bring the system into a functional state. For example, fuel lines must be connected to a fuel source, such as a fuel rail, and to a fuel injector. The positions and / or configurations of fuel system components can cause difficulties in assembling the fittings that connect these components, including increased assembly time, the risk of incorrect assembly, and the risk of damaging fuel system components during assembly. Therefore, further improvements in this area are needed. DISCLOSURE OF ILLUSTRATIVE FORMS OF EXECUTION

[0004] In order to clearly, concisely, and precisely describe the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, the manner of their manufacture and use, as well as their practical application, manufacture, and use, reference will now be made to certain exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, and specific language will be used to describe them. It is understood, however, that this does not create any limitation of the scope of the invention and that the invention includes and protects such changes, modifications, and further applications of the exemplary embodiments that would occur to a person skilled in the art. SUMMARY

[0005] Exemplary embodiments include systems, devices, and methods for assembling fuel system components and / or for assembling a fuel system connector with a fuel system component. Exemplary embodiments also include systems, devices, and methods for assembling a connector with a component.

[0006] For example, in one embodiment, the system includes a fuel system connector that connects a first fuel system component and a second fuel system component. The fuel system connector includes a connecting body configured to extend from the first fuel system component to the second fuel system component. The connecting body includes a first end with an end shape for connection to the first fuel system component. The fuel system connector also includes a fastening element that is arranged around the connecting body and is movable along it toward and away from the first end of the connecting body. The fastening element can snap into the first fuel system component to secure the end shape in conjunction with the first fuel system component.The system also includes a bracket that is detachably attached to the connecting body in contact with the fastener. The bracket secures the fastener in a position along the connecting body so that the final shape is located within the fastener when the fastener is positioned on the first fuel system component.

[0007] In another example, a fixture for assembling a connector onto a component is provided. The fixture includes a spacer extending between a first end and an opposite second end. A first end element is located at the first end, and a second end element is located at the second end. The first end element is configured to contact a fastener of the connector, and the second end element is configured to contact the connector body. A channel extends along the spacer, the first end element, and the second end element. The channel is configured to receive the connector body to which the holding fixture attaches and to which the fastener is held in position along the connector body.

[0008] In another example, an embodiment includes a method for assembling a fuel system connector onto a fuel system component. The method comprises inserting a fastening element of the fuel system connector into the fuel system component, the position of the fastening element being maintained along a connecting body of the fuel system connector by means of a retaining element detachably attached to the connecting body, which is in contact with the fastening element such that an end form formed at one end of the connecting body remains within the fastening element; provisionally snapping the fastening element into the fuel system component while the retainer is attached to the connecting body to hold the end form of the connecting body within the fastening element;Removing the bracket from the connecting body after the fastener has provisionally engaged in the fuel system component; and finally engaging the fastener in the fuel system component so that the final form engages in the fuel system component.

[0009] Further embodiments, forms, objects, features, advantages, aspects and benefits will become apparent from the following description and the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a fuel system and a mounting device to facilitate the assembly of fuel system components. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view showing a fuel system connector and a fuel system component of the fuel system. Fig. 1 shows. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a section of the fuel system connector with an embodiment of the mounting device attached to the fuel system connection. Fig. Figure 4 is a perspective view of the mounting device made of Fig. 3. Fig. Figure 5A is a perspective view of another embodiment of the mounting device. Fig. Figure 5B is a perspective view showing a section of the fuel system connector with the embodiment of the device from Fig. 5A shows which is attached to the fuel system connector. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the mounting device. Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the mounting device. Fig. Figure 8 is another perspective view of the mounting device. Fig. 7. Fig. Figure 9 is a flowchart of a method for assembling fuel system components using the mounting devices disclosed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE FORMATIONS

[0010] The systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein include arrangements in which a fastening element of a fuel system connector is held in a position during the assembly of the fuel system components such that an end form of the fuel system connector remains within the fastening element during assembly. This protects the fitting from damage during installation, since initially the fastening element, and not the end form of the connector body, contacts the component to which the connector is attached.

[0011] With reference to the Fig. Figures 1-8 describe an embodiment of the present disclosure comprising a system 10 with a fuel system connector 100 that connects a first fuel system component 20 and a second fuel system component 40. The fuel system connector 100 includes a connecting body 102 configured to extend from the first fuel system component 20 to the second fuel system component 40. The connecting body 102 includes a first end 104 with an end shape 106 for connecting to the first fuel system component 20. The fuel system connector 100 also includes a fastening element 110 arranged around the connecting body 102 and movable along it toward and away from the first end 104 of the connecting body 102.The fastening element 110 can snap into the first fuel system component 20 to secure the end form 106 in conjunction with the first fuel system component 102. The system 10 also includes a bracket 150, 250, 350, 450, which is detachably attached to the connecting body 102 in contact with the fastening element 110. The bracket 150, 250, 350, 450 secures the fastening element 110 in a position along the connecting body 102 such that the end form 106 is located within the fastening element 110 when the fastening element 110 is positioned on the first fuel system component 20.

[0012] In one embodiment, a device 140 is provided for assembling the connector 100 with the component 20. The device 140 includes a spacer 152, 252, 352, 452, which extends between a first end 154, 254, 354, 454 and an opposite second end 156, 256, 356, 456. A first end element 160, 260, 360, 460 is located at the first end 154, 254, 354, 454, and a second end element 162, 262, 363, 462 is located at the second end 156, 256, 356, 456. The first end element 160, 260, 360, 460 is configured to touch the fastening element 110 of the connector 100, and the second end element 162, 262, 362, 462 is configured to touch the connector body 102. A channel 158, 258, 358, 458 extends along the spacer 152, 252, 353, 452, the first end element 160, 260, 360, 460 and the second end element 162, 262, 362, 462.The channel 158, 258, 358, 458 is configured to accommodate the connecting body 102 of the connector 100, so that the device 140 holds the fastening element 110 in a position along the connecting body 102.

[0013] In another example, an embodiment includes a method 800 for assembling the fuel system connector 100 with the fuel system component 20. The method 800 includes a step 802 in which the fastening element 110 of the fuel system connector 100 is inserted into the fuel system component 20, while the position of the fastening element 110 along the connecting body 102 of the fuel system connector 100 is determined by means of the holder 150, 250, 350, 450, which are detachably attached to the connecting body 102 in contact with the fastening element 110, such that the end form 106 at the end 104 of the connecting body 102 remains inside the fastening element 110; a step 804 of the preliminary engagement of the fastening element 110 into the fuel system component 20, while the bracket 150, 250, 350, 450 is attached to the connecting body 102 to hold the final form 106 within the fastening element 110;a step 806 to remove the holder 150, 250, 350, 450 from the connecting body 102 after the preliminary engagement of the fastening element 110 in the fuel system component 20; and a step 808 to finally engage the fastening element 110 in the fuel system component 20, so that the final form 106 engages in the fuel system component 20.

[0014] With reference to Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the fuel system 10. The fuel system 10 can, for example, include a first fuel system component 20 and a second fuel system component 40. The fuel system connector 100 serves to connect the first fuel system component 20 to the second fuel system component 40. In one embodiment, the first fuel system component is a fuel injector 22, the second fuel system component 40 is a fuel distribution pipe 42, and the fuel system connector 100 includes a connecting body 102 in the form of an injection tube.

[0015] With further reference to Fig. In the first embodiment, the connecting body 102 is elongated and extends from a first end 104 to an opposite second end 114. In one embodiment, the connecting body 102 has the form of a tube with a flow channel 108 to allow fuel flow from the fuel distribution tube 42 to the fuel injector 22. The second end 114 can include a fitting 118 or other device that can engage with a complementary fitting of the second fuel system component 40. The first end 104 can include an end form 106 configured to engage compressively in a complementary receptacle 24 of the first fuel system component 20. In one embodiment, the end shape 106 is an outwardly flared section at the first end 104 of the tubular connecting body 102. However, other types of end shapes 106 are also conceivable, including beads, flanges, flares, notches, dies and combinations thereof.

[0016] The connecting body 102 includes at least one bend 112 between the first end 104 and the second end 114. An end section 116 of the connecting body 102 extends from the bend 112 to the first end 104. The fastening element 110 is positioned around the connecting body 102 at the end section 116, and unless held in position by the device 140, the fastening element 110 is movable along the end section 116, as indicated by the arrows 121 from the bend 112 to the end form 106, before the fastening element 110 engages with the first fuel system component 20.

[0017] The fastening element 110 comprises an elongated tubular body 122 with an internal bore 130 that receives the connecting body 102, such that the tubular body 122 is positioned around the connecting body 102. The elongated tubular body 122 extends from a locking end 124 to a drive end 126, which is opposite the locking end 124. In one embodiment, the drive end 126 of the fastening element 110 can be engaged with a drive tool, for example, a wrench, and the engagement end 124 can include an internal thread 128 that engages with an external thread 26 on the first fuel system component 20 by rotating the drive end 126 with the wrench or other drive tool.In one embodiment, the elongated tube body 122 is configured like a tube nut, wherein the drive end 126 has external surfaces for snapping into the drive tool and into the engagement end 124 with internal threads that are separated from the drive end 126 in the longitudinal direction by the elongated tube body 122.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first fuel system component 20 is located inside an engine component, such as a valve cover 30 or another engine component. Its position inside the valve cover 30 and / or the gasket 32 ​​around the fastener 110 may prevent the assembler from seeing the first fuel system component 20 while the fuel system connector 100 is snapping into place. Because the fastener 110 is not fixed along the connector body 102, the end form 106 may be exposed by being located outside the inner bore 130 and beyond the snap-in end 124, as shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows that, as a result, the end form 106 may be damaged during insertion into the valve cover 30, since the end form 106 may contact the first fuel system component 20 or another structure in or on the valve cover 30. A damaged end form 106 may not be able to ensure the desired snap-fit ​​sealing engagement with the fuel system component 20.

[0019] The device 140 serves to maintain the position of the fastening element 110 along the connecting body 102 during the assembly of a connector, for example a fuel system connector 100, on a component, for example a first fuel system component 20. The device 140 maintains the final shape 106 within the fastening element 110, as shown in Fig. 1 shown and by the modified brackets 124', 126' of the snap-in end 124 and the driver end 126 in Fig. 2 displayed.

[0020] With reference to the Fig. 3-4 In one embodiment, the device 140 has the form of a bracket 150, which is attached to the connecting body 102 in contact with the fastening element 110 and the bend 112, in order to hold the fastening element 110 at a distance from the bend 112. The length of the bracket 150 ensures that the end form 106 is located within the inner bore 130 of the tubular body 122, as indicated by the holding positions 124', 126' of the fastening element 110, and is not positioned outside the engagement 124. This protects the end form 106 when the connecting body 102 and the fastening element 110 are positioned to engage with the component 20.

[0021] The bracket 150 includes a spacer 152 extending between the first end 154 and the opposite second end 156. The spacer 152 also includes a first end element 160 at the first end 154 and a second end element 162 at the second end 156. The channel 158 extends from the first end 154 to the second end 156 along the spacer 152, the first end element 160, and the second end element 162. The channel 158 is configured to accommodate the connecting body 102 of a connector, for example, a fuel system connector 100. The first end element 160 is configured to contact the fastening element 110 of the connector 100 at the drive end 126.The second end element 162 is configured to contact the connecting body 102, for example at the bend 112 or any other outwardly or laterally extending section of the connecting body 102, and / or to use the connecting body 102 as a support to hold the fastening element 110 in position along the connecting body 102 such that the end form 106 is encapsulated within the fastening element 110.

[0022] In one embodiment, the channel 158 extends through the first and second end elements 160, 162 from the first end 154 to the second end 156. The spacer 152 includes a first spacer section 164 along a first side of the channel 158 extending from the first end element 160 to the second end element 162. The spacer 152 includes a second spacer section 166 along a second side of the channel 158 extending from the first end element 160 to the second end element 162.

[0023] In one embodiment of the holder 150, the first end element 160 extends from the first spacer section 164 to the second spacer section 166 to form a first closed side 168 of the channel 158. Similarly, the second end element 162 extends from the first spacer section 164 to the second spacer section 166 to form a second closed side 170 of the channel 158. The channel 158 includes an open side along the first and second spacers 164, 166 and the first and second end elements 160, 162, which faces the first and second closed sides 168, 170 of the channel 158.

[0024] The end elements 160, 162 allow the spacer sections 164, 166 to be bent away from each other around the closed sides 168, 170, thus enabling the placement of the bracket 150 on the connecting body 102 and its removal from the connecting body 102. The bracket 150 can be made of plastic or another elastic material, so that the spacer sections 162, 164 elastically return to each other after being bent away, in order to secure the bracket 150 to the connecting body 102. However, materials that are not elastic and / or only allow for single use of the bracket 150 are also conceivable.

[0025] In one embodiment of the bracket 150, the channel 158 includes an open side along the spacer 152. The open side of the channel 158 extends from the first end 154 to the second end 156 through the first and second end elements 160, 162. The spacer 152 defines a window 172 opposite the open side between the first and second end elements 160, 162. The window 172 provides material relief to facilitate insertion of the bracket 150 onto the connecting body 102, to maintain engagement with the connecting body 102, and to facilitate removal after the fastener 110 has been provisionally engaged with the component 20.

[0026] With reference to the Fig. 5A and Fig. Figure 5B shows a further embodiment of a device and is designated as a holder 450, which can be attached to the connecting body 102 in contact with the fastening element 110 and the bend 112 in order to hold the fastening element 110 at a distance from the bend 112, as described above for the Fig. 1-2 explained. The length of the bracket 450 ensures that the end piece 106 is located within the inner bore 130 of the tubular body 122, as indicated by the holding positions 124', 126' of the fastener 110, and is not positioned outside the snap-in end 124. This protects the end piece 106 when the connecting body 102 and the fastener 110 are positioned to snap into the component 20.

[0027] The bracket 450 includes a spacer 452 extending between the first end 454 and the opposite second end 456. The spacer 452 also includes a first end element 460 at the first end 454 and a second end element 462 at the second end 456. The first and second end elements 460, 462 are connected to each other and integrally formed with a rail 488 extending along the spacer 452.

[0028] Channel 458 extends from the first end 454 to the second end 456 along the spacer 452, the first end element 460, and the second end element 462. The windows 458a and 458b between the end elements 460 and 462 open into channel 458. Channel 458 is configured to accommodate the connecting body 102 of a connector, for example, a fuel system connector 100. The first end element 460 is configured to contact the drive end 126 and the fastening element 110 of the connector 100.

[0029] In one embodiment, the channel 458 extends through the first and second end elements 460, 462 from the first end 454 to the second end 456. The spacer 452 includes a first spacer section 464 along a first side of the channel 458, extending from the first end element 460 to the second end element 462. The spacer 452 includes a second spacer section 466 along a second side of the channel 458, extending from the first end element 460 to the second end element 462.

[0030] The first and second extension elements 480, 482 extend outwards from the respective first spacer section 464 and second spacer section 466 and / or from the second end element 462. The extension elements 480, 482 form a platform for gripping the bracket 450 and bending the spacer sections 464, 466 away from each other to adjust, remove, and / or detach the bracket 450 from the connecting body 102. The extension elements 480, 482 may project beyond the bend 112 or any other outwardly or laterally extending section of the connecting body 102 to facilitate access to the bracket 450.

[0031] In one embodiment, the rail 488 includes a base 486 that projects outward from each of the first end elements 460 and second end elements 462. The rail 488 also includes a flange 484 that projects laterally outward from an outer end of the base 486 to provide structural support for the spacer 452. In one embodiment, the rail 488 extends along the spacer 452 and is connected to it over the entire length or a portion thereof of the length of the end elements 460, 462. The base 486 extends outward from the end elements 460, 462 along a side of the spacer 452 that faces the opening into the channel 458 between the first and second spacer sections 464, 466.

[0032] In one embodiment of the bracket 450, the first and second spacer sections 464, 466 extend along an open side of the channel 458 opposite the rail 488. The first and second spacer sections 464, 466 are flexible to facilitate attaching and removing the bracket 450 from the connecting body 102. The bracket 450 can be made of plastic or another elastic material, such that the first and second spacer sections 464, 466 elastically return to each other after being bent apart, thus securing the bracket 450 to the connecting body 102. However, materials that are not elastic and / or allow only single use of the bracket 450 are also conceivable.

[0033] With reference to Fig. Figure 6 shows another embodiment of the device 140 and is designated as the holder 250. The holder 250 functions similarly to the holder 150, but is used as a reusable tool to hold the fastener 110 in a position along the connecting body 102 such that the end form 106 is located within the fastener 110 when the fastener 110 is engaged with the first fuel system component 20. The length of the holder 250 ensures that the end form 106 is located within the inner bore 130 of the tubular body 122, as defined by the holding positions 124', 126' of the fastener 110 in Figure 6. Fig. 2 is indicated, and is not positioned outside the snap-in end 124. This protects the end piece 106 when the connecting body 102 and the fastening element 110 are positioned to snap into the component 20.

[0034] The bracket 250 includes a spacer 252 extending between the first end 254 and the opposite second end 256. The spacer 252 includes a channel 258 extending from the first end 254 to the second end 256. The channel 258 is configured to accommodate the connecting body 102 of a connector, for example, a fuel system connector 100. The spacer 252 also includes a first end element 260 at the first end 254 and a second end element 262 at the second end 256. The first end element 260 is configured to contact the fastening element 110 of the connector 100.The second end element 262 is configured to come into contact with the connecting body 102, for example at the bend 112 or any other outwardly or laterally extending section of the connecting body 102, or to use the connecting body 102 as a support to hold the fastening element 110 in position along the connecting body 102 when the first end element 260 is in contact with the fastening element 110.

[0035] In one embodiment, the holder 250 includes an inner receptacle 264 in the first end element 260. The inner receptacle 264 is configured to receive a section of the fastening element 110, for example, a drive end 126. For example, the drive end 126 includes external surfaces configured to engage with a wrench, while the inner receptacle 264 has a complementary shape that couples with the drive end 126. In a specific embodiment, the inner receptacle 264 is shaped to fit around a nut-shaped drive end 126. In one embodiment, an external surface 266 of the first end element 260 is circular so that it cannot be engaged with a wrench.This ensures that the holder 250 can only be used to manually tighten the fastener 110 to temporarily engage it with component 20, while the end form 106 is protected and held in the correct orientation relative to component 20. The holder 250 is then removed from the connecting body 102, and the fastener 110 is engaged with the drive tool to finally engage the fastener 110 with component 20 and cause the end form 106 to engage with component 20 in the correct orientation.

[0036] In one embodiment, the spacer 252 includes a cylindrical body 268 extending from the first end element 260 to the second end element 262. The channel 258 is formed along one side of the cylindrical body 268 so that the holder 250 can be inserted laterally into the connecting body 102 between the fastening element 110 and the bend 112. The first end element 260 and the second end element 262 each project outwards from the cylindrical body 268 to engage with the drive end 126 and the bend 112, respectively.

[0037] With reference to the Fig. Figures 7-8 show another embodiment of the device 140 and are designated as the holder 350. The holder 350 functions similarly to the holder 250 and is used as a reusable tool to hold the fastener 110 in a position along the connecting body 102 such that the end form 106 is located within the fastener 110 when the fastener 110 is engaged with the first fuel system component 20. The length of the holder 350 allows the end form 106 to be located within the inner bore 130 of the tubular body 122, as defined by the holding positions 124', 126' of the fastener 110 in Figure 7-8. Fig. 2 is displayed, and is not positioned outside of the snap-in area 124. This protects the end piece 106 when the connecting body 102 and the fastening element 110 are positioned to snap into place with the component 20.

[0038] Like the bracket 250, the bracket 350 also includes a spacer 252 extending between the first end 354 and the opposite second end 356. The spacer 352 includes a channel 358 extending from the first end 354 to the second end 356. The channel 358 is configured to accommodate the connecting body 102 of a connector, for example, a fuel system connector 100. The spacer 352 also includes a first end element 360 at the first end 354 and a second end element 362 at the second end 356. The first end element 360 is configured to contact the fastening element 110 of the connector 100.The second end element 362 is configured to come into contact with the connecting body 102, for example at the bend 112 or any other outwardly or laterally extending section of the connecting body 102, or to use the connecting body 102 as a support to hold the fastening element 110 in position along the connecting body 102 when the first end element 360 is in contact with the fastening element 110.

[0039] In one embodiment, the holder 350 includes an inner receptacle 364 in the first end element 360. The inner receptacle 364 is configured to receive a section of the fastening element 110, for example, the drive end 126. For example, if the drive end 126 has outer surfaces configured to engage with a wrench, the inner receptacle 364 includes a complementary shape that couples with the drive end 126. In a specific embodiment, the inner receptacle 364 is shaped to fit around a nut-shaped drive end 126. In one embodiment, an outer surface 366 of the first end element 360 is circular, so that it cannot engage with a wrench.This ensures that the holder 350 can only be used to manually tighten the fastener 110 to temporarily engage it with component 20, while the final form 106 is protected and held in the correct orientation with component 20. The holder 350 is then removed from the connecting body 102, and the fastener 110 is engaged with the drive tool to finally engage the fastener 110 with component 20 and cause the final form 106 to engage with component 20 in the correct orientation.

[0040] In one embodiment, the spacer 352 includes a cylindrical body 368 extending from the first end element 360 to the second end element 362. The channel 358 is formed along one side of the cylindrical body 238 so that the holder 350 can be inserted laterally into the connecting body 102 between the fastening element 110 and the bend 112. The first end element 360 and the second end element 362 each project outwards from the cylindrical body 268 to engage with the drive end 126 and the bend 112, respectively.

[0041] Furthermore, the bracket 350 includes a first tab 370 and a second tab 372. The first and second tabs 370, 372 extend between the spacer 352 and the first end element 360. The first and second tabs 370, 372 project outwards from opposite sides of the cylindrical body 368 and span the space from the outer surface of the cylindrical body 368 to the outer surface 366 of the first element 360. The first and second tabs 370, 372 assist the technician using the bracket 350 in gripping and / or manipulating the bracket 350.

[0042] With reference to Fig.Section 9 provides a method 800 for assembling the fuel system connector 120 with the fuel system component 20. Method 800 includes a step 802 in which the fastener 110 is inserted into the fuel system component 20 while being held by the retainers 150, 250, 350, 450. Method 800 continues after step 802 with step 804 in which the fastener 110 is provisionally snapped into the fuel system component 20. After step 804, method 800 continues with step 806 in which the retainers 150, 250, 350, 450 are removed from the fuel system connector 120, and then continues with step 808 to finally snap the fastener 110 into the fuel system component 20.

[0043] In one embodiment, step 802 involves using the retainer 150, 250, 350, 450 attached to the connecting body 102 to maintain a position of the fastener 110 along the connecting body 102, such that the end form 106 of the connecting body 102 is held within the fastener 110 during installation. The retainer 150, 250, 350, 450 is removed from the connecting body 102 after the fastener 110 has been provisionally engaged with the fuel system component 20, since the end form 106 is now aligned with the fuel system component 20 by the provisional engagement of the fastener 110. The final engagement of the fastener 110 with the fuel system component 20 brings the aligned end form 106 into engagement with the fuel system component 20.

[0044] In one embodiment, the bracket 150, 250, 350, 450 of method 800 is the bracket 150, 450 described above. The bracket 150, 450 is attached to the connecting body 102 during the assembly of the fastener 110 and the connecting body 102. The fuel system connector 100 with the pre-assembled bracket 150, 450 is shipped, packaged, or otherwise made available to the installer and protects the end form 106 within the fastener 110 even before installation. The bracket 150, 450 is removed and disposed of after the fastener 110 has been provisionally engaged in the fuel system component 20.

[0045] In one embodiment, the holder 150, 250, 350, 450 of method 800 is the holder 250, 350 described above. The holder 250, 350 is a tool that the installer places onto the connecting body 102 and engages with the fastening element 110 before the fastening element 110 is inserted and provisionally engaged with the fuel system component 20. The holder 250, 350 is then removed after the fastening element 110 has provisionally engaged with the fuel system component and can be reused to provisionally engage the next fuel system connector 100 with the fuel system component 20.

[0046] In one embodiment of method 800, the fuel system component 20 is a fuel injector 22 located within the valve cover 24. In another embodiment of method 800, the connecting body 102 of the fuel system connector 100 is an injection tube with at least one bend 112, and the fastening element 110 of the fuel system connector 102 is an elongated tube nut arranged around the injection tube. The retainer 150, 250, 350 extends between the fastening element 110 and the at least one bend 112 and contacts it to hold the fastening element 110 in a position that encloses the end form 106.

[0047] While the present application contains a description and claims relating to fuel system components, aspects of the present disclosure may also be suitable for other applications. For example, applications outside the fuel system are conceivable where it is desirable to maintain an end shape on an elongated connecting body within the fastener of the connector during assembly.

[0048] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a system for assembling fuel system components is provided. The system includes a fuel system connector that joins a first fuel system component and a second fuel system component. The fuel system connector includes a connecting body configured to extend from the first fuel system component to the second fuel system component. The connecting body includes a first end with an end shape for connection to the first fuel system component. The fuel system connector also includes a fastening element that is arranged around the connecting body and is movable along it toward and away from the first end of the connecting body. The fastening element can snap into the first fuel system component to secure the end shape in conjunction with the first fuel system component.The system also includes a bracket that is detachably attached to the connecting body in contact with the fastener. The bracket secures the fastener in a position along the connecting body so that the final shape is located within the fastener when the fastener is positioned on the first fuel system component.

[0049] In one embodiment, the connecting body is a tube, and the end shape at the first end includes an outwardly flared section of the tube.

[0050] In one embodiment, the fastener includes an elongated tubular body arranged around the connecting body. The elongated tubular body extends from a locking end to a drive end. A drive end can be engaged with a drive tool to rotate the fastener around the connecting body and engage the locking end with the first fuel system component.

[0051] In one embodiment, the engagement end includes an internal thread for threaded engagement with the fuel system component, and a drive end includes a nut that can be engaged with the drive tool.

[0052] In one embodiment, the first fuel system component is a fuel injector, the second fuel system component is a fuel distribution pipe, and the fuel system connector includes an injection pipe with a passage to provide a fuel flow from the fuel distribution pipe to the fuel injector.

[0053] In one embodiment, the holder comprises a first end element that is in contact with the fastener and a second end element that is spaced apart from the first end element. The second end element is configured to snap into the fastener body to hold the holder in position along the fastener body. A spacer extends between the first and second end elements.

[0054] In one embodiment, the retaining device includes a channel extending along the first end element, the spacer, and the second end element. The channel is configured to accommodate the connecting body when the retainer is detachably attached to the connecting body.

[0055] In one embodiment, the first end element includes a receptacle configured to receive a drive end of the fastening element.

[0056] In one embodiment, the connecting body includes a bend. The second end element of the bracket contacts the bend to hold the bracket in position along the connecting body.

[0057] In one embodiment, the bracket includes a pair of extension elements that extend from the second end element beyond the bend.

[0058] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a device for assembling fuel system components is provided. The device comprises a spacer extending between a first end and an opposite second end, a first end element at the first end, and a second end element at the second end. The first end element is configured to contact the fastening element of the connector, and the second end element is configured to contact the connecting body of the connector. The device includes a channel extending along the spacer, the first end element, and the second end element.The channel is configured to accommodate the connecting body in order to attach the device to the connecting body and to hold the fastener in a position along the connecting body, with the first end element in contact with the fastener and the second end element in contact with the connecting body.

[0059] In one embodiment, the channel extends through the first and second end elements from the first end to the second end. The spacer includes a first spacer section along a first side of the channel, extending from the first end element to the second end element. The spacer includes a second spacer section along a second side of the channel, extending from the first end element to the second end element.

[0060] In one embodiment, the first end element extends from the first spacer section to the second spacer section to form a first closed side of the channel. The second end element extends from the first spacer section to the second spacer section to form a second closed side of the channel. The channel includes an open side along the first and second spacer sections and the first and second end elements, with the open side facing the first and second closed sides of the channel.

[0061] In one embodiment, the channel includes an open side along the spacer. The open side of the channel extends from the first end to the second end through the first and second end elements. The spacer defines a window opposite the open side between the first and second end elements.

[0062] In one embodiment, the first end element includes an internal receptacle configured to accommodate part of the fastening element.

[0063] In one embodiment, the inner recess is shaped to fit around a nut. The outer surface of the end element is circular.

[0064] In one embodiment, at least one tab extends between the spacer and the first end element. This at least one tab projects outwards from the spacer.

[0065] In one embodiment, the spacer comprises a cylindrical body extending from the first end element to the second end element. The channel is formed along one side of the cylindrical body, the first end element, and the second end element. The first end element and the second end element each project outwards from the cylindrical body.

[0066] In one embodiment, a first and a second extension element extend outwards from the second end element.

[0067] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for assembling fuel system components is provided.The method involves inserting a fastening element of the fuel system connector into the fuel system component while maintaining a position of the fastening element along a connecting body of the fuel system connector with a retaining device detachably attached to the connecting body, such that an end form at one end of the connecting body remains within the fastening element; provisionally snapping the fastening element into the fuel system component while the retaining device is attached to the connecting body to hold the end form of the connecting body within the fastening element; removing the retaining device from the connecting body after the provisional snapping of the fastening element into the fuel system component; and finally snapping the fastening element into the fuel system component so that the end form engages in the fuel system component.

[0068] In one embodiment, the holder is disposed of after removal. In another embodiment, the holder is a reusable tool.

[0069] In one embodiment, the fuel system component is a fuel injector located within a valve cover. The connecting body of the fuel system connection is an injection tube with at least one bend. The fastening element of the fuel system connection is an elongated nut arranged around the injection tube. The retaining device extends between the fastening element and the at least one bend and contacts it.

[0070] Although the drawings and the preceding description detail exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, these are to be considered illustrative and not limiting, and it should be noted that only certain exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, and that all changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed inventions are to be protected. It is understood that the use of terms such as "preferably," "preferred," or "more preferred" in the above description indicates that the feature so described may be desirable, but is not essential, and embodiments lacking this feature may be considered to be within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the following claims.When interpreting the claims, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "a", "a", "at least a", or "at least a part" does not imply an intention to limit the claim to only one subject matter unless expressly stated otherwise in the claim. Where the phrase "at least a part" and / or "a part" is used, the subject matter may include a part and / or the entire subject matter unless expressly stated otherwise. Non-restrictive examples of what may be claimed in one or more non-provisional applications claiming priority for the present application include the following. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 729,574

[0001]

Claims

System for assembling fuel system components, the system comprising: a fuel system connector connecting a first fuel system component and a second fuel system component, the fuel system connector comprising: a connecting body configured to extend from the first fuel system component to the second fuel system component, the connecting body comprising a first end with an end shape for connecting to the first fuel system component; and a fastening element arranged around the connecting body and movable along the connecting body towards and away from the first end of the connecting body, the fastening element being able to engage with the first fuel system component to secure the end shape in conjunction with the first fuel system component;and a retainer which is detachably attached to the connecting body in contact with the fastening element, wherein the retainer secures the fastening element in a position along the connecting body such that the end form is located within the fastening element when the fastening element is positioned on the first fuel system component. System according to claim 1, wherein: the connecting body is a tube; and the end form at the first end includes an outwardly flared section of the tube. System according to claim 1, wherein the fastening element comprises an elongated tubular body arranged around the connecting body, the elongated tubular body extending from an engagement end of the tubular body to a drive end of the tubular body, wherein a drive end can be engaged with a drive tool to rotate the fastening element around the connecting body to engage the engagement end with the first fuel system component. System according to claim 3, wherein: the engagement end includes an internal thread for snapping into the fuel system component; and the drive end includes a nut which can be engaged with the drive tool. System according to claim 1, wherein: the first fuel system component is a fuel injector; the second fuel system component is a fuel distribution pipe; and the fuel system connector includes an injection pipe with a passage for providing a fuel flow from the fuel distribution pipe to the fuel injector. System according to claim 1, wherein the holder comprises: a first end element that is in contact with the fastening element; a second end element that is spaced apart from the first end element, wherein the second end element is configured to engage with the connecting body to hold the holder in position along the connecting body; and a spacer between the first end element and the second end element. System according to claim 6, wherein the holder includes a channel extending along the first end element, the spacer and the second end element, wherein the channel is configured to accommodate the connecting body when the holder is detachably attached to the connecting body. System according to claim 6, wherein the first end element includes a receptacle configured to receive a drive end of the fastening element. System according to claim 6, wherein: the connecting body includes a bend; and the second end element of the holder touches the bend to hold the holder in position along the connecting body. System according to claim 6, wherein the support includes a pair of extension elements extending outwards from the second end element beyond the bend. Device for assembling a connector with a component, the device comprising: a spacer extending between a first end and an opposite second end; a first end element at the first end, the first end element being configured to contact a fastening element of the connector; a second end element at the second end, the second end element being configured to contact a connecting body of the connector; and a channel extending along the spacer, the first end element, and the second end element, the channel being configured to receive the connecting body of the connector in order to attach the device to the connecting body and to hold the fastening element in a position along the connecting body, with the first end element contacting the fastening element and the second end element contacting the connecting body. Device according to claim 11, wherein: the channel extends through the first and second end elements from the first end to the second end; the spacer comprises a first spacer section along a first side of the channel extending from the first end element to the second end element; and the spacer comprises a second spacer section along a second side of the channel extending from the first end element to the second end element. Device according to claim 12, wherein: the first end element extends from the first spacer section to the second spacer section to form a first enclosed side of the channel; the second end element extends from the first spacer section to the second spacer section to form a second enclosed side of the channel; and the channel includes an open side along the first and second spacer sections and the first and second end element, the open side being opposite the first and second closed sides of the channel. Device according to claim 11, wherein: the channel includes an open side along the spacer, the open side of the channel extending from the first end to the second end through the first and second end elements; and the spacer defines a window opposite the open side between the first and second end elements. Device according to claim 11, wherein the first end element includes an inner receiving space configured to receive a portion of the fastening element. Device according to claim 15, wherein: the inner receiving space is shaped to fit around a nut; and an outer surface of the element is circular. Device according to claim 15, further comprising at least one tab extending between the spacer and the first end element, wherein the at least one tab projects outwards from the spacer. Device according to claim 11, wherein: the spacer comprises a cylindrical body extending from the first end element to the second end element; the channel is formed along one side of the cylindrical body, the first end element and the second end element; and the first end element and the second end element each project outwards from the cylindrical body. Device according to claim 11, wherein the second end element includes a first and a second extension element extending outwards from it. A method for assembling a fuel system connector with a fuel system component, comprising: inserting a fastener of the fuel system connector into the fuel system component while maintaining a position of the fastener along a connecting body of the fuel system connector by a retaining device which is detachably attached to the connecting body in contact with the fastener, such that an end form at one end of the connecting body remains within the fastener; provisionally snapping the fastener into the fuel system component while the retainer is attached to the connecting body to hold the end form of the connecting body within the fastener; removing the retainer from the connecting body after the provisional snapping of the fastener into the fuel system component;incomplete locking of the fastening element into the fuel system component, so that the final form engages with the fuel system component.; The method of claim 20, further comprising disposing of the holder after removing the holder. The method of claim 20, further comprising reusing the holder as a tool to repeat the steps of claim 18. The method of claim 20, wherein: the insertion of the fastening element comprises the insertion of the fastening element into a valve cover to engage with a fuel injector arranged within the valve cover, and the connecting body of the fuel system connector is an injection tube having at least one bend, the fastening element of the fuel system connector is an elongated nut arranged around the injection tube, and the retainer extends between the fastening element and the at least one bend and contacts it.

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