DE102018118683A1 - exhaust gas purification device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention shows an exhaust gas purification device which consists of a housing which has at least one exhaust gas inlet opening for supplying an exhaust gas flow into the housing and at least one exhaust gas outlet opening for discharging the exhaust gas flow from the housing. At least one exhaust gas cleaning unit is arranged in the housing with at least one photocatalytically active surface area. The exhaust gas flow in the housing is guided at least partially along the at least one photocatalytically active surface area of the at least one exhaust gas cleaning unit. The housing has at least one opening through which light beams can be introduced, the at least one opening being arranged such that the introduced light beams strike the at least one photocatalytically active surface area of the at least one exhaust gas cleaning unit, as a result of which a photocatalytic process between the at least one a photocatalytically active surface area of the at least one exhaust gas purification unit and the exhaust gas stream flowing through the housing takes place.

Description

The present device is used for cleaning exhaust gases in an exhaust line. This device can also be used in a motor vehicle.

Various devices for exhaust gas purification in motor vehicles are known from the prior art. These are arranged in the exhaust system of the motor vehicle.

From the DE 20 2017 104 762 U1 a highly efficient catalytic photo-oxidation based exhaust gas purification device is known. The device includes a housing body with an air inlet on the left side and an air outlet on the right side. Several UV generators, several ionization devices and several photocatalytic filters are arranged in the housing body. Furthermore, a control is arranged on the housing body, which is electrically connected to the UV generators and the ionization devices. A funnel-shaped receptacle with a centrally arranged outlet opening is provided in the bottom area of the housing body.

From the EP 1 438 121 B1 a photocatalytic reactor and in particular a photocatalytic reactor for treating exhaust gases from internal combustion engines is known. The reactor comprises a chamber for receiving a flowing exhaust gas, a first inlet and a first outlet. Furthermore, there is at least one source of electromagnetic radiation, at least one monolith, which is arranged in the chamber, and a photocatalyst. The monolith comprises at least one body that has a wall and defines a passage. The body has at least one second inlet and at least one second outlet, the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the or each second outlet being greater than the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the or each second inlet. At a point downstream of the at least one second outlet, the linear flow rate of a supplied gas is lower than the linear flow rate of the gas entering the at least one second inlet.

From the EP 1 719 883 A1 a system for cleaning the exhaust gas of a diesel engine is known. The system is used to purify the exhaust gas and has a first reactor for at least partial oxidation of HC or particles in the exhaust gas. The first reactor is followed by a second reactor which serves to collect the particles in the exhaust gases passed through the first reactor and has a diesel particle filter, with subsequent partial oxidation of the collected particles to regenerate the diesel particle filter. The second reactor is followed by a third reactor which contains a light source, a photocatalyst which responds to it and an absorber. NOx is adsorbed in this reactor and NOx is removed by a reduction reaction using a reducing agent generated by partially oxidizing the particles collected in the second reactor. There is also a controller for controlling the intensity of the light from the light source in accordance with the concentration of the exhaust gas.

From the EP 1 053 788 B1 the use of a composite material for air purification is known. The composite material comprises at least one substrate and one surface layer, this surface layer having been made hydrophilic and self-cleaning with water by photoexcitation. This surface layer comprises the three components. The first component consists of a photocatalyst that acts as a catalyst when exposed to light. The second component consists of at least one metal oxide selected from the group consisting of Al ₂ O ₃ , ZnO, SrO, BaO, MgO, CaO, Rb ₂ O, Na ₂ O, K ₂ O and P ₂ O ₅ . The third component consists of at least one metal oxide, selected from the group consisting of SiO ₂ , ZrO ₂ , GeO ₂ and TiO ₂ , for removing nitrogen oxides, ammonia, carbon monoxide and / or sulfur oxides from the air.

From the WO 2017/055094 A1 an air purification system is known. The air purification system has a hybrid photocatalyst which is arranged for the photocatalytic oxidation of pollutants in the air, the hybrid photocatalyst containing a porous, impregnated filter with photocatalyst material and adsorption material. Furthermore, a source of ultraviolet (UV) light is arranged to periodically irradiate the hybrid photocatalyst to regenerate the adsorbent material.

A disadvantage of the aforementioned prior art is that the light diodes are not thermally decoupled from the exhaust gas flow. Therefore, the light-emitting diodes, which are arranged in the exhaust system in order to generate the UV light which has to be directed onto a photocatalytically active layer arranged in the exhaust system, in order to enable the photocatalytic process, come into contact with the hot exhaust gases of the exhaust gas stream. The resulting temperature loads are in the range of up to 500 degrees Celsius. The existing light-emitting diodes cannot withstand this thermal load. In addition, such light-emitting diodes are expensive.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art resolve and show an exhaust gas purification device which enables a photocatalytic process via a photocatalytically active layer arranged in the exhaust line and thus enable exhaust gas purification by means of a photocatalytic process in the exhaust gas stream.

This object is achieved by an exhaust gas cleaning device with the technical features specified in claim 1. Advantageous further developments are specified in the subclaims, the further description and in particular the description based on specific exemplary embodiments.

The present invention shows an exhaust gas purification device which consists of a housing which has at least one exhaust gas inlet opening for supplying an exhaust gas flow into the housing and at least one exhaust gas outlet opening for discharging the exhaust gas flow from the housing. At least one exhaust gas cleaning unit with at least one photocatalytically active surface area is arranged in the housing. The exhaust gas flow in the housing is at least partially guided along the at least one photocatalytically active surface area of the at least one exhaust gas cleaning unit. The housing has at least one opening through which light beams can be introduced, the at least one opening being arranged such that the introduced light beams strike the at least one photocatalytically active surface area of the at least one exhaust gas cleaning unit, as a result of which a photocatalytic process between the at least one a photocatalytically active surface area of the at least one exhaust gas purification unit and the exhaust gas stream flowing through the housing takes place.

It is also advantageous that the light required to start the photocatalytic process is not generated inside the housing, but is introduced through the opening in the housing. The unit for generating the light can thus be arranged outside the housing.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention according to claim 2 it is provided that the at least one opening is closed by means of a translucent screen. This closes the opening and no exhaust gas escapes to the outside. The light can be introduced into the interior of the housing through the translucent cover.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention according to claim 3 it is provided that the at least one opening is sealed gas-tight by the translucent screen. This ensures that no exhaust gas escapes from the housing. The thermal load on the light source, which is arranged outside the housing, is minimized since it does not come into contact with hot exhaust gas flow.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention according to claim 4, it is provided that a light source is present, the emitted light of which can be introduced into the housing via the diaphragm. The light source, which in a preferred embodiment of the invention is a UV light-emitting diode or a group of UV light-emitting diodes, is thus thermally decoupled from the exhaust gas flow.

In addition, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention provides that the light source is provided with a cooling device in order to keep its thermal load low. Oil cooling or water cooling is provided as the cooling device.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention according to claim 5 it is provided that the light source is connected to the diaphragm via a light guide. The light source can thus be positioned at a location remote from the exhaust system. This is particularly relevant when used in a motor vehicle. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the light source can be arranged in a body cavity, from which good heat dissipation is ensured, so that the heat which arises during operation of the light source can be dissipated and the light source can thus be created from standard components.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention according to claim 6 it is provided that in the at least one opening a further light guide which is connected to a further light source can be used in a gas-tight manner or the further light source in which the at least one opening can be used in a gas-tight manner, the further light source is equipped with a translucent temperature shield. A light guide can thus be introduced directly into the opening, the light guide then closing the opening in a gas-tight manner. The aperture can thus be saved. However, the light source itself can also be inserted into the opening, the light source being provided with a translucent temperature shield which prevents direct contact of the light source with the hot gases in the exhaust gas stream.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention according to claim 7 it is provided that the translucent temperature shield forms a lens or a lens is arranged in the at least one opening or on the panel or on the further optical waveguide, which focuses light rays introduced into the housing. To focus the light rays, especially on the at least one photocatalytically active surface area of the at least one exhaust gas cleaning unit increases the effectiveness of the cleaning process.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention according to claim 8 it is provided that a cleaning nozzle is arranged within the housing in the immediate vicinity of the at least one opening, by means of which cleaning liquid can be sprayed into the housing. Cleaning liquid, preferably water, can be introduced by means of the cleaning nozzle. This can be used to remove contaminants, particularly in the vicinity of the cleaning nozzle.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention according to claim 9 it is provided that the cleaning nozzle sprays the screen or the further light guide or the further light source with the translucent temperature shield with cleaning liquid and rinses off impurities and / or deposits. This ensures that the cleaning effect of the exhaust gas cleaning device is not impaired by soiling of the screen, the light guide or the translucent temperature shield.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention according to claim 10 it is provided that the cleaning nozzle is adjustable, so that either the aperture or the further light guide or the further light source or the at least one photoelectrically active surface of the at least one exhaust gas cleaning unit can be cleaned. Due to the adjustability, each of the relevant components of the exhaust gas cleaning device can be cleaned and deposits can be washed away. In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the cleaning nozzle is arranged by means of an adjusting device which can be actuated by an electric motor, so that the cleaning nozzle can be moved, preferably controlled by a control unit. In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, a routine is stored in the control unit, according to which the aperture or the further light guide or the further light source or the at least one photoelectrically active surface of the at least one exhaust gas cleaning unit is sprayed with cleaning liquid at regular time intervals.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention according to claim 11 it is provided that the cleaning nozzle introduces the cleaning liquid under pressure and with the generation of a spray jet or spray and the cleaning liquid is H ₂ O. The advantage of using H ₂ O is that it does not affect the exhaust gas cleaning process. In addition, by selecting the pressure with which the cleaning liquid is introduced, the spraying process can be selectively aligned with the degree of contamination.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention according to claim 12 it is provided that a sensor unit is arranged on the diaphragm or the further light guide or the further light source, which detects the degree of contamination of the diaphragm or the further light guide or the further light source and the cleaning process of the cleaning nozzle starts as soon as a pre-set threshold value for contamination is reached. By using the sensor unit, a cleaning process is only carried out if it is necessary due to the existing contamination.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention according to claim 13, it is provided that the at least one exhaust gas purification unit with the at least one photoelectrically active surface on an inner wall of the housing or that the at least one exhaust gas purification unit in the middle of the housing, at least partially, passes through it in parallel with the housing inner walls , is arranged, and the at least one photoelectrically active surface is aligned with the at least one opening or the at least one opening is arranged opposite. The arrangement of the at least one exhaust gas purification unit on one of the inner walls of the housing allows good attachment, and at the same time the exhaust gas flow in the housing can be directed such that it is optimally matched to the at least one exhaust gas purification unit. With an arrangement in the middle of the housing, the at least one exhaust gas cleaning unit can be directly surrounded by the exhaust gas stream flowing into the housing and good cleaning performance is achieved.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention according to claim 14 it is provided that the arrangement of the at least one exhaust gas purification unit with the at least one photoelectrically active surface is arranged opposite the at least one opening in the housing such that the emitted light from the light source or the further light source is introduced into the housing almost completely strikes the at least one exhaust gas cleaning unit with the at least one photoelectrically active surface via the screen or by means of the light guide via the screen or via the further light guide or from the further light source with the transparent temperature shield. This arrangement almost completely guides the light rays introduced onto the photoelectrically active surface, so that a very good cleaning effect can be achieved. since almost all of the light input can be used for photocatalysis.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention according to claim 15 it is provided that light reflectors or light reflecting areas are arranged on the inner walls of the housing next to the at least one opening, which reflect the light rays introduced in the direction of at least one exhaust gas cleaning unit with the at least one photoelectrically active surface. This arrangement enables the light beams to be fed in well and these are guided almost completely onto the photoelectrically active surface.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention according to claim 16, it is provided that the inner walls of the housing are painted white or coated with a light-reflecting material and / or have a lotus effect coating. It is thereby achieved that the introduced light is not absorbed by the housing, but is reflected and thus additionally directed to or in the direction of the exhaust gas cleaning unit.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention according to claim 17 it is provided that the light source or the further light source consists of at least one light emitting diode which emits ultraviolet light.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention according to claim 18 it is provided that the at least one exhaust gas purification unit extends almost over the entire surface of the housing and is firmly connected to the inside of the housing. A large area can thus be used for photocatalytic exhaust gas purification and the at least one exhaust gas purification unit can be fixed well in the housing.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention according to claim 19 it is provided that the at least one exhaust gas purification unit on the at least one photocatalytically active surface area with a conical, wrinkled, cylindrical, truncated cone, truncated pyramid, spherical or hemispherical shape, or hedgehog-shaped, is designed. This shape allows the surface of the at least one exhaust gas cleaning unit that is effective for exhaust gas cleaning to be enlarged. The specific shape of the surface only leads to a slight increase in the flow resistance in the housing.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention according to claim 20 it is provided that exhaust gas guiding elements are arranged in the housing which direct the exhaust gas flow onto the at least one photocatalytically active surface area of the at least one exhaust gas cleaning unit or apply a swirl to the exhaust gas flow. This results in a particularly high cleaning performance.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention according to claim 21 it is provided that the at least one photocatalytically active surface area is at least partially coated with a metal oxide or a mixed oxide or mixed or penetrated with a metal oxide or a mixed oxide and / or the metal oxide is an oxide made of a transition metal and / or the metal oxide or mixed oxide of at least partially CuO, Co ₃ O ₄ , CoO _x , NiO, MnO _x , MnO ₂ , MoO ₃ , ZnO, Fe ₂ O ₃ , WO ₃ , CeO ₂ , TiO ₂ , Al ₂ O ₃ , V ₂ O ₃ , ZrO ₂ , HfO ₂ , Dy ₂ O ₃ , Cr ₂ O ₃ and / or Nb ₂ O _{5 is} formed.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention according to claim 22 it is provided that the light source or the further light source in its light intensity can be controlled by a control unit such that the control unit controls the light intensity of the light source or the further light source as a function of the speed of the internal combustion engine or the temperature of the Internal combustion engine controls the exhaust gas cleaning device in the exhaust gas duct. In this way, it is possible to react to the particular circumstances of the internal combustion engine and the exhaust gas cleaning system can be reacted to the respective requirements, such as cold starting or full load.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention according to claim 23 it is provided that the light guide and / or the further light guide are mechanically decoupled from the diaphragm or with respect to the diaphragm and / or the light source or the further light source. The cover in the housing, which is also a light guide, is decoupled from the incoming light guide. The light guide can also be decoupled from the light source. So that the light guide is not loaded with vibrations that come from the housing and / or motor vehicle. This prevents the light guide from being broken by vibrations of the vehicle. Consequently, light is coupled from one light guide into another light guide. As a result, light is coupled from one light guide into the next light guide.
In an advantageous embodiment of the invention according to claim 24 it is provided that the housing is a muffler of a motor vehicle. The exhaust gas purification device can thus be integrated into an existing exhaust gas system.

The use of photocatalytic exhaust gas cleaning on cold starts is particularly advantageous, since the cleaning effect does not start only when the required operating temperature is reached, but instead immediately as soon as light, especially UV light, hits the photocatalytic area.

The exhaust gas purification device according to the invention is described below on the basis of specific exemplary embodiments in the figures. The following description based on the specific exemplary embodiments does not limit the invention to one of these specific exemplary embodiments.

In the figures, the figures show 1 to 5 each have a schematic structure of an exhaust gas purification device according to the invention.

In the figures, the same parts and / or components are provided with the same reference symbols. These parts and / or components essentially correspond to one another, unless stated otherwise.

In the figure 1 is a schematic of an exhaust gas purification device according to the invention 1 shown. This consists of a housing 2 with an exhaust gas inlet opening 3 and an exhaust outlet 5 , Via the exhaust gas inlet opening 3 becomes the exhaust gas flow 4 in the housing 2 passed and occurs at the exhaust outlet 5 back out of the case 2 out. In the housing 2 is an exhaust gas cleaning unit 6 arranged. The emission control unit 6 is either on the inside of the case 2 or arranged centrally in the housing. The emission control unit 6 has at least one photoelectrically active surface 7 on. The emission control unit 6 is in the housing 2 opposite one in the housing 2 introduced opening 8th available. The opening is a recess in the housing 2 educated.
The opening 8th serves for light rays 9 , preferably UV light rays or UV light, into the housing 2 initiate and there on the photoelectrically effective surfaces 7 to hit. By the impact of the light rays 9 on the photoelectrically effective surfaces 7 a photoelectric process is started, which causes pollutants in the exhaust gas flow 4 split up or converted.

The opening 8th is with an aperture 10 sealed gastight. The aperture 10 is translucent, especially translucent UV light. Through the bezel 10 can the light rays 9 through the aperture 10 through into the housing 2 be initiated. Below the bezel 10 , in an advantageous embodiment in one piece with the aperture 10 is a lens 17 , an optical lens. This lens 17 serves to direct the light rays introduced 9 to bundle or focus and almost completely on the photoelectrically effective surfaces 7 the emission control unit 6 to lead.

So that the exhaust gas flow 4 as completely as possible with the exhaust gas cleaning unit 6 contacts are in the housing 2 waste-gas outlet 16 arranged, which serve the exhaust gas flow 4 to give a swirl and at the same time the exhaust gas flow 4 to the emission control unit 6 with the photoelectrically effective surfaces 7 to guide and guide.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the exhaust gas cleaning unit 6 designed in such a way that it essentially takes on the shape of the cross section of the housing and the cross-sectional area is arranged almost completely in the housing. Alternatively, it is provided that the exhaust gas purification unit 6 at an angle of 30 degrees to 70 degrees to the inner wall of the housing 2 , in the direction of the exhaust outlet 5 is arranged obliquely and forms a lattice structure, so that the exhaust gas flow 4 through the exhaust gas purification unit 6 can flow. The photoelectrically effective surfaces 7 are in some areas on the exhaust gas cleaning unit 6 that of the opening 8th facing side, arranged or this on completely filling on this side of the exhaust gas purification unit 6 arranged.

In the housing 2 In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a further exhaust gas cleaning unit interspersed with activated carbon is arranged behind the exhaust gas cleaning unit 6 , in front of the exhaust outlet 5 , is arranged. This serves to further purify the exhaust gas flow 4 ,

The exhaust gas flow 4 is interspersed with particles that can be found on the aperture 10 attach and cause the aperture 10 on the inside of the case 2 thus dirty and thereby in the housing 2 rays of light to be introduced 9 is a cleaning nozzle 15 in the housing 2 arranged.

Via the cleaning nozzle 15 is atomized with pressure, preferably high pressure, a cleaning liquid and / or as a jet onto the screen 10 , on the inside of the case 2 , applied. This jet of cleaning liquid, preferably water, thus cleans the aperture 10 of sticking / adhering soiling, in particular dirt particles such. B. soot particles.

In order to avoid the accumulation of dirt particles as far as possible, this is in the interior of the housing 2 lying surface of the panel 10 treated with a lotus effect, so that dirt is difficult to adhere and easy to remove, such as B. by means of the jet from the cleaning nozzle 15 , The dirt particles are washed off and with the exhaust gas flow 4 out of the case 2 transported.

The rays of light 9 are generated by a light source that is in 1 is not shown.

In the figure 2 is opposite the figure 1 a light source 11 shown. The light source 11 is directly on the outside of the case 2 on the aperture 10 put on or arranged on this.

In an advantageous development, the light source forms 11 with the aperture 10 one unity.

At the light source 11 it is preferably a light-emitting diode or a group of light-emitting diodes which emit UV light corresponding to the required wavelength for activating the photoelectrically active surfaces 7 emits or illuminates.

Because the light source 11 on the bezel 10 is arranged and not inside the housing 2 the light source occurs 11 not with the hot exhaust gas flow 4 , with the exhaust gases sometimes reaching more than 500 degrees Celsius. So that becomes the light source 11 not excessively thermally stressed.

In figure 3 is another embodiment of the exhaust gas purification device 1 shown schematically. Instead of the one in figure 2 shown, directly on the bezel 10 arranged light source 11 , is the light source 11 locally removed, e.g. B. arranged in the motor vehicle. From the light source 11 is to the aperture 10 making the opening 8th sealed gas-tight, a light guide 12 arranged. The one from the light source 10 emitted light rays 9 are over the light guide 12 to the aperture 10 passed and through the aperture 10 through into the interior of the housing 2 directed.

In figure 4 is a further embodiment of the exhaust gas purification device 1 shown schematically. Here is the aperture 10 as in the figures 1 to 3 represented by an optical fiber 13 replaced. The light guide 13 is in the opening 8th of the housing 2 used. The light guide 13 is in the area of the opening 13 trained to open the opening 8th sealed gastight. The light guide 13 is with the light source 11 , which can be arranged in the vehicle, connects and directs the light and light beams accordingly 9 the light source 11 in the housing 2 on.

The light guide 13 forms in a further advantageous embodiment on the inside of the housing 2 protruding side the lens 17 out.

In figure 5 is a further embodiment of the exhaust gas purification device 1 shown schematically. Compared to the configurations according to the figures 1 to 4 into the opening 8th a light source 14 inserted directly, being the light source 14 from a thermally but translucent shielding 18 is surrounded. The shield 18 prevents the light source 14 directly with the hot exhaust gases of the exhaust gas flow 4 comes into contact. The thermally translucent shielding 18 is lenticular. The rays of light can 9 by the light source 14 be emitted into the housing 2 and there towards the photoelectrically active surfaces 7 the emission control unit 6 be directed. Here too, there are the exhaust guiding elements 16 present the exhaust gas flow 4 give a twist and put it on the emission control unit 6 to steer. In addition, the cleaning nozzle 15 arranged with the function previously written.

Both the NOx and the NH3 present in the exhaust gas stream can be reduced by the photocatalysis. There is no reduction to zero, but a reduction of more than 50% can be achieved.

In an embodiment of the invention that is particularly easy to implement, the at least one photocatalytically active surface area is at least partially coated with titanium dioxide - TiO2 - or mixed or penetrated with titanium dioxide ions - TiO2 ions. However, any other of the abovementioned compounds which are photocatalytically active can also be used.

At the light source 11 . 14 it is one or more light emitting diodes which emit ultraviolet light, which is preferably matched to the titanium dioxide and its photocatalytic effect which can be produced thereby, and has a wavelength in the range between 250 and 400 nanometers, preferably in the range around 367 nanometers. When using doped TiO2, visible light in the range from 400 to 500 nanometers can be used, preferably with a wavelength of 455 nm.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to use the surface of the photocatalytically active surface 7 large-scale design. It has therefore proven advantageous to enlarge the surface by folding or deforming, for example by forming a waveform. Furthermore, it is also possible to design this surface with cone, fold, cylinder, truncated cone, truncated pyramid, spherical or hemispherical shapes.

The photocatalytically active surface 7 exist in the concrete design 1 made of titanium dioxide - TiO2 - or are doped or mixed or interspersed with titanium oxide ions - TiO2 ions. However, photocatalytically active materials other than TiO2 can also be used, in particular the materials already mentioned, in particular metal oxide or mixed oxide of CuO, Co ₃ O ₄ , CoO _x , NiO, MnO _x , MnO ₂ , MoO ₃ , ZnO, Fe ₂ O ₃ , WO ₃ , CeO ₂ , TiO ₂ , Al ₂ O ₃ , V ₂ O ₃ , ZrO ₂ , HfO ₂ , Dy ₂ O ₃ , Cr ₂ O ₃ , LiNbO ₃ and / or Nb ₂ O ₅ . However, other photocatalytically active substances and / or compounds can also be used. The above list is not exhaustive.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the housing 2 is a muffler in an exhaust system of a motor vehicle. The exhaust gas purification device can thus be integrated into an existing exhaust system of a motor vehicle.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the light guide 12 and / or the further light guide 13 from the bezel 10 and / or the light source 11 . 14 mechanically decoupled. The aperture 10 that the opening 8th in the housing 2 closes, is in principle also a light guide. It becomes the aperture 10 optical fiber 12 or the further light guide 13 decoupled. It can also be the light guide 12 . 13 towards the light source 11 . 14 be decoupled. This becomes the light guide 11 . 13 not burdened with vibrations from the housing 2 and / or the motor vehicle in / on which the exhaust gas purification device is arranged. It prevents the light guide 12 . 13 breaks due to vibrations. Consequently, there is light from a light guide 12 . 13 into another light guide, the aperture 10 coupled. The light guide 12 . 13 but is mechanical to the light source 11 . 14 and / or the aperture 10 decoupled.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

exhaust gas purification device

2

casing

3

Exhaust gas inlet opening

4

exhaust gas flow

5

Exhaust gas outlet opening

6

exhaust gas cleaning unit

7

photoelectrically effective surface

8th

opening

9

light rays

10

cover

11

light source

12

optical fiber

13

Light guide (further)

14

Light source (further)

15

cleaning nozzle

16

waste-gas outlet

17

lens

18

thermal translucent shielding

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is only included for better information for the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 202017104762 U1 [0003]
• EP 1438121 B1 [0004]
• EP 1719883 A1 [0005]
• EP 1053788 B1 [0006]
• WO 2017/055094 A1 [0007]

Claims (24)

Exhaust gas purification device (1), comprising a housing (2), the at least one exhaust gas inlet opening (3) for supplying an exhaust gas flow (4) into the housing (2) and at least one exhaust gas outlet opening (5) for discharging the exhaust gas flow (4) from the housing (2), at least one exhaust gas cleaning unit (6) is arranged in the housing (2) with at least one photocatalytically active surface area (7) and the exhaust gas stream (4) in the housing (2) at least partially along the at least one photocatalytically active surface area (7) of the at least one exhaust gas purification unit (6), characterized in that the housing (2) has at least one opening (8) through which light rays (9) can be introduced into the housing (2), the at least one opening (8) is arranged such that the light rays (9) introduced onto the at least one photocatalytically active surface area (7) of the at least one exhaust gas cleaning device unit (6), whereby a photocatalytic process takes place between the at least one photocatalytically active surface area (7) of the at least one exhaust gas cleaning unit (6) and the exhaust gas stream (4) flowing through the housing (2). Exhaust gas purification device (1), after Claim 1 , characterized in that the at least one opening (8) is closed by means of a translucent screen (10). Exhaust gas purification device (1), after Claim 2 , characterized in that the at least one opening (8) is sealed gas-tight by the translucent screen (10). Exhaust gas purification device (1), after Claim 2 or 3 , characterized in that a light source (11) is present, the emitted light of which can be introduced into the housing (2) via the diaphragm (10). Exhaust gas purification device (1), after Claim 4 , characterized in that the light source (11) is connected to the diaphragm (10) via a light guide (12). Exhaust gas purification device (1), after Claim 1 , characterized in that in the at least one opening (8) a further light guide (13) which is connected to a further light source (14) can be used in a gas-tight manner or the further light source (14) in which the at least one opening (8) is gas-tight can be used, the further light source (14) being equipped with a translucent temperature shield (18). Exhaust gas purification device (1), according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the translucent temperature shield forms a lens or a lens is arranged in the at least one opening (8) or on the diaphragm (10) or on the further optical waveguide (13) focused into the housing (2) light rays (9). Exhaust gas cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cleaning nozzle (15) is arranged within the housing (2) in the immediate vicinity of the at least one opening (8), by means of which cleaning liquid can be sprayed into the housing (2) , Exhaust gas purification device (1), after Claim 8 , characterized in that the cleaning nozzle (15) sprays the screen (10) or the further light guide (13) or the further light source (14) with the transparent temperature shield with cleaning liquid and rinses off impurities and / or deposits. Exhaust gas purification device (1), after Claim 8 or 9 characterized in that the cleaning nozzle (15) is adjustable so that either the diaphragm (10) or the further light guide (13) or the further light source (14) or the at least one photoelectrically active surface (7) of the at least one exhaust gas cleaning unit ( 6) is cleanable. Exhaust gas purification device (1), after Claim 9 , characterized in that the cleaning nozzle (15) introduces the cleaning liquid with pressure and with the generation of a spray jet or spray and the cleaning liquid is H ₂ O. Exhaust gas purification device (1), according to one of the preceding Claims 8 to 11 , characterized in that a sensor unit is arranged on the diaphragm (10) or the further light guide (13) or the further light source (14), which determines the degree of contamination of the diaphragm (10) or the further light guide (13) or the further Light source (14) is detected and the cleaning process of the cleaning nozzle (15) starts as soon as a pre-adjustable threshold value of the contamination is reached. Exhaust gas cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one exhaust gas cleaning unit (6) with the at least one photoelectrically active surface (7) on an inner wall of the housing (2) or that the at least one exhaust gas cleaning unit (2) in the Center of the housing (2), this parallel to the housing inner walls aligned at least partially, and is aligned with the at least one photoelectrically active surface (7) with the at least one opening (8), or the at least one opening (8) is arranged opposite. Exhaust gas purification device (1) Claim 13 , characterized in that the arrangement of the at least one exhaust gas purification unit (6) with the at least one photoelectrically active surface (7) is arranged opposite the at least one opening (8) in the housing (2) such that the emitted light from the light source (11) or the further light source (14), introduced into the housing (2) via the cover (10) or by means of the light guide (12) via the cover (10) or via the further light guide (14) or from the further light source (14) with the translucent temperature shield almost completely strikes the at least one exhaust gas purification unit (6) with the at least one photoelectrically active surface (7). Exhaust gas purification device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that light reflectors or light-reflecting areas are arranged on the inner walls of the housing (2) next to the at least one opening (8), which light rays (9) are introduced in the direction of the at least one Exhaust gas cleaning unit (6) with the at least one photoelectrically active surface (7) is reflected. Exhaust gas purification device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inner walls of the housing (2) are painted white or coated with a light-reflecting material and / or have a lotus effect coating. Exhaust gas purification device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light source (11) or the further light source (14) consists of at least one light-emitting diode which emits ultraviolet light. Exhaust gas cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one exhaust gas cleaning unit (6) extends almost over the entire inner surface of the housing (2) and is firmly connected to the inside of the housing (2). Exhaust gas cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one exhaust gas cleaning unit (6) on the at least one photocatalytically active surface area (7) with a truncated cone, fold, cylinder, truncated cone, truncated pyramid, spherical or hemispherical shape, or hedgehog-shaped. Exhaust gas cleaning device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that exhaust gas guiding elements (16) are arranged in the housing (2) which direct the exhaust gas flow (4) onto the at least one photocatalytically active surface area (7) of the at least one exhaust gas cleaning unit (6) or apply a swirl to the exhaust gas flow (4). Exhaust gas purification device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one photocatalytically active surface area (7) is at least partially coated with a metal oxide or a mixed oxide or mixed or penetrated with a metal oxide or a mixed oxide and / or the metal oxide Is oxide from a transition metal and / or the metal oxide or mixed oxide from at least partially CuO, Co ₃ O ₄ , CoO _x , NiO, MnO _x , MnO ₂ , MoO ₃ , ZnO, Fe ₂ O ₃ , WO ₃ , CeO ₂ , TiO ₂ , Al ₂ O ₃ , V ₂ O ₃ , ZrO ₂ , HfO ₂ , Dy ₂ O ₃ , Cr ₂ O ₃ and / or Nb ₂ O _{5 is} formed. Exhaust gas purification device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light source (11) or the further light source (14) can be controlled in its light intensity by a control unit in such a way that the control unit controls the light intensity of the light source (11) or the further light source (14) depending on the speed of an internal combustion engine or the temperature of an internal combustion engine, in the exhaust duct of which the exhaust gas purification device (1) is arranged. Exhaust gas purification device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light guide (12) and / or the further light guide (13) from the screen (10) or relative to the screen (10) and / or the light source (11) or the further light source (14) are mechanically decoupled. Exhaust gas purification device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2) is a muffler of a motor vehicle.

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