KR20070063508A - Closure device for exhaust gas conduit - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a closure device (6) of a conduit (1) comprised in an internal combustion engine exhaust line and which delimits an exhaust gas passage (5) and extends at least partly and emerges inside the housing (3) of a muffler (2) delimited by a shell (4), the closure device (6) including a check valve (7) arranged inside said housing (3) and mounted mobile relative to the conduit (1), between at least a first position closing the gas passage (5) and a second position opening said passage (5) as well as means for returning (8) the check valve (7) into a position closing the gas passage (5). Said closure device is characterized in that it comprises means (10) configured to connect the check valve (7) to the return means (8) installed externally to the housing (3) of the muffler (2), the connecting means (10) being integral in movement with the check valve (7) and passing through the shell (4) of the housing (3).

Description

Exhaust gas conduit closures {CLOSURE DEVICE FOR EXHAUST GAS CONDUIT}

The present invention relates to a conduit closure device included in an exhaust line of an internal combustion engine.

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to the field of automobiles, and more particularly to a plant that ensures the emission of gases generated during combustion of fuel in an internal combustion engine.

To this end, the internal combustion engine is equipped with an exhaust line comprising a muffler and a conduit in the form of a housing, the conduit partially extending into the interior of the muffler housing and defining a passage of exhaust gas passing into the muffler housing. do. This conduit has a closure device mounted inside the housing for closure at some stages during internal combustion engine operation.

The closure device typically includes a valve, the valve being mounted to be axially rotatable relative to the conduit, the valve being at least partially closed to prevent passage of the gas and a first position allowing passage of the gas through the conduit. It may have a second position.

According to the prior art, in particular according to EP 1 186 756, a closure device of this type is already known. According to this prior art, the valve is maintained in the conduit closed position when the gas pressure to the valve is below a predetermined pressure, for example, at a low rotational speed and a low motor charge amount, and when the pressure of the gas is above the predetermined pressure, the valve Is opened to allow the passage of gas, and the valve closes again when the pressure of the gas decreases after opening.

To this end, the closure device is cooperatively operated with the valve and is generally arranged to be able to resist gas pressure to hold the valve in the closed position and to pull the valve back to the closed position if the gas pressure drops. spring It is provided with means formed in the form.

This type of spring can be mounted in contact with a valve with a strong linear load so as to resist strong gas pressure. However, this is especially a factor in the installation complexity.

In addition, the spring is disposed in the housing of the muffler through which the exhaust gas circulates, which results in the spring being placed in a specific environment, subject to constraints such as high temperature of the exhaust gas and / or corrosiveness of the gas condensate. Therefore, it is necessary to rely on a specific material to form this type of spring, which is affected by the properties of the spring, in particular the restoring force of the spring, due to changes in temperature over time.

As such, the springs must exhibit features that require special concepts, which can significantly increase manufacturing costs and even reach half of the closing device costs.

An apparatus of this type has the disadvantage that the restoring element of the closing valve must be placed in the muffler housing of the exhaust conduit upon contact with the exhaust gas. In addition, the constraints reduce the life and recovery efficiency of the spring over time.

The present invention aims to remedy this drawback of the prior art, and also to provide an improved device for the closure of the exhaust line conduit.

The present invention relates to a device for closing a conduit included in an internal combustion engine exhaust line that forms a passage of exhaust gas and partially extends into an interior of a housing of a muffler defined by a casing. Such a closure device may be disposed within the housing and mounted to move between a first position that closes the gas passage with respect to the conduit and a second position that opens the gas passage; Restoring means for restoring the valve to a position for closing the gas passage, and connecting means for connecting the valve to the restoring means and moving with the valve through a casing of the housing. This closing device comprises a shaft divided into a first section in which the connecting means is connected to the valve and a second section connected to the restoring means, the sections of the shaft being connected to a transmission means located outside the housing of the muffler. It is characterized by being connected by.

According to another feature of the invention, said closing device comprises means for mounting said valve to rotate about an axis, said connecting means extending at least partially along the axis of rotation of said valve.

In particular, the restoring means consists of a spring comprising two ends, a first end connected to the fixing point for the casing of the muffler housing and a second end connected directly or via the lever to the connecting means.

In one embodiment, the spring is a cylindrical torsion spring or helical spring that engages around the connecting means, the second end of the spring being connected to the connecting means 10.

In another embodiment, the spring is a coil spring and the second end of the spring is connected to the connecting means via a lever extending laterally with respect to the connecting means.

The closure device preferably comprises a replaceable barrel connected to the muffler. In this case, the connecting means extends at least partially into the barrel, and the lever for connecting the restoring means and the restoring means to the connecting means is mounted inside the tub.

In addition, in case the gas pressure falls below a defined value, the closing device may include holding means for maintaining the position at which the valve closes the gas passage. In one embodiment, the holding means is distinct from restoring means for restoring the valve to the closed position.

In one embodiment, the retaining means can be mounted inside, or preferably outside, the muffler housing.

Preferably, the retaining means is mounted outside of the muffler housing and in a bin housing the restoring means.

The retaining means consist in particular of mechanical, magnetic or electromagnetic type means such as springs, magnets or electromagnets.

The closing device preferably comprises waterproofing means for ensuring waterproofness between the inside and the outside of the muffler housing at a hole formed in the casing of the muffler for the passage of the connecting means.

The waterproof means has a form of joint engaged around the connecting means and is located in the transmission means part.

The waterproof means is formed of a material that can tolerate free rotation of the connecting means and continuously ensure waterproofness and can resist the temperature of the gas circulating in the muffler.

The closing device also includes retaining means for retaining the waterproofing means on the muffler, the retaining means being able to push the waterproofing means against the casing to prevent the waterproofing means from moving along the connecting means. Is supported.

The invention also relates to a muffler included in an exhaust line of an internal combustion engine comprising said closure device.

The muffler according to the invention comprises a hole through which the connecting means passes in a casing of the housing, the cross section of which is adjusted to the cross section of the connecting means.

The muffler includes another housing in the casing portion of the housing to accommodate the waterproofing means for ensuring waterproofness between the inside and outside of the housing at the connecting means portion.

The invention also relates to an exhaust line of an internal combustion engine comprising a muffler of the type described above.

An advantage of the present invention is that the restoring means is located outside of the muffler housing so that the restoring means are not affected by any exhaust gas.

One further advantage is that the device according to the invention comprises a canister mounted outside of the muffler. A part of the restoring means and the connecting means is accommodated inside the barrel. Such a bin is of a replaceable type so that in case of failure of the restoring means and / or connecting means it is possible to exchange the tub and / or the parts contained therein without having to disassemble the muffler (and without having to replace the muffler). In addition, mounting the transmission means outside the housing of the muffler facilitates replacement of the keg and / or its internal components.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a cross-sectional view of a muffler in which at least a part of a closure device according to one embodiment of the invention is arranged externally;

2 is a partial detail view of the closure device shown in FIG. 1, FIG.

3 is a partial detail view of the closing device according to another embodiment of the present invention when no force is applied to the restoring means;

4 is a partial detail view in the case of applying the force to the restoring means in the closure device of FIG. 3.

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to the field of the automotive industry, and more particularly to a plant that ensures the emission of gases generated when fuel is combusted in an internal combustion engine.

The internal combustion engine is connected to an exhaust line comprising at least one conduit 1 and a muffler 2 defining a passage 5 of the exhaust gas. The conduit 1 may in particular consist of one or more pipes partially extending into the interior of the muffler 2, the muffler 2 generally consisting of a housing 3 with a peripheral casing 4, in the form of a cylinder It may be in the form of a fire or similar. An end of the conduit 1 passes into the interior of the housing 3 and forms a passage 5 of gas.

As can be seen on the accompanying drawings, the conduit 1 is provided with a closing device 6 which functions to close the conduit 1 to at least partially block passage of the exhaust gas.

The closing device 6 is arranged inside the housing 3 of the muffler 2 and is mounted to enable movement (especially shaking) with respect to the conduit 1 (especially with respect to the outlet end of the conduit). Closing means in the form (the valve can move between a first position of closing the gas passage and a second position of opening the gas passage), and the valve 7 to a position of closing the gas passage 5 Restoring means (8) for restoring.

The valve 7 serves to reclose the passage 5 located inside the muffler 2 housing 3 by one plate 9 having a size at least equal to the cross section of the passage 5. do. In one particular embodiment, the valve 7 can be mounted rotatably about the passage 5 of the conduit 1, where the axis is axis I-I as seen on FIGS. 1 and 2.

A configuration has been devised in which the restoring means 8 is located outside of the muffler 2 so that the restoring means 8 are not subject to the constraints due to the exhaust gases, in particular high temperatures and / or corrosion.

For this purpose, the closing device 6 according to the invention is provided with a connecting means 10 which connects the valve 7 to a restoring means 8 mounted outside the housing 3 of the muffler 2. This connecting means 10 passes through the casing 4 of the housing 3 and extends at least partially along the axis of rotation I-I of the valve 7. The connecting means 10 may take the form of a shaft 11 at least partly interlocked with the valve 7 and the restoring means 8. In one embodiment, the shaft 11 can be fixed to the restoring means 8 via a lever 12 (see FIGS. 3 and 4).

The shaft 11 may consist of a number of sections, in particular two sections 13, 14. The first section 13 of the shaft 11 is connected to the valve 7 and the second section 14 is connected to the restoring means 8.

In this particular embodiment, the device 6 according to the invention can be easily mounted on an existing muffler. To this end, it is generally sufficient to replace the shaft fixed to the valve 7 with the first section 13 of the shaft 11, in particular of the sections 13, 14 of the shaft (in particular the shaft 11). It is sufficient to deform the casing 4 of the muffler 2 in order to allow one or more passages. The second section 14 of the shaft 11 is fixed to the restoring means 8 outside of the muffler 2 housing 3, for this purpose one fastening of the closing means mounted inside the housing 3. Just do it.

The shaft 11 consisting of sections 13, 14 also allows replacement of the restoring means 8 without deforming the closing means located inside the housing 3. In fact, the restoring force required to close the valve 7 in the closed position depends in particular on characteristics which vary with the internal combustion engine. By providing a replaceable restoring means 8 via the device 6 according to the invention, the closure can be made appropriately. In addition, they can be replaced very easily in case of damage to the restoration means 8.

A transmission means 15 is provided between the two sections 13, 14 of the shaft, through which the sections 13, 14 are interconnected and also restore the movement of the valve 7. To the means 8 (or vice versa).

According to one preferred embodiment, the transmission means 15 are located outside of the muffler 2 housing 3, in which case the two sections of the shaft 11, in particular when mounting / dismounting the closing device 6, 13, 14) becomes easy to connect.

Such transmission means 15 may be constituted, for example, by means of gear engagement.

In one embodiment of the invention, the restoring means 8 consists of a spring 16 comprising two ends 17, 18. The first end 17 is connected to a fixing point for the casing 4 of the muffler 2 housing 3, the second end 18 being connected to the connecting means 10 directly or via a lever 12. Connected.

The spring 16 can be a torsional cylindrical spring (FIGS. 1 and 2) or a helical spring that engages around the connecting means 10, wherein the second end 18 is connected to the connecting means 10.

In the other embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the spring 16 is a coil spring extending longitudinally along an axis II-II which forms an angle with respect to an axis II extending along the connecting means 10. . The two axes I-I and II-II are preferably placed vertically. However, especially when no force is applied to the spring 16, it may represent a different angle. In this case, the end 18 of the spring 16 can be connected to the connecting means 10 via the lever 12. The lever 12 extends laterally with respect to the connecting means 10 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). The lever can also be mounted movable, in particular rotatably mounted about axis I-I.

The closing device 6 may comprise a canister 20 mounted to the outside of the muffler 2. The bin 20 at least partially surrounds the connecting means 10 and the restoring means 8, and furthermore the lever 12. The barrel 20 is a support plate 21 fixedly mounted to the casing of the muffler 2 housing 3 by a fixing means 22 and a case fixed (especially prefabricatedly fixed) on the support plate 21 ( 23).

In one embodiment, the bin can be of a type that can be exchanged so that it can be easily separated and replaced, in particular in case of failure or damage of the elements 8, 9, 12, 14 therein.

The bin 20 comprises one anchor point 19, to which the first end 17 of the restoring means 8 is connected. In particular, the fixing point 19 may be integrated with or coupled to the support plate 21.

A retaining means 4 is provided for holding the valve 7 in the closed position of the gas passage 5 in order to have a gas pressure lower than the defined gas pressure value. According to one embodiment of the invention, the retaining means 24 may be mixed with the restoring means 8, preferably of a spring type mechanical type.

In another embodiment, the retaining means 24 are provided to be distinguished from the restoring means 8 or closing means. The closing means can then be located inside the casing 4 of the muffler 2 while the restoring means 8 can be located outside, or they can be located in reverse. In particular, the retaining means 24 may be of magnetic type or electromagnetic type of magnet or electromagnet. In the case of the electromagnetic type, the holding means offers the possibility of adjusting the opening of the passage 5 according to the gas pressure or the control information of the internal combustion engine. This property is very useful for applying various devices to various types of internal combustion engines.

The advantage of using the holding means 24 in the form of an electromagnet is that it has the possibility to control the holding of the valve 7 in the closed position or to allow the opening of the valve 7 when the gas pressure is very low. On the other hand, this is not the case when using retaining means in the form of springs or magnets.

The retaining means 24 may be mounted in the housing 3 of the muffler 2 or may be mounted outside the muffler 2, in particular arranged inside the protective barrel 20 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Can be.

According to another feature of the invention, the muffler 2 is provided such that the connecting means 10 (especially the first section 13 of the shaft 11 of the connecting means 10) can pass through the casing 4. One hole 27 is formed in the casing 4 portion of the housing 3. The cross section of this hole 27 is adapted to the cross section of the connecting means 10 (in particular the cross section of the first section 13 of the shaft 11).

Waterproof means for ensuring the waterproofness between the inside and the outside of the muffler (2) housing 3, in particular to ensure the waterproofness of the portion of the hole 27 formed in the casing (4) of the muffler (2) 25) is provided.

In fact, it is possible to ensure the waterproofness between the connecting means 10 and the casing 4 of the muffler 2 housing 3 via this waterproof means 25, in particular the waterproofness of the part of the hole 27. Done.

The waterproof means 25 may be formed in the form of a joint engaged around the connecting means 10.

Such a joint is formed of a material that can allow free rotation of the connecting means 10 and ensures continuous waterproofing, and can withstand the temperature of the gas circulating in the muffler 2.

For this purpose, the joint may be formed of a dissolved metal or polymer (particularly a polymer protected through a suitable protective layer), more preferably of ceramic.

In another embodiment, another housing 26 may be formed in the casing 4 portion of the muffler 2 housing 3, which is the waterproofing means 25 which ensures waterproofness. To serve. In particular, the hole 27 penetrated by the connecting means 10 is formed in this part of the housing 26 (particularly at the bottom).

According to another feature of the invention, the closing device 6 comprises a means for maintaining the position of the waterproofing means 25, which means that the waterproofing means 25 has a length of the connecting means 10. It is supported on the waterproofing means 25 (joint) so that the waterproofing means can be pushed against the casing 4 in order to prevent movement along. Such a position maintaining means may be formed in a portion of the cylinder 20 (particularly, the portion of the support plate 21 included in the cylinder 20), and may be composed of the cylinder 20 itself (particularly the support plate 21) or the cylinder. (20) may be composed of a finger (finger) or the like that is limited to the site (particularly the support plate 21 area).

The waterproof means 25 is preferably located at the transmission means 15 part of the connecting means 10.

As such, the spring 16 disposed outside of the muffler 2 is no longer affected by the force imposed on the casing 4 and can therefore be formed of a less expensive material. In addition, it is easy to replace when damaged, there is an advantage in that easy access even if adjustment is required.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modified embodiments are also possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (23)

Closing device 6 for conduit 1 included in an internal combustion engine exhaust line that forms a passage 5 of exhaust gas and partially extends into the interior of housing 3 of muffler 2 defined by casing 4. A valve disposed in the housing 3 so as to be movable between a first position for closing the gas passage 5 with respect to the conduit 1 and a second position for opening the gas passage 5. 7), restoring means (8) mounted outside the muffler (2) housing (3) to restore the valve (7) to a position for closing the gas passage (5), and a casing of the housing (3). In the closing device (6) of a conduit (1) comprising a connecting means (10) for connecting the valve (7) to the restoring means (8) and moving with the valve (7) through (4). , The connecting means 10 comprises a shaft 11 divided into a first section 13 connected to the valve 7 and a second section 14 connected to the restoring means 8, said The closing device (6), characterized in that the sections (13, 14) of the shaft are connected by transmission means (15) located outside the housing (3) of the muffler (2). The method of claim 1, And means for mounting the valve 7 to rotate about the axis II, characterized in that the connecting means 10 extend at least partially along the axis of rotation II of the valve 7. Closure device (6). The method according to claim 1 or 2, The restoring means (8) is connected to the connecting means (10) directly or via a lever (12) and a first end (17) connected to a fixing point (19) to the casing (4) of the muffler (2) housing (3). Closure device (6), characterized in that it consists of a spring (16) comprising a second end (18) connected thereto. The method of claim 3, The spring 16 is a cylindrical torsion spring or a helical spring that engages around the connecting means 10, and the second end 18 of the spring is connected to the connecting means 10. 6). The method of claim 3, The spring 16 is a coil spring, the second end 18 of which is connected to the connecting means 10 via a lever 12 extending laterally with respect to the connecting means 10. Closure device (6). The method of claim 5, The closing device (6), characterized in that the coil spring extends along an axis (II-II) perpendicular to the axis (I-I) of the connecting means (10). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, A replaceable pail 20 connected to the muffler 2, the connecting means 10 extending at least partially into the pail 20, the restoring means 8 and the restoring means 8. Closure device (6), characterized in that the lever (12) connecting the connecting means (10) to the interior of the barrel (20). The method of claim 7, wherein The cylinder 20 is a support plate 21 fixedly mounted to the casing 4 of the muffler 2 housing 3 by a fixing means 22, and a case detachably coupled to the support plate 21. Closing device (6), characterized in that it consists of (23). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, Closing device (6), characterized in that it comprises retaining means (24) for maintaining the position where the valve (7) closes the gas passage (5) in case the gas pressure drops below a defined value. The method of claim 9, The closing device (6), characterized in that the holding means (24) are distinguished from restoring means (8) for restoring the valve (7) to the closed position. The method of claim 9 or 10, The closing device (6), characterized in that the retaining means (24) is mounted inside or preferably outside of the muffler (2) housing (3). The method according to claim 7 or 11, wherein The retaining device (6), characterized in that the retaining means (24) are mounted outside the muffler (2) housing (3) and in a bin (20) for receiving the restoring means (8). The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, Closing device (6), characterized in that the retaining means (24) consist of means of mechanical, magnetic or electromagnetic type such as springs, magnets or electromagnets. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, Waterproof means for ensuring the waterproofness between the inside and the outside of the muffler (2) housing (3) at the site of the hole 27 formed in the casing (4) of the muffler (2) for the passage of the connecting means ( Closure device (6), characterized in that it comprises a (25). The method of claim 14, The closure device (6), characterized in that the waterproof means (25) have a form of joint engaged around the connecting means (10). The method according to claim 14 or 15, The closure device (6), characterized in that the waterproof means (25) is located in the region of the transmission means (15). The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, The waterproof means 25 is formed of a material that can tolerate free rotation of the connecting means 10 and continuously ensure waterproofness and can resist the temperature of the gas circulating in the muffler 2. Closing device (6). The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, And retaining means for retaining the waterproofing means 25 on the muffler 2, which retains the casing (4) to prevent the waterproofing means 25 from moving along the connecting means 10. Closure device (6), characterized in that it is supported on said waterproofing means (25) so as to be able to push against it. Muffler (2) included in an internal combustion engine exhaust line, characterized in that it comprises a closure device (6) according to any of the preceding claims. The method of claim 19, In the casing 4 of the housing 3 it comprises a hole 27 through which the connecting means 10 penetrates, the cross section of which is a cross section of the connecting means 10, in particular of the connecting means 10. Muffler (2), characterized in that it is adapted to the cross section of the first section (13) of the shaft (11). The method of claim 19 or 20, Another housing 26 is included in the casing 4 portion of the housing 3 to receive the waterproof means 25 which ensures waterproofness between the inside and the outside of the housing 3 at the portion of the connecting means 10. Muffler (2) characterized in that. The method of claim 20 or 21, The muffler (2), characterized in that the hole (27) is formed in the other housing (26) part, in particular in the bottom part thereof. Exhaust line of an internal combustion engine, characterized in that it comprises a muffler (2) according to any of the claims 19-22.

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