Catalytic converter for a motor vehicle and motor vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a catalyst (10) for reprocessing exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine for motor vehicles, having a housing (14) through which exhaust gas can flow and having a cavity (18) and a catalyst carrier (22) disposed in the cavity (18) and provided with at least one catalyst coating (24), wherein the housing (14) has an inlet (26) for allowing exhaust gas to enter the cavity (18) and at least two outlets (32, 34) that are separated from each other and arranged at least partially offset from the inlet (26) for discharging exhaust gas out of the cavity (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a catalytic converter for use in motor vehicles. This invention also relates to a motor vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] DE 10 2012 023 049 A1 discloses an exhaust gas retreatment device for retreating exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine. Additionally, DE 195 24 980 A1 discloses an exhaust gas treatment device for a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The objective of this invention is to provide a catalyst for exhaust gas retreatment and a motor vehicle having such a catalyst, so that exhaust gas can be effectively retreated by means of the catalyst.

[0004] This task is accomplished by a catalyst having the features of the present invention and a motor vehicle having the features of the present invention. Further embodiments illustrate advantageous designs with suitable inventive improvements.

[0005] The first aspect of the invention relates to a catalytic converter for reprocessing exhaust gases from the internal combustion engines of motor vehicles, particularly automobiles such as passenger cars. This specifically means that the motor vehicle, in its manufactured state, includes a catalytic converter and an internal combustion engine, also referred to as an engine or internal combustion engine, and designed, for example, as a piston engine. During its ignition operation, the internal combustion engine provides the exhaust gases, which can flow through the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter can be designed as a three-way catalytic converter or other catalytic converters, such as an SCR catalytic converter. Alternatively, the catalytic converter can be a particulate filter or contain such a particulate filter. The particulate filter can be, in particular, a diesel particulate filter (DPF) or a gasoline particulate filter (OPF), so that the internal combustion engine can be designed, for example, as a diesel engine or a gasoline engine. It is conceivable that the catalytic converter is designed as a so-called floor catalytic converter, arranged in the floor area or vertically below the vehicle floor. Here, the motor vehicle has a structure, for example, designed as a self-supporting body, which has a so-called floor. The passenger compartment of the motor vehicle, also referred to as the interior, is defined, for example, vertically downward by at least partially, especially at least mainly or completely, through the floor. Here, this structure also at least partially defines the engine compartment, in which the internal combustion engine is housed. Here, the under-mount catalytic converter is located outside the engine compartment and therefore below the floor. Alternatively, the catalytic converter could be designed to be close to the engine, housed within the engine compartment along with the internal combustion engine.

[0006] The catalyst has a housing through which exhaust gas can flow and which has or directly defines a cavity. Furthermore, the catalyst includes at least one or exactly one catalyst carrier, also simply referred to as a carrier or substrate, disposed within the cavity and, consequently, within the housing, and is provided with at least one catalytic coating. Thus, the catalytic coating is supported by the carrier. The catalyst carrier is also referred to, for example, as a substrate or catalyst substrate. Preferably, the catalyst carrier is a flow-through substrate, i.e., designed as a flow-through substrate. The flow-through substrate, for example, includes a plurality of side-by-side tubes that are continuously open from one end to the opposite end and thus through which exhaust gas can flow from one end to the other, i.e., from front to back. Thus, the tubes, for example, define their respective uninterrupted, continuous, and open flow channels from one end to the other, the channels extending or arranged parallel to each other. One end is an inlet end, through which exhaust gas can flow into its respective flow channel. Thus, the other end is an outlet end, through which exhaust gas can flow out of its respective flow channel.

[0007] In the case of a particulate filter, the substrate is, for example, a filter substrate or is designed as a filter substrate. Filter substrates are also referred to as particulate filter substrates. Compared to flow substrates, particulate filter substrates are, for example, carriers whose flow channels are closed, particularly at the inlet or outlet, thereby forming a labyrinth, particularly through the tubes or flow channels, through which exhaust gas flows or is able to flow in its path through the housing.

[0008] To enable the advantageous reprocessing of exhaust gases using catalytic converters, particularly catalytic coatings, the present invention specifies that the housing has, in particular, exactly one inlet, through which exhaust gases can be introduced into the cavity. Therefore, it is preferable to have only one inlet through which exhaust gases can flow into the cavity or, during engine operation, into the cavity. Additionally, the housing has at least two, or exactly two, separate and spaced apart from each other, also called outlets, through which exhaust gases can be discharged from the cavity. In other words, during engine operation, exhaust gases flow out of the cavity and, preferably only through the outlets, and thus, for example, out of the housing. Furthermore, the present invention specifies that the outlets are arranged at least partially offset from the inlet. In other words, each outlet has at least one local area arranged without overlapping or covering the inlet, i.e., not overlapping with or covering the inlet. This may specifically mean that each outlet extends, for example, in a plane, wherein the outlets may be defined to extend in a plane common to these outlets. Each outlet has its own penetration direction perpendicular to the plane, through which exhaust gas flows and thus exits the cavity. The inlet extends, for example, in a second plane that preferably extends parallel to the aforementioned first plane. Each outlet and consequently the first plane are spaced apart from the inlet and consequently from the second plane. If, for example, each outlet is projected into the second plane along a direction perpendicular to the first plane and / or perpendicular to the second plane, at least each of the aforementioned partial regions of each outlet is arranged beside the inlet, and thus does not overlap with the inlet, or is arranged without overlap with the inlet. It is particularly conceivable that each outlet has at least one respective second partial region, which, for example, with respect to the aforementioned projection, is covered by the inlet or a corresponding portion of the inlet, i.e., arranged to overlap with the inlet or a corresponding portion of the inlet.

[0009] This invention is particularly based on the understanding that experiments have shown that, especially when the cavity, i.e., the inner circumferential surface of the shell that directly defines the cavity, is designed to be oval or circular, a merely insufficiently uniform distribution of exhaust gas or its flow occurs within the cavity of a common catalyst. This merely insufficiently uniform distribution is due to the fact that the exhaust gas is typically guided to the shell via a circular exhaust pipe or a circular exhaust channel via the exhaust pipe, and particularly introduced into the cavity centrally via the inlet, while, as previously mentioned, the cavity itself is circular or oval, i.e., elliptical. Furthermore, the outlet is arranged to overlap with the inlet. This causes the exhaust gas or its flow to concentrate at the center of the cavity, thus offering little or no benefit to the exhaust gas reprocessing relative to the catalytic coating area outside the center.

[0010] Typically, components such as perforated plates, perforated pipes, and / or guide vanes or baffles are placed upstream of the cavity to ensure that the exhaust gas flowing into or entering the cavity presents its own flow direction, which can improve the uniformity of distribution. However, it has been found that these components do not significantly improve the uniformity of distribution, but instead lead to excessively high exhaust gas back pressure.

[0011] The aforementioned problems and disadvantages can now be avoided in the catalyst of the present invention. On the one hand, a particularly good uniform distribution of exhaust gas within the cavity can be achieved; on the other hand, excessively high exhaust gas back pressure can be avoided. Tests show that a very high uniformity index (GVI) of exhaust gas within the cavity can be achieved in the catalyst of the present invention, wherein the uniformity index can be, for example, 93.1%. As is known, a uniformity index of 95% is at least close to ideal; here, almost ideal uniform distribution can be achieved in the catalyst of the present invention.

[0012] Because the outlets are staggered relative to the inlet and thus offset from the inlet, the exhaust gas does not flow directly from the inlet to its respective outlet. Instead, the exhaust gas is retained in the central portion of the cavity and then distributed to the edge regions of the cavity, where there is a larger flow surface than in the central portion. This allows for a particularly advantageous uniform distribution. Simultaneously, excessively high exhaust gas back pressure can be avoided. As a result, a very high exhaust gas re-treatment efficiency of the catalyst can be achieved. Furthermore, a long catalyst lifespan can be obtained from the catalyst design of this invention, because, for example, the catalytic coating is not only used locally, but at least substantially uniformly for exhaust gas re-treatment.

[0013] To achieve a good and uniform distribution of exhaust gas within the cavity, in one embodiment of the invention, the housing is provided with exactly one inlet through which exhaust gas can be introduced into the cavity. In other words, the aforementioned inlet is preferably the only inlet through which exhaust gas can flow into the cavity, or flow in during the operation of the internal combustion engine.

[0014] Another embodiment is characterized in that the inlet and respective outlet are spaced apart from each other along the main flow direction of the exhaust gas flowing through the housing. The direction of the main flow direction is, for example, perpendicular to the aforementioned first plane and / or the aforementioned second plane. In particular, this main flow direction coincides with the longitudinal extension direction of the housing or catalyst. Especially in the completed state of the motor vehicle manufacturing, the catalyst is an integral part of the exhaust gas treatment system, and its longitudinal extension direction coincides with, for example, the main flow direction.

[0015] To advantageously introduce exhaust gas into the cavity and thereby achieve a highly uniform distribution of exhaust gas within the cavity, other designs of the invention specify the provision of an exhaust gas conduit upstream of the inlet and, consequently, upstream of the cavity, through which the exhaust gas can flow. This conduit is fluidly connected to the inlet and, consequently, to the cavity. Thus, exhaust gas flowing through the conduit can exit the conduit and then flow through the inlet, thereby entering the cavity. Here, the conduit, or its longitudinal extension, extends obliquely relative to the main flow direction, thereby allowing the exhaust gas to flow obliquely through the inlet and, consequently, into the cavity relative to the main flow direction.

[0016] In another particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the inlet extends within the inlet wall of the housing. The inlet wall completely closes and defines the cavity except for the inlet in a direction parallel to the main flow direction and therefore, for example, perpendicular to the respective planes and oriented away from the respective outlets. Circumferentially, the cavity is defined, for example, entirely around the outer shell of the housing, which, for example, forms the aforementioned inner circumferential surface of the housing. The outer shell is, for example, separately constructed from and connected to the inlet wall. The inlet wall extends in a plane perpendicular to the main flow direction, which is therefore, for example, the aforementioned second plane. In summary, the inlet is formed within the inlet wall. With this design, a very advantageous uniform distribution within the cavity can be achieved.

[0017] Another embodiment is characterized in that the respective outlets extend within an outlet wall, particularly a common outlet wall. The outlet wall is constructed and connected to the housing, for example, separately from and / or separately from the inlet wall. The inlet wall and / or outlet wall may be designed as an integral unit. Relatedly, the feature “the outlets are separated from and spaced apart from each other” can in particular refer to a wall portion acting as a partition wall between the outlets.

[0018] In another particularly advantageous design of the invention, the outlet wall completely encloses the cavity except for the outlet, in a direction extending parallel to the main flow direction and oriented away from the inlet. This outlet wall and, consequently, each outlet, extend in a plane perpendicular to the main flow direction, for example, the aforementioned first plane. Thus, the exhaust gas can be advantageously retained or diverted, thereby achieving a good and uniform distribution of the exhaust gas within the cavity without excessively high exhaust gas back pressure.

[0019] To achieve good uniform distribution and thus advantageous exhaust gas retreatment, in other designs of the invention, at least one first local region of the catalyst carrier's end face facing the outlet wall is arranged in close proximity to at least one second local region adjacent to the respective outlet. This forces the exhaust gas to use a flow path adjacent to the center of the cavity so that it can flow from the inlet to the respective outlet. If the substrate or its first local region were separated from the outlet wall or its second local region, the exhaust gas would flow directly through the center of the cavity, resulting in uneven or only insufficiently uniform distribution of the exhaust gas. This is now avoided.

[0020] Particularly preferred is that a third local region of the base material, for example, adjoining a first local region of the end face, overlaps with one of the outlets, i.e., a first portion of one of the outlets; alternatively or additionally, for example, a fourth local region of the end face, adjoining the first local region of the end face, overlaps with another outlet or a second portion of another outlet. This achieves a favorable uniform distribution while avoiding excessively high exhaust back pressure.

[0021] Ultimately, it proved particularly advantageous that the second local region of the outlet wall was arranged between the outlets. Thus, the second local region is, for example, the aforementioned wall portion of the outlet wall arranged between the outlets. This allows for the maintenance of a very low exhaust gas back pressure, while simultaneously ensuring a well-uniform distribution.

[0022] The second aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle, preferably designed as an automobile, especially a passenger car, having at least one catalytic converter according to the first aspect of the invention. The advantages and advantageous designs of the first aspect of the invention should be regarded as advantages and advantageous designs of the second aspect of the invention, and vice versa. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Other advantages, features, and details will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the specification, as well as those mentioned below in the description of the drawings and / or shown individually in the figures, may be used not only in their respective indicated combinations, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention, as illustrated in the figures:

[0024] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the catalyst of the present invention is shown;

[0025] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the catalyst is shown;

[0026] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional top view of the catalyst is shown;

[0027] Figure 4aA schematic cross-sectional view of a catalyst according to a first principle embodiment is shown;

[0028] Figure 4b Another schematic cross-sectional view of the catalyst according to the first embodiment is shown;

[0029] Figure 5a A schematic cross-sectional view of a catalyst according to a second principle embodiment is shown;

[0030] Figure 5b Another schematic cross-sectional view of the catalyst according to the second embodiment is shown;

[0031] Figure 6a A schematic cross-sectional view of a catalyst, known in itself, is shown;

[0032] Figure 6b Showing according to Figure 6a Another schematic cross-sectional view of the catalyst. Detailed Implementation

[0033] In the figure, identical or functionally identical parts are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0034] Figure 1 A catalytic converter 10 for a motor vehicle is shown in a schematic perspective view. This means that the motor vehicle has the catalytic converter 10 in its manufactured state. Additionally, the motor vehicle has an internal combustion engine, which drives the vehicle. During the ignition and operation of the internal combustion engine, a combustion process occurs in the internal combustion engine, particularly in the combustion chamber, producing exhaust gases. The exhaust gases flow out of the combustion chamber or the internal combustion engine and into the motor vehicle's exhaust system, through which they can then pass. The exhaust system is also referred to as an exhaust device and includes at least the catalytic converter 10 through which the exhaust gases can flow. The exhaust gases are further treated by means of the catalytic converter 10. Figure 1 The waste gas equipment can have a waste gas piping component 12, which can be configured separately from the catalyst 10, for example. The waste gas piping component 12 can be through which waste gas flows.

[0035] It can be combined very well Figure 2 As can be seen in general, the catalyst 10 has a housing 14 through which exhaust gas can flow, which may have a flow path from... Figure 2 The outer casing 16, which is clearly visible and, for example, is in one or more parts, form. The outer casing 16 and, consequently, the housing 14, define the cavity 18 of the catalyst carrier 10. Here, the cavity 18 is defined, in particular, directly by the inner circumferential surface 20 of the outer casing 16 or housing 14. The inner circumferential surface 20 and, consequently, the cavity 18, are designed here to be elliptical or oval. A circular housing 14 with a correspondingly shaped inner circumferential surface 20 is obviously conceivable. The catalyst 10 also has... Figure 2The catalyst support 22, which is particularly schematically shown, is also referred to as a monolith or substrate, especially a catalyst substrate, and is provided with at least one [missing information - likely referring to a specific component or arrangement]. Figure 2 The catalyst coating 24 is shown schematically in the middle. The catalyst carrier 22 is attached to the inner peripheral surface 20.

[0036] Figure 1-5b The catalyst 10 of the present invention is shown. According to... Figure 4a , 4b The principle structure of the catalyst 10 of the present invention will be explained by 5a and 5b.

[0037] To achieve both a good and uniform distribution of exhaust gas within the cavity 18 and to maintain a very low exhaust gas back pressure, the housing 14 has a single inlet 26 through which exhaust gas can be introduced or flow into the cavity 18. Therefore, the inlet 26, also referred to as the inlet, is located on the catalyst 10. The inlet 26 is essentially centered with respect to the cross-section of the catalyst 10. Here, the exhaust gas duct 12, especially the exhaust gas passage 30 through which the exhaust gas flows, is arranged upstream of the inlet 26 and, consequently, upstream of the cavity 18.

[0038] Additionally, the housing 14 has at least two outlets 32, 34 through which exhaust gas can be sent out or flow out of the cavity 18. The outlets 32, 34 are separated from and therefore spaced apart from each other, which allows for efficient extraction of exhaust gas. Figure 4b and 5b As seen in the image. Furthermore, each outlet 32 ​​or 34 is arranged offset from or at least partially offset from the inlet 26. According to... Figure 4a , 4b In the embodiments of 5a and 5b, the respective outlets 32 or 34 are arranged substantially without overlap or coverage with the inlet 26 and are therefore arranged next to the inlet 26, and thus do not overlap with or cover the inlet 26.

[0039] Figure 4a , 4b A first principle embodiment of the catalyst 10 is shown. As can be seen from… Figure 1-4b As seen in the overview, for example, inlet 26 is centrally formed in inlet wall 35 of shell 14, wherein inlet wall 35 and inlet 26 are in a hypothetical configuration. Figure 3 Extending within the first plane E1 shown. Outlets 32 and 34 are formed in the outlet wall 36 shared by outlets 32 and 34 of the housing 14, wherein the outlet wall 36 and, consequently, the outlets 32 and 34 can... Figure 3 It extends within the shared second plane E2 as seen in the diagram. Planes E1 and E2 extend parallel to each other and are spaced apart from each other. Here in Figure 3The main flow direction is indicated by arrow 38. Exhaust gas flows along the main flow direction 38 from inlet 26 and then from inlet wall 35 to outlet wall 36 and then to outlets 32, 34, and especially to outlets 32, 34. Here, the main flow direction 38 is perpendicular to planes E1, E2 and extends centrally within the housing 14, such that planes E1, E2, or inlet wall 35 and outlet wall 36, are spaced apart from each other along the main flow direction. The feature "outlets 32, 34 are separated from each other and spaced apart" specifically refers to the wall portion 40 of the outlet wall 36, which acts as a partition wall, arranged between outlets 32, 34.

[0040] Additionally, it can be well obtained from Figure 4a As seen in the image, the inlet wall 35 extends parallel to the main flow direction 38 and is oriented away from the outlet wall 36 and further away from the outlets 32 and 34. Figure 3 The cavity 18, as indicated by arrow 44, is completely closed or defined in the first direction, except for the inlet 26. Correspondingly, the outlet wall 36 extends parallel to the main flow direction 38 and is oriented away from the inlet wall 35 and further away from the inlet 26, opposite to the first direction 44, and in... Figure 3 The cavity 18, as indicated by arrow 46 in the second direction, is completely enclosed or defined except for the outlets 32 and 34. The cavity 18 is thus formed by the outer shell 16, the inlet wall 35, and the outlet wall 36.

[0041] To achieve a particularly advantageous uniform distribution of exhaust gas within the cavity 18, at least one first local region T1 of the end face 48 of the catalyst carrier 22 facing the outlet wall 36 is directly abutted against the wall 40 adjacent to and between the outlets 32, 34. Thus, at least a portion of the exhaust gas flowing into the cavity 18 through the inlet 26 flows through the catalyst carrier 22 toward the wall 40, and is thus forced from the central region of the cavity 18 and, consequently, the catalyst carrier 22 (where the wall 40 is arranged in its central region) to the outer edge region of the cavity 18 and, consequently, the catalyst carrier 22, because only there can the exhaust gas exit the cavity 18 via the outlets 32, 34. A local region T2 of the end face 48 of the catalyst carrier 22, which is in contact with local region T1, is arranged, for example, to overlap with or cover the outlet 32, and a local region T3 of the end face 48, which is in contact with, for example, local region T1, is arranged, for example, to overlap with or cover the outlet 34. This allows for a particularly advantageous flow condition through the catalyst carrier 22, because the exhaust gas flowing into the cavity 18 via the inlet 26 not only flows through the central region of the catalyst carrier 22, but is also pushed to the edge region of the catalyst carrier 22.

[0042] From Figure 1As seen in the image, the exhaust gas equipment has a Y-shaped pipe 50, also known as a Y-shaped element, which is at least substantially designed in a Y-shape. The Y-shaped pipe 50 is fluidly connected to outlets 32 and 34 via its fittings 50.1 and 50.2, respectively. Exhaust gas flowing out of the cavity 18 through outlets 32 and 34 flows into the Y-shaped pipe 50 via its respective fittings 50.1 and 50.2 and is collected in its manifold 50.3 by means of the Y-shaped pipe, and flows from the manifold 50.3 into the exhaust gas passage of the exhaust gas pipe 52. The Y-shaped pipe 50 is configured, for example, separately from the catalyst 10 or separately from the housing 14 and is at least indirectly, and especially directly, mechanically connected to the housing 14. The Y-shaped pipe 50 is, for example, a Y-shaped housing or is configured by at least or exactly two combined Y-shaped housings.

[0043] Advantageously, the Y-shaped pipe 50 is designed to facilitate flow, especially in the region of the junction 504 of the fittings 50.1 and 50.2 and the manifold 50.3, so that no dead water zone is formed in the Y-shaped pipe 50 in the region of the junction 50.4, thereby allowing the exhaust gas to flow through the Y-shaped pipe 50 with less resistance.

[0044] From Figure 1 and 3 As seen in the image, the exhaust gas duct 12, located upstream of the inlet 26 and capable of passing through the exhaust gas flow, and fluidly connected to the cavity 18 via the inlet 26, extends upward at a third angle relative to the main flow direction 38. (As shown in...) Figure 3 As indicated by arrow 54, the exhaust gas duct 12 causes the exhaust gas to flow upward through the inlet 26 at a third angle relative to the main flow direction 38 and thus flow into the cavity 18 at an angle relative to the main flow direction 38.

[0045] Because the exhaust gas does not flow perpendicular to plane E1, but rather at an angle relative to plane E1 and relative to the main flow direction into cavity 18, this is also known as the Fischer funnel structure, thus enabling a highly advantageous distribution of exhaust gas within cavity 18. In particular, it allows for efficient gas distribution within cavity 18. Figure 3 As seen in the image, the inlet wall 35 can have a generally funnel-shaped structure, wherein the inlet wall 35 gradually tapers into a funnel shape from the outer shell 16 of the housing 14 and connects to the exhaust gas pipeline component 12. Here, the funnel-shaped inlet wall 35 also extends in plane E1 (… Figure 3 The cavity (18) has an inlet (26) for introducing exhaust gas into the cavity (18) and at least two outlets (32, 34) that are separate from each other and at least partially offset from the inlet (26) for discharging exhaust gas out of the cavity (18).

[0046] In another embodiment, the Y-shaped tube 50 may also be surrounded by the housing 56. Figure 3 ).

[0047] according to Figure 1-3 and Figure 4a , 4bThe cavity 18 or the outer casing 16 has a cross-section that is at least substantially elliptical. In other words, the inner circumferential surface 20 and the cavity 18 are at least substantially elliptical. Catalysts 10 with elliptical cross-sections are particularly suitable for passenger cars because space is limited at the floor level. Figure 5a , 5b In the first embodiment shown, the inner circumferential surface 20 and consequently the cavity 18 are designed to be circular. Catalysts 10 with a circular cross-section are particularly suitable for off-road vehicles and trucks because space constraints at the floor level are less pronounced. (The last sentence appears to be incomplete and possibly refers to a different embodiment.) Figure 5a As seen in the diagram, the inlet 26 is at least substantially centered, i.e., at the center of the cavity 18, while the outlets 32 and 34 are eccentrically arranged in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the housing 14 has exactly four outlets 32, 32', 34, and 34'. Because the outlets 32, 32', 34, and 34' are also offset relative to the inlet 26, they can be said to not be flush with the inlet 26, which is also referred to as the inlet.

[0048] Figure 6a , 6b The catalyst 10', which is known in itself, is shown. Here, the housing 14 has exactly one inlet 26, which is different from... Figure 1-5b The embodiment shown is arranged eccentrically relative to the cavity 18. Furthermore, according to... Figure 6a , 6b The housing 14 has exactly one outlet 32, which is also so eccentrically arranged relative to the cavity 18, that is, the outlet 32 ​​is completely offset from the inlet 26.

[0049] List of reference numerals

[0050]

Claims

1. A catalyst (10) for reprocessing exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, comprising a housing (14) having a cavity (18) through which exhaust gas can flow, and a catalyst carrier (22) disposed within the cavity (18) and provided with at least one catalytic coating (24). Its characteristics are, - The cavity (18) is defined by the inner peripheral surface (20) of the housing (14), and the catalyst carrier (22) rests against the inner peripheral surface (20). - The housing (14) has an inlet (26) for introducing exhaust gas into the cavity (18) and at least two outlets (32, 34) that are separated from each other and at least partially offset from the inlet (26) for discharging exhaust gas out of the cavity (18). - The inlet (26) and the respective outlets (32, 34) are spaced apart from each other along the main flow direction (38) of the exhaust gas flowing through the casing (14). - The inlet (26) is formed in the inlet wall (35), which completely closes the cavity (18) except for the inlet (26) in a direction (44) extending parallel to the main flow direction (38) and oriented away from the respective outlets (32, 34). The inlet wall (35) extends in a plane (E1) perpendicular to the main flow direction (38). - Each of the respective outlets (32, 34) is formed in the outlet wall (36). - The outlet wall (36) completely closes the cavity (18) except for its respective outlets (32, 34) in a direction (46) extending parallel to the main flow direction (38) and oriented away from the inlet (26), wherein the outlet wall (36) extends in a plane (E2) perpendicular to the main flow direction (38). - At least one first local region (T1) of the end face (48) of the catalyst carrier (22) facing the outlet wall (36) is in close contact with at least one wall portion (40) arranged beside the respective outlet (32, 34) of the outlet wall (36) that acts as a partition wall. - The wall portion (40) is arranged between the outlets (32, 34), and - The housing (14) has an outer shell (16) in which a Y-shaped tube (50) is provided, the Y-shaped tube (50) having a first tube (50.1) and a second tube (50.2) respectively fluidly connected to their respective outlets (32, 34), wherein a first partial region (T1) of the end face (48) of the catalyst carrier (22) facing the outlet wall (36) and the wall portion (40) of the outlet wall (36) are disposed between the first tube (50.1) and the second tube (50.2), wherein the first tube (50.1) and the second tube (50.2) are joined together at the junction (50.4) of the first tube (50.1) and the second tube (50.2) at the manifold (50.3) of the Y-shaped tube (50), and wherein the manifold (50.3) of the Y-shaped tube (50) can be fluidly connected to the exhaust duct of the exhaust pipe (52) of the motor vehicle.

2. The catalytic converter (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The housing (14) has an inlet (26) that allows exhaust gas to be introduced into the cavity (18).

3. The catalytic converter (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that An exhaust gas duct (12) that can be flowed through and is fluidly connected to the inlet (26) and extends obliquely about the main flow direction (38) is arranged upstream of the inlet (26). By means of the exhaust gas duct, the exhaust gas can be made to flow obliquely through the inlet (26) about the main flow direction (38) and thus flow obliquely into the cavity (18).

4. A motor vehicle having at least one catalytic converter (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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