Compact exhaust treatment system with serviceable filter

Abstract

The invention relates to an exhaust gas treatment system comprising a first structure and a second structure in fluid communication and defining a flow path for exhaust gas, the second structure being supported by the first structure, the first structure comprising a first catalytic converter downstream of a mixing chamber, said first catalytic converter having a fluid connection to an exhaust gas outlet, the second structure comprising a filter unit housing removably connected to the first structure and an inlet module by filter unit housing fixation means, said second structure defining a longitudinal axis, said filter unit housing comprising a filter unit and said inlet module comprising a second catalytic converter and having a fluid connection to an exhaust gas inlet, the filter unit housing and / or the inlet module being configured to allow its removal from the exhaust gas treatment system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an exhaust gas treatment system for vehicle internal combustion engine exhaust gases. Furthermore, this invention relates to a method for repairing the exhaust gas treatment system of this invention. Additionally, this invention relates to a vehicle including the exhaust gas treatment system of this invention. This invention also relates to the use of the exhaust gas treatment system for treating exhaust gases from a vehicle internal combustion engine. Background Technology

[0002] Acceptable limits for vehicle exhaust emissions are decreasing, making the introduction of filter elements and / or catalytic converters in vehicle exhaust lines necessary to meet emission regulations. Among various exhaust purification and filtration devices, the use of particulate filters to reduce particulate matter in internal combustion engine exhaust is increasing. Over time, particulate matter accumulates within the filter elements, potentially requiring servicing or even replacement. Therefore, it is important to provide an exhaust treatment system for vehicle internal combustion engine exhaust that is easy to maintain, avoids the risk of exhaust bypass, provides good sealing, and ensures exhaust emissions remain within regulated limits.

[0003] Maintaining the filter elements of an exhaust gas treatment system typically requires removing the filter elements from the system so that they can be properly cleaned or replaced. Therefore, it is important that the exhaust gas treatment system allows for easy removal of its filter devices or filter units.

[0004] Due to space constraints in modern vehicles, achieving the above effects in a compact manner is also important.

[0005] This invention allows for simple and quick maintenance of filter units and / or catalytic elements in exhaust gas treatment systems, while carefully considering all the aforementioned issues.

[0006] US 8707687B2 discloses an exhaust gas treatment system comprising a housing for coupling to at least one frame longitudinal beam of a vehicle, and including two diesel particulate filters located within the housing. The arrangement of the two diesel particulate filters within the housing obstructs the maintenance of the two filters.

[0007] EP 2110528A1 discloses an apparatus for treating exhaust gas flow, which includes a housing with a door that can be opened to allow access to the interior of the housing during maintenance. Even with the door, the arrangement of the gas treatment elements within the housing can hinder maintenance.

[0008] US 7866143B2, US 7836688B2, US 7582267B1 and US 7550024B2 also belong to the background art related to the claimed invention. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to help solve many problems existing in current exhaust gas treatment systems for internal combustion engines, while distinguishing itself from existing exhaust gas treatment systems. As a result, the exhaust gas treatment system not only meets functional requirements but also allows for easy maintenance of at least one of its filter units and / or its catalytic converter, and can be scaled to meet the requirements of different exhaust gas systems and / or different engines, while complying with corresponding emission regulations.

[0010] This invention relates to a novel exhaust gas treatment system, which is part of a vehicle exhaust gas system. In modern vehicles, typically, harmful exhaust gases and particulate matter emitted from the engine of a motor vehicle pass through a catalytic converter, such as an oxidation catalyst, and particularly, such as a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) and / or a particulate filter (such as a diesel particulate filter (DPF)), and then enter an exhaust gas mixing chamber. After the mixing chamber, the exhaust gas may pass through a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst, followed by an ammonia slip catalyst (ASC).

[0011] Typically, in the mixing chamber, an aqueous urea solution is evaporated into a reducing agent, ammonia, and the reducing agent is well mixed with the exhaust gas over a short distance. The mixing chamber facilitates the evaporation of urea droplets and the uniform mixing of the evaporated ammonia into the exhaust gas, while minimizing the risk of deposition. The uniformly mixed ammonia in the exhaust gas, when evenly distributed over the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst, exhibits high flow uniformity, contributing to the maximization of the conversion of harmful NOx into harmless nitrogen and water. In this regard, the aqueous urea solution can be injected under pressure into the mixing system via a reducing agent dosing module to form a liquid spray that is allowed to fully disperse before colliding with metal components.

[0012] The purpose of this invention is to provide an exhaust gas treatment system for vehicle internal combustion engine exhaust gases, comprising:

[0013] The system includes an exhaust gas inlet, an exhaust gas outlet, a first catalytic converter and a second catalytic converter, a filter unit, and a mixing chamber for evaporating liquid spray and subsequently mixing it into the exhaust gas.

[0014] The exhaust gas treatment system includes a first structure and a second structure that are fluidly connected and define an exhaust gas flow path. The second structure is supported by the first structure. The first structure includes a first catalytic converter downstream of the mixing chamber, the first catalytic converter having a fluid connection to an exhaust gas outlet. The second structure includes a filter unit housing removably connected to the first structure and an inlet module via a filter unit housing fixing device. The second structure defines a longitudinal axis. The filter unit housing includes the filter unit, and the inlet module includes the second catalytic converter and has a fluid connection to an exhaust gas inlet. The filter unit housing and / or the inlet module are configured to allow them to be removed from the exhaust gas treatment system.

[0015] Due to the relative arrangement of the first and second structures and their removable connection, the filter unit housing and / or inlet module are easily removed from the exhaust gas treatment system of the present invention. This ease of removal facilitates the maintenance and / or replacement of the components, including the filter unit located within the filter unit housing and the catalytic converter located within the inlet module. The arrangement of the components in the exhaust gas treatment device of the present invention also eliminates the risk of internal bypass of exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust gas treatment device.

[0016] In one embodiment, the filter unit housing and / or inlet module are configured to allow removal from the exhaust gas treatment system in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the second structure. Alternatively, the filter unit housing and / or inlet module are configured to allow removal from the exhaust gas treatment system in an axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the second structure. The filter unit housing and / or inlet module may also be configured to allow removal in a non-axial or non-radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the second structure.

[0017] In another embodiment, the first structure includes a region for receiving the second structure. Preferably, the region for receiving the second structure includes a protrusion that contacts the second structure.

[0018] In another embodiment, the region for receiving the second structure has a shape that matches one of the second structures.

[0019] In yet another embodiment, the first structure partially surrounds the second structure.

[0020] In yet another embodiment, the filter unit, the first catalytic converter, and the second catalytic converter are arranged parallel to one or more longitudinal beams of the vehicle frame. This arrangement facilitates radial removal of the filter unit housing and / or the inlet module.

[0021] In another embodiment, the second structure is supported by the first structure via a clamp, strap, or bolt connection. However, any other suitable fastening device can be used to support the second structure via the first structure.

[0022] In addition to providing fixation between components, the filter unit fixing device also ensures proper alignment between the filter unit housing and the inlet module, and in particular, ensures proper alignment between the filter unit and the proximal end of the second catalytic converter located within the inlet module.

[0023] In another embodiment, the filter unit housing securing device includes a V-clamp. The V-clamp allows for easy and quick removal of the filter unit housing and / or inlet module, while providing a seal, which can be further improved by using one or more gaskets.

[0024] In another embodiment, the first structure includes a first deflection wall removably connected to the filter unit housing, the first deflection wall being configured to surround a first transfer cone, the first transfer cone being configured to deflect exhaust gas leaving the filter unit into a mixing chamber such that the flow path of the exhaust gas in the mixing chamber is opposite to the flow path of the exhaust gas in the filter unit. Preferably, the first deflection wall is further configured to deflect exhaust gas leaving the first catalytic converter into an outlet pipe.

[0025] In yet another embodiment, the first structure includes a second deflection wall surrounding a second transfer cone, the second transfer cone being configured to deflect exhaust gas leaving the mixing chamber toward a first catalytic converter.

[0026] In another embodiment, the exhaust gas inlet is arranged radially relative to the flow path of the exhaust gas flowing through the second catalytic converter. Alternatively, the exhaust gas inlet is arranged axially relative to the flow path of the exhaust gas flowing through the second catalytic converter.

[0027] In another embodiment, the exhaust outlet is arranged radially relative to the flow path of the exhaust gas flowing through the first catalytic converter. Alternatively, the exhaust outlet is arranged axially relative to the flow path of the exhaust gas flowing through the first catalytic converter.

[0028] A radial or axial inlet for exhaust gas can be combined with a radial or axial outlet for exhaust gas. In yet another embodiment, the exhaust gas inlet and / or outlet are not along the axial or radial direction.

[0029] In yet another embodiment, the exhaust gas treatment system of the present invention includes a cover of a first structure and / or a second structure. Preferably, the cover is thermally insulated, and more preferably, has a heat shield. Preferably, the cover includes a maintenance hatch, allowing technicians or similar personnel to access components located within the cover for maintenance or any other reason.

[0030] In yet another embodiment, the exhaust gas treatment system of the present invention further includes a third catalytic converter upstream of the second catalytic converter. This embodiment is particularly advantageous for treating vehicle exhaust that must meet the most stringent emission regulations, such as the so-called Euro 7 / VII. The third catalytic converter may be located in the inlet module, particularly upstream of the second catalytic converter and downstream of the exhaust gas inlet, or it may be located as a separate module outside the inlet module, or within a separate module. In the latter case, the separate module has its own exhaust gas inlet from the vehicle's internal combustion engine. Preferably, the third catalytic converter includes a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst. More preferably, the third catalytic converter further includes an ammonia slip catalyst (ASC) disposed downstream of the SCR catalyst.

[0031] In yet another embodiment, the second catalytic converter includes a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC).

[0032] In yet another embodiment, the filter unit includes a diesel particulate filter (DPF).

[0033] In yet another embodiment, the first catalytic converter includes a first selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst. Preferably, the first catalytic converter further includes a first ammonia escape catalyst (ASC) disposed downstream of the first SCR catalyst and defining a first catalytic flow path.

[0034] In another embodiment, the first catalytic converter further includes a second selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst and a second ammonia escape catalyst (ASC) disposed downstream of the second SCR catalyst and defining a second catalytic flow path, wherein the second deflection wall is further configured to distribute the exhaust gas from the mixing chamber to the first catalytic flow path and the second catalytic flow path.

[0035] The waste gas treatment system of the present invention is preferably made of stainless steel, which is resistant to urea corrosion, has low thermal expansion, and possesses good formability and weldability. However, other materials with similar properties may also be used.

[0036] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for repairing the exhaust gas treatment system of the present invention and any of the above embodiments, comprising the following steps:

[0037] - Loosen the filter unit housing fixing device.

[0038] - Move the inlet module axially away from the filter unit housing relative to the longitudinal axis of the second structure.

[0039] - Move the filter unit housing away from the exhaust gas treatment system.

[0040] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the filter unit housing is moved radially away from the exhaust gas treatment system relative to the longitudinal axis of the second structure. Alternatively, the filter unit housing is moved axially away from the exhaust gas treatment system relative to the longitudinal axis of the second structure.

[0041] In another embodiment of the second aspect, the method further includes the step of cleaning or replacing the filter unit.

[0042] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a vehicle including the exhaust gas aftertreatment system of the present invention and any of the above embodiments.

[0043] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of at least one exhaust aftertreatment system to treat exhaust gases from a vehicle internal combustion engine.

[0044] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an exhaust gas treatment system for vehicle internal combustion engine exhaust gas according to the present invention.

[0046] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Rear perspective view of an embodiment of the exhaust gas treatment system shown.

[0047] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of the exhaust gas treatment system, with its inlet module disassembled.

[0048] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The illustration shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of the exhaust gas treatment system, in which its filter unit housing and its inlet module are disassembled.

[0049] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of the exhaust gas treatment system, wherein its second structure is separated from the first structure.

[0050] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A front perspective cross-section view of an embodiment of the exhaust gas treatment system shown.

[0051] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A front perspective cross-section view of an embodiment of the exhaust gas treatment system shown.

[0052] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional rear perspective view of an embodiment of the exhaust gas treatment system shown. Detailed Implementation

[0053] In a broad context, the present invention has many advantages, as well as even more advantageous aspects of the embodiments.

[0054] Now refer to the appendix Figures 1 to 8 The apparatus and system according to the invention will be described in more detail below. The accompanying drawings illustrate one embodiment of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way.

[0055] The material used can be stainless steel, which has low thermal expansion, resistance to urea corrosion, and good formability and weldability. However, other suitable materials can also be used.

[0056] Figure 1 A front perspective view of an embodiment of an exhaust gas treatment system (15) for vehicle internal combustion engine exhaust gas according to the present invention is shown. In this figure, a secondary or second structure (28) including a filter unit housing (5) and an inlet module (4) including an inlet pipe (3) for exhaust gas from the vehicle internal combustion engine can be seen. Also shown in this figure is a primary or first structure (27), which, among other things, includes a first deflection wall (13), a second deflection wall (14), a protrusion (26), and a band (1).

[0057] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion (26) of the first structure (27) is configured to contact the second structure (28), and specifically the inlet module (4), such that the first and second structures (27, 28) are properly positioned and aligned. In this embodiment, the band (1) helps to provide support for the second structure (28) via the first structure (27). The second structure (28) is also supported by the first structure (27) via the connection between the filter unit housing (5) and the first deflection wall (13). In this exemplary embodiment, the connection between the filter unit housing (5) and the first deflection wall (13) and the inlet module (4) is made using a V-clamp (2), which ensures alignment between the components and provides a large seal, while allowing easy and quick separation or connection of the components.

[0058] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first structure (27) partially surrounds the second structure (28). This provides a compact solution and also reduces heat loss in the exhaust gas treatment system (15).

[0059] The illustrated arrangement of the first and second structures (27, 28) in a saddle-shaped configuration provides a compact exhaust gas treatment system (15) that eliminates the risk of internal bypass and allows the filter unit (19) located within the filter unit housing (5) (see... Figure 3 and4 Easy and quick maintenance of components such as ( ) and / or entry module (4).

[0060] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The rear perspective view of an embodiment of the exhaust gas treatment system shown indicates that arrow (16) indicates the flow direction of exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine at the inlet pipe (3), and arrow (17) indicates the flow direction of exhaust gas leaving the exhaust gas treatment system (15) at the outlet pipe (18). In this exemplary embodiment, the inlet pipe (3) is provided with a nitrogen oxide (NOx) sensor boss (11) and a temperature sensor boss (12) to enable monitoring of the quality of exhaust gas at the inlet of the exhaust gas treatment system (15). Similarly, in this exemplary embodiment, the outlet pipe (18) is provided with a particulate matter (PM) sensor boss (10), and a first deflection wall (13) is provided with a NOx sensor boss (9) near its connection with the outlet pipe (18) to enable monitoring of the quality of exhaust gas at the outlet of the exhaust gas treatment system (15). In other embodiments, other arrangements of the sensor bosses are possible; for example, the NOx sensor boss (9) may also be placed at the outlet pipe (18).

[0061] The first deflection wall (13) and / or the second deflection wall (14) may also be provided with additional instruments. In particular, the first deflection wall (13) of the exemplary embodiment shown is also provided with a pressure sensor boss (7) and a temperature sensor boss (8) to measure the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust gas treatment system (15). In this exemplary embodiment, the first deflection wall 13 is also provided with a dosing unit mounting member 6 for accommodating a dosing module or a pressure nebulizer (not shown) to inject liquid (such as an aqueous urea solution, especially an urea water solution) into the mixture chamber 23 (see Figure 6 and 7 In the exhaust gas, the liquid subsequently evaporates in the mixing chamber to form gaseous ammonia. This instrument is optional and can vary between embodiments. More instruments can be placed in other elements or locations of the exhaust gas treatment system of the present invention. Other embodiments of the exhaust gas treatment system of the present invention may have fewer instruments than those described above.

[0062] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1The diagram shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of the exhaust gas treatment system, with its inlet module disassembled. A longitudinal axis defined by a second structure is also depicted in this view, defining the axial direction (24) for removing the inlet module (4). This can be achieved by loosening the band (1) and V-clamp (2) in the connection between the outlet of the inlet module (4) and the inlet of the filter unit housing (5). For axial removal of the inlet module (4), the inlet pipe (3) of the exhaust gas treatment system (15) may also need to be separated from the upstream branch (not shown) of the vehicle exhaust system. However, it is also possible that the connection between the inlet pipe (3) and the upstream branch of the vehicle exhaust system, or the upstream branch itself, allows sufficient axial displacement of the inlet module (4) without loosening, disengaging, or decoupling the connection.

[0063] Once the inlet module (4) is removed or taken out from the exhaust gas treatment system (15), the filter unit (19) located within the filter unit housing (5) is exposed. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the filter unit (19) is a diesel particulate filter (DPF), but it could also be a gasoline particulate filter (GPF).

[0064] In this exemplary embodiment, the inlet pipe (3) and the outlet pipe (18) (see Figure 1 The inlet pipe (3) and outlet pipe (18) are arranged radially relative to the longitudinal axis of the second structure (28). However, in other embodiments, the inlet pipe (3) and outlet pipe (18) may be arranged axially relative to the longitudinal axis of the second structure (28). Other embodiments may have a radially arranged inlet pipe (3) and an axially arranged outlet pipe (18), or vice versa.

[0065] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 The figure shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of the exhaust gas treatment system, in which its filter unit housing and its inlet module are disassembled. In this figure, after the inlet module (4) is withdrawn along the axial direction (24) relative to the longitudinal axis defined by the second structure, the filter unit housing (5) is withdrawn or removed from the exhaust gas treatment system (15) along the radial direction (25) relative to the longitudinal axis defined by the second structure. In order to withdraw in this way, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the V-clamp (2) connecting the outlet of the filter unit housing (5) and the inlet of the first deflection wall (13) must be loosened.

[0066] It should be noted that, Figure 4In the exemplary embodiment shown, the filter unit housing (5) can also be extracted or removed from the exhaust gas treatment system (15) along the axial direction (24). In this case, the filter unit housing (5) passes through the belt (1). Axial removal of the filter unit housing (5) becomes easier if it is done together with the inlet module (4), that is, the process begins by loosening the V-clamp (2) in the connection between the inlet of the first deflection wall (13) and the outlet of the filter unit housing (5). Once this is completed, the second structure 28 (see Figure 1 ), namely the filter unit housing 5 and the inlet module (4), can be connected with Figure 3 The inlet module (4) is extracted along the axial direction (24) in a manner similar to that shown in the diagram. The result of this step can be seen in... Figure 5 As seen in [the text]. In the extraction of the second structure 28 (see [the text]). Figure 1 Afterwards, if necessary, the V-clamp (2) connecting the inlet of the filter unit housing 5 and the outlet of the inlet module 4 can be loosened to make the filter unit housing (5) or its filter unit (19) and / or inlet module (4) easy to repair or replace.

[0067] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 The figure shows a front perspective view of an embodiment of the exhaust gas treatment system, wherein its second structure is removed from the first structure. The figure clearly illustrates the possibility of extracting the secondary or second structure (28) from the main or first structure (27), as previously described. The figure also shows protrusions (26) and bands (1) that contribute to providing the saddle-shaped arrangement of the exhaust gas treatment system (15) of this embodiment.

[0068] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment of the exhaust gas treatment system is shown in a cross-sectional front perspective view, in which the exhaust gas flow through the exhaust gas treatment system (15) is indicated by arrows (30). The exhaust gas enters the exhaust gas treatment system (15) through an inlet pipe in a radial direction (16) relative to the longitudinal axis of the second structure (28) (see [reference]). Figure 3 and Figure 4The inlet cone (29) of the inlet module (4) deflects the exhaust gas entering the exhaust gas treatment system (15) through the inlet pipe (3) to the second catalytic converter, which in this case is a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC) (20). After flowing through the DOC (20), the exhaust gas flows through the filter unit (19). After the filter unit (19), the exhaust gas reaches the first deflection wall (13) and the first transfer cone (31) surrounded by the first deflection wall (13), which deflects the exhaust gas leaving the filter unit (19), particularly the DPF, into the mixing chamber (23), such that the flow path (30) of the gas in the mixing chamber (23) is opposite to the flow path (30) of the exhaust gas in the filter unit (19). After leaving the mixing chamber (23), the exhaust gas is deflected to the first catalytic converter by the second transfer cone (32) surrounded by the second deflection wall (14).

[0069] Figure 7 It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional front perspective view of an embodiment of the exhaust gas treatment system shown. This view shows the flow path (30) of the exhaust gas in the mixing chamber (23) and the first catalytic converter after being deflected by the second transfer cone (32) located at the second deflection wall (14). In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first catalytic converter located in the first structure includes a first selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalyst (21), followed by a first ammonia slip catalyst (ASC) (22).

[0070] Figure 8 It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional rear perspective view of an embodiment of the exhaust gas treatment system shown. This figure illustrates a first catalytic converter in the exemplary embodiment shown, which, in addition to the first SCR catalyst (21) and first ASC (22) described above, includes a second SCR catalyst (21') and a second ASC (22') located downstream of the second SCR catalyst (21'). In such an embodiment, the first SCR catalyst (21) and first ASC (22) define a first catalytic flow path, while the second SCR catalyst (21') and second ASC (22') define a second catalytic flow path. If the exhaust gas treatment system (15) includes more than one catalytic flow path, as in the illustrated embodiment, the second transport cone (32) of the second deflection wall (14) is also configured to divide the exhaust gas flow into each catalytic flow path. Once the exhaust gas leaves its respective catalytic flow path, it is directed to the outlet pipe (18) and exits the exhaust gas treatment system (15).

[0071] Although the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures include two catalytic flow paths in the main or first structure (27), other embodiments may include only one catalytic flow path or more than two catalytic flow paths.

[0072] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the foregoing figures, the filter unit (19), DOC (20), first and second SCR catalysts (21, 21'), and first and second ASCs (22, 22') are arranged parallel to one or more longitudinal beams of the vehicle frame of the vehicle equipped with the exhaust gas treatment system (15) of the present invention. The connection between the aforementioned different components and one or more longitudinal beams of the vehicle frame provides a structural rigid connection between the second structure (28) and the vehicle frame.

[0073] All references cited in this article, including publications, patent applications and patents, are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent that each reference is individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated herein by reference and discussed in its entirety.

[0074] All headings and subheadings are used herein for convenience only and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way.

[0075] This invention includes any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations, unless otherwise stated herein or obviously contradicted by the context.

[0076] Unless otherwise stated herein, the ranges of values ​​listed herein are intended only as a brief way of referring to each individual value falling within that range, and each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were listed separately herein. Unless otherwise stated, all precise values ​​provided herein represent corresponding approximations (e.g., all precise exemplary values ​​provided with respect to a particular factor or measurement may also be considered to provide corresponding approximate measurements, modified with “about” where appropriate).

[0077] Unless otherwise stated in this document or clearly contradicted by the context, all methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order.

[0078] The terms “a,” “an,” and “the,” as well as similar designations, used in the context of describing this invention, should be interpreted as inserting the singular and plural unless otherwise stated herein or clearly contradicted by the context. Thus, “a,” “an,” and “the” can mean at least one, or one or more.

[0079] As used herein, the term "and / or" is intended to indicate two alternatives as well as each of the individual alternatives. For example, the expression "xxx and / or yyy" means "xxx and yyy; xxx; or yyy", with all three alternatives depending on their respective embodiments.

[0080] Unless otherwise specified, the use of any and all instances or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended only to better illustrate the invention and not to limit its scope. The language in the specification should not be construed as indicating that any element is necessary for the practice of the invention unless similarly expressly stated.

[0081] The patent literature cited and incorporated herein is for convenience only and does not reflect any opinion on the validity, patentability, and / or enforceability of such patent literature.

[0082] Unless otherwise stated or obviously contradicted by the context, the use of terms such as “comprising,” “having,” “including,” or “containing” in relation to one or more elements in any aspect or embodiment of the invention is intended to provide support for similar aspects or embodiments of the invention that are “composed of,” “substantially composed of,” or “substantially contain” the one or more specific elements (e.g., unless otherwise stated or obviously contradicted by the context, a composition described herein as comprising a specific element should be understood to also describe a composition comprising that element).

[0083] This invention includes all modifications and equivalents to the subject matter referenced in the aspects or claims set forth herein to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

[0084] The features disclosed in the above description can be used individually or in any combination thereof as material for implementing the invention in different forms.

Claims

1. An exhaust gas treatment system for vehicle internal combustion engine exhaust gas, comprising: Exhaust gas inlet, Exhaust gas outlet, First catalytic converter and second catalytic converter Filter unit, A mixing chamber for evaporating liquid spray and subsequently mixing it into the exhaust gas. The exhaust gas treatment system is characterized in that it includes a first structure and a second structure, the first structure and the second structure being in fluid communication and defining the flow path of the exhaust gas, and the second structure being supported by the first structure. The first structure includes the mixing chamber and a first catalytic converter located downstream of the mixing chamber, the first catalytic converter having a fluid connection to the exhaust gas outlet. The second structure includes a filter unit housing and an inlet module, wherein the filter unit housing is removably connected to the first structure, and wherein the filter unit housing is removably connected to the inlet module via a filter unit housing fixing device, and the inlet module is removably connected to both the first structure and the filter unit housing. The second structure defines the longitudinal axis. The filter unit housing includes a filter unit, and The inlet module includes the second catalytic converter and has a fluid connection to the exhaust gas inlet. The filter unit housing and / or the inlet module are configured to allow them to be removed from the exhaust gas treatment system.

2. The waste gas treatment system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter unit housing and / or the inlet module are configured to allow them to be removed from the exhaust gas treatment system in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the second structure.

3. The waste gas treatment system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first structure includes a region for receiving the second structure.

4. The waste gas treatment system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The region for receiving the second structure includes a protrusion that contacts the second structure.

5. The waste gas treatment system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The region for receiving the second structure has a shape that matches one of the second structures.

6. The waste gas treatment system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first structure partially surrounds the second structure.

7. The waste gas treatment system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter unit, the first catalytic converter, and the second catalytic converter are arranged parallel to the longitudinal beams of the vehicle frame.

8. The waste gas treatment system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second structure is supported by the first structure by clamps, straps, or bolts.

9. The waste gas treatment system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first structure includes a first deflection wall removably connected to the filter unit housing, the first deflection wall being configured to surround a first transfer cone, the first transfer cone being configured to deflect exhaust gas leaving the filter unit to the mixing chamber such that the flow path of the exhaust gas in the mixing chamber is opposite to the flow path of the exhaust gas in the filter unit.

10. The waste gas treatment system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first structure includes a second deflection wall surrounding a second transfer cone, the second transfer cone being configured to deflect exhaust gas leaving the mixing chamber toward the first catalytic converter.

11. The waste gas treatment system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The exhaust gas treatment system includes a cover for the first structure and / or the second structure.

12. The waste gas treatment system according to claim 11, characterized in that, The cover is heat-insulated.

Images