Supporting member and supporting structure for catalytic converter

Abstract

The support member (10) includes: a first support member (11) arranged to support the mounting portion (6, 7) in a manner of sandwiching the mounting portion (6, 7) with one side abutting against the vehicle (9); and a second support member (12) arranged between the pair of first support members (11) and formed independently of the first support members (11) to support the inner peripheral side of the through hole (6a, 7a), the mounting portion (8) being arranged at the other end portion of the leaf spring member (6, 7) fixed to the catalytic converter (1), the vibration applied to the catalytic converter (1) being absorbed by elastic deformation of the leaf spring member (6, 7), the vibration in the thickness direction of the leaf spring member (6, 7) being absorbed by elastic deformation of the first support member (11) sandwiching the other end portion of the leaf spring member (6, 7) up and down, and the vibration in the length direction of the leaf spring member (6, 7) being absorbed by elastic deformation of the second support member (12) arranged on the inner peripheral side of the through hole (6a, 7a) provided at the other end portion of the leaf spring member (6, 7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to support components and support structures for catalytic converters. Background Technology

[0002] CN209336481U discloses a vehicle body connection structure for a catalytic converter. To prevent the vibration damping component from rotating when it is installed on the vehicle body with tightening screws, a positioning part is provided on the vibration damping component. Summary of the Invention

[0003] However, in the connection structure of CN209336481U, vibration reduction can be achieved in the tightening direction of the screw, but vibration reduction cannot be achieved in the direction perpendicular to the tightening direction of the screw.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to achieve vibration reduction in at least two directions: a first direction corresponding to the aforementioned fastening direction and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a support member for supporting a catalytic converter including a mounting portion having a through hole in a vehicle comprises: a first support member formed of an elastic material, and a pair thereof provided in such a way as to clamp and support the mounting portion, one of which abuts against the vehicle side; and a second support member disposed between the pair of first support members, formed of an elastic material and independent of the first support members, for supporting the inner peripheral side of the through hole, wherein the mounting portion is disposed at one end fixed to the other end of a leaf spring member of the catalytic converter, the elastic deformation of the leaf spring member absorbs vibrations applied to the catalytic converter, and the elastic deformation of the first support member absorbs vibrations in the thickness direction of the leaf spring member, wherein the first support member clamps the other end of the leaf spring member vertically, and the elastic deformation of the second support member absorbs vibrations in the length direction of the leaf spring member, wherein the second support member is disposed on the inner peripheral side of the through hole provided at the other end of the leaf spring member.

[0006] In the above-described manner, the support member has a pair of first support members that clamp and support the mounting portion, and a second support member disposed independently of the first support members between the pair of first support members and used to support the inner peripheral side of the through hole. Therefore, by supporting the catalytic converter to the vehicle using the support member, the first support member elastically supports the mounting portion in a first direction, and the second support member elastically supports the mounting portion in a second direction. Thus, vibration reduction can be achieved in at least the first direction and the second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the support structure of the catalytic converter according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 for Figure 1 The view observed by arrow II in the diagram.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the supporting component.

[0010] Figure 4 for Figure 3 An enlarged view of section IV in the image.

[0011] Figure 5A This is a top view of the first support component.

[0012] Figure 5B for Figure 5A A sectional view of the side of the image.

[0013] Figure 6A This is a top view of the second support component.

[0014] Figure 6B for Figure 6A A sectional view of the side of the image.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a diagram used to illustrate the load-bearing test of the support component.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a graph illustrating the relationship between the indentation amount and the load during the load test of the support component.

[0017] Figure 9 A diagram illustrating a modified example of a catalytic converter to which the support structure of the present invention is applied.

[0018] Figure 10 A diagram illustrating a catalytic converter to show other variations of the support structure of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the catalytic converter catalytic support structure (hereinafter referred to as "support structure") 100 of the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0020] First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The overall structure of the support structure 100 will be described. Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the supporting structure 100. Figure 2 for Figure 1 The view observed by arrow II in the diagram.

[0021] The support structure 100 has a catalytic converter 1 and a support component 10.

[0022] The catalytic converter 1 is supported by vehicle 9. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The image shows only a portion of the vehicle 9 equipped with the catalytic converter 1. Alternatively, the catalytic converter 1 may be supported by an engine (not shown) mounted on the vehicle 9. In this case, it can be said that the vehicle 9 supports the catalytic converter 1.

[0023] The catalytic converter 1 oxidizes hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide contained in the exhaust gas from the engine into carbon dioxide and water, and reduces nitrogen oxides and removes fine particulate matter, thereby purifying the exhaust gas. The catalytic converter 1 is directly connected downstream of the engine in the exhaust gas flow path. Furthermore, if the engine is equipped with a supercharger, the catalytic converter 1 is directly connected downstream of the supercharger's exhaust outlet. Therefore, vibrations from the engine are transmitted to the catalytic converter 1. In this embodiment, the catalytic converter 1 has two catalysts to improve purification performance. Furthermore, in this embodiment, to save space in the engine compartment, the catalytic converter 1 is arranged in a curved L-shape. Therefore, the overall vibration of the catalytic converter 1 is more complex compared to, for example, a linear catalytic converter with only one catalyst.

[0024] The catalytic converter 1 has a housing 2 and multiple catalysts housed in the housing 2 (illustration omitted).

[0025] The housing 2 has an inlet side cylinder 3, an intermediate cylinder 4, an outlet side cylinder 5, and retainers 6 and 7 that are leaf spring components.

[0026] The inlet-side cylindrical section 3 houses a TWC (triple-way catalyst). The inlet-side cylindrical section 3 has an inlet-side opening 3a for the inflow of exhaust gas. The inlet-side cylindrical section 3 is configured to redirect the flow of exhaust gas at a predetermined angle (e.g., 90°), forming a roughly L-shaped flow path. The inlet-side cylindrical section 3 is formed by joining two metal plate-like components, symmetrically divided along the direction of exhaust gas flow, through welding or other means.

[0027] The intermediate cylinder section 4 is joined to the inlet-side cylinder section 3 and houses a GPF (gasoline particulate filter). The intermediate cylinder section 4 is formed into an elliptical cylinder shape from a metal plate-like component. The outer peripheral surface of one end of the intermediate cylinder section 4 is joined to the inner peripheral surface of the inlet-side cylinder section 3 by welding or the like. The outer peripheral surface of the other end of the intermediate cylinder section 4 is joined to the inner peripheral surface of the outlet-side cylinder section 5 by welding or the like.

[0028] One end of the outlet-side cylindrical section 5 is joined to the intermediate cylindrical section 4, and the other end is provided with an outlet-side flange 5a for connection to an exhaust-side pipeline (not shown). The outlet-side cylindrical section 5 has an outlet-side opening 5b. The outlet-side cylindrical section 5 guides the exhaust gas that has passed through the GPF to an exhaust pipe (not shown) for discharging the exhaust gas to the outside. The outlet-side cylindrical section 5 is formed by joining two metal plate-shaped parts that are divided along the flow direction of the exhaust gas through welding or other means.

[0029] The retainer 6 is formed by stamping sheet metal. The retainer 6 is mounted on the outlet-side flange 5a of the outlet-side cylindrical section 5. One end of the retainer 6 is fixed to the catalytic converter 1. The other end of the retainer 6 is provided with a mounting portion 8. (The text abruptly ends here.) Figure 2 As shown, the mounting portion 8 of the retainer 6 is provided with a through hole 6a. The through hole 6a is formed in a circular shape. In the through hole 6a, chamfered portions 6b and 6c are formed at both axial ends of the tip of the groove 13 (described later) inserted into the support member 10 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 4 ).

[0030] The retainer 7 is formed by stamping sheet metal. The retainer 7 is installed at a position away from the outlet-side flange 5a of the outlet-side cylindrical section 5. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the retainer 7 has a through hole 7a.

[0031] The radial length of the chamfered portions 6b and 6c is 0.1 to 0.5 mm. That is, if the chamfered portions 6b and 6c are C chamfers with an angle of 45°, then the length is C0.1 to C0.5. The chamfered portions 6b and 6c can also be other shapes such as R chamfers, and do not necessarily have to be C chamfers.

[0032] The retainer 6 is supported by the vehicle 9 via the support member 10. The retainer 7 is directly supported by the vehicle 9. Alternatively, both retainers 6 and 7 may be supported by the vehicle 9 via the support member 10, instead of only retainer 6 being supported by the support member 10. That is, it is sufficient that at least one of the retainers 6 and 7 is supported by the vehicle 9 via the support member 10.

[0033] The support component 10 is disposed between the retainer 6 and the vehicle 9. (See reference...) Figures 3 to 6B The support component 10 is described in detail.

[0034] Here, if vibration occurs while the vehicle 9 is in motion, the vibration will be transmitted to the catalytic converter 1. Furthermore, if hot exhaust gas flows in from the engine, the housing 2 of the catalytic converter 1 may undergo thermal deformation, causing a change in the distance between the through holes 6a and 7a. Therefore, in the support structure 100, the catalytic converter 1 is supported to the vehicle 9 via the support member 10, thereby suppressing vibration and absorbing the change in the distance between the through holes 6a and 7a caused by thermal deformation.

[0035] Next, refer to Figures 3 to 6B The support component 10 is described in detail. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view based on a plane containing the centerline of the support member 10. Figure 4 for Figure 3 An enlarged view of section IV in the image. Figure 5A This is a top view of the first support component 11. Figure 5B for Figure 5A A sectional view of the side of the image. Figure 6A This is a top view of the second support component 12. Figure 6B for Figure 6A A sectional view of the side of the image.

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, the support member 10 has a pair of first support members 11, a second support member 12, a washer 14, a collar 15, and a bolt 16.

[0037] The first support member 11 is formed into a cylindrical shape from an elastic material. Although the first support member 11 is formed into a cylindrical shape, any cylindrical shape is acceptable, and it is not limited to a cylindrical shape. The first support member 11 sandwiches and supports the retainer 6 in the thickness direction. One of the first support members 11 abuts against the vehicle 9. The thickness T1 of the first support member 11 (see...) Figure 5B For example, 10.0 mm. The first support member 11 has a through hole 11a extending axially through the inner circumference along the central axis. In addition, the retainer 6 is a leaf spring member that can be elastically deformed and has the function of absorbing the vibration applied to the catalytic converter 1 so that the vibration applied to the catalytic converter 1 is not transmitted to the vehicle 9 side.

[0038] The second support member 12 is formed of an elastic material into a cylindrical shape that is independent of and coaxial with the first support member 11. Although the second support member 12 is formed into a cylindrical shape, any cylindrical shape is acceptable, and it is not limited to a cylindrical shape. The second support member 12 is configured to be clamped between a pair of first support members 11. The second support member 12 supports the inner periphery of the through hole 6a of the retainer 6. The thickness T2 of the second support member 12 (see...) Figure 6BFor example, 6.0 [mm]. The second support member 12 has a through hole 12a extending axially through its inner circumference along the central axis. The inner diameter of the through hole 12a is the same as the inner diameter of the through hole 11a. A predetermined gap C is provided between the inner circumferential surfaces of the second support member 12 and the through hole 11a (see...). Figure 4 ).

[0039] The outer diameter of the second support member 12 is smaller than the outer diameter of the first support member 11. Specifically, the outer diameter D1 of the first support member 11 (see...) Figure 5A For example, it is 36.0 [mm], while in contrast, the outer diameter D2 of the second support member 12 (see...) Figure 6A For example, it is 29.0 [mm]. Due to the difference in the outer diameter of the first support member 11 and the second support member 12, a groove 13 is formed in the support member 10.

[0040] The groove 13 is formed around the entire circumference of the outer periphery of the second support member 12. The retainer 6 is inserted into the groove 13. Figure 4 As shown, the axial height Hg of the groove 13 is approximately the same as or slightly higher than the thickness T2 of the second support member 12, which is in an uncompressed state without the bolt 16 tightened, for example, 6.0 mm. The radial length (depth) Dg of the groove 13 is 3.0 to 6.0 mm. Therefore, even with the chamfered portions 6b and 6c formed, the radial length Dc of the retainer 6 in the groove 13 can be maintained at 3.0 mm or more. Thus, the area of ​​the first support member 11 that abuts against and supports the retainer 6 can be sufficiently ensured, thereby stably supporting the retainer 6.

[0041] With the retainer 6 supported by the first support member 11 and the second support member 12, the pair of boundary surfaces of the first support member 11 and the second support member 12 that abut against each other vertically are coplanar with the upper and lower end surfaces of the retainer 6 in the surface direction. Furthermore, the state in which the retainer 6 is supported by the first support member 11 and the second support member 12 refers to the state in which the bolt 16 is tightened.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, washer 14 abuts against the side of the pair of first support members 11 that does not abut against the vehicle 9, opposite to the retainer 6. Washer 14 is formed as a thin, annular plate. The outer diameter of washer 14 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the first support member 11. The inner diameter of washer 14 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first support member 11 and the second support member 12, and approximately the same as the inner diameter of the collar 15 described later. Thus, washer 14 abuts against the entire surface of the first support member 11, thereby allowing uniform axial compression of the pair of first support members 11 and the second support member 12.

[0043] A collar 15 is inserted into the inner circumference of the first support member 11 and the second support member 12. The collar 15 is cylindrical. The outer diameter of the collar 15 is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the first support member 11 and the second support member 12. The inner diameter of the collar 15 is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the washer 14, but larger than the outer diameter of the bolt 16 (described later). One axial end of the collar 15 abuts against the axial end of the washer 14, and the other end abuts against the vehicle 9. The collar 15 sets the compression of the pair of first support members 11 and second support members 12 to a predetermined compression amount.

[0044] Bolt 16 is inserted through the inner circumference of collar 15 and fastened to vehicle 9. Head 16a of bolt 16 secures washer 14 to vehicle 9. That is, bolt 16 defines the axial position of washer 14. By tightening bolt 16, the compression of a pair of first support members 11 and second support members 12 becomes a predetermined compression, and retainers 6 and 7 inserted into groove 13 are clamped between the pair of first support members 11 and supported.

[0045] Next, the function of the support structure 100 will be explained.

[0046] If vibration occurs while the vehicle 9 is in motion, the vibration will be transmitted to the catalytic converter 1. At this time, the vibration is first suppressed by elastic deformation. Then, a pair of first support members 11 clamp and support the retainer 6, and a second support member 12 supports the inner circumference of the through hole 6a of the retainer 6. The first support member 11 elastically supports the retainer 6 axially, and the second support member 12 elastically supports the retainer 6 radially perpendicular to the axial direction. Therefore, vibrations transmitted from the vehicle 9 to the catalytic converter 1 can be absorbed in stages.

[0047] Furthermore, if high-temperature exhaust gas flows into the engine, the housing 2 of the catalytic converter 1 may undergo thermal deformation, causing a change in the distance between the through holes 6a and 7a. In this case, the second support member 12 supports the inner circumference of the through hole 6a of the retainer 6, thus absorbing the change in the distance between the through holes 6a and 7a caused by thermal deformation.

[0048] That is, the vibration applied to the catalytic converter 1 is absorbed by the elastic deformation of the retainer 6, the vibration in the thickness direction of the retainer 6 is absorbed by the elastic deformation of the first support member 11 that clamps the other end of the retainer 6, and the vibration in the length direction of the retainer 6 is absorbed by the elastic deformation of the second support member 12 disposed on the inner circumferential side of the through hole 6a at the other end of the retainer 6.

[0049] As described above, the support member 10 has a pair of first support members 11 that clamp and support the retainer 6, and a second support member 12 disposed independently of the first support members 11 between the pair of first support members 11 and used to support the inner circumferential side of the through hole 6a. Therefore, the catalytic converter 1 is supported to the vehicle 9 by the support member 10, whereby the first support member 11 elastically supports the retainer 6 in the axial direction (first direction), and the second support member 12 elastically supports the retainer 6 in the radial direction (second direction). Thus, vibration reduction can be achieved at least in both the axial direction and the radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0050] Furthermore, the second support member 12 of the elastic support retainer 6 in the radial (second direction) direction is formed independently of the first support member 11. Therefore, when the retainer 6 moves in the radial (second direction) direction due to vibration, elastic deformation, etc., there is no situation where the first support member 11 is pulled by the retainer 6. Therefore, the first support member 11 is unlikely to crack.

[0051] Furthermore, the retainer 6 has chamfered portions 6b and 6c, so that when the retainer 6 is pressed into the first support member 11 or the second support member 12 due to aging over the years, no corners will appear. Therefore, the boundary surfaces (the surfaces that abut against each other) of the first support member 11 or the second support member 12 are unlikely to crack.

[0052] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, as described above, vibration reduction can be achieved in at least two directions, namely the axial direction and the radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction, by means of the support member 10. Moreover, by constructing and combining the first support member 11 and the second support member 12 respectively, damage to the support member 10 due to vibration from the retaining member 6 can be prevented, thereby improving durability. In other words, a support structure 100 that combines high vibration durability and excellent vibration reduction can be achieved.

[0053] Furthermore, in the support structure 100 of this embodiment, a structure is adopted in which two retainers 6 and 7 are used to support the catalytic converter 1 at two positions (see [reference]). Figure 2 ),exist Figure 2 The lower fastening portion of the catalytic converter 1 is fitted with a support member 10. The fastening direction based on the bolt 16 is radial along the catalyst of the catalytic converter 1. Thus, radial vibrations of the catalyst in the catalytic converter 1 can be absorbed by the first support member 11, and vibrations in directions intersecting the radial direction of the catalyst, particularly orthogonal directions, can be absorbed by the second support member 12. Furthermore, the support member 10 can be applied to the fastening portion on the retainer 7 side. In this case, vibration absorption performance can be further improved.

[0054] Furthermore, the support component 10 implements vibration countermeasures during vehicle 9 operation, thereby reducing vibration in the structure of the catalytic converter 1. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the weight of the catalytic converter 1 while simultaneously lowering costs.

[0055] Next, refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8 The size of the chamfered portions 6b and 6c of the support component 10 will be explained. Figure 7 This is a diagram used to illustrate the load-bearing test of the support component 10. Figure 8 This is a graph illustrating the relationship between the indentation amount and the load during the load-bearing test of the support member 10. Figure 8 In the figure, the horizontal axis represents the indentation amount S [mm], and the vertical axis represents the load L [N].

[0056] like Figure 7 As shown, the load-bearing test of the support member 10 is a test in which the testing machine 50 pushes the retainer 6 axially to confirm the fracture limit of the first support member 11 while the support member 10 supports the retainer 6. Here, load-bearing tests were conducted using three types of retainers 6 as comparative examples: retainers 6 without chamfered portions 6b and 6c, retainers 6 with a radial length of 0.2 mm (C0.2) for chamfered portions 6b and 6c, and retainers 6 with a radial length of 0.5 mm (C0.5) for chamfered portions 6b and 6c.

[0057] exist Figure 8 In the diagram, the test results are shown in dashed lines when the retainer 6 does not have chamfered portions 6b and 6c, in dotted-dashed lines when the retainer 6 has chamfered portions 6b and 6c with a radial length of 0.2 [mm] (C0.2), and in solid lines when the retainer 6 has chamfered portions 6b and 6c with a radial length of 0.5 [mm] (C0.5).

[0058] like Figure 8 As shown, the retainer 6, which does not have chamfered portions 6b and 6c, breaks when the indentation amount S is S1 [mm]. The load L at this time is L1 [N].

[0059] In contrast, the retainer 6, whose radial length of the chamfered portions 6b and 6c is 0.2 mm (C0.2), breaks when the pressing amount S is S2 mm, which is greater than S1. At this time, the load L is L2 N, which is greater than L1.

[0060] Furthermore, the retainer 6, whose radial length of the chamfered portions 6b and 6c is 0.5 mm (C0.5), breaks when the pressing amount S is greater than S2 (S3 mm). At this time, the load L is greater than L2 (L3 N).

[0061] Thus, by setting the radial length of the chamfered portions 6b and 6c of the retainer 6 to 0.2 to 0.5 mm (C0.2 to C0.5), the durability of the support member 10 can be improved while absorbing vibrations transmitted from the vehicle 9 to the catalytic converter 1. Furthermore, by setting the radial length of the chamfered portions 6b and 6c of the retainer 6 to 0.3 to 0.5 mm (C0.3 to C0.5), the durability of the support member 10 can be further improved.

[0062] Next, refer to Figure 9 This illustrates a modified example of a catalytic converter 101 that utilizes the support structure 100. Figure 9 A diagram illustrating a modified example of a catalytic converter 101 incorporating the support structure 100.

[0063] The catalytic converter 101 has a housing 102 and at least one catalyst (not shown) housed within the housing 102. The housing 102 is a heat shield for insulating the heat released from the catalytic converter 101 and is fixed to the body of the catalytic converter 101. Furthermore, the housing 102 is configured to have a predetermined gap with the outer peripheral surface of the catalytic converter 101. This forms an air layer between the catalytic converter 101 and the housing 102, which improves the insulation effect.

[0064] The housing 102 is a generally cylindrical component that is bent at one end and the other end. An inlet-side opening 3a opens at one end of the housing 102. An outlet-side opening 5b opens at the other end of the housing 102. The housing 102 has an inlet-side cylindrical portion 103, an outlet-side cylindrical portion 105, and a retainer (not shown) that serves as a leaf spring component.

[0065] The inlet-side cylindrical section 103 has an inlet-side opening 3a for the inflow of exhaust gas. The inlet-side cylindrical section 103 is configured to redirect the flow of exhaust gas at a predetermined angle (e.g., 150°), that is, to form a roughly U-shaped flow path. The inlet-side cylindrical section 103 is formed by joining two metal plate-shaped parts that are divided along the flow direction of exhaust gas by welding or other means.

[0066] One end of the outlet-side cylinder 105 is joined to the inlet-side cylinder 103 by welding or the like, and the other end is connected to the exhaust-side pipe (not shown). The outlet-side cylinder 105 has an outlet-side opening 5b. The outlet-side cylinder 105 guides the exhaust gas, which has passed through the catalyst, to an exhaust pipe (not shown) for discharging the exhaust gas to the outside. The outlet-side cylinder 105 is formed by joining two metal plate-shaped parts, which are divided along the flow direction of the exhaust gas, by welding or the like.

[0067] Compared to a catalytic converter that is not covered by a housing 102, this catalytic converter 101 covered by a housing 102 is subject to complex vibrations from the engine. However, when the support structure 100 of this embodiment is applied, that is, when it is supported on the vehicle 9 via the support member 10, vibration reduction can be achieved in both the axial direction and the radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0068] Next, refer to Figure 10 The following describes other variations of the catalytic converter 201 that utilize the support structure 100. Figure 10 A diagram illustrating a catalytic converter 201 with other variations of the support structure 100.

[0069] The catalytic converter 1 has a housing 2 and multiple catalysts housed in the housing 2 (illustration omitted).

[0070] The housing 2 has an inlet side cylinder 203, an intermediate cylinder 4, an outlet side cylinder 5, and retaining members 6 and 7 that serve as leaf spring components.

[0071] The inlet-side cylindrical section 203 houses a TWC (triple-way catalyst). The inlet-side cylindrical section 203 has an inlet-side opening 3a for the inflow of exhaust gas. The inlet-side cylindrical section 203 is configured to redirect the flow of exhaust gas at a predetermined angle (e.g., 90°), forming a roughly L-shaped flow path. The inlet-side cylindrical section 203 is formed by joining two metal plate-like components, symmetrically divided along the direction of exhaust gas flow, through welding or other means.

[0072] In this catalytic converter 201, although not shown, a first catalyst and a second catalyst are housed in the housing 2. Specifically, when the direction of the exhaust gas flowing through the first catalyst is taken as the first direction, a first catalyst for purifying the exhaust gas flowing along the first direction and a second catalyst for purifying the exhaust gas that has passed through the first catalyst and flows along a second direction intersecting the first direction are arranged.

[0073] Furthermore, in Figure 10 In the illustrated catalytic converter 201, the first catalyst and the second catalyst are configured such that at least one is separated from the other in a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions. Here, the portion of the catalytic converter 201 that houses the first catalyst, which is the downstream portion for housing the second catalyst, is shifted away from the engine compared to the portion that houses the second catalyst in the downstream portion of the catalytic converter 201. At this time, an EGR device 30 (described later) is disposed in the gap between the downstream portion of the catalytic converter 201 (which houses the second catalyst) and the engine body. This EGR device 30 is connected to an exhaust pipe for forming a flow path for the exhaust gas that has passed through the second catalyst in the catalytic converter 201.

[0074] in this way, Figure 10 The catalytic converter 201 shown has a complex overall shape, thus the vibrations received from the engine are also transmitted in a complex manner. Therefore, by using the support member 10 of this embodiment, the complex vibrations of the catalytic converter 201 can be effectively suppressed.

[0075] like Figure 10 As shown, to prevent interference with the EGR device 30, the inlet side cylinder 203 is offset from the center axis of the intermediate cylinder 4 to the opposite side of the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) device 30. In this case, the EGR device 30 is positioned between the engine and the catalytic converter 201.

[0076] When this catalytic converter 201 is supported on the vehicle 9 via the support member 10, vibration reduction can also be achieved in at least the axial and radial directions perpendicular to the axial direction. Furthermore, when the above-mentioned... Figure 9 When the heat shield shown is applied to this catalytic converter 201, vibration reduction in at least two directions can also be achieved by applying the support structure 100 of this embodiment.

[0077] The above implementation methods can achieve the following effects.

[0078] The support member 10 for supporting the catalytic converters 1, 101, 201, including the retainer 6 with the through hole 6a, to the vehicle 9 includes: a pair of first support members 11 formed of an elastic material, which are provided in such a way as to clamp and support the retainer 6, one of which abuts against the vehicle 9 side; and a second support member 12, which is disposed between the pair of first support members 11, formed of an elastic material and independent of the first support members 11, for supporting the inner peripheral side of the through hole 6a.

[0079] In this structure, the support member 10 includes: a pair of first support members 11 that clamp and support the retainer 6, and a second support member 12 disposed independently of the first support members 11 between the pair of first support members and used to support the inner circumferential side of the through hole 6a. Therefore, the catalytic converters 1, 101, and 201 are supported to the vehicle 9 by the support member 10, whereby the first support member 11 elastically supports the retainer 6 in the axial direction (first direction), and the second support member 12 elastically supports the retainer 6 in the radial direction (second direction). Thus, vibration reduction can be achieved at least in both the axial direction and the radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0080] Furthermore, in the support structure 100 which includes catalytic converters 1, 101, 201 and a support member 10 for supporting the catalytic converters 1, 101, 201 on the vehicle 9, the catalytic converters 1, 101, 201 include a retainer 6 with a through hole 6a, the support member 10 has a groove 13 formed on the outer periphery for the retainer 6 to be inserted, and the retainer 6 has chamfered portions 6b and 6c at the front end of the retainer 6 that is inserted into the groove 13.

[0081] In this structure, the support member 10 has a groove 13 into which the retainer 6 is inserted. Therefore, the catalytic converters 1, 101, and 201 are supported to the vehicle 9 by the support member 10, thereby elastically supporting the retainer 6 in the axial direction (first direction) and in the radial direction (second direction) of the groove 13. Thus, vibration reduction can be achieved in at least the axial direction and the radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0082] Furthermore, the second support member 12, which elastically supports the retainer 6 in the radial (second direction), is formed independently of the first support member 11. Therefore, when the retainer 6 moves in the radial (second direction) due to vibration, elastic deformation, etc., there is no situation where the first support member 11 is pulled by the retainer 6. Therefore, it is difficult for cracks to occur in the first support member 11.

[0083] Furthermore, the retainer 6 has chamfered portions 6b and 6c, so that when the retainer 6 is pressed into the first support member 11 or the second support member 12 due to aging over the years, no corners will appear, and therefore, it is difficult for cracks to occur in the first support member 11 or the second support member 12.

[0084] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the above embodiments only show a part of the application examples of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific structure of the above embodiments.

[0085] For example, the first support member 11 and the second support member 12 may be formed of the same elastic material, or they may be formed of different elastic materials. In this case, the elastic force of the first support member 11 and the elastic force of the second support member 12 may be the same or different. For example, the elastic force of the first support member 11 in the vibration input direction received from the retainer 6 and the elastic force of the second support member 12 in the vibration input direction received from the retainer 6 may be the same, or the elastic forces in the various vibration directions received from the retainer 6 may be different. Thus, in this embodiment, the first support member 11 and the second support member 12 are constructed independently of each other, thereby ensuring the prevention of breakage of the support structure 100, i.e., ensuring high vibration durability, and effectively absorbing the vibration input from the complex catalytic converter 1 through the support structure 100.

[0086] Furthermore, for example, when a pair of first support members 11 and retainer 6 are clamped together, a predetermined gap (clearance) C can be provided between the ends of the second support member 12 and retainer 6 (see [reference]). Figure 4 In this case, the vibration input from the retainer 6 to the second support member 12 is suppressed by the friction between the first support member 11 and the retainer 6. Furthermore, when the retainer 6 and the first support member 11 vibrate violently together, the end of the retainer 6 and the second support member 12 come into contact, thereby suppressing the vibration in stages. Thus, smaller vibrations are absorbed only by the first support member 11, while larger vibrations can be absorbed by both the first support member 11 and the second support member 12. As a result, not only can the impact of the retainer 6 sliding in the surface direction (length direction) be absorbed more effectively, but the durability of the support structure 100 can also be improved. Furthermore, a predetermined gap (void) C is provided between the end of the second support member 12 and the retainer 6, which facilitates the assembly when the retainer 6 (when fastened) is supported and fixed.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the structure of the retainer 6 having chamfered portions 6b and 6c was described as an example. However, for the retainer 6 without chamfered portions 6b and 6c, this embodiment can also achieve high vibration absorption effect and high durability.

[0088] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-034844 filed with the Japan Patent Office on March 4, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A support member for supporting a catalytic converter, including a mounting portion having a through hole, in a vehicle, characterized in that, The supporting component includes: A first support member, which is formed of an elastic material, is provided in a pair in such a way as to support the mounting part by clamping it, with one of them abutting against the side of the vehicle. as well as A second support member, disposed between a pair of first support members, is formed of an elastic material and is independent of the first support members, for supporting the inner circumferential side of the through hole. The mounting part is located at one end and fixed to the other end of the leaf spring component of the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is elastically connected to the vehicle via the leaf spring component. The elastic deformation of the leaf spring component absorbs the vibrations applied to the catalytic converter. The elastic deformation of the first support member absorbs vibrations in the thickness direction of the leaf spring member, wherein the first support member clamps the other end of the leaf spring member vertically, and the elastic deformation of the second support member absorbs vibrations in the length direction of the leaf spring member, wherein the second support member is disposed on the inner circumferential side of the through hole provided at the other end of the leaf spring member. A predetermined gap is provided between the second support component and the inner circumferential surface of the through hole.

2. The support component according to claim 1, wherein, With the leaf spring component supported by the first support component and the second support component, the pair of boundary surfaces of the first support component and the second support component that abut against each other vertically are coplanar with the upper and lower end surfaces of the leaf spring component in the surface direction.

3. The support member according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first support component and the second support component are cylindrical. The outer diameter of the second support component is smaller than the outer diameter of the first support component. The second support member is sandwiched between a pair of first support members and is fixed to be coaxial with the pair of first support members.

4. The support component according to claim 3, wherein, It also has: A washer that abuts against the mounting portion of the other of a pair of first support members that does not abut against the vehicle; A collar, which is inserted into the inner circumference of the first support member and the second support member, and abuts against the axial end of the washer; and A bolt, which is inserted through the inner circumference of the collar, secures the washer to the vehicle.

5. A support structure for a catalytic converter, comprising a catalytic converter and a support member for supporting the catalytic converter to a vehicle, characterized in that, The catalytic converter includes a mounting portion with through holes. The supporting component includes: The first support member is formed of an elastic material and is provided in a pair in a manner that supports the mounting part by clamping it, with one of them abutting against the side of the vehicle. as well as A second support member, disposed between a pair of first support members, is formed of an elastic material and is independent of the first support members, for supporting the inner circumferential side of the through hole. The support member has a groove formed around its entire outer periphery for the mounting portion to be inserted. The mounting part is located at one end and fixed to the other end of the leaf spring component of the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is elastically connected to the vehicle via the leaf spring component. The elastic deformation of the leaf spring component absorbs the vibration applied to the catalytic converter, and the elastic deformation of the first support component absorbs the vibration in the thickness direction of the leaf spring component. The first support component clamps the other end of the leaf spring component vertically, and the elastic deformation of the second support component absorbs the vibration in the length direction of the leaf spring component. The second support component is disposed on the inner circumferential side of the through hole provided at the other end of the leaf spring component. A predetermined gap is provided between the second support component and the inner circumferential surface of the through hole.

6. The support structure for the catalytic converter according to claim 5, wherein, With the leaf spring component supported by the first support component and the second support component, the pair of boundary surfaces of the first support component and the second support component that abut against each other vertically are coplanar with the upper and lower end surfaces of the leaf spring component in the surface direction.

7. A support structure for a catalytic converter, comprising a catalytic converter and a support member for supporting the catalytic converter to a vehicle, characterized in that, The catalytic converter includes a mounting portion with through holes. The support member has a groove formed around its entire outer periphery for the mounting portion to be inserted. The mounting portion has a chamfered portion at its front end that is inserted into the groove. The supporting component includes: A first support member, which is formed of an elastic material, is provided in a pair in such a way as to support the mounting part by clamping it, with one of them abutting against the side of the vehicle. as well as A second support member, disposed between a pair of first support members, is formed of an elastic material and is independent of the first support members, for supporting the inner circumferential side of the through hole. The first support component and the second support component are coaxial cylindrical. The groove is formed along the entire circumference of the outer periphery of the second support member. The mounting part is located at one end and fixed to the other end of the leaf spring component of the catalytic converter. The catalytic converter is elastically connected to the vehicle via the leaf spring component. The elastic deformation of the leaf spring component absorbs the vibration applied to the catalytic converter, and the elastic deformation of the first support component absorbs the vibration in the thickness direction of the leaf spring component. The first support component clamps the other end of the leaf spring component vertically, and the elastic deformation of the second support component absorbs the vibration in the length direction of the leaf spring component. The second support component is disposed on the inner circumferential side of the through hole provided at the other end of the leaf spring component. A predetermined gap is provided between the second support component and the inner circumferential surface of the through hole.

8. The support structure for the catalytic converter according to claim 7, wherein, The radial length of the mounting portion in the groove is 3.0 mm or more.

9. The support structure for the catalytic converter according to claim 7, wherein, The radial length of the groove is 3.0 mm to 6.0 mm. The radial length of the chamfered portion is 0.1mm to 0.5mm.

10. The support structure for the catalytic converter according to claim 8, wherein, The radial length of the groove is 3.0 mm to 6.0 mm. The radial length of the chamfered portion is 0.1mm to 0.5mm.

11. The support structure for the catalytic converter according to claim 9, wherein, The radial length of the chamfered portion is 0.2mm to 0.5mm.

12. The support structure for the catalytic converter according to claim 11, wherein, The radial length of the chamfered portion is 0.3mm to 0.5mm.

13. The support structure for the catalytic converter according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein, The support component also has: A washer that abuts against the mounting portion of the other of a pair of first support members that does not abut against the vehicle; A collar, which is inserted into the inner circumference of the first support member and the second support member, and abuts against the axial end of the washer; and A bolt, which is inserted through the inner circumference of the collar, secures the washer to the vehicle.

14. The support structure for the catalytic converter according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein, When the mounting part is supported by the first support member and the second support member, the pair of boundary surfaces of the first support member and the second support member that abut against each other vertically are the same as the upper and lower end surfaces of the mounting part in the surface direction.

15. The support structure for the catalytic converter according to claim 13, wherein, When the mounting part is supported by the first support member and the second support member, the pair of boundary surfaces of the first support member and the second support member that abut against each other vertically are the same as the upper and lower end surfaces of the mounting part in the surface direction.

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