Condensate drain device and exhaust system of a vehicle having the same

Abstract

This invention relates to a condensate drain device and an exhaust system of a vehicle having the device. The condensate drain device of the exhaust system includes a housing and a deformable member. A first side of the housing has an inlet and a second side of the housing has an outlet. The deformable member is coupled to the first side of the housing and configured to elastically and stretchably deform. The drain device includes a condensate drain member coupled to the deformable member to stretch the deformable member by pressure from exhaust gas introduced into the deformable member, and has a condensate drain orifice communicating with the outlet. The drain device includes a stop coupled to the second side of the housing to restrict movement of the condensate drain member and to open or close the condensate drain orifice according to the stretching or contraction of the deformable member.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0090255, filed on July 9, 2021, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a condensate draining device for draining condensate generated by the exhaust system of a vehicle, and the exhaust system of a vehicle having the device. Background Technology

[0004] In a vehicle, an internal combustion engine burns fuel mixed with air to generate rotational force. The large amount of combustion gases produced during engine operation are purified through the exhaust system and released into the atmosphere.

[0005] The vehicle's exhaust system includes an exhaust pipe that directs exhaust gases from the engine to a predetermined location within the vehicle. The exhaust system also includes a catalytic converter mounted on the exhaust pipe to remove harmful substances contained in the exhaust gases. The exhaust system further includes a muffler mounted on the exhaust pipe to reduce the pressure and temperature of the exhaust gases, thereby reducing rapid expansion of the exhaust gases and exhaust noise.

[0006] Harmful emissions from the engine are converted into water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), etc., during the catalytic converter process for emission. The water vapor condenses to form condensate. Recently, due to environmental pollution caused by automobile emissions, catalytic converters have been improved, resulting in an increase in the amount of condensate produced.

[0007] Under normal circumstances, condensate inside the muffler can be discharged from the muffler by the exhaust pressure of the exhaust gases. However, when the engine is idling, in the low RPM range, the exhaust pressure decreases, and therefore, condensate cannot be discharged from the muffler smoothly.

[0008] When outdoor temperatures are low (e.g., in winter or in cold regions), the amount of condensation produced increases. When a vehicle is idling for extended periods, condensation can accumulate at the bottom of the exhaust system. For example, a large amount of condensation may accumulate in the muffler, or condensation produced in the muffler may overflow. Therefore, a significant amount of condensation may accumulate in the exhaust pipe, located at the bottom of the exhaust system.

[0009] In this state, such as when the vehicle is not running (i.e., the power is off), if a large amount of condensate remaining in the exhaust pipe freezes, the exhaust pipe may become blocked. In this case, the engine may fail to start, resulting in poor starting, or the exhaust system (muffler, etc.) may deform / be damaged due to the high exhaust pressure within the muffler. In particular, in the case of hybrid vehicles, even the electric motor drive mode, where no low-pressure exhaust gases are emitted, may occur frequently. Therefore, the likelihood of condensate freezing due to the presence of large amounts of condensate increases.

[0010] To address this issue, a method has been proposed to form an exhaust port at the lower end of the exhaust system where condensate accumulates (e.g., exhaust pipe and / or muffler).

[0011] However, creating exposed holes in the exhaust system not only looks bad, but can also be detrimental to the vehicle owner / operator. The exhaust system performs a noise reduction function. However, even small holes in the exhaust system can reduce noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) performance (e.g., noise and vibration).

[0012] Meanwhile, KR2008-0028137A proposes a vent hole formed in the muffler to allow condensate accumulated in the muffler during engine idling and low-speed driving to drain. However, the problem with this technology is that the internal structure of the muffler needs to be completely changed and cannot be applied to the exhaust pipe. Furthermore, since the vent hole formed on the muffler is always exposed, it may still be detrimental to the user in terms of appearance and NVH performance degradation. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The embodiments disclosed herein provide a condensate draining device and an exhaust system for a vehicle including the device. In the disclosed device and system, exhaust pipe blockage due to condensate freezing is prevented, and noise and vibration during engine operation are reduced.

[0014] The embodiments disclosed herein provide a condensate drain device that can be easily installed in an exhaust system without excessive restrictions on its installation location. The embodiments disclosed herein also provide an exhaust system for a vehicle having said device.

[0015] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a condensate drain device for an exhaust system includes: a housing, a deformable member, a condensate drain member, and a stop, wherein a first side of the housing has an inlet and a second side of the housing has an outlet; the deformable member is coupled to the first side of the housing and is configured to be elastically and stretchably deformable; the condensate drain member is coupled to the deformable member to stretch the deformable member by pressure from exhaust gas introduced into the deformable member and has a condensate drain hole communicating with the outlet; the stop is coupled to the second side of the housing to restrict movement of the condensate drain member and to open or close the condensate drain hole according to the stretching or contraction of the deformable member.

[0016] One side of the deformable member and the stop can be fixed to the housing, and the condensate drain member can be movably accommodated in the housing.

[0017] The condensate drain member can move between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the condensate drain member is spaced apart from the stop, and the condensate drain hole is at least partially open. In the closed position, the condensate drain member is in contact with the stop, and the condensate drain hole is closed. Furthermore, in the open position, condensate draining through the condensate drain hole can be discharged outwards through the outlet.

[0018] Deformable components can have a corrugated tubular shape.

[0019] The deformable member may have a first opening formed on one side and communicating with the inlet, and a second opening formed on the other side. The condensate drain member may have a shape that partially covers the second opening. The diameter of the condensate drain hole may be smaller than the diameter of the second opening.

[0020] In the open position, one side of the stop can be inserted into the condensate drain hole. The cross-sectional area of ​​the portion of the stop exposed outside the condensate drain hole can be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the side of the stop inserted into the condensate drain hole. The stop may have a stepped portion to contact the surface of the condensate drain member in the closed position.

[0021] At least one of the deformable component, the housing, and the condensate drain component may be made of or coated with a corrosion-resistant material. The stop may be made of a heat-resistant polymer.

[0022] On the other hand, the vehicle's exhaust system includes an exhaust pipe through which exhaust gases from the engine flow, a muffler connected to the exhaust pipe and reducing exhaust noise, and a condensate drain device. The drain device is mounted on at least one of the outer surfaces of the exhaust pipe and the muffler, and is configured to communicate with a drain hole formed in the muffler or exhaust pipe to drain condensate. The condensate drain device includes: a deformable member, a condensate drain member, and a stop; the deformable member is elastically extendable according to the exhaust pressure of the introduced exhaust gases; the condensate drain member is coupled to the deformable member and has a condensate drain hole; the stop opens or closes the condensate drain hole according to the extension or contraction of the deformable member.

[0023] The discharge port can be formed at a position lower than other parts of the exhaust pipe. The mounting surface of the exhaust pipe equipped with a condensate drain device is formed as a flat surface. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an exhaust system for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2 It is installed on the exhaust pipe Figure 1 A perspective view of the condensate drain device shown;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a top perspective view of a condensate drain device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein the housing is projected.

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The diagram shows a bottom-view perspective of the condensate drain device, in which the casing is projected.

[0029] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Exploded perspective view of the condensate drain device shown;

[0030] Figure 6A and Figure 6B It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the condensate discharge device taken by line I-I' in the figure, wherein, Figure 6A This is a cross-sectional view of the condensate drain hole in the open position. Figure 6B This is a cross-sectional view of the condensate drain hole in the closed position;

[0031] Figure 7A and Figure 7B It is shown Figure 6Aand Figure 6B A cross-sectional view of a modified example of the condensate drain device shown, wherein, Figure 7A This is a cross-sectional view of the condensate drain hole in the open position. Figure 7B This is a cross-sectional view of the condensate drain hole in the closed position;

[0032] Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operating state of a condensate drain device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein, Figure 8A This is a cross-sectional view of the condensate drain hole in the closed position. Figure 8B This is a cross-sectional view of the condensate drain hole in the open position. Detailed Implementation

[0033] In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, embodiments of the present disclosure may be modified in various other forms, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0034] In this disclosure, unless the context otherwise requires, singular expressions include plural expressions. Furthermore, throughout this disclosure, the same reference numerals refer to the same or corresponding elements. Moreover, for clarity, the shapes and dimensions of elements in the drawings may be enlarged. When a component, device, or element of this disclosure is described as having a purpose or performing an operation or function, that component, device, or element should be considered herein as "configured" to fulfill that purpose or perform that operation or function.

[0035] In this disclosure, a vehicle refers to any vehicle that moves a transport object, such as a person, animal, or object, from a point of origin to a destination. Such vehicles are not limited to vehicles that travel on roads or tracks.

[0036] The terms “front,” “rear,” “lateral,” “top and bottom,” “above,” “upper,” “lower,” “left and right,” etc., are based on the vehicle or body. Additionally, terms such as “first” and “second” may be used to describe various identical or similar components. However, these components are not limited by these terms in terms of order, size, location, or importance. Using such terms and naming such components is merely to distinguish one component from another.

[0037] In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Describes an exhaust system 10 for a vehicle according to one aspect of this disclosure. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an exhaust system 10 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It is installed on exhaust pipe 20 Figure 1 A perspective view of the condensate drain device 100 shown. Figure 1 In the partially enlarged schematic diagram, the condensate drain device 100 shows the internal shape of the housing 110 in a cut-open state.

[0039] An exhaust system 10 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include an exhaust pipe 20 for flowing exhaust gases from an engine (not shown) to a predetermined location within the vehicle. The exhaust system 10 may also include a muffler 40 mounted on the exhaust pipe to reduce the pressure and temperature of the exhaust gases, thereby reducing rapid expansion of the exhaust gases and lowering exhaust noise. The exhaust system 10 may further include a condensate drain device 100 configured to drain condensate formed in the exhaust pipe 20 and / or the muffler 40.

[0040] In addition, the exhaust system 10 according to the embodiments of this disclosure may further include a catalytic converter 30 connected to the exhaust pipe 20 to remove harmful substances contained in the exhaust gases.

[0041] The muffler 40 may include a center muffler 41 located on the upstream side of the exhaust system 10 and a main muffler 42 located on the downstream side and connected to the tailpipe 43.

[0042] Harmful exhaust gases (HC, CO, etc.) from the engine are converted into water vapor (H2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), etc., by the catalytic converter 30 for discharge. Here, the water vapor may condense to form condensate. The condensate in the main muffler 42 can be discharged from the main muffler 42 through the tailpipe 43 using the exhaust pressure of the exhaust gases.

[0043] However, when the engine is idling, for example in the low RPM range, the exhaust pressure decreases, making it difficult for condensate to drain smoothly from the muffler 42. As idling continues, the amount of condensate within the exhaust system 10 increases. In particular, when the vehicle idles for extended periods in low outside temperatures, the condensate CW generated in the mufflers 41 and 42 may overflow, and a large amount of condensate may accumulate in the exhaust pipe 20 located at the lower end A of the exhaust system. If the condensate CW accumulated in the exhaust pipe 20 freezes, a blockage can occur. In this case, the engine may fail to start, resulting in poor starting, or the exhaust system (muffler, etc.) may deform / be damaged due to the high exhaust pressure within the muffler.

[0044] In an embodiment of this disclosure, a condensate draining device 100 for draining condensate can be installed in the lower region along the direction of gravity (aZ direction).

[0045] The condensate drain device 100 can be installed at a location where condensate may accumulate (i.e., at the lowest position (A) of the exhaust system). For example, the condensate drain device 100 can be installed at a relatively low position compared to other parts of the exhaust pipe 20. The lowest position (A) of the exhaust system can correspond to the exhaust pipe below the rear wheel suspension, but this position can vary depending on the layout of the exhaust system.

[0046] A discharge port DH for discharging condensate from the exhaust pipe 20 can be formed in the exhaust pipe 20. A condensate discharge device 100 can be installed on the outer surface of the exhaust pipe 20 to communicate with the discharge port DH. Therefore, when the engine is stopped and no exhaust gases are emitted, or when the exhaust pressure of the exhaust gases is low due to idling or low-speed operation, the condensate flowing into the condensate discharge device 100 can be discharged to the outside of the exhaust system through the outlet 116 of the housing 110.

[0047] In addition, to facilitate the installation of the condensate drain device 100, the mounting surface 21 of the exhaust pipe 20 of the housing 110 of the condensate drain device 100 can be formed as a flat surface.

[0048] Since the condensate drain device 100 is installed on the outside of the exhaust pipe 20, it is easy to install. In addition, since the discharge port DH is formed in the exhaust pipe 20, condensate can only be discharged by installing the condensate drain device 100. Therefore, compared with related technologies that install condensate drain structures in the muffler, the changes to the exhaust system for discharging condensate can be minimized.

[0049] Furthermore, since the discharge port DH formed in the exhaust pipe 20 is covered by the condensate discharge device 100 and is not exposed to the outside, user dissatisfaction can be resolved compared to related technologies where the discharge port is exposed to the outside.

[0050] At the same time, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram shows a condensate drain device 100 mounted on the outer surface (lower surface) of an exhaust pipe 20, communicating with a drain hole DH formed in the exhaust pipe 20. However, the condensate drain device 100 may also be mounted on the outer surface (lower surface) of at least one muffler 40 (41, 42), communicating with a drain hole formed in the muffler, thereby draining condensate contained in the muffler 40. Furthermore, the condensate drain device 100 may be mounted on both the outer surface of the exhaust pipe 20 and the outer surface of the muffler 40.

[0051] refer to Figure 3The condensate drain device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described in more detail up to Figure 8. Hereinafter, the condensate drain device 100 is described as being installed in the exhaust pipe 20. However, the condensate drain device 100 may also be installed in a muffler.

[0052] Figure 3 and Figure 4 These are top and bottom perspective views of the condensate drain device 100 according to the embodiments of this disclosure, showing the housing 110 in a projected state. Figure 5 This shows the view from above. Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of the condensate drain device 100 as shown.

[0053] Figure 6A and Figure 6B It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the condensate discharge device 100 taken by line I-I'.

[0054] Figure 6A This is a cross-sectional view of the condensate drain hole 135 in the open position. Figure 6B This is a cross-sectional view of the condensate drain hole 135 in the closed position. Figure 7A and Figure 7B It is shown Figure 6A and Figure 6B A cross-sectional view of a modified example of the condensate drain device 100 shown. Figure 7A This is a cross-sectional view of the condensate drain hole 135 in the open position. Figure 7B This is a cross-sectional view of the condensate drain hole 135 in the closed position. Figure 8A and Figure 8B This is a schematic diagram showing the operating state of the condensate drain device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8A This is a schematic diagram showing the condensate drain hole 135 in the closed position during operation. Figure 8B This is a schematic diagram showing the condensate drain hole 135 in the open position during operation.

[0055] refer to Figures 3 to 5 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the condensate draining device 100 may include: a housing 110, a deformable member 120, a condensate draining member 130, and a stop 140, wherein the housing 110 has an inlet 115 and an outlet 116 formed therein; the deformable member 120 is coupled to a first side of the housing 110 and is capable of contraction and extension; the condensate draining member 130 is coupled to the deformable member 120 and has a condensate drain hole 135; and the stop 140 restricts the movement of the condensate draining member 130.

[0056] The housing 110 may form the exterior of the condensate drain device 100. As an example, the housing 110 may include a body 111 and a cover 113, the body 111 having a bottom 112 and tubular sides and an open upper side; the cover 113 covers the open upper end of the body 111. The body 111 and the cover 113 may be integrally formed by known joining methods (e.g., welding). However, the separate structure of the housing 110 is not limited to this. The bottom 112 and sides constituting the body 111 may be configured separately and then joined together. A receiving space 114 accommodating the deformable member 120, the condensate drain member 130, and the stop 140 may be formed inside the housing 110 by the combination of the body 111 and the cover 113.

[0057] An inlet 115 for the introduction of condensate and exhaust gas can be formed on a first side (upper part) of the housing 110. An outlet 116 for discharging condensate can be formed on a second side (lower part) of the housing 110. For example, with a discharge port DH ( Figure 1 The inlet 115 can be formed in the cover 113, and the outlet 116 can be formed in the bottom 112.

[0058] The housing 110 may have a hollow cylindrical shape, but the shape is not limited to this.

[0059] Meanwhile, since the housing 110 is mounted on the outer surface of the exhaust pipe 20, etc., the housing 110 can have a sufficiently rigid thickness (e.g., 1 mm or more). In addition, the housing 110 can be formed of a corrosion-resistant material such as stainless steel or coated with a corrosion-resistant material (including a plating) to prevent corrosion caused by contact with condensate and / or exhaust gases.

[0060] The deformable member 120 can be attached to a first side of the housing 110 and can elastically deform according to the increase or decrease of the exhaust pressure. The deformable member 120 can be attached and fixed to the lower surface of the cover 113 of the housing 110 by known joining means such as welding.

[0061] Furthermore, when the pressure of the exhaust gas increases, the deformable member 120 can contract and expand in the longitudinal direction. When the pressure of the exhaust gas decreases or falls below a certain level, the deformable member 120 can contract in the longitudinal direction and return to its original length through its own elastic force. As an example, the deformable member 120 can have a corrugated tubular shape, with grooves and ridges such as bellows, to facilitate telescoping and elastic deformation. The deformable member 120 can be formed from a thin plate (e.g., about 0.5 mm thick), making it easy for the deformable member 120 to undergo telescoping deformation.

[0062] The deformable member 120 may include a hollow body 121, wherein a first opening 125 communicating with an inlet 115 of the housing 110 is formed on one side (upper part) of the hollow body 121, and a second opening 126 is formed on the other side (lower part) of the hollow body 121. The body 121 may have a hollow tube shape and an internal space 122 into which exhaust gas and / or condensate is introduced. The deformable member 120 may be formed of or coated with a corrosion-resistant material such as stainless steel to prevent corrosion due to contact with condensate and / or exhaust gas flowing into the internal space 122.

[0063] The condensate drain member 130 can be attached to the lower part of the deformable member 120. The condensate drain member 130 can be attached to the deformable member 120 using known joining methods such as welding. The condensate drain member 130 can be installed to move vertically within the receiving space 114 of the housing 110 according to the elongation of the deformable member 120.

[0064] Additionally, the condensate drain member 130 may have a condensate drain hole 135 communicating with the outlet 116 of the housing 110. Therefore, when the condensate drain hole 135 is open, condensate can be drained outwards through the condensate drain hole 135 and the outlet 116. The condensate drain member 130 may be formed of a corrosion-resistant material such as stainless steel or may be coated with a corrosion-resistant material (including a plating) to prevent corrosion due to contact with condensate and / or exhaust gases.

[0065] The stop 140 can be coupled and secured to a second side (lower part) of the housing 110. For example, the stop 140 can be secured to the bottom 112 of the housing 110 by a known coupling member such as a press fit, screw engagement, or pin engagement. The stop 140 can be configured to block the condensate drain hole 135 when the deformable member 120 and the condensate drain member 130 connected thereto move downward under the pressure of the venting gas, thereby limiting further movement of the condensate drain member 130. For example, the stop 140 can have a truncated cone shape with a narrow upper portion 141 and a wide lower portion 142. However, the shape of the stop 140 is not limited to a truncated cone and can vary, as long as the shape can limit the movement of the condensate drain member 130.

[0066] The stop 140 may be made of a polymer material to reduce noise generated from contact with the condensate drain member 130, and may be made of a heat-resistant material (e.g., with a heat resistance temperature of 200°C or higher) to withstand high-temperature exhaust gases. For example, the stop 140 may be made of a highly heat-resistant polymer or rubber material.

[0067] refer to Figure 6A and Figure 6B The housing 110 of the condensate drain device 100 can be installed on the mounting surface 21 of the pipe member 20 and can be fixed to the pipe member 20 by means of a joint W (e.g., welding).

[0068] A drain hole DH is formed on the mounting surface 21, and the inlet 115 of the housing 110 communicates with the drain hole DH. The upper side of the deformable member 120 is fixed to the upper part of the housing 110, and the first opening 125 is configured to communicate with the drain hole DH and the inlet 115. A condensate drain member 130 is connected to the lower side of the deformable member 120. The second opening 126 of the deformable member 120 communicates with the condensate drain hole 135. To prevent noise caused by contact between the condensate drain member 130 and the housing 110, the outer peripheral surface of the condensate drain member 130 has a structure that is spaced apart from the inner peripheral surface of the housing 110 by a predetermined distance.

[0069] The stop 140 is fixedly mounted on the bottom 112 of the housing 110, and an outlet 116 can be formed around the stop 140 on the bottom 112, from which condensate is discharged.

[0070] The interior space 122 is formed inside the body 121 of the deformable member 120, and exhaust gas and / or condensate can be introduced into the interior space 122 through the exhaust port DH and the inlet 115.

[0071] Figure 6A This illustrates a state where exhaust gas is not introduced into the internal space 122 or the pressure of the exhaust gas is below a set value. In this case, the deformable member 120 contracts in the longitudinal direction, forming a space between the condensate drain hole 135 and the stop member 140. Therefore, condensate introduced into the internal space 122 can flow downward through the condensate drain hole 135.

[0072] exist Figure 6A In this state, when exhaust gas flows into the internal space 122 through inlet 115 and first opening 125, the condensate drain member 130 can block the flow of exhaust gas and move downward by the pressure of the exhaust gas. Therefore, the deformable member 120 connected to the condensate drain member 130 can extend while moving downward together with the condensate drain member 130. In other words, the condensate drain member 130 can be configured to extend the deformable member 120 by the pressure of the exhaust gas introduced into the internal space 122 of the deformable member 120. Therefore, as Figure 6B As shown, the condensate drain member 130 moves downward to contact the stop member 140. Therefore, the condensate drain hole 135 is closed by the stop member 140, thereby preventing exhaust gas from being discharged through the condensate drain hole 135.

[0073] Here, in order to facilitate the downward movement of the condensate drain member 130 under the pressure of the exhaust gas and to allow it to withstand a greater force exerted by the exhaust gas pressure, the condensate drain member 130 may have a shape that partially covers the second opening 126 of the deformable member 120. In other words, the diameter D2 of the condensate drain hole 135 may be smaller than the diameter D1 of the second opening 126. The exhaust gas from the internal space 122 can thus exert pressure on a larger area of ​​the condensate drain member 130.

[0074] Simultaneously, when the engine is stopped or idling, the pressure of the exhaust gas may be ineffective or may drop below a certain value, thus reducing the pressure in the internal space 122. In this situation, the force of the exhaust gas acting on the condensate drain member 130 is less than the elastic force of the deformable member 120. Therefore, the length of the deformable member 120 contracts and the condensate drain member 130 moves upward. Therefore, as... Figure 6A As shown, the condensate drain component 130 can move upward and the condensate drain hole 135 can be opened.

[0075] Therefore, the condensate drain component 130 can be configured in the open position ( Figure 6A ) and closing position ( Figure 6B The condensate drain member 130 moves between the stop and the stop 140. In the open position, the condensate drain member 130 is spaced apart from the stop 140, and the condensate drain hole 135 is at least partially open. In the closed position, the condensate drain member 130 contacts the stop 140, and the condensate drain hole 135 is closed. In the open position, condensate drained through the condensate drain hole 135 can be discharged outward through the outlet 116. In the closed position, the condensate drain hole 135 is closed, therefore, exhaust gas and condensate cannot be discharged through the condensate drain hole 135.

[0076] In the open position, the stop 140 may have an upper portion 141 inserted into the condensate drain hole 135. Therefore, when the condensate drain member 130 moves from the open position to the closed position, the inner circumferential surface of the condensate drain member 130 can be guided by the stop 140. This minimizes horizontal fluctuations in the condensate drain member 130 and allows for stable downward movement. In other words, by minimizing contact between the outer circumferential surface of the condensate drain member 130 and the inner circumferential surface of the housing 110 during movement, the stop 140 prevents contact noise.

[0077] Furthermore, the lower part of the stop 140 exposed outward from the condensate drain hole 135 may have a larger cross-sectional area than that inserted into the upper part of the condensate drain hole 135, in order to restrict the movement of the condensate drain hole 135 in the downward direction.

[0078] Figure 7A and Figure 7B It shows Figure 6A and Figure 6B The example shown is a modified version of the condensate drain device 100. Except for the stepped portion 145 formed in the stop member 140, Figure 7A and Figure 7B The condensate drain device 100 shown has a connection with Figure 6A and Figure 6B The condensate drain device 100 shown has the same configuration. Therefore, the same reference numerals denote the same as those in the drawings. Figure 6A and Figure 6B Same or corresponding parts, and about Figure 7A and Figure 7B The description of each component and Figure 6A and Figure 6B The descriptions are identical to those used to avoid unnecessary repetition.

[0079] Figure 7A and Figure 7B The stop 140 shown includes a stepped portion 145 with a flat shape. Therefore, the condensate drain member 130 can contact the surface of the stepped portion 145. Thus, compared to a structure where the outer surface of the stop 140 and the condensate drain hole 135 of the condensate drain member 130 are in line contact with each other... Figure 6A and Figure 6B , Figure 7A and Figure 7B The implementation scheme can more reliably prevent the exhaust gases from escaping when the gas is in the closed position.

[0080] Finally, refer to Figure 8A and Figure 8B The operation of the condensate drain device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0081] like Figure 8A As shown, when exhaust gas flowing through exhaust pipe 20 is introduced into the internal space of deformable member 120 through exhaust port DH, inlet 115, and first opening 125, deformable member 120 extends longitudinally under the exhaust pressure of the exhaust gas. Correspondingly, condensate drain member 130 moves downward to contact stop member 140. When condensate drain port 135 is closed by stop member 140, exhaust gas and condensate are prevented from being discharged through condensate drain port 135.

[0082] In related technologies where only an exhaust port is formed in the exhaust pipe, noise and vibration may occur because exhaust gases leak out through the exhaust port during engine operation. However, in the embodiments of this disclosure, since the condensate drain port 135 is closed, exhaust gases generated during engine operation do not leak to the outside of the condensate drain device 100. Therefore, even when an exhaust port DH is formed, noise and vibration caused by exhaust gas leakage can be minimized.

[0083] At the same time, such as Figure 8B As shown, when the engine stops and no exhaust gases are produced, the deformable member 120 contracts longitudinally due to its elastic restoring force. In this case, the deformable member 120 and the condensate drain member 130 connected thereto move upward, forming a space between the condensate drain hole 135 and the stop member 140. Therefore, condensate can be drained through the condensate drain hole 135 and the outlet 116. In other words, when the engine stops or is not running, the condensate accumulated in the exhaust pipe 20 is naturally drained. Therefore, even if a large amount of condensate is generated, it will be naturally drained after the engine stops. Therefore, even in winter or when the outside temperature is low in cold regions, exhaust pipe blockage due to condensate freezing can be prevented.

[0084] As described above, according to the embodiments of this disclosure with such configuration, condensate can be easily discharged from the exhaust system, thereby preventing exhaust pipe blockage due to frozen condensate and reducing noise and vibration during engine operation.

[0085] Furthermore, according to the embodiments of this disclosure, since the condensate drain device is installed outside the exhaust system, changes to the exhaust system can be minimized and the condensate drain device can be easily installed.

[0086] While exemplary embodiments have been shown and described above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and alterations may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A condensate draining device for an exhaust system, the condensate draining device comprising: A housing having an inlet on a first side and an outlet on a second side; A deformable member, which is connected to a first side of the housing and configured to be elastically and stretchably deformable; A condensate drain component is connected to a deformable component to extend the deformable component by the pressure of exhaust gas introduced into the deformable component, and has a condensate drain hole communicating with the outlet. A stop member is attached to the second side of the housing to restrict the movement of the condensate drain member, and opens or closes the condensate drain hole according to the extension or contraction of the deformable member.

2. The condensate drain device for the exhaust system according to claim 1, wherein, One side of the deformable member and the stop are fixed to the housing, wherein the condensate drain member is movably accommodated in the housing.

3. The condensate drain device for the exhaust system according to claim 1, wherein, The condensate drain member moves between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the condensate drain member is spaced apart from the stop and the condensate drain hole is at least partially open. In the closed position, the condensate drain member is in contact with the stop and the condensate drain hole is closed. In the open position, the condensate drained through the condensate drain hole is discharged outward through the outlet.

4. The condensate drain device for the exhaust system according to claim 1, wherein, The deformable component has a corrugated tubular shape.

5. The condensate drain device for the exhaust system according to claim 1, wherein, The deformable member has a first opening formed on one side and communicating with the inlet and a second opening formed on the other side, wherein the condensate drain member has a shape that partially covers the second opening.

6. The condensate draining device for the exhaust system according to claim 5, wherein, The diameter of the condensate drain hole is smaller than the diameter of the second opening.

7. The condensate drain device for the exhaust system according to claim 3, wherein, In the open position, one side of the stop is inserted into the condensate drain hole.

8. The condensate draining device for the exhaust system according to claim 7, wherein, The cross-sectional area of ​​the portion of the stop exposed outside the condensate drain hole is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​the side of the stop inserted into the condensate drain hole.

9. The condensate drain device for the exhaust system according to claim 3, wherein, The stop has a stepped portion so that it contacts the surface of the condensate drain component in the closed position.

10. The condensate draining device for the exhaust system according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the deformable component, the shell, and the condensate drain component is made of or coated with a corrosion-resistant material.

11. The condensate draining device for the exhaust system according to claim 1, wherein, The stop is made of a heat-resistant polymer.

12. An exhaust system for a vehicle, the exhaust system comprising: An exhaust pipe through which exhaust gases emitted from the engine can flow; A muffler, which is connected to the exhaust pipe and configured to reduce exhaust noise; as well as A condensate drain device is installed on at least one of the outer surfaces of the exhaust pipe and the muffler, and is configured to communicate with a drain hole formed in the muffler or exhaust pipe to drain condensate. The condensate drain device includes: A deformable member having an internal space for introducing exhaust gas, and capable of elastically extending according to the pressure of the exhaust gas introduced into the internal space. A condensate drain component, which is connected to the deformable component and has a condensate drain hole, and A stop that opens or closes the condensate drain hole according to the extension or contraction of the deformable member.

13. The exhaust system of the vehicle according to claim 12, wherein, The discharge port is formed at a position lower than the other parts of the exhaust pipe.

14. The exhaust system of the vehicle according to claim 13, wherein, The mounting surface of the exhaust pipe equipped with a condensate drain device is formed as a flat surface.

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