CN108431378B

CN108431378B - Structurally improved exhaust treatment assembly and related treatment member

Info

Publication number: CN108431378B
Application number: CN201580085647.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: S.E.奥兹; A.奥兹格尔; O.茨策达格; I.杜曼; S.奥韩; S.埃内沃尔森; R.艾姆博里
Original assignee: Ford Otomotiv Sanayi AS
Current assignee: Ford Otomotiv Sanayi AS
Priority date: 2015-12-31
Filing date: 2015-12-31
Publication date: 2021-05-25
Anticipated expiration: 2035-12-31
Also published as: DK180430B1; RU2698860C1; WO2017116329A1; CN108431378A; DK201870501A1

Abstract

An exhaust gas treatment system (1) comprising at least one exhaust gas treatment member within a housing (2), the housing (2) having an inlet and an outlet on a side wall of the housing (2) allowing exhaust gas to be received and disposed, the treatment member being a removable tubular structure for repair and maintenance, and both treatment members being attachable by means of a clip providing sealing and impermeability during gas passage.

Description

Structurally improved exhaust treatment assembly and related treatment member

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a serviceable exhaust treatment system having an exhaust gas treatment component adapted to treat a flow of exhaust gas from a combustion engine, such as in proximity.

Background

The exhaust system generally directs exhaust gases formed as a result of controlled combustion within the engine of the vehicle. Diesel engines are ignited by high temperatures of fuel in the compressed stateUnlike spark-ignited gasoline engines. Often, dangerous chemical constituents are present in diesel exhaust, such as Nitrogen Oxides (NO)_x) Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and hydrocarbons, and particulate matter, such as carbon, organic materials and trace metal compounds (metals compounds).

Exposure to exhaust gases is a common problem in the modern world and therefore the gases emitted from an engine and their amounts are regulated by legal requirements. Compliance with regulations that reduce exhaust gas exposure to emissions is thereby ensured by exhaust aftertreatment systems that include components such as Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs), Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOCs), and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) components in order to reduce the toxic effects of the exhaust gas. In short, the exhaust gas passes through multiple filters and/or catalytic converters to reduce the dangerous effects of the exhaust gas.

Components of the exhaust system may require replacement and periodic maintenance, or may require cleaning of residues on the filter surface. It is therefore of utmost importance to ensure maintenance of the individual components without the need to disassemble the entire exhaust system.

Various exhaust systems exist in the prior art, those generally comprising different treatment sections having one or more components that are independently removable from the housing of the exhaust system. It will be noted, however, that the present invention is based on the following recognized design, and there is still a great need for such removable components to be repaired in a structurally reliable and generally practical manner.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an exhaust aftertreatment assembly with multiple components that are physically removable independently and substantially structurally improved.

A prior art publication in the technical field of the present invention, which may be referred to as document US 7,550,024B 2, discloses an exhaust aftertreatment assembly for an internal combustion engine and a related method, allowing the aftertreatment component to be removed laterally from between a first assembly member and a second assembly member for servicing. The exhaust aftertreatment assembly includes an aftertreatment member extending axially along an axis between distally opposite first and second axial ends mounted in sealing relationship with first and second assembly members axially spaced apart by the aftertreatment member therebetween, the aftertreatment member being laterally removable between the first and second assembly members for servicing.

In another aspect, the present invention provides removable exhaust treatment components disposed within a housing of an exhaust treatment system to effect filtration of hazardous gases such that each component may be independently removed for servicing in a substantially practical manner while at the same time ensuring that mechanically reinforced multi-component structures may be joined to one another in a robust and stable manner.

This is particularly important in the case of interconnected components that require periodic maintenance, as each and every component of the overall system involves physical and reversible interaction with each other.

Disclosure of Invention

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide an exhaust treatment system having a compartment for receiving a removable aftertreatment component in a manner such that a plurality of such components may be serviced sequentially in a practical manner by a mechanically robust interengaging structure.

Furthermore, the present invention is directed to ensuring easy mounting and dismounting of a plurality of removable treatment members adapted to be operatively connected to each other, irrespective of the experience of the operator responsible for the maintenance operation.

The present invention provides an exhaust gas treatment system for filtering and/or converting exhaust gas to reduce its toxicity prior to discharge to the external environment.

Further, the present invention provides a system and method by which the installation and removal of a process component disposed within a housing of an exhaust gas treatment system is made substantially practical.

The mounting of the pair of treatment members is ensured by means of a V-clip adapted to fasten the proximal end of the enclosure member and the proximal end of the first treatment member. The V-clip also enables fastening of the proximal end of the second process member, so that the outer envelope of the first process member and the first process member itself are reliably fastened to the second member, thereby connecting the first and second process members, while at the same time ensuring that operational displacements of the members and their actual displacements during maintenance are avoided.

Drawings

The figures are presented for purposes of illustrating an exhaust treatment system having at least one removable treatment member. The figures also illustrate the relative method for repairing a treatment member, the advantages of which over the prior art are summarized above and will be briefly explained below.

The drawings are not intended to define the scope of protection defined in the claims, nor should they be individually referenced in order to attempt to interpret the scope defined in the claims without resorting to the technical disclosure in the description of the invention.

Fig. 1 shows an overall cross-sectional view in the longitudinal direction of an exhaust gas treatment system according to the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an enlarged view of section A of FIG. 1, showing the interaction of a first treatment component with the overall exhaust treatment system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of section B of FIG. 1 with a V-clip and V-clip sealing device in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 4 shows a detail of section C of fig. 1 with a belt clip according to the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a general perspective view of an exhaust treatment system with a service cover in an open condition and a V-clip disengaged in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates an overall perspective view of the exhaust treatment system with the second treatment member removed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a general perspective view of the exhaust treatment system when the first treatment member is aligned for removal in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates an overall perspective view of the exhaust treatment system with the first treatment member removed in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 9 shows a general perspective view of a processing device of the first processing member according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a general perspective view of a locating pin within the periphery of a first processing member according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows a general perspective view of a belt clip according to the present invention.

Fig. 12 shows a general perspective view of a V-clip according to the invention.

Detailed Description

The following numbers are mentioned in the detailed description of the invention:

1) exhaust gas treatment system

2) Exhaust compartment housing

3) Maintenance cover

4) First processing member

5) Second processing member

6) Belt clip

7) Processing device

8) Supporting ring

9) Clamping device

10) Sealing device

11) Intermediate space

12) Terminal space

13) Silk screen

14) Sensor access orifice

15) Locating pin

16) Processing member housing

17) Reinforced support

18) A holding portion.

The present invention relates to an exhaust gas treatment system (1) for an internal combustion engine, said exhaust gas treatment system (1) comprising an exhaust compartment housing (2) generally defining an internal exhaust gas passage chamber between an inlet and an outlet, via which combustion exhaust gases are received and treated in a leak-free treatment chamber manner. In the case of a diesel engine in question, the exhaust gases received into the exhaust compartment housing (2) may be treated by a plurality of treatment components, for example in the form of a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), a Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) or a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) component, which are arranged in the exhaust compartment housing (2). The handling member is accessible for maintenance and replacement purposes via a service cover (3).

An exhaust compartment housing (2) of an exhaust gas treatment system (1) comprises a first treatment member (4) and a second treatment member (5) extending in sequence along the interior of the exhaust compartment housing (2). According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the second treatment member (5) may be provided as a filter when the first treatment is used as a catalyst. Exhaust gases gradually sucked into said first and second treatment members (4, 5) positioned axially adjacent in an interconnected manner are treated by said members in order to filter out substances and toxic air pollutants in the form of particles in the diesel exhaust gases and to reduce the toxicity of the exhaust gases before their discharge from the exhaust compartment housing (2) is effected.

According to the invention, each of said first and second treatment members (4, 5) is removable, whereby maintenance operations can be carried out in order to replace the members individually in a practical manner. The service cover (3) allowing access into the exhaust compartment housing (2) is a biplanar element with an L-shaped cross section, thereby partially closing said exhaust compartment housing (2) at its two side planes, each of which is perpendicular to each other. Thus, the maintenance cover (3) of L-shaped cross-section closes the upper part of the exhaust compartment housing (2), as well as the front side thereof.

The first treatment member (4) and the second treatment member (5) comprise an intermediate space and a terminal space (12) positioned between the two treatment members and between the second treatment member (5) and the side wall of the exhaust compartment housing (2), respectively. In other words, the intermediate space (11) is provided between the peripheral edges of the first and second treatment members (4, 5) at the reciprocating axial ends thereof, and the terminal space (12) is provided between the side wall of the exhaust compartment housing (2) and the peripheral edge of the second treatment member (5) at the axial end thereof remote from the first treatment member (4).

The first and second treatment members (4, 5) are cylindrical structures having a circular cross-section. Each of the treatment members is movably arranged within the exhaust compartment housing (2) such that after it has been removed from the exhaust compartment housing (2) in a lateral direction, the first treatment member (4) can be slid in an axial direction to a home position of the second treatment member (5).

The first treatment member (4) and the second treatment member (5) are fixedly connected to each other inside the exhaust compartment housing (2) in an operating state by means of releasable clamping means (9) in such a way that the inner axial end of the first treatment member (4) is firmly fastened to the inner axial end of the second treatment member (5). The clamping means (9) fixedly attaching the first and second treatment members (4, 5) is a V-clamp having a V-shaped cross-section, enclosing a circumferential edge of the treatment member housing (16) and inner reciprocating circumferential edges of the first and second treatment members (4, 5). As will be described below, the clamping means (9) enables fixation in both the axial and radial directions.

The clamping means (9) connects the circumferential edge at the second axial end of the first treatment member (4) to the circumferential edge at the first axial end of the second treatment member (5) by means of said treatment member housing (16) in such a way that it also maintains the first treatment member (4) in a fixed mounting position when the latter treatment member housing (16) completely enclosing the first treatment member (4) is interconnected with the second treatment member (5). Thus, the peripheral edges of both the processing member case (16) and the first processing member (4) are sandwiched with the second processing member (5). The clamping means (9) also ensure a mechanically rigid connection of the treatment members with each other and the exhaust compartment housing (2) when the treatment member housing (16) is supported by two reinforcing brackets (17) fixedly attached to the exhaust compartment housing (2).

The peripheries of the first and second treatment members (4, 5) facing each other and the periphery of the treatment member housing (16) are bent outwardly in one direction to extend into the inner space defined by the V-shaped clamping means (9).

According to the invention, the peripheral edge at the second axial end of the second treatment member (5) is connected to a holding portion (18), the holding portion (18) being configured as an annular element in mechanical communication with the edge of the second treatment member (5) via a belt clip (6). The holding portion (18) and the reciprocating edge of the second treatment member (5) are joined to each other by means of the belt clip (6). When the belt clip (6) is released, the second treating member (5) can be moved sideways by an amount such that it can be removed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the treating member. The belt clip (6) thereby cooperating with the retaining portion (18) having an axial tolerance gap with respect to the sidewall of the exhaust compartment housing (2) allows easy access for the purpose of mounting and dismounting the second treatment member (5) during maintenance operations.

The clamping means (9) typically comprises sealing means (10) within its enclosure, providing impermeability at the interconnection area of the first processing member (4) and the second processing member (5). In other words, the clamping means (9) effectively interlocking two treatment members at the same time ensures impermeability of the joint of the treatment members.

The first treatment member (4) comprises at least one treatment means (7) at an inner cavity part of its tubular structure to provide an easy handling for sliding said first treatment member (4) out of the treatment member housing (16) after removal of the second treatment member (5).

The service cover (3) partially covers the exhaust compartment housing (2), extending over a surface portion thereof between the clamping means (9) and the holding portion (18). In other words, the service cover (3) is constructed in such a way that its inner end in the axial direction of the treatment member adjacent to the clamping means (9) is substantially close thereto, while it still completely covers the clamping means (9), so that the latter remains within easy reach during the service operation in the open state of the service cover (3).

The above construction also provides that the upper and front wall portions of the exhaust compartment housing (2) enclose a larger part of the process member housing (16) to enclose the first process member (4), thereby ensuring that the dimensions of the service cover (3) are small enough to only allow a practical replacement of the process member, while at the same time keeping the closed body portion of the exhaust compartment housing (2) as large as possible to ensure a mechanically robust structure. In particular, the fact that the size of the closed body portion in the axial direction of the treatment member is sufficiently large ensures that two reinforcement brackets (17) fixedly attaching the treatment member housing (16) to the exhaust compartment housing (2) can be placed further away from each other, so that the inner reinforcement brackets (17) are as close as possible to the clamping means (9), which clamping means (9) clamp a plurality of separate parts and elements, thereby forming a more reliable mechanical communication between the clamping means (9) and the exhaust compartment housing (2). Thus, both accessibility of the clamping means (9) and a robust connection thereof to the exhaust compartment housing (2) are ensured.

Each of the first processing member (4) and the processing member housing (16) includes a sensor access aperture (14) so as to be alignable to allow access to a sensor set of the first processing member (4). These sensor access apertures (14) are generally indicated by the same numerals and are only shown for the exhaust compartment housing (2) and the first process component (4).

The first process component (4) may also include a locating pin (15) located radially adjacent to its outer edge, ensuring proper alignment of the sensor access aperture (14) with corresponding apertures on different parts (the exhaust compartment housing (2), the process component housing (16) and the first process component (4)). Furthermore, the web (13) can be positioned generally in relation to the first processing member (4).

According to the invention, an additional support ring (8) is provided to support the sealing means (10) in a radially limited manner. In a more particular way, the support ring (8) extends axially to completely cover the open side of the V-shaped clamping means (9) in contact with the sealing means (10) and a portion of the axially inner peripheral edge of the first treatment member (4). The peripheral edge of the first treatment member (4) is thereby clamped between the support ring (8) and the treatment member housing (16). This construction advantageously supports, adjacent to its axial end of the second process member (5), a sealing means (10) within a clamping means (9), which clamping means (9) interconnects the reciprocating axially inner circumferential edges of the first (4) and second (5) process members and the circumferential edge of a process member housing (16). In an exemplary embodiment according to the invention, the support ring (8) is fixably attached to the first process member (4).

Briefly, the present invention proposes an exhaust gas treatment system (1) comprising a first treatment member (4) and a second treatment member (5) extending in sequence along the interior of an exhaust compartment housing (2) in an axial direction thereof, between an inlet and an outlet via which combustion exhaust gases are treated.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first treatment member (4) is completely enclosed within a treatment member housing (16) inside the exhaust compartment housing (2), the periphery of the treatment member housing (16) adjacent to its axial end of the second treatment member (5) being adapted to be interconnected with the reciprocating periphery of the second treatment member (5) by means of clamping means (9) in such a way that the periphery of the first treatment member (4) adjacent to the second treatment member (5) is also clamped by the clamping means (9).

In another embodiment of the invention, the first treatment member (4) and the second treatment member (5) are accessible via the service cover (3) in such a way that each of the first treatment member (4) and the second treatment member (5) is movably arranged in a sequentially removable manner within the exhaust compartment housing (2) in such a way that the first treatment member (4) is axially slidable after the second treatment member (5) has been removed laterally via the service cover (3).

In another embodiment of the invention, the service cover (3) is a biplane element with an L-shaped cross section and partially enclosing the exhaust compartment housing (2) at its two side planes, each of which is perpendicular to each other.

In another embodiment of the invention, the clamping means (9) in the form of a V-clip with a V-shaped cross section surrounds the circumferential edge of the treatment member housing (16) and the axially inner reciprocating circumferential edges of the first treatment member (4) and the second treatment member (5).

In another embodiment of the invention, the treatment member housing (16) is supported by at least two reinforcing brackets (17) fixedly attached to the exhaust compartment housing (2).

In another embodiment of the invention, the axially inner reciprocating circumferential edge of the first and second treatment members (4, 5) facing each other and the circumferential edge of the treatment member housing (16) are bent outwardly in one direction to extend into the inner space defined by the V-shaped clamping means (9).

In another embodiment of the invention, the peripheral edge of the second treatment member (5) at its axial end remote from the first treatment member (4) is connected to a holding portion (18), which holding portion (18) is configured as an annular element fixedly attached to and positioned in relation to the exhaust compartment housing (2).

In another embodiment of the invention, the second treatment member (5) is connected to the holding portion (18) by means of a belt clip (6).

In another embodiment of the invention, said clamping means (9) comprises annular sealing means (10) within its V-shaped cross-section envelope.

In another embodiment of the invention, the sealing means (10) is clamped between an outwardly curved peripheral edge of the treatment member housing (16) and an outwardly curved inner peripheral edge of the second treatment member (5).

In another embodiment of the invention, the first treatment member (4) comprises at least one treatment device (7) at its inner cavity portion at an intermediate space (11) between itself and the second treatment member (5).

In another embodiment of the invention, the service cover (3) partly covers the exhaust compartment housing (2), extending over a surface portion thereof between the clamping means (9) and the holding portion (18).

In another embodiment of the invention, the service cover (3) completely covers the clamping means (9) such that its inner end in axial direction is substantially close to the clamping means (9).

In another embodiment of the invention, the inner reinforcing bracket (17) in the axial direction is substantially close to the clamping means (9).

In another embodiment of the invention, a locating pin (15) located radially near the outer edge of the first process component (4) is provided with its sensor access aperture (14) aligned with the respective apertures of the exhaust compartment housing (2) and the process component housing (16).

In another embodiment of the invention, the circumferential edge of the treatment member housing (16) radially surrounds the axial inner circumferential edge of the first treatment member (4).

In another embodiment of the invention, the at least two reinforcing brackets (17) fixedly connect the treatment member housing (16) to the exhaust compartment housing (2) at both axial sides of the first treatment member (4).

In another embodiment of the invention, at least one reinforcing bracket (17) is provided in the bulge of the intermediate space (11) at the inner cavity portion of the first treatment member (4) between the first treatment member (4) and the second treatment member (5). This arrangement ensures that the treatment member housing (16) is attachable to the exhaust compartment housing (2) substantially close to an axial plane adjacent to its axial end of said second treatment member (5), i.e. as close as possible to the clamping means (9), allowing a more robust mechanical relationship between the two structures.

In another embodiment of the invention, a support ring (8) is provided to support the sealing device (10) in a radially limited manner.

In another embodiment of the invention, the support ring (8) extends axially to completely cover the open side of the V-shaped holding means (9) in contact with the sealing means (10) and a part of the axially inner periphery of the first treatment member (4).

In another embodiment of the invention, a portion of the axially inner periphery of the first treatment member (4) is clamped between the bearing ring (8) and the treatment member housing (16).

The invention provides a two-component exhaust gas treatment system (1) that uses a single clamping device (9) to secure components within an exhaust compartment housing (2). In addition, the single sealing device (10) advantageously ensures impermeability. The smaller service cover (3) effectively solves the problem of actual replacement of the processing member.

Claims

1. An exhaust gas treatment system (1) comprising a first treatment member (4) and a second treatment member (5) extending in sequence along the interior of an exhaust compartment housing (2) in an axial direction thereof between an outlet and an inlet via which combustion exhaust gas is treated,

the first treatment member (4) is completely enclosed within a treatment member housing (16) inside the exhaust compartment housing (2), the periphery of the treatment member housing (16) adjacent to its axial end of the second treatment member (5) being adapted to be interconnected with the reciprocating periphery of the second treatment member (5) by means of clamping means (9) in such a way that the periphery of the first treatment member (4) adjacent to the second treatment member (5) is also clamped by the clamping means (9).

2. The exhaust gas treatment system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first treatment member (4) and the second treatment member (5) are accessible via a service cover (3) in such a way that each of the first treatment member (4) and the second treatment member (5) is movably arranged in a sequentially removable manner within the exhaust compartment housing (2) in such a way that the first treatment member (4) is axially slidable after the second treatment member (5) has been removed laterally via the service cover (3).

3. The exhaust gas treatment system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the service cover (3) is a biplane element having an L-shaped cross section and partially enclosing the exhaust compartment housing (2) at its two side planes, each of the planes of the biplane element being perpendicular to each other.

4. The exhaust gas treatment system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping means (9) in the form of a V-clip with a V-shaped cross-section encloses a circumferential edge of the treatment component housing (16) and axially inner reciprocating circumferential edges of the first treatment component (4) and the second treatment component (5).

5. The exhaust gas treatment system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the clamping means (9) in the form of a V-clip with a V-shaped cross-section encloses a circumferential edge of the treatment component housing (16) and axially inner reciprocating circumferential edges of the first treatment component (4) and the second treatment component (5).

6. The exhaust gas treatment system (1) according to claim 1, 2, 4 or 5, wherein the treatment member housing (16) is supported by at least two reinforcement brackets (17) fixedly attached to the exhaust compartment housing (2).

7. The exhaust gas treatment system (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that axially inner reciprocating circumferential edges of the first and second treatment members (4, 5) facing each other and a circumferential edge of the treatment member housing (16) are bent outwardly in one direction to extend into an inner space defined by the clamping means (9).

8. The exhaust gas treatment system (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that a peripheral edge of the second treatment member (5) at its axial end remote from the first treatment member (4) is connected to a retaining portion (18), the retaining portion (18) being configured as an annular element fixedly attached to the exhaust compartment housing (2) and positioned in relation to the exhaust compartment housing (2).

9. The exhaust gas treatment system (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the second treatment member (5) is connected to the holding portion (18) by means of a belt clip (6).

10. The exhaust gas treatment system (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that said clamping means (9) comprise annular sealing means (10) within its V-shaped cross-section envelope.

11. The exhaust gas treatment system (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the sealing means (10) is sandwiched between an outwardly curved peripheral edge of the treatment member housing (16) and outwardly curved inner peripheral edges of the first treatment member (4) and the second treatment member (5).

12. The exhaust gas treatment system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first treatment member (4) comprises at least one treatment means (7) at an inner cavity portion thereof.

13. The exhaust gas treatment system (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the service cover (3) partly covers the exhaust compartment housing (2), which extends over a surface portion thereof between the clamping means (9) and the holding portion (18).

14. The exhaust gas treatment system (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the service cover (3) completely covers the clamping means (9) such that its inner end in the axial direction is substantially close to the clamping means (9).

15. The exhaust gas treatment system (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that an inner one of the at least two reinforcement brackets (17) in the axial direction is substantially close to the clamping means (9).

16. The exhaust gas treatment system (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that a locating pin (15) located near the outer edge of the first treatment component (4) is provided with its sensor access aperture (14) aligned with the respective apertures of the exhaust compartment housing (2) and the treatment component housing (16).

17. The exhaust gas treatment system (1) of claim 7, wherein a circumferential edge of the treatment component housing (16) radially surrounds an axial inner circumferential edge of the first treatment component (4).

18. The exhaust gas treatment system (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least two reinforcing brackets (17) fixedly connect the treatment member housing (16) to the exhaust compartment housing (2) at both axial sides of the first treatment member (4).

19. The exhaust gas treatment system (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that at least one reinforcing bracket (17) is provided in a projection of an intermediate space (11) between the first treatment member (4) and the second treatment member (5).

20. The exhaust gas treatment system (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that a support ring (8) is provided to support the sealing means (10) in a radially limited manner.

21. The exhaust gas treatment system (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that the support ring (8) extends axially to completely cover the open side of the V-shaped clamping means (9) in contact with the sealing means (10) and a part of the axially inner periphery of the first treatment member (4).

22. The exhaust gas treatment system (1) according to claim 21, characterized in that a portion of an axially inner circumferential edge of the first treatment member (4) is clamped between the support ring (8) and the treatment member housing (16).