AU2020100325A4 - A multi-part exhaust manifold and method of connecting same - Google Patents

Abstract

(Figure 1) The present invention relates to a multi-part exhaust manifold for a vehicle and a method of connecting the multi-part exhaust manifold. In one form, the multi-part exhaust manifold includes a first manifold part having a first manifold part outlet and a second manifold part having a second manifold part inlet and a connecting mechanism for connecting the first manifold part outlet and the second manifold part inlet together. The connecting mechanism includes a flange radially extending at least partway about one of the first manifold part outlet and the second manifold part inlet, a sealing member operatively associated with the other of the first manifold part outlet and the second manifold part inlet and a fastening plate configured to be fastened to the flange and bias the sealing member against the one of the first manifold part outlet and the second manifold part inlet. C) C) C)) C)C co co

Description

A MULTI-PART EXHAUST MANIFOLD AND METHOD OF CONNECTING SAME

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a multi-part exhaust manifold for a vehicle and a method of connecting the multi-part exhaust manifold.

BACKGROUND [0002] Vehicles having a combustion engine include an exhaust system to guide reaction exhaust gases away from controlled combustion inside the engine. The system is usually in the form of piping for conveying the burnt gases from the engine.

[0003] Typically, the exhaust system includes an exhaust manifold, which sits atop a cylinder head of the engine and collects the exhaust gases from multiple cylinders of the engine into one pipe that delivers the exhaust gases to an exhaust pipe.

[0004] Exhaust gases released from an engine can reach temperatures between about 200°C and 700°C depending on the engine type and operation. Accordingly, the exhaust manifold is exposed to a significant amount of heat, pressure and thus thermal expansion and contraction as “exhaust pulses” of exhaust gas are discharged from the individual cylinders of the head into the manifold.

[0005] Accordingly, one problem with conventional exhaust manifolds is general wear and tear caused by the thermal expansion and contraction and resulting in cracks, leaks and corrosion. This general wear and tear reduces engine performance.

[0006] To address the above problem, two-part exhaust manifolds have been developed with a slip joint between the parts to enable movement of the parts relative to one another responsive to the thermal expansion and contraction.

[0007] However, one problem with such two-part exhaust manifolds is that the tightness of the slip joint deteriorates over time and eventually leaks, which again reduces engine performance. With use, the slip joint begins to be reliant on a venturi-like effect caused by the exhaust pulses to maintain a seal about the joint. However, the inventor has found that over time the joint deteriorates to such an extent that even the venturi-like effect is unable to maintain a seal.

[0008] Another problem with such two-part exhaust manifolds is that the connection between each part of the exhaust manifold and the cylinder head has a tendency to loosen or

2020100325 05 Mar 2020 deteriorate over time resulting in the exhaust manifold part “walking” or lifting off the cylinder head. Again, this causes leaks and reduces engine performance.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0009] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a multi-part exhaust manifold and method connecting same, which may at least partially overcome one of the abovementioned problems or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multi-part exhaust manifold for a vehicle including:

a first manifold part including one or more exhaust gas inlets, a first manifold part outlet and an internal passageway in fluid communication with the one or more exhaust gas inlets and the first manifold part outlet;

a second manifold part connectable to the first manifold part, said second manifold part including one or more exhaust gas inlets, a second manifold part inlet connectable to the first manifold part outlet, a second manifold part outlet connectable to an exhaust system and at least one internal passageway in fluid communication with any one of the one or more exhaust gas inlets, the second manifold part inlet and the second manifold part outlet; and a connecting mechanism for connecting the first manifold part outlet and the second manifold part inlet together to form a join between the first manifold part and the second manifold part, said connecting mechanism including a flange radially extending at least partway about one of the first manifold part outlet and the second manifold part inlet, a sealing member operatively associated with the other of the first manifold part outlet and the second manifold part inlet for forming a seal about the join and a fastening plate configured to be fastened to the flange and bias the sealing member against the other of the first manifold part outlet and the second manifold part inlet.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first manifold part for use or when used with the multi-part exhaust manifold as defined in the first aspect, said first manifold part being connectable with a second manifold part to form the multipart exhaust manifold, said first manifold part including one or more exhaust gas inlets, a first manifold part outlet and an internal passageway in fluid communication with the one or more exhaust gas inlets and the first manifold part outlet.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a second manifold part for use or when used with the multi-part exhaust manifold as defined in the first aspect, said second manifold part being connectable with a first manifold part to form the multipart exhaust manifold, said second manifold part including one or more exhaust gas inlets, a

2020100325 05 Mar 2020 second manifold part inlet connectable to a first manifold part outlet of the first manifold part, a second manifold part outlet connectable to an exhaust system and at least one internal passageway in fluid communication with any one of the one or more exhaust gas inlets, the second manifold part inlet and the second manifold part outlet.

[0013] Advantageously, the multi-part exhaust manifold of the present invention provides two part exhaust manifold in which a seal is maintained about the join between the two parts by way of the fastening plate that biases the sealing member in place. This, in turn, reduces exhaust gas leakage thereby improving both the power and fuel economy of an engine.

[0014] Further, the first and second manifold parts of the multi-part exhaust manifold of the present invention are able to expand and contract relative to each other byway of the join. Thus, the multi-part exhaust manifold is better able to withstand the thermal stresses imparted both during and after use while still maintaining a seal about the join. Additionally, the ability of the first and second parts to expand and contract relative to each other reduces the likelihood of the formation of stress fractures and cracks and thereby increases the longevity of the manifold.

[0015] As indicated above, the multi-part exhaust manifold is for use with a vehicle. The vehicle may be a land vehicle, a watercraft or an aircraft, preferably a land vehicle, more preferably a car or truck.

[0016] The multi-part exhaust manifold may be of and suitable size, shape and construction and formed from any suitable material or materials. Generally, the exhaust manifold may be sized and shaped to connect to a cylinder head to which it is connected.

[0017] Typically, the exhaust manifold may be formed from material or materials capable of withstanding the thermal expansion and contraction to which the manifold is exposed. Usually, the exhaust manifold may be formed from metal material or materials, preferably cast iron or a steel alloy, such as, e.g., mild steel, carbon steel aluminized steel, stainless steel, high-carbon steel, medium carbon steel, high speed steel, cobalt steel or nickel chromium steel. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the exhaust manifold may be formed from high siliconmolybdenum cast iron.

[0018] The first manifold part may include a body. The body may be sized and shaped to connect to and form a seal with at least part of a cylinder head of a combustion engine and rout exhaust gases to the second manifold part.

[0019] The body may include a front end, an opposed rear end and sidewalls extending therebetween. The sidewalls may include an upper wall, an opposed lower wall and a pair of

2020100325 05 Mar 2020 sidewalls extending longitudinally between the front end and the opposed rear end.

[0020] The one or more exhaust gas inlets may be defined in the lower wall. Any suitable number of gas inlets may be defined.

[0021] Likewise, the first manifold part outlet may be defined in the rear end.

[0022] Each end and sidewall may include an inner surface and an opposed outer surface. The inner and outer surfaces may be curved. For example, the inner surface may include one or more concave curves. Likewise, the outer surface may include one or more convex curves.

[0023] Generally, the body may have an elongate shape extending longitudinally between the front and rear ends.

[0024] Moreover, the body may preferably have a curved or partly curved shape.

[0025] The body may include rounded corners extending between the front end and adjacent sidewalls and between the rear end and the adjacent sidewalls. Similarly, the body may include rounded edges between the lower wall or upper wall and the front end, sidewalls and the rear end.

[0026] The body may define an internal volume, including the at least one internal passageway for accommodating a flow or flows of exhaust gas. The at least one internal passageway may extend internally along a length of the body, preferably at least from a front most exhaust gas inlet to the first manifold part outlet.

[0027] In use, the at least one internal passageway may be in fluid communication with the one or more exhaust gas inlets and the first manifold part outlet such that exhaust gas received in the one or more gas inlets may be conveyed by the at least one internal passageway to the first manifold part outlet and to a remainder of an exhaust system via the second exhaust manifold part.

[0028] Like the first manifold part, the second manifold part may also include a body.

[0029] The body may also be sized and shaped to connect to at last part of the cylinder head, adjacent the body of the first manifold part, and form a seal to rout exhaust gases from the body of the first manifold part and the cylinder head to a remainder of an exhaust system.

[0030] The body may also include a front end, an opposed rear end and sidewalls extending therebetween. The sidewalls may include a lower wall, an opposed upper wall and a pair of sidewalls.

2020100325 05 Mar 2020 [0031] The one or more exhaust gas inlets may be defined in the lower wall. Any suitable number of gas inlets may be defined.

[0032] The second manifold part inlet may be defined in the front end. The second manifold part outlet may be defined in the rear end.

[0033] Each end and wall may include an inner surface and an opposed outer surface. The inner and outer surfaces may be curved. For example, the inner surface may include one or more concave curves. Likewise, the outer surface may include one or more convex curves.

[0034] Generally, the body, like the body of the first manifold part, may have an elongate shape extending longitudinally between the front and rear end.

[0035] Moreover, the body may preferably have a curved or partly curved shape.

[0036] For example, the second part body may include rounded corners extending between the front end and adjacent sidewalls and between the rear end and the adjacent sidewalls. Similarly, the body may include rounded edges between the lower wall or upper wall and the front end, sidewalls and rear end.

[0037] Like the body of the first manifold part, the body may define an internal volume, including the at least one internal passageway for accommodating a flow or flows of exhaust gas, preferably at least two internal passageways.

[0038] The at least one internal passageway may extend internally along a length of the body, preferably at least from a front most exhaust gas inlet to the first manifold part outlet.

[0039] For example, the body may include a first internal passageway and a second internal passageway extending internally at least partly along a length of the body.

[0040] The first internal passageway may extend between the second manifold part inlet and the second manifold part outlet.

[0041] The second internal passageway may extend between a front most exhaust gas inlet and the second manifold part outlet and preferably be in fluid communication with all the exhaust gas inlets.

[0042] In preferred embodiments, an internal dividing wall may divide the internal volume of the body to define the first internal passageway and the second internal passageway. The internal dividing wall may extend between the opposed sidewalls and at least partway along a length of the body between the front end and the rear end.

2020100325 05 Mar 2020 [0043] As indicated, each of the first part body and the second part body may include any suitable number of exhaust gas inlets. Generally, the number of exhaust gas inlets will depend on the number cylinders of the engine. For example, each part body may include at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five or even at least six exhaust gas inlets.

[0044] Each inlet may define a substantially circular opening providing passage into an internal volume of the respective body of the manifold part.

[0045] In some embodiments, each inlet may include a collar extending at least partway about a periphery of the inlet and protruding outwardly from the lower wall.

[0046] In some such embodiments, the collar may include at least one flange radially extending at least partway about the collar. The at least one flange may include one or more openings each for receiving a mechanical fastener therethrough for fastening the manifold part to the cylinder head and the individual exhaust gas inlets to a corresponding exhaust valve of a cylinder of the cylinder head.

[0047] The openings may preferably be defined in the at least one flange on opposite sides of the inlet, preferably adjacent each sidewall of the body of the respective manifold part. In some particular embodiments, the outer surfaces of each sidewall may further include a shaped shallow groove or channel extending across the sidewall above each flanged collar to allow a mechanical fastener to be aligned and received through the opening in the flange portion.

[0048] The bodies of the manifold parts may include strengthening ribs or formations for imparting greater structural rigidity to the respective manifold parts.

[0049] For example, one or more ridges, grooves and/or ribs may be provided along the lower walls and/or sidewalls of each body. The ridges, groove and/or ribs may at least partially extend along the wall or sidewall to strengthen the wall or sidewall. The ridges may be shaped, located and sized in any suitable way.

[0050] In preferred embodiments, the body of the first manifold part may include a strengthening ridge extending longitudinally at least partially along a length of the body, preferably between a first and second exhaust inlet, relative to the front end.

[0051] In some embodiments, one or more of the exhaust gas inlets may include an internal channel for guiding exhaust gas into the first or second manifold part, preferably in an arc. For example, the internal channel may guide the exhaust gas in a rearward facing arc into the internal passageway so as to guide the exhaust gas into an internal flow path travelling through the multi-part exhaust manifold.

2020100325 05 Mar 2020 [0052] As indicated above, the multi-part exhaust manifold includes a connecting mechanism for connecting the manifold parts together, preferably connecting the first manifold part outlet and the second manifold part inlet together to form a join.

[0053] The manifold parts may preferably be connected in a serial arrangement, preferably such that rear end of the body of the first manifold part is connected to the front end of the body of the second manifold part [0054] The connecting mechanism may include a first part associated with the first manifold part outlet and a second part connectable to the first part and associated with the second manifold part inlet, for example.

[0055] The parts of the connecting mechanism may include mateable male and female portions that couple together, including threaded connections, bayonet-type connections or interference type connections, for example.

[0056] In some embodiments, a first part of the connecting mechanism associated with the first manifold part outlet may include a male formation configured to couple, or engage, with a female formation of a second part of the connecting mechanism associated with the second manifold part inlet.

[0057] Conversely, in other such embodiments, the first part of the connecting mechanism associated with the first manifold part outlet may include a female formation configured to couple, or engage, with a male formation of the second part of the connecting mechanism associated with the second manifold part inlet.

[0058] In preferred embodiments, the first manifold part outlet may be configured to be at least partially received within the second manifold part inlet. The first manifold part outlet may include a collar protruding from the rear end of the first manifold part to an outer edge. The outer edge may define an open end of the first manifold part outlet.

[0059] Likewise, the second manifold part inlet may include a collar protruding forward of the front end of the second manifold part to an outer edge. The collar may likewise be cylindrical and have an open end defined by the outer edge.

[0060] Preferably, the flange may radially extend at least partway about the outer edge of the second manifold part inlet.

[0061] The second manifold part inlet may further include an internal ridge against which the outer edge of the first manifold part outlet may abut when at least partially received within

2020100325 05 Mar 2020 the second manifold part outlet. The internal ridge may extend at least partway about an inner periphery of the collar at or near a proximal end of the collar. Advantageously, the internal ridge may at least partially prevent over-insertion of the first manifold part outlet into the second manifold part inlet.

[0062] As indicated, the connecting mechanism includes a sealing member configured to be operatively associated with one of the first manifold part outlet and the second manifold part inlet, preferably the first manifold part outlet. The sealing member is configured to form a seal between the first manifold part outlet and the second manifold part inlet when the first manifold part outlet is at least partially received within the second manifold part outlet.

[0063] The sealing member may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and formed from any suitable material or materials capable of fitting about the first manifold part outlet and forming a seal.

[0064] For example, in some embodiments, the sealing member may be formed from a nonmetal material such as, e.g., rubber, silicone, cork, nitrile rubber, fiberglass, carbon fibre, cellulose, glass, manmade mineral fibre (MMMF), aramid, flexible graphite, mica, a thermoplastic, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a plastic polymer (such as polychlorotrifluoroethylene), polyurethane, ethylene propylene rubber (EPR), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), butadiene rubber (BR), butyl rubber (HR), chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSM), epichlorohydrin rubber (ECH, ECO), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), fluoroelastomer (FKM), perfluoroelastomer (FFKM), polyacrylate rubber (ACM), styrene-butadine rubber (SBR).

[0065] In other embodiments, the sealing member may be formed from a metal material such as, e.g., silver, copper, lead, nickel, cold, stainless steel, aluminium, carbon steel, titanium or an alloy thereof.

[0066] In preferred embodiments, the sealing member may be formed from graphite, preferably with reinforced fibre.

[0067] In some embodiments, the sealing member may be an O-ring, a washer or gasket configured to fit around the outer surface of the first manifold part outlet and be at least partially received with the first manifold part outlet within the second manifold part inlet.

[0068] In preferred embodiments, the sealing member may be in the form of a ring having a frustoconical shape adapted to fit about the first manifold part outlet and be at least partially received with the first manifold part outlet within the second manifold part inlet. The sealing

2020100325 05 Mar 2020 member may include a pair of opposed ends, including a base end and an opposed tapered end configured to be at least partially received within the second manifold part inlet.

[0069] In some embodiments, the connecting mechanism includes more than one sealing member. For example, in such embodiments, the connecting mechanism may include at least two sealing members operatively associated with one of the first manifold part outlet and the second manifold part inlet, preferably the first manifold part outlet. The sealing members may extend at least partially about the first manifold part outlet in a spaced arrangement from one another to form a seal between the first manifold part outlet and the second manifold part inlet when the first manifold part outlet is at least partially received within the second manifold part outlet.

[0070] The connecting mechanism further includes a fastening pate configured to be fastened to the flange and bias the sealing member against the other of the first manifold part outlet and the second manifold part inlet, preferably the second manifold part inlet.

[0071] The fastening plate may be of any suitable size, shape and construction to be fitted about the first manifold part outlet and fastened to the flange of the second manifold part inlet.

[0072] Typically, the fastening plate may be formed from metal material or materials, preferably cast iron or a steel alloy, such as, e.g., mild steel, carbon steel aluminized steel, stainless steel, high-carbon steel, medium carbon steel, high speed steel, cobalt steel or nickel chromium steel.

[0073] The fastening plate may have a pair of opposed surfaces interconnected by opposing edges. The fastening plate may include a central opening configured to be fitted about the collar of the first manifold part outlet. The fastening plate may further include one or more apertures at or near the edges configured to align with corresponding openings defined in the flange of the second manifold part inlet and receive one or more mechanical fasteners therethrough for fastening the fastening plate to the flange of the second manifold part inlet.

[0074] The mechanical fasteners may include threaded fasteners, bolts and nuts or preferably spring-loaded bolts.

[0075] In preferred embodiments, the one or more mechanical fasteners may include spring-loaded bolts configured to bias the fastening plate towards the flange of the second manifold part inlet so as to press or urge the sealing member towards or against the second manifold part inlet and thereby maintain a seal.

[0076] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of

2020100325 05 Mar 2020 connecting a multi-part exhaust manifold, the method including:

providing the multi-part exhaust manifold of the first aspect having a first manifold part and a second manifold part connectable to the first manifold part;

fitting a fastening and sealing member over the first manifold part outlet;

aligning the first manifold part and the second manifold part relative to one another and inserting the first manifold part outlet at least partially into the second manifold part inlet; and fastening the fastening plate to the flange of the second manifold part inlet such that the sealing member is held under tension against the second manifold part inlet.

[0077] The method may include one or more features or characteristics of the multi-part exhaust manifold as hereinbefore described.

[0078] For example, the fastening may include fastening the fastening plate to the flange of the second manifold part inlet with one or more spring-loaded bolts configured to bias the fastening plate towards the flange of the second manifold part inlet so as to press or urge the sealing member towards or against the second manifold part inlet and thereby maintain a seal.

[0079] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0080] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0081] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0082] Figure 1 is a photograph showing a side view of a multi-part exhaust manifold according to an embodiment of the present invention, including a first manifold part, a second manifold part, a sealing member and a fastening plate in a non-assembled state;

[0083] Figure 2 is a photograph showing a magnified view of the first and second manifold parts, the sealing member and the fastening plate as shown in Figure 1 but in an assembled state;

2020100325 05 Mar 2020 [0084] Figures 3A and 3B are diagrams respectively showing a bottom view and sectional side view of the multi-part exhaust manifold as shown in Figure 1 but in a partially assembled state;

[0085] Figure 4 is a sectional side view of the first and second manifold parts of the multipart exhaust manifold as shown in Figure 1; and [0086] Figure 5 is a photograph showing a perspective view of the sealing member, fastening plate and parts of the first and second manifold parts of the multi-part exhaust manifold as shown in Figure 1 with the sealing member and the fastening plate operatively associated with first manifold part and ready for assembly with the second manifold part.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0087] Figures 1 to 5 show a multi-part exhaust manifold (100) and parts thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Referring to Figure 1, the multi-part exhaust manifold (100) includes a first manifold part (110) and a second manifold part (120) connectable to one another in a serial arrangement such that a first manifold part outlet (118) is at least partially received in a second manifold part inlet (122) to form a join.

[0089] The multi-part exhaust manifold (100) further includes a connecting mechanism for connecting the first manifold part (110) and the second manifold part (120) together. The connecting mechanism includes a flange (130) radially extending at least partway around the second manifold part inlet (122) and a fastening plate (140) and a sealing member (150) configured to fit around the first manifold part outlet (118).

[0090] Referring to Figure 2, the sealing member (150) is configured to form a seal about the join and the fastening plate (140) is configured to be fastened to the flange (130) and bias the sealing member (150) against the second manifold part inlet (122) to maintain the seal about the join. The fastening plate (140) is fastened to the flange (130) by a pair of spring-loaded bolts (210) that press or push the fastening plate (140) towards the second manifold part inlet (122) and thereby bias the sealing member (150) towards the second manifold part inlet (122).

[0091] Referring to Figures 3Aand 3B, the manifold parts (110, 120) are formed of stainless steel, preferably cast in a mould.

[0092] The first manifold part (110) includes three exhaust gas inlets (114), the first manifold part outlet (118) and an internal passageway (116; visible in Figure 3B only) in fluid

2020100325 05 Mar 2020 communication with the three exhaust gas inlets (114) and the first manifold part outlet (118) for receiving and routing exhaust gases to the second manifold part (120).

[0093] The second manifold part (120) includes the second manifold part inlet (122) configured to connect to the first manifold part outlet (118), three exhaust gas inlets (124), a second manifold part outlet (128) connectable to a remainder of an exhaust system and two internal passageways (visible Figure 3B only).

[0094] The two internal passageways include a first internal passageway (125) extending between the second manifold part inlet (122) and the second manifold part outlet (128), and a second internal passageway (126) in fluid communication with each of the three exhaust gas inlets (124) and the second manifold part outlet (128).

[0095] An internal dividing wall (129; visible in Figure 3B only) extends at least partially along a length of the second manifold part (120) and divides an internal volume to define the first internal passageway (125; visible in Figure 3B only) and the second internal passageway (126; visible in Figure 3B only).

[0096] Each manifold part (110, 120) includes a body (310A, 310B) sized and shaped to connect to and form a seal with part of a cylinder head.

[0097] Each body (310A, 310B) includes a front end, an opposed rear end and sidewalls extending therebetween. The sidewalls include an upper wall, an opposed lower wall and a pair of sidewalls extending longitudinally between the front end and the opposed rear end.

[0098] The exhaust gas inlets (114, 124) are defined in the lower wall.

[0099] Likewise, the first manifold part outlet (118) and the second manifold part outlet (128) are defined in the rear end of the bodies (310A, 310B) of the first manifold part (110) and the second manifold part (120), respectively.

[00100] The second manifold part inlet (122) is defined in the front end of the body (310B) of the second manifold part (120).

[00101] Each body (310A, 310B) has an elongate curved shape extending longitudinally between the front and rear ends.

[00102] Referring to Figure 3A, each exhaust gas inlet (114, 124) defines a substantially circular opening providing passage into a respective internal passageway (116, 126) of the first or second manifold parts (110, 120).

2020100325 05 Mar 2020 [00103] Each exhaust gas inlet (114, 124) includes a collar (320) extending at least partway about a periphery of the inlet (114, 124) and protruding outwardly from the lower wall. Each collar (320) includes a flange (330) radially extending from the collar (320). Each flange (330) includes an opening for receiving a mechanical fastener therethrough for fastening the manifold part (110, 120) to a cylinder head and the individual exhaust gas inlets (114, 124) to a corresponding exhaust valve of a cylinder of the cylinder head.

[00104] Referring to Figure 3B, the outer surface of each sidewall includes a shaped groove extending across the sidewall above each flanged collar (320) to allow a mechanical fastener to be aligned and received through the openings in the flange (330; not visible) of the collar (320).

[00105] Referring to Figure 4, each exhaust gas inlet (114, 124) further includes an internal substantially arc-shaped channel (410) for guiding exhaust gas into the first or second manifold part (110, 120) in a rearward facing arc into an internal flow path travelling through the multi-part exhaust manifold (100) towards the second manifold part outlet (128). Each channel (410) is at least partly defined in a portion of an inner surface of the sidewall above each inlet (114, 124).

[00106] Referring to Figure 5, the second manifold part inlet (122) is configured to at least partially receive the first manifold part outlet (118) when the first manifold part (110) and the second manifold part (120) are joined together.

[00107] The first manifold part outlet (118) includes a cylindrical collar (510) protruding from the rear end of the first manifold part (110) to an outer edge (512). The outer edge (512) defines an open end of the first manifold part outlet (118).

[00108] Likewise, the second manifold part inlet (122) includes a cylindrical collar (520) protruding forward of the front end of the second manifold part (120) to an outer edge (522). The collar (520) also has an open end defined by the outer edge (522).

[00109] Generally, the cylindrical collar (520) of the second manifold part (120) is sized and shaped to at least partially receive the cylindrical collar (510) of the first manifold part (110).

[00110] As shown, the flange (130) radially extends at least partway around the outer edge (522) of second manifold part inlet (122).

[00111] As shown, the fastening plate (140) is configured to slip over and about the cylindrical collar (510) of the first manifold part outlet (118). The fastening plate (140) is formed of steel and includes a central opening (142) configured to fit over the cylindrical collar (510) of the first manifold part outlet (118) and a pair of openings (144) defined on opposite sides of the central opening (142) each for receiving a spring-loaded bolt (210; shown in Figure 2 only) for fastening

2020100325 05 Mar 2020 the fastening plate (140) to the flange (130).

[00112] The sealing member (150) is in the form of a ring having a frustoconical shape and, as shown, is likewise configured to slip over and about the cylindrical collar (510) of the first manifold part outlet (118) and be at least partially received with the first manifold part outlet (118) in the second manifold part inlet (122) when the first manifold part (110) and the second manifold part (120) are joined together.

[00113] The sealing member (150) is formed of a flexible graphite.

[00114] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word “comprising” and its derivatives including “comprises” and “comprise” include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00115] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00116] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. A multi-part exhaust manifold for a vehicle including:

a first manifold part including one or more exhaust gas inlets, a first manifold part outlet and an internal passageway in fluid communication with the one or more exhaust gas inlets and the first manifold part outlet;

a second manifold part connectable to the first manifold part, said second manifold part including one or more exhaust gas inlets, a second manifold part inlet connectable to the first manifold part outlet, a second manifold part outlet connectable to an exhaust system and at least one internal passageway in fluid communication with any one of the one or more exhaust gas inlets, the second manifold part inlet and the second manifold part outlet; and a connecting mechanism for connecting the first manifold part outlet and the second manifold part inlet together to form a join between the first manifold part and the second manifold part, said connecting mechanism including a flange radially extending at least partway about one of the first manifold part outlet and the second manifold part inlet, a sealing member operatively associated with the other of the first manifold part outlet and the second manifold part inlet for forming a seal about the join and a fastening plate configured to be fastened to the flange and bias the sealing member against the other of the first manifold part outlet and the second manifold part inlet.

2. The multi-part exhaust manifold of claim 1, wherein the first manifold part outlet is configured to be at least partially received in the second manifold part inlet to form the join.

3. The multi-part exhaust manifold of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the sealing member is in the form of a ring having a frustoconical shape adapted to fit about the first manifold part outlet and be at least partially received with the first manifold part outlet in the second manifold part inlet.

4. The multi-part exhaust manifold of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fastening plate is fastened to the flange radially extending at least partway about the second manifold part inlet with one or more spring-loaded bolts configured to bias the fastening plate towards the flange so as to press or urge the sealing member towards or against the second manifold part inlet and thereby maintain a seal.

5. A method of connecting a multi-part exhaust manifold, the method including:

providing the multi-part exhaust manifold of any one of claims 1 to 4;

fitting a fastening and sealing member over the first manifold part outlet;

aligning the first manifold part and the second manifold part relative to one another and inserting the first manifold part outlet at least partially into the second manifold part inlet; and

2020100325 05 Mar 2020 fastening the fastening plate to the flange of the second manifold part inlet such that the sealing member is held under tension against the second manifold part inlet.