DE112006004271B3 - Combination assembly of exhaust silencer, aftertreatment element and water separator and a method for its maintenance - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a combination assembly of exhaust muffler, aftertreatment element and water separator.

Description

The invention relates to vertical exhaust systems and exhaust water separators, including for heavy commercial vehicles such. As trucks, tractors, off-road vehicles and the like, which use a vertical exhaust system in which the exhaust pipe, for example, runs vertically alongside the cabin of the vehicle. Specifically, the invention relates to a combined assembly of exhaust muffler, aftertreatment element and water separator with the features of the preamble of claim 1.

To reduce emissions, catalytic converters and soot filters were integrated into the exhaust system of buses, trucks, etc. If the exhaust direction is vertical, there is a possibility that water such. As rain, snow or bus or truck washing liquid enters the top of the exhaust system and runs down into contact with the catalytic converter or the Rußfiltereinheit. The entering into the exhaust system water can be absorbed in the catalyst / filter mounting mat, z. B. vermiculite, which is typically between the outer surface of the catalytic converter and the outer body of the exhaust pipe. When a mounting mat is exposed to water, it results in a much lower pull-out force, which is a measure of the ability of the mat to retain the catalyst / filter. In another scenario, the freezing of water in the exhaust gas catalyst can cause structural damage to the monolithic catalyst. As an additional problem, water passing through the catalytic converter or soot filter may tend to flush down the particulate matter where this material collects and clogs the underside of the catalytic converter / soot filter to cause its premature failure.

A combined assembly according to the preamble of claim 1 results from the US 5,321,215 A , In this prior art, exactly the problems described above occur. A similar construction is already out of the US 2,732,913 A known.

Generally known is a water separator for a vertical exhaust system ( US 6,868,670 B1 ), wherein in a housing a tubular deflection arrangement between a lower inlet and an upper outlet sits, which is protected by an overlying cap against the entry of water from the upper outlet axially downwards.

The invention is based on the problem of protecting a combined assembly of the type in question against ingress of water in unfavorable places.

The aforementioned problem is solved in a combination assembly with the features of the preamble of claim 1 by the features of the characterizing part of claim 1. Preferred embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

The following is a description of embodiments with reference to the drawings.

The drawing shows the following:

1 FIG. 14 is a side sectional view of a prior art exhaust water separator of FIG US 6,868,670 B1 ,

2 is a view of a section of 1 ,

3 is a side sectional view of an exhaust water separator not according to the invention.

3A is an enlarged view taken along line 3A-3A of 3 ,

3B is an enlarged view along line 3B-3B of 3 ,

4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of 3 ,

5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of 3 ,

6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of 3 ,

7 is a cut-away perspective view of an exhaust aftertreatment not according to the invention.

8th is an exploded perspective view of the assembly of 7 ,

9 corresponds to 7 and shows another embodiment, also not according to the invention.

10 is a cut-away exploded perspective view of the assembly of 9 ,

11 is a side sectional view of a combined assembly of muffler and aftertreatment element and water separator, which is not designed according to the invention.

12 corresponds to 11 and shows another embodiment, which is also not designed according to the invention.

13 is a sectional view taken along line 13-13 of 12 ,

14 corresponds to 11 and FIG. 12 is a side sectional view of a combined exhaust muffler, aftertreatment element and water separator according to the invention.

The following description of 1 to 13 The drawing is not a description of an embodiment of the invention, but a description of constructions on the one hand of the prior art, on the other hand of embodiments that do not correspond to the invention protected here.

1 shows an exhaust water separator 40 with a housing 42 that along a vertical axis 44 runs and a housing side wall 46 having. The housing includes a lower inlet 48 to receive exhaust from an internal combustion engine through an exhaust catalyst or soot filter, and an upper outlet 50 to exhaust the exhaust, and the above the lower inlet 48 is spaced. An inner exhaust pipe 52 runs from the bottom inlet 48 upwards and around a radial gap, which is an annular space 54 defined between them, from the housing side wall 46 spaced radially inward. The exhaust pipe 52 has an upper end 56 on, that around an axial gap 58 under the upper outlet 50 is vertically spaced. A cap or a screen 60 on the upper end 56 spans the inner exhaust pipe 52 and blocks the flow of exhaust gas axially upward past it and blocks the entry of water from the upper outlet 50 axially down past it into the upper end 56 of the inner exhaust pipe 52 and instead directs water radially outward into the annular space 54 up and down. The exhaust pipe 52 is perforated, as at perforations 62 indicated, and therefore, the exhaust gas flows, as indicated by the arrow 64 shown from the internal combustion engine and the catalytic converter through the lower inlet 48 in the interior 66 of the inner exhaust pipe 52 axially upwards into the separator 40 , and then through perforations 62 radially outward into the annular space 54 as by the arrow 68 shown, and then flows axially upward, as indicated by the arrow 70 shown through the annular space 54 at the cap 60 over and into an upper plenum 72 and then to the outlet 50 as if by an arrow 74 shown to be vertically axially upward through the outer exhaust pipe 76 to be left out.

A lower annular flange 78 has an inner circumference 80 on the inner exhaust pipe 52 on top of the lower inlet 48 defined, and has an outer circumference 82 on the side wall of the housing 46 on top of the annular space 54 spanned at its lower end and closes to a plenum and water separator 84 to shape, comparable to the water separator 27 in the US 5,321,215 A , An upper flange 86 has an inner circumference 88 on, around the axial gap 58 vertically above the upper end 56 of the inner exhaust pipe 52 and the cap 60 is spaced and the above upper outlet 50 defined, and has an outer circumference 90 on the side wall of the housing 46 on. The cap 60 and the upper flange 86 define the upper outlet plenum 72 which is free of an axially extending perforated exhaust pipe. The upper outlet plenum 72 takes the lateral cross-sectional area of the housing 42 unhindered, without axially extending exhaust pipe.

The outer exhaust pipe 76 runs from the upper outlet 50 at the upper annular flange 86 up. In one embodiment, a second upper annular flange 92 above the upper annular flange 86 spaced by an axial gap defining an upper annular space 94 defined axially between the flanges 86 and 94 and radially between the outer exhaust pipe 76 and the housing side wall 46 lies. Each of the upper annular flanges 86 and 92 each has an inner circumference 88 and 96 on, on the outer exhaust pipe 76 mounted at axially spaced locations therealong. This is desirable because there is a reinforcement against the lever arm bend of the exhaust pipe 76 or extensions thereof, which typically occur during assembly of the exhaust system and during operation during road and / or engine vibrations. In a further embodiment, the upper annular flange 86 one or more openings such. B. 98 characterized in that with the upper annular space 94 communicate to a resonant chamber in the room 94 to remove or attenuate certain frequencies or harmonics.

In a desirable aspect, the first and second tubes are 52 respectively. 76 each separated and spaced in construction. The second tube 76 is from the first pipe 52 separated and around the axial gap 58 vertically spaced to sandwich the upper outlet plenum 72 to define the housing 42 over the annular space 54 and above the upper end 56 of the first pipe 52 spanned laterally. The pipe 76 extends axially upward from the housing to exhaust the exhaust gas. The cap 60 at the upper end 56 of the pipe 52 locks the exhaust flow axially upward past it, whereby the exhaust gas passes through the perforated section of the tube 52 as by the arrow 68 shown by perforations 62 in the annular space 54 , then into the collection room 72 , then into the tube 76 flows. The cap 60 blocks the entry of water axially down past it into the top 56 of the pipe 52 from the overlying pipe 76 and instead directs the water radially outward into the annular space 54 up and down. The annular flange 78 runs laterally between the first tube 52 and the housing side wall 46 under the upper end 56 of the pipe 52 and defines the collection space 84 for the water that comes from the cap 60 in the annular space 54 was derived. The flange 78 is preferably at the lower end of the tube 52 , The housing side wall 46 points over the flange 78 one or more discharge openings 100 This turns on water from the plenum 84 drain. When in the room 84 Water to the level of the drain opening 100 collects, the excess water from the side wall 46 drained to the outside.

A part of the water that is on the lid or the screen 60 runs outward through perforations 62 and on the inner surface of the tube 52 flow inwards. This water, attached to the inner surface of the pipe 52 flowing along is through the bottom row of perforations 102 through a ring 104 directed to the outside, on the inner surface of the pipe 52 attached, similar to the ring 22 in the US 5,321,215 A , This water then flows along the outer surface of the tube 52 and is in the collection room or separator 84 collected. That in the room 84 collected water is then through the hole 100 left out, but when the engine is started, remaining water that is in the plenum or in the separator 84 has collected, heated and evaporated, and the steam passes through the annular space 54 and then up out of the separator, as by arrows 70 and 74 shown.

In a desirable aspect, the separation allows the tubes 52 and 76 the first pipe 52 , a different diameter than the second tube 76 to have. This is desirable in applications where the second tube 76 is restricted or must have a certain diameter, z. 10 cm (4 inches) to meet system requirements, but still a first tube 52 larger diameter is possible, for. 15 cm (6 inches) to reduce the restriction, backpressure and improve flow distribution through the catalyst or soot filter. When the pipes 52 and 76 is a single tube, then its diameter must meet system requirements, including the size requirements of the outlet, which in turn limits the diameter of the inner exhaust pipe to a diameter that can cause unnecessary throttling or increase backpressure. Separate pipes 52a and 76a with different diameters are in 2 Figure 4 illustrates where other reference numerals are used as above where appropriate to facilitate understanding.

The first pipe 52 extends along a first axial centerline and the second tube 76 runs along a second axial centerline. In one embodiment, these axial centerlines are axially aligned with each other, as in FIG 44 in 1 shown. In another embodiment, 2 , is the axial centerline 106 of the first pipe 52a from the axial centerline 108 of the second tube 76a laterally offset. This provides packaging flexibility, especially in various bus applications where the customer has desired such offset to accommodate restricted spaces in the exhaust system.

3 - 6 show an exhaust water separator 120 with a housing 122 that is axial along a vertical axis 124 runs and a housing side wall 126 having. The housing has a lower inlet 128 to receive exhaust from an internal combustion engine, as indicated by arrows 130 shown, and an upper outlet 132 to exhaust the exhaust, and the above the lower inlet 128 is spaced. An inner exhaust pipe or housing 134 runs from the bottom inlet 128 upwards and is around a radial gap 136 , which is an annular space 138 defined between them, from the housing side wall 126 spaced radially inward. The inner exhaust pipe or housing 134 takes an exhaust aftertreatment element 140 on, z. Example, a catalyst element and / or particulate soot filter through which the exhaust gas flows upwards. The inner exhaust pipe 134 has an upper end 142 on, that around an axial gap 144 vertically below the upper outlet 132 is spaced. A cap 146 is at its upper end 142 arranged and spans the inner exhaust pipe 134 and blocks the entry of water axially down past it into the top 142 of the inner exhaust pipe 134 from the upper outlet 132 , and instead directs the water radially outward into the annular space 138 up and down.

The inner exhaust pipe 134 has an upper section of reduced diameter 148 perforated so that exhaust gas flows radially outwardly therethrough, as indicated by arrows 130a shown. The cap 146 has a variety of openings 150 therefore, for example, as in 4 and 3A at 150a . 150b etc., through which exhaust gas flows upward, as indicated by arrows 130b shown, and through which water runs, as indicated by arrows 152 displayed. The water runs as if by arrows 152a displayed, down in the annular space 138 from, 3 . 3B ,

A lower flange 154 . 3 . 3B , has an inner circumference 156 at a lower section 158 of the inner exhaust pipe 134 and defines the above lower inlet 128 , The flange 154 has an outer circumference 160 on the outer housing side wall 126 on and spans and closes the annular space 138 at a lower end 162 off to a collection room 164 to shape for the water. One or more drain holes 166 are through the lower flange 154 provided to water from the plenum 164 drain. flanges 168 and 170 are above the flange 154 spaced and run between the lower inlet portion 158 the inner exhaust pipe and the side wall 172 of the middle section 174 of the inner exhaust pipe. The flange 170 has one or more openings 176 by doing that with the room 178 between the flanges 168 and 170 communicate in the room 178 to provide a resonance chamber for canceling or damping certain frequencies or harmonics. The water collection room 164 is through the intermediate flange 168 from the resonance chamber 178 sealed.

An upper annular flange 180 . 3 , has an inner circumference at the upper outlet tube 182 on top of the above axial gap 144 above the upper end 142 of the inner exhaust pipe 134 and the cap 146 vertically spaced and the above upper outlet 132 Are defined. The flange 180 has an outer periphery on the outer housing side wall 126 on. Another flange 184 also runs between the outlet pipe 182 and the housing side wall 126 and is under the flange 180 spaced. The flange 184 has one or more openings such. B. 186 by doing so, with the annular space 188 between flanges 180 and 184 communicate to a resonant chamber in the room 188 to remove or attenuate certain frequencies or harmonics. The cap 146 and the upper flanges define an upper outlet plenum 144 that is free of a perforated exhaust pipe that passes axially therethrough and into which exhaust gas would otherwise have to be re-introduced, and that would otherwise increase the restriction. The upper outlet plenum 144 takes the entire lateral cross-sectional area of the housing fully, without an axially extending exhaust pipe.

The inner exhaust pipe 134 has the above lower section 158 with a first outer periphery, and axially through the lower flange 154 on the inner circumference 156 runs. The inner exhaust pipe 134 has the middle section above 174 with a second outer circumference, and that of the lower section 158 axially upwards and the above annular space 138 which is between the outer housing sidewall 126 and the above second outer periphery of the middle portion 174 on the side wall 172 of the inner exhaust pipe 134 is at least partially defined. The inner exhaust pipe 134 has the above upper section 148 with a third outer circumference, and that of the middle section 174 axially upwards and as at 149 is perforated to allow exhaust gas radially outward, as indicated by arrows 130a shown. The above second outer circumference of the middle section 174 is larger than each of the above first and third outer circumferences of the respective lower portion 158 or upper section 148 , An annular intermediate flange 190 . 3 , is between the upper and lower flanges 180 and 154 axially spaced and is under the cap 146 axially spaced. The intermediate flange 190 is on the inner exhaust pipe 134 formed and passes between the above second and third outer peripheries and also passes water into the annular space 138 around. The above one or more drain holes 166 are through the lower flange 154 at the bottom inlet 128 provided and allow water from the annular space 138 and the collection room 164 from. The intermediate flange 190 has an inner circumference at the above third outer circumference of the upper portion 148 runs. The intermediate flange 190 has an outer periphery that at the above second outer circumference of the central portion 174 runs. The cap 146 has an outer circumference 192 which is larger than the above third outer circumference at the upper portion 148 of the inner exhaust pipe 134 , The outer circumference 192 the cap 146 is greater than or equal to the above second outer circumference of the central portion 174 , Preferably, the outer circumference is 192 the cap 146 on the outer housing side wall 126 , and the cap 146 has the mentioned plurality of openings 150 extending axially therethrough and between the third outer circumference at the upper portion 148 of the inner exhaust pipe 134 and the outer circumference 192 the cap 146 is spaced. The openings 150 allow exhaust gas to pass up and let water down through, as above, for example, by arrows 130b and 152 shown.

The housing 122 FIG. 12 illustrates a first outer housing that is axially along the vertical axis 124 runs and the above first housing side wall 126 having. The inner exhaust pipe 134 provides a second housing inside the first housing 122 is and is surrounded concentrically and runs axially along the vertical axis 124 , The second inner housing 134 has a housing side wall 172 on top of the above radial gap 136 that the above annular space 138 defined between, from the first housing side wall 126 is spaced radially inwardly. The second inner housing 134 has the above lower inlet 128 on to exhaust from one Internal combustion engine to receive. The first outer case 122 has the above upper outlet 132 to vent the exhaust and is above the lower inlet 128 spaced. The second inner housing includes the above inner exhaust pipe, which is the above lower section 158 that is from the lower inlet 128 goes up, the middle section above 174 from the lower section 158 goes up and the above annular space 138 at least partially defined, and the above upper section 148 , the middle section 174 goes up and the above upper end 142 having that around the above axial gap 144 under the upper outlet 132 is spaced. The cap 146 is at the top 142 of the upper section 148 provided the inner exhaust pipe and blocks the entry of water from the upper outlet 132 axially down past it into the upper end 142 the inner exhaust pipe and instead directs the water radially outward and down and then through holes 150 in the annular space 138 , The inner exhaust pipe or housing 134 is inside the outer case 122 by a plurality of radial spokes or legs 194 fixed 5 , which is also the distance of the radial gap 136 hold to the annular space 138 to surrender.

As mentioned above, the exhaust aftertreatment element 140 in the second housing 134 accommodated. The one or more drain openings 166 lie in a vertical plane below the vertical plane of the exhaust aftertreatment element 140 , As in 3 Shown are the one or more drain holes 166 around a vertical gap therebetween under the exhaust aftertreatment element 140 spaced. The one or more drain openings 166 can through the lower flange 154 be provided as mentioned above. Alternatively, or in addition, one or more exhaust ports may pass through the housing sidewall 126 be provided as by the dashed line at 196 shown. The drain holes 166 can be vertical with the exhaust aftertreatment element 140 be aligned, as shown, and / or may be radially offset therefrom, for example, by connecting with the annular space 138 are vertically aligned. drain holes 196 are vertically below the exhaust aftertreatment element 140 spaced and offset radially thereof.

The above inner and outer circumferences of the annular space 138 formed by the respective housing side walls, and the above inner and outer peripheries of the respective flanges may have various shapes, including cylindrical shapes, oval shapes, racetrack shapes, and other closed loop configurations. The term annular herein includes such forms, and the terms inner and outer circumferences include the corresponding peripheral shapes thereof. Further, respective inner and outer circumferences may or may not be the same, for example, an inner circumference may be round while the outer circumference is oval, and vice versa, etc. The inner and outer circumferences may have the same coincident vertical axis or radially or laterally offset axes , The inlet and the outlet may have the same coincident vertical axis or different axes, as well as inner and outer circumferences of different shapes and / or orientations. The inlet and the outlet can be vertical parallel to the vertical axis 124 run, as shown, or alternatively, may extend radially or laterally through a respective housing side wall, or may extend at a different angle relative to the vertical.

7 . 8th show an exhaust aftertreatment assembly 210 with a housing 212 that is axial along an axis 213 and contains an aftertreatment element, for example one or both of a particulate soot filter 214 and a catalyst element 216 , The housing has an inlet 218 and an outlet 220 on, each with distally opposite axial ends 214a and 214b of the aftertreatment element 214 and 216a and 216b of the aftertreatment element 216 keep in touch. Exhaust gas flows out of the inlet 218 , then axially through the aftertreatment elements 216 . 214 , then to the outlet 220 , The housing has housing sections 222 and 224 on that at a junction 226 axially between axial ends 214a and 214b of the aftertreatment element 214 meet. The housing has housing sections 224 and 228 on that at a junction 230 axially between aftertreatment elements 214 and 216 meet. Alternatively, the connection point 230 axially between axial ends 216a and 216b of the aftertreatment element 216 lie.

The connection point 226 is a maintenance connection. The housing sections 222 and 224 are at the service connection 226 separated so that after the separation of the housing sections 222 and 224 the axial end 214a of the aftertreatment element 214 axially over the housing section 224 is spaced apart and the aftertreatment element for maintenance purposes, for. B. for cleaning, is easily accessible. During such maintenance, the aftertreatment element remains 214 typically, but not necessarily on the housing section 224 attached, z. B. by welding. The connection 232 connects the housing sections 222 and 224 at the service connection 226 together. In one embodiment, the compound is 232 a belt clamp known in the art, e.g. B. an inverted, blunt V-shaped band clamp, although other types can be used by connections, for example a bolted flange connection or other typical arrangements for the connection of housing or body parts. In some embodiments, a gasket 234 between the housing sections 222 and 224 at the junction 226 intended. A connection 236 connects the housing sections 224 and 228 at the junction 230 each other, this compound may be a tape clamp, z. As the above inverted, blunt V-shaped standard tape clamp or other compounds, as mentioned. In some embodiments, a gasket 238 between the housing sections 224 and 228 at the junction 230 intended. The inlet 218 may extend radially from the housing as shown, or the inlet may alternatively extend axially from the housing as indicated by the dashed line 218a shown. The outlet 220 may extend radially from the housing as shown, or alternatively may extend axially from the housing as indicated by the dashed line 220a shown.

In 7 . 8th is the housing section 222 an outlet housing section. The aftertreatment element 214 extends axially into the outlet housing section 222 along a first axial direction 240 and has an outlet axial end 214a inside the outlet housing section 222 on. The outlet housing section 222 has a side wall 242 on, axially between the first and second end walls 244 and 246 runs and has a larger diameter than the aftertreatment element 214 has and an outlet collection room 250 with reduced throttling. The end wall 244 the outlet housing section 222 is along the above first axial direction 240 from the outlet axial end 214a of the aftertreatment element 214 axially spaced. The end wall 246 the outlet housing section 222 is from the outlet axial end 214a of the aftertreatment element 214 along a second axial direction 252 axially spaced, wherein the second axial direction 252 the above first axial direction 240 is opposite. An inner end wall 254 can in the outlet housing section 222 be provided, this end wall 254 perforated or otherwise with openings such. B. 256 thereby may be provided to a resonance chamber between end walls 254 and 246 to shape the resonance vote. In other embodiments, an enlarged intake manifold with reduced restriction is in addition to or instead of the exhaust manifold 250 intended.

The side wall 242 the outlet housing section 222 indicates a first span 258 on, from the end wall 244 out along the above second axial direction 252 axially to a center 260 extending radially with the outlet axial end 214a of the aftertreatment element 214 is aligned. The side wall 242 has a second span 262 on, from the center 260 out along the above second axial direction 252 axially to the end wall 246 runs. The span 258 and the end wall 244 define a first collection space section 264 with open volume at outlet axial end 214a of the aftertreatment element 214 and axially thereof along the above first axial direction 240 , The span 262 and the end wall 246 define a second collection space section 266 with annular volume at the outlet axial end 214a of the aftertreatment element 214 and axially thereof along the above second axial direction 252 and in circumscribing relation to the aftertreatment element 214 , In one embodiment, the axial length is the second span 262 greater than the axial length of the first span 260 to the outlet axial end 214a of the aftertreatment element 214 along the above first axial direction 240 of which to reduce and save space and the amount of axial expansion of the housing 212 in the above first axial direction 240 over the outlet axial end 214a of the aftertreatment element 214 to reduce out. Furthermore, the side wall has 242 the outlet housing section 222 in the preferred embodiment, a larger diameter than the housing portion 224 ,

The outlet 220 consists of an outlet tube from the outlet housing section 222 Radial at any desired circumferential location, which is advantageous for adaptation to different engine compartment requirements. In one embodiment, the outlet tube is 220 with the outlet axial end 214a of the aftertreatment element 214 radially aligned. The connection point 230 is around the intermediate housing section 224 from the connection point 226 axially spaced. The inlet 218 stands with the housing section 228 in connection, and the outlet 220 stands with the housing section 222 in connection. The connection point 230 lies axially between the junction 226 and the inlet 218 , The connection point 230 is on the opposite axial side from the end 214a of the aftertreatment element 214 from the connection point 226 axially spaced. The connection point 230 is from the aftertreatment element 214 slightly complained of axially. The housing section 224 spans the axial end 214b of the aftertreatment element 214 axially. The axial end 214b of the aftertreatment element 214 lies axially between the joints 226 and 230 ,

9 . 10 show another embodiment and use like reference numerals as above where appropriate to facilitate understanding. The exhaust aftertreatment module 270 includes a housing 272 moving along axially an axis 213 and at least one aftertreatment element, and in some embodiments, two aftertreatment elements, namely a particulate soot filter 214 and a catalyst element 216 , The housing has an inlet 218 and an outlet 220 each communicating with axial distal opposed axial ends of the aftertreatment element. Exhaust gas flows out of the inlet 218 , then axially through the aftertreatment elements, then to the outlet 220 , The housing has first, second, third and fourth sections 274 . 276 . 278 . 280 on. The first and second housing section 274 and 276 are at a first junction 282 connected. The second and third housing section 276 and 278 are at a second connection point 284 connected. The third and fourth housing section 278 and 280 are at a third junction 286 connected. The connection point 282 lies axially between the axial ends 214a and 214b of the aftertreatment element 214 , The respective housing sections 274 and 276 on opposite axial sides of the joint 282 are at the junction 282 so separable from each other that the above axial end 214a of the aftertreatment element 214 after separating the respective housing sections 274 and 276 axially over the housing section 276 extends out and the aftertreatment element is easily accessible for maintenance purposes.

In 9 . 10 is the connection point 284 from the connection point 282 on the opposite axial side from the axial end 214a of the aftertreatment element 214 axially spaced. The connection point 284 is from the aftertreatment element 214 slightly axially spaced. Alternatively, the connection point 284 axially between axial ends 216a and 216b of the aftertreatment element 216 lie. The housing section 276 spans the axial end 214b of the aftertreatment element 214 axially. The inlet 218 lies on the housing section 280 , and the outlet 220 lies on the housing section 274 even if this arrangement can be reversed. The joints may be clamped by respective connections, e.g. B. tape clamps 288 . 290 . 292 as above, and can have respective seals 294 . 296 . 298 between respective housing sections, as above.

The systems provide a method of servicing an exhaust aftertreatment assembly, comprising providing a joint as a service connection of a location axially between the axial ends 214a and 214b of the aftertreatment element 214 and separating the housing sections 222 and 224 . 274 and 276 from each other at the maintenance connection 226 . 282 such that the axial end 214a of the aftertreatment element 214 after separating the above housing sections axially over the housing section 224 . 276 is spaced apart, and the maintenance of the aftertreatment element 214 , The system also provides a method of space saving in an exhaust aftertreatment assembly, including providing an outlet housing portion 222 , wherein the aftertreatment element 214 axially into this outlet housing section 222 into it, the Outlet axial 214a of the aftertreatment element 214 inside the outlet housing section 222 is located, and the provision of the outlet housing portion 222 with a side wall 242 axially between first and second end walls 244 and 246 runs and has a larger diameter than the aftertreatment element 214 has and an outlet collection room 250 with reduced restriction and reduced axial expansion along the above first axial direction from the outlet axial end 214a of the aftertreatment element 214 provides. The method further includes providing the joint 226 at a location axially between the axial ends 214a and 214b of the aftertreatment element 214 , The method also includes spacing the first end wall 244 the outlet housing section 222 axially from the outlet axial end 214a of the aftertreatment element 214 along the above first axial direction 240 , the spacing of the second end wall 246 and or 254 the outlet housing section 222 axially from the outlet axial end 214a of the aftertreatment element 214 along the above second axial direction 252 , providing the side wall 242 the outlet housing section 222 with a first span 258 coming from the first end wall 244 axially along the above second axial direction 252 to a center 260 runs with the outlet axial end 214a of the aftertreatment element 214 axially aligned, providing the sidewall 242 the outlet housing section 222 with a second span 262 from the center 260 along the above second axial direction 252 axially to the above second end wall 246 runs, providing the first span 258 and the first end wall 244 at the outlet axial end 214a of the aftertreatment element 214 a first collection space section 264 define with open volume and along the above first axial direction 240 extending axially thereof, providing the second span 262 and the second end wall 246 at the outlet axial end 214a of the aftertreatment element 214 a second plenum section 266 define with annular volume and axially thereof along the above second axial direction 252 and in circumscribing relation to the aftertreatment element 214 run. The method further includes providing a second span 262 with longer axial length than the first span 258 to the outlet axial end 214a of the aftertreatment element 214 along the above first axial direction 240 of which to save space and the amount of axial expansion of the housing 212 in the above first axial direction 240 over the outlet axial end 214a of the aftertreatment element 214 to reduce out.

11 shows a combination assembly of exhaust muffler and aftertreatment element and water separator 310 , The aftertreatment element 312 is selected from the group consisting of at least one of a catalyst element and a particulate soot filter. The assembly 310 includes a housing 314 that is axial along a vertical axis 316 runs and a housing side wall 318 having. The housing includes a lower inlet 320 as by the arrow 322 to receive exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine, and an upper outlet 324 to the exhaust as indicated by the arrow 326 to let out, and the above the lower inlet 320 is spaced. The aftertreatment element 312 is housed in the housing and around a radial gap 328 defining an annular space therebetween, from the housing side wall 318 spaced radially inwardly, this ring shape may have a circular, oval, racetrack-shaped, round or otherwise closed loop shape. A cap 330 is in the housing above the aftertreatment element 312 and under the upper outlet 324 provided and blocks the entry of water from the upper outlet 324 down past it into the post-treatment element 312 as by the arrow 332 and directs the water instead, as indicated by the arrow 334 shown radially outward in the annular space 328 now and then. The water flows axially down into the annular space 328 as by the arrow 336 shown, and is through one or more drain holes 338 from the annular space 328 drained, as by the arrow 340 shown. The housing has a lower flange 342 on top of the annular space 328 spans and completes to a collection room 344 to shape for the water. The or the discharge openings such. B. 338 are through the lower flange 342 shaped. Alternatively or additionally, one or more discharge openings such. B. 339 through the housing side wall 318 be shaped.

In 11 passes through a perforated tube 346 that perforations like at 348 shown axially in the housing between the lower flange 342 and the cap 330 , and through which exhaust gas radially outward through the perforations 348 flows. The perforated tube 346 lies in the annular space 328 and radially between the aftertreatment element 312 and the housing side wall 318 , The cap 330 is a first axial gap 350 above the aftertreatment element 312 axially spaced, and is about a second axial gap 352 under the upper outlet 324 axially spaced. The aftertreatment element 312 has an inlet side 354 on, the axially down to the lower inlet 320 directed, and has an outlet side 356 on, the axially upward to the cap 330 is directed and around the axial gap 350 axially spaced thereunder. The perforated tube 346 divides the annular space 328 in a first annular subspace 356 and a second annular subspace 358 , The perforated tube 346 is around the intermediate first annular subspace 356 from the aftertreatment element 312 spaced radially outwards. The housing side wall 318 is about the intermediate second annular subspace 358 from the perforated tube 346 spaced radially outwards.

The perforated tube 346 has a first axial extension portion 360 up, with the axial gap 350 over the outlet side 356 of the aftertreatment element 312 is aligned horizontally. The perforated tube 346 has a second axial extension section 362 under the first axial extension section 360 on, and with the aftertreatment element 312 under its outlet side 356 is aligned horizontally. Exhaust gas flows as if through arrows 364 shown from the inlet side 354 through the aftertreatment element 312 upwards, like at 322 shown, then to the outlet side 356 upwards, as by arrows 366 shown, then axially upwards, as indicated by arrows 368 shown in the axial space 350 , then radially outward, as by arrows 370 shown in the first axial space 350 , then along first and second branches as indicated by arrows 372 and 374 shown. The first turnoff 372 passes through the first axial extension section 360 of the perforated tube 346 radially outward, as indicated by the arrow 376 shown, then axially upwards, as indicated by arrows 378 shown in the second annular subspace 358 , The second turn 374 runs axially down into the first annular subspace 356 as by arrows 380 shown, then radially outward, as indicated by arrows 382 shown by the second axial extension portion 362 of the perforated tube 346 , then axially upwards, as by arrows 384 shown in the second annular subspace 358 and reunites with the above first branch. The exhaust gas then flows as indicated by arrows 386 shown radially inward in the axial gap 352 and enters the upper outlet 324 out, as by the arrow 326 shown. The above second branch 374 causes a double flow reversal from the outlet side 356 of the aftertreatment element 312 to the first annular subspace 356 to the second annular subspace 358 , ie, a first flow reversal from the flow axially upward 368 to the flow axially downwards 380 , and a second flow reversal from the flow axially downwards 380 to the flow axially upwards 384 ,

A dam 388 . 11 , is in the first annular subspace 356 between the aftertreatment element 312 and the perforated tube 346 intended. The dam 388 circumscribes the aftertreatment element 312 and extends axially upward from the lower flange 342 to an upper axial end 390 under the outlet side 356 of the aftertreatment element 312 , The dam 388 locks the water flow to the aftertreatment element 312 , The one or more drain openings 338 lie radially outside the dam 388 , An extension wall 392 circumscribes the aftertreatment element 312 and extends axially therealong and may be the above-mentioned mounting mat 394 , z. Vermiculite, between them. The extension wall 392 lies radially between aftertreatment element 312 and the dam 388 , The extension wall 392 runs axially upwards over the dam 388 out to the outlet side 56 and in one embodiment along the entire length of the aftertreatment element 312 , In another embodiment, the dam is eliminated 388 and the wall 392 acts as the water dam. In 11 has the cap 330 an outer circumference 396 on, around a radial gap 398 axially overlying and axially with the annular space 328 is aligned, from the housing side wall 318 is spaced radially inwardly. The outer circumference 396 lies on the perforated tube 346 at.

12 . 13 show another embodiment and use like reference numerals as above where appropriate to facilitate understanding. In 12 . 13 has the cap 330a an outer circumference 396a on the side wall of the housing 318 and has a plurality of circumferential openings such. B. 400 on top of it and with the annular space 328 are axially aligned. As in 11 flows exhaust gas in 12 axially upwards from the inlet side 354 to the outlet side 356 through the aftertreatment element 312 , then axially upwards at 368 in the axial space 350 , then radially outward 370 , then in a loop, at 380 axially down into the above annular space, then radially outward at 382 in the annular space, then axially upwards at 384 in the annular space, whereby from the outlet side 356 of the aftertreatment element 312 from a double flow reversal from the flow axially upward 368 to the flow axially downwards 380 to the flow axially upwards 384 is produced. The exhaust gas also flows radially outward, as at 376 shown.

14 shows an embodiment according to the invention. It uses the same reference numerals as above, with the letter "b" to facilitate understanding. The combination assembly consisting of exhaust silencer and aftertreatment element and water separator 310b includes the aftertreatment element 312b selected from the group consisting of at least one of a catalyst element and a particulate soot filter. The assembly 310b includes the housing 314b along the vertical axis 316b runs vertically and a housing sidewall 318b having. The housing has a lower inlet 320b to receive exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine, as in arrow 322b shown, and has an upper outlet 324b on to the exhaust as in arrow 326b and above the lower inlet 320b is spaced. The aftertreatment element 312b is housed in the housing and around a radial gap 328b defining an annular space therebetween, from the housing side wall 318b spaced radially inwardly, this ring shape may be a circular, oval, racetrack-shaped, round or otherwise closed loop shape. A cap 330b is in the housing above the aftertreatment element 312b and under the upper outlet 324b provided and blocks the entry of water from the upper outlet 324b down past it into the post-treatment element 312b as by the arrow 332b indicated, and instead passes the water radially outward into the annular space 328b up and down, as by arrows 334b displayed. The water flows axially down into the annular space 328b as by the arrow 336b displayed, and is through one or more drain holes 338b from the annular space 328b drained, as by the arrow 340b displayed. The housing has a lower flange 342b on top of the annular space 328b spans and completes to a collection room 344b to shape for the water. The one or more drain openings such. B. 338b are through the lower flange 342b shaped. Alternatively or additionally, one or more discharge openings such. B. 339b through the housing side wall 318b be shaped.

The lower inlet 320b and the upper outlet 324b of the housing 314b are each with axially distal opposite ends of the aftertreatment element 312b in conjunction, ie, the lower inlet side 354b and the upper outlet side 356b , The housing has first and second housing sections 222b and 224b on that at a junction 226b coincide axially between axial ends 354b and 356b of the aftertreatment element 312b lie. The connection point 226b is a maintenance connection. The housing sections 222b and 224b are at the service connection 226b separated so that after the separation of the housing sections 222b and 224b one of the axial ends 354b and 356b the aftertreatment element axially over one of the separate housing sections 222b and 224b is spaced apart, whereby the aftertreatment element 312b for maintenance purposes, eg. B. for cleaning, is easily accessible. During such maintenance, the aftertreatment element remains 312b typically, but not necessarily, on one of the housing sections 222b or 224b attached, z. B. by welding. A connection 232b that with the above-mentioned connection 232 is comparable, connects the housing sections 222b and 224b at the service connection 226b together. In one embodiment, the compound is 232b a belt clamp known in the art, e.g. An inverted blunt V-shaped band clamp, although other types of connections may be used, for example, a bolted flange connection or other typical arrangements for connecting housing or body parts, as mentioned above. In some embodiments, a gasket 238 be provided between the housing sections, as mentioned above.

In 14 is the housing section 222b an outlet housing section. The aftertreatment element 312b extends axially along a first axial direction 240b in the outlet housing section 222b and has an outlet axial end 356b inside the outlet housing section 222b on. The outlet housing section 222b has a side wall 318b on, axially between the first and second end walls 244b and 342b runs and has a larger diameter than the aftertreatment element 312b and an outlet collection room 250b provides. The end wall 244b the outlet housing section 222b is along the above first axial direction 240b from the outlet axial end 356b of the aftertreatment element 312b axially spaced. The end wall 342b the outlet housing section 222b is along a second axial direction 252b from the outlet axial end 356b of the aftertreatment element 312b axially spaced, this second axial direction 252b the above first axial direction 240b is opposite. The side wall 318b the outlet housing section 222b indicates a first span 258b on, from the end wall 244b to a center 260b runs with the outlet axial end 356b of the aftertreatment element 312b is radially aligned. The side wall 318b has a second span 262b on, from the center 260b axially along the above second axial direction 252b to the end wall 342b runs. The span 258b and the end wall 244b define at the outlet axial end 356b of the aftertreatment element 312b a first collection space section 264b with open volume, and axially thereof along the above first axial direction 240b runs and the cap 330b which thereby runs to also the collecting space 352b define. The span 262b and the end wall 342b define a second collection space section 266b with annular volume at the outlet axial end 356b of the aftertreatment element 312b and axially thereof along the above second axial direction 252b and in circumscribing relation to the aftertreatment element 312b , The above second end wall consists of the above lower flange 342b , which is the collection room section 266b spans and closes with annular volume, and the annular space 328b to the collection room 344b for that at 334b forming deflected water. The above one or more drain holes 338b and or 339b are through at least one of the lower flange 342b and the housing side wall 318b shaped. In one embodiment, the axial length of the second span 262b greater than the axial length of the first span 258b to be at the outlet axial end 356b of the aftertreatment element 312b along the above first axial direction 240b of which to reduce and save space and the amount of axial expansion of the housing 314b in the above first axial direction 240b over the outlet axial end 356b of the aftertreatment element 312b to reduce out. In the preferred embodiment, the sidewall 318b the outlet housing section 222b a larger diameter than the housing portion 224b ,

In 14 passes through a perforated tube 346b that perforations like at 348b shown axially in the housing between the lower flange 342b and the cap 330b , and through which exhaust gas radially outward through perforations 348b flows. The perforated tube 346b lies in the annular space 328b and collecting space with annular volume 266b and lies radially between the aftertreatment element 312b and the housing side wall 318b , The cap 330b is a first axial gap 350b above the aftertreatment element 312b axially spaced and is about a second axial gap 352b under the upper outlet 324b axially spaced. The aftertreatment element 312b has the above inlet side 354b which is directed axially downwards, and has the above outlet side 356b on, the axially upward to the cap 330b is directed and around the axial gap 350b axially spaced thereunder. The perforated tube 346b divides the annular space 328b in a first annular subspace 356b and a second annular subspace 358b , The perforated tube 346b is around the first annular subspace in between 356b from the aftertreatment element 312b spaced radially outwards. The housing side wall 318b is around the intermediate second annular subspace 358b from the perforated tube 346b spaced radially outwards.

The system provides a method of servicing a combined exhaust muffler and aftertreatment element and water trap comprising providing a joint as a service connection, as noted, at a location axially between the axial ends 356b and 354b of the aftertreatment element 312b and separating the housing sections 222b and 224b from each other at the maintenance connection 226b such that after separating the above housing sections one of the axial ends 356b . 354b of the aftertreatment element 312b over one of the housing sections 224b . 222b axially spaced, and then waiting for the aftertreatment element 312b ,

Disclosed in the present documents, but not as being according to the invention, also a method for saving space in a combined exhaust muffler and aftertreatment element and water separator, comprising the provision of an outlet housing portion 222b , wherein the aftertreatment element 312b axially into this outlet housing section 222b runs, with the outlet axial end 356b of the aftertreatment element 312b within the outlet housing section 222b is located, and the provision of the outlet housing portion 222b with a side wall 318b axially between first and second end walls 244b and 342b runs and has a larger diameter than the aftertreatment element 312b , and the provision of an outlet collection space 350b with reduced axial extent along the above first axial direction 240b from the outlet axial end 356b of the aftertreatment element 312b , The method also includes providing the joint 226b at a point between the axial ends 356b and 354b of the aftertreatment element 312b , The method also includes axially spacing the first end wall 244b the outlet housing section 222b from the outlet axial end 356b of the aftertreatment element 312b along the above first axial direction 240b axially spacing the second end wall 342b the outlet housing section 222b from the outlet axial end 356b of the aftertreatment element 312b along the above second axial direction 252b , providing the side wall 218b the outlet housing section 222b with a first span 258b coming from the first end wall 244b along the above second axial direction 252b to a center 260b runs with the outlet axial end 356b of the aftertreatment element 312b is radially aligned, providing the side wall 318b the outlet housing section 222b with a second span 262b from the center 260b axially along the above second axial direction 252b to the above second end wall 342b runs, providing the first span 258b and the first end wall 244b defining a first open volume plenum section at the outlet axial end 256b of the aftertreatment element 312b define and axially along the above first axial direction 240b of which is the provision of the second span 262b and the second end wall 342b , which has a second collection chamber portion with annular volume at the outlet axial end 356b of the aftertreatment element 312b define and axially along the above second axial direction 252b thereof and in a descriptive relation to the post-treatment element 312b run. The method also includes the optional provision of the second span 262b with greater axial length than the first span 258b to the room at the outlet axial end 356b of the aftertreatment element 312b along the above first axial direction 240b to reduce it and further save and the amount of axial expansion of the housing 314b in the above first axial direction 240b over the outlet axial end 356b of the aftertreatment element 312b continue to reduce.

Claims (11)

Combination assembly of exhaust muffler, aftertreatment element and water separator, wherein the aftertreatment element ( 312b ) has at least one catalyst element and / or a particle soot filter, wherein the assembly ( 310b ) a housing ( 314b ) along a vertical axis ( 316b ) axially and a housing side wall ( 318b ), wherein the housing ( 314b ) a lower inlet ( 320b ) to receive exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine, and an upper outlet ( 324b ) to exhaust the exhaust gas, wherein the outlet ( 324b ) above the inlet ( 320b ), wherein the aftertreatment element ( 312b ) in the housing ( 314b ), characterized in that the aftertreatment element ( 312b ) in the housing ( 314b ) with a radial gap ( 328b ), which has an annular space ( 328b ) to the housing side wall ( 318b ), from the housing side wall ( 318b ) is arranged radially inwardly spaced, that a cap ( 330b ) in the housing ( 314b ) over the aftertreatment element ( 312b ) and below the upper outlet ( 324b ), which controls the entry of water from the upper outlet ( 324b ) axially down past it into the aftertreatment element ( 312b ) and instead blocks the water radially outward into the annular space (FIG. 328b ) and derives that one or more discharge openings ( 338b ; 339b ) are provided to the water from the annular space ( 328b ) to let the lower inlet ( 320b ) and the upper outlet ( 324b ) of the housing ( 314b ) each with distally opposed axial ends ( 354b ; 356b ) of the aftertreatment element ( 312b ), ie a lower inlet side ( 354b ) and an upper outlet side ( 356b ), and that the housing ( 314b ) first and second housing sections ( 222b ; 224b ), which is attached to a Connection point ( 226b ) axially between the axial ends ( 354b ; 356b ) of the aftertreatment element ( 312b ) meet. Combination assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection point ( 226b ) is a maintenance connection and the first and second housing sections ( 222b ; 224b ) are separable from one another at the maintenance connection such that after the first and second housing sections ( 222b ; 224b ) one of the axial ends ( 354b ) of the aftertreatment element ( 312b ) via one of the separate housing sections ( 222b ) is axially spaced, whereby the aftertreatment element ( 312b ) is easily accessible for maintenance purposes. Combination assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a compound ( 232b ), the first and second housing sections ( 222b ; 224b ) at the junction ( 226b ) is connected to each other, is provided. Combination assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first housing section ( 222b ) an outlet housing section is that the aftertreatment element ( 312b ) along a first axial direction in this outlet housing section (FIG. 222b ), and the after-treatment element ( 312b ) an outlet axial end ( 356b ) in the interior of the outlet housing section (FIG. 222b ), and that the outlet housing portion ( 222b ) a side wall ( 318b ) disposed axially between first and second end walls ( 244b ; 342b ) has a larger diameter than the aftertreatment element ( 312b ) and an outlet collection room ( 250b ) forms. Combination assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that the first end wall ( 244b ) of the outlet housing section ( 222b ) along the first axial direction from the outlet axial end (FIG. 356b ) of the aftertreatment element ( 312b ) is axially spaced, that the second end wall ( 342b ) of the outlet housing section ( 222b ) along a second axial direction from the outlet axial end ( 356b ) of the aftertreatment element ( 312b ) is axially spaced, wherein the second axial direction of the first axial direction is opposite, that the side wall ( 318b ) of the outlet housing section ( 222b ) a first span ( 258b ) extending from the first end wall ( 244b ) axially along the second axial direction to a center ( 260b ), which is connected to the outlet axial end ( 356b ) of the aftertreatment element ( 312b ) is radially aligned, and a second span ( 262b ) from this midpoint ( 260b ) axially along the second axial direction ( 252b ) to the second end wall ( 342b ), the first span ( 258b ) and the first end wall ( 244b ) at the outlet axial end ( 356b ) of the aftertreatment element ( 312b ) a first collection space section ( 264b ) and extend axially therefrom along the first axial direction, the second span (FIG. 262b ) and the second end wall ( 342b ) at the outlet axial end ( 356b ) of the aftertreatment element ( 312b ) an annular second collection space portion ( 266b ) and along the second axial direction axially therefrom and in circumscribing relation to the aftertreatment element ( 312b ), and that the second end wall ( 342b ) a lower flange ( 342b ), which surrounds the annular space ( 266b ) and completes a collection space ( 344b ) for the water. Combination assembly according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the one or more discharge openings ( 338b ; 339b ) through the second end wall ( 342b ) and / or the housing side wall ( 318b ) are formed. Combination assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the axial length of the second span ( 262b ) is greater than the axial length of the first span ( 258b ) at the outlet axial end of the aftertreatment element ( 312b ) along the first axial direction from there to space and save space and the amount of axial expansion of the housing ( 314b ) in the first axial direction via the outlet axial end ( 356b ) of the aftertreatment element ( 312b ). Combination assembly according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the side wall ( 318b ) has a larger diameter than the second housing section ( 224b ). Combination assembly according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that a perforated tube ( 346b ) provided in the housing ( 314b ) between the lower end wall ( 342b ) and the cap ( 330b ) axially and through which exhaust gas flows radially outward, the perforated tube ( 346b ) in the annular space ( 328b ) and radially between the aftertreatment element ( 312b ) and the housing side wall ( 318b ) lies. Combination assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the cap ( 330b ) about a first axial gap ( 350b ) axially above the aftertreatment element ( 312b ) and about a second axial space ( 352b ) axially below the upper outlet ( 324b ) is spaced that the perforated tube ( 346b ) the annular space ( 328b ) in a first annular subspace ( 356b ) and a second annular subspace ( 358b ) that the perforated tube ( 346b ) around the intermediate first annular subspace ( 356b ) of the aftertreatment element ( 312b ) is spaced radially outwards and that the housing side wall ( 318b ) around the intermediate second annular subspace ( 358b ) from the perforated tube ( 346b ) is spaced radially outwardly. Method for the maintenance of a combined assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second housing sections ( 222b ; 224b ) from each other at the junction ( 226b ) are separated such that after separating the first and second housing sections ( 222b ; 224b ) one of the axial ends of the aftertreatment element ( 312b ) via one of the separate housing sections ( 222b ; 224b ) is axially spaced, so that the aftertreatment element ( 312b ) and that the aftertreatment element ( 312b ) is serviced.

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