Component of an exhaust system

Abstract

A component (6) of an exhaust system (1) for an internal combustion engine (3), of a motor vehicle, has a housing including a shell (12), two end bottoms (13, 14) and an intermediate bottom (15, 16). The shell (12) encloses an interior space (18) of the housing (11) in a circumferential direction (19). The two end bottoms (13, 14) delimit the interior space (18) in an axial direction (17) at opposite ends and are fixed to the shell (12). The intermediate bottom (15) is arranged in the interior space (18) axially between the end bottoms (13, 14) and is radially supported on the shell (12). A holding pipe (22), for connection of the component (6) to a system periphery (9), is radially held on the intermediate bottom (15) in the interior space (18), passes through one end bottom (13), is fastened thereon and is closed off in a gas-tight manner.

Claims

1. An exhaust system component for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, the exhaust system component comprising: a housing comprising a shell, two end bottoms and at least one intermediate bottom, wherein: the shell encloses an interior space of the housing in a circumferential direction; the two end bottoms are connected to the shell in a fixed manner and delimit the interior space in an axial direction, at opposite ends; and the intermediate bottom is arranged in the interior space, axially between the end bottoms, and radially supported on the shell; and at least one holding pipe with an end disposed in the interior space and which holding pipe is held on the intermediate bottom in the interior space, the at least one holding pipe being passed through only one of the two end bottoms in a pass through region and extending outwardly of the one of the two end bottoms and being fastened on the one of the two end bottoms, the one of the two end bottoms being closed off in a gas-tight manner in the pass through region and the holding pipe being closed gas-tight relative to the interior space.

2. An exhaust system component according to claim 1, further comprising an annular collar wherein the one of the two end bottoms comprises a bottom aperture, through which the holding pipe is passed and which is enclosed by the annular collar, the annular collar being connected to the holding pipe in a gas-tight and fixed manner.

3. An exhaust system component for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, the exhaust system component comprising: a housing comprising a shell, two end bottoms and at least one intermediate bottom, wherein: the shell encloses an interior space of the housing in a circumferential direction; the two end bottoms are connected to the shell in a fixed manner and delimit the interior space in an axial direction, at opposite ends; and the intermediate bottom is arranged in the interior space, axially between the end bottoms, and radially supported on the shell; at least one holding pipe which is held on the intermediate bottom in the interior space, the at least one holding pipe being passed through one of the two end bottoms in a pass through region and being fastened on the one of the two end bottoms, the one of the two end bottoms being closed off in a gas-tight manner in the pass through region; and a holder for connecting the component to a periphery of the exhaust system, wherein the holder is fastened to the holding pipe, on an outside of the one of the two end bottoms, facing away from the interior space.

4. An exhaust system component according to claim 3, wherein the holder comprises a pipe body, which is axially plugged with the holding pipe and is connected to the holding pipe in a fixed manner.

5. An exhaust system component according to claim 3, further comprising: an annular collar wherein the one of the two end bottoms comprises a bottom aperture, through which the holding pipe is passed and which is enclosed by the annular collar, the annular collar being connected to the holding pipe in a gas-tight and fixed manner; and a common weld seam, wherein: the holder comprises a pipe body, which is axially plugged with the holding pipe and is connected to the holding pipe in a fixed manner; and the pipe body, the holding pipe and the annular collar are fastened to one another by the common weld seam.

6. An exhaust system component according to claim 1, wherein: the holding pipe has a stepped cross section; and the holding pipe, in the region of the one of the two end bottoms, has a larger cross section than in a region of the intermediate bottom.

7. An exhaust system component for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, the exhaust system component comprising: a housing comprising a shell, two end bottoms and at least one intermediate bottom, wherein: the shell encloses an interior space of the housing in a circumferential direction; the two end bottoms are connected to the shell in a fixed manner and delimit the interior space in an axial direction, at opposite ends; and the intermediate bottom is arranged in the interior space, axially between the end bottoms, and radially supported on the shell; and at least one holding pipe which is held on the intermediate bottom in the interior space, the at least one holding pipe being passed through one of the two end bottoms in a pass through region and being fastened on the one of the two end bottoms, the one of the two end bottoms being closed off in a gas-tight manner in the pass through region a holder for connecting the component to a periphery of the exhaust system, wherein: the holder comprises a pipe body, which is axially plugged with the holding pipe and is connected to the holding pipe in a fixed manner; the pipe body is plugged into the holding pipe; and an annular step of the holding pipe, which separates two regions of different cross sections from one another, provides an axial stop for limiting a plug-in depth of the pipe body.

8. An exhaust system component according to claim 3, wherein: the holder comprises a holding arm; the holding arm comprises a holder aperture, into which the holding pipe is plugged; and the holding arm is fastened to the holding pipe in the region of the holder aperture.

9. An exhaust system component according to claim 8, wherein: the holding arm is a hollow body and comprises two walls running parallel, which each comprise a wall aperture, which jointly form the holder aperture; and the holding pipe is connected to both walls in a fixed manner.

10. An exhaust system component according to claim 1, wherein the holding pipe is fastened to the intermediate bottom on a side of the intermediate bottom facing the one of the two end bottoms.

11. An exhaust system component according to claim 1, wherein the holding pipe penetrates the intermediate bottom in a corresponding bottom aperture and is radially supported on an aperture edge.

12. An exhaust system component according to claim 1, wherein that the holding pipe comprises a closure, which closes off an interior end of the holding pipe in a gas-tight manner.

13. An exhaust system component according to claim 12, wherein that the closure is configured as a cap, which cap is plugged onto an axial end of the holding pipe.

14. An exhaust system component according to claim 13, wherein that the cap, in a region of the intermediate bottom, is arranged on the holding pipe and is connected in a fixed manner to the intermediate bottom and to the holding pipe.

15. An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, the exhaust system comprising: an exhaust line with an inlet side comprising at least one exhaust manifold and with an outlet side comprising at least one end pipe; and at least one component comprising: a housing comprising a shell, two end bottoms and at least one intermediate bottom, wherein: the shell encloses an interior space of the housing in a circumferential direction; the two end bottoms are connected to the shell in a fixed manner and delimit the interior space in an axial direction, at opposite ends; the intermediate bottom is arranged in the interior space, axially between the end bottoms, and radially supported on the shell; and at least one holding pipe which is held on the intermediate bottom in the interior space, the at least one holding pipe being passed through one of the two end bottoms in a pass through region and being fastened on the one of the two end bottoms, the one of the two end bottoms being closed off in a gas-tight manner in the pass through region, wherein the at least one component is arranged in the exhaust line; and a holder for connecting the component to a periphery of the exhaust system, wherein the holder is fastened to the holding pipe, on an outside of the one of the two end bottoms, facing away from the interior space, wherein that the holder comprises a pipe body, which is axially plugged with the holding pipe and is connected to the holding pipe in a fixed manner.

16. An exhaust system component according to claim 15, further comprising: an annular collar wherein the one of the two end bottoms comprises a bottom aperture, through which the holding pipe is passed and which is enclosed by the annular collar, the annular collar being connected to the holding pipe in a gas-tight and fixed manner; and a common weld seam, wherein the holder comprises a pipe body, which is axially plugged with the holding pipe and is connected to the holding pipe in a fixed manner, wherein: the pipe body, the holding pipe and the annular collar are fastened to one another by the common weld seam.

17. An exhaust system component according to claim 15, further comprising: an annular collar wherein the one of the two end bottoms comprises a bottom aperture, through which the holding pipe is passed and which is enclosed by the annular collar, the annular collar being connected to the holding pipe in a gas-tight and fixed manner; and a common weld seam, wherein: the holder comprises a pipe body, which is axially plugged with the holding pipe and is connected to the holding pipe in a fixed manner; and the pipe body, the holding pipe and the annular collar are fastened to one another by the common weld seam.

18. An exhaust system according to claim 16, wherein: the holding pipe has a stepped cross section; and the holding pipe, in the region of the one of the two end bottoms, has a larger cross section than in a region of the intermediate bottom, wherein: the pipe body is plugged into the holding pipe; and an annular step of the holding pipe, which separates two regions of different cross sections from one another, provides an axial stop for limiting a plug-in depth of the pipe body.

19. An exhaust system component according to claim 15, wherein: the holder comprises a holding arm; the holding arm comprises a holder aperture, into which the holding pipe is plugged; the holding arm is fastened to the holding pipe in the region of the holder aperture; the holding arm is a hollow body and comprises two walls running parallel, which each comprise a wall aperture, which jointly form the holder aperture; and the holding pipe is connected to both walls in a fixed manner.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 is a schematic simplified view of an exhaust system showing one of different embodiments;

(3) FIG. 2 is a schematic simplified view of an exhaust system showing another of different embodiments;

(4) FIG. 3 is a schematic enlarged view of the exhaust system from FIG. 1, in the region of a silencer;

(5) FIG. 4 is a schematic enlarged view of the exhaust system from FIG. 1, in the region of a silencer;

(6) FIG. 5 is a schematic isometric view of the silencer with transparent shell of one of different embodiments;

(7) FIG. 6 is a schematic isometric view of the silencer with transparent shell of one of different embodiments;

(8) FIG. 7 is a schematic isometric view of the silencer in the region of a holding pipe with absent shell;

(9) FIG. 8 is a schematic lateral view of the silencer with absent shell;

(10) FIG. 9 is a schematic isometric view of the holding pipe;

(11) FIG. 10 is a schematic longitudinal section of the silencer in the region of the holding pipe;

(12) FIG. 11 is a schematic half longitudinal section of the silencer in the region of the holding pipe, however with another embodiment;

(13) FIG. 12 is a schematic isometric view of the silencer in the region of a holder;

(14) FIG. 13 is a schematic isometric view of the silencer in the region of the holder, however with another embodiment; and

(15) FIG. 14 is a schematic isometric view as in FIG. 13, however in another viewing direction.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(16) Referring to the drawings, according to the FIGS. 1 and 2, an exhaust system 1 comprises at least one exhaust line 2. The exhaust system 1 in this case serves for discharging combustion exhaust gas, exhaust gas in brief, from an internal combustion engine 3, which can in particular be arranged in a motor vehicle. The exhaust line 2 in this case is equipped on the inlet side with at least one exhaust manifold 4 and on the outlet side with at least one tailpipe 5. The exhaust system 1 is additionally equipped with at least one component 6, which is explained in more detail in the following by way of the FIGS. 3 to 14. In the example introduced herein, this component 6 is configured as a silencer, preferentially as an end silencer, so that the component 6 in the following can also be called silencer 6. In principle, such a component 6 can also be formed as a particle filter or as a catalytic converter or of any combination of at least one catalytic converter, at least one particle filter and at least one silencer. In the section of the exhaust system 1 shown in the FIGS. 1 and 2, the exhaust line 2 includes a further component 7, which is configured as a silencer or catalytic converter or particle filter. The respective component 6, 7 is arranged in the exhaust line 2, i.e. incorporated therein with respect to the exhaust gas routing.

(17) The exhaust system 1 or its exhaust line 2 is connected to a periphery 9 of the exhaust system 1 by way of multiple holding places 8. In the case of a vehicle application, the exhaust system 1 is suspended from an under body of the vehicle via the holding places 8, which in this case forms the periphery 9 of the exhaust system 1. According to the embodiments of the FIGS. 1 and 2, at least one of these holding places 8 is formed with help of a holder 10, which is connected in a fixed manner to the aforementioned component 6 or the silencer 6. This holder 10 is exposed to particularly high loads since the silencer 6 has a comparatively great mass.

(18) According to the FIGS. 3 to 14, the component 6, which is preferably configured as a silencer 6, comprises a housing 11, which comprises a shell 12, two end bottoms 13, 14 and at least one intermediate bottom 15. In the FIGS. 5 to 8, 10 and 11, the respective intermediate bottom 15 is noticeable. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, only a single intermediate bottom 15 is provided. In the embodiments shown in the FIGS. 6 and 8, a further intermediate bottom 16 is provided in addition to the intermediate bottom 15. In principle, more than two intermediate bottoms 15, 16 can also be present.

(19) The housing 11 in this case is configured substantially cylindrically, as a result of which it defines a longitudinal axis or axial direction 17, which in the figures is indicated by a double arrow. The shell 12 encloses an interior space 18 of the housing 11 in a circumferential direction 19, which in the FIGS. 5, 7 and 12 to 14 is indicated in each case by a double arrow. The circumferential direction 19 in this case relates to the axial direction 17 respectively to the longitudinal centre axis of the housing 11 which is not shown here. The two end bottoms 13, 14 are arranged on both face ends of the housing 11, so that they delimit the interior space 18 in the axial direction 17 at opposite ends. Furthermore, the two end bottoms 13, 14 are each connected to the shell 12 in a fixed manner. Suitable connection techniques are for example a flanged connection. Preferably, the end bottoms 13, 14 however are welded to the shell 12. The respective intermediate bottom 15, 16 is axially arranged between the end bottoms 13, 14 and additionally spaced from the respective end bottom 13, 14 in the axial direction 17. Furthermore, the respective intermediate bottom 15, 16 is radially supported on the shell 12. In this case, the respective intermediate bottom 15, 16 on the shell 12, for example by means of spot welds. In principle, however, there may be a loose arrangement of the intermediate bottom 15, 16 on the shell 12.

(20) The intermediate bottom 15 is positioned spaced from both end bottoms 13, 14 in the axial direction 17. According to FIG. 10, the intermediate bottom 15 has an axial distance A from the end bottom 13, which in the example is approximately identical in size as a diameter D of the housing 11, which the housing 11 has transversely to the axial direction 17 in a region between the intermediate bottom 15 and the end bottom 13.

(21) In the case of the show embodiments, an exhaust gas pipe 20 of the exhaust line 2 feeds exhaust gas to the component 6 during the operation of the exhaust system 1. A pipe arrangement 21 in the interior space 18 of the housing 11 feeds the exhaust gas to the two end pipes 5, which are connected to the housing on the outlet side. In the shown examples, the exhaust pipe 20 is connected to the shell 12, while the end pipes 5 are connected to one of the two end bottoms 13, 14.

(22) The component 6 introduced is additionally equipped with at least one holding pipe 22, which is noticeable in the FIGS. 5 to 13. The holding pipe 22 is in the interior space 18 is radially held on the intermediate bottom 15. Furthermore, the holding pipe 22 is passed through one of the end bottoms 13, 14 and fastened thereon. In addition, the holding pipe 22 is closed off in a gas-tight manner. Accordingly, the holding pipe 22 is supported in an outer region 23, that is in the region of an outer end 24 of the holding pipe 22 that is proximal with respect to the end bottom 13 penetrated by the holding pipe 22, on said end bottom 13, while in an inner region 25, that is in the region of an inner end 26 of the holding pipe 22 that is distal with respect to the end bottom 13 penetrated by the holding pipe 22 it is supported on the intermediate bottom 15. The two support regions 23, 25 are spaced from one another in the axial direction 17, as a result of which the holding pipe 22 can support comparatively high bending moments on the housing 11.

(23) As is evident in particular from the FIGS. 10 to 14, the end bottom 13 concerned has a bottom aperture 27, which is enclosed by an annular collar 28. The holding pipe 22 is passed through the bottom aperture 27, wherein it is connected to the annular collar 28 in a gas-tight and fixed manner. Preferably, a welded connection is employed in this case.

(24) As is evident in the FIGS. 1 to 4 in principle and in detail in the FIGS. 12 to 14, such a holder 10 is fastened to the holding pipe 22 on an outside 29 of the associated end bottom 13. Via the holder 10, the component 6 can be connected to the periphery 9 of the exhaust system 1 in a fixed manner. The holder 10, in this case, can be equipped in the usual manner with an elastomer bearing 30 according to the FIGS. 12 to 14. The outside 29 of the end bottom 13 in this case faces away from the interior space 18.

(25) In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 12, the holder 10 is equipped with a pipe body 31, which is axially plugged with the holding pipe 22. Preferably, the pipe body 31 is axially plugged into the holding pipe 22. Furthermore, the pipe body 31 is connected to the holding pipe 22 in a fixed manner. To this end, a common, closed circumferential weld seam 32 can be provided, which is indicated in FIG. 12 only in the region of a circumferential segment. With the help of the common weld seam 32, pipe body 31, holding pipe 22 and annular collar 28 are fastened to one another. In other words, the weld seam 32 connects, on the one hand, the holding pipe 22 to the annular collar 28 and, on the other hand, the pipe body 31 to the holding pipe 22. In the example of the FIGS. 1, 3, 10 and 12, the holding pipe 22 ends in the region of the annular collar 28, wherein it axially protrudes over the annular collar 28 only so far that said weld seam 32 can be produced without problems.

(26) According to the FIGS. 10 and 11, the holding pipe 22 has a step cross section, wherein the holding pipe 22 in the shown examples only has a single annular step 33 each. The annular step 33 in this case forms the transition between a first section 34, which has a first cross section 35, and a second longitudinal section 36, which has a second cross section 37. The first longitudinal section 34 in this case is arranged distally with respect to the end bottom 13 penetrated by the holding pipe 22, while the second longitudinal section 36 with respect to this end bottom 13 is arranged proximally. Evidently, the first longitudinal section 34 has a smaller cross section than the second longitudinal section 36. In other words, the second cross section 37 is larger than the first cross section 35. In this respect, the holding pipe 22 has a larger cross section in the region of the end bottom 13 than in the region of the intermediate bottom 15.

(27) Practically, the pipe body 31 of the holder 10 can now be matched to the holding pipe 22 in such a manner that it can be axially plugged into the same, wherein in addition the annular step 33 serves as axial stops for limiting the plug-in depth of the pipe body 31. In this regard, a simplified production for the component 6 is obtained in this case.

(28) In the embodiment shown in the FIGS. 2, 4, 13 and 14, the holder 10 comprises a holding arm 38, which comprises a holder aperture 39, into which the holding pipe 22 is plugged. For this purpose, the holding pipe 22 according to the FIGS. 5 to 7, 11, 13 and 14, axially protrudes over said end bottom 13. The holding arm 38 can then be fastened to the holding pipe 22 in a suitable manner in the region of the holder aperture 39. Welded connections are again particularly suitable for this purpose.

(29) Preferably, the holding arm 38 is a hollow body which is characterized by a low weight. Because of this, the holding arm 38 has two walls 40 and 41 running in parallel, which are preferentially connected to one another in a fixed manner. The one wall 40 faces the beholder in FIG. 13. The other wall 41 faces the beholder in FIG. 14. Each wall 40, 41 comprises a wall aperture 42 respectively 43, which are axially aligned with one another and jointly form the holder aperture 39. Accordingly, the holding pipe 22 is plugged in through both wall apertures 42, 43 and in the region of the respective wall aperture 42, 43 is connected to the respective wall 40, 41 in a fixed manner. Accordingly, the holding pipe 22 is connected to both walls 40, 41 in a fixed manner.

(30) In the shown example, the holding arm 38 is designed two-shelled, so that it has two shells, each of which being formed by angled sheet metal pieces and each of which comprises one of the walls 40, 41. The two shells in this case can be connected to one another in a fixed manner by means of suitable weld seams. The respective wall 40, 41 each has a rim 44 and 45 respectively in the region of the receptive wall aperture 42, 43, which forms an annular enclosure for the receptive wall aperture 42, 43. Along this rim 44, 45, the respective wall 40, 41 can be connected to the holding pipe 22 through suitable weld seams or welds which are not shown here.

(31) As is evident in particular in the FIGS. 10 and 11, the holding pipe 22 can be fastened to the intermediate bottom 15 on a side 46 of the intermediate bottom 15 facing the respective end bottom 13, for example by means of a spot weld 47. This produces an axial and radial support of the holding pipe 22 on the intermediate bottom 15.

(32) The holding pipe 22 is equipped with a closure 48, which closes off the holding pipe 22 in a gas-tight manner. In the examples of the FIGS. 7 to 11, the closure 48 is configured as a cap 49, which is plugged onto the inner end 26 of the holding pipe 22. Furthermore, the cap is connected to the holding pipe 22 in a gas-tight, fixed and suitable manner. For example, the cap 49 can be soldered to the holding pipe 22. However, a welded connection is also preferred in this case. Realizing the closure 48 in the form of a cap 49, which can be plugged onto the end 26 of the holding pipe 22 located inside, simplifies the production of an assembly 50 that is separately shown in FIG. 9, which is formed out of the holding pipe 22 and the closure 48. This assembly 50 can be tested for tightness independently of the remaining component 6. Following this, the assembly 50 can be inserted in the housing 11.

(33) As is evident from the FIGS. 7 to 11, the cap 49 is directly fixed on the intermediate bottom 15, while the holding pipe 22 in turn is directly fixed on the cap 49, so that ultimately the holding pipe 22 is not directly fastened to the intermediate bottom 15, but indirectly, namely indirectly to the intermediate bottom 15, namely via the cap 49. This produces a simplified fixing of the holding pipe 22 on the intermediate bottom 15, for example by said spot weld 47. As is evident in the FIGS. 10 and 11, the intermediate bottom 15 can have a depression 51 on its side facing the end bottom 13, which is formed complementarily to the cap 49 and accordingly forms a positioning aid for the cap 49 when inserting the assembly 50.

(34) In the preferred example shown, a hollow space 52 of the holding pipe 22 is completely fluidically separated from the interior space 18 of the housing 11, namely in the circumferential direction by the holding pipe 22 and in the axial direction by the closure 48.

(35) In the FIGS. 12 to 14, a bracket 53 is fastened to the outside 29 of the end bottom 13, via which a vibration absorber that is not shown can be connected to the housing 11. With the help of such a vibration absorber, counter vibrations can be generated in the region of resonance frequencies which lead to significant vibration damping.

(36) While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the principles of the invention, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.