EP3702592B1 - Exhaust gas converter housing structure - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a housing structure for an exhaust converter (hereinafter referred to as "exhaust converter housing structure").

Exhaust gas converters are used to convert harmful components in the exhaust gas from vehicles operated by internal combustion engines into less harmful or harmless components. Typical exhaust gas converters are exhaust gas catalytic converters, such as a three-way catalytic converter for converting carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxide (NOx) and unburned hydrocarbons (HC) to carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2) and water (H2O), a NOx Storage catalytic converter, a DeNOx catalytic converter or an SCR (selective catalytic reaction) catalytic converter. Particulate filters are also intended to be included in the term “exhaust gas converter” here.

The exhaust gas converter is usually a substrate traversed by exhaust gas ducts, which is arranged in a housing structure. The housing structure usually has a base body in which the substrate is arranged.

A storage mat is often provided between the substrate and the base body. The storage mat surrounds the substrate at least in sections and thus fills a gap existing between the base body and the substrate. In this way, the storage mat defines the position of the substrate in the interior of the base body.

Furthermore, the housing structure usually has an inlet structure for exhaust gas and an outlet structure for exhaust gas, between which the base body is arranged. The geometry of the inlet structure and the outlet structure is regularly selected in such a way that they allow an exhaust gas flow as uniformly as possible over the Internal cross-sectional area of the base body distributed so that the substrate is evenly flowed through by exhaust gas. The inlet structure and the outlet structure often have a connection for an exhaust pipe at their ends facing away from the base body.

In order to be able to arrange the substrate in the interior of the main body of the housing structure, the inlet structure and / or the outlet structure are often only connected to the substrate after the substrate has been arranged in the main body.

As an alternative, it is also possible for the inlet structure and / or the outlet structure to be formed in one piece with the base body and to be formed therefrom, for example, by reshaping sections of the base body.

The process of arranging the substrate in the housing structure is also referred to as "canning". The aim of canning is to reliably position the substrate inside the housing structure and avoid damaging the substrate in the process.

Due to the increasingly cramped space conditions on the underbody of vehicles powered by internal combustion engines, it is often no longer possible to ensure an even distribution of the exhaust gas flow over the inner cross-sectional area of the base body solely by means of the geometry of the inlet structure and the outlet structure. Furthermore, there is generally the problem with the housing structure for exhaust gas converters that corrosive condensate condensing from the exhaust gas can form inside the housing structure, as a result of which the housing structure is at risk of corrosion.

Features of the preamble of the independent claims are from the document DE 11 2008 000 643 B4 known. Connections between exhaust pipes are from the documents U.S. 4,475,623 A , US 2003/0020279 A1 , U.S. 1,903,852 A , GB 2 251 046 A1 and U.S. 2,500,720 A known.

Based on this, the task is to avoid the above disadvantages and to provide a housing structure for exhaust gas converters, which is required when there is little need of installation space allows a distribution of the exhaust gas flow over the internal cross-section to be uniform and a risk of corrosion to be reduced.

The above object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments can be found in the subclaims.

Embodiments of an exhaust gas converter housing structure have a base body, an inlet structure and an outlet structure. The base body is designed to accommodate an exhaust gas converter and is arranged between the inlet structure and the outlet structure. The inlet structure and the main body are in engagement with one another at a first connection point. In this context, “being in engagement” means that the inlet structure and the base body abut one another at the first connection point and / or are plugged into one another. For this purpose, the inlet structure and the base body have matching connection geometries at the first connection point. In this context, “mutually matching connection geometries” means that the connection geometries allow the inlet structure and the base body to rest against one another largely without any gaps. According to one embodiment, “mutually matching connection geometries” means that the connection geometries are complementary to one another. Furthermore, the outlet structure and the base body are in engagement with one another at a second connection point, for which purpose the outlet structure and the base body have matching connection geometries at the second connection point. Here, too, “engaged” means that the outlet structure and the base body abut one another at the second connection point and / or are plugged into one another, and “mutually matching connection geometries” means that the connection geometries rest against the outlet structure and are largely free of gaps allow the main body to each other. The connection geometries of the inlet structure and of the base body at the first connection point are each individually asymmetrical or mirror-symmetrical to precisely one single plane of symmetry. Alternatively or additionally the connection geometries of the outlet structure and of the base body at the second connection point are each individually asymmetrical or mirror-symmetrical to precisely one single plane of symmetry.

According to one embodiment, a connection geometry is "asymmetrical" if it does not have any symmetry in the geometric sense. According to an alternative embodiment, to fulfill the feature "asymmetrically or mirror-symmetrically to exactly one plane of symmetry" it is sufficient if the connection geometries are selected so that a largely gap-free connection between the inlet structure and the base body or outlet structure is only possible in a single angular position and base body is possible and / or the inlet structure can only be connected to the base body at a defined end of the base body and the outlet structure only on the other end of the base body, largely without any gaps.

In this context, “largely gap-free” means that a remaining gap can be permanently closed in a gas-tight manner using conventional means (e.g. welding, soldering, crimping or gluing).

In the case of an exhaust gas converter housing structure in particular, considerable advantages can be achieved if the connection between the base body and the inlet structure and / or outlet structure is only possible with a defined angular position:
For example, the defined angular position ensures reproducible distribution and guidance of the exhaust gas flow over the internal cross-section of the base body. This is important insofar as the inlet structure and / or outlet structure often does not have any rotational symmetry.

Furthermore, the defined angular position makes it possible to ensure that the exhaust gas converter housing structure is oriented after installation on the underbody of a vehicle in such a way that that there is no accumulation of corrosive condensate or reducing agent in areas particularly at risk of corrosion (such as weld seams oriented in the longitudinal direction of the base body). The strength of the exhaust converter housing structure and its behavior in the event of an accident can also be optimized and made reproducible in this way.

Finally, the defined angular position also allows a fixed angular relationship between the inlet structure and / or outlet structure and an exhaust gas converter accommodated by the base body and / or a mounting mat surrounding the exhaust gas converter. In this way, for example, an overlap of a joint of the mounting mat with a weld seam oriented in the longitudinal direction of the base body can be avoided. Complex recording of the weld seam oriented in the longitudinal direction of the base body by means of a camera system, as is often done, can then be dispensed with.

Since the inlet structure can only be attached to a defined end of the base body and the outlet structure can only be attached to the other end of the base body, it is also ensured that an exhaust gas converter accommodated by the base body is in its correct flow direction from via the inlet -Structure flowing exhaust gas is flowed through.

According to one embodiment, the connection geometry of the inlet structure at the first connection point and / or the connection geometry of the outlet structure at the second connection point has at least one projection extending towards the base body or a recess extending away from the base body and / or at least one projection away to the base body extending groove and / or at least one protrusion extending outside the exhaust gas converter housing structure or a recess extending inside the exhaust gas converter housing structure and / or at least one bore.

According to one embodiment, the connection geometry of the base body at the first connection point has at least one projection extending towards the inlet structure or a recess extending away from the inlet structure and / or at least one groove extending away from the inlet structure. According to one embodiment, the connection geometry of the base body at the second connection point has at least one projection extending towards the outlet structure or a recess extending away from the outlet structure and / or at least one groove extending away from the outlet structure. According to one embodiment, the connection geometry of the base body at the first and / or second connection point has at least one projection extending outside the exhaust converter housing structure and / or a recess extending inside the exhaust converter housing structure and / or at least one bore.

In this way it is possible to provide the desired asymmetry of the connection geometries in a cost-effective manner. In this way, it is even possible cost-effectively to provide such a large number of different connection geometries that only certain inlet structures can be connected to certain basic bodies and / or only certain outlet structures can be connected to certain basic bodies and / or while maintaining predetermined angular relationships.

According to one embodiment, the connection geometry of the inlet structure at the first connection point has at least one projection extending outside the exhaust gas converter housing structure and the connection geometry of the base body at the first connection point has at least one groove extending away from the inlet structure. According to one embodiment, the connection geometry of the outlet structure at the second connection point has at least one projection extending outside the exhaust gas converter housing structure and has the connection geometry of the Base body at the second connection point on at least one groove extending away from the outlet structure. The inlet structure and / or the outlet structure and the base body can then be adapted to one another in such a way that the inlet structure or the outlet structure can be pushed into the base body in the area of the first or second connection point in such a way that the Projection of the inlet structure or outlet structure is arranged in the groove in the base body, and otherwise it is not possible for the inlet structure and base body or outlet structure and base body to slide into one another.

According to one embodiment, the connection geometry of the inlet structure at the first connection point has at least one groove extending away from the base body and the connection geometry of the base body at the first connection point has at least one projection extending outside the exhaust gas converter housing structure. According to one embodiment, the connection geometry of the outlet structure at the second connection point has at least one groove extending away from the base body and the connection geometry of the base body at the second connection point has at least one projection extending outside the exhaust gas converter housing structure. The inlet structure and / or the outlet structure and the base body can then be adapted to one another in such a way that the base body can be pushed into the inlet structure or the outlet structure in the region of the first or second connection point in such a way that the Projection of the base body is arranged in the groove in the inlet structure or outlet structure, and otherwise the inlet structure and base body or outlet structure and base body cannot be pushed into one another.

The groove can, for example, also be an elongated hole which is open on one side and which completely penetrates a wall of the inlet structure, the outlet structure or the base body.

According to one embodiment, with the exception of the connection geometries, the base body is mirror-symmetrical or rotationally symmetrical. According to one embodiment, the base body has a point-symmetrical or axially symmetrical or circular cross-sectional area or oval cross-sectional area at a distance from its connection geometries .

According to one embodiment, the inlet structure and / or outlet structure is also free of rotational symmetry outside the connection geometry and / or the inlet structure and / or outlet structure has an asymmetrical cross-sectional area spaced from its connection geometry. With an inlet structure and / or outlet structure shaped in this way, a connection to the base body while maintaining a predetermined angular relationship brings particular advantages.

According to one embodiment, the exhaust gas converter housing structure also has a first and / or second exhaust gas line. The first exhaust pipe is in engagement with the inlet structure at a third connection point, for which purpose the inlet structure and the first exhaust pipe have matching connection geometries at the third connection point. Alternatively or additionally, the second exhaust pipe is in engagement with the outlet structure at a fourth connection point, for which purpose the outlet structure and the second exhaust pipe have matching connection geometries at the fourth connection point. The connection geometries of the inlet structure and the first exhaust line at the third connection point are each asymmetrical or mirror-symmetrical with respect to exactly one axis of symmetry. Additionally or alternatively, they are Connection geometries of the outlet structure and the second exhaust line at the fourth connection point are each asymmetrical or mirror-symmetrical to exactly one axis of symmetry.

In this way, when installing the exhaust converter housing on the underbody of a vehicle, a predetermined angular relationship can be ensured between the exhaust converter housing and the first and second exhaust pipes. In this case, the desired asymmetry of the connection geometries can be provided analogously to the manner described above.

According to one embodiment, the first and / or second exhaust pipe, with the exception of the connection geometries, is mirror-symmetrical or rotationally symmetrical, or the first and / or second exhaust pipe has a circular cross-sectional area or oval cross-sectional area.

According to one embodiment, there is a sliding fit in pairs between the inlet structure and the base body and / or between the outlet structure and the base body and / or between the inlet structure and the first exhaust pipe and / or between the outlet structure and the second exhaust pipe .

According to one embodiment, the base body, the inlet structure, the outlet structure, the first exhaust pipe and the second exhaust pipe are bodies produced separately from one another.

According to one embodiment, the base body is made of metal, heat-resistant plastic or ceramic.

According to one embodiment, the base body is designed as a tube. If the tube is formed from a deformed strip of material, the tube usually has a seam oriented in the longitudinal direction of the pipe. The seam can be welded, soldered, flanged or glued. However, the tube can also be formed seamlessly.

According to one embodiment, the base body accommodates an exhaust gas converter in the form of a substrate. The substrate can be, for example, a metal carrier or a ceramic carrier, through which channels, in particular, are traversed in a honeycomb-like manner. For example, the substrate can be a monolithic substrate. For example, the substrate can have two axial ends which are opposite in a gas flow direction in which exhaust gas to be cleaned flows through the substrate.

According to one embodiment, the exhaust gas converter accommodated by the base body also has a storage mat arranged between the substrate and the base body. The storage mat can for example be formed from wire mesh or another thermally stable and elastic material. The storage mat can also provide thermal insulation between the substrate and the base body.

According to one embodiment, the inlet structure and / or the outlet structure is formed from sheet metal with or without a seam, from cast metal, heat-resistant plastic or ceramic.

According to one embodiment, the base body and / or the inlet structure and / or the outlet structure is provided with corrosion protection or is made entirely of corrosion-resistant material such as stainless steel.

Figuren 1A und 1B

schematisch eine Abgaskonverter-Gehäusestruktur gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform in unterschiedlichen Zuständen zeigen, wobei Wände teilweise transparent dargestellt sind;

Figur 1C

schematisch Schnittansichten durch Figur 1B entlang der Schnittlinien A-A und B-B zeigt;

Figuren 2A und 2B

schematisch eine Abgaskonverter-Gehäusestruktur gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform in unterschiedlichen Zuständen zeigen, wobei Wände teilweise transparent dargestellt sind;

Figur 3

schematisch eine Abgaskonverter-Gehäusestruktur gemäß einer dritten Ausführungsform zeigt, wobei Wände teilweise transparent dargestellt sind; und

Figur 4

schematisch einen Ausschnitt aus einer Abgaskonverter-Gehäusestruktur gemäß einer vierten Ausführungsform zeigt.

In the following explanation of exemplary embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying figures, of which

Figures 1A and 1B

schematically show an exhaust gas converter housing structure according to a first embodiment in different states, walls being shown partially transparent;

Figure 1C

schematic sectional views through Figure 1B along section lines AA and BB;

Figures 2A and 2B

show schematically an exhaust gas converter housing structure according to a second embodiment in different states, walls being shown partially transparent;

Figure 3

shows schematically an exhaust gas converter housing structure according to a third embodiment, walls being shown partially transparent; and

Figure 4

shows schematically a section from an exhaust gas converter housing structure according to a fourth embodiment.

In the Figures 1A and 1B a first embodiment of an exhaust converter housing structure 1 is shown. It shows Figure 1A a not yet fully assembled condition and Figure 1B an assembled state.

The exhaust gas converter housing structure 1 has a funnel-shaped inlet structure 3, a funnel-shaped outlet structure 4 and a base body 2 arranged between the inlet structure 3 and the outlet structure 4. The base body 2, the inlet structure 3 and the outlet structure 4 are each formed from stainless steel sheet with a wall thickness of 0.5 mm.

The base body 2 has a circular cross section, a diameter of 300 mm and a length of 450 mm. In its interior, the base body 2 receives a cylindrical substrate 50 to form an exhaust gas converter. A gap remaining between the substrate 50 and the inner wall of the base body 2 is largely filled by a mounting mat 55 made of high-temperature wool.

A largest inner diameter of the inlet structure 3 and the outlet structure 4 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the base body 2. As a result, the base body 2 can be separated from the inlet structure 3 and the outlet in sections in first and second connection areas V1, V2. Structure 4 to be included. The connection geometries of the inlet structure 3, the outlet structure 4 and the base body 2 are therefore adapted to one another.

In the first and second connection areas V1, V2, the base body 2 each has a radially outwardly protruding bolt-shaped projection 23. As a result, the connection geometry of the base body 2 is not rotationally symmetrical in these areas, but is mirror-symmetrical to precisely one plane of symmetry which centrally penetrates the base body 2 and the projections 23.

Outer walls of the inlet structure 3 and the outlet structure 4 each have grooves 32, 42 in first and second connection areas V1, V2, which are oriented axially away from the base body 2 and are open towards the base body 2. The width and length of the grooves 32, 42 are adapted to the size of the projections 23 so that each groove 32, 42 can receive a projection 23. As is good from a comparison of the Figures 1A and 1B As can be seen, the inlet structure 3, the outlet structure 4 and the base body 2 must be rotated so that they are oriented in an angular position to one another predetermined by the position of the grooves 32, 42 and the position of the projections 23.

In addition, the base body 2 and the inlet structure 3 each have bores 25, 35 in the first connection region V1, which are aligned with one another after the base body 2 and the inlet structure 3 have been correctly assembled. Correspondingly, the base body 2 and the outlet structure 4 each have bores 25, 45 in the second connection area V2, which are aligned with one another after the base body 2 and the outlet structure 4 have been correctly assembled.

These bores can be used, for example, to accommodate screws and rivets, and thus connect the base body to the inlet structure or the outlet structure.

At their ends facing away from the base body 2, the inlet structure 3 and the outlet structure 4 can each be connected to first and second exhaust gas lines 6, 7 at third and fourth connection points V3, V4. The inlet structure 3 and the outlet structure 4 and the first and second exhaust lines 6, 7 at the third and fourth connection points V3, V4 are dimensioned in pairs so that the first exhaust line 6 is a section of the inlet structure 3 and the second Exhaust pipe 7 can encompass a section of the outlet structure 4. In other words, the first and second exhaust lines 6, 7 can be plugged onto the inlet structure 3 and the outlet structure 4. Thus, the connection geometries of the inlet structure 3, the outlet structure 4 and the first and second exhaust lines 6, 7 are matched to one another in pairs.

Like the in Figure 1C Sections shown along the section lines AA and BB through the assembled exhaust gas converter housing structure 1 Figure 1B show, the inlet structure 3 and the first exhaust pipe 6 on the one hand and the outlet structure 4 and the second exhaust pipe 7 on the other hand have cross-sectional areas at the third and fourth connection points V3, V4 that differ and each no point symmetry but axis symmetry to exactly one Have axis of symmetry. As a result, the first exhaust pipe 6 can be connected exclusively and in only one orientation to the inlet structure 3 and the second exhaust pipe 7 can be connected exclusively and in only one orientation to the outlet structure 4.

In this way it can be ensured that not only the individual components of the exhaust gas converter housing structure 1 are assembled in the correct angular position to one another, but also that the exhaust gas converter housing structure 1 is mounted overall in the correct angular position on the underbody of a vehicle, not shown.

With the exception of the connection geometries in the third and fourth connection areas V3, V4, the first and second exhaust pipes 6, 7 have a circular cross-sectional area and thus a point-symmetrical cross-sectional area.

Even if it is not shown in the figures, the connection between the first and second exhaust lines 6, 7 and the inlet or outlet structure 3, 4 can also have bores or projections oriented inwards or outwards in relation to the exhaust converter housing structure 1 and recesses and grooves, etc., as described above using the example of the connection of the inlet or outlet structure 3, 4 to the base body 2. It is crucial that the connection geometries in the connection area are selected so that a largely gap-free connection of the components is only possible in a single angular position. Correspondingly, the cross-sectional areas of the inlet or outlet structure 3, 4 and of the base body 2 in the first and second connection area could also be selected asymmetrically so that, even if projections and recesses and grooves are dispensed with, a largely gap-free connection of these can only be achieved in a single angular position Components is possible.

In the following, with reference to the Figures 2A and 2B a second embodiment of an exhaust converter housing structure 1 'is described. In order to avoid repetition, in particular the differences to the above first embodiment are discussed and otherwise reference is made to the first embodiment. It shows Figure 2A a not yet fully assembled condition and Figure 2B an assembled state.

In the case of the exhaust gas converter housing structure 1 'according to the second embodiment, the base body 2' does not have any in the first and second connection areas V1, V2 Projections each have a pair of grooves 22, which are oriented in the axial direction of the base body 2 'and are open towards the inlet or outlet structure 3', 4 '. The grooves 22 in the first connecting area V1 are spaced apart in the circumferential direction of the base body 2 'by a first distance A1, which is smaller than a second distance A2 by which the grooves 22 in the second connecting area V2 are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction of the base body 2'.

Correspondingly, the inlet structure 3 'and the outlet structure 4' in the first and second connection areas V1, V2 have bolt-shaped projections 34, 44 protruding into the interior of the exhaust gas converter housing structure 1 'instead of the grooves. The distance between the bolt-shaped projections 34 on the inlet structure 3 'corresponds to the first distance A1 of the grooves 22 in the base body 2' in the first connection area V1, and the distance between the bolt-shaped projections 44 on the outlet structure 4 'corresponds to the second distance A2 of the grooves 22 in the base body 2 'in the second connecting area V2. The connection geometries of the inlet structure 3 ', the outlet structure 4' and the base body 2 'in the first and second connection areas V1, V2 are therefore also matched to one another in pairs and are not rotationally symmetrical in each case. Thus, an assembly of inlet structure 3 'and base body 2' and of outlet structure 4 'and base body 2' is only possible here in an angular position defined by the position of grooves 22 and projections 34, 44. The different distances A1, A2 between the grooves 22 and the projections 34, 44 ensure that the inlet structure 3 'and the outlet structure 4' can each only be mounted on a fixed end of the base body 2 '.

Even if in the first and second embodiment the base body in the first and second connection area is encompassed by the inlet structure and the outlet structure, it is alternatively also possible to design these components in such a way that both the inlet structure and the outlet -Structure or just one of these components in the first and second connection area from Base body is gripped. Accordingly, it is possible to vary the number, arrangement and orientation of the bolt-shaped projections and grooves as desired.

In the in Figures 2A and 2B The embodiment shown not only accommodates the base body 2 ', but also accommodates the inlet structure 3' and the outlet structure 4 'substrate 51 of an exhaust gas converter, which is surrounded in the circumferential direction by mounting mats 55.

In the following, with reference to the Figure 3 a third embodiment of an exhaust gas converter housing structure 1 ″ is described. In order to avoid repetition, particular attention is given to differences from the above first embodiment and otherwise reference is made to the first embodiment.

In the third embodiment it is not provided that the inlet structure 3 ″, the outlet structure 4 ″ and the base body 2 ″ can be plugged into one another. Rather, end faces of these components abut one another during assembly.

Here, too, the connection geometries in the first and second connection areas V1, V2 are selected in such a way that assembly is largely gap-free only when the components are in a predetermined angular position relative to one another. For this purpose, in the embodiment shown, the inlet structure 3 ″ in the first connection area V1 has a projection 31 oriented in the direction of the base body 2 ″ and the base body 2 ″ in the first connection area V1 has a corresponding recess 22 oriented away from the inlet structure 3 ″ . In the second connection area V2, the base body 2 ″ has a projection 21 oriented in the direction of the outlet structure 4 ″ and the outlet structure 4 ″ has a corresponding recess 42 oriented away from the base body 2 ″. The projections 21, 31 and recesses 22, 42 are configured differently in pairs.

As a result, it is ensured that the inlet structure 3 ″ and the outlet structure 4 ″ can each only be mounted on a fixed end of the base body 2 ″. In the following, with reference to FIG Figure 4 a fourth embodiment of an exhaust converter housing structure is described. In order to avoid repetition, in particular the differences to the above first, second and third embodiment are discussed and otherwise reference is made to the first, second and third embodiment.

In Figure 4 only the connection of the first or second exhaust pipe to the inlet structure or outlet structure will be discussed. Therefore, the entire exhaust gas converter housing structure is not shown, but only the first exhaust gas line 6 and the inlet structure 3 ^{* are} shown as examples.

In the fourth embodiment, the first exhaust line 6 and the inlet structure 3 ^* in the third connection area V3 each have a circular cross-sectional area. The first exhaust pipe 6 and the inlet structure 3 ^∗ cannot be plugged into one another; rather, their end faces abut one another during assembly. As in the above third embodiment, these end faces are provided with projections 36, 61 and recesses 37, 62, as a result of which the connection geometries do not have any symmetry. As a result, a largely gap-free assembly of the first exhaust line 6 and the inlet structure 3 ^* is only possible with an angular position predetermined by the connection geometries. A connection of the second exhaust line to the outlet structure in the fourth connection area can take place accordingly.

It was above on the representation of adhesive, solder or Weld seams or crimps for permanent and gas-tight sealing of a gap remaining at the connection points between the components of the exhaust gas converter housing structure are dispensed with.

List of reference symbols

1, 1 ', 1 "

Exhaust converter housing structure

2; 2 '; 2 "

Base body

21

Projection towards the inlet structure / outlet structure

22nd

Setback / groove away from the inlet structure / outlet structure

23

Projection to the outside of the exhaust converter housing structure

25th

drilling

3; 3 '; 3 "; 3 ∗

Inlet structure

31

Projection towards the main body

32

Recess / groove away from the base body

34

Return to inside the exhaust converter housing structure

35

drilling

36

Projection towards the first exhaust pipe

37

Return / groove away from the first exhaust pipe

4; 4 '; 4 "

Outlet structure

42

Recess / groove away from the base body

44

Return to inside the exhaust converter housing structure

45

drilling

51

Exhaust converter substrate

55

Storage mat

6th

first exhaust pipe

61

A head start towards the inlet structure

62

Setback / groove away from the inlet structure

7th

second exhaust pipe

V1

first connection point (between inlet structure and base body)

V2

second connection point (between outlet structure and base body)

V3

third connection point (between inlet structure and first exhaust pipe)

V4

fourth connection point (between outlet structure and second exhaust pipe)

Claims (18)

1. An exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1"), comprising:

   a main body (2; 2'; 2");

   an inlet structure (3; 3'; 3"; 3^∗); and

   an outlet structure (4; 4'; 4");

   wherein the main body (2; 2'; 2") is

   configured for receiving an exhaust gas converter (51), and

   disposed between the inlet structure (3; 3'; 3"; 3^∗) and the outlet structure (4; 4'; 4"),

   wherein the inlet structure (3; 3'; 3"; 3^∗) and the main body (2; 2'; 2") engage at a first joint (V1), to which end the inlet structure (3; 3'; 3"; 3^∗) and the main body (2; 2'; 2") have matching coupling geometries at the first joint (V1),

   wherein the outlet structure (4; 4'; 4") and the main body (2; 2'; 2") engage at a second joint (V2), to which end the outlet structure (4; 4'; 4") and the main body (2; 2'; 2") have matching coupling geometries at the second joint (V2), and wherein the coupling geometries of each of the inlet structure (3; 3'; 3"; 3^∗) and

   of the main body (2; 2'; 2") are at the first joint (V1) either asymmetric or reflection-symmetric with respect to exactly one plane of symmetry;

   characterized in that

   the inlet structure (3; 3'; 3"; 3^∗) has also outside the coupling geometry no rotational symmetry; and

   the inlet structure (3; 3'; 3"; 3^∗) has, at a distance from its coupling geometry, an asymmetric cross-sectional shape.
2. The exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") according to claim 1,

   wherein the coupling geometry of the inlet structure (3; 3'; 3"; 3^∗) at the first joint (V1) comprises at least one protrusion (31) extending towards the main body (2; 2'; 2") or a recess (32) extending away from the main body (2; 2'; 2"); and

   wherein the coupling geometry of the main body (2; 2'; 2") at the first joint (V1) comprises at least one protrusion extending towards the inlet structure (3; 3'; 3"; 3^∗) or a recess (22) extending away from the inlet structure (3; 3'; 3"; 3^*).
3. The exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling geometry of the inlet structure (3; 3'; 3"; 3^∗) at the first joint (V1) comprises at least one protrusion extending towards the outside of the exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") or a recess (34) extending towards the inside of the exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") and/or least one groove (32) extending away from the main body (2; 2'; 2"); and wherein the coupling geometry of the main body (2; 2'; 2") at the first joint (V1) comprises at least one protrusion (23) extending towards the outside of the exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") or a recess extending towards the inside of the exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") and/or least one groove (22) extending away from the inlet structure (3; 3'; 3"; 3^*).
4. The exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the coupling geometry of the inlet structure (3; 3'; 3"; 3^∗) at the first joint (V1) comprises at least one bore (35) for receiving screws and nuts; and wherein the coupling geometry of the main body (2; 2'; 2") at the first joint (V1) comprises at least one bore (25) for receiving screws and nuts.
5. The exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") according to one of claims 1 to 4,
   wherein the coupling geometry of the inlet structure (3; 3'; 3"; 3^∗) at the first joint (V1) comprises at least one protrusion extending towards the outside of the exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") and the coupling geometry of the main body (2; 2'; 2") at the first joint (V1) comprises at least one groove (22) extending away from the inlet structure (3; 3'; 3"; 3^*).
6. The exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") according to one of claims 1 to 5,
   wherein the coupling geometry of the inlet structure (3; 3'; 3"; 3^∗) at the first joint (V1) comprises at least one recess (32) extending towards the inside of the exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") and the coupling geometry of the main body (2; 2'; 2") at the first joint (V1) comprises at least one groove (22) extending away from the inlet structure (3; 3'; 3"; 3^*).
7. The exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") according to one of claims 1 to 6,
   wherein the coupling geometry of the inlet structure (3; 3'; 3"; 3^∗) at the first joint (V1) comprises at least one groove (32) extending away from the main body (2; 2'; 2") and the coupling geometry of the main body (2; 2'; 2") at the first joint (V1) comprises at least one protrusion (23) extending towards the outside of the exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1").
8. An exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1"), comprising:

   a main body (2; 2'; 2");

   an inlet structure (3; 3'; 3"; 3^∗); and

   an outlet structure (4; 4'; 4");

   wherein the main body (2; 2'; 2") is

   configured for receiving an exhaust gas converter (51), and

   disposed between the inlet structure (3; 3'; 3"; 3^∗) and the outlet structure (4; 4'; 4"),

   wherein the inlet structure (3; 3'; 3"; 3^∗) and the main body (2; 2'; 2") engage at a first joint (V1), to which end the inlet structure (3; 3'; 3"; 3^∗) and the main body (2; 2'; 2") have matching coupling geometries at the first joint (V1),

   wherein the outlet structure (4; 4'; 4") and the main body (2; 2'; 2") engage at a second joint (V2), to which end the outlet structure (4; 4'; 4") and the main body (2; 2'; 2") have matching coupling geometries at the second joint (V2), and wherein the coupling geometries of each of the outlet structure (4; 4'; 4") and of the main body (2; 2'; 2") are at the second joint (V2) either asymmetric or reflection-symmetric with respect to exactly one plane of symmetry;

   characterized in that

   the outlet structure (4; 4'; 4") has also outside the coupling geometry no rotational symmetry; and

   the outlet structure (4; 4'; 4") has, at a distance from its coupling geometry, an asymmetric cross-sectional shape.
9. The exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") according to claim 8,
   wherein the coupling geometry of the outlet structure (4; 4'; 4") at the second joint (V2) comprises at least one protrusion extending towards the main body (2; 2'; 2") or a recess (42) extending away from the main body (2; 2'; 2"); and wherein the coupling geometry of the main body (2; 2'; 2") at the second joint (V2) comprises at least one protrusion (21) extending towards the outlet structure (4; 4'; 4") or a recess (22) extending away from the outlet structure (4; 4'; 4").
10. The exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the coupling geometry of the outlet structure (4; 4'; 4") at the second joint (V2) comprises at least one protrusion extending towards the outside of the exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") or a recess (44) extending towards the inside of the exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") and/or at least one groove (42) extending away from the main body (2; 2'; 2"); and wherein the coupling geometry of the main body (2; 2'; 2") at the second joint (V2) comprises at least one protrusion (23) extending towards the outside of the exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") or a recess extending towards the inside of the exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") and/or at least one groove (22) extending away from the outlet structure (4; 4'; 4").
11. The exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") according to claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein the coupling geometry of the outlet structure (4; 4'; 4") at the second joint (V2) comprises at least one bore (45) for receiving screws and nuts; and wherein the coupling geometry of the main body (2; 2'; 2") at the second joint (V2) comprises at least one bore (25) for receiving screws and nuts.
12. The exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") according to one of claims 8 to 11,
    wherein the coupling geometry of the outlet structure (4; 4'; 4") at the second joint (V2) comprises at least one protrusion extending towards the outside of the exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") and the coupling geometry of the main body (2; 2'; 2") at the second joint (V2) comprises at least one groove (22) extending away from the outlet structure (4; 4'; 4").
13. The exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") according to one of claims 8 to 12,
    wherein the coupling geometry of the outlet structure (4; 4'; 4") at the second joint (V2) comprises at least one recess (44) extending towards the inside of the exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") and the coupling geometry of the main body (2; 2'; 2") at the second joint (V2) comprises at least one groove (22) extending away from the outlet structure (4; 4'; 4").
14. The exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") according to one of claims 8 to 13,
    wherein the coupling geometry of the outlet structure (4; 4'; 4") at the second joint (V2) comprises at least one groove (42) extending away from the main body (2; 2'; 2") and the coupling geometry of the main body (2; 2'; 2") at the second joint (V2) comprises at least one protrusion (23) extending towards the outside of the exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1").
15. The exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") according to one of claims 1 to 14,
    wherein the main body (2; 2'; 2"), except for the coupling geometries, is reflection-symmetric or rotation-symmetric.
16. The exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") according to claim 15,
    wherein the main body (2; 2'; 2") has, at a distance from its coupling geometries, a inversion-symmetric or axis-symmetric or circular cross-sectional shape or oval cross-sectional shape.
17. Exhaust gas system, comprising

    an exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") according to one of claims 1 to 16, and

    a first exhaust pipe (6) that engages the inlet structure (3; 3'; 3"; 3^∗) at a third joint (V3), to which end the inlet structure (3; 3'; 3"; 3^∗) and the first exhaust pipe (6) have matching coupling geometries at the third joint (V3), wherein the coupling geometries of the inlet structure (3; 3'; 3"; 3^∗) and the first exhaust pipe (6) each are asymmetric at the third joint (V3).
18. Exhaust gas system, comprising

    an exhaust gas converter body structure (1; 1'; 1") according to one of claims 1 to 16, and

    a second exhaust pipe (7) that engages the outlet structure (4; 4'; 4") at a fourth joint (V4), to which end the outlet structure (4; 4'; 4") and the second exhaust pipe (7) have matching coupling geometries at the fourth joint (V4), wherein the coupling geometries of the outlet structure (4; 4'; 4") and the second exhaust pipe (7) each are asymmetric at the fourth joint (V4).

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