GB2564858A

GB2564858A - Exhaust manifold

Info

Publication number: GB2564858A
Application number: GB1711836.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Smith Edward
Original assignee: Perkins Engines Co Ltd
Current assignee: Perkins Engines Co Ltd
Priority date: 2017-07-24
Filing date: 2017-07-24
Publication date: 2019-01-30
Anticipated expiration: 2037-07-24
Also published as: GB201711836D0; GB2564858B

Abstract

An exhaust manifold 110 comprises a manifold conduit 111 having an open end 112 and a closed end 114. At least one aperture 116 is provided on the manifold conduit. At least one exhaust module 200 coupled to the manifold conduit includes a first section 202, and a second section 204 fluidly coupled to the first section. The second section partially encloses the manifold conduit such that the first section is fluidly coupled to the aperture. At least one pair of sealing rings (206, fig 2) are provided adjacent to opposite sides of the exhaust module. An internal combustion engine (100, fig 1) comprises a cylinder block defining at least one cylinder, and a cylinder head (150, fig 1) coupled to a top of the cylinder block. The exhaust manifold receives exhaust gas from the cylinder head. The first section of the exhaust module may be coupled to the cylinder head through a flange 210.

Description

EXHAUST MANIFOLD

Technical Field [0001] The present disclosure relates to combustion engines. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to exhaust modules of an exhaust manifold for the combustion engines.

Background [0002] An exhaust manifold of a combustion engine includes a series of conduits through which exhaust gases produced during combustion process are carried away from the combustion engine. The exhaust manifold typically receives exhaust gases from engine cylinders through exhaust valve ports provided in a cylinder head or a cylinder block of the combustion engine. The exhaust manifold then routes the exhaust gases through a silencer or muffler while in certain cases one or more after-treatment components and/or one or more turbines of a turbocharger may be preferable, before expelling the exhaust gases into atmosphere.

[0003] During operation of the combustion engine, the exhaust manifold may become hot due to extremely high temperatures of the exhaust gases passing through the exhaust manifold. Therefore, the exhaust manifold may preferably have constructional features to accommodate thermal stress. Typically, the exhaust manifold may crack over time due to cyclic heating and cooling cycles which may cause undesirable expansion and contraction due to the high temperature of the exhaust gases. Further, conventional exhaust manifolds make use of one or more bellows. The bellows may account for thermal expansion and contraction, but the bellows require a very high part count, and may be prone to damages during frequent maintenance procedures of the combustion engine. Moreover, applications of the bellows may involve complications during assembly and maintenance, being prone to failure through misalignment, thermal, chemical degradation or fatigue.

[0004] Another example is provided by DE Patent No. 19,644,707 (hereinafter referred to as ’707 reference) which discloses an exhaust gas pipe system for an engine. From constructional considerations, the exhaust gas pipe system includes multiple exhaust pipe sections assembled by push-in connections. Each pipe section forms a module which comprises a centrally extending pipe section and at least one intermediate wall section, which coaxially encloses the central pipe section and forms a longitudinal chamber. A

-2casing section carries cooling water and coaxially encloses the central pipe section and intermediate section while forming an additional longitudinal chamber, and a cylinder head connection. However, the ’707 reference suffers from cost and implementation constraints other than leaving less scope for modifications.

Summary [0005] In an aspect of the present disclosure, an exhaust manifold for an internal combustion engine is provided. The exhaust manifold includes a manifold conduit having an open end and a closed end. The exhaust manifold includes at least one aperture provided on the manifold conduit. The exhaust manifold includes at least one exhaust module adapted to be coupled to the manifold conduit. The exhaust module includes a first section, and a second section fluidly coupled to the first section. The second section partially encloses the manifold conduit such that the first section is fluidly coupled to the at least one aperture. The exhaust module further includes at least one pair of sealing rings provided adjacent to opposed sides of the at least one exhaust module.

[0006] In another aspect of the present disclosure, an internal combustion engine is provided. The internal combustion engine includes a cylinder block defining at least one cylinder. The internal combustion engine includes a cylinder head coupled to the cylinder block. The internal combustion engine includes an exhaust manifold coupled to the cylinder head, and configured to receive exhaust gas from the cylinder head. The exhaust manifold includes a manifold conduit having an open end and a closed end. The exhaust manifold includes at least one aperture provided on the manifold conduit. The exhaust manifold includes at least one exhaust module adapted to be coupled to the manifold conduit. The exhaust module includes a first section, and a second section fluidly coupled to the first section. The second section partially encloses the manifold conduit such that the first section is fluidly coupled to the at least one aperture. The exhaust module includes at least one pair of sealing rings provided adjacent to opposed sides of the at least one exhaust module.

Brief description of Drawings [0007] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary engine with exhaust manifold, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exhaust module which forms part of the exhaust manifold, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

--3-[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the exhaust manifold with the exhaust module assembled therewith, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and [0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional view of the exhaust manifold with the exhaust module assembled therewith, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description [0011] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary engine 100 in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. Although, the engine 100 is illustrated as a four-stroke compression ignition engine, it should be contemplated that the engine 100 may be any other engine such as, but not limited to, diesel, gas, natural gas, propane with any engine configuration (e.g. “V”, in-line, flat, radial etc.) or any type of combustion chamber (e.g. rotary spark ignition, 2-stroke, 4-stroke, compression ignition, cylindrical etc.) which may be suitable for application with various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, although the present disclosure illustrates a V-16 configuration, it may be readily applicable for engines with number of cylinders being 4, 6, 8 or the like as would be appreciated by a person having ordinary skill in the art.

[0012] The engine 100 includes a cylinder block (not visible) which defines multiple cylinders (not visible). Cylinder heads 150 are coupled to a top of the cylinder block corresponding to the cylinders defined inside the cylinder block. The cylinder heads 150 may also be coupled to a top of the cylinders. The engine 100 includes an exhaust manifold 110 for transporting exhaust gases from multiple cylinder heads 150. The cylinder heads 150 fluidly couple the cylinders and the cylinder block to the exhaust manifold 110. The exhaust manifold 110 includes a manifold conduit 111 having an open end 112 and a closed end 114.

[0013] The exhaust manifold 110 includes at least one aperture 116 provided on the manifold conduit 111 for fluidly coupling the manifold conduit 111 to the cylinder heads 150. The exhaust manifold 110 further includes an exhaust module 200 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the exhaust module 200 is not shown in FIG. 1 for sake of clarity) for coupling the cylinder heads 150 to the manifold conduit 111. Exhaust gases produced from combustion process inside the cylinders are transported from the cylinder heads 150 into the manifold conduit 111 through the aperture 116. Afterwards, the exhaust gases flow out of the exhaust manifold 110 through the open end 112 of the manifold conduit 111.

-4The open end 112 of the manifold conduit 111 is further coupled to a turbocharger 130 or exhaust components such as muffler, after-treatment modules, and silencer. In an embodiment, the open end 112 of the manifold conduit 111 may also be coupled to an exhaust pipe. The present disclosure is not limited by the component with which the open end 112 of the manifold conduit 111 is coupled to in any manner.

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates further structural details of the exhaust module 200 which forms part of the exhaust manifold 110. The manifold conduit 111 and the exhaust module 200 are shown separately. The exhaust manifold 110 includes at least one exhaust module 200 adapted to be coupled to the manifold conduit 111. The number of exhaust modules 200 included may correspond to the number of cylinders provided on the engine 100. The exhaust module 200 includes a first section 202, and a second section 204. The first section 202 is illustrated as having a cuboidal shape. The first section 202 may have any other suitable shape as well which may be suitable for application with various aspects of the present disclosure. The second section 204 is illustrated as having a cylindrical shape in accordance with the shape of the manifold conduit 111. The second section 204 may have any other suitable shape as well which may be suitable for application with various aspects of the present disclosure. The first section 202 and the second section 204 may be joined together through any suitable joining means such as welding. In some embodiments, the first section 202 and the second section 204 may be cast together as an integral part. It should be contemplated that the present disclosure is not limited by method of manufacturing of various components in any manner.

[0015] The first section 202 is fluidly coupled to the second section 204. The second section 204 partially encloses the manifold conduit 111 such that the first section 202 is fluidly coupled to the aperture 116. The exhaust module 200 may be coupled to the manifold conduit 111 by sliding the second section 204 of the exhaust module 200 over the manifold conduit 111, and placing the exhaust module 200 over the aperture 116 such that the second section 204 is fluidly coupled with the aperture 116 as shown in FIG. 3.

[0016] With combined reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the exhaust module 200 includes at least one circumferential groove 208 (hereinafter referred to as a groove 208) provided on opposed sides of the exhaust module 200. In the illustrated embodiments, one groove 208 is provided on each side of the exhaust module 200. It should be contemplated that the exhaust module 200 may include more than one groove 208 on each side of the exhaust module 200 as per application requirements. Alternatively, the grooves 208 may

-5be provided on the exhaust conduit 111 from considerations such as ease of assembly of the exhaust conduit 111 with the exhaust module 200 or for better sealing (by presence of the sealing rings 206) therebetween. At least a pair of sealing rings 206 fits inside the grooves 208 on opposed sides of the exhaust module 200. In some embodiments, multiple sealing rings 206 may be provided in accordance with factors such as clearance, service life, and gas pressure. The sealing rings 206 prevent the exhaust gases from escaping through sides of the exhaust module 200, and efficiently seal the exhaust manifold 110.

[0017] The first section 202 of the exhaust module 200 further include a flange 210 through which the first section 202 may be coupled to the cylinder head 150. The flange 210 may be coupled to the cylinder head 150 with a fastener. Further, the fastener may be selected from one or more of bolts, nuts and the like, while use of any other fastener along with sealing means (e.g. gaskets, rings, washers etc.) are well within the scope of the present disclosure. It should be contemplated that the first section 202 of the exhaust module 200 may be coupled to the cylinder head 150 through any other suitable joining means as well which may be applicable with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a sectional view of the exhaust manifold 110 with the exhaust module 200 assembled therewith, along an axis A-A of the exhaust manifold 110 as illustrated in FIG. 3. The sectional view allows to better appreciate assembly of the exhaust manifold 110 and the exhaust module 200, wherein the sealing rings 206 are configured on an inner surface of the exhaust module 200. The sealing rings 206 sit securely in the grooves 208 of the exhaust manifold 110 in an air-tight manner. Thus, the sealing rings 206 act as a seal to prevent loss of exhaust gases while providing a more secured connection between the exhaust module 200 and the exhaust manifold 110.

[0019] In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing rings 206 are provided at an offset distance from an edge of the exhaust module 200. However, in an embodiment, the sealing rings 206 may be provided along the edge of the exhaust module 200 as well on opposed sides of the exhaust module 200. Although the present disclosure illustrates a pair of sealing rings 206, in some embodiments two or more sealing rings 206 may be provided to seal the exhaust gases from escaping the sides of the exhaust module 200, as applicable with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0020] Additionally, or alternatively, the sealing rings 206 may be readily replaceable as would be expected due to regular, long working cycles of the exhaust manifold 110

-6and the exhaust module 200 associated therewith. In some embodiments, the sealing rings 206 may be split-type rings. Other configurations of the sealing rings 206 such as, but not limited to, combination rings, BX type rings, R type rings, RX type rings, Buna coated rings etc. have been contemplated and are well within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0021] Although the sealing rings 206 may be made of any material as used or implemented in the relevant art, preferably the pair of sealing rings 206 may be made of one or more of cast iron, ceramic, steel, and polymers etc. Further, the material of choice for the sealing rings 206 may be chosen while taking into account expected working conditions such as high temperature (of exhaust gases) and other internal conditions during working of the engine 100, or more particularly the exhaust manifold 110.

Industrial Applicability [0022] The present disclosure relates to the exhaust manifold 110 of the engine 100. The exhaust manifold 110 may be fluidly coupled with the exhaust valve ports of the cylinder heads 150 of the engine 100. The exhaust manifold 110 transfers exhaust gases to the turbocharger 130, or the exhaust pipe which may be coupled to the open end 112 of the manifold conduit 111 of the exhaust manifold 110. and the like. The exhaust module 200 serves the role conventionally served by means such as bellows, tubes and the like, for connection of the exhaust valves of the cylinder head 150 to the turbocharges 130 and/or the exhaust pipe. Additionally, or alternatively, easy replacement of the exhaust module 200 may be possible depending upon factors such as service life, damage etc. Alternatively, only the sealing rings 206 may need to be replaced with time on wear, without replacing the exhaust module 200 itself. In such instances, the exhaust module 200 may be reassembled with a new pair of the sealing rings 206.

[0023] As elaborated in the present disclosure, the exhaust module 200 is provided to efficiently replace conventional exhaust gas transfer means such as bellows, tubes and the like which have limited appeal due to one or more shortcomings related to high costs, service life and maintenance considerations. Moreover, with implementation of the exhaust module 200, in place or additionally, to the conventional arrangements provides with ease of assembly and modification along with lower concerns from thermal damages from the high temperature exhaust gases.

-7[0024] While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.

Claims

Claims

What is claimed is:

[0025] 1. An exhaust manifold (110) for an internal combustion engine (100), the exhaust manifold (110) comprising:

[0026] a manifold conduit (111) having an open end (112) and a closed end (114);

[0027] at least one aperture (116) provided on the manifold conduit (111);

[0028] at least one exhaust module (200) adapted to be coupled to the manifold conduit (111), the exhaust module (200) including:

[0029] a first section (202); and [0030] a second section (204) fluidly coupled to the first section (202), [0031] wherein the second section (204) is adapted to partially enclose the manifold conduit (111) such that the first section (202) is fluidly coupled to the at least one aperture (116); and [0032] at least one pair of sealing rings (206) provided adjacent to opposed sides of the at least one exhaust module (200).

[0033]
2. The exhaust manifold (110) of claim 1, wherein the first section (202) of the exhaust module (200) includes a flange (210) through which the first section (202) is coupled to a cylinder head (150) of the engine (100).

[0034]
3. The exhaust manifold (110) of claim 2, wherein the flange (210) is coupled to the cylinder head (150) with a fastener.

[0035]
4. The exhaust manifold (110) of claim 1, wherein the exhaust module (200) has at least one circumferential groove (208) provided adjacent to each of the opposed sides of the exhaust module (200), and each sealing ring (206) of the pair of sealing rings (206) fits inside the at least one circumferential groove (208).

-9[0036]
5. The exhaust manifold (110) of claim 1, wherein the pair of sealing rings (206) is made of a material selected from one or more of cast iron, steel, polymer, and ceramic.

[0037]
6. The exhaust manifold (110) of claim 1, wherein the open end (112) of the manifold conduit (111) is coupled to an exhaust pipe.

[0038]
7. The exhaust manifold (110) of claim 1, wherein the open end (112) of the manifold conduit (111) is coupled to one or more of a silencer, a muffler, an after-treatment module, and a turbocharger (130).

[0039]
8. The exhaust manifold (110) of claim 1, wherein the sealing rings (206) are splittype rings.

[0040]
9. An internal combustion engine (100) comprising:

[0041] a cylinder block defining at least one cylinder;

[0042] a cylinder head (150) coupled to a top of the cylinder block;

[0043] an exhaust manifold (110) coupled to the cylinder head (150), and configured to receive exhaust gas from the cylinder head (150), the exhaust manifold (110) including:

[0044] a manifold conduit (111) having an open end (112) and a closed end (114);

[0045] at least one aperture (116) provided on the manifold conduit (111);

[0046] at least one exhaust module (200) adapted to be coupled to the manifold conduit (111), the exhaust module (200) including:

[0047] a first section (202); and [0048] a second section (204) fluidly coupled to the first section (202), [0049] wherein the second section (204) is adapted to partially enclose the manifold conduit (111) such that the first section (202) is fluidly coupled to the at least one aperture (116); and

-10[0050] at least one pair of sealing rings (206) provided adjacent to opposed sides of the at least one exhaust module (200).

[0051]
10. The internal combustion engine (100) of claim 9, wherein the first section (202) of the exhaust module (200) includes a flange (210) through which the first section (202) is coupled to the cylinder head (150).

[0052]
11. The internal combustion engine (100) of claim 10, wherein the flange (210) is coupled to the cylinder head (150) with a fastener.

[0053]
12. The internal combustion engine (100) of claim 9, wherein the exhaust module (200) has at least one circumferential groove (208) provided adjacent to each of the opposed sides of the exhaust module (200), and each sealing ring (206) of the pair of sealing rings (206) fits inside the at least one circumferential groove (208).

[0054]
13. The internal combustion engine (100) of claim 9, wherein the pair of sealing rings (206) is made of a material selected from one or more of cast iron, steel, polymer, and ceramic.

[0055]
14. The internal combustion engine (100) of claim 9, wherein the open end (112) of the manifold conduit (111) is coupled to an exhaust pipe.

[0056]
15. The internal combustion engine (100) of claim 9, wherein the open end (112) of the manifold conduit (111) is coupled to one or more of a silencer, a muffler, an aftertreatment module, and a turbocharger (130).

[0057]
16. The internal combustion engine (100) of claim 9, wherein the sealing rings (216) are split-type rings.