EP1895120B1 - Casing for an exhaust gas purification component forming a join connection with an exhaust pipe section - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a housing for an exhaust gas purification component that includes an interior. Such housings with exhaust gas purification components find particular use in the exhaust gas treatment of mobile internal combustion engines.

With regard to the integration of exhaust gas purification components in exhaust systems, a large number of joining methods has already been described. It can be seen that, in conventional exhaust gas cleaning components, the housings are, as far as possible, relatively thick-walled, in order to enable the housing to be welded to the exhaust gas line. In addition, housings are known which have a rectangular angled housing portion in the manner of a collar, which is positioned between two exhaust pipe sections and connected by joining technology. The known approaches have proven themselves many times, but can not be used in special applications.

The integration or attachment of the housing in an exhaust pipe is particularly problematic when the housing is made relatively thin-walled. This is true, for example, for housings having a case thickness of at most 1.5 mm or even less than 0.8 mm. With such thin-walled housings can be produced virtually no simple welded joints that permanently withstand the aggressive environmental conditions in the exhaust system of a motor vehicle. The high thermal and dynamic loads occurring there would result in the short-term failure of the simple welded joints between the housing and the exhaust pipe.

From a device, as seen from the EP - A1 - 1 464 798 is known, the connection between the exhaust pipe and the housing of the exhaust gas purification component is generated by a holding plate, which is cohesively and positively connected to the exhaust pipe with the housing.

The DE - U - 202 00 599 discloses an arrangement of two housings of exhaust conduit components which are telescoped and interconnected by means of through-welding.

The WO-A1-94 / 18441 proposes the connection of the housing of a honeycomb body with the exhaust pipe via a weld or via a detachable flange.

On this basis, it is an object of the present invention, at least partially solve the problems described with reference to the prior art. In particular, a joint connection for thin-walled, weight-reduced housing or exhaust gas purification components is to be specified, with which a permanent welded connection can be realized towards the exhaust pipe. In particular, the installation of exhaust gas purification components in exhaust systems of motor vehicles should be made possible cost-effective even under mass production conditions.

These objects are achieved with an exhaust system according to the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent formulated claims. It should be noted that the individual features cited in the patent claims can be combined with one another in any desired, technologically meaningful manner and show further embodiments of the invention. The individual features of the claims are explained in detail in the description and specified, so that additional, particularly preferred, variants are given.

The exhaust system according to the invention comprises at least a first exhaust pipe section and a housing with an exhaust gas purification component, wherein the housing encloses an interior and with the housing outside at least one receptacle is formed. The receptacle is formed by bending over part of the housing. The first exhaust pipe section is received within the receptacle and materially connected to the receptacle, wherein the part of the housing, which is materially connected to the exhaust pipe section, is positioned outside of the exhaust pipe section. The fact that the receptacle is formed with the housing itself means in particular that the receptacle is integrally connected to the housing or constitutes a part of the housing itself (eg also made of the same material). For this purpose, the shape of the example tube-like housing has been changed so that the recording is formed. Preferably, a receptacle extending essentially around the outside of the housing is formed. In this case, the receptacle can be formed by means of an outer circumferential part of the housing, but it is also possible that a plurality of housing sections (eg in the manner of a multi-slotted collar) forms the receptacle. Particularly preferably, the at least one receptacle is provided near an end face of the housing. Although it is possible in principle, on both ends to provide a corresponding, possibly differently designed, recording, a housing with a receptacle on only one side is preferred.

Moreover, the embodiment variant is preferred in which the at least one receptacle is formed with a part of the housing, which is spaced parallel to another area of the housing. In other words, in particular, that the part of the housing and the region of the housing are aligned substantially coaxially with each other. This can be done for example by forming or bending over part of the housing near the end face. In this case, the part of the housing is bent so far that it is arranged approximately parallel to the exhaust gas purification component receiving area.

In view of the preferred field of application of such a housing, the following configuration of the housing is considered advantageous: the housing has a housing thickness in the range of 0.4 to 1.0 mm and the receptacle is formed by bending over part of the housing, wherein a bending radius in Range of 3 to 8 mm and the recording has a length of at least 7 mm. The housing thickness can be carried out in particular with a housing thickness less than 0.6 mm. The bending radius is then preferably in the range of 5 mm. About the proposed here length of the recording of at least 7 mm a stable contact of the housing is to be mounted on the exhaust pipe section during assembly ensured. This can now also a permanent fixation of the housing to the exhaust pipe section are made possible, which in particular results from the fact that the part of the housing, which is now to be welded, can be positioned outside of the exhaust pipe section and thus this connection area not the aggressive media inside the exhaust system is more exposed.

Therefore, now also an exhaust system comprising at least a first exhaust pipe section and a housing according to the invention described with an exhaust gas purifying component is proposed in which the first exhaust pipe section is engaged with the receptacle and the first exhaust pipe section and the receptacle are connected to each other cohesively. In this case, it is very particularly preferred that the first exhaust-gas conduit section is positioned within the receptacle and outside the interior of the housing, wherein an engagement encompassing the housing is formed approximately. In this case, at least part of the exhaust pipe section extends into the receptacle, so that its end is in particular encompassed by the housing.

Moreover, it is advantageous if at least one second exhaust-gas line section is positioned on the side of the receptacle opposite the first exhaust-gas line section and connected in a material-locking manner to the receptacle. This results in a sandwich-like arrangement of the exhaust pipe sections with intermediate part of the housing. In this way, the possibility is created in particular to provide a sufficient material thickness in the area of the cohesive connection and at the same time to provide a very space-saving arrangement for joining technology.

In addition, the exhaust system is then good to weld, if a material thickness of at least 2.5 mm is provided in the region of the cohesive connection by means of the at least one exhaust pipe section and the receiving part of the housing. Particularly preferably, a material thickness of at least 3 mm to 3.5 mm is proposed. It can be assumed in terms of the parts to be joined together of a housing thickness in the range of 0.4 to 0.6 mm and a line thickness of the exhaust pipe sections in the range of 0.5 to 2.0 mm, which is of course not mandatory.

Thus, in particular, an exhaust system is specified, in which the cohesive connection is realized by means of a continuous weld. The weld surrounds in particular the circumference of the housing, which may optionally be designed to overlap.

The durability of this cohesive connection can be improved in particular by the corresponding arrangement of the holder or the housing.

Therefore, a motor vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine and an exhaust system of the type described herein according to the invention is proposed, in which an exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine can flow in a flow direction through the exhaust system, wherein the housing has the receptacle on a front side and is positioned so that the end face with the receptacle forms the inlet end face for the exhaust gas. In other words, in other words, in particular, that the exhaust gas initially impinges on the front side or inlet end side of the housing or the exhaust gas purification component, on which the receptacle is formed. Due to the rear configuration of the receptacle, a protected position for the weld is given. In addition, the housing is pressed onto the first exhaust pipe section by the inflow of the exhaust gas, so that a secure bond between the exhaust system and the housing is ensured here even under particularly high loads.

Finally, it is further proposed in this orientation of the exhaust system that the housing is held in the region of an outlet end face with a distance to the at least one exhaust pipe section, wherein fixing means are provided in this distance. These fixing means serve, in particular, for aligning this housing region with the exhaust gas line, with relative movements possibly being made possible in order to allow a different thermal expansion behavior of the housing and exhaust gas line section essentially without tension. In addition, the fixing means, which are embodied, for example, in the manner of a wire mesh or the like, can fulfill further functions, so that they can optionally comprise means for sealing and / or catalytic conversion of the exhaust gas.

1. a) Herstellen eines Gehäuses mit einer Abgasreinigungskomponente im Innenraum und mindestens einer Aufnahme,
2. b) Positionieren eines ersten Abgasleitungsabschnittes in der Aufnahme des Gehäuses,
3. c) Positionieren mindestens eines weiteren Abgasleitungsabschnittes außerhalb an der Aufnahme, und
4. d) Schweißtechnisches Fügen der Abgasleitungsabschnitte mit der Aufnahme.

The joining of the housing with the exhaust system comprises in particular the following method steps:

1. a) producing a housing with an exhaust gas purification component in the interior and at least one receptacle,
2. b) positioning a first exhaust pipe section in the housing of the housing,
3. c) positioning at least one further exhaust pipe section outside of the receptacle, and
4. d) welding technology joining the exhaust pipe sections with the recording.

• Umbördelung des Endes des Gehäuses mit einem fest stehenden, produktspezifischem Werkzeug
• Umbördelung des Endes des Gehäuses mit einem fest stehenden Dorn oder in Stufen mit mehreren Dornen,
• Umbördelung des Endes des Gehäuses mit einem flexiblen Werkzeug wie z.B. einer Rolle mit einer Rollier- oder Drückumformung.

With regard to step a), the production of a receptacle can take place with the following manufacturing steps:

• Beading the end of the housing with a fixed, product-specific tool
• Crimping the end of the housing with a fixed mandrel or in stages with several thorns,
• Beading the end of the housing with a flexible tool such as a roll with a rolling or press forming.

With regard to step d), the welding joining of the exhaust pipe sections with the receptacle may include the following production steps: positioning of the parts to be joined in an adequate arrangement and welding with an arc welding process with or without additional material.

In the first step (for example, regarding initially only the first exhaust pipe section with the housing as in Fig. 1 illustrated), a resistance spot welding or seam welding can be used advantageously. This is a very low heat input to avoid thermal expansion can be realized.

The addition of the second exhaust pipe section (see also Fig. 2 ) is preferably carried out by a fusion welding process, wherein optionally also a third Exhaust line section can be drawn with. It is preferred here that the relatively thin housing between the relatively thick-walled first and third exhaust pipe section is arranged, and is melted locally during welding.

Fig. 1:

eine erste Ausführungsvariante eines Gehäuses,

Fig. 2:

eine weitere Ausführungsvariante des Gehäuses in einer Abgasanlage, und

Fig. 3:

die Integration der Abgasanlage in ein Kraftfahrzeug.

The invention and the technical environment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. The figures also show particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, wherein the invention is not limited thereto. They show schematically:

Fig. 1:

a first embodiment of a housing,

Fig. 2:

a further embodiment of the housing in an exhaust system, and

3:

the integration of the exhaust system in a motor vehicle.

Fig. 1 shows schematically and in a partial cross section a housing 1 with a housing thickness 4 in the range of 0.5 mm. In the interior 3 of the housing 1, an exhaust gas purification component 2 is indicated. The housing 1 has now near a front side 5 outside a circumferentially formed receptacle 4. This receptacle 4 has been produced by bending over part of the housing 1. In this case, a bending radius 7 in the range of 5 mm was realized. The rearwardly bent part of the housing 1, which is executed substantially parallel to the region of the housing 1, which forms the inner space 3, has a length of 7 to 10 mm.

In this receptacle 4, a first exhaust pipe section 10 is now arranged, wherein this is brought to the outer part of the receptacle 4 forming housing 1 to the plant. In this contact region, which is preferably formed circumferentially around the housing 1, now the cohesive connection 12th intended. For joining by welding, a corresponding material thickness 13 is provided.

A further embodiment for such an exhaust system 9 is in the Fig. 2 illustrated. In this case, in turn, the housing 1 can be seen in the partial cross-section, which accommodates an exhaust gas purification component 2 in the interior. The exhaust gas purification component 2 is constructed, for example, in the manner of a honeycomb body from a plurality of metal foils 23 which form passages 22 through which exhaust gas can flow in a flow direction 16. The housing 1 or the exhaust gas purification component 2 now has, after orientation in the exhaust system 9 with respect to the flow direction 16, a defined inlet end face 17 and an outlet end side 18.

Near the entrance end face 17, in turn, the receptacle 4 is formed. Also in this embodiment, the first exhaust pipe section 10 is engaged with this receptacle 4. In addition, further components of the exhaust pipe are positioned further out, outside the receptacle 4. Thus, first, a third exhaust pipe section 21 (for example, with a line thickness of about 0.5 mm) outside of the receptacle 4 brought to bear. This third exhaust pipe section 21 may, for example, accommodate further exhaust gas purification components and / or allow a directed inflow of the exhaust gases into the exhaust gas purification component 2. The outer end forms in this embodiment now a second exhaust pipe section 11, so that the first exhaust pipe section 10 and the second exhaust pipe section 11 in the manner of a sandwich the third exhaust pipe section 21 and the receptacle 4 of the housing 1 record. Now there is a material thickness in the region of the fluid connection 12, which is for example above 3 mm and which ensure a permanent weld. This applies in particular with regard to the thin-walled or weight-reduced housing of the exhaust gas purification component used here. The welded connection, which is also referred to as so-called "tube canning", is advantageous especially in these thin-walled housings.

To illustrate the integration of such an exhaust system 9 in a motor vehicle 14, the Fig. 3 be used. Shown is a motor vehicle 14 with an internal combustion engine 15. The exhaust gas generated in the internal combustion engine 15 flows in a flow direction 16 through the exhaust system 9, being supplied to various exhaust gas purification components (such as catalysts, filters, absorbers and the like). Shown is also the position of a fluid connection 12 with respect to a first exhaust pipe section 10 and a second exhaust pipe section 11, wherein in this fuel-liquid connection 12, as explained above, at the same time the housing 1 is fixed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

casing

2

emission control component

3

inner space

4

admission

5

front

6

case thickness

7

bending radius

8th

length

9

exhaust system

10

first exhaust pipe section

11

second exhaust pipe section

12

connection

13

material thickness

14

motor vehicle

15

Internal combustion engine

16

flow direction

17

Inlet end side

18

Outlet end side

19

distance

20

fixer

21

third exhaust pipe section

22

channel

23

metal foil

Claims (9)

1. An exhaust system (9) comprising at least one first exhaust line section (10) and a housing (1), having an exhaust gas purification component (2), whereby the housing (1) encloses an interior space (3) and at least one receptacle (4) is formed by the housing (1) at the outside, whereby the receptacle (4) is formed by bending a part of the housing (1); the first exhaust line section (10) is held inside the receptacle (4) and the first exhaust line section (10) and the receptacle (4) are connected to one another in a materially integral manner, whereby the part of the housing (1) which is connected with the exhaust line section (10) in a materially integral manner is positioned outside the exhaust line section (10).
2. The exhaust system (9) as claimed in patent claim 1, in which the at least one receptacle (4) is provided close to one end side (5) of the housing (1).
3. The exhaust system (9) as claimed in patent claim 1 or 2, in which the at least one receptacle (4) is formed with a part of the housing (1) wherein the part of the housing is positioned at a distance running parallel to another region of the housing (1).
4. The exhaust system (9) as claimed in one of the preceding patent claims, in which the housing (1) has a housing thickness (6) in the range from 0.4 to 1.0 millimeters and the receptacle (4) is formed by bending a part of the housing (1), with a bend radius (7) being in the range from 3 to 8 millimeters, and the receptacle (4) having a length (8) of at least 7 millimeters.
5. The exhaust system (9) as claimed in one of the preceding patent claims, in which at least one second exhaust line section (11) is positioned on that side of the receptacle (4) which is situated opposite to the first exhaust line section (10), and said second exhaust line section (11) is connected to the receptacle (4) in a materially integral manner.
6. The exhaust system (9) as claimed in one of the preceding patent claims, in which, in the region of the materially integral connection (12), by means of the at least one exhaust line section and by means of that part of the housing (1) which forms the receptacle (4), a material thickness (13) of at least 2.5 millimeters is provided.
7. The exhaust system (9) as claimed in one of the preceding patent claims, in which the materially integral connection (12) comprises a continuous weld seam.
8. A motor vehicle (14) comprising an internal combustion engine (15) and an exhaust system (9) as claimed in one of the preceding patent claims, in which an exhaust gas can flow, proceeding from the internal combustion engine (15), in a flow direction (16) through the exhaust system (9), with the housing (1) having the receptacle (4) on an end side (5) and being positioned such that the end side (5) with the receptacle (4) forms the inlet end side (17) for the exhaust gas.
9. The motor vehicle (14) as claimed in patent claim 8, wherein the housing (1), in the region of an outlet end side (18), is positioned with a spacing (19) between the housing (1) and the at least one exhaust line section (10), with fixing means (20) being provided in said spacing (19).

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