CN112343696A

CN112343696A - Exhaust gas treatment apparatus and vehicle

Info

Publication number: CN112343696A
Application number: CN202010783263.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: D·索拉特
Original assignee: Faurecia Emissions Control Technologies Germany GmbH
Current assignee: Faurecia Emissions Control Technologies Germany GmbH
Priority date: 2019-08-07
Filing date: 2020-08-06
Publication date: 2021-02-09
Also published as: DE102019121382A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an exhaust gas treatment device for a motor vehicle, having a housing (14) which delimits an exhaust gas channel (13) through which exhaust gas flows; an electric heating device (12) which extends transversely through the exhaust gas channel (13) and is flowed through by the exhaust gas and which comprises a heating element (20) formed by one or more flow-conducting wires and a carrier structure, wherein the heating element (20) is mounted at the carrier structure, and wherein the carrier structure has a metal carrier frame (24) which surrounds the heating device (12) on the outside. At least one carrier element (38) is arranged on the carrier frame (24) and extends radially into an inner region of the carrier frame (24), wherein the heating component (20) is held by the carrier element (38) and/or is electrically contacted by the carrier element (38).

Description

Exhaust gas treatment apparatus and vehicle

Technical Field

The invention relates to an exhaust gas treatment device for a motor vehicle, having a housing which delimits an exhaust gas channel through which exhaust gas flows; an electric heating device which extends transversely through the exhaust gas channel and is flowed through by the exhaust gas and which comprises a heating element formed by one or more flow-conducting wires and comprises a carrier structure, wherein the heating element is mounted at the carrier structure, and wherein the carrier structure has a metal carrier frame which surrounds the heating device on the outside. The invention also relates to a vehicle with an exhaust gas treatment device.

Background

In order to limit the emission of harmful substances from the internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, it is known to use exhaust gas purification devices, such as catalysts, particle filters or the like, for exhaust gas purification.

In order to ensure a catalytically assisted conversion of harmful substances, the exhaust gas or the exhaust gas purification device must have a predefined minimum temperature. Such a minimum temperature is usually not reached, especially after a cold start or a restart of the internal combustion engine.

In such exhaust gas treatment devices, the exhaust gas purification device itself is therefore electrically heated in order to reach or maintain a predetermined minimum temperature.

Alternatively, a separate heating device is used, which belongs to the exhaust gas purification apparatus. In such a heating device, the electrodes are supplied with electrical power, and the additionally provided fastening device is used for fastening.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a simple, reliable and self-contained heating device for an exhaust gas treatment apparatus.

According to the invention, in an exhaust gas treatment device of the type mentioned at the outset, this object is achieved in that: at least one carrier element is arranged on the carrier frame, said at least one carrier element extending radially into an inner region of the carrier frame, wherein the heating component is held by the carrier element and/or is electrically contacted by the carrier element. Since the carrier element extends radially in the inner region of the carrier frame and holds the heating element, a deformation of the heating device can be reduced or avoided. Furthermore, when the heating element is electrically contacted by the carrier element, the contact area is increased, thereby improving the current transmission to the heating element and making the heating of the heating device uniform (homogeneous) through the flow cross section.

Optionally, the carrier structure, in particular the carrier frame, is molded onto the heating element, such that the carrier structure, in particular the carrier frame and the heating element, merge integrally into one another. This saves parts and makes assembly easier.

The carrier element may also be formed by another component in the exhaust gas treatment device, for example by an exhaust gas purification device.

In particular, the heating element is held by the carrier frame and/or is electrically contacted by the carrier frame. The carrier frame stabilizes the heating element and serves as a fastening of the heating device at the housing of the exhaust gas duct, the exhaust gas treatment device or the exhaust gas purification device. The carrier frame, which is electrically conductive and electrically contacts the heating element, makes it possible to achieve a circumferentially closed current supply or current discharge, so that the heating of the heating device is uniform (homogeneous) over the flow cross section. Furthermore, the heating element can thus be contacted over a larger area, which increases the reliability of the contact and improves the current flow in the heating element.

For example, the housing forms a common housing for the exhaust gas purification device and for the heating device.

Alternatively, the heating device and the exhaust gas purification device may each have a separate housing.

Preferably, the heating device is arranged upstream of the exhaust gas purification device in the exhaust gas flow direction.

It can be provided that a plurality of spoke-like carrier elements are fastened to the carrier frame and extend into the center of the carrier frame, wherein connecting elements are arranged in the center, at which the carrier elements are mounted. The spoke-like carrier elements further increase the stability of the heating element and further increase the contact area.

For example, the connecting element can serve as an electrical connection between the carrier structure and the heating component, wherein the heating component is electrically contacted via the connecting element. The central current supply or discharge thus realized makes it possible to unify the heating of the heating device over the flow cross section.

In particular, the carrier elements are electrically coupled by means of the carrying frame and/or by means of the connecting elements. Thereby, the contact area can be enlarged and the electrical contact of the heating element can be made uniform.

In one embodiment, the heating element is electrically contacted directly by the electrode and/or by the electrode via the carrier structure. The stability of the heating element can be further improved in that the heating element is in direct electrical contact via the electrodes. Thus, for example, the electrodes can extend as far as into the central region of the heating device and there be a mechanical and electrical connection to the heating element, whereby deformations of the heating device are reduced or avoided. By means of the electrically conductive support structure, which electrically contacts the heating element, a circumferentially closed (closed) current supply or current discharge can be achieved, so that the heating device is heated uniformly over the flow cross section. Furthermore, the heating element can thus be contacted over a larger area, which increases the reliability of the contact and improves the current flow in the heating element.

In a further embodiment, the current-carrying wires (current-carrying lines) extend between the electrodes at least partially in the radial direction, in the circumferential direction and/or in the axial direction of the heating device. Different wire patterns or heating wire forms can thus be formed, whereby the flow cross section in the region of the heating device can be heated reliably and efficiently.

According to one aspect, the electrodes are held at the housing or respectively by fastening sleeves mounted at the outside or inside of the housing and electrically coupled with the heating element and/or the mounting structure. The electrodes are easily accessible by mounting on the housing side. Furthermore, the mounting on the housing side can be easily achieved. By fastening the sleeve, the respective electrode is insulated to the outside, thereby avoiding interaction between the electrode and, for example, the housing.

Alternatively, one of the electrodes is electrically coupled with the heating component and another of the electrodes is electrically coupled with the support structure. Thus, for example, one electrode may extend into a central region of the heating device and there be electrically coupled with the heating element, while the other electrode may be electrically coupled with the support structure. In this way, a uniform (uniform) current flow through the heating element over the current cross section can be achieved.

In particular, at least one of the electrodes is received in the fastening sleeve in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner. Thus, a reliable and secure fastening, preferably without the use of material-fitting means or methods (e.g. gluing or welding), can be achieved.

For example, at least one electrode is clamped in the fastening sleeve.

Alternatively, the heating element can be fastened directly to another component in the exhaust gas treatment device, for example to the exhaust gas purification device, in particular to surround and clamp this component in the circumferential direction.

On the other hand, it is provided that the support frame is fastened directly to the housing. The use of additional fastening devices is therefore eliminated, as a result of which the component expenditure can be reduced. The carrier frame should not be electrically conductive or at least insulated from the electrically contacted heating elements in order to avoid interaction with the housing.

For example, the carrier frame is welded at the housing.

Alternatively, the carrier frame is fastened to the housing by means of at least one fastening element and/or at least one electrode. Thus, a gap may be formed between the heating device and the housing, whereby an interaction between the support structure or the carrying frame and the housing may be avoided. Interaction between the carrier structure or the carrying frame and the housing can also be avoided by means of fastening elements which can likewise be received in insulating fastening sleeves. Here, the carrier frame is also electrically contacted.

In particular, the carrier structure has a holding element which at least partially (in sections) surrounds a part of the heating component and/or is locked with the heating component in the manner of a clamping element (in a clamping manner). In this way, the heating element is securely fastened to the mounting structure and the stability of the heating element or of the heating device is thereby increased.

Preferably, a holding element is provided on the carrier element. .

For example, the holding element is an insulator. Thereby, the heating element may be electrically decoupled from the support structure.

Alternatively, the holding element may be insulated only in the region in contact with the heating component. Whereby insulation material can be saved.

In a further embodiment, the support structure comprises a first support element and a second support element, which are both electrically conductive and thus form an electrode section, and which are arranged one behind the other in the exhaust gas flow direction, and the heating element in the form of a heating wire extends alternately from the first support element to the second support element and back. In this embodiment, the carrier elements are electrically conductive and are each contacted by at least one electrode. Thereby increasing the available contact area of the heating member. Further, the heating member is connected to the holder element (electrode) at a plurality of positions. As a result, the reliability of the contact can be increased overall and the current flow in the heating element can be improved. Furthermore, the overall length of the heating element is increased by the additional oblique course in the exhaust gas flow direction, which leads to a better heating effect.

In particular, the first carrier element and the second carrier element have spokes which emanate from a central region of the heating device, wherein the spokes of the first carrier element are offset in the circumferential direction from the spokes of the second carrier element, as viewed in the exhaust gas flow direction. Thereby, the stent elements can be further spaced apart from each other, thereby reducing the interaction between the two stent elements. The heating element or heating elements thus extend partly in the circumferential direction and partly in the axial direction from the front spoke to the rear spoke and vice versa.

Preferably, the heating element extends helically outward from a central region of the heating device and is fastened here alternately at the first and second carrier elements. It is thus possible to ensure a planar heating (heating across the cross section) of the exhaust gas by the heating wire with little material expenditure.

Alternatively, the heating member extends zigzag (zigzag) outwardly from the central region between adjacent spokes of the first and second carrier elements, in particular the heating wire extends zigzag between all adjacent spokes. In this embodiment, it is also possible to ensure a planar heating (heating across the cross section) of the exhaust gas by the heating wire with a low material expenditure.

One heating wire may be used for each adjacent spoke. In this case, heating wires may be provided between all adjacent spokes, or heating (metal) wires may be provided only between individual adjacent spokes.

In a further embodiment, the heating element is an inherently rigid (in itself rigid) heating grid, wherein the sections of the at least one current conductor cross each other and rest against each other at the crossing point, so that the heating grid is formed. Such a heating grid is simple to produce, since it can be produced, for example, from sheet metal by electrolytic machining or stamping. Depending on the size of the opening, the flow resistance of the exhaust gas caused by the heating device and the heating intensity can be influenced. Such a heating grid can also be easily installed in a heating device or in an exhaust gas treatment device.

In particular, the heating grid is preferably held on the outside in the edge region at the carrying frame. This increases the stability of the heating grid.

Provision can be made for an insulating layer to be arranged at least partially (in sections) between the heating element and the carrier structure, which insulating layer simultaneously serves as a spacer. Thus, interaction between the heating member and the support structure can be reliably avoided.

For example, the insulating layer can be arranged on the entire end side of the carrier structure, which end side is opposite the heating element.

Furthermore, the object is achieved by a vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an exhaust gas treatment device according to the invention.

The advantages and features of the exhaust gas treatment device according to the invention are equally applicable to a vehicle; and vice versa.

Drawings

Other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings referred to below. Shown in the attached drawings:

figure 1 is a schematic longitudinal section of an exhaust gas treatment device according to the invention,

figure 2 is another schematic longitudinal section of an exhaust gas treatment device according to the invention,

fig. 3 is a plan view of a first embodiment of the heating device according to the invention of the exhaust gas treatment apparatus according to the invention according to fig. 1 or 2,

figure 4 shows a longitudinal section through a first embodiment of the heating device according to the invention according to figure 3,

figure 5a is a longitudinal section through a second embodiment of the heating device according to the invention according to figure 3,

figure 5b is a detailed view of the holding element according to the second embodiment of the heating device according to the invention of figure 5a,

FIG. 6a is a longitudinal section through a third embodiment of the heating device according to the invention according to FIG. 3,

figure 6b is a detailed view of the holding element according to the third embodiment of the heating device according to the invention of figure 6a,

figure 7a is a longitudinal section through a fourth embodiment of a heating device according to the invention of the exhaust gas treatment apparatus according to the invention according to figure 1 or 2,

FIG. 7b is a detailed view of the first embodiment of the holding element of the fourth embodiment of the heating device according to the invention according to FIG. 7a,

FIG. 7c is a detailed view of a second embodiment of the holding element of the fourth embodiment of the heating device according to the invention according to FIG. 7a,

FIG. 7d is a detailed view of a third embodiment of the holding element of the fourth embodiment of the heating device according to the invention according to FIG. 7a,

figure 8 is a longitudinal section through a fifth embodiment of a heating device according to the invention of the exhaust gas treatment apparatus according to the invention according to figure 1 or 2,

figure 9a is a plan view of a sixth embodiment of the heating device according to the invention of the exhaust gas treatment apparatus according to the invention according to figure 1 or 2,

figure 9b is a longitudinal section of a sixth embodiment of the heating device according to the invention according to figure 9a,

fig. 10 is a plan view of a seventh embodiment of the heating device according to the invention of the exhaust gas treatment apparatus according to the invention according to fig. 1 or 2,

fig. 11 is a plan view of an eighth embodiment of the heating device according to the invention of the exhaust gas treatment apparatus according to the invention according to fig. 1 or 2,

figure 12 shows a detailed view of the heating device according to the invention according to figure 10 or 11,

figures 13(a) and (b) show detailed views of the heating device according to the invention according to figure 10 or 11 with a first embodiment of the connection of the heating element to the support structure,

FIGS. 14(a) and (b) are detailed views of the heating device according to the invention according to FIG. 10 or 11 with a second embodiment of the connection of the heating element to the support structure,

FIG. 15(a) a detailed view of a first embodiment of the fastening of the electrode in the fastening sleeve,

FIG. 15(b) is a detail of the second embodiment of the fastening of the electrode in the fastening sleeve according to FIG. 15(a),

FIG. 15c) shows a cross section of the fastening sleeve according to FIG. 15a) or FIG. 15b) without an inserted electrode,

fig. 15(d) shows a cross section of the fastening sleeve according to fig. 15(c) with an insertion electrode according to fig. 15(a) or fig. 15(b), and

figure 16 is a top view of the fastening of the electrodes on the carrying frame.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

Fig. 1 and 2 schematically show two exemplary embodiments of an exhaust gas treatment device 10 in longitudinal section. The exhaust treatment apparatus 10 is provided in an exhaust passage 13 and includes a heating device 12, an exhaust purification device 15, and a casing 14.

In both embodiments, the heating device 12 is arranged upstream of the exhaust gas purification device 15 at a distance in the exhaust gas flow direction 11.

It can also be provided that the heating device 12 abuts (abuts) against the exhaust gas purification device 15.

In fig. 1, the casing 14 is a common casing 14 belonging to the heating device 12 and the exhaust gas purification device 15.

In fig. 2, the housing 14 of the heating device 12 constitutes a separate housing 14, which is spaced apart from the exhaust gas purification device 15.

In fig. 3, the exhaust gas treatment device 10 is shown in cross section in a view along the exhaust gas flow direction 11. Exhaust treatment device 10 includes a heating device 12 and a housing 14.

The heating device 12 is composed of a heating element 20, a first electrode 16, a second electrode 18 and a carrier structure, wherein the carrier structure has a fastening element 22, a metallic carrier frame 24 which surrounds the heating element 20 on the outside, a connecting element 36 and a first carrier element 38.

In this embodiment, the first carrier element 38 is of spoke-like configuration and is fastened at its radially outer end to the supporting frame 24 and at its radially inner end to the connecting element 36.

Alternatively, the heating device 12 may also have a plurality of electrodes 18. For example, only the second electrode 18 may be provided instead of the fastening element 22, so that the electrode 18 also has the function of the fastening element 22.

The heating element 20 is made of an electrically conductive material and is designed in this embodiment as an inherently rigid (rigid) heating grid.

The heating grid may for example be made of sheet metal.

The heating device 12 is arranged in the exhaust channel 13 by means of a mounting structure and is fastened at the housing 14 such that a gap 26 exists between the housing 14 and the heating device 12.

The gap 26 reduces or prevents interaction between the heating device 12 and the housing 14. In addition, manufacturing errors can be compensated for by the gap 26.

The gap 26 may also be filled with a filler material, such as an insulator.

The first electrode 16 extends through the housing 14 into a central region 28 of the heating device 12 and is electrically and mechanically connected to the heating element 20 in this region.

The fastening of the first electrode 16 may be achieved, for example, by welding at the outside of the housing 14. The electrode 16 is electrically insulated from the housing 14.

The carrier frame 24 is arranged at a radially outer edge region of the heating member 20.

The second electrode 18 and the fastening element 22 are indirectly or directly connected to the carrier frame 24 and thereby fasten the heating device 12 in the housing 14.

The heating member 20 is electrically and mechanically connected to the second electrode 18.

The second electrode 18 and the fastening element 22 extend through the housing 14 and are accommodated in a fastening sleeve 30 mounted at the outside of the housing 14.

The fastening of the fastening sleeve 30 can be achieved, for example, by welding on the outside at the housing 14.

The housing 14 and the fastening sleeve 30 are electrically decoupled (decoupled) or galvanically decoupled (decoupled) from the second electrode 18 and the fastening element 22, respectively, by the insulator 32. Electrical interaction between the second electrode 18 or the fastening element 22 and the housing 14 or the fastening sleeve 30 is thereby avoided.

The insulator 32 of the second electrode 18 and the second electrode 18 extend through the housing 14 and the fastening sleeve 30. At the outer end of the second electrode 18, for example, a cable or a wire can be connected, which is necessary for establishing an electrical circuit.

In other embodiments, it is contemplated that the insulator 32 is not necessarily required.

When the current flows, the current flows via the first electrode 16 into the central region 28 of the heating element 20 and further flows approximately in the radial direction and also partially in the circumferential direction of the edge region, depending on the course of the heating element, to the second electrode 18.

Alternatively, the current may flow in the opposite direction.

The heating member 20 heats up when current flows, thereby also heating the exhaust gas flowing through the heating device 12.

Then, the heated exhaust gas flows into the exhaust gas purification device 15, and the exhaust gas purification device is heated there. Whereby the efficiency of exhaust gas purification can be significantly increased.

The arrangement of the

electrodes

16, 18 and the fastening of the heating device 12 are to be understood in fig. 3 only as an example. For example, the first electrode 16 can be connected to the heating element 20 at a radially outer edge region, as can the second electrode 18.

Furthermore, the heating device 12 can also be fastened directly to the housing 14. For this purpose, the carrier frame 24 is connected to the housing 14, for example by welding, gluing or the like. Thus, the gap 26 will no longer exist.

Fig. 4 shows a first embodiment of the heating device 12 or more precisely of the carrier structure. The second electrode(s) 18 are not shown here, but electrically contact the heating means 20 at a radially outer edge region of the heating device 12 (see fig. 3).

The first carrier element 38 extends radially between the carrier frame 24 and the connecting element 36.

"radial" essentially means "extending transversely to the flow direction 11", see fig. 3.

Preferably, the first carrier element 38 is integrally molded on the carrier frame 24 and integrally merges into one another (into one another) via the connecting element 36, so that the first carrier element 38, the carrier frame 24 and the connecting element 36 form an integral carrier structure.

Alternatively, the first bracket element 38, the carrier frame 24 and the connecting element 36 may be separate components.

The heating element 20 is placed on the carrier structure, in particular on the first carrier element 38, and is fastened, for example clamped, between the first electrode 16 and the carrier structure, in particular the first carrier element 38.

An insulating layer 42 is disposed between the heating member 20 and the support structure. By means of the insulating layer 42, the heating member 20 and the support structure can be electrically decoupled from one another and a spacing is provided between the heating member 20 and the support structure.

In particular, the insulating layer 42 is a coating.

The insulating layer 42 thus serves as an insulator and at the same time as a spacer (spacer), whereby interaction between the heating element 20 and the carrier structure can be reliably avoided.

The insulating layer 42 is made of ceramic, for example.

It can also be seen that the first electrode 16 is arranged at a distance from the connecting element 36. Interaction between the heating element 20 and the support structure should thus also be avoided.

The second embodiment of the heating device 12 or more precisely of the carrier structure shown in fig. 5a is substantially similar to the first embodiment according to fig. 4.

Here, however, the heating member 20 is arranged between two oppositely disposed parts of the carrier structure or between the first carrier elements 38, 38'.

The opposing portions of the first bracket element 38, 38' are connected to each other by a plurality of retaining elements 44. The opposing parts of the first carrier element 38, 38' are held securely at a distance from one another by the holding element 44.

Furthermore, the heating component 20 is supported and held in sections by the holding element 44.

The holding element 44 is shown in more detail in fig. 5 b. The holding element 44 is partially (in sections) of annular design, whereby it surrounds the current-carrying wires of the heating component 20 in the circumferential direction.

At the contact point of the holding element 44 with the heating member 20, an insulating layer 42 is arranged between the holding element 44 and the heating member 20.

Alternatively, the insulating layer 42 can be omitted and the heating component 20 is thus electrically contacted via the holding element 44 of the first carrier element 38, which first carrier element 38 electrically contacts the second electrode 18.

The other features of the first embodiment are equally applicable to the second embodiment.

Fig. 6a shows a third embodiment of the heating device 12, or more precisely of the carrier structure, which is very similar to the first embodiment according to fig. 4.

Here, however, the insulating layer 42 does not extend over the entire side of the first carrier element 38 facing the heating component 20, but rather the insulating layer 42 is provided on the end side of a retaining element 44 mounted separately on the first carrier element 38 (see fig. 6 b).

In particular, the insulating layer 42 is designed here as a ceramic pin.

The heating element 20 is placed on the holding element 44 of the first carrier element 38 and is fastened, for example clamped, between the first electrode 16 and the holding element 44.

Alternatively, the insulating layer 42 can be omitted and the heating element 20 can thus be electrically contacted via the holding element 44 of the first carrier element 38, the first carrier element 38 being electrically contacted by the second electrode 18.

The other features of the first embodiment are also applicable to the third embodiment.

Fig. 7a shows a fourth embodiment of the heating device 12. The construction of the support structure is substantially similar to the previous embodiments.

In this embodiment, there is no supporting frame 24 arranged at the radially outer end of the first carrier element 38, but rather the first carrier element 38 is fastened directly to an insulating layer 45 arranged between the housing 14 and the carrier structure, which insulating layer is designed as a mat.

An insulating layer 45 circumferentially surrounds the stent structure.

In particular, in this embodiment, the insulating layer 45 is part of the carrier structure, in particular of the carrier frame 24.

The heating component 20 is mounted on the one hand by means of a holding element 44 at the first carrier element 38 and on the other hand is fastened via a carrier frame 24 formed separately from the first carrier element 38 at the heat insulation layer 45 and/or the mat.

The carrier frame 24 may be molded at the heating component 20 such that the heating component 20 and the carrier frame 24 integrally transition into each other.

In this embodiment, the carrier structure is electrically contacted by

electrodes

16, 18 arranged at the radially outer edge regions. The first carrier element 38 here forms part of the first electrode 16 and electrically contacts the heating component 20 via a connecting element 36, which is connected to the heating component 20, similarly to the first electrode 16 in the embodiment according to fig. 3 to 6.

The carrier frame 24 forms part of the second electrode 18. The carrier frame 24 according to the embodiments 1 to 3 of fig. 4 to 6 can also be electrically contacted by the second electrode 18 in a similar manner.

Of course, such an arrangement should be understood as being merely exemplary. For example, the first carrier element 38 can also be provided with a carrier frame 24. The carrier frame 24 for the heating member 20 can also be dispensed with, since the heating member 20 is fastened to the first carrier element 38 by the retaining element 44.

Fig. 7b to 7d show different embodiments of the holding element 44 according to fig. 7a in detail. The holding element 44 has one or more latching elements 46 which, proceeding from the holding element 44, extend through the space between the guide wires and engage the guide wires from behind.

Thereby, the current-guiding wires and thus the heating member 20 are locked at the holding element 44.

At the contact point of the holding element 44 with the heating member 20, an insulating layer 42 is arranged between the holding element 44 and the heating member 20. Thus, there is no electrical connection between the heating member 20 and the support structure.

In particular, the holding element 44 according to embodiments 2 to 4 of fig. 5 to 7 can be designed as an insulator.

Fig. 8 shows a fifth embodiment of the heating device 12.

The heating element 20 is placed here on a component of the exhaust gas treatment device 10, for example the exhaust gas purification device 15, and surrounds a section (portion) of the exhaust gas purification device 15 in the circumferential direction on the outside by means of a carrier frame 24.

The exhaust gas purification device 15 here forms a carrier structure, in particular a first carrier element 38.

In this embodiment, the carrier frame 24 is also integrally molded on the heating part 20, so that the carrier frame 24 and the heating part 20 merge integrally into one another. The carrying frame 24 can naturally also be formed separately.

The heating element 20 is electrically contacted in a central region 28 by the first electrode 16 and in a radially outer edge region by the second electrode 18 via the carrier frame 24.

In order to insulate, damp and compensate for manufacturing tolerances, an insulating or damping mat or wire mesh 48 may be provided between the carrier frame 24 and the exhaust gas purification device 15.

Fig. 9a shows a sixth embodiment of the heating device 12. For the sake of clarity, the housing 14, the first electrode 16, the second electrode 18 and the fastening element 22 are omitted from illustration. The arrangement of these components is similar to that in figure 3.

It is also conceivable here to fasten the carrier frame 24 directly to the housing 14, so that no fastening elements 22 are required.

The heating device 12 is substantially similar in construction to the embodiments 1 to 3 according to fig. 3 to 6. Here, however, the first carrier element 38 does not extend into the central region 28, and the first carrier element 38 is not mounted at the connecting element 36 in the central region 28.

The first carrier element 38 is fastened at its radially outer end at the carrying frame 24 and extends radially in a direction towards the common centre point 50, but does not reach the centre point 50.

Fig. 9b shows a sixth embodiment of the heating device 12 in longitudinal section.

The heating member 20 is arranged between two opposite portions of the frame structure or first frame elements 38, 38'.

The opposite parts of the first bracket elements 38, 38' are fastened at a common carrier frame 24.

The carrier frame 24 is mounted directly at the housing 14 and is electrically contacted by the second electrode 18.

Through the carrier frame 24, the opposing portions of the first support element 38, 38' are electrically contacted by the second electrode 18.

The longer support element 38 supports and holds the heating member 20. An insulating layer 42 is arranged between the heating member 20 and the longer support element 38. Thus, the heating member 20 is not electrically contacted via the longer carrier element 38.

The shorter carrier element 38' is mechanically and electrically coupled directly to the heating member 20.

The heating means 20 is thus electrically contacted on the one hand by the first electrode 16 in the central region 28 and on the other hand by the second electrode 18 via the shorter carrier element 38'.

The arrangement of the

electrodes

16, 18 and the fastening of the heating device 12 are to be understood in fig. 9b only by way of example. Thus, for example, the first electrode 16 (similar to the second electrode 18) may be connected to the carrier frame 24 at a radially outer edge region. The longer stent elements 38 and/or the shorter stent elements 38 may also be in direct electrical contact with the second electrode 18.

Fig. 10 and 11 each show a plan view of a seventh or eighth embodiment of the heating device 12. Here, a heating wire is used instead of the heating grill as the heating member 20.

In both embodiments, the first carrier element 38 and the second carrier element 40, each in the form of a plurality of spokes, extend radially outward from the connecting element 36 arranged in the central region 28 of the heating device 12 in the direction of the housing 14.

The

carrier elements

38, 40 are arranged one after the other in the exhaust gas flow direction 11 (see fig. 12 to 14) and are rotated relative to one another such that the respective spokes are offset from one another in the circumferential direction.

At their outer ends, the

carrier elements

38, 40 are each surrounded in the circumferential direction by the carrier frame 24. The carrier frame 24 is fastened to the housing 14 as in the respective above-described embodiments.

The electrical contacting of the

carrier elements

38, 40 by the

electrodes

16, 18 is shown in detail in fig. 12.

The first carrier element 38 is electrically contacted via the first electrode 16 (which in this embodiment is of the same design as the second electrode 18) and the second carrier element 40 is electrically contacted via the second electrode 18.

The

electrodes

16, 18 extend here through the housing 14 and the carrier frame 24 into the

respective carrier elements

38, 40.

Alternatively, each carrier frame 24 may also be electrically contacted by a corresponding

electrode

16, 18.

The

carrier elements

38, 40 and the carrier frame 24 are made of an electrically conductive material and thus form part of the

respective electrodes

16, 18 themselves.

In order to reduce or prevent interaction between the two

carrier elements

38, 40, a spacer 52 is provided between the two

carrier elements

38, 40. The above-described rotation of the spokes of the

carrier elements

38, 40 also helps to reduce or prevent interaction.

In the embodiment according to fig. 10, a plurality of heating wires are arranged in the heating device 12. The heating wire extends from the region of the center 28 of the heating device 12 in a zigzag-shaped manner between adjacent spokes of the first support element 38 and the second support element 40 and extends over its length several times in the exhaust gas flow direction back and forth from one spoke to the other.

The heating wire can be fixed alternately, as shown in fig. 13, for example by resistance welding, on the inner sides of adjacent spokes that point toward one another.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 14, heating wires may be alternately wrapped around the first and

second bracket elements

38, 40. For this purpose, recesses 54 are provided in the

carrier elements

38, 40, into which recesses the heating wire can be fixed, for example by resistance welding. The notches 54 of

adjacent carrier elements

38, 40 face away from each other.

The embodiment of the heating device 12 shown in fig. 11 has heating wires which extend radially outward in a spiral-like manner from the central region 28 of the heating device 12 and are fixed here alternately to the first carrier element 38 and the second carrier element 40. Here, the heating wire also extends all the way from one spoke to the other spoke from the front to the back and back again.

It is also conceivable that a plurality of heating (metal) wires are arranged in this way in the heating device 12.

The fastening of the heating wire in this embodiment can be carried out analogously to the seventh embodiment according to fig. 10, as is shown in fig. 13 and 14.

During the manufacturing process, the heating wires may first be fastened to the spokes and then the spokes are rotated relative to each other such that they are offset from each other in the circumferential direction.

Fig. 15 shows an exemplary fixing of the

electrodes

16, 18 in the fastening sleeve 30 at the housing 14.

According to a first embodiment of the fastening, the

electrodes

16, 18 are received in the fastening sleeve 30 in a force-fitting manner.

The

electrodes

16, 18 have for this purpose at the end facing the fastening sleeve 30 a receptacle 56 in the form of a blind hole into which a cross-sectionally deformable pin 58 formed complementarily at the fastening sleeve 30 can be received. When the

electrodes

16, 18 are inserted into the fastening sleeve 30, the pin 58 is pressed into the receptacle 56 and is deformed in cross section (see fig. 15c and 15 d).

In addition to the non-positive fastening, the

electrodes

16, 18 can be mounted in the fastening sleeve 30 in a form-fitting manner in the second fastening embodiment (see fig. 15 b).

For this purpose, the

electrodes

16, 18 have on their outer circumference a radially outwardly projecting lug 60 which, when inserted, engages into a recess 62 formed complementarily in the fastening sleeve 30.

Fig. 16 illustrates an alternative mechanical and electrical coupling of the

electrodes

16, 18 to the carrier frame 24.

The

electrodes

16, 18 extend through the support frame 24 or past the support frame 24 and bear with a contact surface 64 facing the support frame 24 on a section against a radially inwardly directed surface of the support frame 24.

In this embodiment, the

electrodes

16, 18 are welded to the support frame 24 at two welding points 66.

Thus, the

electrodes

16, 18 are mechanically and electrically coupled with the carrier frame 24.

Claims

1. An exhaust treatment device for a vehicle, having:

a housing (14) defining an exhaust passage (13) through which exhaust gas flows,

an electric heating device (12) which extends transversely to the exhaust gas channel (13) and through which the exhaust gas flows and which comprises a heating element (20) formed by one or more flow-conducting wires and comprises a support structure,

wherein the heating member (20) is mounted at the support structure and

wherein the support structure has a metal carrier frame (24) which surrounds the heating device (12) on the outside,

characterized in that at least one carrier element (38) is arranged on the carrier frame (24), said at least one carrier element extending radially into an inner region of the carrier frame (24), wherein the heating component (20) is held by the carrier element (38) and/or is electrically contacted by the carrier element (38).

2. Exhaust gas treatment device according to claim 1, characterized in that the heating component (20) is held by the carrier frame (24) and/or is electrically contacted by the carrier frame (24).

3. Exhaust gas treatment device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a plurality of spoke-like carrier elements (38) are fastened at the carrier frame (24) and extend into the centre (28) of the carrier frame (24), wherein in the centre (28) connecting elements (36) are arranged, at which connecting elements the carrier elements (38) are mounted.

4. Exhaust gas treatment device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the heating component (20) is electrically contacted via the electrodes (16, 18) directly by the electrodes (16, 18) and/or by the carrying frame.

5. Exhaust gas treatment device according to claim 4, characterized in that the guide wires extend between the electrodes (16, 18) at least partly in the radial direction, the circumferential direction and/or the axial direction of the heating means (12).

6. Exhaust gas treatment device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the electrodes (16, 18) are held at the housing (14) or respectively by a fastening sleeve (30) mounted at the outside or inside of the housing (14) and electrically coupled with the heating means (20) and/or the carrying frame, or one of the electrodes (16, 18) is electrically coupled with the heating means (20) and the other one of the electrodes (16, 18) is electrically coupled with the mounting structure.

7. Exhaust gas treatment device according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one of the electrodes (16, 18) is received in the fastening sleeve (30) in a force-fitting and/or form-fitting manner.

8. Exhaust gas treatment device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrying frame (24) is fastened directly at the housing (14).

9. Exhaust gas treatment device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the carrying frame (24) is fastened at the housing (14) by means of at least one fastening element (22) and/or at least one electrode (16, 18).

10. Exhaust gas treatment device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mounting structure has a retaining element (44) which at least partially surrounds a part of the heating component (20) and/or is locked with the heating component (20) in the manner of a clip.

11. The exhaust gas treatment device according to claim 10, characterized in that the holding element (44) is an insulator.

12. Exhaust gas treatment device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mounting structure comprises a first mounting element (38) and a second mounting element (40), which mounting elements are both electrically conductive and thereby form an electrode section, and which are arranged one after the other in the exhaust gas flow direction (11), and in that heating means (20) in the form of heating wires extend alternately from the first mounting element (38) to the second mounting element (40) and back.

13. Exhaust gas treatment device according to claim 12, characterized in that the first carrier element (38) and the second carrier element (40) have spokes which emanate from a central region (28) of the heating device (12), wherein the spokes of the first carrier element (38) are offset in the circumferential direction from the spokes of the second carrier element (40) as seen in the exhaust gas flow direction (11).

14. Exhaust gas treatment device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the heating member (20) extends helically outwards from a central region (28) of the heating device (12) and is here fastened alternately at the first bracket element (38) and at the second bracket element (40), or that the heating member (20) extends zigzag outwards from the central region (28) between adjacent spokes of the first bracket element (38) and of the second bracket element (40), in particular that the heating wire extends zigzag between all adjacent spokes.

15. The exhaust gas treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the heating element (20) is an inherently rigid heating grid, wherein sections of at least one flow conductor wire cross each other and abut each other at the crossing point, thereby forming the heating grid.

16. Exhaust gas treatment device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an insulating layer (42) is arranged at least partially between the heating component (20) and the mounting structure, which insulating layer at the same time serves as a spacer.

17. A vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an exhaust gas treatment device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.