Exhaust gas treatment device

Abstract

An exhaust gas treatment device (1) has: a manifold (10) that changes a traveling direction of exhaust gas (G) from a first direction (P) to a second direction (Q); a first catalyst carrier (25) into which the exhaust gas (G) introduced from the manifold (10) flows and that purifies the exhaust gas (G) flowing in the second direction (Q); a heater (22) that is provided upstream of the flow direction of the exhaust gas (G) of the first catalyst carrier (25) and that heats the exhaust gas (G) flowing in from the manifold (10); and a housing (20) that houses the first catalyst carrier (25) and the heater (22), an inlet side opening portion (20a) of the housing (20) is inserted into the manifold (10) up to a position in the vicinity of a flow inlet (10a) of the manifold (10), and an inlet side recessed portion (20c) through which the exhaust gas (G) passes is formed in the inlet side opening portion (20a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a waste gas treatment device. Background Technology

[0002] JP2020-143662A discloses a catalytic converter having an electrically heated catalyst (heater) on the upstream side of the catalyst for purifying exhaust gas. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In the aforementioned catalytic converter, the diffuser tube is inserted inside the inner tube housing the electrically heated catalyst. In this structure, if the diffuser tube is inserted deeper, it will interfere with the electrically heated catalyst, thus preventing sufficient miniaturization.

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to achieve miniaturization of the waste gas treatment device while suppressing the blockage of the associated waste gas flow.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an exhaust gas treatment device for treating exhaust gas discharged from an engine includes: a manifold having an inlet for exhaust gas flowing from the engine in a first direction to flow into it and an outlet for guiding the exhaust gas downstream in a second direction intersecting the first direction, thereby changing the direction of travel of the exhaust gas from the first direction to the second direction; a first catalyst carrier into which exhaust gas introduced from the outlet of the manifold flows, the first catalyst carrier being used to purify the exhaust gas flowing in the second direction; a heater disposed upstream of the exhaust gas flow direction of the first catalyst carrier, for heating the exhaust gas flowing from the manifold and directed toward the first catalyst carrier; and a housing housing the first catalyst carrier and the heater, an inlet-side opening of the housing being inserted into the inner periphery of the outlet of the manifold up to a position adjacent to the inlet of the manifold, an inlet-side recess for the exhaust gas flowing from the inlet of the manifold to pass through being formed in the inlet-side opening. Attached Figure Description

[0006] FIG. 1 This is a perspective view of the waste gas treatment device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0007] FIG. 2 This is the front view of the waste gas treatment device.

[0008] FIG. 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the waste gas treatment device.

[0009] FIG. 4 This schematic diagram illustrates the configurable range of the electrodes when viewed from a second direction, and is equivalent to... FIG. 2 A diagram of section IV-IV.

[0010] FIG. 5 A perspective view for explaining a manifold and a housing accommodating a heater.

[0011] FIG. 6 A VI-VI sectional view of FIG. 5

[0012] FIG. 7 A VII-VII sectional view of FIG. 5

[0013] FIG. 8 A VIII-VIII sectional view of FIG. 5

[0014] FIG. 9 A perspective view when viewed from a different angle from FIG. 5

[0015] FIG. 10 A X-X sectional view of FIG. 9

[0016] FIG. 11 A XI-XI sectional view of FIG. 9

[0017] FIG. 12 A sectional schematic view for explaining welding of a manifold and a housing accommodating a heater.

[0018] FIG. 13A An enlarged perspective view of FIG. 2

[0019] An enlarged perspective view for explaining a modification of FIG. 13B FIG. 13A A front view for explaining a modification of a manifold.

[0020] FIG. 14 A view for explaining a modification of a joint of a manifold and a housing accommodating a heater.

[0021] FIG. 15A A view for explaining another modification of a joint of a manifold and a housing accommodating a heater.

[0022] FIG. 15B A control block diagram of an exhaust gas treatment device.

[0023] FIG. 16 A flowchart of secondary air supply control at engine start.

[0024] FIG. 17

[0025] FIG. 18 ​​​​​​​​A timing chart for explaining the secondary air supply control.

[0026] FIG. 19 A flowchart of the control of the heater.

[0027] FIG. 20 A perspective view showing one of the variations of the embodiment of the present application.

[0028] FIG. 21 A cross-sectional view of XXI-XXI of FIG. 20

[0029] FIG. 22 A perspective view showing another variation of the embodiment of the present application.

[0030] FIG. 23 A cross-sectional view of XXIII-XXIII of FIG. 22 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0032] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1-23 , an exhaust treatment device 1 of an embodiment of the present application will be described.

[0033] First, with reference to FIGS. 1-3 , the overall structure of the exhaust treatment device 1 will be described. FIG. 1 A perspective view of the exhaust treatment device 1. FIG. 2 A front view of the exhaust treatment device 1. FIG. 3 A cross-sectional view of the exhaust treatment device 1.

[0034] The exhaust treatment device 1 is a device mounted on a vehicle and used for treating exhaust gas G discharged from an engine (omitted from the drawing). In the present embodiment, a structure example of the exhaust treatment device 1 as a catalytic converter which is small and has an excellent exhaust gas purification function will be shown. Specifically, the exhaust treatment device 1 oxidizes hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide included in the exhaust gas G to carbon dioxide and water, and simultaneously reduces nitrogen oxides and removes fine particulate matter, thereby purifying the exhaust gas G.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the exhaust treatment device 1 has a first flow path member 10 as a manifold, a first housing 20, a second housing 30, a third housing 40, and a second flow path member 50. In the present embodiment, the first housing 20, the second housing 30, and the third housing 40 correspond to housings. As shown in FIG. 3 ​​As shown, the exhaust gas treatment device 1 has an EHC (Electrically Heated Catalyst) 21, a TWC (Three-Way Catalyst) 25 as a first catalyst carrier, and a GPF (Gasoline Particulate Filter) 41 as a second catalyst carrier.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the first flow path member 10 has an inlet side flange 11, a first member 12, a second member 13, and an overlapping portion 14. As shown in FIG. 3 , the first flow path member 10 has an inlet side opening portion 10a as a flow inlet for the exhaust gas G to flow in, and an outlet side opening portion 10b as a flow outlet for the exhaust gas G to flow out. The secondary air control unit 80 is provided to the first flow path member 10.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the inlet side flange 11 is connected to an exhaust outlet portion of an exhaust turbine (omitted from the drawing). The inlet side flange 11 is provided to protrude radially from the first flow path member 10 toward the first housing 20. The protruding end portion of the inlet side flange 11 is provided with the inlet side opening portion 10a. The inlet side flange 11 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and is formed in a smooth curved surface shape and gradually reduces in diameter in the flow direction of the exhaust gas G. By forming the inlet side flange 11 in a smooth curved surface shape, the flow of the exhaust gas G introduced into the first flow path member 10 is improved.

[0038] The first member 12 is provided on the inner peripheral side of the flow of the exhaust gas G. The second member 13 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the flow of the exhaust gas G. The first member 12 and the second member 13 overlap at the overlapping portion 14, and are integrated by welding the overlapping portion 14 (hereinafter referred to as welding).

[0039] The overlapping portion 14 is provided at a position orthogonal to the traveling direction when the exhaust gas G flowing from the inlet side opening portion 10a travels straight, but the position of the overlapping portion 14 can be appropriately determined.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3As shown, the exhaust gas G flowing from the engine and in the first direction P flows in from the inlet-side opening portion 10a. From the outlet-side opening portion 10b, the exhaust gas G is guided to the downstream in a manner of flowing in the second direction Q intersecting the first direction P. Further, the intersection here means only that the second direction Q is changed with respect to the first direction P, and is not limited to the orthogonal direction. The first flow path member 10 changes the advancing direction of the exhaust gas G from the first direction P to the second direction Q. In the present embodiment, the first flow path member 10 changes the direction of the exhaust gas G flowing in the first direction P from the radial direction of the first housing 20 by approximately 90° to the direction along the central axis direction of the first housing 20, that is, the second direction Q.

[0041] The first flow path member 10 has a curved surface portion 15 connected in a curved surface shape to smoothly change the advancing direction of the exhaust gas G with respect to a portion of the first housing 20 close to the inlet-side opening portion 20a.

[0042] The first flow path member 10 forms a straight flow path 17a in which the exhaust gas G can linearly advance through the inlet-side recessed portion 20c in the first direction P, and has a protruding portion 17 that changes the flow of a portion of the exhaust gas G from the first direction P to the second direction Q at a position further upstream than the straight flow path 17a. Thereby, the flow direction of the exhaust gas G is changed in advance while the exhaust gas G is flowing to the facing wall portion 26A, and thus the uniformity of the flow velocity distribution of the exhaust gas G in the first housing 20 can be achieved. Further, the protruding portion 17 is formed so that the flow path area gradually decreases in the advancing direction when the exhaust gas G flowing in from the inlet-side opening portion 10a linearly advances. By providing the protruding portion 17, the difficulty of the exhaust gas G flowing to the facing wall portion 26A to be described later is increased, and thus the electrode 24 of the EHC 21 can be disposed in the vicinity of the facing wall portion 26A. The electrode arrangement possible range 26E in which the electrode 24 can be disposed will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 4

[0043] The first flow path member 10 has an expansion portion 18 that expands the flow path area of the exhaust gas G at a position further upstream than the protruding portion 17 in the flow direction of the exhaust gas G. By providing the expansion portion 18, the flow of the exhaust gas G in the first flow path member 10 is improved.

[0044] The secondary air control unit 80 supplies air (secondary air) into the first flow path member 10 when the engine is not operating and the exhaust gas G is not flowing. The secondary air control unit 80 is provided to the protruding portion 17 of the first flow path member 10. The secondary air control unit 80 supplies (injects) air to the EHC 21. The secondary air control unit 80 can adjust the flow rate [kg / h] of the supplied air. The air supplied by the secondary air control unit 80 is heated by the EHC 21 and introduced into the TWC 25. Thereby, the TWC 25 can be heated when the exhaust gas G is not flowing. ​

[0045] like FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 As shown, the first housing 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape. FIG. 3 As shown, the first housing 20 has an inlet-side opening 20a for the inflow of exhaust gas G (receiving exhaust gas G from the first flow path component 10) and an outlet-side opening 20b for the outflow of exhaust gas G. The upstream end of the first housing 20 is inserted into the inner periphery of the outlet-side opening 10b of the first flow path component 10. The first housing 20 is welded to the first flow path component 10. A temperature sensor 71 is disposed on the first housing 20.

[0046] The first housing 20 has a cylindrical upstream cylindrical portion 28 and a cylindrical downstream cylindrical portion 29. The downstream end of the upstream cylindrical portion 28 is inserted into and welded to the upstream end of the downstream cylindrical portion 29. EHC21 is housed within the upstream cylindrical portion 28. TWC25 is housed within the downstream cylindrical portion 29.

[0047] EHC21 is located upstream of the flow direction of exhaust gas G in TWC25. It heats the exhaust gas G flowing into the first flow path component 10 and into the second direction Q, and guides it to TWC25. EHC21 has a heater 22, an electrode support 23, and an electrode 24.

[0048] The heater 22 generates heat by applying an electric current to the electrode 24. The heater 22 is, for example, a vortex-shaped electric heater. The heater 22 is made of metal. The heater 22 is held inside the first housing (upstream cylindrical portion 28).

[0049] Electrode support 23 is located on the upstream side of TWC25. Electrode support 23 is composed of a honeycomb structure that supports heater 22 and electrode 24. The outer peripheral surface of electrode support 23 is held within the first housing 20 (upstream cylindrical portion 28).

[0050] Electrode 24 is configured to protrude from heater 22 toward the outside of first housing 20 (upstream cylindrical portion 28) in a direction intersecting the second direction Q (here, the radial direction of first housing 20). Power is supplied to heater 22 from electrode 24.

[0051] Multiple pins (not shown) are provided between the heater 22 and the electrode support 23. These pins maintain the distance between the heater 22 and the electrode support 23 while holding the heater 22 and the electrode 24 together. The pins are arranged between the heater 22 and the electrode support 23 in a manner that they are respectively inserted into the heater 22 and the electrode support 23.

[0052] In the exhaust gas treatment device 1, at the time of cold start at the time of engine start, the current is made to flow through the heater 22 by the electrode 24, whereby the temperature of the exhaust gas G flowing in the first housing 20 is heated to 200 to 300 [°C], and the TWC 25 is heated by the heated exhaust gas G. Thus, the catalyst component of the TWC 25 can be brought to the activation temperature in a short time. Thus, in the exhaust gas treatment device 1, the activation of the catalyst component of the TWC 25 can be achieved in a short time, and thus the purification performance at the time of engine start can be improved.

[0053] Further, the EHC 21 can also be in a form in which the device carrying the catalyst in the electrically conductive carrier is energized to raise the temperature. In this case, the EHC 21 corresponds to the first catalyst carrier.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the first housing 20 is deeply inserted into the first flow path member 10 for the miniaturization of the exhaust gas treatment device 1. Specifically, the inlet side opening portion 20a of the first housing 20 is inserted to a position close to the inlet side opening portion 10a which is the inlet of the first flow path member 10. That is, the EHC 21 enters the first flow path member 10, and the distance from the inlet side opening portion 10a is short. Thus, as shown in FIG. 3 , the inlet side recess portion 20c is formed in the first housing 20 so as not to obstruct the flow of the exhaust gas G flowing in from the inlet side opening portion 10a. In other words, the inlet side recess portion 20c is for passing the exhaust gas G flowing in from the inlet side opening portion 10a. According to this structure, the miniaturization of the exhaust gas treatment device 1 can be achieved while suppressing the obstruction of the exhaust gas flow accompanying the same. As shown in FIG. 3 , FIG. 20 and FIG. 21 , the inlet side recess portion 20c needs to be formed at least in a portion through which the exhaust gas G flowing in the first direction P passes. Further, as shown in FIG. 22 and FIG. 23 , it can also be formed including the surroundings of the portion. However, as will be described later, in the overlapping portion 14 of the first member 12 and the second member 13 which will be described later, a gap is likely to be generated between the two, and if the portion is welded to the first housing 20, the spatter S can enter the inside through the gap. That is, if the recess portion is formed up to this position, the spatter S is likely to scatter into the inside. Thus, the inlet side recess portion 20c is preferably formed avoiding the overlapping portion 14.

[0055] Further, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2As shown, in the first flow path component 10, a recess 16, cut into a generally semi-circular shape, is formed at the location where the electrode 24 is disposed to avoid the electrode 24. The recess 16 is formed to be larger than the outer shape of the electrode 24 to suppress the influence of welding heat during welding of the first flow path component 10 and the first housing 20 on the electrode 24. Therefore, the electrode 24 can only be disposed in the portion where the overlap length of the first flow path component 10 and the first housing 20 is greater than a predetermined length. (Refer to the following text.) FIGS. 4-11 The configuration of electrode 24 will be described in detail below.

[0056] Exhaust gas G introduced from the outlet side opening 10b of the first flow path component 10 flows into TWC25, and TWC25 purifies the exhaust gas G flowing along the second direction Q. TWC25 is supported by the downstream cylindrical portion 29 by means of a cylindrical inner shell 25a covering the outer periphery.

[0057] like FIG. 3 As shown, temperature sensor 71 is inserted into the space between EHC21 and TWC25. Temperature sensor 71 detects the temperature [°C] of exhaust gas G that is heated in EHC21 and guided to TWC25. That is, the temperature of exhaust gas G detected by temperature sensor 71 is approximately equal to the temperature of TWC25.

[0058] like FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 As shown, the second housing 30 has a first component 31, a second component 32, and an overlapping portion 33. (As...) FIG. 3 As shown, the second housing 30 has an inlet-side opening 30a for the inflow of exhaust gas G and an outlet-side opening 30b for the outflow of exhaust gas G. The second housing 30 is equipped with an air-fuel ratio sensor 35.

[0059] like FIG. 3 As shown, exhaust gas G, flowing along the second direction Q after passing through TWC25, flows in from the inlet-side opening 30a. Starting from the outlet-side opening 30b, exhaust gas G is directed downstream to flow along a third direction R intersecting the second direction Q. The second housing 30 changes the direction of travel of exhaust gas G from the second direction Q to the third direction R. In this embodiment, the second housing 30 changes the direction of exhaust gas G flowing along the central axis direction of the first housing 20, i.e., the second direction Q, by approximately 100° to flow along the central axis direction of the third housing 40, i.e., the third direction R.

[0060] like FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 As shown, the first component 31 is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the flow of exhaust gas G. The second component 32 is disposed on the outer peripheral side of the flow of exhaust gas G. The first component 31 and the second component 32 overlap at an overlapping portion 33 and are integrated by welding the overlapping portion 33.

[0061] like FIG. 3As shown, the air-fuel ratio sensor 35 has a measuring section 34 for measuring exhaust gas G. The air-fuel ratio sensor 35 measures the exhaust gas G passing through TWC 25. The air-fuel ratio sensor 35 has a rod-shaped component with the measuring section 34 disposed on its front end face. The body portion of the air-fuel ratio sensor 35 is mounted to the second component 32 from the outside of the second housing 30 in such a way that the measuring section 34 is located in the flow path between TWC 25 and GPF 41.

[0062] In this embodiment, the air-fuel ratio sensor 35 installed on the second housing 30 positions the measuring unit 34 in a region of high exhaust gas velocity in the flow path between TWC25 and GPF41, forming a shape along the inner wall of the second housing 30, where the exhaust gas G has a higher velocity than other locations.

[0063] The second housing 30 has an outer peripheral flow path 36, a branching portion 37, and a guide portion 38. The outer peripheral flow path 36 is disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the TWC25 and the inner peripheral surface of the second housing 30, covering the outer periphery of the TWC25. The branching portion 37 is formed by the second housing 30 protruding inward, which branches the exhaust gas G passing through the TWC25 and guides it to the GPF41 and the outer peripheral flow path 36 respectively. The guide portion 38 guides the remaining exhaust gas G after being branched by the branching portion 37 to the outer peripheral flow path 36.

[0064] The branch section 37 is formed as a part of the pipe wall outside the flow direction of the exhaust gas G inside the second housing 30, protruding inward in the direction of diameter.

[0065] The guide section 38 has an inclined section 38a and a curved section 38b. The inclined section 38a is inclined at a predetermined angle from the branch section 37 toward the downstream side of the second direction Q relative to a plane orthogonal to the second direction Q. The curved section 38b guides the exhaust gas G passing through the inclined section 38a to the outer peripheral flow path 36.

[0066] The inclined portion 38a is formed in a generally planar shape. The inclined portion 38a slowly guides the exhaust gas G after it is branched by the branch portion 37 to the curved portion 38b, and then guides it along the inner wall surface of the second housing 30 to the outer peripheral flow path 36. Thus, the exhaust gas G can be smoothly guided to the outer peripheral flow path 36 without obstructing the flow of the exhaust gas G toward the branch portion 37 after passing through the TWC25.

[0067] like FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 As shown, the third shell 40 is formed in a cylindrical shape. FIG. 3 As shown, the third housing 40 has an inlet-side opening 40a for the inflow of exhaust gas G and an outlet-side opening 40b for the outflow of exhaust gas G. GPF41 is housed in the third housing 40.

[0068] The GPF 41 purifies the exhaust gas G that has passed through the TWC 25 and flows in a third direction R intersecting the second direction Q. The GPF 41 is supported by the third case 40 by means of a cylindrical inner case 41a that covers the outer periphery.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the second flow path member 50 has an outlet side flange 51, a first member 52, a second member 53, and an overlapping portion 54. The second flow path member 50 has an inlet side opening portion 50a (refer to FIG. 3 ) through which the exhaust gas G flows in, and an outlet side opening portion 50b through which the exhaust gas G flows out.

[0070] The outlet side flange 51 is connected to an exhaust pipe (omitted from the drawing) that guides the exhaust gas G to the outside. The outlet side flange 51 is provided so as to protrude radially from the second flow path member 50 toward the third case 40. The protruding end portion of the outlet side flange 51 is provided with the outlet side opening portion 50a.

[0071] The first member 52 is provided on the inner peripheral side of the flow of the exhaust gas G. The second member 53 is provided on the outer peripheral side of the flow of the exhaust gas G. The first member 52 and the second member 53 overlap at the overlapping portion 54, and are integrated by welding the overlapping portion 54.

[0072] Next, the flow of the exhaust gas G in the exhaust gas treatment device 1 will be described mainly with reference to FIG. 3 .

[0073] The exhaust gas G that has flowed in from the inlet side opening portion 10a of the inlet side flange 11 passes through the first flow path member 10 and the direction thereof is changed from the first direction P to the second direction Q, is guided to the EHC 21, and is heated. The exhaust gas G that has been heated at the EHC 21 is guided to the TWC 25, and the contained hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide are oxidized and decomposed into carbon dioxide and water, and the contained nitrogen oxides are reduced.

[0074] The exhaust gas G that has passed through the TWC 25 is divided by the diverging portion 37 formed in the inner wall surface of the second case 30 into a flow directly toward the upstream side end surface of the GPF 41 and a flow that passes through the guide portion 38 and flows toward the outer peripheral flow path 36.

[0075] The flow directly toward the upstream side end surface of the GPF 41 forms a main flow of the exhaust gas G, and is directly guided to flow into the upstream side end surface of the GPF 41 by being changed by about 100° by the action of the diverging portion 37, and does not flow into the outer peripheral flow path 36.

[0076] The exhaust gas G that has flowed into the outer peripheral flow path 36 through the guide portion 38 flows along the outer peripheral surface of the TWC 25 toward the upstream end surface of the GPF 41. At this time, the exhaust gas G that flows in the outer peripheral flow path 36 heats the TWC 25 from the outside. In this way, by guiding the exhaust gas G to the outer peripheral flow path 36, it is possible to increase the temperature of the TWC 25 in a short time after the engine is started, and thus it is possible to achieve activation of the TWC 25. In particular, it is possible to heat the portion of the TWC 25 on the downstream side, which is difficult to increase the temperature, from the outside, and thus it is possible to shorten the time required for activation of the TWC 25.

[0077] With this double-pipe structure constituted by the first housing 20 and the second housing 30, it is possible to effectively prevent heat escape to the outside of the second housing 30, while covering the TWC 25 by the first housing 20 to prevent the exhaust gas G that flows in the outer peripheral flow path 36 from entering the TWC 25, and thus it is possible to reduce the flow resistance of the exhaust gas G from the outer peripheral flow path 36 toward the GPF 41. In addition, the exhaust gas G that flows in the outer peripheral flow path 36 does not enter the TWC 25, and thus does not interfere with the flow of the exhaust gas G that flows in the TWC 25 in the second direction Q.

[0078] As described above, the exhaust gas G that has passed through the outer peripheral flow path 36 merges with the flow that has been branched by the branching portion 37 to directly flow toward the upstream end surface of the GPF 41, and flows into the GPF 41 in the third direction R.

[0079] The exhaust gas G that has flowed into the GPF 41 is removed of fine particulate matter, and is discharged to the exhaust pipe through the second flow path member 50.

[0080] Next, the possible range 26E of the electrode arrangement in the EHC 21 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4-11

[0081] First, an outline of the possible range 26E of the electrode arrangement will be described mainly with reference to FIG. 4 FIG. 4 This is a view corresponding to the IV-IV cross section of FIG. 2

[0082] As shown in FIG. 4 , in the first housing 20, when viewed from the second direction Q, the electrode 24 is arranged in a region between the facing wall portion 26A, which opposes the inlet-side opening portion 10a and against which the exhaust gas G that has flowed into the inlet-side opening portion 10a collides when traveling in a straight line, and the overlapping portion forming portion 26D for providing the overlapping portion 14.

[0083] Thus, it is possible to prevent the exhaust gas G that has flowed into the first flow path member 10 from the engine from directly colliding with the electrode 24. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the electrode 24 for supplying power to the heater 22 from overheating due to the exhaust gas G.​​​

[0084] Further, in the overlapping portion forming section 26D for setting the overlapping portion 14, the first member 12 and the second member 13 are overlapped and joined. The reason will be described later, but it is preferable that the electrode 24 is arranged in the region between the facing wall section 26A and the overlapping portion forming section 26D.

[0085] Still further, in the first housing 20, the electrode 24 is arranged in the region other than the flow inlet forming section 26B overlapping with the inlet side opening section 10a when viewed from the second direction Q. The flow inlet forming section 26B is a region opposing the facing wall section 26A in the flow direction (the first direction P) of the exhaust gas G.

[0086] Further, in the first housing 20, the electrode 24 is arranged in the region other than the curved surface overlapping section 26C overlapping with the curved surface portion 15. The curved surface overlapping section 26C is a region continuous with both ends of the flow inlet opening section 26B when viewed from the second direction Q. For example, in the case where the inlet side opening section 10a is deviated toward one side from the center axis of the heater 22 or the like, the curved surface overlapping section 26C can exist in a case where the end portion on one side of the flow inlet forming section 26B is formed only.

[0087] In the case where the electrode 24 is arranged in the flow inlet forming section 26B or the curved surface overlapping section 26C, the exhaust gas G flowing into the first flow path member 10 does not directly hit the electrode 24. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the electrode 24 for supplying power to the heater 22 from being overheated by the exhaust gas G.

[0088] However, in order to make the electrode 24 not interfere with the flow inlet forming section 26B or the curved surface overlapping section 26C, it is necessary to arrange the electrode 24 at a position away from the first flow path member 10. Further, in the case where the electrode 24 is arranged in the flow inlet forming section 26B, the distance between the exhaust turbine and the electrode 24 becomes close, and the electrode 24 can be overheated by the temperature of the exhaust turbine.

[0089] In this regard, in the exhaust gas treatment device 1, it is possible to arrange the electrode 24 in the region other than not only the facing wall section 26A but also the flow inlet forming section 26B and the curved surface overlapping section 26C, and thereby it is possible to arrange the electrode 24 at a position close to the first flow path member 10. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the exhaust gas treatment device 1 from being large-sized. Further, it is possible to prevent the electrode 24 from being overheated by the temperature of the exhaust turbine.

[0090] As described above, in the case where only the overheating caused by the exhaust gas G is considered, the electrode arrangement possible range 26E is the region other than the facing wall portion 26A. However, in the case where the overheating caused by the exhaust gas turbine and the downsizing of the exhaust gas treatment device 1 are considered, it is preferable that the electrode arrangement possible range 26E is the region other than the facing wall portion 26A, the flow inlet formation portion 26B, and the curved surface repeating portion 26C.

[0091] Then, whether the electrode 24 can be arranged at each position will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 5-11 . FIG. 5 is a perspective view for explaining the first flow path member 10 and the first case 20 that houses the EHC 21. FIG. 6 is a VI-VI sectional view of FIG. 5 . FIG. 7 is a VII-VII sectional view of FIG. 5 . FIG. 8 is a VIII-VIII sectional view of FIG. 5 . FIG. 9 is a perspective view when viewed from a different angle from the perspective view for explaining the first flow path member 10 and the first case 20 that houses the EHC 21. FIG. 5 . FIG. 10 is a X-X sectional view of FIG. 9 . FIG. 11 is an XI-XI sectional view of FIG. 9 .

[0092] As shown in FIG. 5 , the VI-VI section is a section of the curved surface repeating portion 26C, the VII-VII section is a section of the flow inlet formation portion 26B, and the VIII-VIII section is a section of the curved surface repeating portion 26C on the opposite side of VI-VI.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 8 , in the curved surface repeating portion 26C, the overlapping length of the first flow path member 10 and the first case 20 is small. Therefore, if the electrode 24 is arranged at this position, it is necessary to move the electrode 24 away from the first flow path member 10 to secure a welding allowance. Thus, it can lead to the large size of the exhaust gas treatment device 1, and therefore, it is not preferable to arrange the electrode 24 at this position. In addition, the overlapping length refers to the length of the portion where the first flow path member 10 and the first case 20 are opposed to each other (overlap) while approaching each other.

[0094] In addition, as shown in FIG. 6 , the X-X section is a section of the flow inlet formation portion 26B, and the XI-XI section is a section of the curved surface repeating portion 26C on the opposite side of X-X.As shown, the first housing 20 is provided with a plug 24a that closes the hole for providing the electrode. Even if the plug 24a is overheated, there is no problem, and therefore, in the case where the plug 24a is provided, a large recess 16 does not need to be provided as in the case where the electrode 24 is provided. Therefore, the plug 24a can be provided at the curved surface repeating portion 26C, but it is not preferable to provide the electrode 24 at the curved surface repeating portion 26C.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 6, the electrode 24 is provided at the curved surface repeating portion 26C. As shown in FIG. 7, the electrode 24 is provided at the curved surface repeating portion 26C. FIG. 7 As shown in FIG. 8, in the flow inlet forming portion 26B, the overlapping length of the first flow path member 10 and the first housing 20 is shorter than the curved surface overlapping portion 26C. Therefore, if the electrode 24 is arranged at this position, the electrode 24 needs to be arranged far from the first flow path member 10 to secure a welding allowance. Thus, the exhaust treatment device 1 can be upsized, and therefore, it is not preferable to arrange the electrode 24 at this position.

[0096] As shown in FIG. 9, the electrode 24 is arranged at the curved surface repeating portion 26C. As shown in FIG. 10, the electrode 24 is arranged at the curved surface repeating portion 26C. FIG. 9 As shown in FIG. 11, the X-X cross section is a cross section of the facing wall portion 26A, and the XI-XI cross section is a cross section of the electrode arrangement possible range 26E.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 12, in the facing wall portion 26A, the overlapping length of the first flow path member 10 and the first housing 20 is long enough. However, in the case where the exhaust gas G flowing in from the inlet side opening portion 10a travels straight, the exhaust gas G hits the facing wall portion 26A. Therefore, the exhaust gas G flowing in the first flow path member 10 from the engine hits the electrode 24 directly. Thus, the electrode 24 can be overheated by the exhaust gas G, and therefore, it is not preferable to arrange the electrode 24 at this position. FIG. 10 As shown in FIG. 13, in the electrode arrangement possible range 26E, the overlapping length of the first flow path member 10 and the first housing 20 is long enough. That is, the welding allowance of the first flow path member 10 and the first housing 20 is large, and therefore, welding can be performed avoiding the electrode 24. Further, in the case where the exhaust gas G flowing in from the inlet side opening portion 10a travels straight, the exhaust gas G does not hit the electrode arrangement possible range 26E. That is, the exhaust gas G flowing in the first flow path member 10 from the engine does not hit the electrode 24 in the state where the flow rate is fastest. Thus, the electrode 24 is not overheated by the exhaust gas G, the exhaust treatment device 1 is not upsized, and therefore, it is preferable to arrange the electrode 24 at this position.

[0098] FIG. 11 As shown in FIG. 14, the electrode 24 is arranged at the electrode arrangement possible range 26E. As shown in FIG. 15, the electrode 24 is arranged at the electrode arrangement possible range 26E.

[0099] ​Further, in JP 2020-143662 A exemplified as background art, exhaust gas that has entered from the inlet changes the flow direction by hitting a wall of an inclined surface before reaching the deepest part in the flow direction thereof. That is, the heat load of the position of the deepest wall (the opposite wall portion 26A in the present embodiment) is not greater than that of the present embodiment. In other words, it can be said that, in the present embodiment, as a result of correcting the deviation of the flow rate distribution in the heater (or the TWC 25), a more suitable position of the electrode 24 is determined, as compared with JP 2020-143662 A.

[0100] Then, the welding of the first flow path member 10 and the first housing 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12-15B FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view for describing the welding of the first flow path member 10 and the first housing 20. FIG. 13A is an enlarged perspective view of the XIIIA portion of FIG. 2 FIG. 13B is an enlarged perspective view of a modification of FIG. 13A FIG. 14 is a front view for describing a modification of the first flow path member 10. FIG. 15A is a view for describing a modification of the joint portion of the first flow path member 10 and the first housing 20. FIG. 15B is a view for describing another modification of the joint portion of the first flow path member 10 and the first housing 20.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 12 , when the welding of the first flow path member 10 and the first housing 20 is performed, a torch 60 is used to perform the welding in a state in which the first housing 20 is inserted into the inner periphery of the first flow path member 10, and a welded portion 61 is formed over the entire circumference.

[0102] At this time, there is a case in which spatter S generated when the welding is performed using the torch 60 is scattered into the inner periphery of the first flow path member 10 through a slight gap between the first flow path member 10 and the first housing 20. The heater 22 is formed of metal, and thus if the spatter S is scattered and adheres to the heater 22, the heater 22 can be short-circuited.

[0103] However, the first housing 20 is inserted into the inner periphery of the first flow path member 10. That is, the first flow path member 10 overlaps the outer periphery of the first housing 20. Therefore, the spatter S is scattered in a direction away from the heater 22 along the inner periphery of the first flow path member 10 and adheres to the inner periphery of the first flow path member 10. Thus, since the first flow path member 10 overlaps the outer periphery of the first housing 20, it is possible to prevent the spatter S from being scattered and adhering to the heater 22.

[0104] ​​​Further, in the exhaust gas treatment device 1, the first flow path member 10 is divided into the first member 12 and the second member 13 which are welded to each other at the overlapping portion 14. Therefore, the degree of freedom of the shape of the first flow path member 10 is high compared to the case where the first flow path member 10 is provided as a unitary structure.

[0105] However, in this overlapping portion 14, a gap is likely to be generated between the first member 12 and the second member 13. As a result, if the first flow path member 10 and the first housing 20 are welded at the overlapping portion 14, the spatter S is likely to enter the inside of the first housing 20 through this gap. If this is described in detail, the spatter S advances while colliding with the first flow path member 10 and the first housing 20 when flying through the gap between the first flow path member 10 and the first housing 20, and thus exotherms. However, if the gap is large as in the overlapping portion 14, the spatter S enters the first housing 20 in a manner that it does not collide with the first flow path member 10 and the first housing 20 or collides less frequently. As a result, as described above, the spatter S can adhere to the heater 22.

[0106] To this end, particularly in the overlapping portion 14, the overlapping length of the first flow path member 10 and the first housing 20 is sufficiently ensured, whereby the time for the spatter S to pass through the gap can be lengthened to cool the spatter S to a degree that it does not adhere to the heater 22. In FIG. 22 And 23 In the example shown in FIG. 6, the overlapping length of the overlapping portion 14 is made larger than the overlapping length of the position at which the inlet-side recessed portion 20c is arranged.

[0107] Further, in the present embodiment, the electrode 24 should be avoided from being arranged below the overlapping portion 14 in the drawing, for the following reason. If the electrode is arranged at this position, it is difficult to ensure the overlapping length. If the overlapping length is to be ensured, the device needs to be made large. Further, the gap generated due to the overlapping portion 14 makes the spatter S easily fly. Therefore, the electrode 24 should be avoided from being arranged below the overlapping portion 14 in the drawing.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 6, the overlapping portion 14 is a structure in which the diameter of the end portion of the second member 13 is enlarged and the end portion of the second member 13 overlaps the outer periphery of the first member 12. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, the end portion of the first member 12 and the end portion of the second member 13 can be welded by being butted without providing the overlapping portion 14. In this case, a slight gap is not formed at the front end of the first member 12, and thus the flying of the spatter S can be further prevented. FIG. 13A FIG. 13B As shown in FIG. 6, the overlapping portion 14 is a structure in which the diameter of the end portion of the second member 13 is enlarged and the end portion of the second member 13 overlaps the outer periphery of the first member 12. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, the end portion of the first member 12 and the end portion of the second member 13 can be welded by being butted without providing the overlapping portion 14. In this case, a slight gap is not formed at the front end of the first member 12, and thus the flying of the spatter S can be further prevented.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 6, the overlapping portion 14 is a structure in which the diameter of the end portion of the second member 13 is enlarged and the end portion of the second member 13 overlaps the outer periphery of the first member 12. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, the end portion of the first member 12 and the end portion of the second member 13 can be welded by being butted without providing the overlapping portion 14. In this case, a slight gap is not formed at the front end of the first member 12, and thus the flying of the spatter S can be further prevented. FIG. 14 ​As shown, the first flow path component 10 can also be configured as a bowl-shaped integral structure. In this case, the degree of freedom in the shape of the first flow path component 10 is reduced, but since the first flow path component 10 can be stamped, the manufacturability of the first flow path component 10 is improved.

[0110] like FIG. 15A As shown, an enlarged diameter portion 28c formed along the entire circumference (around the entire perimeter) can be provided on the upstream cylindrical portion 28 of the first housing 20. Furthermore, as... FIG. 15B As shown, an enlarged diameter portion 10c formed along the entire circumference can be provided at the downstream end of the first flow path component 10. In this way, by providing the enlarged diameter portion 28c or the enlarged diameter portion 10c, splashes S can be prevented from intruding into the inner circumference of the first flow path component 10.

[0111] Then, refer to FIGS. 16-18 This is to explain the secondary air supply control. FIG. 16 This is a control block diagram of the waste gas treatment device 1. FIG. 17 A flowchart for secondary air supply control during engine startup. FIG. 18 This is a timing diagram used to illustrate secondary supply control.

[0112] First, refer to FIG. 16 The structure of the waste gas treatment device 1 will be described.

[0113] like FIG. 16 As shown, the exhaust gas treatment device 1 has a controller 70. Furthermore, the engine is equipped with an engine speed sensor 72 for detecting the engine speed [rpm].

[0114] The controller 70 consists of a microcomputer with a central processing unit (CPU), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and input / output interfaces (I / O interfaces). The CPU reads and executes programs stored in the ROM, thereby enabling the controller 70 to perform various processes. The controller 70 can also be composed of multiple microcomputers. Alternatively, the controller 70 and the ECU (engine control unit) can be integrated into a single controller.

[0115] The controller 70 controls the operating state of the EHC21, the operating state of the secondary air control unit 80, and the charging and discharging state of the energy storage device 90 based on signals from the temperature sensor 71, the engine speed sensor 72, and the external air temperature sensor 73, as well as signals corresponding to the SOC (State of Charge) from the energy storage device 90.

[0116] Then, refer to FIG. 17, to explain the secondary air supply control at the time of engine start-up. The secondary air supply control is executed by the controller 70 FIG. 17 the flow of the secondary air supply control shown.

[0117] In step Sll, the controller 70 determines whether or not a start-up condition of the secondary air supply control is satisfied. The start-up condition is satisfied in a case where it is detected that the engine is not started up and it is detected that any one of the following is satisfied.

[0118] (1) The door of the driver's seat is opened, and a door magnet (door sensor, not shown) is switched from closed to open.

[0119] (2) The driver sits on the driver's seat, and a body weight detection sensor (not shown) detects the driver.

[0120] (3) The driver fastens the seat belt, and a seat belt sensor (not shown) is switched from closed to open.

[0121] (4) The driver holds the steering, and an electrostatic capacity sensor (not shown) provided to the steering detects the touch of the driver's hand.

[0122] (5) The electric wave of an electronic key (not shown) is detected, and it is detected that the user who holds the electronic key has approached the vehicle.

[0123] In a case where it is determined in step Sll that the start-up condition is satisfied, step S12 is entered. On the other hand, in a case where it is determined in step Sll that the start-up condition is not satisfied, the processing of step Sll is repeated until the start-up condition is satisfied.

[0124] In step S12, the controller 70 turns on the EHC 21.

[0125] In step S13, the controller 70 supplies (injects) air to the secondary air control unit 80. Thereby, the secondary air control unit 80 supplies air in a state where the EHC 21 is turned on, and thus the air is heated by the EHC 21, and the TWC 25 is heated by the heated air.

[0126] In step S14, it is determined whether or not the engine is started up. In a case where it is determined in step S14 that the engine has been started up, step S15 is entered. On the other hand, in a case where it is determined in step S14 that the engine has not been started up, the processing of step S14 is repeated until the engine is started up.

[0127] In step S15, the engine is started up so that the exhaust gas G is supplied to the exhaust treatment device 1, and thus the controller 70 stops the supply of air from the secondary air control unit 80.

[0128] In step S16, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed. The predetermined time is set as the time from engine start-up until the temperature of exhaust gas G rises to 200-300°C. If it is determined in step S16 that the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S17. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S16 that the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process of step S16 is repeated until the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0129] In step S17, the temperature of the engine exhaust gas G has risen to 200-300°C, so the controller 70 shuts off EHC21.

[0130] Then, refer to FIG. 18 To explain in detail based on FIG. 17 The secondary air supply control is performed according to the process. FIG. 18 In the diagram, the horizontal axis represents time t [sec], and the vertical axis represents the temperature of TWC25 [°C], the electrical power supplied to EHC21 [kW], the secondary air flow rate [kg / h], the engine speed [rpm], and the vehicle speed [km / h]. Temperature T1 is the temperature at which the catalyst of TWC25 is activated, for example, 200–300 [°C]. Furthermore, temperature T2 is the upper limit of the usable temperature range of TWC25.

[0131] At time t0, controller 70 determines that the start conditions for secondary air supply control are met, turns on EHC21, and begins to supply air using secondary air control unit 80.

[0132] Alternatively, the air supply by the secondary air control unit 80 can be delayed until time t1 instead of starting at time t0. That is, after EHC21 is turned on, the air supply by the secondary air control unit 80 can be started after the temperature of EHC21 rises.

[0133] At time t2, the engine is started based on the engine start-up requirement. If the engine starts, exhaust gas G is supplied to the exhaust gas treatment device 1, so the controller 70 stops the air supply from the secondary air control unit 80. At this time, the temperature T of TWC25 reaches temperature T1, but continues to be heated by exhaust gas G from EHC21.

[0134] At time t3, since a predetermined time has elapsed since time t2, controller 70 shuts off EHC21. Furthermore, at time t4, the engine stops.

[0135] In a short time after the engine is started, low-temperature exhaust gas G remaining between the cylinder (not shown) of the engine and the exhaust treatment device 1 flows into the exhaust treatment device 1. In addition, the components constituting the engine and the exhaust passage themselves are low-temperature, and thus the exhaust gas G discharged from the cylinder can also be low-temperature. Therefore, the temperature of the TWC 25 can decrease due to the low-temperature exhaust gas G.

[0136] In this regard, in the exhaust treatment device 1, heating of the exhaust gas G by the EHC 21 is continued for a prescribed time after the engine is started. Therefore, the low-temperature exhaust gas G is heated by the EHC 21 and introduced into the TWC 25. Thus, the temperature of the TWC 25 can be prevented from decreasing.

[0137] The control of the EHC 21 will be described later with reference to FIG. 19 the flowchart of the control of the EHC 21 shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 19

[0138] In step S10, the controller 70 detects a pre-start condition of the engine. The pre-start condition of the engine is, for example, the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor 73, the SOC of the electrical storage device 90 estimated based on a signal transmitted from the electrical storage device 90, or the like.

[0139] In step Sll, the controller 70 determines whether a start condition of the EHC 21 is satisfied. The start condition is the same as that of step Sll of the engine start control of the exhaust treatment device 1, and thus the description thereof is omitted. FIG. 17

[0140] In a case where it is determined in step Sll that the start condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S12. On the other hand, in a case where it is determined in step Sll that the start condition is not satisfied, the process of step S10 and step Sll is repeated until the start condition is satisfied.

[0141] In step S12, the controller 70 starts the EHC 21.

[0142] In step S23, the controller 70 determines whether the engine has been restarted. It is determined that the engine has been restarted based on the fact that the engine is started in a state in which the engine is not completely cooled (a state in which the water temperature and the oil temperature have not completely decreased). In a case where it is determined in step S23 that the engine has been restarted, the process proceeds to step S27. On the other hand, in a case where it is determined in step S23 that the engine has not been restarted, the process proceeds to step S24.

[0143] ​​In step S24, the controller 70 determines whether the outside air temperature is 0 [°C] or higher. In a case where it is determined in step S24 that the outside air temperature is 0 [°C] or higher, step S25 is entered. On the other hand, in a case where it is determined in step S24 that the outside air temperature is not 0 [°C] or higher, i.e., the outside air temperature is less than 0 [°C], step S27 is entered.

[0144] In step S25, the controller 70 determines whether the SOC of the electrical storage device 90 is 50 [%] or higher. In a case where it is determined in step S25 that the SOC of the electrical storage device 90 is 50 [%] or higher, step S26 is entered. On the other hand, in a case where it is determined in step S25 that the SOC of the electrical storage device 90 is not 50 [%] or higher, i.e., the SOC of the electrical storage device 90 is less than 50 [%], step S27 is entered.

[0145] In step S26, it is determined whether the activation of the TWC 25 is completed. In a case where it is determined in step S26 that the activation of the TWC 25 is completed, step S17 is entered. On the other hand, in a case where it is determined in step S26 that the activation of the TWC 25 is not completed, the process of step S26 is repeated until the activation of the TWC 25 is completed. The state in which the EHC 21 is operated until the activation of the TWC 25 is completed corresponds to the first operation state.

[0146] In step S17, the controller 70 turns off the EHC 21.

[0147] On the other hand, in a case where step S27 is entered in a case where it is determined in step S23 that the engine has been restarted, in a case where it is determined in step S24 that the outside air temperature is not 0 [°C] or lower, and in a case where it is determined in step S25 that the SOC of the electrical storage device 90 is not 50 [%] or higher, it is determined whether the activation of the TWC 25 is 50 [%] or higher.

[0148] In a case where it is determined in step S27 that the activation of the TWC 25 is 50 [%] or higher, step S17 is entered, and the controller 70 turns off the EHC 21. On the other hand, in a case where it is determined in step S27 that the activation of the TWC 25 is not 50 [%], the process of step S27 is repeated until the activation of the TWC 25 is 50 [%]. The state in which the EHC 21 is operated until the activation of the TWC 25 is 50 [%] corresponds to the second operation state.

[0149] As described above, the controller 70 switches the EHC 21 to a plurality of operation states on the basis of the outside air temperature and the SOC of the electrical storage device 90. Thereby, it is possible to extend the travel distance related to an electrically driven powertrain (omitted from illustration) of a vehicle, and to suppress the amount of carbon dioxide emission.

[0150] Specifically, in the case where the outside air temperature is below 0 [°C] and the SOC of the electrical storage device 90 is less than 50 [%] before the engine is started, the controller 70 operates the heater in the first operation state. On the other hand, in the case where the outside air temperature is below 0 [°C] and the SOC of the electrical storage device 90 is 50 [%] or more before the engine is started, the outside air temperature is higher than 0 [°C], or the engine has been restarted, the controller 70 operates the EHC 21 in the second operation state different from the first operation state. Further, in the first operation state, the controller 70 performs the operation of the EHC 21 until the activity of the TWC 25 is higher than in the second operation state.

[0151] Thus, in the case where the outside air temperature is low and the SOC of the electrical storage device 90 is sufficiently high, the EHC 21 is operated using the electric power charged in the electrical storage device 90, whereby the TWC 25 can be activated.

[0152] On the other hand, in the case where the outside air temperature is low and the SOC of the electrical storage device 90 is not sufficiently high, the EHC 21 is operated to activate the TWC 25 until the activity of the TWC 25 reaches 50 [%], whereby the TWC 25 can be activated while ensuring the SOC of the electrical storage device 90 for vehicle running.

[0153] Further, in the case where the outside air temperature is sufficiently high or the engine has been restarted, it is an environment in which the TWC 25 is easily activated, and therefore the EHC 21 is operated to activate the TWC until the activity of the TWC 25 reaches 50 [%]. Thus, the TWC 25 can be activated without excessively consuming the SOC of the electrical storage device 90.

[0154] Further, the control method and the controller 70 of the exhaust treatment device 1 described above are not limited to the structure of the exhaust treatment device 1. That is, as long as at least the heater 22 and the TWC 25 are provided, the control method and the controller 70 can be used without depending on the structure of the housing or the like.

[0155] As described above, the exhaust treatment device 1 of the vehicle having the engine and the electric storage device 90 that supplies electric power to the electric power assembly can be characterized in that it further has: a catalyst carrier (TWC 25) for purifying the exhaust gas G; a heater 22 provided at a position closer to the upstream than the TWC 25 in the flow direction of the exhaust gas G, receives supply of electric power from the electric storage unit 90, and heats the exhaust gas G introduced into the TWC 25; and a controller 70 that controls the operation state of the heater 22, in a case where the outside air temperature is below 0°C and the state of charge (SOC) of the electric storage device 90 is 50% or more before the engine is started, the controller 70 operates the heater 22 in a first operation state, in a case where the state of charge (SOC) of the electric storage device 90 is less than 50% before the engine is started, the outside air temperature is higher than 0°C, or the engine has been restarted, the controller 70 operates the heater 22 in a second operation state different from the first operation state.

[0156] Further, in the first operation state, the controller 70 can perform operation of the heater 22 until the activity of the TWC 25 is higher than in the second operation state.

[0157] Further, although detailed description of the state of charge (SOC) of the electric storage device 90 is omitted, the state of charge (SOC) of the electric storage device 90 is output from a state of charge estimation device (not shown) based on a detection value of a current sensor (not shown) and is input directly or indirectly to the controller 70. However, it is not particularly limited to these structures.

[0158] Further, the outside air temperature can be output to the controller 70 directly or indirectly by a temperature sensor (not shown).

[0159] In the above-described JP 2020-143662 A, a catalytic converter having a heater on the upstream side of a catalyst for purifying an exhaust gas is disclosed, but control of the heater is not disclosed.

[0160] In this regard, the exhaust treatment device 1 having the above-described controller 70 can extend the travel distance related to the electric motor or the like of the electric power assembly that drives the vehicle and suppress the amount of carbon dioxide discharged.

[0161] The above describes the embodiments of the present application, but the above-described embodiments only show a part of the applicable examples of the present application, and the technical scope of the present application is not limited to the specific structures of the above-described embodiments.

[0162] Further, the above-described reference examples, the respective embodiments, and the respective modified examples can be appropriately combined.

[0163] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-129328 filed on August 5, 2021, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-197164 filed on December 3, 2021, with the Japan Patent Office, and the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. An exhaust treatment device that treats exhaust gas discharged from an engine, comprising: a manifold that has a flow inlet through which exhaust gas flowing in a first direction from the engine flows in and a flow outlet that guides exhaust gas to a downstream in such a manner that the exhaust gas flows in a second direction intersecting the first direction, changing the direction of travel of the exhaust gas from the first direction to the second direction; a first catalyst carrier into which exhaust gas introduced from the flow outlet of the manifold flows, the first catalyst carrier purifying exhaust gas flowing in the second direction; a heater provided upstream of the flow direction of exhaust gas of the first catalyst carrier, heating exhaust gas flowing from the manifold to the first catalyst carrier; and a housing that houses the first catalyst carrier and the heater, an inlet side opening portion of the housing is inserted into the inner periphery of the flow outlet of the manifold to a position adjacent to the flow inlet of the manifold, an inlet side recess through which exhaust gas flowing from the flow inlet of the manifold passes is formed in the inlet side opening portion.

2. The exhaust treatment device according to claim 1, wherein an end portion of the flow outlet side of the manifold is welded and fixed to the housing, the manifold has a first member provided on the inner periphery side of the flow of exhaust gas, a second member provided on the outer periphery side of the flow of exhaust gas, and an overlapping portion in which the first member and the second member overlap, an overlapping length of the portion of the housing inserted into the manifold at a position corresponding to the overlapping portion is set to be longer than an overlapping length of the portion of the housing inserted into the manifold at a position at which the inlet side recess is formed.

3. The exhaust treatment device of claim 1, wherein, further comprising: an electrode provided so as to protrude from the heater to the outside of the housing in a direction intersecting the second direction, for supplying power to the heater, the manifold has a first member provided on the inner periphery side of the flow of exhaust gas, a second member provided on the outer periphery side of the flow of exhaust gas, and an overlapping portion in which the first member and the second member overlap, the housing has an opposite wall portion that faces the flow inlet and that is hit by exhaust gas flowing from the flow inlet when the exhaust gas travels in a straight line after passing through the inlet side recess in the first direction, the electrode is disposed in a region between the opposite wall portion and an overlapping portion forming portion for providing the overlapping portion.

4. The exhaust treatment device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the housing forms a straight flow path through which exhaust gas can travel in a straight line after passing through the inlet side recess in the first direction, and has a protruding portion that changes the flow of a portion of the exhaust gas from the first direction to the second direction at a position that is further upstream than the straight flow path.

5. The exhaust treatment device of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, further comprising: a controller that controls the operation state of the heater based on an outside air temperature and a state of charge of an electrical storage device, in a case where the outside air temperature is below 0°C and the state of charge of the electrical storage device is 50% or more before the engine is started, the controller operates the heater in a first operation state, In a case where the outside air temperature is below 0°C and the state of charge of the electrical storage device is less than 50% before the engine is started, the outside air temperature is higher than 0°C, or the engine has been restarted, the controller operates the heater in a second operation state different from the first operation state.

6. The exhaust treatment device of claim 5, wherein, In the first operation state, the controller executes operation of the heater until the activity of the first catalyst carrier is higher than in the second operation state.

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