Exhaust treatment assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to an exhaust treatment assembly for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, comprising at least one electrically energizable heating unit (16) having a heating zone (20) arranged in an exhaust guiding housing (14) which can be circulated by exhaust gas and two joint zones (22, 24) through the exhaust guiding housing (14) for connecting electrical connection lines (36, 38) which extend outside the exhaust guiding housing (14), the exhaust treatment assembly further comprising a connection line mounting aid element (60) which is fixed with respect to the exhaust guiding housing (14) and which has at least one connection line positioning recess (76, 78) in a mounting aid element body (62) for receiving a connection line (36, 38) to be connected with one of the joint zones (22, 24).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an exhaust treatment assembly for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. Background Technology

[0002] To reduce harmful emissions from internal combustion engines, exhaust treatment units, such as catalytic converters or particulate filters, are incorporated into exhaust systems. To enable these exhaust treatment units to quickly reach operating temperatures, especially in relatively low ambient temperatures, it is known to place at least one heating unit upstream of such an exhaust treatment unit in the exhaust stream. This heating unit, under electrical excitation, transfers heat to the gas circulating around it, particularly the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. This heat can then be transferred to the exhaust treatment unit following downstream, enabling it to rapidly reach the operating temperature required for the catalytic reaction. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide an exhaust gas treatment assembly in which a defined positioning of a connection line provided for connecting a heating unit to a power source is reliably achieved and maintained.

[0004] According to the present invention, the objective is achieved by an exhaust treatment assembly for an exhaust device for an internal combustion engine, the exhaust treatment assembly comprising at least one electrically energized heating unit having a heating zone disposed in an exhaust guide housing that is circulated by exhaust gas and two connector areas passing through the exhaust guide housing for connection to electrical connection lines extending outside the exhaust guide housing. The exhaust treatment assembly further comprises a connection line mounting auxiliary element fixed with respect to the exhaust guide housing, the connection line mounting auxiliary element having at least one connection line positioning recess in its body for receiving a connection line to be connected to one of the connector areas.

[0005] By using the connecting lines to install auxiliary components, it is ensured that, for example, when an exhaust device containing an exhaust treatment component according to the invention is integrated into a vehicle, the heating unit is electrically connected to a power source or a controller that applies an operating voltage to the heating unit. The connecting cables used for this purpose are held in a determined position unaffected by the connection process, particularly in the area where they connect to the connector area of ​​the heating unit, i.e., in the connection end area of ​​the connecting cable, and are reliably left in that position after the assembly process is performed.

[0006] In order to take advantage of the invention at each connection line, the connection line mounting auxiliary element is provided with a connection line positioning gap for each connection line connected to one of the connector areas.

[0007] By setting up multiple connecting lines with longitudinal axes that are substantially parallel to each other, positioning gaps can be positioned in a way that avoids interference between the connecting lines.

[0008] In order to enable the connection line to be introduced into the positioning recess assigned to it in a simple manner and method, the at least one connection line positioning recess may include a groove-shaped recess that is open in a direction away from the outside of the exhaust guide housing.

[0009] A design that protects against external influences and, in particular, ensures electrical insulation in the area of ​​the connection end region of the connection line can be provided, wherein the at least one connection line positioning clearance constitutes a connection end region for substantially fully receiving the connection line to be electrically connected to one of the joint regions.

[0010] For this purpose, for example, the at least one connection line positioning gap may be configured to include a line receiving section for receiving the connection end area of ​​the connection line, and a connector element receiving section connected to the line receiving section, the connector element receiving section being used to receive a connector element of the connection end area of ​​the connection line that is connected to the line area and is to be electrically connected to one of the connector areas.

[0011] Because the connecting line has a generally larger size at the location where it connects to the connector area of ​​the heating unit than the line area in the connecting line that leads to the power supply or controller, it is recommended that the connector element receiving section have a larger size transverse to the longitudinal axis of the positioning clearance than the line receiving section.

[0012] If the connecting line mounting auxiliary element includes a mounting auxiliary element cover, wherein, when the mounting auxiliary element cover is mounted on the body of the mounting auxiliary element, the at least one connecting line positioning void is substantially completely closed or / and the connecting end area of ​​the connecting line positioned in the at least one connecting line positioning void is substantially completely enclosed by the connecting line mounting auxiliary element, then a design scheme that is reinforced to prevent external influences can be achieved.

[0013] In order to securely mount the connecting line mounting auxiliary element in the area of ​​the exhaust treatment assembly, a fixing area can be provided on the main body of the mounting auxiliary element.

[0014] In an easy-to-implement yet very stable design, the fixing area may include multiple fixing sections, which are fixed to the exhaust guide housing or / and to a cover that at least partially surrounds the exhaust guide housing by a fixing mechanism.

[0015] In an alternative, and particularly advantageous, design for an exhaust treatment assembly with regard to the electrical insulation of the achievable connection end area, the fixing area may include a connecting pin through-hole in at least one, preferably each connection line positioning slack, the connecting pin through-hole opening being open toward the receiving section of the connector element and being passed through by the connecting pin from one of the connector areas.

[0016] The connecting line mounting auxiliary element is preferably constructed of an electrically insulating material (preferably a plastic material). Here, the connecting line mounting auxiliary element may be entirely constructed of such an electrically insulating material, for example, as a block of material, i.e., substantially integrally constructed, or may be coated with such a material at least in the areas where electrical insulation is required.

[0017] In the exhaust treatment assembly according to the invention, at least one exhaust treatment unit may be provided downstream of at least one heating unit along the exhaust flow direction, preferably a catalyst and / or a particulate filter.

[0018] The present invention also relates to a connection line installation auxiliary element, preferably used in an exhaust treatment assembly constructed according to the present invention, wherein the connection line installation auxiliary element includes at least one connection line positioning clearance in the main body of the installation auxiliary element for receiving the connection line to be connected to the connector area of ​​the exhaust treatment assembly.

[0019] It should be noted that such connection line mounting auxiliary elements can be constructed individually or in any combination using all the previously explained design features specific to the connection line mounting auxiliary elements. In particular, the connection line mounting auxiliary elements are characterized by:

[0020] -In the main body of the mounting auxiliary element, the two positioning gaps with longitudinal axes that are substantially parallel to each other are formed as groove-shaped recesses that are substantially transverse to the longitudinal axes of the positioning gaps.

[0021] or / and

[0022] - The at least one connection line positioning gap constitutes a connection end area for substantially fully receiving the connection line and making conductive connection with the connector area of ​​the exhaust treatment assembly.

[0023] or / and

[0024] - A fixing area for securely mounting the connection line mounting auxiliary element is provided on the main body of the mounting auxiliary element.

[0025] or / and

[0026] - An installation auxiliary element cover is provided on the main body of the installation auxiliary element, which substantially completely closes the positioning gap of the at least one connection line.

[0027] The present invention also provides an exhaust device for an internal combustion engine, the exhaust device comprising at least one exhaust treatment component constructed according to the present invention, wherein each connector area is connected to a connecting line, the connecting line being received in a connecting line positioning recess for connecting line mounting auxiliary elements. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic longitudinal cross-sectional view of the exhaust treatment components of an internal combustion engine's exhaust system is shown.

[0030] Figure 2 A detailed view of the exhaust treatment assembly with mounting auxiliary components for connecting lines is shown;

[0031] Figure 3 Show Figure 2 The exhaust treatment assembly shown is in Figure 2 View in observation direction III;

[0032] Figure 4 Show Figure 3 The exhaust treatment assembly shown is in Figure 3 View in the observation direction IV;

[0033] Figure 5 The corresponding alternative design for the exhaust treatment assembly is shown. Figure 2 The view;

[0034] Figure 6 Show Figure 5 The exhaust treatment components in Figure 5 The view on the VI direction of observation;

[0035] Figure 7 Show Figure 6 The exhaust treatment components in Figure 6 The view along the observation direction VII;

[0036] Figure 8 This illustrates another alternative design approach for the exhaust treatment assembly. Figure 2 The view;

[0037] Figure 9 Show Figure 8 The exhaust treatment assembly in which the mounting auxiliary element cover is removed from the mounting auxiliary element body. Detailed Implementation

[0038] exist Figure 1The diagram illustrates a section of the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, generally designated 10. The section shown represents an exhaust treatment assembly 12, in which an exhaust heating unit 16 is disposed upstream of an exhaust treatment unit 18 along the exhaust flow direction A within an exhaust guide housing 14, for example, in a tubular configuration. The exhaust treatment unit 18 may include, for example, a catalytic converter (especially an oxidation catalytic converter or an SCR catalytic converter), a particulate filter, or the like.

[0039] The exhaust treatment unit 16 includes a heating zone 20 within the exhaust guide housing 14, responsive to the circulating exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine. This heating zone may be constructed, for example, with an outer heating conductor or the like. For electrical power supply, the heating unit 16 also has respective connector areas 22, 24 passing through the exhaust guide housing 14 for connection to each pole of a power source. The two also enable... Figure 2 In each of the connector areas 22 and 24 seen in the diagram, conductive connecting pins 26 and 28 pass through corresponding protrusions 30 and 32 on the exhaust guide housing 14 in an electrically insulated manner.

[0040] In the design embodiment of the exhaust treatment assembly 12 shown in the figure, the tubular exhaust guide housing 14, which is assembled from multiple components if necessary, is externally surrounded by a cover 34, which at least partially surrounds the exhaust guide housing and thus thermally insulates it. In the regions of the connector areas 22, 24, openings 35 are formed in the cover 34, for example, which is constructed from multiple components. The connector areas 22, 24 extend through these openings and are thus electrically connected to connection lines 36, 38 leading to a power source, controller, or the like.

[0041] Figures 2 to 4 Each of the connecting lines 36, 38 shown in relation to the first design of the exhaust treatment assembly 12 has a connector element 44, 46 in its respective connecting end region 40, 42, configured as, for example, as a sheet metal forming component. Each connector element 44, 46 has an opening through which the respective connecting pins 26, 28 of the connector regions 22, 24 can be guided. By screwing on a nut element or the like (not shown), the connector element 44, 46 can be electrically secured to the corresponding associated connecting pin 26, 28, wherein the connector element is pressed, for example, against a radially widened portion, such as a trapezoidal or conical shape, formed on the connecting pin 26, 28, or against, for example, the protrusions 32, 32 if the protrusions extend accordingly far outward from the exhaust guide housing 14.

[0042] In the connection end regions 40 and 42 of the connecting lines 36 and 38, conductor regions generally indicated by 48 and 50 are connected to each connector element 44 and 46, for example, by pressing the respective connector elements 44 and 46 against the conductor regions in a manner that surrounds the corresponding conductor regions 48 and 50 with wires 52 and 54. In the conductor regions opposite to those guided by the connector elements 44 and 46, the wires 52 and 54 are surrounded by electrically insulating sheaths 56 and 58.

[0043] In order to ensure that the connecting lines 36, 38 remain in their defined positions when the connecting lines 36, 38 are installed on the exhaust treatment unit 12, which is already integrated into the vehicle, for example, along with the exhaust equipment 10, especially when the connector elements 44, 46 are secured to the connecting pins 26, 28, the exhaust treatment assembly 12 includes connecting line mounting auxiliary elements generally indicated by 60. Figures 2 to 4 The connection line mounting auxiliary element 60 shown includes a mounting auxiliary element body 62 preferably integrally constructed of an electrically insulating material (e.g., plastic or similar material). Figures 2 to 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the main body of the mounting auxiliary element is secured to the outside of the cover 34 in a fixing area 72 comprising four fixing sections 64, 66, 68, and 70. For this purpose, a fixing mechanism 74 (such as a fixing rivet or fixing screw) can be used, which passes through the fixing sections 64, 66, 68, and 70 and also passes through or is introduced into the cover 34.

[0044] In the region connected to four fixed sections 64, 66, 68, 70 formed by bases, the mounting auxiliary element body 62, belonging to each of the two connecting lines 36, 38, has a connecting line positioning recess 76, 78. The connecting line positioning recesses extend longitudinally in the direction of the longitudinal axes L1, L2 of the positioning recesses, and are open in the axial direction and in the direction away from the cover 34, or exhaust guide housing 14, and are therefore formed as groove-shaped recesses. Each connecting line 36, 38 is positioned such that it is fitted into one of the connecting line positioning recesses, and remains substantially transverse to the longitudinal axes L1, L2 of its respective positioning recess and substantially parallel to the surface of the cover 34, or exhaust guide housing 14. The lateral dimensions of the positioning clearances 76 and 78 for the connecting lines can be coordinated with the diameters of the line areas 48 and 50 of the connecting lines 36 and 38, so that the line areas are clamped within their respective corresponding positioning clearances 76 and 78. However, in order to achieve and maintain the defined positioning of the connecting lines 36 and 38, especially in the connection end areas 40 and 42 of the connecting lines (in Figure 2 and Figure 3 As can be seen in the image, such clamping effect is not mandatory for the joint areas 22 and 24, or the exhaust guide housing 14.

[0045] By assembling the auxiliary element 60 via the connecting lines, the connecting lines 36, 38 are held in positions defined with respect to each other and with respect to the exhaust treatment assembly 12 during and after installation. Therefore, the risk of damage or short circuits to the connecting lines, particularly in the connecting end areas 40, 42, due to unpredictable movement of the connecting lines 36, 38 during or after installation, and especially during vehicle operation, is eliminated. The auxiliary element 60, by assembling the connecting lines, not only predefines the positioning of the connecting end areas 40, 42 substantially transverse to the defined positions of the connecting pins 26, 28, but also predefines the positioning of the connecting end areas 40, 42 along the longitudinal direction of the connecting pins 26, 28; thus, the connector elements 44, 46 are also held in the positions required for proper fixation to the connecting pins 26, 28 along their longitudinal direction.

[0046] exist Figures 5 to 6 The figures show alternative designs for the exhaust treatment assembly 12, or the connecting line mounting auxiliary element. In these designs, the connecting line positioning gaps 76, 78 within the mounting auxiliary element body 62 are configured such that they receive the entire connection end regions 40, 42 of the connecting lines 36, 38, and the lines 36, 38 therefore do not substantially protrude beyond the outer periphery of the mounting auxiliary element body 62 in their connection end regions 40, 42. This provides better protection and, in particular, better insulation in the areas where the connecting lines 36, 38 connect to the connecting pins 26, 28.

[0047] The two connection line positioning recesses 76 and 78, which are arranged substantially parallel to each other and open in a direction away from the cover 34 or the exhaust guide housing 14, and are provided as groove-shaped recesses, include connector element receiving sections 80 and 82. Connector elements 44 and 46, which are received in the corresponding connection line positioning recesses 76 and 78, are positioned in the connector element receiving sections. Each connector element receiving section 80 and 82 is connected to a line area receiving section 84 and 86. Line sections 48 and 50 connected to the corresponding connector elements 44 and 46 extend in the line area receiving sections or are held substantially transversely to the longitudinal axes L1 and L2 of the corresponding positioning recesses in the line area receiving sections.

[0048] In order to Figures 5 to 7The connecting line mounting auxiliary element 60 shown is fixed to the exhaust treatment assembly 12. In this design, the fixing area 72, associated with each connecting pin 26, 28, includes a connecting pin through-hole 88, 90 through which the connecting pin passes. The mounting auxiliary element body 62 is pushed onto the connecting pins 26, 28 with its fixing area 72 such that the connecting pin passes through the connecting pin through-holes 88, 90, which open toward the connector element receiving sections 80, 82, respectively, and protrudes from the mounting auxiliary element body 62, which is placed on the protrusions 30, 32, in the region of the connector element receiving sections 80, 82. If the mounting auxiliary element body 62 is positioned on the connector sections 22, 24 in this way, the connecting lines 36, 38 can be inserted into the associated connecting line positioning recesses 76, 78, such that the connector elements 44, 46 are guided with respect to the connecting pins 26, 28 by means of the openings formed therein. Subsequently, a nut element may be screwed onto each of the connecting pins 26, 28, for example, to press the respective associated connector elements 44, 46 against the mounting auxiliary element body 62 and the mounting auxiliary element against the protrusions 30, 32. In this way and by this method, the mounting auxiliary element body 62 is securely held on the connector areas 22, 24 of the exhaust treatment assembly 12, and the connecting lines 36, 38 are defined and held in their connection end areas 40, 42 with respect to each other and with respect to the exhaust treatment assembly 12, as also referred to above. Figures 2 to 4 As described.

[0049] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9 The diagram shows the design of another exhaust treatment assembly 12, or connection wiring mounting auxiliary element 60. The main body 62 of the mounting auxiliary element substantially corresponds to the design described above. Figures 5 to 7 The configuration shown includes line receiving sections 84 and 86 in each of the connection line positioning gaps 76 and 80, and connector element receiving sections 80 and 82 respectively connected to the line receiving sections. In this design, the connection end areas 40 and 42 of the connection lines 36 and 38 are also substantially completely received within the outline of the mounting auxiliary element body 62 and are held outwardly by the mounting auxiliary element body with substantially complete electrical insulation.

[0050] exist Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the design shown, the connection line mounting auxiliary element 60 also includes a mounting auxiliary element cover 92. The mounting auxiliary element cover, like the mounting auxiliary element body 62, is preferably constructed of an electrically insulating material (e.g., plastic) and is secured to the mounting auxiliary element body 62 by a plurality of locking structures 94, 96. Figure 8 As clearly seen, at the mounting auxiliary element cover 92 fixed to the mounting auxiliary element body 62, each of the connection line positioning gaps 76 and 78 in the mounting auxiliary element body 62 is substantially completely closed outwards, thereby achieving complete electrical insulation of the corresponding connection end areas 40 and 42, and in particular, protecting the connection end areas from external influences such as moisture or similar effects. The connection line positioning gaps 76 and 78 are open only in the direction of their longitudinal axes, where the line areas 48 and 50 of the connection lines 36 and 38 are led out of the mounting auxiliary element body 62.

[0051] In the construction according to the invention of the exhaust treatment unit or connecting line mounting auxiliary element for the exhaust treatment assembly, the positioning of the connection end areas of the connecting lines defined for the heating unit of the exhaust treatment assembly is achieved using structurally simple yet robust design measures. Simultaneously, the connection end areas of the connecting lines are electrically insulated from each other and from the outside, and are protected from external influences.

Claims

1. An exhaust treatment assembly for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, the exhaust treatment assembly comprising at least one electrically energized heating unit (16) having a heating zone (20) disposed in an exhaust guide housing (14) energized by exhaust circulation and two connector zones (22, 24) passing through the exhaust guide housing (14), the connector zones being for connection to an electrical connection line (36, 38) extending outside the exhaust guide housing (14), the exhaust treatment assembly further comprising a connection line mounting auxiliary element (60) fixed with respect to the exhaust guide housing (14) and constructed of an electrically insulating material, the connection line mounting auxiliary element having at least one connection line positioning recess (76, 78) in a mounting auxiliary element body (62) for receiving a connection line (36, 38) to be connected to one of the connector zones (22, 24).

2. The exhaust gas treatment assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting line installation auxiliary element (60) is provided with a connecting line positioning vacancy (76, 78) for each connecting line (36, 38) to be connected to one of the connector areas (22, 24).

3. The exhaust gas treatment assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The positioning gaps (76, 78) of the connecting lines are set with parallel longitudinal axes (L1, L2).

4. The exhaust treatment assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The at least one connection line positioning gap (76, 78) includes a groove-shaped recess that is open in a direction away from the outside of the exhaust guide housing (14).

5. The exhaust treatment assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The at least one connection line positioning gap (76, 78) constitutes a connection end area (40, 42) for fully receiving the connection line (36, 38) and making conductive connection with one of the connector areas (22, 24).

6. The exhaust gas treatment assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The at least one connection line positioning gap (76, 78) includes: a line receiving section (84, 86) for receiving the line area (48, 50) of the connection end area (40, 42) of the connection line (36, 38); and a connector element receiving section (80, 82) connected to the line receiving section (84, 86) for receiving the connector element (44, 46) of the connection end area (40, 42) of the connection line (36, 38) that is connected to the line area (48, 50) and is to be electrically connected to one of the connector areas (22, 24).

7. The exhaust treatment assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The receiving sections (80, 82) of the connector element are transverse to the longitudinal axis (L1, L2) of the positioning clearance and have a larger dimension than the receiving sections (84, 84).

8. The exhaust treatment assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The connecting line installation auxiliary element (60) includes an installation auxiliary element cover (92). When the installation auxiliary element cover (92) is installed on the main body (62) of the installation auxiliary element, the at least one connecting line positioning gap (76, 78) is completely closed or / and the connection end area (40, 42) of the connecting line (36, 38) located in the at least one connecting line positioning gap (76, 78) is completely enclosed by the connecting line installation auxiliary element (60).

9. The exhaust treatment assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A fixing area (72) is provided on the main body (62) of the mounting auxiliary element for securely mounting the connecting line mounting auxiliary element (60).

10. The exhaust gas treatment assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that, The fixed area (72) includes multiple fixed sections (64, 66, 68, 70), which are fixed to the exhaust guide housing (14) or / and to the cover (34) that at least partially surrounds the exhaust guide housing (14) by a fixing mechanism (74).

11. The exhaust gas treatment assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that, The mounting auxiliary element body (62) is provided with a fixing area (72) for securely mounting the connecting line mounting auxiliary element (60). The fixing area (72) includes a connecting pin through opening (88, 90) in at least one connecting line positioning gap (76, 78). The connecting pin through opening opens toward the connector element receiving section (80, 82) and is passed through by a connecting pin (26, 28) from one of the connector areas (22, 24).

12. The exhaust gas treatment assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that, The fixing area (72) includes a connecting pin through opening (88, 90) in each connecting line positioning gap (76, 78), the connecting pin through opening opening toward the connector element receiving section (80, 82) and through which a connecting pin (26, 28) passes from one of the connector areas (22, 24).

13. The exhaust treatment assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The electrical insulation material is plastic.

14. The exhaust treatment assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, At least one exhaust treatment unit (18) is provided downstream of at least one heating unit (16) along the exhaust flow direction.

15. The exhaust treatment assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that, The at least one exhaust treatment unit (18) includes a catalyst and / or a particulate filter.

16. An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine, said exhaust system comprising at least one exhaust treatment component (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, A connecting line (36, 38) is connected to each connector area (22, 24), and the connecting line is received in the connecting line positioning gap (76, 78) of the connecting line mounting auxiliary element (60).

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