SILENCER UNIT FOR A COMMERCIAL VEHICLE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a silencer unit for a compressed-air system of a utility vehicle, in particular a pneumatic brake system of a utility vehicle, the silencer unit having at least one interface for connecting to the brake system, in particular to an outflow channel of the brake system, the silencer unit having at least one air inlet and at least one air outlet, wherein the air outlet, when the silencer unit is in the installed state connected to the brake system, has an orientation that is not directed vertically downward in the direction of the ground, and wherein a spray protection element is provided around and / or on the air outlet. The present invention further relates to a compressed-air system for a utility vehicle, and to a utility vehicle comprising a compressed-air system or a silencer unit.

Description

[0001] Silencer unit for a commercial vehicle

[0002] The present invention relates to a splash guard cover for a silencer unit for a commercial vehicle.

[0003] Commercial vehicles typically have pneumatic braking systems. These braking system components are often equipped with compressed air vents, allowing compressed air to be released from the system into the atmosphere.

[0004] This outlet channel is usually oriented vertically downwards. When installing the device in the vehicle, a tolerance of + / -30 0 from the center axis of the device to the vertical axis, so that the drain channel can also have this position.

[0005] In order to reduce the volume of the ventilation noise, silencers are usually used.

[0006] The central axis of the silencer is parallel to the axis of the device's outflow channel.

[0007] The silencer has a medium for noise reduction, in particular a wound knitted fabric.

[0008] Compressed air can be introduced onto a first side of the medium to reduce noise via the interface to the truck braking system device.

[0009] The compressed air can exit from the opposite side or from the side of the noise-reducing medium. The compressed air flows downward and radially to the side.

[0010] Typically, no splash guard is provided for the muffler, allowing air to escape into the space around the muffler. When cleaning the unit from below with a high-pressure cleaner, water from the outside can flow in a straight line through the noise reduction medium into the exhaust channel of the truck brake system unit. This water is relied upon to then flow back down through the muffler by gravity.

[0011] Moisture or water in the muffler is particularly problematic in cold outside temperatures, as it can become clogged with ice and freeze. This can make it difficult or even impossible for air to flow through the muffler. This limits the operational capability of the air pressure preparation system of the commercial vehicle's pneumatic brake system and can even lead to failure and mandatory maintenance of the brake system.

[0012] Silencer units for commercial vehicles are already known from the state of the art.

[0013] For example, DE 10 2013 016 084 A1 discloses a silencer for venting a compressed air system, which comprises a control device housing with a housing base. The housing base has a central duct connected to a main exhaust air line of the compressed air system and an adjacent chamber connected to a control exhaust air line. The silencer also has a housing cover with outlet openings that is removably connected to the housing base. The discharge direction is vertically downward toward the floor (relative to the assembled, operational state).

[0014] EP 2 303 659 B1 further discloses a noise damper for a vehicle's compressed air system, comprising a housing and an insulating means, the housing having an air inlet and an air outlet, and the insulating means being arranged within the housing such that the air flows from the air inlet to the air outlet through the insulating means, thus achieving noise dampening. The outflow direction is again vertically downwards towards the ground (relative to the assembled, operational state). EP 3 400 154 B1 discloses a noise damper for a commercial vehicle's compressed air system with a non-destructive pressure relief valve. The outflow direction is vertically downwards towards the ground (relative to the assembled, operational state).

[0015] Furthermore, WO 2006 / 010400 A1 relates to a noise damper for compressed air devices, comprising a tubular housing part with an air inlet and an inserted insulating material. The insulating material is formed here, in particular, by a knitted roll. The supplied air is intended to flow in tangentially to the insulating material or the knitted roll and then be deflected radially within the housing part and flow out axially from one end of the tubular housing part.

[0016] It is therefore an object of the present invention to advantageously further develop a silencer unit for a commercial vehicle of the type mentioned at the outset, in particular to the effect that the penetration of liquids and / or moisture into the silencer unit can be prevented or significantly reduced.

[0017] This object is achieved according to the invention by a splash guard cover for a commercial vehicle having the features of claim 1. According to this, it is provided that a splash guard cover is provided for a silencer unit of a compressed air system of a commercial vehicle, in particular for a compressed air brake system of a commercial vehicle, wherein the splash guard cover has pagoda-like walls and wherein outlet openings are provided between the walls.

[0018] The compressed air system is, in particular, a pneumatic treatment system for a commercial vehicle, in particular a compressed air braking system for a commercial vehicle. The invention is based on the fundamental idea that a splash guard cover on the air outlet of a silencer unit reduces or prevents the penetration of liquid into the silencer unit. In particular, it is provided that the outflow from the silencer unit is horizontal, and therefore the splash guard cover is designed and arranged in such a way that it prevents the penetration of liquid into a horizontally oriented outflow opening of a silencer opening (horizontal orientation is understood to mean the normal position in the installed state when the commercial vehicle is on a horizontal plane).It then follows that the air flowing through and out of the silencer unit should not be directed vertically (relative to the assembled, operational state) towards the floor. In addition, the splash guard cover is intended to ensure that little or no water can penetrate into the silencer unit. The pagoda-like walls of the splash guard cover therefore form a pagoda-like structure and are to be understood as forming an arrangement of, in particular, circular, cover sections that lie one above the other in the axial direction. The cover sections themselves are each designed as round, in particular circular, plate elements. The cover section that is arranged closest to a housing of the silencer unit in the axial direction when assembled (base cover section) has the largest diameter.In the assembled state, further cover sections, concentrically or eccentrically aligned, are arranged in a stepped arrangement on this base cover section (stepped cover sections). The diameter of each step cover section decreases with increasing axial distance relative to the base cover section. Alternatively, other designs are also conceivable, such as the same diameter, increasing diameter, or convex or concave diameter steps (each related to an increasing axial distance relative to the base cover section). Both the base cover section and the step cover sections have internal axial recesses (through which the fluid can flow axially). The diameter of an internal axial recess of a larger cover section is, however, always smaller than the outer diameter of the next smaller cover section.The pagoda-like structure terminates in the cover section that is axially furthest from the base cover section. This cover section has no internal axial recess, so that axial flow is not possible. The walls between the individual cover sections, which can be designed as steps, also have outlet openings, in particular radial ones, through which the fluid (as a partial flow) can flow out radially. The previously described structure helps to prevent the entry of dirt and / or liquid splashing upwards and splashing towards the splash guard cover through the multiple pagoda-like cover sections (e.g., two, three, four, five, or six sections).In the pagoda-like structure, one or more outlet openings can be arranged between the walls, which are at least partially concealed by parts of the pagoda-like structure and which allow air flowing out of the silencer unit to flow out more easily. The pagoda-like structure of the splash guard cover can be formed in one piece, which simplifies assembly. However, a multi-part design is also conceivable. The silencer unit has an interface to a device in the truck's braking system. The device in the truck's braking system, e.g. a part of the compressed air brake system, has an outflow duct through which pressurized air can be introduced into the silencer unit. However, this outflow duct is not directed vertically downwards as is common today, but has a different orientation, in particular a horizontal orientation.Compressed air can be introduced onto a first side of the noise reduction medium via the interface to the truck brake system device. The compressed air can exit from the opposite second side or from the side of the noise reduction medium. The noise reduction medium can be enclosed in its own housing or integrated into a housing structure of the truck brake system device. A splash guard is mounted above the air outlet areas of the noise reduction medium at a distance from the housing, allowing the pressurised air to escape easily. The splash guard is designed to provide large outlet cross-sections for the pressurised air and at the same time prevent water from outside from passing in a straight line through the noise reduction medium into the outlet channel of the truck brake system device. This makes it difficult or even impossible for water (or other liquids) to penetrate.even completely prevented. The splash guard can be attached to a housing surrounding the silencer or formed by the surface of another component located at a suitable distance from the air outlet areas of the noise-reducing medium.

[0019] In particular, the splash guard cover can be designed to allow fluid to flow through it. In particular, the splash guard element can be provided with fluid flowing out of the silencer unit when installed. This ensures that no increased back pressure and resistance builds up through the splash guard element, and the outflow through the splash guard element is designed to be fluid-dynamically favorable.

[0020] The splash guard cover is used as a splash guard element.

[0021] Furthermore, the splash guard cover can be provided with a substantially round basic shape. With such a basic shape, uniform coverage can be achieved easily and reliably. This shape is also advantageous due to the widespread use of round shapes in connection with silencers and the associated air outlets.

[0022] Furthermore, the splash guard cover can be provided with one or more locking lugs. These locking lugs allow the splash guard cover to be mounted without tools. In particular, the splash guard cover can be clipped into openings, particularly openings in a perforated wall or a perforated wall section, using the locking lugs.

[0023] In particular, it can be provided that the splash guard cover has several rings and at least one end plate which are arranged in a pagoda-like manner.

[0024] The arrangement of the rings and the end plate can be such that, viewed from above, a closed structure resembling a roof is created. Adjacent elements can overlap, thereby improving the water-repellent effect. The pagoda-like structure allows for sufficient spacing between adjacent rings or the second-to-last ring and the end plate, allowing for appropriate outlet openings.

[0025] The splash guard can be made of plastic.

[0026] In particular, the splash guard element can be provided with a stepped cover with outlet openings and / or be formed by a stepped cover with outlet openings. The stepped design allows for multiple outlet openings to be provided in the cover, while at the same time, the steps enable better protection against water penetration.

[0027] The cover can be used as an attachment for the perforated wall. Such a cover could be used, for example, if the air outlet of the silencer unit is relatively exposed and not partially covered or shielded by other elements. Such elements could be, for example, frame parts of the commercial vehicle or the dryer cartridge of the compressed air system.

[0028] Furthermore, the splash guard element can be designed and constructed in such a way that it provides a sufficiently large outflow cross-section for the pressurized air while simultaneously preventing water from outside from passing in a straight line through the silencer unit into the outflow channel of the truck brake system device. This not only provides sufficient splash protection, but also ensures that the outflowing air from the silencer unit can flow relatively unhindered.

[0029] Furthermore, it is conceivable for the splash guard element to have a noise-reducing medium inside it, in particular, wherein the medium is flowed through by the fluid flowing through the silencer unit. It is particularly conceivable here that the medium could be a knitted fabric. The silencer thus has a noise-reducing medium, in particular a wound knitted fabric. Furthermore, it can be provided that the perforated wall is in direct contact with the noise-reducing medium. This achieves a compact design.

[0030] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a compressed air system for a commercial vehicle. According to this invention, the compressed air system for a commercial vehicle is designed with at least one silencer unit as described above.

[0031] The present invention also relates to a commercial vehicle. According to this invention, the commercial vehicle is equipped with at least one compressed air system as described above or a silencer unit as described above.

[0032] Further details and advantages of the invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown in the drawing.

[0033] They show:

[0034] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a compressed air system for a commercial vehicle with embodiments of silencer units;

[0035] Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the silencer units according to Fig. 1 in plan view;

[0036] Fig. 3 is a further sectional view of the silencer units according to Fig. 1 in plan view;

[0037] Fig. 4 a sectional view through the silencer unit for the trailer;

[0038] Fig. 5 is a sectional view of the muffler unit for the tractor; Fig. 6 is a plan view of the splash guard cover according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0039] Fig. 7 is a side view of the splash guard cover according to Fig. 6.

[0040] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a compressed air system D according to the invention for a commercial vehicle N with two embodiments of silencer units 10, 11 according to the invention.

[0041] A silencer unit 10 is provided for the trailer brake circuit and a silencer unit 11 is provided for the towing vehicle brake circuit.

[0042] In the example shown, the compressed air system D for the commercial vehicle N is the compressed air brake system or a pneumatic brake system of a commercial vehicle.

[0043] Both the silencer unit 10 and the silencer unit 11 have the following features.

[0044] There is an interface 12 to the compressed air system D.

[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, the interface 12 is realized by the commercial vehicle-side outlet openings 14 or the commercial vehicle-side outflow channels 14 of the pneumatic brake system. The silencer units 10, 11 are positioned in front of the outlet openings and are suitably attached to the compressed air system D (here with several screws and a mounting plate).

[0046] The silencer unit 10 and the silencer unit 11 each have at least one air inlet 16 and at least one air outlet 18.

[0047] In both the silencer unit 10 and the silencer unit 11, the air outlet, when mounted and connected to the compressed air system D, is not directed vertically downwards toward the ground (relative to the mounted, operational state). Rather, the outflow direction is parallel to the ground, meaning that on a horizontally aligned ground, the outflow direction is horizontal.

[0048] In addition, the silencer unit 10 and the silencer unit 11 each have a housing 20.

[0049] A noise reduction medium 22, here a wound knit 22, is arranged in the housing 20.

[0050] During operation, the knitted fabric is passed through by compressed air before it leaves the silencer.

[0051] In addition, the knitted fabric is arranged in the housing 20 in such a way that it at least partially directly touches the housing 20.

[0052] In front of each silencer unit 10 and silencer unit 11, a splash guard element 24 is provided around and on the air outlet 18, namely here directly in front of the air outlet on the outside of the silencer unit 10 and silencer unit 11.

[0053] The splash guard element 24 is designed to allow fluid to flow through it. For both silencer units, i.e., both silencer unit 10 and silencer unit 11, the splash guard element 24 is designed to be traversed by the fluid flowing out of the silencer units 10, 11 when installed.

[0054] In both the silencer unit 10 and the silencer unit 11, the splash guard element 24 is partially formed by providing a perforated wall 26 or a perforated wall 30.

[0055] The perforated wall 26 or 30 is formed by a housing section of the silencer unit 10 or 11, respectively. In the silencer unit 10 for the trailer, the housing 20 is provided with a plurality of round holes or bores 28 in the section with the perforated wall 26.

[0056] In the silencer unit 11 for the towing vehicle, the housing 20 is provided with a plurality of circular segment-like openings 32 in the section with the perforated wall 30.

[0057] In both the silencer unit 10 for the trailer and the silencer unit 11 for the towing vehicle, the sections with the perforated wall 26 and 30 are arranged so that they are in direct contact with the knitted fabric 22.

[0058] In front of the section with the perforated wall 30 of the silencer unit 11 for the towing vehicle, a stepped cover 34 with outlet openings is provided as a component of the splash guard element.

[0059] The outlet openings of the stepped cover 34 are arranged only horizontally (relative to the assembled, ready-to-use state, with the commercial vehicle standing on level ground).

[0060] The cover 34 is designed here as an attachment to the outer wall of the housing 20 of the silencer unit 11 for the towing vehicle. It is clipped into the openings in the perforated wall 30.

[0061] Since the perforated wall 26 of the silencer unit 10 is covered by adjacent elements (here, the dryer cartridge) or components, a cover is not necessary. The penetration of liquid into the silencer unit 10 is thus sufficiently reduced or even prevented by the perforated wall 26 with its comparatively small holes (particularly compared to the perforated wall 30 of the silencer unit 11). This can be seen in detail in Figs. 2 to 5.

[0062] Fig. 2 shows a sectional view of the silencer units according to Fig. 1 in plan view and Fig. 3 shows a further sectional view of the

[0063] Silencer units according to Fig. 1 in plan view. Fig. 4 shows a sectional view through the silencer unit 10 for the trailer. Fig. 5 shows a sectional view through the silencer unit 11 for the tractor.

[0064] The function of the silencer units 10 and 11 can be described as follows:

[0065] If compressed air needs to be released from the trailer's compressed air circuit to the atmosphere, this can be done via the silencer unit 10. The compressed air is discharged horizontally, not vertically, toward the ground.

[0066] This also applies to the compressed air circuit for the tractor, where the compressed air is released via the silencer unit 11.

[0067] Both silencer units 10 and 11 are provided with splash guard elements 24, which make it difficult for water to penetrate into the silencer units.

[0068] Due to the coverage by adjacent elements and components, the silencer unit 10 requires less splash protection than the silencer unit 11, which is comparatively less protected by adjacent elements and components. Therefore, the cover 34 is additionally provided for the silencer unit 11.

[0069] In general, it can be said that the splash guard elements are designed and constructed in such a way that they provide a sufficiently large outflow cross-section for the pressurized air while simultaneously preventing water from outside from passing in a straight line through the silencer unit into the outflow channel of the truck brake system. This ensures, on the one hand, that adequate splash protection is provided. On the other hand, it also ensures that the outflowing air from the silencer unit can flow relatively unhindered.

[0070] At the same time, it is prevented that water from outside can enter in a straight line through the silencer unit 10 or 11 into the outflow channel of the device of the truck brake system.

[0071] Fig. 6 is a plan view of the splash guard cover 34 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Fig. 7 is a side view of the splash guard cover 34 according to Fig. 6.

[0073] The splash guard cover 34 is the stepped cover 34 shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 and Fig. 5. The splash guard cover 34 has outlet openings 52 and is intended for the silencer unit 11 of the compressed air system D of the commercial vehicle N.

[0074] The splash guard cover 34 has pagoda-like walls 36 and outlet openings 52 are provided between the walls 36.

[0075] On the outside end side, relative to the assembled state, the splash guard cover 34 has an end plate 38.

[0076] The end plate 38 is further connected to a ring 40 via a connecting web 50.

[0077] The connecting web 50 is higher than the connecting webs 48, so that the distance from the end plate 34 to the adjacent ring 40 is greater than that of the other rings 42 and 44, which are connected via the connecting webs 48.

[0078] Splash guard cover 34 further has locking lugs 46.

[0079] The splash guard cover 34 is locked into the perforated wall 30 by means of the locking lugs 46 and clipped into place without the use of tools.

[0080] 10 Silencer unit (trailer)

[0081] 11 Silencer unit (towing vehicle)

[0082] 12 Interface

[0083] 14 Outflow channel (commercial vehicle side)

[0084] 16 Air inlet (silencer side)

[0085] 18 Air outlet (silencer side)

[0086] 20 housings (silencer)

[0087] 22 Medium for noise reduction

[0088] 24 splash guard element

[0089] 26 perforated wall (with holes, trailer)

[0090] 28 holes perforated wall

[0091] 30 perforated wall (with circular segment-like openings, towing vehicle)

[0092] 32 circular segment-like openings

[0093] 34 Lids; splash guard lids

[0094] 36 walls

[0095] 38 End plate

[0096] 40 rings

[0097] 42 rings

[0098] 44 rings

[0099] 46 locking lug

[0100] 48 connecting bridge

[0101] 50 connecting bridge

[0102] 52 outlet openings

[0103] N commercial vehicle

[0104] D Compressed air system

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Splash guard cover (34) for a silencer unit (11) of a compressed air system (D) of a commercial vehicle (N), in particular a compressed air brake system of a commercial vehicle (N), wherein the splash guard cover (34) has pagoda-like arranged walls (36) and wherein outlet openings (52) are provided between the walls (36).

2. Splash guard cover (34) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the splash guard cover (34) has a substantially round basic shape.

3. Splash guard cover (34) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the splash guard cover (34) has one or more locking lugs (46).

4. Splash guard cover (34) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the splash guard cover (34) has several rings (40, 42, 44) and at least one end plate (38) which are arranged in a pagoda-like manner.

5. Splash guard cover (34) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the splash guard cover (34) is a stepped cover (34) with outlet openings.

6. Splash guard cover (34) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the splash guard cover (34) is designed and constructed in such a way that it provides a sufficiently large outflow cross-section for the pressurized air and at the same time prevents water from the outside from entering the outflow channel of the truck brake system device in a straight line through the silencer unit (11).

7. Silencer unit (11 ) for a compressed air system (D) of a commercial vehicle (N), in particular a compressed air brake system of a commercial vehicle (N) with at least one silencer unit (11 ) with at least one splash guard cover (34) according to one of claims 1 to 6.

8. Compressed air system (D) for a commercial vehicle (N) with at least one splash guard cover (34) according to one of claims 1 to 6 or with a silencer (11) according to claim 7.

9. Commercial vehicle (N) with a compressed air system (D) according to claim 8 or a Silencer unit (11) according to claim 7 or at least one splash guard cover (34) according to one of claims 1 to 6.