EP1704305A2

EP1704305A2 - Honeycomb body comprising at least one space-saving sensor and corresponding lambda probe

Info

Publication number: EP1704305A2
Application number: EP04803484A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Rolf BRÜCK; Kait ALTHÖFER
Original assignee: Emitec Gesellschaft fuer Emissionstechnologie mbH
Current assignee: Vitesco Technologies Lohmar Verwaltungs GmbH
Priority date: 2003-12-11
Filing date: 2004-12-03
Publication date: 2006-09-27
Also published as: JP2007517153A; WO2005056987A2; DE10357951A1; CN101069329A; WO2005056987A3; RU2006124521A; KR20070007268A; US20060257297A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a honeycomb body (1), which can be traversed by a fluid, in particular the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, at least partially in a traversing direction (15). Said body comprises a plurality of at least partially traversable cavities (4) that form a honeycomb structure (2), the latter (2) being located in a casing (3) and at least one sensor (7), which comprises at least a first sub-section (8) and a second sub-section (9). At least the second sub-section (9) of the sensor (7) extends into the honeycomb structure (2) and penetrates at least part of the cavities (4) and at least the first sub-section (8) extends beyond the casing (3). Said honeycomb body is characterised in that the first (8) and the second sub-section (9) are configured in a substantially rigid manner and form an angle (W) that is different from 180 degrees on a first plane (18) that encompasses the traversing direction (15) of the honeycomb body (1) and/or on a second plane (19) that runs perpendicular to the traversing direction (15) of the honeycomb body (1). In the inventive honeycomb body (1), the angled construction of the sensor permits said body (1) to have a space-saving construction that comprises at least one sensor (7).

Description

Honeycomb body with at least one space-saving measuring sensor and corresponding lambda probe

The present invention relates to a honeycomb body with at least one measuring sensor, which can be used in particular as a catalyst carrier body for converting at least parts of the exhaust gas from a nerbrennerkraf machine. Components of the exhaust gas from automotive automotive internal combustion engines have long been classified as dangerous to people and the environment. For some time now, legal limit values have been issued in many countries around the world that these exhaust gas components must not exceed. Compliance with these limit values is generally achieved by catalytically converting at least parts of the exhaust gas. For this purpose, the largest possible surface on which this reaction can take place is required with the smallest possible additional space requirement for accommodating the catalyst. These two conditions are often met by honeycomb bodies that serve as catalyst carrier bodies. In general, two basic designs of these honeycomb bodies are known, namely ceramic and metallic honeycomb bodies. The metallic honeycomb bodies are often wound or stacked in a spiral from metallic layers and twisted with one another, for example in the shape of an S or an involute. Such metallic honeycomb bodies composed of layers are often at least partially formed from at least partially structured metallic layers and essentially smooth metallic layers, the structures of the layers forming cavities, for example channels, when the honeycomb body is built up. The exhaust gas flows through these cavities through the honeycomb body. Ceramic honeycomb bodies are extruded, for example, so that channels are formed through which the exhaust gas can flow. A catalytically active is applied to the cavity walls, for example in the form of noble metal particles such as platinum or rhodium particles in a ceramic coating such as a washcoat. The constant tightening of the limit values in many countries leads to increased demands on the catalyst carrier body. In particular, legal regulations require an analysis of the exhaust gas during operation to monitor the catalytic conversion and the functionality of the catalyst carrier body. Such an "on-board diagnosis" (OBD) requires the use of sensors for monitoring parameters of the exhaust gas. Such parameters are, for example, the oxygen content of the exhaust gas, which is determined with a lambda probe, or the temperature and the proportion of components of the exhaust gas such as nitrogen oxide (NO _x ) or the like. Thus, among other things, there is a tendency to form one or more sensors in the honeycomb body due to the OBD. However, especially in modern automobiles, there is only a very small installation space for the catalyst carrier body For example, a carrier body for a catalytic reactor is known from DE 88 16 154 U1, the honeycomb body of which is made in one piece from metallic corrugated bands, the sensor being arranged on the carrier body in such a way that part of the sensor is inside the honeycomb body and one Part of the sensor extends outside the honeycomb body or is straight, so that the part of the sensor that lies outside the honeycomb body extends relatively far away from the honeycomb body. Such an arrangement requires a relatively large amount of space when installed in the exhaust system of an automobile.

Proceeding from this, it is the object of the present invention to propose a honeycomb body and a lambda probe, which allow a determination of at least one parameter of the exhaust gas while at the same time requiring very little space for the honeycomb body and the sensor or the lambda probe.

This object is achieved by a honeycomb body with the features of claim 1 and a lambda probe with the features of claim 18. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the respective dependent claims. According to the invention, a honeycomb body which can be flowed through at least partially for a fluid, in particular an exhaust gas from a ner internal combustion engine, is proposed, with a plurality of cavities through which a honeycomb structure can flow at least partially, the honeycomb structure being accommodated in a casing tube, at least a measuring sensor which has at least a first partial area and a second partial area, at least the second partial area of the measuring sensor extending into the honeycomb structure and at least partially penetrating at least part of the cavities, and at least the first partial area extending outside the casing tube, wherein the first and the second partial area are essentially rigid and have an angle that is different from 180 degrees in a first plane comprising the flow direction of the honeycomb body and / or in a direction to the flow direction of the honeycomb body Include rper's vertical second plane.

Rigid in this context means in particular that the sub-areas are essentially not deformable by such forces as can occur when installing the sensor in the honeycomb body or by such forces as can occur when the honeycomb body is used in the exhaust system of an automobile, in particular as a catalyst carrier body and / or are elastic. The direction of flow is determined by the flow through the honeycomb body from a first face to a second face. In particular, it is possible and according to the invention that the fluid, in particular the exhaust gas, flows locally in a direction other than the flow direction within the honeycomb body.

A honeycomb body is made up of a honeycomb structure and a tubular casing. Here, the honeycomb structure encompasses the cavities of the honeycomb body and is accommodated in the tubular casing and, as a rule, at least in some areas connected to it by joining technology, preferably brazed or welded, optionally also via an intermediate element such as a corrugated jacket or the like. The honeycomb body can be designed in a cylindrical shape, but just as well, for example, in a conical or plate shape, and, for example, honeycomb bodies which have a non-round, for example oval or polygonal cross section.

The first and the second partial area enclose an angle in a first plane comprising the flow direction of the honeycomb body and / or in a second plane perpendicular to the flow direction of the honeycomb body. The angle is thus defined by the two partial areas of the sensor or by the bearings of these partial areas to one another. Here, the second level is defined by being perpendicular to the direction of flow through the honeycomb body, that is to say the vector of the direction of flow is normal to the second level. The first level is perpendicular to the second level and includes the flow vector. The second plane preferably comprises at least the axis of the second partial area or the tangent of the second partial area in a contact area in which the first and the second partial area are connected to one another.

A measuring sensor is understood to be an arrangement that allows values of at least one parameter of the fluid to be recorded when it flows through the honeycomb body. The parameter can be any physical and / or chemical variable that can be determined directly and / or indirectly. Furthermore, the sensor can work according to any physical and / or chemical measuring principle. It is also possible for more than one sensor, in particular two, three or four sensors, to be formed in the honeycomb body.

The measuring sensor also includes a data connection via which the recorded

Values of at least one parameter can be tapped. This data connection can, for example, take the form of a cable or a plug connection. lie, which allows the connection of a cable. In particular, the data connection can be part of the first partial area.

In particular, the cavities of the honeycomb body can be channels which extend from the first to the second end face of the honeycomb body and thus carry the fluid. However, different types of cavities can also be formed, for example channels which are interrupted by caverns. In particular, openings and connections from adjacent cavities are also possible. It is also possible that at least some of the cavities each have an opening in the first end face and in the second end face. Thus, the cavities can be at least partially closed, if necessary also with an at least partially flowable material, so that flow cul-de-sacs or flow bottlenecks form. Such measures can be taken to set up open or closed particle filters. These are used, in particular, to filter out the particles contained in the exhaust gas of an automobile, such as soot particles, from the exhaust gas. A distinction is made between open and closed particle filters. When the particle filter is closed, all of the exhaust gas must pass through closed channels, while with an open particle filter, the channels can essentially be flowed through freely. Precautions have been taken here, which result in the exhaust gas flow being diverted in many ways and being directed through walls through which the particles can flow, in which the particles collect.

Furthermore, the honeycomb body according to the invention can in particular also be used as a catalyst carrier body in the exhaust system of an automobile. For this purpose, a coating of ceramic material, for example a washcoat, can be applied, in which the catalytically active material is introduced. This ceramic coating leads to a further increase in the reactive surface of the catalyst carrier body. Furthermore, the honeycomb body according to the invention can be equipped with a corresponding coating which can be used as a storage medium for at least one component of the Allow exhaust gas. This can be, for example, a coating that adsorbs nitrogen oxides (NOχ) at low temperatures and desorbs at higher temperatures. The sensor is in particular designed and introduced into the honeycomb body in such a way that several cavities of the honeycomb body are at least partially penetrated. This means that the at least one parameter in the fluid that flows or can flow through these cavities is determined. At the same time, as a rule, the fluid flowing through these cavities is averaged. Depending on the application, it is possible and according to the invention to dimension the cavity which the honeycomb body has for receiving the sensor as small as possible, so that the smallest possible distance is formed between the sensor and the cavity boundaries. When used as a catalyst carrier body, this leads to the lowest possible loss of catalytically active surface. In other applications, however, it can be advantageous to provide a certain free volume around the measuring sensor in order to enable improved mixing of the fluid, for example the exhaust gas of an automobile, and thus to obtain measurement values which are averaged over a larger proportion of the fluid ,

The honeycomb body according to the invention advantageously allows the control and monitoring of at least one parameter of the fluid, while at the same time the space required for the installation of the honeycomb body with a sensor is small, since the angle between the first and second section of the sensor is arbitrary and thus the space required for the Available space can be adjusted. In this case, it can be advantageous to design at least one of the two sections straight or also to curve them. Thus, according to the invention, it is possible, for example, to form the second section straight while the first section is curved. In this case, the curvature of the first section can advantageously be adapted to the curvature of the honeycomb body in the region of the exit of the first section. In such a case, the Angle as the angle between the tangent in the contact area between the first and second partial area and the axis or tangent of the other partial area in the contact area between the two partial areas. According to an advantageous embodiment of the honeycomb body according to the invention, the at least one sensor is designed as a lambda probe.

Especially with the OBD in the exhaust system of an automobile, lambda probes are an important sensor that allow the fuel / oxygen ratio to be determined. Furthermore, it is advantageous to form one lambda probe in front of the honeycomb body or in the initial area of the honeycomb body, preferably within the first 20% of the length of the honeycomb body, and another in the end area, preferably within the last 20% of the length of the honeycomb body or in the direction of flow behind To train honeycomb bodies.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one sensor comprises at least one of the following parameters of the fluid: a) temperature; b) proportion of at least one component of the fluid;

Since when the honeycomb body according to the invention is used as a catalyst carrier body in the exhaust system of an automobile, the exhaust gas generally has a high temperature and, moreover, the catalyzed reactions are exothermic, the temperature of the honeycomb body, or of the exhaust gas flowing through it, is an important parameter for both the operating state and the general state of the Honeycomb body, as well as for the degree of implementation that is achieved with the catalytic reaction. Furthermore, the sensor can also advantageously detect a proportion of at least one component of the exhaust gas, such as the oxygen proportion, the nitrogen oxide proportion, the ammonia proportion and / or the hydrocarbon proportion. The measured values recorded in this way can also can be used advantageously for controlling and monitoring at least the exhaust system of an automobile. In particular, the formation of combined measuring sensors is also possible and according to the invention, which, for example, on the one hand perform the function of a lambda probe and on the other hand additionally also detect the temperature and / or a proportion of a component of the exhaust gas.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one measuring sensor has means for preventing heat conduction, for example, it can at least partially surround a heat-insulating layer near the first partial area.

Due to the angled version of the sensor, the first section of the sensor is closer to the honeycomb body than in the case of an angled version of the sensor. If the honeycomb body according to the invention is used in the exhaust system of an automobile, for example as a catalyst carrier body, adsorber body, particle filter, particle trap or as a combined element as a combination thereof, the honeycomb body and therefore also the sensor are high temperatures, for example up to 1000 degrees Celsius and more depending on the position of the honeycomb body in relation to the internal combustion engine, exposed to a strong thermal load on the material, especially the sensor. According to the invention, this effect is taken into account by the formation of a heat-insulating layer, in particular in the first partial area of the sensor. This thermal insulation is designed in such a way that it is adapted to the high thermal transients and / or gradients that occur and that these do not lead to rapid wear of the thermal insulation material under the operating conditions, for example in the exhaust system of an automobile.

In addition to these means for heat insulation, other means known to the person skilled in the art can also be used to prevent an undesired supply of heat from the

Casing tube of the housing or of the heat structure (e.g. also by heat Radiation) to hinder or even prevent temperature-sensitive sections of the sensor.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the honeycomb body according to the invention, the angle enclosed by the first partial area and the second partial area is 60 to 120 degrees, preferably 75 to 105 degrees, particularly preferably 85 to 95 degrees.

In particular, in an embodiment in which angles have at least a portion in a plane encompassing the flow direction of the honeycomb body, angles of less than 90 degrees are advantageous. In general, an angle of 90 degrees allows the smallest possible space requirement for the installation of the honeycomb body including the sensor. Angles of more than 90 degrees can also be advantageous if the angle has at least a portion in a plane encompassing the direction of flow. Such angles reduce the heating up of the first section and in particular of data connections formed in the first section and wear problems in these areas.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the honeycomb body according to the invention, the angle enclosed by the first partial area and the second partial area is essentially 90 degrees.

A substantially right angle advantageously requires a very space-saving installation of the honeycomb body and the sensor.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the honeycomb body according to the invention, at least a portion of the sensor is at least partially curved.

This allows a further possibility of saving space, in particular if the first partial area is curved, since the sensor is curved in this way, for example it may be that there is a free space between the first partial area and the outside of the tubular casing of the honeycomb body, which increases outwards from the receptacle of the sensor. This also advantageously allows the problems caused by the heating of the sensor to be reduced. Furthermore, it is also possible to design the curvature of the first partial area such that it lies close to the outside of the tubular casing of the honeycomb body. This leads to a further saving in space, since the sensor practically hugs the honeycomb body. Sufficient thermal insulation is provided here, which essentially prevents thermal damage to the sensor. In such a case, the angle enclosed by the first and the second partial area is determined as the angle between the tangent in the contact area between the first and second partial area and the axis or tangent of the other partial area. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the honeycomb body according to the invention, the curvature of the curved partial area is adapted to the curvature of the honeycomb body and / or to the geometric conditions in the honeycomb body.

An adaptation of the curvature of the first partial area to the outer curvature of the honeycomb body, or of the tubular casing of the honeycomb body, is advantageous, since this results in the greatest possible space saving. Furthermore, an adaptation of the curvature of the second partial area to the geometric conditions in the honeycomb body can allow a very specific selection of the parts of the fluid, the measured values of which are recorded by the measuring sensor. An adaptation to the geometric conditions in the honeycomb body means, for example, that when the honeycomb body is formed from at least partially structured and essentially smooth metallic layers that are twisted in an involute manner, the second partial area also has an essentially involute-like shape. In particular, specific partial flows can be selected in which the measured values are recorded. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the honeycomb body according to the invention, the honeycomb body is at least partially formed from at least one metallic layer.

The formation of the honeycomb body from metallic layers, for example sheet metal layers and / or metallic fiber layers, preferably from high-temperature and corrosion-resistant metals, for example high-temperature-resistant steels, advantageously enables the construction of honeycomb bodies which also withstand the harsh conditions in the exhaust system of an automobile can withstand. The formation of metallic layers also enables a very variable design, in particular of the cavities of the honeycomb body. Here and in the following, a metallic layer is understood to mean, in addition to a layer which is constructed from a single material, for example a sheet metal layer or a layer which can at least partially flow through for a fluid, for example made of metallic fiber material, a layer which is composed of several materials or areas is also built up, for example a layer which has areas made of sheet metal and areas made of metallic fiber material. In particular, this also includes metallic fiber layers which are reinforced by at least one strip of sheet metal or also have only individual regions which are catalytically coated.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the honeycomb body according to the invention, the honeycomb body is made up of a plurality of at least partially structured and essentially smooth metallic layers which are stacked and twisted or wound together.

Here, for example, two metallic layers are advantageously wound in a spiral, one of which is at least partially structured, for example corrugated, and the other is essentially smooth. When these two layers are wound up in a spiral, the interaction of the structure turen with the substantially smooth metallic layer, a plurality of channels that extend over the entire length of the honeycomb body.

It is also possible according to the invention to stack at least one at least partially structured layer with at least one essentially smooth layer and to twist at least one stack. For example, two stacks can be wound in an S-shape in opposite directions, or three stacks can be twisted together. An essentially smooth layer is understood to mean a layer which may have microstructuring, but whose structuring amplitude is smaller, preferably substantially smaller, than the structuring amplitude of the at least partially structured metallic layer. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the honeycomb body according to the invention, the honeycomb body is wound up from at least one at least partially structured metallic layer and optionally at least one essentially smooth metallic layer.

In particular, the construction of a spirally wound honeycomb body is possible according to the invention by spirally winding only an at least partially structured metallic layer. For example, the layer can be structured in one half and smooth in the other half. The layer is folded in the middle and the folded layer is then wound up. The metallic layer can also be entirely structured and then wound up, whereby it must be ensured that the structures do not slide into one another during winding. This can be ensured, for example, by small spacers that prevent slipping into each other. In such a case, the cavities of the honeycomb body are then not delimited by essentially smooth metallic layers and the structures of the at least partially structured layer, but rather only by the structures of the structured layer. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the honeycomb body according to the invention, the metallic layers are at least partially and / or at least some of the metallic layers made of a material, preferably a fiber material, through which a fluid can flow.

This enables, in particular, the construction of particle filters in which at least some of the cavity walls are constructed from an at least partially structured material through which the fluid can flow. It is possible according to the invention that the honeycomb body consists of metallic layers, part of which is a sheet metal layer which cannot be flowed through, possibly perforated at least in parts, while another part is made of at least partially flowable material. The use of metallic fiber material, in particular sintered metallic fiber material, is possible as an at least partially flowable material.

Furthermore, it is just as well possible, according to the invention, to construct a honeycomb body which has areas in the flow direction, the cavity walls of which can be at least partially flowed through by a fluid and other areas which essentially cannot be flowed through. This can be achieved, for example, by constructing at least some of the metallic layers in the direction of flow through the honeycomb body from, for example, two areas, one area being made of sheet metal and the other of metallic fiber material. For example, it is also possible according to the invention to reinforce a metallic layer of fiber material in some areas with sheet metal strips.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the honeycomb body according to the invention, which is at least partially constructed from layers structured at least partially with a structural repeat length, at least in partial areas Chen at least a portion of the layers formed holes, the dimensions of which are at least partially larger than the structure repeat length, preferably substantially larger than the structure repeat length. In this case, dimensions of the holes are preferred which are at least in a spatial direction between two and ten times, particularly preferably between two and five times, larger than the structural repeat length. It is possible according to the invention to introduce essentially round holes as well as oval holes which have a first length in a first direction and a second length in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction which is a multiple of the first length. Any other hole shapes, as well as special orientations of the holes with respect to the flow direction of the honeycomb body are also possible and according to the invention. By forming holes, the dimensions of which are greater than the structural repeat length, in the or in individual layers, after winding or twisting, cavernous cavities can be formed, in which the fluid flow is swirled as it flows through the honeycomb body. When used, for example, as a catalyst carrier body in the exhaust system of an automobile, this leads to thorough mixing of the exhaust gas and thus to good catalytic conversion, since laminar edge flows are avoided in this way. Furthermore, the catalyst support bodies can be made lighter and with less material use with the same conversion effectiveness.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the honeycomb body according to the invention, microstructures are formed in at least some of the layers, preferably at an angle to the direction of flow, particularly preferably at an essentially right angle to the direction of flow, inside out and / or holes with dimensions smaller than the structural repeat length , Microstructures are characterized by the fact that their structuring amplitude is smaller, preferably significantly smaller, than the structuring amplitude of the at least partially structured metallic layers. These microstructures cause a swirling of the fluid flow. When using a honeycomb body according to the invention in the exhaust system of a motor vehicle, for example as a catalyst carrier body, such microstructures ensure thorough mixing of the exhaust gases and prevent laminar edge flows. These microstructures are preferably formed at an angle to the flow direction, particularly preferably at an angle of 90 degrees. However, other angles are also possible and according to the invention, for example 30, 45 or 60 degrees.

In addition, inversions can be formed according to the invention. These are, for example, flow guide surfaces which, in cooperation with an opening in the cavity wall, ensure a flow exchange between adjacent cavities. In addition to deflecting the fluid flow in a cavity, this also causes a swirling of the flow, so that laminar edge flows are avoided or swirled. Laminar edge flows are generally undesirable, particularly when the honeycomb body is used in the exhaust system of an automobile, since they ensure, for example, a reduced conversion effectiveness when the honeycomb body is used as a catalyst carrier body. When used, for example, as an adsorber, the adsorption rate is reduced by laminar edge flows, while when used as a particle filter, the filter rate is reduced.

The above-mentioned possibilities of influencing the flow can also be used cumulatively, for example holes with dimensions greater than the structural repeat length of the structuring together with holes whose dimensions are smaller than the structural repeat length of the structuring or with inverted sections and / or microstructuring. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the honeycomb body according to the invention, the honeycomb body is formed from a ceramic material.

The formation of the honeycomb body from ceramic material is possible in various ways. For example, the honeycomb body can be extruded or built up in layers from ceramic powder. Ceramic honeycomb bodies can be used as a catalyst carrier body, as an adsorber body or as a particle filter if the cavity walls and / or a corresponding coating are designed in the exhaust system of an automobile.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the honeycomb body according to the invention, the honeycomb body is extruded.

Here, in particular, an extruded ceramic or metallic honeycomb body is possible according to the invention.

Another method for producing such honeycomb bodies can include the layer-by-layer application of a solidifiable mass which is repeatedly cured by temperature or light. In this way, structures of any complexity can also be produced with undercuts. This process, which comes from rapid prototyping, is already being used in part in series production.

According to a further aspect of the inventive concept, a lambda probe for use in a honeycomb body is proposed, the lambda probe having a first partial region and a second partial region, which enclose an angle different from 180 degrees.

A lambda probe according to the invention can advantageously be used in a corresponding honeycomb body for monitoring the oxygen content in the exhaust gas. For this purpose, the lambda probe with the second partial area in a corresponding receptacle of the honeycomb body is introduced. The angled lambda probe according to the invention advantageously allows the space-saving construction of a honeycomb body in which the lambda probe can be used to monitor the oxygen content in the exhaust gas.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the lambda probe according to the invention, at least one of the partial areas is curved.

A curved configuration of at least one of the two partial areas advantageously allows, for example, an adaptation of the shape of the lambda probe to a curvature of a honeycomb body.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the lambda probe according to the invention, the lambda probe has a heat-insulating layer, preferably in the area of the first partial area.

Since the first partial area when the lambda sensor is installed in a honeycomb body lies outside the tubular casing of the honeycomb body, additional thermal insulation is provided according to the invention due to the critical temperature conditions, for example in the exhaust system of a motor vehicle, which advantageously protects the lambda sensor from thermal damage.

The details and advantages listed above for a sensor in a honeycomb body apply in the same way to the lambda probe according to the invention and vice versa, so that details and advantages disclosed for the honeycomb body with sensor are disclosed in the same way for the lambda sensor and vice versa.

Further advantages and preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention are set out below with reference to the drawing, without which the invention would not be restricted thereto. Show it: 1 schematically shows a first exemplary embodiment of a honeycomb body according to the invention in cross section;

2 schematically shows the first exemplary embodiment of a honeycomb body according to the invention in a perspective side view;

Fig. 3 schematically shows a second embodiment of a honeycomb body according to the invention in cross section; Fig. 4 schematically shows a third embodiment of a honeycomb body according to the invention in cross section;

5 schematically shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of a honeycomb body according to the invention in cross section; and

Fig. 6 schematically shows a fifth embodiment of a honeycomb body according to the invention in a longitudinal section.

1 schematically shows a honeycomb body 1 according to the invention in cross section, which comprises a honeycomb structure 2 and a jacket tube 3. The honeycomb structure 2 has cavities 4 that can be flowed through, which are formed by essentially smooth metallic layers 5 and at least partially structured, in the present example corrugated, metallic layers 6.

Metallic layers 5, 6 are to be understood here as general layers of metallic material, in particular sheet metal layers, at least partially metallic layers through which a fluid can flow, for example metallic fiber layers or sintered materials, as well as combinations thereof, such as metallic fiber layers reinforced with sheet metal strips or areas. Composite material, which partly consists of ceramic material, for example ceramic fiber material, is also according to the invention under the term metallic Understand location. In general, the metallic layers 5, 6 can also be formed from different materials, for example the substantially smooth layers 5 and / or the at least partially structured metallic layers 6 can be formed partly from sheet metal layers and partly from metallic and / or ceramic fiber material his. The honeycomb bodies constructed in this way can advantageously be used as various components in the exhaust system of an automobile, in particular as a catalyst carrier body, as an adsorber body and / or as a particle filter. In the present exemplary embodiment, the metallic layers 5, 6 are stacked into three stacks which are twisted together in an involute shape. Other types of winding or winding, such as an opposing or S-shaped twisting of two stacks or a spiral winding of one or more layers 5, 6 are also possible according to the invention, as is the formation of the honeycomb structure 2 made of ceramic or as an extruded metal structure. A plate-shaped structure of the honeycomb structure 2 from one or more metallic layers, at least some of which is at least partially structured, is also possible according to the invention. The layers 5, 6 are connected to one another and the honeycomb structure 2 to the casing tube 3, at least in some areas, by joining technology, in particular brazed and / or welded.

The honeycomb body 1 also has a measuring sensor 7, which has a first partial region 8 and a second partial region 9. The formation of several sensors 7 is also possible according to the invention. In the present first exemplary embodiment, the first partial area 8 and the second partial area 9 are each straight. The second partial area 9 is received in a receptacle 10 within the honeycomb structure 2. This receptacle 10 is formed by a corresponding cavity within the honeycomb structure 2 and a corresponding connector 11 in the casing tube 3. In this receptacle 10, the second section 9 of the sensor 7 is received, so that the contact area 12 between the first section 8 and the second section 9 of the sensor 7 is formed in the connector 11. Close in contact area 12 ß the first portion 8 and the second portion 9 an angle W. This angle W is generally in the range from 60 to 120 degrees, preferably 75 to 105 degrees, particularly preferably 85 to 95 degrees. Another preferred value of the angle W is essentially 90 degrees. The angle W can essentially be defined in relation to two planes, which can be seen in FIG. 2.

Fig. 2 shows the first embodiment of the honeycomb body 1 according to the invention in a side view. The honeycomb body 1 has a first end face 13 and a second end face 14, the layers 5, 6 and cavities 4 not being shown for the sake of clarity. When the honeycomb body 1 is installed, for example, in the exhaust system of an automobile, the honeycomb body 1 is flowed through from the first end face 13 to the second end face 14 in the flow direction 15. Depending on the design of the metallic layers 5, 6, other flow directions of the exhaust gas may be present locally in the honeycomb structure 2, but this is irrelevant for the flow direction 15. However, it is also possible to design flow reversing means, not shown, which are behind the second end face 14 Flow reversal so that there is a flow direction in the flow direction 15 in a partial area of the honeycomb body 1 and a flow direction essentially opposite to the flow direction 15 in another partial area.

The angle W can in each case be broken down into two parts in two planes, for example by considering the first longitudinal axis 16 of the first partial region 8 and the second longitudinal axis 17 of the second partial region 9, viewed in the contact region 12 as vectors, and performing a polar coordinate display , The first level 18 is a level that includes the flow direction 15. A possible first level 18 is shown in FIG. 2. A second plane 19 is the plane for which the vector of the flow direction 15 represents the surface normal, which is therefore perpendicular to the flow direction 15 of the honeycomb body 1. The second level 19 is also shown in FIG. 2. Thus lies the Angle W, which the first partial area 8 and the second partial area 9 enclose, in the first plane 18 and / or the second plane 19.

In the first exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the angle W lies solely in the second plane 19. The angle W is divided into a first part W1, which is in the first plane 18, and a second part W2, which is in the second Level 19 lies, the second part W2 in the present example would be identical to the angle W, while the first part Wl is zero. The sensor 7 is rigid in the first section 8 and in the second section 9. Rigid in this context means, in particular, that the subareas 8, 9 essentially do not exist due to forces such as those for installing the sensor 7 in the honeycomb body 1 or due to such forces as may occur when the honeycomb body 1 is used in the exhaust system of an automobile are deformable and / or elastic. In the present exemplary embodiment, the sensor 7 is concerned. a lambda sensor. Alternatively or additionally, however, the sensor 7 can also measure the temperature and / or a proportion of a component of the fluid, such as nitrogen oxides (NO _x ) in the exhaust gas

Automobile, as well as any other parameters of the flowing fluid.

The honeycomb body 1 according to the invention advantageously allows a control of at least one parameter of the fluid flowing through the honeycomb body 1, preferably the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine of an automobile, while at the same time requiring little space for the installation of the honeycomb body 1, for example in the exhaust system of an automobile. This is due to the design of the sensor 7, which is angled at an angle W, which, compared to an angled, that is to say straight, sensor, requires a considerably smaller space for installation. Due to the angled design of the sensor 7, the first section 8 is formed considerably closer to the casing tube 3 than in the case of an non-angled design. When installing the honeycomb body 1 in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine due to the high temperatures of the exhaust gases Generally high demands are placed on the temperature resistance of the materials used, which are further increased by the angled design of the sensor 7. In addition to the pulsatile occurrence of the exhaust gas when the honeycomb body 1 is used as a catalyst carrier body, a further increase in the temperature and thermal gradients and / or transients also result in the exothermic character of the catalytic reactions. Since the first partial area 8 is closer to the casing tube 3 due to the angled embodiment and is therefore exposed to higher temperatures, a thermal insulation 20 is formed which is made from known heat-resistant and / or heat-insulating materials. This thermal insulation 20 advantageously prevents thermal damage to the sensor 7, in particular to the first partial area 8.

3 schematically shows a second exemplary embodiment of a honeycomb body 1 according to the invention in cross section, details of the structure of the honeycomb structure 2 being dispensed with, since this is identical to the first exemplary embodiment. For the sake of clarity, in this as well as in the following exemplary embodiments, the description of details which are identical in comparison to the first exemplary embodiment is dispensed with and reference is made below to the description disclosed above. In the second exemplary embodiment, the first partial area 8 of the sensor 7 is curved. An angle W is again present in the contact area 12, which is formed by the tangent 21 of the first partial area 8 in the contact area 12 and the second axis 17 of the second partial area 9. In the second exemplary embodiment, the angle W is spanned in the second plane 19.

4 schematically shows a third exemplary embodiment of a honeycomb body 1 according to the invention in cross section. Both the first partial region 8 and the second partial region 9 are straight in this. Both partial areas 8, 9 are connected in the contact area 12, in which they enclose the angle W, which in the third exemplary embodiment is essentially 90 degrees. The angle W is spanned in the third embodiment in the second plane 19. An angle W of essentially 90 degrees allows, in a particularly advantageous manner, a very space-saving construction of honeycomb body 1 and sensor 7.

5 schematically shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of a honeycomb body 1 according to the invention consisting of a honeycomb structure 2 and a jacket tube 3 in cross section. A measuring sensor 7 is formed in the honeycomb body 1 and has a first partial area 8 and a second partial area 9, which are connected in a contact area 12. The first partial area 8 is curved, the curvature of the first partial area 8 corresponding to the curvature of the tubular casing 3 in the area of the contact of the first partial area 8. The angle W, which is enclosed by the tangent 21 of the first partial region 8 in the contact region 12 with the second axis 17 of the second partial region 9, is essentially 90 degrees. In cooperation with the curvature of the first partial area 8, this results in a particularly space-saving design of the honeycomb body 1 with a measuring sensor 7.

6 schematically shows a fifth exemplary embodiment of a honeycomb body 1 according to the invention in a longitudinal section. The honeycomb body 1 has a first end face 13 and a second end face 14 through which the honeycomb body 1 can be flowed through in the flow direction 15. A measuring sensor 7 is formed in the honeycomb body 1, which lies with a first partial area 8 outside the honeycomb body 1, ie outside the casing tube 2, and with a second partial area 9 within the honeycomb structure 2. In the contact area 12, the first partial area 8 and the second partial area 9 enclose an angle W which lies in the first plane 18. As explained above, this first level 18 comprises the flow direction 15 of the honeycomb body 1.

The exemplary embodiments shown here each have angles W, which lie either alone in the first plane 18 or the second plane 19. According to the invention, however, it is equally possible for the first partial region 8 and the The second partial area 9 spans an angle W, which lies both in the first plane 18 and in the second plane 19.

A honeycomb body 1 according to the invention advantageously allows a very space-saving installation of the honeycomb body 1 with the at least one sensor 7 due to the angled structure of the sensor 7.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 honeycomb body 2 honeycomb structure 3 casing tube 4 cavity 5 essentially smooth layer 6 at least partially structured layer 7 sensor 8 first partial area 9 second partial area 10 receptacle 11 connecting piece 12 contact area 13 first end face

14 second end face

15 flow direction

16 first longitudinal axis

17 second longitudinal axis

18 first level

19 second level

20 thermal insulation

21 tangent

W angle

Wl angle portion in the first level

W2 angular component in the second level

Claims

claims

1. honeycomb body (1) through which a fluid, in particular an exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine, can flow at least partially in a flow direction (15), with a plurality of at least partially flowable cavities (4) forming a honeycomb structure (2), wherein the honeycomb structure (2) is accommodated in a casing tube (3), at least one measuring sensor (7) which has at least a first partial area (8) and a second partial area (9), at least the second partial area (9) of the Measuring sensor (7) extends into the honeycomb structure (2) and at least partially penetrates at least some of the cavities (4), and at least the first partial area (8) extends outside the casing tube (3), characterized in that the first (8) and the second partial area (9) is essentially rigid and has an angle (W) which is different from 180 degrees in a first one which includes the flow direction (15) of the honeycomb body (1) Include plane (18) and / or in a second plane (19) perpendicular to the flow direction (15) of the honeycomb body (1).

2. honeycomb body (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one sensor (7) is designed as a lambda probe.

3. honeycomb body (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one sensor (7) detects at least one of the following parameters of the fluid: a) temperature; b) proportion of at least one component of the fluid;

4. honeycomb body (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one sensor has means for preventing heat conduction.

5. Honeycomb body (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the angle (W) enclosed by the first partial region (8) and the second partial region (9) is 60 to 120 degrees, preferably 75 to 105 degrees, particularly preferably 85 is up to 95 degrees.

6. Honeycomb body (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the angle (W) enclosed by the first partial region (8) and the second partial region (9) is substantially 90 degrees.

7. honeycomb body (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least a portion (8, 9) of the sensor (7) is at least partially curved.

8. honeycomb body (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the curvature of the curved portion (8, 9) is adapted to the curvature of the honeycomb body (1) and / or to the geometric conditions in the honeycomb body (1).

9. honeycomb body (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the honeycomb body (1) is at least partially formed from at least one metallic layer (5, 6).

10. honeycomb body (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the honeycomb body (1) is constructed from a plurality of at least partially structured (6) and substantially smooth metallic layers (5) which are stacked and twisted or wound together are.

11. honeycomb body (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the honeycomb body (1) from at least one at least partially structured metallic layer (6) and optionally at least one substantially smooth metallic layer (5) is wound.

12. honeycomb body (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the metallic layers (5, 6) at least partially and / or at least part of the metallic layers (5, 6) from an at least partially for a fluid to flow Material, preferably a fiber material, are constructed.

13. honeycomb body (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, which is at least partially composed of at least partially structured with a structure repeat length layers (6), characterized in that at least in partial areas of at least a portion of the layers (5, 6) holes are, the dimensions of which are at least partially larger than the structural repeat length, preferably substantially larger than the structural repeat length.

14. honeycomb body (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that in at least part of the layers (5, 6) microstructures, preferably at an angle to the flow direction (15), particularly preferably at an essentially right angle to Flow direction (15), inversions, and / or holes with dimensions smaller than the structural repeat length are formed.

15. honeycomb body (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the honeycomb body (1) is formed from a ceramic material.

16. honeycomb body (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 or 15, characterized in that the honeycomb body is extruded. ,

17. Lambda probe for use in a honeycomb body (1), characterized in that the lambda probe has a first partial region (8) and a second partial region (9) which enclose an angle (W) different from 180 degrees.

18. Lambda probe according to claim 17, characterized in that at least one of the partial areas (8, 9) is curved.

19. Lambda probe according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the lambda probe has a heat-insulating layer (20), preferably in the region of the first partial region (8).